CC Minutes - 07/29/98 Work Session

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Mr. Taylor opined that the reason the city was "on-hold" was that it prematurely fired the previous city manager. Mr. Farr said he took seriously Mr. Lee's concern with future councils but believed Ms. Nathanson had spoken to that issue. He reiterated his support for the appointment. The motion failed, 2:6; with Ms. Taylor and Mr. Lee voting in favor. Addressing a question from Ms. Taylor, Mr. Johnson said the first thing he would do in the Planning and Development Department (PDD) is hire a director and involve that person in the process of the changes entertained for that department. He noted that a policy direction change from the council has changed the role of the PDD. Mr. Johnson said he would rather wait and work on those changes with the director and staff. In response to a follow-up question form Ms. Taylor, Mr. Johnson said he does not "expect to be here the rest of his life" and suggested a very thorough review by both sides in five years. Mr. Farr moved, seconded by Mr. Tollenaar, to appoint James R. Johnson to the position of City Manager for the City of Eugene and direct the Council President to negotiate an employment agreement with Mr. Johnson for council review and approval. Ms. Taylor reiterated her position, saying she would not be able to vote "yes" without more discussion and the opportunity to ask additional questions. Mr. Lee said he would support the motion with the understanding that work has yet to be done. Ms. Swanson Gribskov reiterated her support for the appointment, noting that to her "even the 'no' votes sound like 'yeses'." Ms. Meisner asked the councilors-elect and council candidate how they would vote on the question. Mr. Kelley said he did not believe it was a yes/no question and he did not wish to extend the discussion time. Mr. Rayor said he would vote "yes," given that the charter allows the council to dismiss the manager at any time. Mr. Farr agreed with Ms. Swanson Gribskov that even the "no" positions sound like a "yeses" and asked for a unanimous vote on the question. Ms. Nathanson expressed gratitude at having someone like Mr. Lee at the table. Addressing those criticizing the council for moving too slow or too fast, she argued that the speed with which the council moved through processes was situational. Ms. Nathanson said she believed the process was not rushed, recalling that it was initially raised last March, adding that perhaps there was not sufficient discussion time. Mr. Laue said he understood the positions of the councilors-elect and council-candidate and said Mr. Johnson was the best choice for this community and council. The motion passed, 7:1; with Ms. Taylor opposed. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 29, 1998 Page 3 11:30 a.m.