CC Minutes - 08/03/98 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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proposed ordinance, which provided for civil penalties of no more than $100. She said she was also concerned that stereotyped opinions of homeless persons would lead to selective enforcement of the proposed ordinance. Randy Fix, 155 North 56th Street, Springfield, stated that he represented Emmanuel Outreach Ministries. He said his organization supported the proposed ordinance as a short-term solution to problems facing homeless persons. He said he would provide councilors with information regarding the work of his organization and suggestions for long-term solutions to homelessness problems. Charles Gray, 256 North Grand, stated that he believed the proposed ordinance partially filled the needs of homeless persons. He said additional provisions were needed for homeless persons who did not own large vehicles, and that the City should lead by example to businesses and nonprofit organizations in providing places for persons to sleep in automobile-sized vehicles. Helen V. Liguori, 181 Westbrook Way, said that she supported the recommended ordinance. She acknowledged that many citizens would not approve of provisions of the ordinance, but that others would. She recommended that the City provide assistance for those involved in homelessness to listen to the good in everyone. Gary Malone, 5330 Cody Avenue, stated that he believed he was an average citizen and that he supported eliminating permission for sleeping in vehicles on streets in industrially zoned areas. He said he believed society was doing enough to feed and train homeless persons for work and that those homeless who did not take care of their families acted irresponsibly. Shelia Cameron, No Address Provided, stated that she was married to a Eugene Police Officer, that she was a former dispatcher, and that she felt she was an informal spokesperson for other families involved in public safety work. She said she believed it was unfair that police would be required to enforce the proposed ordinance because it unfairly subjected them to harassment. She suggested that councilors be held responsible for ordinances they enact. Clayton Walker, Post Office Box 1338, stated that he represented the West Eugene Community Organization. He said he believed key issues which needed to be considered in relation to the proposed ordinance included (1) the safety of homeless persons and employees of businesses in industrially zoned areas; (2) aesthetics; (3) holding businesses to different standards than the rest of the community; (4) prohibition of camping by the City Code and Metro Plan; and (5) the desirability of providing a central location for the management of the needs of homeless persons. Danielle Smith, Post Office Box 11661, stated that she believed the ordinance was being proposed because homeless persons were considered to have failed to meet expectations when sleeping in vehicles in industrially zoned areas was permitted. She said homeless persons were treated unfairly because of the lack of affordable housing and falsely accused of unlawful acts because of their lifestyle and discrimination. She said she believed the proposed ordinance was regressive and could lead to confrontations between citizens and police. She said that additional time should be allowed for a transition from the current situation and that to be established by the new ordinance. Dominic Peralez, 341 East 12th Avenue, stated that he was not homeless, but lived in a vehicle. He recommended that the council consider establishing a car camp. He described the MINUTES-Eugene City Council August 3, 1998 Page 3 7:30 p.m.