CC Minutes - 05/12/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Nathanson supported the amendment, saying it is important to keep in mind that the neighborhood program involves many activities and neighborhood associations are a major portion. Addressing a question from Ms. Taylor, Mr. Kelly indicated that the substitute language was initially drafted by the Neighborhood Leaders Council (NLC). Mr. Meisner expressed support for the amendment. Mr. Farr said the new language more accurately described the process. Mr. Rayor supported the amendment because he said it does a better job of defining roles and encourages interaction between the neighborhoods and the City. The motion to amend passed unanimously, 6:0. The main motion passed unanimously, 6:0. Mr. Meisner moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to recommend $285,500 to the Budget Committee to fund a neighborhood program that includes the following elements: increasing FTE from 1.0 to 1.85; increasing distribution of neighborhood newsletters/notifications; establishing citywide newsletters; organizing dormant neighborhood associations; developing new neighborhood boundaries; and creating a matching grant program. Addressing a question from Mr. Farr, Mr. Weinman said that the figure for neighborhood boundaries represents staff time entirely and if the result is more neighborhood groups, staffing costs may increase. Mr. Farr expressed support for the motion. Ms. Taylor expressed reservations about funding the matching grant program, particularly about the portion coming out of the General Fund. She urged the council to hold a public hearing before any part of the proposal is approved. Addressing follow-up questions from Ms. Taylor, Mr. Weinman indicated that staff will need further direction on the boundary changes and distribution of the citywide newsletter as an insert in The Register-Guard is the most cost- effective. Regarding the newsletters, Ms. Nathanson said she was very glad that the City was going to increase the amount of information it provided to citizens about what was occurring in the community, in their neighborhoods, and new City initiatives. She hoped that even more could be done because she was convinced that some of the City's single-issue publications, such as those issued by the Public Works Department, could be combined with other information in a semi- annual or quarterly newsletter. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 19, 1999 Page 5 5:30 p.m.