CC Minutes - 02/13/06 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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reopened. City Manager Dennis Taylor determined that Councilor Kelly did not object to suggestions for other locations. Speaking to the comments of Mr. Northup and others who raised concerns about the gender identity issue, Councilor Kelly said the Human Rights Commission held no secret meetings. Each meeting had a published agenda, a minutes recorder, and an opportunity for public comment. There were two public forums on the topic at which dozens of comments were received. It was routine for the commissioners to meet with constituents regarding proposals of a variety of natures. However, no decisions were made at these meetings. Anything the commission did with regard to gender identity would be done in public and the matter would come to the council for public deliberation and action. Councilor Bettman suggested the information uncovered by Ms. Segal was relevant to the decision made by the Boundary Commission and asked what the significance of that information was and if it had been available to the Boundary Commission. City Manager Taylor indicated he would have to confirm that information. Councilor Bettman asked if the information could be made available by the Wednesday work session. City Manager Taylor said he would make every attempt to find out. Councilor Ortiz expressed appreciation to those who spoke, particularly the representatives of LEAD. She did not know what the council could do with regard to the OSAA decision, but offered her personal assistance if it was needed. Councilor Ortiz agreed the decision was not a good one. In response to comments about the hospital location, Councilor Ortiz clarified that the council had no control over where hospitals go. The City could not proscribe their locations. Councilor Papé also thanked those who spoke and said he did not recall having such a diverse group of speakers in terms of issues. He commended the representatives of LEAD for their heart-rending testimony. Councilor Papé agreed with Councilor Kelly about the open nature of the meetings of the Human Rights Commission but he did not think that was the complaint made; rather, those offering testimony complained about private meetings. He said the appearance of impropriety sometimes called into question the results, and asked for a memorandum about the topic and the involvement of staff and the City Attorney’s Office. Councilor Papé referred to the College Hill Reservoir issue and asked if the City could work with EWEB to maintain access to the five-acre site, which was valuable open space. He asked if the City could find out what it could do. Councilor Taylor also thanked those who spoke. She thought the City Council would regret the slogan it adopted for Eugene as the “Greatest City for the Arts and Outdoors” because it was hypocritical. She indicated support for Mr. Orval’s efforts because of his contributions to the community. Councilor Taylor hoped the council could use its influence with EWEB to keep the reservoir open to the public. Councilor Taylor said the City was fortunate to have the University of Oregon and University students prepared to help with design ideas for downtown. She hoped the City would listen to the students and not say it was too late for their input. MINUTES—Eugene City Council February 13, 2006 Page 8 Regular Meeting