CC Minutes - 06/01/98 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

he was concerned that such division would paralyze the City and keep it from realizing any of its commonly held goals. David Hinkley, 1308 Jefferson Street, stated that he was sympathetic to placing a flag on Skinner Butte as a memorial to veterans who had died in defense of the country. He suggested that a tall pole be built, but that a "regular size" flag be used on most occasions with the oversized flag flown on special holidays. Gretchen Miller, 1036 Adams Street, said that she appreciated what veterans had done in defense of the country. She said she believed a huge flag on Skinner Butte was the worst idea she had heard in years because she did not believe the flag was a symbol of national and political unity because it had been usurped by groups which tended to deny diversity. She said she believed creating a flag memorial would spur controversy and not bring people together. Matthew Parrott, 2635 Onyx Street, stated that he had grown up in South Africa during time of apartheid. He said he had been a United States citizen and resident of Eugene for 18 years. He said he meant no disrespect for veterans, but that he was opposed to the proposed flag memorial on Skinner Butte because he felt it forced a nationalistic symbol on the community without its consent. He suggested that a public vote be taken on the issue. Raimon Franck, 328 Cheshire Avenue, stated that he lived on the northwest corner of Skinner Butte Park. He said he did not believe a large flag was needed on the summit of the butte and that there were better ways to honor veterans. He said the practical problem of the high wind velocity at the summit of the butte had not been considered in the proposal under consideration. He said that he was a war veteran and felt that there were better ways to show patriotism. He said favored using the funds which would be used to create the memorial to increase services at senior centers and to enlarge the library and build a smaller scale memorial. Glenn Noll, Post Office Box 10814, stated that he was a disabled Vietnam War veteran and supported the proposed flag memorial on Skinner Butte. He said he had fought for the flag and would appreciate its being displayed on the butte. Jim Hale, 1995 Terresa Avenue, stated that he was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He described some of his experiences. He said he did not believe the proposed memorial was a war memorial, but a veteran's memorial. He urged the council to accept the offer of the memorial in honor of America and its veterans. Mayor Torrey determined there were no other persons present wishing to testify and closed the public hearing. He determined the number of persons intending to remain at the meeting for the council's deliberation about urban renewal and declared a five minute recess to allow the council to move to the McNutt Room at 9:45 p.m. VI. ACTION: ORDINANCE CONCERNING DOWNTOWN URBAN RENEWAL PLAN AMENDMENT Mayor Torrey requested that each councilor express currently held views regarding the proposed amendment of the Urban Renewal Plan for the Central Eugene Project. MINUTES--City Council June 1, 1998 Page 8 7:30 p.m.