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III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES <br /> <br /> Mr. Tollenaar moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to approve the minutes of <br /> the City Council meeting of April 28, 1998, Joint Elected Officials Meeting; <br /> and May 18, 1998, Human Rights Commission Interviews. Roll call vote. <br /> The motion was adopted unanimously, 7:0. <br /> <br /> IV. CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING ON DOWNTOWN URBAN RENEWAL PLAN <br /> AMENDMENT <br /> <br />Development Division Urban Services Section Manager Bob Hibschman reviewed council actions <br />on adopting an amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan for the Central Eugene Project. He noted <br />that two alternative ordinances had been provided to councilors, reflecting whether the use of <br />urban renewal funds for a library should be tied to the future passage of a local option levy <br />providing operating revenue for the library system. He noted that the council would also decide <br />on the level of maximum indebtedness, if it was determined to select (Grandfathered) Option #1 <br />for the Downtown Urban Renewal District. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey reviewed guidelines for testimony and re-opened the public hearing on amending <br />the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan. <br /> <br />Alice Parian, 2876 Kincaid Street, stated that she was a 20-year resident of Eugene. She said <br />she believed the recent shooting incident at Thurston High School was a stimulus to commitment <br />to building a spirit of community. She said a larger and better library would support such <br />community building and listed a wide variety of persons who use the Eugene Library. She <br />expressed appreciation for the support of the council for improving the library. <br /> <br />Michael Lewis, 2765 Agate Street, stated that he was a 14-year resident of Eugene. He said he <br />had been surprised at the inadequacy of the library on moving to the City. He said he believed it <br />was wrong to tie the use of urban renewal funds for a library to passage of a local option levy for <br />its operation. He said safety was a concern for a new library and that problems of the downtown <br />mall area should be considered when deciding on its location. <br /> <br />"Tex" Matsler, 2605 Chula Vista Drive, stated that he believed it would be a mistake to build a <br />new library when the current facility could be enlarged with urban renewal funds. He reported <br />that there was strong support for branch libraries during the recently held Library Forums of the <br />Mayor's Library Improvement Committee. He felt it was strange that the staff and committee had <br />not yet recommended establishment of branches. He said a long-range plan for the development <br />of branches was needed. He questioned why the council was intending to adjourn the meeting <br />to the McNutt Room for its deliberation regarding use of urban renewal funds for the library. He <br />said it had never happened when he was employed by the City. <br /> <br />Emily Schue, 3122 Willamette Street, stated that she was a long-time supporter of the Eugene <br />Library. She suggested that urban renewal revenue should be used to build a new library across <br />from the former Sears Building. She pointed out that the Friends of the Library were committed <br />to raising $100,000 in support of the construction of a new facility. She said she believed plans <br />for branch libraries should be made in order to provide services to the Bethel and Willakenzie <br /> <br />MINUTES-City Council June 1, 1998 Page 3 <br /> 7:30 p.m. <br /> <br /> <br />