02/13/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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In addressing his motion, Mr. Delay said he did not feel that department heads and management should avoid attending conferences that may be very important to them in carrying out their duties. Thus, his amendment was stated to cover that issue as he felt it to be legitimate. He continued that the City could still clearly demonstrate its feeling on the measure by trying to get attention Where it has not been given serious consideration. - Mr. Bradley said Council should consider the National League Con- vention as the forum where national policies, as they relate to municipalities, should be decided. He said the next convention to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, would be addressing supporting the ERA. If Eugene did not send delegates, then it would not have effective dialogue on this issue. He wondered if Council might want to except this particular conference for Councilors to attend, thus allowing them to express their feelings on the issue. Mr. Williams questioned City Attorney as to whether or not the purpose of Councilors spending taxpayers' money for travel was for education. He questioned whether the money could be used for lObbying, boycotting, or pressures. He questioned whether those purposes were in conformance with the statutes of Oregon and City ordinances. City Attorney responded the principle justification for travel expenditures is for education enabling Councilors to do a better job. With respect to lobbying in its pure form, it would be improper for the City to send someone for that purpose. He said that question had never been raised or considered by his office. e Mr. Obie said to vote for the motion would lend credence to the Council's responsibility of staying home and attending to City business, noting the quantity of time it takes just for that arena. He said the issue being discussed was not ERA, but a boycott and he did not feel the City had any business dealing with that issue. Vote was taken on the motion which carried with all Councilors present voting aye, except Williams voting no. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, that the Eugene City Council write the National League of Cities and other organi- zations urging them not to schedule future meetings in states not yet ratifying the ERA. Vote was taken on the motion which carried with all Councilors present voting aye, except Williams and Obie voting no. Mr. Lieuallen requested staff communicate that action taken by Council to the organizations. Mr. Bradley moved, seconded by Mr. Haws, to allow City Councilors to attend only the National League of Cities meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, in December. . 2/13/78--10 ~.