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Whereas: The Superior Court of Orange County, California has found that Hyundai Semiconductor of America committed illegal discrimination in their hiring for their factory in Eugene, Oregon (Case #778959). Whereas: The trial judge has upheld that verdict and entered judgment against Hyundai Semiconductor of America. Whereas: Discrimination in hiring is materially relevant to and contradictory to the purpose for which the property tax waivers were granted. Whereas: Hyundai Semiconductor of America continues to deny the aforementioned discrimination hiring practices, and has in fact responded by attacking their accusers and others supporting the verdict. Be it resolved that the City Council of Eugene, Oregon condemns the discriminatory hiring practices employed by Hyundai Semiconductor of America as found by the Superior Court of Orange County, California. Be it resolved that the City Council of Eugene, Oregon directs the City Manager to do all the City can to ensure that companies, including Hyundai Semiconductor of America, that are found to have committed illegal discrimination in Eugene do not receive property tax waivers, other tax breaks, or any form of public assistance. Mr. Torrey said that he would not accept the motion and ruled it out of order. Ms. Taylor moved, seconded by Mr. Lee, to appeal the decision of Mayor Torrey. The motion passed, 5:1; Mr. Farr voting no. Mr. Farr did not intend to vote on the motion. He said that two councilors were absent, and one had no knowledge of the item and the other had departed the meeting not knowing that the motion was to be offered. Mr. Kelly believed that the motion was carefully worded and was specific only to discriminatory practices, rather than condemnation of the company as a whole. He believed that the rules under which the Human Rights Commission and council operated had been followed and said that if all councilors had be present for each vote the council's process would be extended considerably. Mr. Lee said that the council often made motions that absent councilors were not aware of. He said that the council must make a decision on the motion and move on. The most important issue for him continued to be cross-cultural communication. Mr. Lee did not think the resolution was significant, but it needed to be followed up with actual and meaningful ideas. Regarding the issue of discrimination by the company, Mr. Lee said that if Hyundai made a mistake the Human Rights Commission should be working with Hyundai to help it resolve and overcome those problems. He believed Hyundai had made mistakes and should be penalized for them, but also believed that the State should have done a better job in determining how such problems should be resolved. He preferred to focus his energy on how to move forward. MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 13, 1999 Page 10 5:30 p.m.