05/27/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

d . Mr. Lindberg supported Mr. Haws' resolution. He realized that the council had traditionally shied away from involvement in issues outside the concern of the city. He thus suggested that in the future such resolutions be drafted to mention the impact of the issue on the citizens of Eugene and that before such resolutions are introduced, an effort be made to determine whether there is a consensus on the council in support of the issue. Ms. Schue said that there were two issues before the council: the situation in El Salvador, and the role of the Eugene City Council. She said that she person- ally was most willing to sign a letter protesting what was going on in El Salvador, but that she was very uncomfortable with the council becoming involved in world issues and problems and circumstances beyond its own boundaries. If the council agreed to consider El Salvador, she could not in good conscience refuse to discuss other world issues in the future. Ms. Schue said that she would oppose the motion. Ms. Miller agreed with Ms. Schue. She was entirely in agreement with the subject matter in the resolution, but she felt that the impact on the city was not defined. She said that the council has trouble finding time to deal with local issues and that a line must be drawn on consideration of issues whose impact on the city is not clearly defined. Mr. Obie was sympathetic with Mr. Haws' resolution but agreed with councilors who felt it important to limit the focus of the council to matters that the council can influence and that closely affect Eugene citizens. The citizens of Eugene elect other representatives to deal with issues such as foreign affairs. - Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to table the matter. Ms. Wooten asked Mr. Swanson for a definition of parliamentary procedure in this matter. She asked whether a motion to reconsider a matter could be made by a person who had voted in favor of the motion or whether this could only be done by someone who had opposed the motion. Mr. Swanson replied that it was his understanding that a motion for reconsideration could come from either an opponent or proponent, no matter which side prevailed in the previous vote. Roll call vote. Motion carried, with Councilors Hamel, Lindberg, Miller, Obie, Schue, Smith, and Wooten voting aye, and Councilor Haws voting nay. The meeting was adjourned to a joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting in the McNutt Room. (Recorded by Darcy Marentette) 4It MG:DM:ky/CM7a19 MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 27, 1981 Page 8