Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

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will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its expression should be our first object.” He believed that message applied today. He also noted that the Oregon Constitution’s Bill of Rights prohibited laws restricting the freedom of expression. He suggested the City Attorney needed to revisit his opinion on the topic and promised to fight for his right to free speech. Michael Lambros , 17 East Hillcrest Drive, discussed his concerns about “chem trails,” which he believed were caused by airplanes flying in grid formation that sprayed white lines. While he had contacted several regulatory agencies, he was unable to get an answer to his questions about the trails and did not know if the community should be concerned. Nathan Fendrich , 2900 Firwood Way, shared an anecdote about his late mother-in-law’s dedication to the United States, saying that she had escaped Nazi Germany in 1936 with nothing and came to the United States. She was an extremely patriotic person, and when she was interviewed about six years ago and asked where she wanted to be buried, she said she wanted to be buried holding the American flag. He suggested that council meetings, because of their purpose as a forum for free speech, were an appropriate venue for the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Piercy closed the Public Forum and thanked those who offered comment. Ms. Ortiz thanked those who testified. She asked if the council could provide input regarding the proposed closures at the fairgrounds and indicated she preferred to retain the access that existed. She also thanked Mr. Fendrich for his remarks and commended the program 50 States, 50 Citizens, which showed the experiences of immigrants. Speaking to Mr. Macherione’s remarks, Mr. Clark said he would be interested in knowing how the City’s Sign Code differentiated between commercial and political speech. He was also concerned about the City’s acceptance of anonymous complaints given that the Constitution allowed for someone accused of something to face their accuser. He understood that anonymity was intended to protect people against retribution but he had some concerns about it. City Manager Jon Ruiz promised to provide additional information. Ms. Taylor also questioned why Mr. Macherione’s sign was illegal. Mayor Piercy said she had the opportunity to meet Mr. Fendrich’s mother-in-law and regretted her passing. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR -- The Consent Calendar was approved at the 5:30 p.m. work session. Mayor Piercy adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Beth Forrest City Recorder (Recorded by Kimberly Young) MINUTES—Eugene City Council July 25, 2011 Page 2 Regular Meeting