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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes - 01/03/05 SOC MINUTES Eugene City Council State of the City Hult Center Lobby January 3, 2005 5:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Bonny Bettman, Betty Taylor, David Kelly, Gary Papd, George Poling, Jennifer Solomon, Andrea Ortiz, Chris Pryor. i. Welcome and Introductions Council President Bonny Bettman welcomed those present, and introduced other members of the council and outgoing Mayor Jim Torrey and outgoing councilors Nancy Nathanson and Scott Meisner. ii. Musical Selection Those present heard a musical selection by violinists James and Joshua Harmon. iii. Convening Council Meeting Mayor James D. Torrey called the City Council meeting to order. IV. Recognition of Outgoing Councilors Mayor Torrey recognized the long-time contributions of outgoing councilors Nancy Nathanson and Scott Meisner. V. Administration of the Oath of Office City Recorder Mary Feldman administered the oath of office to incoming councilors Andrea Ortiz and Chris Pyror. She administered the oath of office to incoming Mayor Kitty Piercy. VI. Musical Selection Those present heard a musical selection by Jim Garcia and Bonnie Duran-Leaming. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 3, 2005 Page 1 State of the City VII. Special Presentation Mayor Piercy recognized outgoing Mayor Torrey for his many contributions to the community. VIII. State of the City Address The following is Mayor Kitty Piercy's State of the City Address: I am honored and enormously pleased to be here with you today, full of pride in our community and optimism for the future. On behalf of each of us who take office today, thank you for giving us this opportunity. Thank you for voting and participating in our civic process. For our outgoing officials, I want to add my thanks for your contributions to Eugene and wish you the very best in the future. For those of you who are city employees, I want to thank you for your service and tell you how much I look forward to working with you in the months ahead to achieve the goals of this community. Since the election, all over town people have come up to me, even those who did not vote for me, to express their great hopes for Eugene. If one place in this country is going to do it right, they hope it will be here. I can tell you that I am excited and hopeful as well. This State of the City speech is an opportunity for me to talk with the community about the current status of our city and to make proposals for future direction. My proposals today will be focused in large part on moving my six-point economic plan forward. These proposals are intended to recognize the work that has been done and to build on our city's strengths and assets. These proposals are premised on a strong belief that we are a remarkable community capable of meeting challenges and carving out an exciting and responsible future for generations to come. These proposals indicate my emphasis on supporting our families, strengthening our economy, and protecting our natural resources as the core elements of a sustainable community. As David Gottfried, founder of the U.S. World Green Building Council, has asked, ~How can we af- ford not to understand and embody standard practices that provide good air quality, energy and wa- ter efficiency, and health and comfort for all?' Adoption of these natural principles," he suggests, "will improve your firm's bottom line, ensure the survival of the planet, and contribute toward your own personal contentment.' Before I go into economic proposals, I would like to spend a few moments talking about both the strengths we have as a community and our public process. Understanding our strengths and using our public processes well are key to the success of any proposal. Our Community Strengths I know we have great strength as a community. We have families that have lived here for generations, and who have invested in our development and employed our people; newer residents who bring fresh commit- ment and ideas to this city and stay here because they love it. We have hundreds of neighbors who volunteer, serve on committees and join organizations to work on behalf of our community. We have the MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 3, 2005 Page 2 State of the City good fortune of being the home of many innovative and successful businesses that provide products and services that are the underpinnings of our local economy. We have remarkable social service providers whose great heart and innovative, successful programs are noted across this country. We have high-quality educational opportunities from pre-K through higher education. Our schools, our community college and our universities are noted for their excellence. We have artists and artisans of great depth and variety, giving us a huge array of cultural wealth. We live here nestled next to great rivers, rich farmland, unique wetlands, green ridges and buttes. This trove of outdoor beauty and recreational opportunity is a much- valued feature of our healthy community. We live in a great place and we need to say so! I feel so fortunate to be able to serve as its Mayor. The Public Process So, is this a perfect place? Perhaps not quite. Eugene is a community of many neighborhoods, many lifestyles and many opinions. Because we have so much we care about and because we are a knowledge- able, vested community, we take on all major (and some minor) issues with a certain amount of zeal. Thus, many folks have approached me to express concern about the fractious tone of our civic discussion. Some think we talk too much and process things to death. Others feel underrepresented in our public decision- making and want more meaningful discussions and participation. All would like to move forward but have different ideas about what that might look like. The vast majority express a strong belief that this is a great city to live in and they want to keep it that way. It's just that sometimes we disagree loudly about how to do SO. We have much in common. Since April 2003, I have been participating in a Growth and Development Roundtable convened by 1000 Friends of Oregon and the Lane Metro Partnership. The 16 community members are educators, environmentalists, transportation specialists, developers, builders, housing advocates, business owners and planners. Before we began potentially divisive discussions about our Urban Growth Boundary or the West Eugene Parkway, we elected to spend several meetings sharing our hopes for our community. I learned how much we all have in common, perhaps more than we differ. We share a respect for diversity and the rights and beliefs of all. We want high quality education. We want arts and culture and recreational and open space. We need clean air and water and public safety - just to name a few. Learning about each other allowed us to listen better, to like each other, to appreciate our common values and to better understand our differences. In many ways, this group represents the diverse points of view in Eugene and the real potential for better community conversations around public policy decisions that affect our lives. As former Governors John Kitzhaber and James Geringer of Wyoming have suggested in a recent Oregonian newspaper opinion piece, 'We must draw fellow citizens to the kitchen table where America has traditionally found its most durable solutions, and begin to make progress together.' (Oregonian, December 27, 2004) There is nothing inherently wrong with difference of opinion. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Different opinions based on facts, experiences and expertise enable us to initiate and consider policy proposals from a broad range of perspectives. In the best of worlds this results in sound decisions. We can improve how those opinions are expressed. I believe we can improve the quality of our civic discussions and that does not necessarily call for greater quantity. We, both leaders and community members, simply can aim together to do it better, to respect the views of all, to engage our residents in new ways and to carefully use the expertise MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 3, 2005 Page 3 State of the City we have. And, we can aim for the win-win whenever possible. Proposals: I am making several proposals for 2005 that are aimed at improving our public process and public communication. 1. Mayor's one-on-one. I intend to move these meetings out to the neighborhoods to create more opportunity to hear from residents across Eugene, and I hope to be joined by the city councilor repre- senting that neighborhood. 2. Develop better communication tools. I will ask City staff and my colleagues to help improve the ways the City communicates with and hears from its citizens through strengthening neighborhood organiza- tions and newsletters, better web tools, and improved hearings and council meetings. 3. Create a River Road/Santa Clara advisory committee. I support the City's current efforts to strengthen positive relationships with these areas and to provide opportunity to hear from them regarding City proposals that affect their lives. I support the Santa Clara/River Road residents' request for putting in place an on-going advisory committee. 4. Independent auditing of City services. I will work with the city manager and council to propose a process for independent auditing of City services that is consistent with our city manager type of gov- ernment, but that also addresses concerns for transparency in how an auditor is selected, how goals for audits are determined, and how the results of audits are shared and used. The dual intention here is to identify where we can do better within our city governance and to measure our improvements over time, and at the same time to respect the fine work of our City administration and staff. Social Service Infrastructure Is everyone doing well in our community? While many are, a recent United Way status report finds that more and more of our families are struggling to be housed, fed, receive health care and to have good jobs with incomes that can cover basic needs. We have learned from recent discussions about our stellar school systems that some of our children still are not able to achieve success and that is often aligned with insufficient incomes and basic needs struggles. Although the City is not a major social services provider, I know that all things are linked. Thus, we must do what we can in collaboration with our regional partners to ensure there are good job opportunities for those who need them. We must support the provision of a sound social service infrastructure. We must do what we can in partnership and advocacy to support our schools so that our youngsters have the opportunities for success they deserve. I know this community will continue to step up to these challenges. Proposals: In 2005 I am proposing that we: 1. Work with schools, social service agencies, higher education, business and regional partners to determine how we can meet the challenges facing our social service infrastructure and schools. This would include a particular focus on the holes in our social service systems that exacerbate student achievement gaps and the role the City can play in addressing them. 2. Explore ways to connect wage and benefit standards to economic incentives. Within our legal MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 3, 2005 Page 4 State of the City capacity, our City should use the tools available such as enterprise zones and urban renewal districts to encourage jobs that provide wages and benefits that enable workers to feed clothe and house their fami- lies and provide them with healthcare. SocialEquity Does everyone feel welcome and treated fairly in our community? I do believe that we would like that to be the case, but recent discussions regarding school achievement gaps, availability of mental healthcare services, and racial profiling are examples of inequities felt and lived in Eugene. I watched my son, a Pacific Islander by birth, struggle with each of these. I strongly believe we must find better ways to hear where we are failing and commit ourselves to improvement. We must take action where action has been lacking and measure our success in moving forward. I want to focus for a moment on the hate literature that has shown up in our community and across this state. We will not put up with it and we will stand as a community strongly against it. Racial and ethnic incidents and attitudes of intolerance are simply not acceptable if we wish to be a community where all people in Eugene feel safe and valued. Incidents of intolerance hurt all of us, whether or not we are part of a targeted group. Our progress in improving the climate for diversity and tolerance can ultimately improve Eugene's regional and national reputation, our ability to recruit and retain quality companies and employees, and the health of our community and strength of our local economy. It will just make us a nicer community for people to live in. Proposals: In 2005, I will be focusing on the following two issues: 1. External Review Board. I support establishing a Police External Review Board that will help us meet our city's goal of ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and appropriately by our police officers. 2. Meeting regularly with communities that feel discrimination. It is important that we talk together in our Human Rights Commission and in small meetings about what is working and what is not. Attention only at times of crisis is inadequate. I am not going to prescribe who should participate and what those meetings should cover. That is what I need to hear from these communities. And now, my thoughts and proposals regarding strengthening our economy: Putting Real Commitment into Sustainable Economic Practices Our city does many things well despite our economic challenges. I have spoken of our schools, social services, public engagement, arts and culture. We have a number of excellent City services and I have noted our great natural assets. Yet, often in recent years I have seen Eugene characterized as a divided and divisive community especially when it comes to business and the environment. I have heard Eugene labeled as a difficult place to do business because of our concern for our environment. I would like to change that message. We have excellent schools and a beautiful environment and these are key attractions for business investors. Oregon ranks among the top seven states in three broad economic MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 3, 2005 Page 5 State of the City development indicators, earning a spot on the "honor role" from the Corporation for Enterprise Develop- ment, based in Washington DC. They say Oregon's economic development picture presents a %trong mix of resource efficiency and quality of life." Furthermore, in my conversations with people throughout our community, I have learned that, across all sectors and political affiliations, our residents believe Eugene can and should have a strong economy and protect this beautiful natural environment. People choose to live here because they love the rivers, ridges and trees, the greenness of our valley, the clean water and air. They also want good employment opportuni- ties and a strong economy so that they can raise their families. By encouraging businesses that are sustainable, we can meet the goals of environmental regeneration, social equity and profitability. I notice that the word sustainability is commonly used in many different ways and when I mention it, there is frequently some question or confusion as to my meaning. Sustainable economic development refers to actions of government entities to protect natural capital (like water, plants, and energy) and human capital (such as labor, education, and health) while supporting personal and business prosperity in the present. As the level of governance closest to the community, local governments play a vital role in educating, mobilizing, and responding to the public to promote sustainable economic development. State government is showing enormous interest in sustainable business practices and many communities will take advantage of new opportunities. We need to move quickly, making the case that we have the interest and expertise and can demonstrate leadership. Proposals: I am proposing that in 2005 we: 1. Form a Sustainability Advisory Board or Commission. This would be composed of stakeholders who would propose process-oriented next steps the City and its partners can take to propel themselves to- ward a comprehensive sustainable development initiative, one that goes beyond where the city is today. We can build our base of environmental services and technology industries and other businesses pushing the envelope of social and environmental sustainability. 2. Form an Internal City Sustainability Steering Committee. This committee would include department heads and elected officials to guide internal City sustainability efforts. 3. Recognize local businesses that are good examples of using sustainable practices or making sustainable products. From green building to bio-diesel fuel use, Eugene is full of good practices and products that should be recognized. 4. Work with the Chamber of Commerce on a local purchasing initiative. Supporting local business as a city or in collaboration with other entities and buying locally is good for us all. 5. And fundamentally I want us to promote Eugene as a great place to live and work. The Downtown Economy There is work unfinished in this community, from resolving traffic issues in west and north Eugene to locating a hospital and opening our new Federal Courthouse, and the downtown continues to need special consideration. Eugene is a community that deserves a vital and active downtown, the hub of our community MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 3, 2005 Page 6 State of the City life. We are working on it. We have built a worthy library, invested in streets, created housing opportuni- ties and now turn our eyes to future civic development. We need a more in-depth conversation about what that should be like. The arts is one area that could help grow our downtown, connect us to the university, encourage economic development and build on our assets. We are a community blessed with a large number of artists and artisans who bring culture and joy into our downtown and add value to our lives through crafts and the visual and performing arts. Many organizations and individuals are ready to push this effort forward. Proposals: I will be proposing that in 2005 we: 1. Identify downtown Eugene as the cultural epicenter of our region. Through growing a year round calendar of events we can bring more business and people downtown. 2. Support the designation of Eugene as the "World's Greatest City for the Arts' and Outdoors." I want to thank Robb Hankins of the Hult Center for this designation. I think it's a winner. 3. Explore the development of a Local Cultural Trust with Downtown Eugene, Inc. (DEI) to promote arts and culture and to benefit locally from the Oregon Cultural Trust. 4. Consolidate all City arts' effbrts under Cultural Services. This will help in the development of the other ongoing and new efforts. We're a vibrant community that's an attractive home for businesses. With the actions I have proposed, I plan to help us capitalize on our assets and our people, and grow a healthy economy thoughtfully, for the long-term. Now, I want to close this State of City conversation with some promises about what you can expect from me in my role as Mayor. I am proud of this community and honored to serve. I will continue to reach out to people to hear their concerns and perspectives and to find ways for us to work together. I will be forthright and honest and do the people's work with transparency and respect for all. I will take the hard stand when necessary but look for the win/win. You will always know where I am coming from. I will maintain a good sense of humor, humility and a strong passion for justice. I will work with our regional, state and national partners on behalf of this great community. I will be easy to reach and easy to talk to. I hope to hear from you. Again, my deep gratitude to you all. IX. Musical Selection Those present heard a musical selection from the Soromundi, Lesbian Chorus of Eugene, under the direction of Lisa Hellemn and Karm Hagedorn. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 3, 2005 Page 7 State of the City X. Closing Remarks and Adjournment Mayor Piercy adjourned the meeting at 7 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dennis M. Taylor City Manager (Recorded by Kimberly Young) MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 3, 2005 Page 8 State of the City