CC Minutes - 05/08/00 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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need for similar programs on a statewide basis. He added that if the vote came to a tie he would support the proposal. City Manager Johnson pointed out that a motion could be passed waiving the rule or by positive council action the rule would also be waived. Councilor Kelly commented that the ongoing need for funding for the program be recognized and allowed for in future budgeting processes. He reiterated his concern that other requests for funding of fundamental programs had been limited to $5,000. Councilor Kelly, seconded by Councilor Meisner, moved to amend the motion to change the funding amount to $5,000. Councilor Nathanson commented that it would not be the first time that the council had reduced funding from the amount originally requested. She noted that it was a painful thing to do, but noted that many requests, from equally worthy organizations, had been received and the City was not in a position to fund all of them. In response to a question from Councilor Nathanson regarding the effects of lowering the funding by $3,000, Ms. Arnold said that the program would keep its doors open as long as funding allowed. She noted that there was money committed from the Human Services Commission and that she was going to ask Springfield for money as well. Councilor Meisner said that he would support the amendment. He stated his belief that it was possible to find community financial support for the program. He said that community support was essential because a program like the one being discussed needed a formal expression of support from a great many agencies besides the City. He noted that Human Services Commission money came primarily from the City and therefore the City had already indirectly funded the program. He stressed that many contingency requests were just as worthy and their sponsors had been told to come back with a smaller proposal. Councilor Taylor supported the motion to amend. She commented that the City could not afford to fully support every program no matter how worthwhile they were. She reiterated Mayor Torrey's comment that the State legislature should be lobbied to support the program. Councilor Pap8 expressed his disappointment that the funding for the program did not make it into the normal budgeting process. He stressed that the health centers provided as essential a service as police and fire to the community and said that he would not support the amendment. Councilor Farr urged the council to remember the people who would not be served if the funding was reduced. He said that it was ludicrous to close the doors early because of $3,000. He said that he would vote against the amendment. The vote for the amendment to the main motion resulted in a tie with councilors PapS, Farr, Rayor, and Lee voting against. The motion to amend failed as a result of Mayor Torrey's vote against it. Councilor Kelly said that he would support the main motion but called for revisiting the council's Contingency Fund rules. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 8, 2000 Page 5 Regular Meeting