10/26/1992 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Ken Tollenaar, 1522 Russett Drive, noted that he was not aware that the public hearing was continued on this item. He hoped that the council will refer Section 2.977 to the CIC for further review, citing the importance of ballot title review by legal counsel. He said he also hoped that the CIC would be allowed to consider suggestions that have been made, including those made by the City Club, to improve the initiative/referendum process. Richard Guske, 1005 Clark Street, CIC member, noted that the CIC also request- ed that the emergency clause be removed from the draft ordinance. He said that the CIC discussed concerns about the costs of ballot title review, especially if done by a private attorney to avoid a potential conflict of interest, and commented that if the City were required to pay those costs, the money would be well spent. There being no other requests to speak, the public hearing was closed. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Biedermann said that the proposed changes to the ballot title appeal process were included in Section 2.977, which was removed from the current draft ordinance to reflect the CIe recommendation. Responding to a question from Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Gleason requested that the cou~cil bring the Eugene Code into compliance with State law to avoid poten- tial lawsuits. Mr. Rutan recommended that the council act on the proposed changes. He e commented that the City's ordinance allows for an effective democratic initia- tive/referendum process and suggested considering that making the process easier does not necessarily make it better. CB 4419--An ordinance concerning election procedures; amending Sections 2.505, 2.515, 2.520, 2.9709, 2.971, 2.973, 2.975, 2.976, 2.979, 2.980, 2.981, 2.982, 2.983, 2.984, 2.987, 2.988, 2.990, 2.992, and 2.1990 of the Eugene Code, 1971; repealing Sections 2.974 and 2.978 of that Code; and adding Sections 2.1000 and 2.1005 to that Code. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, that the bill, with unanimous consent of the council, be read the second time, and that enactment be considered at this time. Mr. Robinette moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to amend the bill to add Section 2.977. Speaking against the motion, Ms. Ehrman suggested referring Section 2.977 as a whole for further review. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Klein explained that the amendment would bring the Eugene Code into compliance with State law with respect to the following: 1) required number of words in ballot titles; and 2) time for the city attorney to prepare ballot titles. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 26, 1992 Page 4 7:30 p.m.