10/23/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mr. Williams noted that a charge had been made at .the public hearing that the City's advisor, Harold Horn, was funded in part by cable -- television companies. That charge has been relayed to Mr. Horn who categorically denies that to be true. A letter to that effect has been received and entered into the City's files. CB 1774--Granting to Teleprompter Corporation a non-exclusive system and declaring an emergency was read by number and title only, there being no Councilor present requesting it be read in full. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Bradley, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to delete the emergency clause from the council bill. Mr. Delay said there were people in the community who wanted to have a vote on this particular issue. He thought that was a basic right under the Oregon Constitution and Council should not ~eny that right. Mr. Williams disagreed with Mr. Delay, saying he did not feel it would serve the community. He said Springfield and Lane County have already adopted the franchise. He said even if a referendum drive were success- ful and the franchise was adopted by the metropolitan area with the exception of Eugene, he felt that would lead to chaos. The chances of having a better system would be poor and the chance of ending up with a mess were great. He said if the urban area were in a position to e vote on a franchise, which it is not, he,might feel differently. He said this would affect only the city of Eugene and he felt it unwise to go in that direction. It was noted there had been an unsuccessful referendum drive in Springfield. Mr. Delay reiterited there was some feeling in the community that the people should have the opportunity to vote on the issue. He fe 1t that allowing that kind of democratic participation would be a responsible action. He said just because it might result in a less than perfect situation is not a reason to deny that opportunity. Joyce Benjamin, City Attorney's Office, said if the emergency clause is attached to the ordinance it goes into effect immediately. The franchise would be signed at this point. However, the community could initiate a separate resolution repealing the franchise. At this point, if Council deleted the emergency clause, the people who were opposed to the franchise would be allowed time to circulate an initiative petition, placing the question of the franchise on the ballot. If an emergency clause were included and the franchise signed, an initiative petition could still be circulated. Assistant Manager noted distinction between referendum and initiative. The absence of an emergency clause would allow the ordinance to be referred to the voters by a petition. If the emergency clause exists, - 10/23/78--10 (,'\1.