10/23/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Ms. Bascom reminded the council that they should consider that an increase in budget for public safety will take away financing resources allocated to other important budget areas, Mr. Gleason proposed that for FY90, financing for this program should be taken from contingency funds. He acknowledged that increased funding for public safety is needed to continue the CRT program and expresses a community commitment toward public safety. He added that in order to maintain our present level of public safety in the future, an increase in officers is needed. Ms. Bascom informed the council that she has received several letters from members of the community concerned with the presence of "heavy-handed" officers. She said that an increase in officer presence might not be the solution; it might be more effective to enhance the service provided to the commun ity. Mr. Gleason responded to this concern in saying that with traditional policing procedures, it is difficult for an officer to make an arrest without appearing "heavy-handed." Mr. Boles drew comparisons between public perception of safety and the increased enforcement of "part-two" crimes. He said that it appears that dealing with "part-two" crimes has a positive effect on the public perception of safety. He noted that part-two crimes are best dealt with through community-oriented policing strategies. e Mr, Boles requested that the revised proposal be returned to the council as a line-item budget for the remaining eight months of the fiscal year. Mr. Holmer added that he would like more information about the increased number of people for proposed hire. He felt that this is not the proper year to be expanding this program; program expansion should take place FY91. Mr. Boles also stressed that an effort should be made toward securing federal funds to support the CRT program. Ms. Schue said that this is a good program and that she would support funding for this in concept. Mr. Miller added that community response appears to favor continuing the program. The council reached general consensus to support this program in concept with refinement in the juvenile portion of the program and without the added housing element. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. (Recorded by Traci Northman) mncc 102389-530 e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 23, 1989 Page 4 Dinner/Work Session