CC Minutes - 06/16/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Kelly indicated he could support the motion to reconsider. He believed the council honored the spirit of Mr. Fart's request by ensuring that a voter from the prevailing side would resubmit the motion. The motion to reconsider passed unanimously, 8:0 Mr. Meisner moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to appoint Tim Laue to a three-year position on the Police Commission. Mr. Farr expressed surprise that Mr. Laue's nomination had been rejected by the council given his tireless dedication to the field of public safety and his qualifications to sit on the commission. Mr. Laue had tirelessly worked on the issues involved. Mr. Laue would bring history on the topic to the Police Commission and would help focus the work of the commission. Mr. Farr referred to the diversity issue raised as a reason for rejecting Mr. Laue. He said he had discussed the issue of diversity as it related to Mr. Laue's appointment with Ron Chase, who had expressed disbelief that Mr. Laue was not appointed. He had believed that Mr. Laue should be on the commission. He reminded the council that Mr. Chase had worked for many years to ensure the Police Department was diverse and accountable. Mr. Fart reminded the council that Mr. Laue was dedicated to public safety, and would bring a great deal of knowledge and dedication to the commission. Mr. Lee noted his previous support for Tim Laue and said that given the position was still vacant the council needed to make a decision. He was persuaded by the arguments of Ron Chase, who had contacted him the previous day with his concerns. Mr. Lee said that Mr. Chase supported the appointment of Mr. Laue, and he concurred. He termed Mr. Laue the architect of the Police Commission, and the person who ensured the representation of the Human Rights Commission on the Police Commission. He noted Mr. Laue's dedication to human rights issues, and said he did not accept arguments regarding diversity. Mr. Rayor said he ran against Mr. Laue because he did not think Mr. Laue was doing a good job. He was reluctant to put Mr. Laue on another City committee for that reason. He said that having worked with the Police and PSCC, he questioned Mr. Laue's impartiality in dealing with the police and the issues the Police Commission would face. Ms. Nathanson replied to Mr. Rayor's remarks about the impartiality of Mr. Laue. She said that it was a legitimate issue, but she pointed out the commission would not review individual actions by officers but rather would provide oversight on policy and procedures. She said that she had given the matter of the individual appointment much thought, and it appeared to be a big deal for the council but not for the community. Ms. Nathanson said that people were more concerned that the commission worked well. She questioned whether the big deal was the person appointed or control over the process because it was a "mayor nominate, council appoint" process. Ms. Nathanson did not think there was a compelling argument against Mr. Laue as a member of the commission. She indicated support for the appointment of Mr. Laue. Ms. Nathanson reviewed the composition of the Police Commission. MINUTES-Eugene City Council June 16, 1999 Page 3 5:30 p.m.