HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/04/1987 Meeting
M I NUT E S
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Eugene City Council
Eugene Hilton Hotel--Board Room
February 4, 1987
5:30 p.m.
COUNCILORS PRESENT: Debra Ehrman, Freeman Holmer, Emily Schue, Cynthia
Wooten, Ruth Bascom, Roger Rutan, Jeff Miller
(7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.), Rob Bennett.
The adjourned meeting of January 28, 1987, of the City Council of Eugene,
Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie.
I. QUARTERLY PROCESS SESSION
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A. Levels of Service and Financial Support for Library
Mr. Miller said he is concerned about administrative adjustments to City
finances that are made without council involvement. For example, City
employees have been told to reduce their departmental budgets three percent
this year and four percent next year. The reductions will impact the delivery
of City services. He said the council could be more involved in financial
adjustments if the process is refi ned at the next council goa l-sett i n9
session.
Mr. Miller said he is especially concerned about the funding of the Eugene
Public Library. The library is now in the fifth group of Municipal Service
System Priorities. He suggested it be moved to the third group of priorities.
He said the move would indicate that the councilors think the library is
important. He said increases or decreases in library services should be
addressed in the budget process. They shoul d not be the result of
administrative action. He said putting the library in the third group of
priorities will mean that the council has decided on an acceptable level of
library services.
Mr. Holmer said administrative adjustments are appropriately made to conform
to the adopted bUdget. He suggested the process be changed so that the Budget
Committee and the City Council are involved in adjustments to the budget. He
said he is concerned because the adjustments change service levels that were
intended when the budget was approved. He would not favor changing the
library priority now.
Discussing Mr. Miller1s concern, Mr. Gleason reviewed the budget process and
library funding. He said putting the library in the third priority group
would restore the book budget and Bookmobile services to the level they were
two years ago. He recommended against moving the library into the third
category because the categories should be considered comprehensively.
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February 4, 1987
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Ms. Bascom said it would be appropriate to restore the library's funds for
this year and then consider its position in the priorities during the budget
process. Ms. Wooten and Ms. Schue said the council adopts the Cityls
Financial Management Goals and Policies and they establish the budget
pri orit i es.
Mr. Miller said the funds needed to restore the book and Bookmobile budgets
for FY87 are available and the amount is small compared to changes that are
sometimes made in funds for other services. He emphasized the importance of
the library to the community.
Answering Ms. Ehrman1s question, Mr. Miller said many people use the
Bookmobile. Ms. Bascom added that people have complained to her about
Bookmobile services. She said she supports the restoration of some library
services this year. She would prefer to address priorities in the budget
process.
Mayor Obie said he supports restoring the Bookmobile service. Ms. Ehrman said
she supports restoring the library services this year and moving the library
to the third category. Ms. Wooten said she supports restoring $4,600 to the
book budget now and moving the library to the third category during the budget
process.
Summarizing, Mr. Miller said the councilors want to make cuts in library
services during the budget process rather than having them made
administratively.
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Ms. Wooten said the councilors want to restore the Bookmobile services for
this year, but Mr. Rutan and Mr. Holmer said they do not agree with that
decision.
The councilors and Mayor discussed moving the library to the third category.
Ms. Ehrman said a decision now will give direction to the City Manager when
the Executive Budget is prepared. Ms. Bascom and Ms. Wooten said they need
more information and time to review the request. Mr. Rutan said the library
should be considered with other services during the budget process. Ms.
Wooten suggested the counci 1 revi ew the Fi nanci a 1 Management Goa 1 sand
Policies, perhaps annually. Mr. Miller said the councilors do not intend that
services will be reduced when they approve priorities. He said other services
have been increased and councilors did not indicate the concerns they are
expressing about increasing library services.
Mr. Rutan suggested the council identify the level of service that the City
will provide for each City service. He said budget decisions would be made in
that process.
Mr. Holmer said the council should have additional material before it reviews
all the priorities. He said a priority system of budget preparation gives
much discretion to the City Manager.
Mayor Obie directed the City Manager to present a proposal for restoring the
Bookmobile service for the rest of the year. He suggested the council
consider re-establishing priorities after consideration of the FY88 budget.
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B. Council Committee on Economic Diversification
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Ms. Wooten said the Council Committee on Economic Diversification (CCED) is
reviewing the Six-Point Economic Development Program. She said a community
roundtable is being considered as a means of obtaining public comment on the
review.
Later in the meeting, Mr. Rutan said the review of the Six Point Program has
taken a long time. He said he is pleased with the City's programs but there is
still much work to be done.
Later in the meeting, Mr. Bennett said the community needs realistic economic
development goals and accomplishments. If the goals are not accomplished,
citizens will lose interest.
C. Hazardous Materials Ordinance
Ms. Wooten said a draft ordinance concerning hazardous materials will be
presented for council consideration in April.
Mayor Obie said it is appropriate for the council to direct the staff to
prepare an ordinance. He suggested that comments on the subject be presented
to the councilors in the future so that the council can direct~the staff to
draft an ordinance. He asked Mr. Gleason to ask the staff to prepare a memo
cOflcerning hazardous materials for the councilors.
D. Nuclear Free Zone Task Force
~ Ms. Wooten said she would like a list of applicants for the task force.
Mayor Obie said the Council Subcommittee on Committees met this week and began
the process of developing their recommendation for membership on the task
force.
E. Urban Renewal Plan Update
Several councilors and Mayor Obie said the timing of a recent Downtown
Commission tentative recommendation concerning the Urban Renewal Plan Update
was not appropriate. The recommendation included references to the opening of
East Broadway and Willamette Street between 8th and 10th avenues to traffic.
The councilors said they had not expected the recommendation.
Mr. Whitlow said the Development Department staff did not expect the
recommendation concerning East Broadway. Mr. Gleason reviewed the process for
considering the Urban Renewal Plan Update which the council approved.
Ms. Ehrman said the council considered having a councilor on the Downtown
Commission and it might be beneficial. She said the council indicated that
the Urban Renewal Plan Update process should be slowed but the Downtown
Commission seems to be going right ahead. She wondered about the plan to help
finance awnings in the downtown.
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Mayor Obi e asked Mr. Gl eason to request the chairperson of the Downtown
Commission to report to the council on the commission's recent action and to
discuss ways to improve communication between the council and the commission.
Mr. Holmer reviewed the recommendation. He said some things that the council
soou1dJ,.<rfQ;?'T-~-<iD(lJt cannot be discussed in public sessions. Mr. Gleason
responded that he does not recommend executive sessions because peoplel s
expectations are raised by them.
Ms. Wooten said she would like additional information. She said there is a
possibility a private developer might fund the public plaza. She said a
public vote on the final design of the downtown renovation has been suggested.
She suggested that downtown commissioners report to the council after they
discuss their communication with the council and the possibility of having a
councilor on the commission.
Mayor Obie said the downtown renovation is a community-wide issue.
Ms. Schue said the discussion of downtown commissioners about spending Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) funds for a downtown public plaza may not have been
helpful before the vote on the Mahlon Sweet Airport expansion. She said
having a councilor on the Downtown Commission might help communications
because a councilor would have advised against a recommendation to open East
Broadway to traffic. She said the Downtown Commission probably does not
perceive a problem.
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Mr. Rutan said the real issue concerns the councilors. desire to be involved
in decisions about the downtown.
Ms. Bascom said the council indicated clearly that nothing should conflict
with consideration of the airport expansion. She said she would like
clarification from the staff. Mr. Gleason responded that the Downtown
Commission and the Development staff thought they were following the councills
direction.
Mr. Bennett said the Downtown Commissioners think they are following City
procedures. He said they are action-oriented people and want to get public
comment on the downtown renovation. He said he would not have advised them to
slow the process if he had been a councilor on the Downtown Commission.
Mayor Obie said one method of improving communications is to invite the
chairpersons of commissions and committees to have lunch with the council
periodically.
F. Mahlon Sweet Airport Expansion
Ms. Wooten said she would like a report from the Public Works Department staff
about the schedule for the public information program about the airport
expansion.
Ms. Ehrman said City staff only aids citizens in making presentations about
the proposed expansion. City staff does not initiate presentations.
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MINUTES--Eugene City Council
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Mr. Rutan discussed the financing of the airport expansion and said many
details must be worked out.
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G. University of Oregon Hayward Field
Mr. Rutan said the renovation of Hayward Field is very important to the
community. He said the Oregon Track Club needs help in organizing fund
raising.
H. Joint Social Services Committee, Lane Regional Air Pollution
Authority, Future of Our Library Committee
Ms. Ehrman reported that the Joint Social Services Committee has not met
recently and that the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority has a wood-burning
warning system ready to implement when the community experiences air
pollution.
Ms. Ehrman said the Future of Our Library Committee meets regularly. She said
the Development Department staff is discussing the location of an expanded
library but the discussions have not been reported to the Future of Our
Library Committee. She is concerned about the lack of communication.
I. Historic Preservation Ordinance
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Mr~ Holmer reported that the Historic Preservation Ordinance Review Task Team
is reviewing the historic preservation ordinance, the composition of the
Hi storic Review Board (HRB), and what body should hear appeal s to HRB
decisions.
Mr. Bennett said the major focus should be whether the HRB or the Planning
Commission should consider historic designations. He said perhaps
consideration of the designation should include consideration of uses for the
buildings.
J. Mr. Holmer's Travels
Mr. Holmer said he will miss several council meetings to attend national
conferences related to his membership on the National Council on Public Works.
K. League of Oregon City Activities
Ms. Schue discussed several meetings she will attend at which League of Oregon
Cities legislative issues will be adddressed.
L. Tree and Beautification Commission
Ms. Bascom reported on activities of the Tree and Beautification Commission.
She said the question of whether property owners should have to pay for
sidewalk repairs caused by City street trees will have to be addressed.
Ms. Bascom also di scussed Project Ci ty Pri de and a ci vi c group that is
discussing beautification issues.
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M. Performing Arts Issues
Ms. Bascom said she informs the Eugene Arts Foundation about City activities.
She discussed the contributions to local arts groups from endowments and the
budgets of the major arts groups which have an annual payroll of $1.1 million.
She said all the groups have financial troubles and they all contribute much
to the community.
Ms. Bascom reviewed the raise in rent for commercial users of the Silva
Concert Hall recommended by the Performing Arts Commission. She said the
schedule which decreased contributions to the local arts groups from the
Transient Room Tax Fund is almost complete.
Ms. Bascom said she encourages the Eugene Arts Foundation to make financial
information available to the public. She said she will supply the council
with as much information as possible.
Mr. Gleason said about 25 percent of the 300 performances at the Hult Center
are sold out. In addition, there are about 400 other events at the Hult
Center.
Mr. Holmer said the decrease in contributions to the local arts groups from
the Transient Room Tax Fund was to offset the money from the General Fund that
goes to the Hult Center.
Ms. Wooten said she would like to know more about the budget review and other
procedures of the Performing Arts Commission.
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Answering questions from Ms. Ehrman, Ms. Bascom said the local arts groups
must obtain many private contributions to offset the loss of transient room
tax funds. She said the arts groups are still paying their debt to the Hult
Center.
N. Appointed Commissions, Boards, and Committees
Mr. Bennett said the appointed commissions, boards, and committees make an
important contribution. He urged the council to give good direction and
support to the advisory groups.
O. Trip to San Antonio
Mayor Obie suggested that councilors who attend conferences share the things
they learn in reports that can be distributed to the other councilors. He
suggested Mr. Bennett report on his recent trip to San Antonio.
P. Preparations for Washington, D.C., Trip
Mayor Obie discussed preparations for the trip to Washington, D.C. that
several councilors will make soon. He asked that Ms. Freedman draft a letter
suggesting that The Register-Guard send a reporter with the councilors to
Washington, D.C.
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Q. Elevator in 5th Street Public Market
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Mayor Obie reported that City regulations require an elevator in the Fifth
Street Public Market. He said he wanted the council to be aware that he has
applied for a Federal loan to finance the elevator and the loan application is
processed by the City. The City does not make a recommendation about the
loans. He asked that if any councilor had a concern to let him know.
R. Boy Scout Tour of City Hall
Mayor Obie said two Boy Scout troops toured City Hall recently. He said they
asked about security at City Hall and if the Mayor has a chauffeur.
Mayor Obie asked Mr. Gleason to prepare a memo concerning security precautions
in the Council Chamber.
Mayor Obie recessed the meeting at 7:45 p.m. and reconvened it about 7:50 p.m.
S. Council Subcommittee on Committees
Ms. Ehrman said the Council Subcommittee on Committees discussed whether the
terms of councilors on commissions, boards, and committees should be limited.
Mr. Holmer said the issues involve balancing the need for continuity and the
need for fresh input.
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The councilors discussed the issue. Mr. Rutan said changes in councilors'
assignments should be considered but changes should not be mandated. Mr.
Miller said he agrees with Mr. Rutan. Ms. Bascom said she raised the issue
because she thought she could contribute to the Joint Parks Committee because
of her previous experience. She said it is inconsistent for the council to
limit the terms for which citizens can serve on advisory groups and not limit
councilorsl terms. Ms. Schue said experience and contacts are valuable. For
example, she has learned much as the councilor representative for several
years to the Lane Council of Governments.
Mayor Obie said he supports continuing the current practice to be sensitive to
each other1s concerns. He said some people have served as alternates for
several years.
T. Crime Action Task Force Final Report
Mayor Obie said the council will consider the final report of the Crime Action
Task Force on February 11, 1987. He said the task force filled a critical need
in the community. He favors acceptance of the report and formation of a crime
action committee to work with the Police, Fire and Emergency Services
Department on citizen problems. He asked the councilors for their opinions.
Mr. Miller said many creative aspects of the task forcels report address
social service activities. He suggested formation of an advisory committee to
work with the council as well as the Police Division. Mayor Obie responded
that he is concerned about overlapping activities.
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Mr. Holmer wondered if the committee should address crime prevention or public
safety.
Ms. Ehrman wondered about a charge to the advisory group and its cost to the
city. Mr. Gleason responded that advisory groups that report to the council
are expensive. Their recommendations affect City policies and only senior
staff members are assigned to those groups. They each cost at least $40,000
to $50,000 annually and the groups then lobby the council for fi nanci a 1
support for projects. He said advisory groups that work with departmental
staff members are useful but do not recommend policies to the council.
Consequently, they are not as expensive as groups that report to the council.
He said advisory groups that make recommendations about public safety
sometimes precipitate legal problems because the recommendations sometimes
involve employee/employer relationships.
Ms. Wooten discussed the work of the Crime Action Task Force. She said the
advisory committee should be a link between citizens and the Police, Fire and
Emergency Services Department. The committee should inform and educate people
in the community because the community must be involved in crime prevention.
She said the task forcel s report does not indicate the committee should
recommend policies. She said many of the recommendations in the task force's
report can be implemented without the allocation of additional funds. She
said she does not recommend broadening the scope of the task force's crime
prevention undertaking.
Mr. Holmer said he is concerned about the lack of an advisory group to the
Police, Fire and Emergency Services Department. He mentioned several advisory
groups to City departments. He said a public safety advisory group should not
be a review board. He wondered about the relationship of a public safety
committee and the Joint Social Services Fund Committee.
Mr. Bennett wondered why a committee is needed to implement the
recommendations in the task force's report. He wondered why the staff does
not implement the recommendations. Ms. Wooten responded that an informed
public ;s very necessary for a crime prevention programb'ecausecitizen support
is vital. She reviewed some of the recommendations in the report. Mr. Miller
added that committee members are very knowledgeable and have a vested interest
in crime prevention.
Ms. Bascom said some recommndations in the report have been implemented by the
staff.
Ms. Wooten asked if the councilors felt that the recommedations of the
committee would be awkward to deal with because of other concerns.
Mayor Obie said he is concerned about crime prevention getting out of balance
with other City services.
Ms. Schue said she does not want people to expect that all the recommendations
in the report will be implemented. She wondered if Police, Fire and Emergency
Services officials want a citizen advisory group. Mr. Gleason responded by
discussing groups like the Downtown Commission that advise the council and
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
February 4, 1987
Page 8
groups like the Building Construction Advisory Committee that advise the
staff.
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Mr. Miller said a permanent committee would build on the work of the task
force and prevent problems. He hoped the councilors were not saying they do
not want to hear requests for money to solve problems.
Answering questions from Ms. Wooten, Mr. Gleason said an advisory group to the
staff presents recommendations through the staff in the budget process.
Ms. Bascom said she is not interested in a council-appointed group but she is
interested in a group that would work with the staff.
Ms. Wooten discussed some of the issues addressed by the task force in the
final report.
Ms. Ehrman suggested the staff present several options to the council on
February 11, 1987. The other councilors agreed with her.
u. Eugene Celebration
Mayor Obie said the council should decide if there should be a Eugene
Celebration in 1987, what the scope of the Celebration should be, and whether
the Celebration should be organized by an advisory group to the council and
staff or by a private group.
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Mr. Rutan said the Eugene Celebration has been an excellent activity. He said
the council needs to decide the level of involvement and the kind of
involvement the City should have in the Celebration. He said the council has
a responsibility to treat the Celebration the same way it treats other
activities. Therefore, roles and responsibilities should be defined. He said
all City services that support the Celebration, as well as the cash
contribution, should be specified. For example, the services of the Public
Works Department that support the Celebration should be in the package.
Answering a question from Mayor Obie, all the councilors agreed that a Eugene
Celebration should be held in 1987.
Ms. Schue said the City should either direct the Celebration or contract with
another organization to direct it. She said being "half in and half out" may
generate legal problems. She said it is important that the Celebration is
organized correctly because, otherwise, the councilors may have some personal
liability.
Mayor Obie said the best estimate he received is that the City contributes
about $50,000 in cash and about $50,000 in in-kind services to the
Celebration. Additional loss can occur if it rains. The estimate did not
include the rodeo.
Ms. Wooten said a rodeo will not be part of a City-supported Celebration in
the future. Mr. Gleason added that the 1986 rodeo resulted in a $13,000 loss.
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MINUTES--Eugene City Council
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Ms. Ehrman said she thinks the City should organize the Celebration in 1987.
She said it would be difficult to decide what the City's support should be and
to find another organization to manage it for 1987. She said the Celebration
could probably not occur without in-kind City support from several City
departments.
Mr. Miller said the council should decide what is to be included in the
Celebration. He said City support for the Celebration should be established
and maintained. He said the in-kind contribution comes from City funds and
should be included in the budget for the Celebration. He said the Celebration
should not be permitted to cost more than the amount budgeted from City funds.
Mr. Holmer said he appreciates the efforts of Ms. Wooten and Ms. Ehrman to
initiate the Celebration. He said there are groups in the community that can
organize the Celebration if they receive cash support from the City. He said
the amount of the cash support should be established. He said he might
support more of a City contribution than the estimated cost discussed by the
Mayor.
Ms. Schue said she does not know what group would organize the Celebration if
the City does not. Mr. Holmer noted that a non-profit organization was
established for the Celebration. Ms. Wooten said the non-profit organization
was established to assist in obtaining corporate sponsorships for the
Celebration and other community events.
Mr. Rutan suggested that recommendations about the organi zat i on of the
Celebration be requested from the staff.
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Mr. Miller suggested the council indicate the extent of cash and in-kind
contributions with which the City will support the Celebration in 1987 and
then ask the staff if it wants to, or can, organize the Celebration within
those restraints. He said the staff can contract for some services.
Mr. Bennett said he is concerned about the private sector's role in the
Celebration. He said the base of private support for the Celebration will
narrow as the City assumes greater responsibility. Answering questions from
Mr. Bennett, Ms. Wooten said fund raising efforts changed this year and got a
late start. It was hoped that corporations would underwrite specific
activities that do not create much revenue. She said she agreed with Mr.
Bennett1s concern.
Mayor Obie suggested that a committee be formed to organize the Celebration
for 1987. He said the committee could work with the staff and advise the
council. He suggested the City agree to provide in-kind services and up to
$50,000 cash that is matched by contributions from the private sector. He
said the structure could be evaluated after the 1987 Celebration.
Ms. Wooten said she supports a "scaled-back" Celebration for 1987 and efforts
to define the role of the City.
Mr. Miller excused himself and left the meeting at this time.
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February 4, 1987
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Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman about Mayor Obiels suggestion, Mr.
Gleason said some parts of a 1987 Celebration need to be organized now. The
organization cannot wait to see if matching funds are obtained. He said
efforts to obtain matching funds can be made and evaluated next year but
commitments and contracts must be made now. He said a committee helps the
City staff with corporate sponsorships and other things.
Mayor Obie suggested the staff present a proposal to the council for the
organization of the Celebration this year. He emphasized that he wants to see
a commitment to the Celebration from the private sector and the advisory
committee.
Mr. Holmer said the council's concern about City contributions to the
Celebration should be communicated to the private sector and, if the private
sector is not interested in the Celebration, the council should know it.
Mr. Gleason discussed methods of getting corporate sponsorship for such things
as a bike race. He said he understood that the private sector must be involved
in supporting the Celebration, that the event should be somewhat scaled back,
and that City cash and in-kind contributions should be controlled and reported
to the council. He emphasized that proof of matching contributions probably
cannot be given early in the organization of the 1987 Celebration.
Ms. Wooten reiterated that it is time to return to the basics of the
Ce~ebration.
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Mayor Obie said the council had not really addressed the issue of "scaling
back" the Celebration except for the elimination of a rodeo. He said the cost
should be about 50/50/50 which would not be much of a "scale back."
Ms. Ehrman wondered about voluntary fund-raising efforts. She said the non-
profit organization hired a fund raiser in 1986.
V. Destination Point Development/Special Events
Mr. Rutan reviewed how the City got involved in destination point activities.
He discussed the Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, efforts
of the Parks and Recreation Department to use City facilities for destination
point activities, and the growth of the Celebration and the Destination Point
Development Division of the Parks and Recreation Department. He suggested
that the City should "get out of the destination point business." He said the
City duplicates activities of the Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitors
Bureau.
Mr. Holmer said he received copies of contracts the City has with non-profit
organizations. He said some are supported by the Transient Room Tax Fund. He
said the most important destination point attraction in the city is the Hult
Center for the Performing Arts. He wondered if the Transient Room Tax Fund
should be used instead of the General Fund to support the Hult Center.
Ms. Schue said many major destination point activities take place at Hayward
Field at the University of Oregon. She discussed efforts of the Oregon Track
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February 4, 1987
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Club to reconstruct the field and the impact of future track and field events
on the community.
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Mayor Obie said motel and restraurant owners say track and field events bring
more money into the community than any other destination activity. He said
the events involve hundreds of people and last several days.
Ms. Ehrman and Mr. Holmer asked what the motel and restaurant industry does to
promote track and field events and to reconstruct Hayward Field. Mayor Obie
responded that the motel and restaurant industry supports the Convention and
Vi s itors Bureau.
Responding to a question from Mayor Obie, Ms. Schue discussed how
Indianapolis, Indiana, developed athletic facilities and a program for
attracting athletic events.
Mr. Rutan said some people say that Indianapolis is now the track capital of
the world. He said he does not doubt that the local community should be
involved in destination point activities but he wonders if the City should be
involved in them. He said he is concerned about duplication and the lack of
cooperation with the Convention and Visitors Bureau. He said he is concerned
about the renovation of Hayward Field because track and field is extremely
important to the community. He wondered if the City should concentrate on one
or two special events.
Ms. Ehrman said she heard a presentation indicating the City does not
duplicate the activities of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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Mr. Holmer said University of Oregon officials have not clarified their
priorities for destination point activities.
Mayor Obie agreed with Mr. Holmer and said the renovation of Hayward Field
will not have as great an impact on the University as it will have on the
community. He said the athletic events and cultural events such as the Bach
Festival have a great effect on the Eugene lifestyle.
Mr. Bennett wondered about the timing of destination point events.
Mayor Obie discussed the tremendous financial impact of University of Oregon
students on the community and wondered if they could be replaced in the summer
months with people from the southwest.
Ms. Wooten said the destination point activities issue concerns the City's
role in recruiting summer visitors and audiences at the Hult Center as well as
marketing and organizing special events.
Ms. Ehrman said the City is involved in marketing because Eugene gets many
conventions as a result of special events such as the Bach Festival and Eugene
Celebration. She wondered how much City effort should be spent on those
events.
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MINUTES--Eugene City Council
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Mr. Rutan wondered if the objective is to recruit people who will stay in
Eugene or to recruit people who will come for special events and leave.
tit Mr. Holmer said there are advantages in recruiting retirees.
Ms. Bascom suggested the staff present a proposal for focusing destination
point activities.
Mayor Obie and Ms. Schue said past efforts have been successful. Eugene has
many visitors.
Mr. Gleason said community efforts are good but focus is needed. He suggested
the council appoint a group to review special events) the arts groups) and
facilities and then make recommendations about future activities. He said the
staff will prepare a report and a presentation. He said the term IJdestination
point activity" is too broad. He emphasized that the Culture and Leisure Plan
has been adopted and those policies will apply. The councilors agreed with
Mr. Gleason's suggestion. They directed that the report be presented to the
council.
Mayor Obie discussed several events this year and said the City should prepare
for the future.
Replying to a question from Ms. Ehrman) Ms. Wooten said Lane County officials
have awarded a contract to develop a tourism plan for Lane County. Probably
the recently approved additional room tax will implement the plan.
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Mayor Obie said facilities are very important for special events. Ms. Wooten
added that a community must have facilities to attract special events and
people.
Mr. Gleason said facilities will be part of the report.
Mayor Obie adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
(Recorded by Betty Lou Rarick)
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