CC Minutes - 6/23/1997 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Misha Seymour, 1313 Lincoln #306, stated that he believed Downtown Mall Guides infringed on the right of freedom of assembly of youth who congregated in the downtown area. He said he believed guides selectively enforced rules and that the City was negligent in not providing public restroom facilities in the downtown area on Sundays. There being no further requests to speak, Mayor Torrey closed the public hearing. Ms. Elmer said that the council would consider Council Bill 4616, relating to the Downtown Services District. CB 4616--An ordinance concerning the Downtown Services District Occupancy Fee, amending sections 3.650, 3.660, and 3.680 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and declaring an emergency. Mr. Farr moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, that Council Bill 4616, with unanimous consent of the council be read the second time by council bill number only, and that enactment be considered at this time. Mr. Lee observed that the proposed ordinance renewal involved a self-imposed fee and had been successful in accomplishing its purpose. He said he believed it was important to become more sensitive to youth on the Downtown Mall and avoid rigidity in dealing with them. He complimented New Roads and other social service programs seeking to work with youth. Mr. Farr commented that he was acquainted with youth spending time on the mall and supported the DEI. The motion was adopted unanimously, 7:0. City Manager Elmer announced that the council would consider Council Bill 4616 by number only. Mr. Farr moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, that Council Bill 4616 be approved and given final passage. Ms. Nathanson stated that she believed DEI had strong support and was an idea that worked. She said she supported passage of the motion. She said she was disappointed that the council had not been given an opportunity to discuss assessment of surface parking lots in the DSD and expressed a hope that such a conversation could be scheduled for sometime in the future. Ms. Nathanson said that she did not believe the staff memorandum dated May 7, 1997, regarding Mall and park blocks was responsive to her concerns regarding service reductions. Mayor Torrey stated that he would raise the concerns of Ms. Nathanson regarding surface parking lots and service reductions on the mall with council officers to determine if it would be possible to schedule related discussions at a future meeting. Mr. Meisner stated that he shared the concerns of Ms. Nathanson. He said that he had requested specific information about direct and indirect costs of administering the DSD contract and that it had not been provided. He said he believed staff time involved in preparing council agenda items regarding the contract was an example of costs which were overlooked. He said he continued to hope the information could be provided. Mr. Farr stated that he felt work of the Downtown Mall Guides was generally more appreciated by the public than could be implied from the testimony received in the public hearing. Minutes--Eugene City Council June 23, 1997 Page 6 7:30 p.m.