05/27/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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He felt consideration of mass audience appeal inappropriate, and he didn't know who the average public was. Also, the argument that this allocation would ,create tough decisions to be faced in the future was not to his liking, he fel t there would always be tough decisions on just about everything. Mayor Anderson said he had not used the term "tough decision," that he had said it would establish precedent. To which Mr. Murray said he was referring to discussion of the number of publications in the community and the diffi- culty of determining which should be funded. Betty Niven, 3940 Hilyard Street, commented on the sense in which the "commit- ment" ,was or was not made when the room tax amendment was adopted. She said the mo,te1lhotel operators viewed the proposed tax as a selective sales tax and saw no reason why it should be imposed on them. Their argument was that such a tax would discourage people from staying in Eugene. The Council's response at that time was that the kinds or things for which the room tax funds would be used, especially the proposed auditorium, would be those which would make Eugene attractive enough to offset any negative effect of the tax. She added that if the same thing was being proposed today, the same type of response would have to be made in terms of demonstrating benefit to those people most directly involved. Mr. Strelow, with regard to number of Review readers, described the type of articles appearing in the magazine and said one not interested in that particular type of literature probably would not read it. As to opening the door to alloca- tion of funds to other publications, he said this was the only magazine of its type in this section of the United States. Councilman Bradley wondered if action on this request could be deferred until staff could prepare a definition of "cultural," perhaps one broad definition and one more in terms of the "tourist related" intent. Councilman Murray didn't see definition as the issue. He thought the problem was how obligated the Council was to honor tourist related activities and the importance of the number of people served. Assistant Manager thought the decision on this re- quest would more or less define cultural activities in terms of what should be funded by room tax funds, that the Allocation Committee would probably refer to this decision as a guide in making recommendations on similar re- quests in the future. Councilwoman Shirey wondered if this was a profit or nonprofit organization, how much ofa business activity the Review was. Mr. Strelow answered that it was a nonprofit publ.ication, he as editor was the only paid employe, all others were volunteers. Councilman Haws was bothered by the entire process, intent of the charter provision, etc. Assistant Manager noted that staff on direction from the Council was reviewing the entire question of use of room tax funds, whether it should be part of. the budget process. He said that would be before the Council perhaps in a couple of months. Councilman Murray hoped tha.t the decision on this request would not be a definitive basis for future allocations. Assistant Manager answered.t~at how this request was dealt with would have some impact on treatment of s~m~lar future requests in the Allocation Committee, it would set precedent. Mr.Ha~s and Mrs.'Beal commented on the broad terms of the charter amendment and rev~ew of the entire process to be conducted. Vote was taken on the motion to approve the allocation of $1,500. Motion carried, Council members Murray, Beal, B.radley, Haws, and ~hirey voting aye; Council members Keller and Williams voting no. (See further Council discussion under Item L). 5/27/75 2.'!>~ " e - 12