CC Minutes - 01/26/98 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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after attending two meetings of the council's External Review Advisory Committee, he realized that the impetus for establishing such a board was provided by activists who were seeking control of the police, which he found offensive. He said that he had had little contact with Police Chief Leonard Cooke, but that he found him to be a thoughtful man and that he had been impressed with his remarks before the City Club. He said he believed termination of the chief was suspect because other department heads were also leaving. Nick Urhausen, 2858 Warren Street, stated that he was a 28-year resident of Eugene. He said that he had participated in the selection process which had resulted in Leonard Cooke becoming Chief of Police. He said he believed the chief had bonded well with the community, was a professional seeking to enforce laws enacted by amateurs, and that the council-manager system of city governance resulted in a reduction in control by citizens. George Beres, 1990 Dogwood, stated that he was a 21-year resident of Eugene. He said he believed the City had unique problems and qualities. He said the full impact of the loss of a black community leader would only be known to the minority community. He suggested that a secret power structure in the City was manipulating disagreements between the Police Chief and City Manager to stifle dissent. He said the minority community needed to be alerted to how such manipulation was possible. Misa Joo, 2327 Jefferson Street, said she did not believe people of color were easily manipulated. She said the resignation of Police Chief Leonard Cooke brought into question the inclusiveness of the City. She suggested that the planned evaluation of the City Manager include consideration of whether she is a visionary leader, whether she listens to all of the community, and whether she works with people to bring out their strengths as a leader. Chia Wood, 1612 Polk Street #14, said she was concerned about the power accumulating in the office of City Manager. She said she believed employment of department heads "at the will" of the manager would tend to stifle independent thinking and create only "yes-persons." She said concentrating power created power plays and did not solve problems. She said she did not look forward to the difficult task of replacing Chief Lennard Cooke. Maki Doolittle, 2327 Jefferson Street, stated that she respected Police Chief Leonard Cooke for his regular appearance at ethnic celebrations in the City. She said he was a good role model. Charles Durham, 2981 Madison Street, stated that he was a nine-year resident of Eugene. He said Police Chief Leonard Cooke appeared to have time for everyone, was concerned with what went on in the community, and that his presence made him feel safe. He said he believed the public deserved more answers to questions about why he had resigned. He encouraged the City Council to provide the answers to the community and to involve citizens in the search for a new chief. Desiree Moor, 3110 Sorrel Way, said that she believed the City was in crisis. She said the annual evaluation of the City Manager should take into account her dishonesty, why over $500,000 was paid in severance pay to departing department executives, why there was an increasing use of the City Attorney since her arrival, why consultants were needed to help the council develop a vision for the City, and why there needed to be a nationwide search for a new Chief of Police. She said she believed the City Council should terminate the City Manager. Minutes--Eugene City Council January 26, 1998 Page 2 7:30 p.m.