7.22.2019 City Council Work Session Minutes

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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 the Human Rights Commission. o Councilor Clark- expressed frustration with some of the wording of the resolution because he believes white nationalism and white supremacy are abhorrent and it is appropriate to enact laws that address actions that stem from those beliefs; explained his discomfort with language condemning people's beliefs; shared concerns that the government should only concern themselves with actions and not beliefs; said he has a proposed amendment that will allow him to vote for the resolution. o Councilor Zelenka - asked why the motion didn't specifically reference the resolution brought forward by the Human Rights Commission. o Councilor Syrett - thanked members of the Human Rights Commission for bringing this resolution forward; talked about the challenges of supporting free speech while also taking a strong stance against the views represented in the resolution, because the City Council does not have to agree with and support that speech; said that passage of the resolution is important to help ensure members of the community feel safe because these views lead to physical and psychological harm directed at members of the community. o Councilor Pryor - said that over the last few years the thoughts and beliefs of a certain group of people have become more the actions of their belief structure; said they have to be mindful of the fact that our thoughts become our words and our words become our actions; said that while the City Council should not oppose religion, opinions, or beliefs, the resolution addresses a form of hatred and bigotry and suppression of other people; said that it was important and appropriate to use the format of a resolution to say what City Council believes in. o Councilor Clark- said that if this were a statement of intolerance or violent actions, he would agree with Councilor Pryor; said actions or intimidation or violence are MINUTES - Eugene City Council July 22, 2019 Page 1 Work Session