CC Minutes - 04/20/98 Work Session

Home Browse Search

Ms. Swanson Gribskov echoed praise for the committee's work and the work of the limited staff. She especially supported the recommendation to pursue a relationship with the University of Oregon. Addressing a question from Mr. Fart, Mr. Johnson said that center ushers were temporary employees, with some support from volunteers for "non-bargaining" work, so it was not an issue for the bargaining units. Mr. Meisner said he was glad to see the recommendation to call out, identify, and count the City's subsidy to resident companies, i.e., the community. Ms. Pierce said the council should be extremely proud of the work it has done with the center, particularly in the last year given reduced resources. She noted that Jacobs Gallery may be funded by a community group--a tremendous statement about community support. She added that there may be some other community-based solutions. In response to a question from Mr. Laue, Mr. Johnson said staff believes that a sustaining revenue source can be found to support the center. Addressing a follow-up question from Mr. Laue, Mr. Johnson said there has been some loss in service at the center, but the majority of the users will continue to pay the significantly higher rates. IV. REPORT FROM THE COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON HOMELESSNESS AND YOUTH ON A SUMMER YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAM Mr. Tollenaar moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to authorize the expenditure of $117,510 from the Contingency Fund for funding of a summer recreation program for youth. Mr. Fart presented the request, noting that the kids themselves suggested ideas for activities included in the programs and Fairgrounds Manager Mike Gleason had made space available. He emphasized that the program was open to all kids, not just the homeless. Mr. Fart drew the correlation between recreation and crime prevention. He addressed the issue of cuts in other services by saying that the proposed program was accessible to all kids citywide, as free bus passes and free van rides would be provided. He reviewed the meeting packet material and asked for the council's support. Ms. Taylor wondered why the fairgrounds was not donating the space and if the County was sharing in the costs. She expressed reservations about funding the proposal given the cuts in other recreation programs, reiterating that all children are "at risk." Mr. Johnson noted that the County Fair was self-supporting and does not receive any funding from Lane County. He explained that unlimited use of the facilities offered by the fairgrounds will likely accrue a net loss for that organization. Mr. Meisner said the program would be open to non-Eugene residents and the other jurisdictions should be asked for contributions. He called the sponsorship program a "token program," if it was intended as a strategy to reach disaffected kids. Mr. Fart responded that Looking Glass will be actively recruiting kids for the sponsorships as well as all the other programs. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 20, 1998 Page 4 5:30 p.m.