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community to use the blueprint. Mr. Kelly said he was encouraged by work being done by the Planning <br />Commission with regard to density opportunity siting and the alternate path through the Land Use Code. He <br />said “let’s show other cities Eugeneans knows how to manage growth.” <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly asked how the community could work on racism and homelessness so all residents feel embraced <br />and welcomed. He noted the various City advisory and community groups working on those issues and said <br />a difference could be made only if change was embraced by all. He agreed with Ms. Bettman about the <br />importance of citizen involvement in civic affairs. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly asked those present how they could make the reality of Eugene better match the vision of Eugene, <br />and advocated for concrete actions to begin that effort. <br /> <br /> <br />IV. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION <br /> <br />Council Vice President Jennifer Solomon recognized City employees Denise Smith of the Human Resources <br />and Risk Services Division and Char Mauch of the Municipal Court for their exemplary service and <br />contributions to the work place. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy presented the Employee Sustainability Award to Keli Osborn of the Building and Permit <br />Services Division. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy recognized representatives of national, local, and regional businesses making a difference <br />through their use of sustainable practices and products: Craig Phillips of Staples, Incorporated; Miles <br />Johnson of King Estate Oregon Wines; David Ambrose of Organically Grown Company, President Mary <br />Spilding of Lane Community College, and Scott Forrest of Forrest Paint Company. <br /> <br /> <br />V. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy gave the following address: <br /> <br />It’s good to be with you all here today. It has been a full year since I took my oath of office and spoke to <br />many of you with great determination and optimism about the future of our community. Last year, I was <br />joined here by many who hope to see Eugene step up to its full potential. Like me, they believe that if one <br />place in this country is going to do it right—to ensure the well-being of our people, our natural resources <br />and our economy—it should be here in Eugene. <br /> <br />In truth, there were others in the room with more reservations and more skepticism. They worried that the <br />fractious nature of Eugene politics would hold us back from accomplishing our goals. <br /> <br />So how has it gone this past year? We have had no lack of major civic issues to address. It has been a <br />pretty exciting year. I have thoroughly enjoyed being your Mayor. That’s right, enjoyed it. It’s a privilege <br />and I thank you once again for giving me this unique opportunity to work with you and for you. Much has <br />been achieved and much is left to do. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council January 5, 2006 Page 3 <br /> State of the City <br /> <br />