Item 2F: Ratification of Intergovernmental Relations Committee Minutes

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Ms. Wilson noted that the League of Oregon Cities had requested that the City of Eugene oppose the two aforementioned bills and hold a discussion regarding the bills in the interim. Mr. Poling, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to adopt a Priority 2 oppose position regarding HB 3107 and HB 3240. Ms. Piercy wanted it to be made clear that while the City would be adopting an opposition position regarding the bills it would also more than willing to engage in broader discussion regarding the matter. Ms. Wilson noted that the letter of testimony currently being drafted by IGR staff would reflect just such a position. Ms. Taylor called for a vote on Mr. Poling’s previously stated motion. The motion passed unanimously, 3:0. SB 607 – Relating to outdoor advertising signs. Ms. Wilson provided a brief description of SB 607 to the committee members and noted that staff was currently recommending a Priority 3 support position regarding the bill. Ms. Wilson noted that the amendments expected to placed on SB 607 at the request of Clearwater Communications would preempt local governments such as the City of Eugene from enacting or enforcing any ordinances that would phase out non-conforming billboards or similar outdoor advertising signs. She noted that such amendments would be contrary to current Eugene city ordinances and that staff was currently recommending a Priority 2 oppose position regarding the bill and any subsequent amendments. Mr. Poling, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to adopt a Priority 2 oppose position regarding HB 3107 and HB 3240. The motion passed unanimously, 3:0. SB 519 - Relating to mandatory workplace communications to employee about employer’s opinions. Ms. Wilson provided a brief description of SB 519 to the committee members and noted that while the city’s Human Resources office was recommending that the bill be dropped altogether, the City Manager’s office staff was currently recommending a Priority 3 support position regarding the bill. Management Analyst Susan Mullet reported that the Human Resources office had recommended that the city either drop the bill or adopt a neutral position regarding it. She further noted the HR position was based on the their interpretations of the First Amendment Establishment Clause prohibiting any government actions in support or opposition of any religion, religious practice or lack of same. She further noted that SB 519 would have no measurable impact on the City of Eugene and that the city already had effective policies in place to protect and support the rights of its employees. Ms. Piercy felt strongly about the matter of protecting employees’ rights and expressed that while she did not want to have a great deal of staff time taken up by any work regarding SB 519, she wanted the City to support it. Ms. Wilson stated that the City Attorney had cautioned staff against adopting any official position regarding the bill. The committee members held a brief discussion regarding the nature of a monitor or neutral position with regard to SB 519 and whether or not adopting such positions would be advisable. In response, Ms. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations April 22, 2009 Page 2