Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

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6. Should there be a public opinion survey prior to placing a measure on the ballot? Mayor Piercy called on the council for questions and comments, noting the first question before the council was whether to pursue such a revenue measure at this time. Ms. Ortiz said she wanted to first know if such a measure would make a difference to the schools. In response, 4J School District Superintendent George Russell indicated that an annual $10 million would assist the district through the next few years. Bethel Superintendent Colt Gill said Bethel’s shortfall was estimated to be $4 to $7.5 million annually, and any revenue coming to the district would be helpful. Ms. Ortiz understood the districts were considering operating levies and asked if the superintendents believed they would also be able to pass those levies if the City placed a measure on the ballot. Superintendent Russell indicated that the 4J School District Board of Directors would have to discuss that. He had recommended the 4J board refer a $130 million bond measure to the voters in May 2011. Superintendent Gill said that he had also recommended a general obligation bond measure of between $10 million and $12 million to his board. Preliminary polling had been positive, but it had occurred before discussion of a City tax measure. Mayor Piercy said those advocating for the measure wanted to help the schools and alleviate reductions that would increase class size and furlough days. She asked if the superintendents perceived the proposal the council was being asked to consider as helpful or a problem in terms of what the districts were trying to accomplish. Superintendent Gill suggested the Bethel board needed to discuss that question. He said the issue was complicated by a lack of information about the revenue to be received and the reductions that had already been implemented, which included negotiated concessions from employee groups. He did not know how the revenues would be used, but believed that those who supported such a measure anticipated it would reduce class sizes and restoring contract agreements. Superintendent Russell agreed with Superintendent Gill. He said the 4J board would have to discuss the issue. If such a measure were to pass, the revenues would have to be targeted to address certain community concerns, such as class size and the length of the instructional year. Mayor Piercy asked when the districts would need to know the details of any revenue proposal in order to have a board discussion. Superintendent Russell said he would make some final recommendations to the school board the following day about the reductions it needed to make in the next school year. Any potential revenue source could affect the decisions made over the next three to four months. 4J School District Board of Directors Chair Craig Smith suggested that depending on the device chosen, the money might not be available until much later in the year. Mr. Clark said he had two small children in grade school in the 4J district and high-quality schools were important to him. He also wanted to see the community lead the state in quality of schools. However, he had concerns about the conversation as it regarded timing. There were many elements to the discussion and the council could be acting quickly to stem a problem that it might not be able to have an impact on until next year. For that reason, he wanted to ensure that anything the City did was smart and well thought-out. Mr. Clark observed that Governor John Kitzhaber said in his “State of the State” speech that the funding st crisis gave the State an opportunity to rebuild its house for the 21 century. He believed the council must consider what the State legislature would do in regard to education funding. He recommended that the City take more time rather than move quickly toward a May measure. He questioned whether adding a MINUTES—Eugene City Council January 11, 2010 Page 7 Regular Meeting