10/01/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. 4 I hereby proclaim and declare as fellows: That Measure No. 51 author- . izing general preperty tax levy of $1~233~820 over Charter limit was passed.1I V. IICITIZEN PARTICIPATION MONTH" ACTIVITIES--PRESENTATION Mr. Whitlew stated that October is traditionally Citizen Participation Menth. He introduced Carol Baker, Community Relatiens Director, City Manager's Office, to previde additional informatien. Ms. Baker stated that at this time, vacancies for boards and commissions occur for positions beginning in January. In Nevember and December, interviewing is done and appointments are made. However, there are many ways in which citizens can be involved besides beards and cemmissions. They can be involved in neighborheod greups, testifying before the council, centacting their councilors, participating in City pregrams, or by being informed citizens. In the past, there has not been an everwhe lmi ng respense in serving on beards/cemmissions and there will be 40 to 50 vacancies to be filled this year. Ms. Baker said that she is suggesting that an open heuse be held at City Hall on Octeber 27, 6 te 8 p.m., if ceuncil consensus is to allow the council meeting to begin at 8 p.m. City Hall would be open and informa- tion frem departments would be placed on tables under the breezeway, or in case of inclement weather, in conference areas. Tables also will be available so boards and commissions can set .out materials. She hopes that e commission members, council members, and staff will be present to provide informaticn abeut ways in which citizens can be invelved with Eugene's government. Also, members of boards and cemmissiens, as well as the general public, will be invited to stay for the council meeting. At this time, these whe serve could be recegnized. Ms. Baker stated that among the purposes to be served are to: promete citizen participation; increase applications fcr beards and commissions; present other avenues .of involvement; create an .opportunity to shew citizens what they receive for their tax dollars; previde infermation abeut the reorganization of the Blue and Gold Cemmittee which might sponsor .open houses in the future; and provide an oppertunity for citizens to talk with councilers. Suggestien boxes ceuld be placed and there will be an opportunity to attend the City Ceuncil meetings, recognize active citizens, involve empleyees from .outlying facilities, and enceurage positive public relations for new programs and services provided by the City. This ceuld be an exciting time. She weuld like, if the ceuncil appreves, to have them notify her .of sp~cial groups or organizations who could receive special invitations. She has speken with the League of Women Voters, and Terri Vanderpool of the Planning Department has distri- buted information te the Citizen Invelvement Committee. Infermation could also be distributed to school civi~s cl~sses. She would like for the ceuncilors to put this date fer the open heuse on their calendars and plan to attend. She suggested that the council discuss their goals publicly in that council meeting. - 10/1/80--5