CC Minutes - 11/10/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Gordon echoed the Mayor's recommendation to recognize the Bureau of Land Management. He stated that it had quietly used federal money to work with willing land owners to purchase more than 100 parcels in West Eugene since 1992. He called the program a ~miracle" and a testament to the real estate tact of their staff. In closing, Mr. Gordon said it had been an honor to serve Eugene and expressed hope that he could continue to do so. He reminded the City that the wetlands program had been a springboard for many other natural resource endeavors upon which the City had been able to embark upon. He lauded the City for seeing the vision and supporting it politically. Mayor Torrey thanked Mr. Gordon. 2. PUBLIC FORUM Mayor Torrey reviewed the rules of the Public Forum. Janetta Overholser, 30300 Cottage Grove-Lorane Road, Cottage Grove, stated that she had taken a petition to restore funding to the Lane County Animal Regulation Authority (LCARA) cattery, previously submitted to the City Council, to the Lane Board of County Commissioners. She said the Task Force For Animals would be sunsetting and its recommendations would be submitted to the county commissioners by 5 p.m. on November 17. She noted they would have public hearings on this and she encouraged the City Council to support the recommendations. Ms. Overholser related that she had come from the Greenhill Humane Society and that the director, Randi Golub, provided a letter to read to the City Council. She read the letter, the story of a stray cat that had not been properly cared for after being hit by a car and ultimately had to be euthanized at Greenhill Humane Society. Ms. Golub indicated in the letter that she intended to resign her position due to the stress and feeling of helplessness she experienced due to the magnitude of the stray cat problem in Lane County. She implored the City Council to reconsider funding the cattery. Ms. Overholser provided copies of the letter to the council. Ms. Overholser acknowledged the council's intention to consider one-time funding for the cattery and pleaded with the council to restore the funding. She commented that the West Eugene Wetlands Project was a wonderful endeavor but said it was also a perfect place to dump unwanted cats. She opined it was a shame to spend millions on habitat for wildlife only to have it overrun by strays. Mayor Torrey closed the Public Forum and invited comments from councilors. There were none. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of City Council Minutes - October 13, 2003, City Council Meeting - October 20, 2003, Boards, Commissions, and Committees Interviews - October 22, 2003, Work Session MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 10, 2003 Page 3 Regular Meeting