Agenda Packet 9-9-19 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES – Eugene City Council Work Session July 22, 2019 Page 1 MINUTES Eugene City Council Harris Hall, 125 East 8th Avenue Eugene, Oregon 97401 July 22, 2019 5:30 p.m. Councilors Present: Betty Taylor, Emily Semple, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor Councilors Absent: Greg Evans Mayor Vinis opened the July 22, 2019, work session of the Eugene City Council. 1.EXECUTIVE SESSION: Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute 192.660(2)(e)City Council met in executive session pursuant to Oregon Revised Statue 192.660(2)(e). 2.Committee Reports and Items of Interest MOTION: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to adopt a resolution condemning white nationalism and alt-right activities and groups. Council Discussion: o Councilor Semple – read parts of the proposed resolution brought forth on behalf of theHuman Rights Commission. o Councilor Clark – expressed frustration with some of the wording of the resolutionbecause he believes white nationalism and white supremacy are abhorrent and it isappropriate to enact laws that address actions that stem from those beliefs; explainedhis discomfort with language condemning people’s beliefs; shared concerns that thegovernment should only concern themselves with actions and not beliefs; said he has aproposed amendment that will allow him to vote for the resolution. o Councilor Zelenka – asked why the motion didn’t specifically reference the resolutionbrought forward by the Human Rights Commission. o Councilor Syrett – thanked members of the Human Rights Commission for bringing thisresolution forward; talked about the challenges of supporting free speech while alsotaking a strong stance against the views represented in the resolution, because the CityCouncil does not have to agree with and support that speech; said that passage of theresolution is important to help ensure members of the community feel safe becausethese views lead to physical and psychological harm directed at members of thecommunity. o Councilor Pryor – said that over the last few years the thoughts and beliefs of a certaingroup of people have become more the actions of their belief structure; said they haveto be mindful of the fact that our thoughts become our words and our words becomeour actions; said that while the City Council should not oppose religion, opinions, orbeliefs, the resolution addresses a form of hatred and bigotry and suppression of otherpeople; said that it was important and appropriate to use the format of a resolution tosay what City Council believes in. o Councilor Clark - said that if this were a statement of intolerance or violent actions, hewould agree with Councilor Pryor; said actions or intimidation or violence are ATTACHMENT G September 9, 2019, Meeting – Item 2A