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participating youth come to all the performances, enhancing the community connection. The same was true of music. The resident companies were particularly important as music and arts were being reduced at the schools. Ms. Bettman did not want to overlook that. She thought the community did a good job in supporting sports and sports fields and said that should be extended equitably to cultural opportunities. She looked forward to the implementation of the vision presented. Ms. Bettman suggested the City could begin its marketing in a more modest and regional effort and asked what the City was doing in terms of marketing to communities such as Ashland and Medford. Mr. Hankins said the effort was just beginning, and he would know more when the growth plan was completed in the next few months. Ms. Jones added that the City could not longer afford to be just a landlord. In the past it had not actively recruited events, but limited resources forced staff to think more creatively and collaboratively. For that reason, the division was looking at a growth strategy rather than a reduction strategy. Mr. Taylor said the issue was linked to many other issues, such as downtown revitalization. He said the division was not proposing to do ~less with less"; staff wanted to find ways to make things grow and build on the vitality that made Eugene unique. He believed the 25th anniversary of the Hult Center was a chance to create a focal point around an action plan. Ms. Nathanson concurred the City could no longer afford to be merely a landlord. She recalled past proposed reduction strategies aimed to close Cultural Services Division facilities, and was thankful the City had not taken that course. She found the presentation to be exciting and important, and thanked Mr. Hankins. She agreed with everything that had been said, and pledged her assistance. Mr. Pap~ emphasized the importance of enhancing the connection between the City and University's arts events, facilities, and institutions. Mr. Pap~ agreed with Mr. Kelly about the importance of keeping the Hult Center and Cuthbert Amphithea- ter in public ownership, but did not necessarily agree that they should be managed publicly. He did not think the City should foreclose that option if necessary. Mayor Torrey expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of Mr. Hankins and for the work of the advisory committee. He thanked committee members. He said the council should not take for granted that the center would always be in place or that its importance was recognized by all. He said he had recently heard a suggestion that crosswalks in the downtown be marked artistically with ducks to emphasize the connection between the University of Oregon and the City, and suggested such a thematic approach could be taken to create more a connection to the University. Mayor Torrey suggested a new off-ramp from I-5 at Franklin Boulevard could be signed creatively and artistically from the freeway to the downtown in a way that took advantage of the remodeled arts museum on campus and downtown arts-related activities. Mayor Torrey encouraged staff to keep pushing on the council regarding the importance of the Hult Center. Ms. Taylor thanked staff and the committee for their work. She spoke of a recent visit she made to the Hult Center, where she heard the Eugene Concert Choir and was able to forget about everything else. She noted the high priority she personally placed on the arts and recreation. Ms. Taylor thought it important to build on the assets the community already had. She concurred with Mr. Hankins about the importance of the MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 12, 2004 Page 3 Work Session