CCMinutes - 01/26/04 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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and found it an uplifting experience. She believed the community debate that occurred earlier in the year contributed to the overwhelmingly successful celebration. Ms. Solomon arrived. Mr. Kelly also commended the Martin Luther King, Jr. March and noted that a North Eugene High School student had read a very powerful poem. He also attended the ceremony that evening at the Hult Center, and thanked those who organized it. Ms. Solomon reported that Ms. Taylor was recently elected the chair of the Human Services Commission. Ms. Solomon reported that the grand opening of the new Bethel Safety Substation would take place the next day. City Manager Taylor thanked Ms. Nathanson and Mr. Kelly for their assistance in promoting the Hult Center with their performances in anticipation of the January 28 event. City Manager Taylor called attention to a flier regarding a briefing opportunity that was occurring the next day with County and City officials on a tentative settlement of the lawsuit between local governments and the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). He recognized Assistant City Manager Jim Carlson for his work in bringing the matter to a resolution. Mr. Poling encouraged all residents to vote on Ballot Measure 30 by the time ballots were due. Mayor Torrey said that he had been very impressed by the downtown charrette and the in-depth planning that had been done. Some great concepts had been brought up. He encouraged the council to read the report when it was available. Mayor Torrey also encouraged residents to participate in Readin' in the Rain. At the request of Mayor Torrey, Ms. Bettman assumed the chair. Mayor Torrey briefly left the meeting. B. WORK SESSION: Proposed Revisions to Traffic Ordinances City Manager Taylor introduced Judge Wayne Allen and Court Administrator Marilyn Nelson, who were present to discuss proposed changes to the City's traffic violations and criminal offenses ordinances. City Prosecutor Dan Barkovic, Traffic Enforcement Sergeant Derel Shulz, and Katheryn Brotherton of the City Attorney's Office were also present for the item. Ms. Nelson reviewed the proposed changes, noting that several were made to mirror changes in State law. Mayor Torrey reentered the meeting. Judge Allen discussed recent State law changes establishing higher mandatory minimum fines, which Eugene did not propose to adopt. He said that often those assessed with high fines were unable to pay them, MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 26, 2004 Page 2 Work Session