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<br />Ms. Ortiz indicated she would ask the council to support a one-day training in May to take advantage of the <br />Lee Mu Nuah <br />fact that , a renowned facilitator, was coming to Eugene to work with the School District 4J <br />that month. <br /> <br />Ms. Ortiz reported she would be attending an upcoming police training on the use of force the following <br />week. <br /> <br />Ms. Ortiz agreed with Mr. Pryor that the HSC budget picture was very somber. She expressed appreciation <br />to the Board of County Commissioners for the leadership it had shown. <br /> <br />City Manager Taylor said a lot of work had been done preparing for the April 25 council meeting on <br />downtown development. He noted that the time set aside for the public hearing on April 16 was available <br />due to a lack of public hearings, and the mayor and he arranged for a public workshop of individuals to <br />discuss downtown challenges. He anticipated a good, broad-based panel. <br /> <br />City Manager Taylor said that several bills related to annexation were introduced, and on the recommenda- <br />tion of Intergovernmental Relations Manager Brenda Wilson, time was set aside at the Wednesday meeting <br />for more discussion of that topic. <br /> <br />City Manager Taylor said he viewed five of the Beam and KWG projects in the Portland area and thought a <br />tremendous experience to see that work firsthand. The companies offered to be available on April 21-22 to <br />conduct the council on a similar tour. Mayor Piercy pointed out that April 21 was Earth Day, which created <br />a conflict for many councilors. <br /> <br />Ms. Bettman thanked staff for completing the improvements associated with the Farmers Market prior to the <br />opening of the market. She thanked the council for its financial support. Ms. Taylor agreed, saying the <br />market had more space for walking. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor agreed with Ms. Bettman about the consultant’s report. She thought it up to the council to <br />ensure something more happened. <br /> <br />Mr. Clark congratulated staff for its receipt of the Innovation in Government award. <br /> <br /> <br />B. WORK SESSION: Ordinance Concerning Eminent Domain—Two Parcels Adjacent to <br />Madison Middle School for Community Park Purposes <br /> <br />The council was joined for the item by Parks and Open Space Manager Johnny Medlin. Mr. Medlin <br />provided a brief update, reminding the council it had been trying to develop a community scale park in the <br />Santa Clara area for ten years. He voiced his support for the City’s “willing seller” approach. However, <br />the City had been unable to find willing sellers in the area. Staff determined that two parcels adjacent to <br />Madison Middle School would be an appropriate site. Since the council directed staff to prepare a <br />condemnation ordinance for its review, staff continued discussion with the property owners and still had no <br />willing seller. However, staff was not recommending the council move forward with eminent domain at this <br />time pending the outcome of a Ballot Measure 37 claim related to one parcel and the legislation being <br />considered by the current legislature. Mr. Medlin said the other property is under dispute with regard to <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council April 9, 2007 Page 4 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br />