CC Minutes - 06/21/99 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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James Johnston, PO Box 14055, called for an investigation of violence in the City and stated that the June 18, incident was the City's fault. Rick Kang, 1534 Ranchwood Drive, spoke against the Sheldon Sports Complex. He urged councilors to spend the money for the sports complex on more important matters. David Fendrich, 151 West 8th Avenue, called for an end to violence within the City and called for the councilors and police to treat all people equally. Councilor Kelly offered his appreciation of citizens who came to speak before the council. He complimented the Eugene Police response on June 18, and stated that it was easy for others to judge police behavior on hind sight. He suggested that the City and local activists cooperatively set some boundaries for future events. Councilor Rayor noted that the government protects civil liberties and the right to protest as long as certain boundaries were not crossed. He supported the police actions on June 18. Councilor Lee reported that he had tried to address the activist problems from a prevention standpoint. He stated that he had always tried to build bridges between differing groups in the community and would keep trying. Councilor Fart stated that he had been present at the June 18 incident and noted that there was a small group of violent people and the rest were nonviolent demonstrators. He commended the Eugene Police for effective use of force while inflicting few injuries. He also commended Neil Van Steenbergen for his active participation in easing the situation on June 18. Councilor Nathanson commented that freedom of assembly did not mean freedom to break the law. Councilor Meisner said that civil disobedience did not equal criminal conduct. He supported the police action on June 18. He called for even-handed but consistent conduct for police officers. Councilor Taylor stated that people should be safe even when videotaping events. She suggested a police summit with Springfield to work out a mutual aid agreement to lend extra officers to each other when large-scale events were occurring. Regarding the Sheldon Sports Complex, she said that it was deceptive of the City to use park money to build football stadiums. Mayor Torrey stated that he was pleased with the City Council support of the police action on June 18. He suggested the development of a predictable response by police as well as giving advance warning of consequences to inappropriate behavior at public events. II. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Resolution 4594 Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Limited Tax Improvement Bonds, Series 1999-S, in an Amount not to Exceed $1,100,000, for the Purpose of Financing Local Improvements MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 21, 1999 Page 3 7:30 p.m.