Item 2A - Minutes Approval - Laserfiche WebLink

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they were not seen, they were doing their jobs well. He recalled the local history of IATSE, from 1929, two years before movies had sound. Mr. Sherman noted that IATSE had worked with the Hult Center from its inception, sometimes doing highly technical work. Ruth Maura Atcherson, 325 Crocker Lane, speaking as a member of IATSE Local 675, said union members were present to put a face on the union. She spoke of the many tasks performed by IATSE members, and said it was the union's goal to make everything backstage happen seamlessly and if as by magic. She termed herself a "theater nerd" and said union members loved their jobs. She described the tasks she had performed at recent Hult Center events. She felt blessed to work in such a fine facility, and said she heard nothing but compliments from those who came to Eugene with road shows, who were thankful to encounter experienced union crews due to the amount of money involved in putting on such an event. David Paul Black, 3010 Olive Street, also represented IATSE. He said IATSE had been serving the community for many years and had worked at close to 6,000 shows at the Hult Center. He appreciated the union's relationship with the City and welcomed its input. He said the Hult Center was a local master- piece. He encouraged the council to strive for excellence as the union did when it worked on each show. He spoke of the benefit to the community of the arts and recreation. Mr. Black said the traveling shows as well as the smaller shows spoke favorably to each about Eugene as well. He looked forward to a continuing relationship between IATSE and the City. Gary Gillespie, 790 East 23rd Avenue, encouraged the council to reconsider its decision not to place a moratorium on big box stores. He continued to have questions about the expansion of Wal-Mart, such as questions about its impact on nearby wetlands. He asked why Eugene would encourage a business in direct competition with union positions. Employees of Wal-Mart supercenters made 30 percent less per year than comparable employees who work in the same field. One of every 115 Americans already worked at Wal-Mart, which had inadequate health benefits that cost employees a great deal out-of-pocket for minimal coverage. He pointed out that Wal-Mart based its advertising campaigns on what it had been sued for in the past, such as not hiring minorities and women in management positions. Gary Lyle, 1615 Oakpatch Road, said that businesses with no regard for wage and hour laws and that turn to the tax payers for subsidies were not good corporate citizens. He called for more community input into the subject of big box retail developments. Bruce York, 349 Suburban Avenue, noted his background in the retail grocery industry, which provided him with a decent wage, benefits, and a pension plan. His company's attitude toward its employees had changed since Wal-Mart came to town. Grocery companies were seeking wage concessions and reductions in benefits to compete with Wal-Mart. He advocated for a council discussion on the subject of big box retail uses, and for community input into that process. He said such developments were a drain on tax payer dollars. Art Farley, 1667 Fairmount Boulevard, noted the presence of three members of the Mayor's Advisory Committee on the Comprehensive Parks Plan. He supported the council's decision to hold a work session on a possible ballot measure related to parks. He called for a bond measure to support acquisitions and a levy to support ongoing operations. He did not think an increase in the operations and maintenance budget could be ignored. He said the committee would provide a possible list of projects prior to the work session. Citizens want more park amenities, and should be given an opportunity to support a measure. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 10, 2004 Page 4 Regular Meeting