CC Minutes - 09/28/98 Work Session

Home Browse Search

Ms. Taylor reiterated her interest in holding the policy discussion first but added she would likely support the amended motion. Mr. Meisner said the council's history of approving requests in the full amount has provided no impetus for other jurisdictions to support such projects. The amended motion passed, 7:1; with Mr. Tollenaar opposed. B. Adelante Si Mr. Farr moved, seconded by Mr. Tollenaar, to authorize the expenditure of $3,770 from the contingency fund for police services for the 1998 Fiesta Latina. Mr. Meisner said he could not support the request because the request did not meet current standards, adding that the application does not reflect a loss from holding the event. He pointed out minutes attached to the application that described continuing discussions between the organization staff and its Board of Directors objecting to the City's policy of requiring events to pay for police protection services. He said it was clear the organization wanted a policy change and the application did not support the funding request. Ms. Swanson Gribskov pointed out inconsistencies between the original, oral request and the final application. She said the budget shortfall was not apparent from the application and if any shortfall occurred as a result of the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) raids prior to the event, she might feel differently. Mayor Torrey said that when the agency first raised the request, it indicated that the Police Department had required more police protection than "was necessary" and at the same time the INS raid greatly reduced attendance, which was compounded by poor weather and cancellation of a "headliner" band. Ms. Swanson Gribskov said that given that explanation, she was inclined to support the motion. Ms. Taylor said she opposed the request and believed the policy discussion should have occurred prior to entertaining this request. Ms. Nathanson expressed concern that the discussion and action taken tonight might be construed as taking a position on whether the City should charge for police services at such events. She said she did not support the request, but supported this very worthy organization and the event. She recalled that the fund was not supposed to support ongoing events, adding that annual events should be able to anticipate shortfalls and plan accordingly. Mr. Meisner agreed, saying it is inappropriate to use contingency funds to pay debt. He noted that the application's budget analysis did not show a deficit; however, it did show an unwillingness or lack of interest in paying for police services. Mr. Meisner added that the agency asked him to carry a contingency request to the council to cover police services for the event-- this was before the INS raid, before bad weather, and before the headliner band backed out--and the application he sent out was never returned. He expressed concern with the City becoming a "guarantor" of events. Minutes--Eugene City Council September 28,1998 Page 4 5:30 p.m.