CC Minutes - 02/28/00 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Misha Seymour, 1313 Lincoln Street, criticized the mayor for remarks he had made related to the June 18 anarchists event. He criticized the City for the police's use of pepper spray. Mr. Seymour said that he had criticized those who threw a pie at the mayor, but did not think the mayor should be giving out human rights awards. Mr. Seymour suggested that the car show be held at the Grand Canyon because its supporters "based the homeless." He said transients were part of the community too. He criticized AT&T for downsizing workers and suggested maybe the company should not be part of the community. He called for benches and rights for people on 13th Avenue. Tyler Mart, 3905 North Clarey Street, spoke in favor of allowing the classic car event at Rasor Park. He said that he would not be able to show his truck otherwise. He averred that the City had "taken away" the speedway and a dragstrip he understood once existed in the community. He said that there was no need to change Rasor Park. Brian Terrett, 112 East l0th Avenue, Community Affairs Manager for US West, asked the council to consider his e-mail correspondence and attempt to get answers to the questions that are outstanding before EWEB placed a charter amendment before the voters. He did not think that there was enough time before the May election for voters to make an informed decision. Bill Presley, 300 River Loop,//2, spoke in favor of allowing the classic car event in Rasor Park. He questioned who would benefit from the park if it was left to go wild and unmaintained. He said that the park was in the best shape it had ever been, and he believed that improvements had begun to be made when the park was initially used for the event. Ron Bounds, 5670 Royal Avenue, wanted Rasor Park to remain the way it was because it could be used for so many different activities. He opposed its use for wetland restoration or for growing wildflowers. He said that people should be able to use the park the way it was. Greg Petit, 421 Southwest Oak Street, Portland, Public Affairs Manager for US West, Portland, did not think the council had considered the issues involved with EWEB's request to enter the telecommunications field. He explained the history of the telecommunications industry to the council. Ronald Lee, 4570 West 11th Avenue, owner of PAX, spoke of the financial difficulties his station was experiencing and his fight to secure a channel on the AT&T roster of channels and have good reception. Councilor Lee said that now AT&T was threatening to drop his station. He supported EWEB's proposal as offering companies like his an opportunity to succeed. Mayor Torrey closed the public forum and called for comments from the council. Councilor Kelly said that the decision to end the classic car event at Rasor Park was an administrative decision of the City Manager. He asked if alternative locations had been considered. He believed that the Friends of Rasor Park most recent communication was more conciliatory than previously, and encouraged the event's sponsors to work with the organization. He believed that the issue was not a "cars versus the environment" issue and he thought both could exist. Councilor Kelly asked those testifying in support of the event not to use negative words like "special interests." He said that the event supporters and park supporters were both special interests and regular folks. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 28, 2000 Page 4 Regular Meeting