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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/23/1984 Meeting M I NUT E S e Eugene City Council City Council Chamber April 23, 1984 7:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Brian Obie, Cynthia Wooten, John Ball (from 7:48), Richard Hansen, Freeman Holmer, Emily Schue, Betty Smith, Joyce Nichols. Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Towing Practices Ordinances (memo, report, ordinances distributed) City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. Councilor Holmer presented the report to the council. Introducing the members of the Towing Practices Committee, he felt that the members adequately represented all parties involved in the issue. e William Potter of the Towing Practices Committee reviewed committee's report of April 2,1984, to the City Council, outlining the concerns of the involved parties, the findings, those concepts not recommended, and the recommendations developed by the committee. In addition to the recommended sign language listed in the report, he stated that the citation language would have to be added to the sign if adopted. He also stated that the ordinance did not address towing vehicles parked in fire lanes. He stated that two ordinances had been drafted, one dealing with the City citation as an alternative to towing and the other with unlawful business practices. Although he stated the council could adopt either or both of the ordinances, Mr. Potter stated that the committee was recommending that both ordinances be adopted. Marvin Price, also of the committee, stated that the Oregon Tow Truck Associa- tion supported both ordinances as a measured response to the problems occurring in Eugene. The association also felt the ordinances met the legitimate interests of the effected public. He believed that the ordinances were well-developed and that the process used in their development was totally appropriate. He recom- mended that the council adopt the ordinances. Councilor Ball entered the meeting at this time. Councilor Holmer stated that City Attorney Keith Martin had assisted in the drafting of the proposed ordinances. He added that the proposed ordinances and committee report had been reviewed by the Downtown Commission which recommended their adoption. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 1 The public hearing was opened. ~ No testimony was presented in favor of the ordinances. Speaking in opposition to the proposed ordinances: Leon J. swafer, 527 Fillmore, owner and general manager of Emerald Towing Company, fe t that the ordinances would unjustly act against his towing company because it performed 90 percent of the impounding in Eugene. He stressed that his company would not impound any vehicle unless the private property owner did not want the vehicle removed. He questioned the results of the committee report, stating that none of the members was experienced in private property impounding. He stated that one of his major concerns was whether the ordinances would be equally applied to all towing companies. He related an incident in which only the Emerald Towing Company was sent a letter in September 1982 by then Assistant City Prosecutor Kit Leonard requiring more specific language on its signs, although the company's signs had been approved based on the September 1981 ordinance. He said the signs were changed to comply with the letter's request for increased specifity. Subsequent to this incident, he stated that he was taken to court over an impounded vehicle in September 1983. He stated that he submitted photographs of other towing company signs, illustrating that these other companies were not complying with the September 1982 letter. While Mr. Swager was fined and required to repay the impound fee, he said he was satisfied that the judge required the City Prosecutor to notify all towing companies of the required language. However, Mr. Swager stated that the City Prosector only notified those companies for which photographs were submitted in the trial. Mr. Swager said he wanted to ensure that the proposed ordinances would be equally applied to all towing companies. He then related another incident in November 1983 when he notifed the Eugene Police Department of another towing operator illegally impounding a vehicle but the police officer at the scene authorized the impound. In response to a letter to Police Chief James Packard, Mr. Swager received a letter stating that Chief Packard believed his integrity to have been maligned. Mr. Swager stated that he was visited by Sergeants Mann and Jordan who suggested that he write a 1 etter of apology to Chief Packard. Although he did write the letter, he said nothing to date has been done about the illegal impounding, adding that he has heard rumors that nothing would be done because the complaint had come from Emerald Towing Company. e Mr. Swager stated that the property owners should be held responsible for any impounding rather than placing the blame on the towing companies. He said the towing companies merely work for the property owners. He added that the property owners and managers inform the towing companies of illegally parked vehicles. Mr. Swager stressed that these property owners have taken steps to stop illegal parking, calling Emerald Towing as a last resort to get results. He felt the ordinance should require that any signs identify the property owners as being responsible for any towed vehicles and that any complaints should be made against the property owners. Mr. Swager stated that his company charged a flat fee of $70. He said Chief Packard had commented that he approved of a flat fee which included the charges for towing, the dolly, and the first day storage for the vehicle. He then e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 2 e e e compared his fee with another Eugene towing company and one from Portland. He added that a dolly was used on 95 percent of the vehicles impounded by his company to ensure no damage to the vehicle. He then reviewed the requirements placed upon the towing company by the City which were the basis for the fees. Mr. Swager suggested that the City Council recommend the establishment of stricter vehicle registration requirements to the State legislature. He stated that he has been unable to locate the owners of 14 impounded vehicles over the past five months and suggested that automobile dealers be made responsible for registering vehicles sold. He also suggested that the City Manager and the Eugene Police Department support the property owners in the towing situation, stating that the City has suggested to the owners of impounded vehicles that they take the towing company to court. He stressed that the City should work to remove abandoned vehicles from its streets. Referring to the proposed citation, Mr. Swager believed that the Eugene Police Department was already understaffed and that calls on illegally parked vehicles would be given low priority. He suggested that the City write a citation on any impounded vehicle and require the vehicle owner to pay the citation fine prior to any release of the vehicle; the vehicle could then be considered a police impound. The ordinance could be modified to allow the City to turn over the title to any unclaimed vehicle to the towing company after a set period of time, eliminating the time-consuming process of locating a vehicle owner. Commenting on the proposed ordinance, Mr. Swager stated that while much was said about the "lack of cham" exhibited by the towing operator, nothing was said about the irate vehicle owner who insults and threatens that towing operator. He felt his operators were able to withstand such abuse without incident. On the proposed sign language, he hoped that the City would develop two signs--one which listed the City ordinance for the citation and one which did not to address those property owners who chose not to use the citation. He complained that the definition for "connection" described a full hookup, stating that the State of Oregon referred to such action as an II attachment. II He fel t that the proposed language will require him to raise his impound fee to recover his losses on connection fees. He also complained that requiring towing operators to carry money to make change was unfair and unsafe, stating that even LTD drivers were not required to make change. He suggested that the impound charges be a flat rate and be painted on the truck. David Altman, 91635 Donna Road, Springfield, said he operated a parking lot in Eugene. Regarding alternatives to towing, he stated that his attorney had advised him that towing was the only means of removing a vehicle from his parking lot. He asked if an illegally parked vehicle could be impounded or booted in place, requiring a fee to be paid for release. He asked the City Council to protect the property owners, stating that it is unreasonable to allow an illegally parked vehicle to remain in a space rented by another individual. He believed that he entered into a contract when he called a towing company and that a fee should be paid to the towing company whether the vehicle was towed or not. He did not feel it was fair to turn one illegally parked vehicle loose only to pass the fee on to the next vehicle impounded. He questioned whether the Eugene Police Department would be able to respond to citation calls and whether the parking lot operator could still charge the owner of the illeqally parked vehicle the parking fees in addition to the citation fine or towing fees. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 P ag e 3 e e e Arnold Ewing, 1355 Oak Street, Executive Vice-President of Northwest Timber Association, stated that he had five paid parking spaces for his staff. He said it was common to find illegally parked vehicles in these spaces several times a day. He stated that he has left notes on the cars but with little or no results. He stated that he has allowed some people to use the spaces who have asked permission, but he added that the students from the nearby beauty parlor continually used his spaces rather than parking in their own lot two blocks away. Mr. Ewing stated that people apparently do not want to use the numerous two-hour parking spaces which are available in the area. He stated that he has called the Eugene Police Department to report an illegally parked vehicle, only to be asked to identify the make, model, and year of the car. He said the Police Department was not very receptive of these calls. In regard to the proposed citation and requiring the towing operator to wait 15 minutes, Mr. Ewing stated that this would not solve his problem because the vehicle would still be illegally parked. He felt more concern was being given to the owner of the illegally parked vehicle than the property owner or manager, stating that the ordinance proposed fining the property or business owner $500 for an improp- erly worded sign. He said that the responsibility should be placed on the vehicle owner. He added that he has had signs destroyed, costing him more money. He said he has also been threatened by one vehicle owner because he left a note on the illegally parked car. He stressed that the City Council should establish tougher standards, stating that towing was the only method available to him to remove the illegally parked vehicle. He said that these vehicle owners should be fined in addition to paying any towing fees. Mr. Ewing said he would assume the responsibility for any vehicles towed, stating that the blame should not be placed on the towing operator. He stressed that more responsi- bility should be placed on the vehicle owner to look for parking signs. In regard to hookup charges, he compared the hookup with a police officer writing a ticket, stating that any attachment was adequate to designate a tow. While he felt sorry for those individuals without the money to pay towing fees, he said those individuals needed to assume responsibility for their actions. He did not believe that the towing operator should be required to carry change, stating that it was the responsibility of the vehicle owner. He recognized the efforts and the problems of the City Council, but he stressed that responsibility should be placed on the violator rather than the towing company. Neil Shields, 527 Fillmore Street, Operations Manager for Emerald Towing Company, stated that he and some of the other drivers of his company have been verbally and physically assaulted by the owners of illegally parked vehicles. It has been necessary for him to have police respond to several incidents when his drivers have been injured. He recognized the necessity of the City Council to resolve the towing situation. Mr. Shields stated that he would rather impound vehicles in Springfield because he felt that the Springfield Police Department supported the property owner and the towing operator. He said he could not depend on the Eugene Police Department to give high priority to calls from towing operators. He said he did not like to impound cars or to deal with cars in which babies or dogs were left, but he said that some solution was necessary. He said he was not satisfied with the situation or the job and that he would change jobs if he could. While he felt that the proposed ordinance contained MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 4 e e - several good ideas, he opposed the requirement of providing the name and address of the property owner or the towing operator, stating that this could create unnecessary problems. Harold W. Smith, 290 Walnut Lane, representing Northwest Christian College, stated that a problem existed in keeping the driveways of the houses operated by the college clear. He said it was necessary for the police to issue a citation before the towing company can tow. He stated that on several occasions the Eugene Police Department has stated that it was too busy to respond to such calls. He suggested that the ordinance be modified so that vehicles blocking a driveway could be towed without the issuance of a citation. Ed Zietz, PO Box 285, stated that he owned property in Eugene and the sur- rounding area. In regard to the proposed citation, he believed that the police would give such requests a low priority. He was concerned with vehicles being illegally parked in spaces rented by others, stating that this situation would lead to confusion and disruption. He said he was sympathetic to the towing companies, stating that he previously owned a towing company and was familiar with the problems involved. He did not envy the job of the task force, but he urged the City Council to consider the rights of the property owner. Mr. Zietz stated that he has investigated those occasions when vehicles have been towed from his properties and he said that he has not found the towing companies to have acted improperly. He stated that the blame belonged to the illegally parked individual. He acknowledged that proper signing was a problem, adding that he has attempted to keep his signs in accordance with current ordinances. Tom Slocum, 2610 Highland Oaks Drive, stated that he has resisted putting up signs and patrolling his lot because he wanted to maintain the attractiveness of his building. He suggested that smaller but still clearly visible signs be allowed. He felt that the "poachers" should get what they deserve if they chose not to read the signs. He stated that he must pay the towing company when he calls to have a vehicle towed, regardless of whether the car is towed or not. He felt the person illegally parked should be responsible for any charge. Gary L. Beasley, 2547 Willakenzie Road, a former towing operator for Emerald Towing Company, stated that he had experienced much of the troubles described by Mr. Swager in his job of patrolling the parking lots. He stated that about ten percent of the cars illegally parked were towed, adding that the owners of these vehicles caused him the most problems and violence. He stated that he had been assaulted and threatened with a gun. While he said he understood the vehicle owner's situation, he felt that some of the problems were created by the towing operators being paid on a commission basis. There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed. Councilor Holmer explained that the proposed citation would be an option under the ordinance, adding that the property owners could still have vehicles towed if they chose. He said the citation option may be a way of avoiding some of the friction and violence which has accompanied towing situations. He explained that the 15-minute waiting period would provide time to the vehicle owner to procure the funds necessary to pay the towing fees. He added that the vehicle MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 5 e e e could be towed a short distance so that the parking space could be cleared. Mr. Holmer stated that the committee had begun its work with a commitment to the rights of the property owners, stating that the committee developed an alternative method for the property owner to protect his/her rights in addition to the towing option. Mr. Holmer said he resented the racist comment of "being called everything but a white man" as stated by one of the individuals pre- senting testimony. In regard to the driveway problem at Northwest Christian College, Mr. Holmer believed that this situation was beyond the scope of the proposed ordinance. He hoped that this problem could be addressed under existing police powers. In response to another question, he stressed that the ordinances will apply to all towing companies. Responding to other issues raised during the testimony, City Attorney Keith Martin stated that a private property owner should discuss the action of booting an illegally parked vehicle with his/her lawyer. He stated that attaching a cement-filled bucket to unauthorized vehicles was being used as a remedy by some Eugene parking lot owners. In regard to the issue of cars blocking driveways, Mr. Martin stated that some of the ordinance provisions not currently in the Eugene Code addressed this situation, explaining that vehicles in the public way blocking a driveway currently required a citation prior to removal. He said this requirement was necessary to protect the City's obligations to the public. He said the committee addressed the situation of vehicles blocking a driveway on private property, stating that the proposed ordinance would allow the removal of the vehicle or the issuance of a citation. In response to a question, Sergeant Vic Mann of the committee stated that police response to a citation situation will depend on the area in which the vehicle was located. While he said the Eugene Police Deparment could not promise a response time, he stated that 30 minutes would be a normal reponse time for a low priority call. Councilor Hansen questioned why the present ordinance was being modified after only two years to provide more support to the individual illegally parked. Mr. Gleason responded that the City Council had requested when it originally dealt with the issue that it be kept informed of any complaints filed with the City. As a result of the complaints filed, he stated that the City Council directed the committee to be formed. Mayor Keller added that extensive com- plaints about signing, treatment, and other related issues were received during the summer from visitors to Eugene. He felt that these complaints in addition to those referred to by Mr. Gleason motivated the council to form the committee. Councilor Nichols commented that the issues of parking and towing have taken up much of the council's time since her appointment. She questioned the feasi- bility of using parking control officers to issue citations. Mr. Gleason stated that they could issue citations, but explained that these officers patrolled specific areas and could only respond to those parking lots within their areas. He stated that the Police Department will respond to calls outside the regular beat sectors if officers were available. In response to a question, Sergeant Mann stated that the parking control officers work an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. Mr. Holmer added that the committee felt that any penalty for illegal parking should be severe enough to be a deterrent and be sufficient to compensate the cost involved in the issuance of the citation. He felt the council should continue study of the process if approved so that fees could be modified to protect the rights of the private property owners. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 6 e CB 2738--An ordinance concerning parking; amending Sections 5.010, 5.285, and 5.540 of the Eugene Code, 1971; adding a new Section 5.240 to that code; and providing an effective date. CB 2739--An ordinance declaring unlawful business practices for owners of parking facilities and towing and vehicle storage businesses; providing remedies; adding Sections 4.980, 4.981, 4.982, 4.983, 4.984, 4.985, and 4.987 to the Eugene Code, 1971; amending Section 4.990 of that code; and declaring an emergency. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that the bills be read the second time by council bill numbers only, with unanimous consent of the council, and that enactment be considered at this time. Councilor Wooten thanked Mr. Holmer and the members of the committee for their work. She hoped that it would not be necessary to spend as much time on the issue in the future. e Councilor Hansen stated he had concerns with the ordinances as proposed, stating that he sympathized with the property owners and the towing companies. He did not feel the towing companies should take the abuse for a decision taken by the property owners. He was also concerned with the proposed $500 fine for improper signing when the problem existed of signs being torn down. He felt that the ordinance should address the proper posting of signs but should not require property owners to weekly install signs destroyed or removed. In regard to the property posting of signs, Mr. Hansen said the letter received from Rick LeBrun raised the issue of establishing requirements for parking in landlord/tenant relations. He felt that some confrontations beyond the City's need for control of the towing situation will be created by the ordinance. In regard to problems related to parking by visitors to Eugene, he felt that more effort should be placed on that issue rather than assisting those individuals illegally parked. He stated that he did not have any sympathy for the offender. Councilor Schue stated that it was a difficult issue to address all the problems involved. She felt the City could not be responsible for the "1ack of charm" or lack of politeness by the general public. Ms. Schue felt that the ordinance will help the problem. She said adding the hours of towing to the signs will warn the public of the consequences. She felt the ordinances were the best compromise under the circumstances. She recognized that the City will receive complaints about the lack of response from the Police Department on issuing citations, but she said the property owner could still have the vehicle towed if the property was properly signed. Councilor Hansen stated that while he did not have any problem supporting Council Bill 2738 which amended the current parking ordinances, he felt the areas of attachment and fees charged in Council Bill 2739 will raise problems. He asked that the motion on the ordinances be separated so that his concerns with the second ordinance could be addressed. Mayor Keller stated that he would separate the motion on the ordinances. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 7 e e e Councilor Obie acknowledged that differences existed in the towing companies and that those companies which saw themselves as an extension of the Police Depart- ment had a responsibility which went beyond the norm in dealing with the com- munity. He said this was the second time he had been involved with the ordi- nance, stating that he felt the provisions were just and that the option of calling in the Police Department was productive for the community. Mr. Obie acknow1eged that further correction could be made if the proposed ordinances were not sufficient. He stated that he had studied the development of the ordinance and did not feel the problem was resolved. He hoped that the proposed ordinances would solve the problem. Mr. Martin clarified that the prohibition contained in the ordinance previously adopted stated that any person authorizing or towing a vehicle from a lot not properly signed was guilty of the offense. Therefore, the property owner as well as the towing company could be held accountable under the current ordinance. Mayor Keller thanked Mr. Holmer and the rest of the task force for their efforts. He agreed that the integrity of the original intent of the ordinance had been maintained and that the proposed ordinances were better than what was originally adopted. He added that the City could modify the ordinances in the future if they proved to be inadequate. Roll call vote; the motion passed unanimously, 8:0. Council Bills 2738 and 2739 were read the second time by council bill numbers only. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that the bills be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye on Council Bill 2738, the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19242); the motion for final passage of Council Bill 2739 carried 7:1, Mr. Obie, Ms. Wooten, Mr. Ball, Mr. Holmer, Ms. Schue, Ms. Nichols, and Ms. Smith voting aye; Mr. Hansen voting nay; the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19243). The meeting was recessed at 9:07 and reconvened at 9:15 p.m. B. 1983 Annual Review of the Eugene Bikeways Master Plan (memo distributed) City Manager Michea1 Gleason introduced the agenda item. He felt that the April 23, 1984, memorandum from Bicycle Coordinator Diane Bishop adequately explained the item. He stated that staff was available to answer any questions of council. The public hearing was opened. There being no testimony presented, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, to approve the 1984 Eugene Bikeways Master Plan as proposed. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 8 C. Proposed Mixed-Use and Special District Revisions (memo distributed) ~ City Manager Michea1 Gleason introduced the agenda item, stating that the revisions contained no substantive changes. He explained that the revisions were an attempt to define the districts more accurately. Mr. Gleason stated that Gary Chenkin of the Planning Department was available to answer any ques- tions on the issue. The public hearing was opened. There being no testimony presented, the public hearing was closed. CB 2740--An ordinance concerning the mixed-use zoning district; amending Sections 9.476, 9.478, 9.480, 9.482, 9.484, 9.485, 9.486, and 9.487 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and declaring an emergency. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council, and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. Council Bill 2740 was read the second time by council bill number only. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance ~ No. 19244). II. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (memo distributed) A. Adoption of Findings (#82-06 and #82-27) (findings distributed) B. Levying Assessments City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. He stated that both projects had gone through the Hearings Official process. He stated that staff was recommending that the City Council adopt the findings and then approve the council bills authorizing the levying of the assessments. He added that a two-thirds affirmative vote of the council was necessary if the council chose to hold a public hearing on either issue at a later time. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, to adopt the findings as presented. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. CB 2741--An ordinance concerning assessments for paving and sidewalks on Norkenzie Road from Be1tline Road to 125 feet north of Balboa Street; amending Ordinance No. 19068; and declaring an emergency. (82-06) e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 9 e CB 2742--An ordinance concerning assessments for paving, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer within Summeroaks Industrial Park; amending Ordinance No. 19077; and declaring an emergency. (82-27) Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that the bills be read the second time by council bill numbers only, with unanimous consent of the council, and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. Council Bills 2741 and 2742 were read the seond time by council bill numbers only. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that the bills be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bills were declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19245 [CB 2741] and Ordinance No. 19246 [CB 2742]). III. APPOINTMENTS A. Downtown Commission Appointment City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. e Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to appoint Robert Fraser, 1858 Fircrest Drive, to the Downtown Commission; term to expire December 30, 1987. Roll call vote; the vote was tied 4:4, Coun- cilors Obie, Hansen, Holmer, and Smith voting aye and Councilors Ball, Nichols, Smith, and Wooten voting nay. Mayor Keller broke the tie by voting aye; the motion carried 5:4. Mayor Keller stated that during his interview process he was looking for an individual who wished to have something different happen. He felt that Mr. Fraser presented ideas for alternatives in the downtown area which had not been previously presented. This constituted the basis for his support. Councilor Smith felt that this had been a difficult issue for the council, the choice being between two qualified candidates. She stated that she had studied the needs of the Downtown Commission and felt that Mr. Fraser would be an excellent addition to that commission. Councilor Holmer stated that he had been greatly interested in the discussion fOllowing the appointment. Having read the resolution referred to in the March 27, 1984, memorandum from the Commission on the Rights of Women, he stated that the resolution committed every effort of the council lito ensure represen- tation on boards and commissions in proportion to the representation of women, ethnic minority group members, the disabled, and younger and older citizens in the population of the city.1I He shared the regret that only one women was appointed to the Downtown Commission, but he felt that the issue in this appointment was which applicant would make the most representative appointment. Mr. Holmer stated that Mr. Fraser was of a different age group than those e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 10 e individuals presently on the commission; he felt that Mr. Fraser would address the needs of the older citizens to the commission. He felt that the City should study all boards and commissions in terms of their representativeness to ensure that the needs and concerns of all groups were addressed. Councilor Schue clarified that the press conference on the Downtown Commission appointment was called by the Women's Commission and not by any member of the City Council. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the balance of the City Council join in a unanimous appointment of Mr. Fraser and that Stephanie Pearl be designated as a first alternate to the Downtown Commission. Councilor Ball echoed the comments of Ms. Schue, stating that the press con- ference was held not on the specific issue of the appointment to the Downtown Commission but to draw attention to the fact that the pattern of council appointments was not living up to the affirmative action commitments previously made by the City Council. He said that women and other groups were not eQually represented on the various boards and commissions in terms of their constituency in the community. He stressed that the council must implement the process which would allow all members of the community to participate in the governmental process which influenced their lives. He said it was this intent on which the comments made at the press conference were based. e Councilor Obie commented that Mr. Fraser had strong feelings about the issues of women's rights and that the Women's Rights Commission had made an equally strong point with regard to the balance of the council. He said it was equally impor- tant that council appointees have the full support of the council, particularly when any disagreement was based on philosophical differences rather than on the capabilities of the applicants. He felt that the present motion provides an opportunity to illustrate a unified council commitment to the Downtown Commis- sion and to the appointee and minorities involved. Councilor Nichols said she was unaware of any process for providing alternates for commissions and boards. She felt that designating Ms. Pearl as an alternate might be considered an insult. Mayor Keller stated that some of the representa- tives to the Human Rights Commission had designated alternates. While this would be a new process, he stated that this would be part of the decision-making. Mr. Obie stated that the reason behind the motion was to show council support for the appointee. Councilor Hansen suggested that Mr. Obie withdraw his motion, stating that he saw no purpose in having the council revote and reconfirm Mr. Fraser. He stated that a majority of the council voted to appoint Mr. Fraser. He did not feel that the dissenting vote implied that the individual appointed would not have the complete support of the council. He said that another vote might only create more division. He felt that Ms. Pearl would be given strong considera- tion to any opening and that Mr. Fraser would be a great asset to the Downtown Commission. He added that another vote would be inappropriate and an injustice to both Mr. Fraser and Ms. Pearl. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 11 e Councilor Schue said she appreciated the comments of Mr. Hansen. She stated that the process followed was legal and that Mr. Fraser was appointed to the commission. She hoped that he will decide to serve on the commission. She said she did not wish to vote on the issue again. Ms. Smith withdrew her second of the motion. Mr. Obie withdrew his motion. B. Interim Community Development Committee Appointments (memo distributed) City Manager Michea1 Gleason introduced the agenda item. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, to approve the following appointments to the Interim Community Development Committee. Rob Bennett Representing the P1 anni ng Commission Hugh Prichard Representing the Downtown Commission John Vanlandingham Representing the Joint Housing Committee E1 eanor Mu1 der Representi ng the Joint Housing Committee Don Jacobs Representing the Community Development Commi ttee Dorothy Anderson Representing the Community Development Commi ttee e Paul Bogen Representing the Neighborhood leaders Emily Schue Representing the Eugene City Council Di ck Hansen Representi ng the Eugene City Council Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. Mayor Keller commented that his April 20, 1984, memorandum noted that those women nominated had to be recruited to serve. He stated that the three women nominated were well-qualified to serve. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. to April 25, 1984. R~~~ Michea1 D. G1 eason City Manager (Recorded by Thom Strunk) TS:db/CM32a1 - MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 12