CC Minutes - 06/14/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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she had encountered the concept of civic journalism previously at a conference and shared information with staff about her experience. She asked if the City could contact the City Club or University of Oregon to see if one of those organizations could sponsor a conference on civic journalism. She indicated her willingness to spend time on the concept if that was needed to make it happen in the next year or two. Ms. Nathanson questioned the use of the term "citizen juries" and suggested that "citizen panels" was more commonly understood. Mr. Kelly concurred. Ms. Nathanson referred to page 30 of the meeting packet, which contained ideas about vounteerism and coordination of volunteer activities, and cautioned staff against redundant work activities. She asked if, for example, staff had investigated if there was already an organization producing a resource book about community volunteer resources. Mr. Pap~ supported the motion. He complemented staff on the implementation of the City's Web home page, saying that those citizens who were computer-literate were finding it more easy to access information from the City. The motion passed unanimously, 5:0:1; Mr. Meisner being out the room at the time the vote was taken. D. Operating Practices and Policies Related to Cuthbert Amphitheater Rich Scheeland and Laura Niles, co-directors of the Cultural Services Division, provided the staff presentation. Mr. Scheeland reviewed the history of the amphitheater, initially developed by the County when Alton Baker Park was within the County's jurisdiction. The initial concept behind the amphitheater was to have local talent provide free concerts on weekend afternoons. A few such concerts occurred but attracted few people, and the facility fell into disrepair and disuse. The few large commercial events held at the facility were not financially successful. Mr. Scheeland reported that the facility was transferred to the City in the late 1980s in very poor condition. The Cultural Services Division was charged with the task of making the amphitheater a regional venue for nationally known entertainers. The division continued to follow that direction. Mr. Scheeland said that the City had invested considerably in the facility to increase its capacity and usability; however, it was still inadequate for many performances because of its original design, which created operational problems. Mr. Scheeland said that amphitheaters tended to fall into two general categories: commercial and festival. The vast majority were of the commercial category. Mr. Scheeland cited the L.B. Day Amphitheater, Champoeg Amphitheater, and The Gorge Amphitheater as Northwest examples of commercial enterprises managed and operated as businesses. The facilities present nationally known entertainers, serve as a regional destination point, do not have year-round staff, do not depend on fund-raising, and make a good deal of revenue from ancillary services such as parking and concessions. The operators of those amphitheaters did not allow patrons to carry in foods. Mr. Meisner returned to the meeting. Mr. Scheeland discussed the festival model of amphitheaters, citing the Brit Festival in Jacksonville as an Oregon example. Many such operations were the summer home of a major symphony orchestra. Most were MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 14, 1999 Page 7 5:30 p.m.