CC Minutes - 01/14/02 Work Session

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Recommendations Regarding Charter Provisions · Repeal existing conflict of interest provision and require the council to adopt a code of ethics incorporating State law regarding conflict of interest · Enact an amendment authorizing the council to approve contracts over a certain amount to be fixed by the council · Enact new provision for a council-appointed independent performance auditor · Enact new provision for a new in-house City Attorney · Amend charter to require the City Manager to consult with the council when hiring or firing department directors · Make no change in the City Manager's existing authority to organize and reorganize City departments · Enact new provisions relating to vacancies in elective City offices · Replace existing provisions for adopting ordinances with new provisions · Authorize citizens to propose "protected" ordinances by exercise of constitutional ~mt~at~ve powers · Enact requirement for the council to adopt an ordinance assuring citizen participation opportunities for City government · Enact numerous "housekeeping" amendments to the charter to clarify existing provision, repeal, or update obsolete sections · Improve readability of charter and usefulness of City Charter; housekeeping amendments are recommended for numerous sections of charter · Repeal sections on tax limits for fiscal years 1981-83 and pedestrian mall · Repeal part of the section related to Skinner Butte cross Mayor Torrey called for a first round of council questions. Ms. Taylor commended the presentation. Ms. Nathanson suggested that the text on page 14 of the final report should read "...to determine the size of City contracts that it believes might implicate serious public policy issues..." She questioned the potential that council would vote to reset a contract to a lower amount. Ms. Colbath said the committee discussed the minimum amount, and agreed it should be established by the council through ordinance. With regard to the committee's recommendations on an in-house attorney, Ms. Nathanson asked about pressure from within: undue pressure, for example, from contacts the City Attorney received from the department heads or councilors. Mr. Tollenaar noted the authority of the city manager over the position proposed, which he believed would mitigate the pressure. He did not think it was much different than the current situation. Any questions about direct council communication with the City Attorney would be addressed by the fact the city manager was still in charge. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 14, 2002 Page 4 Work Session