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Come and experience a glimpse of the future of the Sister City relationship by gathering information about cultural exchanges, running marathons in Kakegawa, homestay opportunities, international travel, and volunteer positions. For further information about either the open house or the City's Eugene/Kakegawa Sister City program, please contact Mary Walston, City Manager's Office, 682-5406. Council Members, Community Leaders, Children and Parents to Celebrate Reading Students in Eugene will join millions of their peers across the country to celebrate the joy of reading on March 3 in celebration of the birthday of Dr. Seuss. This nationwide reading party is part of "NEA's Read Across America,"sponsored by the National Education Association and many of America's leading literacy, youth and civic groups. Councilor President Gary Pape and Council Vice-President Nancy Nathanson will help represent the City of Eugene by reading to classes at two local elementary schools. Mayor Torrey, who will be in Washington DC, will participate in the event by reading to students there. "Research shows that when children read outside of school, they do better in school," says Mayor Torrey. "So from coast to coast, teachers, celebrities, community members, and parents are joining together to find ways to rekindle our students' passion for reading. Eugene's activities promise to do just that." The goal of the Read Across America project is for every student from pre-school through high school to be in the company of a book on March 3. Groups joining NEA's Read Across America include The American Library Association, America Reads, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Youth Service America, the NAACP, National Council of La Raza, and many others. Visit NEA's Read Across America web site at www.nea.orq/readacross for the latest information about other reading celebrations. For more information about the City's participation in this event, please contact Mary Walston, City Manager's Office, at 682-5406. Update on Initiative and Referendum Petitions Tuesday, February 25, was the deadline for turning in signatures to refer to the voters Ordinance 20278 providing for a business license tax on fuel dealers. No referendum petition was filed, so the ordinance went into effect on Wednesday February 26. Chief petitioner Steve O'Toole says his organization will work at the State level now instead. I he ballot title and explanation for an initiative petition to repeal the Transportation System Maintenance Fee have been accepted as prepared by the City Attorney. Chief Petitioner Lauren Heitzman delivered the prospective petition to the City Recorder's Office on February 26. It met the City's requirements and Mr. Heitzman indicated that he expected to begin signature collection this weekend. Petitioners will have 100 days to collect the required 5,584 signatures of registered voters residing within the Eugene city limits. If a sufficient number of signatures are certified, the measure would be placed on the next available primary or general election ballot (May 2004) unless the City Council chose to either adopt the initiative without it being forwarded to an election or placed it on an earlier election ballot. For additional information, please contact Mary Feldman in the City Recorder's Office at 682-8353. Organization Development Consultant Conducting Interviews and Focus Groups March 10-12 As part of its 2002 budget direction, the City Council authorized the use of funds for municipal audit purposes. Part of the funding has been attributed to an assessment of the planning and land use processing systems. While extensive assessments have been undertaken in the building permit area, no management audit has been previously completed specific to land use entitlement processing. Paul Zucker, of Zucker Systems of San Diego, will be undertaking this management audit. His firm has done organizational assessment work for over 80 cities and 50 private developers. Mr. Zucker is a frequent speaker at American Planning Association forums, and is currently conducting a series of national workshops on effective planning management. His work has involved clients from over 22 states, and he is frequently cited for his accomplishments in development review improvements. On March 10, 11, and 12, Mr. Zucker will be meeting with managers from Planning and Development and Public Works as well as with staff work teams. In addition, one afternoon will be devoted to focus groups with professionals in the Eugene EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 February 28,2003 cc022703.wpd