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IV. ELECTION OF CITY COUNCIL OFFICERS <br /> <br />Ms. Swanson Gribskov announced that the agenda item would be her last item of business as <br />council president. <br /> <br /> Ms. Swanson Gribskov moved, seconded by Mr. Fart, that Mr. Fart be <br /> elected 1998 City Council President. <br /> <br />Mr. Lee expressed his appreciation for Mr. Torrey's and Mr. Fart's ability to look beyond <br />ideological differences and work with others. He said that the community needed more such <br />individuals. Mr. Lee indicated his enthusiastic support for Mr. Fart as Council President. <br /> <br /> Roll call; the motion passed unanimously, 8:0. <br /> <br /> Ms. Swanson Gribskov moved, seconded by Mr. Fart, that Mr. Tollenaar be <br /> elected 1998 City Council Vice President. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor pointed out that it was customary for the vice president to continue as president the <br />following year. She said only four of the councilors now sitting would still be in office next year, <br />and Mr. Tollenaar had already declared his intent not to seek council office. Although she <br />respected Mr. Tollenaar's abilities, she opposed his election for the reasons she had cited. <br /> <br />Mr. Lee said that Mr. Tollenaar was the best candidate, which overrode for him the concerns <br />expressed by Ms. Taylor. He said that he would like to give Mr. Tollenaar the opportunity to <br />serve. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner supported the election of Mr. Tollenaar. He said that the council should be aware <br />that it was breaking with long-time past practice. Mr. Meisner said that the position of vice <br />president was not honorary and carried responsibilities. He observed that in one year's time, the <br />council would be in the position of selecting a president with no experience, and that could be an <br />awkward transition. In response, Mr. Tollenaar pointed out that the incumbent president could be <br />reelected with a two-thirds vote. <br /> <br />Ms. Swanson Gribskov said that the council should take advantage of Mr. Tollenaar's experience <br />and skill in intergovernmental relations and negotiations. <br /> <br /> The motion passed unanimously, 8:0. <br /> <br /> V. ITEMS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, AND CITY MANAGER <br /> <br />City Manager Vicki Elmer welcomed the council back after its holiday recess. She said that she <br />had enjoyed the last ten months as City Manager. <br /> <br />Ms. Elmer reported on the progress of the Assistant City Manager selection process, saying that <br />the candidates had been narrowed to two and site visits would soon occur. <br />Mr. Lee thanked Ms. Swanson Gribskov for her leadership as Council President in what he <br />characterized as a highly unusual year. <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 12, 1998 Page 6 <br />5:30 p.m. <br /> <br /> <br />