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11/07/96 THU 13:16 FAX 541 683 6831 EUGENE -HRRS Ijo01 <br /> CHOUINARD Lauren D <br /> To: Bob Emmons <br /> Subject: Staff Role Clarification <br /> I think that Bob Hammitt's decision to move you into a staff role to the Scobert Park Advsiory Committee <br /> was a good one for several reasons. First, it alleviates the problem expressed by Allan True that he is not, <br /> in his own words, qualified to provide that level of professional expertise to the committee in the area of <br /> horticulture. Second, you have extensive history with the park and have put in many volunteer hours to <br /> make the park what it is today. Third, you have a genuine passion for the park and its wellbeing. <br /> I knew when I was asked to be a facilitator for this committee that this was a very hot issue and that there <br /> is some history between some members of the community and the City that has caused animosity and lack <br /> of trust. I knew that as a facilitator I would have to work very hard to remain objective and impartial as I <br /> assisted the group in their deliberations and decision making processes. They need to have confidence that <br /> I will remain objective and impartial throughout otherwise the process breaks down. <br /> As staff to the committee, you too have an obligation by definition of staff role to be an impartial resource. <br /> I have an appreciation for how hard this must be for you given your passion for the park and your feelings <br /> about what is or is not happening that has contributed to the park's problems. I know (from your input at <br /> the all City employee meeting a few months ago and from your statements in last Tuesday's meeting) that <br /> you believe the issue is primarily one of lack of enforcement of laws and policies. I suspect that most of <br /> the committee members agree with you and in fact, many of them identified public safety issues as their <br /> major concern in their opening statements in the first meeting. The point 1 am making is that they need to <br /> come to that conclusion without staff influence. <br /> I think it is critical to the process and more importantly to the effective deliberations of the committee that <br /> you hold tightly to the boundaries of your staff role in future meetings. You were invited to serve in a staff <br /> role to be an expert on horticulture and because of your historical knowledge of the park. Please try to <br /> stay focused on those areas when asked for staff input and avoid giving unsolicited input on things you <br /> e e i can talk for about this, please me at 5663 or <br /> a few minutes ut before the next meeting as am always thereby6:0 Thanks. <br /> we <br /> Page 1 <br />