CC Minutes - 11/24/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilor Kelly disagreed that there were not complaints of selective enforcement, noting that there were a broad range of complaints brought to the Human Rights Commission, though he was uncertain as to whether any pertained particularly to the permit requirement. Councilor Kelly asserted that the ordinance redefined the area of downtown so that it was now comprised of 60 or 70 blocks. Councilor Kelly stated that failure to approve this amendment would send a repressive message to some parts of the community and would chill the political climate as the ordinance, without amendment, could have the appearance of curtailing the rights of some people. Councilor Taylor asserted that, while the ACLU had decided not to contest the ordinance, it had not voiced its approval. Mr. Brink stated, in response to Councilor Taylor, that because of the nature of the event, the Art Walk did not have a permit. Councilor Bettman commented that the City had managed without expanding the area that the ordinance covered. She said she was cognizant that the EPD worked with event organizers to keep events peaceful. She voiced her support for the amendment, but said that she would support the ordinance without the amendment should it not pass. Councilor Bettman conveyed her confidence in command staff, and that the process would not be set up to make attainment of a permit overly expensive or onerous. Roll call vote; the amendment failed, 4:3; councilors Kelly, Bettman, and Taylor vot- ing in favor. (Councilor Solomon was excused for the balance of the evening.) Councilor Taylor moved to amend section 4.990 of the ordinance by repealing sub- sections (3) and (4). The motion died for lack of a second. Councilor Taylor moved to delete section 4.872(2)(j). The motion died for lack of a second. Councilor Taylor said she would vote against the ordinance. She asserted that the ordinance addressed impeding, interfering and disturbing. She commented that if this ordinance was good for downtown it was good for the whole city. She opined that special restrictions were not needed for the downtown area and would make the area a less friendly and more restrictive area. She called the ordinance %xcessive regulation." Roll call vote; the motion to adopt Council Bill 4851, an ordinance concerning the downtown area, passed 5:2; councilors Kelly and Taylor voting no. The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 24, 2003 Page 10 Regular Meeting