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Ms. Taylor observed that Civic Stadium had historical significance to many people. She said the City should make it <br />clear it did not have the power to keep the Ems at the stadium. She was not averse to spending some of the <br />“people’s” money to help save the stadium. <br /> <br />Mr. Poling wanted to see Civic Stadium saved, but the City could not afford to do that. He was in favor of a <br />public/private partnership to preserve the stadium and was interested in ways the City could help the Save Civic <br />Stadium group’s efforts. <br /> <br />Mr. Zelenka remarked that Civic Stadium was an historic structure and was built in part with donations of land, <br />materials and labor. He thanked those who were working to save the stadium and endorsed their efforts, but pointed <br />out that the school district owned the property and was not in a financial position to keep the stadium without the <br />Ems, or to incur the costs of renovation. The City likewise was not in a financial position to purchase or renovate the <br />facility, but should help facilitate ideas for its preservation. <br /> <br />Mr. Brown asserted that Civic Stadium had to be saved. He said the facility was too important to the community and <br />the region to allow it to deteriorate. He recognized the obstacles involved, but felt the City did have a role and <br />perhaps Parks and Recreation could facilitate discussions with the school district. <br /> <br />Ms. Piercy determined there did seem to be consensus on the council to look at options for saving Civic Stadium. <br /> <br />Mr. Pryor observed that only half of the ten acre site was used by the stadium, leaving the remainder available for <br />other uses. He said the concept of mixed uses could be the key to saving the stadium. <br /> <br />Mr. Clark said saving Civic Stadium presented a good opportunity for many people in the community to work <br />towards a common goal. <br /> <br />Mr. Clark, seconded by Mr. Zelenka, moved to direct staff to work with either the Save <br />Civic Stadium organization or the 4J School District, or any other organization involved in <br />planning for the potential of any community use of the facility. <br /> <br />Mr. Zelenka offered a friendly amendment to substitute the following language: Move to di- <br />rect staff to engage with the community in developing creative ideas to save Civic Stadium. <br />Mr. Clark accepted the amendment. <br /> <br />Mr. Clark said his intent was for the City to do more than engage in discussions; it should actively provide assistance <br />to any group pursuing a plan for the facility. <br /> <br />Mr. Ruiz cautioned that the school district owned the property and while it was a community asset, the district had a <br />stake in the process. <br /> <br />Mr. Poling felt the council was being premature as the school district had not yet made a decision regarding <br />disposition of the property. He questioned why the motion, which essentially directed staff to do their jobs, was <br />necessary before any decisions were made by the district. He was unable to support the motion. <br /> <br />Ms. Solomon concurred with Mr. Poling’s remarks. <br /> <br />Mr. Clark agreed it was necessary to be mindful that the school district might have other plans for the property. His <br />intent was to have staff be proactive in plans for the facility. <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council January 26, 2009 Page 6 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br />