CC Minutes - 07/22/02 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Nicole White, 3531 Spring Boulevard, raised concern over the cuts in funding. She raised concern over the increase in class size and the decrease in numbers of good teachers. She said the students of the area needed the help of the community to address the cuts being enacted. Cheryl McCabe, Eugene Business Owners, raised concern over the smoking ban. She cited the closing of several businesses in Eugene because of the smoking ordinance. She noted that lottery game losses were on the rise in Eugene as well. She submitted written material to the council in support of her testimony. She noted that Eugene was the only city in the State that did not follow the State smoking laws. She urged the council to revisit the smoking issue and follow the State guidelines that allowed smoking in bars, taverns, and bingo halls. Steven Barns, 491 East 53rd Avenue, urged the council to refer the school levy to the November ballot. He said it was not fair for children to live in a city that had a Hult Center when their schools did not have music programs or a city that was called "Track City USA" when sports programs were being cancelled. He raised concern that only a minority of families would be able to enjoy those programs when most who could not afford to had to do without. Nick Urhausen, 2858 Warren Street, expressed concern over schools not allowing the Boy Scouts of America to use school facilities. He noted that the Girl Scouts had the same problem. He commented that it was "sophisticated bigotry" targeting the children in the community. He called for a vote to allow youth groups on school grounds. Mayor Torrey closed the Public Forum and called for council comments. Councilor Rayor reiterated his oft-expressed concern over PERS liabilities for City employees. He noted School District 4J had the same PERS liabilities for its employees. He said it was a terrible situation that everyone had a piece in. He expressed a desire to see only public schools with no charter schools that offered all the programs kids needed and for the State Legislature to solve the education problem totally. He said the problem could not be solved until parents of school- aged children got angry enough at the State Legislature and demanded effective action. Councilor Pap8 thanked all who testified. He said he would like to hear testimony regarding how funds would be allocated to local charter schools. Councilor Bettman thanked the kids who testified. She asked the following questions to be answered during the upcoming Wednesday's work session: 1) If the levy passes, will it result in increased music and drama instruction? 2) Will it result in decreased class sizes starting in the first year of the levy? and 3) How would charter schools be addressed? Councilor Kelly thanked those who testified in support of funding for education. Councilor Taylor also thanked those who testified. She acknowledged that class size was very important. She said the City Council should do what it could to help education in the area. On the topic of school funding, Councilor Nathanson said the bottom line was to refer something to the voters. She said the work would begin in earnest when the district began trying to persuade the voters to approve the intended levy. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 2002 Page 2 Regular Meeting