Item 7: Exemption to Code on Overnight Camping

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Action: Exemption to Code on Overnight Camping - Occupy Eugene Meeting Date: December 12, 2011 Agenda Item Number: 7 Department: Eugene Police Department Staff Contact: Chief Pete Kerns www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5102 ISSUE STATEMENT The City Council has granted an exemption to the City’s prohibition on overnight camping for Occupy thth Eugene in Washington-Jefferson Park, between 6 and 7 avenues. Without additional council action, the exemption expires on December 15, 2011. This item provides an opportunity for the council to take further action related to the overnight camping ban. BACKGROUND The Occupy Eugene movement began October 15 with a march of an estimated 1,500 - 2,000 people, followed by overnight occupation of the downtown Park Blocks by more than 150. The group relocated the encampment to Alton Baker Park, then on and near the University of Oregon campus, and finally to Washington-Jefferson Park. Across the country, “Occupy” groups have staged events, commented on and established encampments to draw attention to a variety of issues. In Eugene, the group and individuals affiliating with Occupy Eugene have spoken out on college tuition, homelessness, the financial crisis and numerous other items. Eugene Code restricts overnight camping, and the council has permitted the Occupy Eugene group to camp on public parks property under an exemption permitted in Eugene Code, 4.815 (Section 4): “Upon finding it to be in the public interest and consistent with council goals and policies, the council may, by motion, exempt a special event from the prohibitions of this section. The motion shall specify the period of time and location covered by the exemption.” On November 9, the council adopted the following motion, on a four-to-two vote: “I move to exempt Occupy Eugene from Section 4.815’s prohibition on camping for Washington-Jefferson Park between thth 6 and 7 avenues. Unless extended by council action, this exemption shall terminate on December 15, 2011. Prior to December 15, the City Manager shall update the council on the Occupy Eugene event, at which time the council can decide whether to extend the December 15 deadline. If, in the opinion of the City Manager, the presence of Occupy Eugene poses an immediate or ongoing risk to public health or safety, the City Manager is authorized to revoke the allowance granted by this motion.” Site Conditions – Washington-Jefferson Park Campers are facing difficulties found when camping in an urban setting. With no clear demarcation for where to place a tent or to walk, grass in some areas has turned to deep mud. Tarps and wood pallets keep some personal belongings dry, but almost everything is wet or damp. Campers continually work S:\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M111212\S1112127.doc