CC Minutes - 01/07/09 State of the City

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services. Collaboration and innovation are needed to restructure our public safety system with our county partners. We cannot have this revolving door in our jail, and a court system that cannot do its job. While our city is still rated one of the safest, this won't continue if the system is not fixed. Eugene voters will support specific, balanced and accountable solutions that are not simply a forwarding of failed policies. We need to keep moving toward community policing and a successful and fully functioning police oversight program and we need to ensure that our police, fire and EMS services have the tools to keep up with demands. The City will have the opportunity to demonstrate accountability in how it implements the road repair bond and report back to the public. This gives us a step up in reducing our backlog and council will decide on the next step forward. We will lobby for the state to do its fair share as well. The City moves forward with sustainable traffic solutions for West Eugene. The West Eugene Collaborative has finished it work and is producing a report with recommendations regarding improving the flow of people and products, reducing traffic, and improving the livability of West Eugene. In tough times, Eugeneans often step up to meet the needs of the community. We already see an increase in those in need offood and shelter. The Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee to Finance Homelessness and Housing Programs will report its recommendations to the council on January 26 It will then be important for a larger community discussion to occur about the steps this community is willing to take to reduce the numbers and ensure that more of citizens have basic needs met, including treatment programs mental health care and shelter options. It will not be cheap. Beam's renovation of the Center Court Building is scheduled to start in late spring of this year. In addition, the EWER riverfront master planning process is underway, offering us new opportunities for linking the city to our waterfront. Incorporating the growth and linkage of parks and the key role of visual arts is essential in all we do. Other important projects are being planned, such as Brian Obie's boutique hotel at the 5th Street Public Market. Important community issues will keep on coming in 2009. The council will have a January work session to discuss the future of the venerable and historically important Civic Stadium. The City Manager has stated that he will examine whether or not an in -house city attorney makes good governance and economic sense for a city of our size and complexity, and will be seeking input from the City Council as part of his analysis. In summary, we have made much progress, seen some disappointments and have much to look forward to. Now Eugene is prepared to take decisive steps to respond to the economic, environmental, and social challenges we face while keeping us on course in providing basic services and good governance. This is the work we do together. Soon the new President's inauguration will take place and in spite of all that is wrong, and all that we fear, we find ourselves hopeful for good changes at every level. We are asked to pull together, to help this country be what it should be - at home and in the greater world. We are asked to pull together – there is work to be done – serious work. We are asked to be audacious and to care for those beyond our own families and friends and border. We are asked to be prepared for the long haul and to recognize that such change will and does take time. MfNUTES —City Council January 7, 2009 Page 8