Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

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Mayor Piercy commented that as much as she wanted to see a TSMF move forward a tie vote was not a good way for that to happen; there needed to be a broader level of agreement and consensus. 4. ACTION: Appointments to the Budget Committee Councilor Solomon, seconded by Councilor Ortiz, moved to appoint Robert Peters to Position 3 on the Budget Committee for a three-year term beginning November 1, 2006, and ending October 31, 2009. Roll call vote, the motion to appoint Robert Peters passed, 8:0. Councilor Solomon, seconded by Councilor Ortiz, moved to appoint Rick Gates to Position 7 on the Budget Committee to complete the unexpired term of Mike Clark, a term beginning upon appointment and ending on October 31, 2007. Councilor Poling, seconded by Councilor Papé, moved to amend the motion by substituting the name Rich Gaston for Rick Gates. Councilor Solomon said she supported Rich Gaston for the position. She felt he was exceptionally articulate and was well-versed on the City’s budget; his breadth of experience would be valuable to the Budget Committee. Councilor Bettman stated that she would not support the amendment and would support Mr. Gates’ appointment if the amendment failed. She said there was little diversity of thinking on the Budget Committee as many members were business people. Councilor Pryor said it was a dilemma for him as Mr. Gates lived in Ward 8 and he was always pleased to see Ward 8 residents become involved in committees and other groups. He had met with Mr. Gates and he had many good ideas, although he had only been in the community a short amount of time. He felt that Mr. Gaston had a somewhat better grasp of some of the issues before the Budget Committee; he would work with Mr. Gates to help him become involved in other activities with the City but vote for Mr. Gaston. Councilor Kelly agreed with Councilor Bettman’s statement and indicated he would vote against the amendment in order to support Mr. Gates. He viewed Mr. Gates’ relatively short residency as an asset to bring a fresher outside perspective. He noted that Mr. Gates had quickly become involved in the community and was chair of the City Club’s program committee. Councilor Papé felt both candidates brought good qualifications to the position but thought Mr. Gaston had a longer tenure with the City and broader contacts in the community. He encouraged Mr. Gates’ enthusiasm and continued involvement in the community. He said Mr. Gaston was from Ward 6 and a representative from that ward had not been on the Budget Committee during his service on the council. Councilor Taylor stated she would vote against the substitution as Mr. Gates was better qualified, had already become involved with the City Club, and served on a budget committee in another community. Roll call vote, the motion to substitute the name Rich Gaston for Rick Gates passed, 5:3; councilors Kelly, Taylor and Bettman voting in opposition. MINUTES—Eugene City Council November 27, 2006 Page 10 Regular Meeting