CC Minutes - 02/12/07 Work Session

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(CVALCO) retreat at which the creation and formation of a sports commission was discussed, as well as the creation of a new, better and more appropriately located visitors’ center. Mr. Pryor apologized for missing the Budget Committee meeting. He said that he was ill but that he watched it on TV and had enjoyed the discussion very much. He said that he also missed the Project HomelessConnect event due to his illness, but heard positive feedback. Mr. Pryor said that he attended the 2007 Economic Forecast and found it very interesting. He said that he enjoyed former Governor John Kitzhaber’s presentation. Mr. Pryor said that he attended a West Eugene Forum meeting, a recently formed group that came together to talk about transportation solutions in West Eugene. He said that he was impressed with the diverse group of people and that he would continue to work with them. He said that the group handed out copies of a Practical Guide to Consensus. Mr. Pryor said that the Transportation Subcommittee had a very good first meeting, and that the Public Works staff did a great job in bringing the group together and getting it moving. Mr. Zelenka said that after a discussion about library services, he researched a file from former Councilor David Kelly titled The City Sponsored Levy Unbiased Publication that stated the following: City Council places Measure 2011 on the ballot to ask voters if the City should continue Eugene Public Library’s current level of services with funding in part for the levy. He pointed out this what was promised in terms of support for the library. City Manager Dennis Taylor applauded the councilor’s reports and all the work that councilors and City staff were doing together as well as cross organizationally. He also commented on the Project Homeless- Connect event, noting that conversations took place throughout the day about how to work together to end homelessness in the community. He said that the project provided one-stop shopping for benefit programs, health programs, medical care, immunizations, dental care, vision care, HIV testing, hair cuts, bike repair, veterinary care, library cards, legal assistance, etc. He reported that the culinary students from Lane Community College, along with FOOD for Lane County, provided breakfast and lunch for the participants. He said that every attendee took away gifts of hygiene kits, blankets, coats, socks, and food boxes. He said that 42 Burley bike trailers were given away and Lane Transit District (LTD) offered free transportation to and from the event, with vouchers to schedule future appointments. City Manager Dennis Taylor said that because of the event, hundreds of people would receive housing and future medical and dental attention. He said that it was an example of the community coming together and working together. He added that he thought this was a nice event to lead into the meeting. Mayor Piercy also thanked the City Councilors for all the meetings they had been attending and she thanked Ms. Ortiz, in particular, for leading two meetings while she was gone. Mayor Piercy suggested that if the Project HomelessConnect event was held again, that she and the councilors try to make themselves available for the entire day in order to hear from people attending the event. B. JOINT WORK SESSION: Discussion of Planning Process for Eugene Water & Electric Board Riverfront Property Mayor Piercy welcomed EWEB Board Chair, Melvin Menegat, EWEB General Manager Randy Berggren, EWEB Commissioners, and EWEB staff. MINUTES—Eugene City Council February 12, 2007 Page 3 Work Session