CC Minutes - 02/23/00 Work Session

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neighborhood associations. Mr. Kelly clarified he was referring to an elected group that included a finite, but not fixed, number of individuals. The amendment to the motion passed, 6:1; Mr. Kelly voting no. Responding to a question from Ms. Taylor, Richie Weinman of Planning and Development Department confirmed that neighborhood clean-ups sponsored by the neighborhood would be considered a general meeting. Mr. Lee observed that, given his ward representation, he should oppose all the recommendations because they meant the West University Neighborhood Association would not qualify as "active"and would continually be in "intervention mode." He believed the uniqueness of that organization's situation as the neighborhood association in an area dominated by students should be recognized. However, he believed the intent of the recommendations was to raise standards for the program and for that reason was in support of the motion. Mr. Farr emphasized the importance of leadership training for the neighborhood organizations. He said that the program must be marketed to residents to encourage participation, and he would interested to see how the City incorporated marketing into the program. Ms. Nathanson asked if any neighborhood association had met informally or otherwise with a school site council to discuss issues of mutual concern. Mr. Weinman said that neighborhood associations frequently met in schools and publicized meetings through school newsletters, but he was unaware of any formal process for such joint meetings, or of any actual meetings between site councils and neighborhood associations. He suggested that synergy might be achieved through the Matching Grants Program, because site councils could be applicants for grants to underwrite projects on school property. Ms. Nathanson said that would be great, and she hoped it occurred. She encouraged the neighborhood associations to initiate such meetings with site councils and other organizations in their areas. Mayor Torrey said he received many calls from youth and their parents about youth activities in north Eugene, and many of those calls originated with those living outside the city. He suggested it would be helpful if the River Road/Santa Clara Neighborhood Organization reached out to north Eugene schools. The main motion passed, 7:0. Mr. Lee moved, seconded by Ms. Taylor, to direct the City Manager to implement the suggested definition of neighborhood boundaries. Mr. Meisner said that one of the boundary standards was that an association should not be divided by a major natural or manmade barrier, such as the river and limited access arterials. He said that Whiteaker was divided by 1-105, and asked if there were other neighborhoods divided by a similar barrier. Mr. Weinman responded that the Active Bethel Citizens association was divided by Beltline, and the Harlow Neighbors association was divided by 1-105 and Beltline. Mr. Meisner questioned whether the City would want to divide those associations on the basis of those standards, or except existing neighborhood associations from the standard. Ms. Bridges stated MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 23, 2000 Page 5 Work Session