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Mr. Tollenaar said this was not an easy call for him to make because of his commitment to the <br />council/manager form of government, but after Mr. Johnson's July 27 presentation and his <br />assessment of Eugene's unique situation, he has changed his position and now favors Mr. <br />Johnson's appointment. He cited Mr. Johnson's outstanding performance as pro tern manager <br />and the fact that there would be no learning curve as other reasons for appointment. Mr. <br />Tollenaar said the current council was in the best position to make the decision about the city <br />manager. <br /> <br />In response to a question from Mr. Lee, Administrative Services Director Warren Wong said the <br />time line depended on the scope of the search should the council decide on a recruitment <br />process. He said a regional search could be done in-house and take from eight to ten weeks. <br />Mr. Lee said he was hesitant to make a decision that another council will have to "live with" and it <br />might polarize the future council. He also expressed disappointment at not having an adopted <br />position description. Mr. Lee agreed with others that Mr. Johnson's qualifications are excellent <br />but he objected to the process and urged the council to open up the process and involve <br />councilors-elect. <br /> <br />Mr. Rayor agreed with Mr. Lee and said it was also difficult for him because Mr. Johnson was <br />such an excellent candidate. He cited a public perception of "complacency" that hindered Mr. <br />Johnson's acceptance by the public, adding that initiating a regional recruitment process would <br />address this public concern. Mr. Rayor said Mr. Johnson would likely prevail if such a process <br />were implemented but if the council chose to appoint Mr. Johnson, he was prepared to work <br />closely with him. He said people "want the government back on track, and responsive." <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner said to his surprise it is precisely for the reason stated in Mr. Rayor's final comment <br />that he also has changed his mind and is prepared to appoint Mr. Johnson to the position at this <br />time. He added that he has been impressed with Mr. Johnson's performance both in City and <br />County government. He said he agreed with Ms. Swanson Gribskov's assessment of the types <br />of candidates a recruitment process would draw. He urged the council to move forward with the <br />appointment and preserve the stability it has found in Mr. Johnson through the upcoming election <br />when it would be important due to the significant measures on the ballot. <br /> <br />Ms. Nathanson commented that postponing major decisions for future councils narrows the <br />window of opportunity for many council decisions. She said she can make a decision with a <br />clear conscience today, and although she is concerned about what her relationship with the <br />future council will be, it was more important to her what her relationship with the citizens she <br />represents and making a good decision for the citizens of Eugene. Ms. Nathanson said some <br />things seemed to be "on hold" because there was no permanent city manager and many issues <br />and project needed committed leadership. She said she was ready to appoint Mr. Johnson <br />based on his record, adding that she had seen the opposite of complacency in him. She cited <br />his innovative responses to cuts in the Library, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department as <br />an example. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey said the current position description was adequate and the council at any time can <br />make adjustments to that description, so if the new council decides to change it, it can. He said <br />he was tired of "processing" and urged the council to moved forward with the appointment. <br />Mayor Torrey communicated many endorsements, including public officials, for the appointment <br />that evidenced community support. <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 29, 1998 Page 2 <br /> 11:30 a.m. <br /> <br /> <br />