Item 8 - Ratif.IGR Comm.Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mr. Pap6 referred to Senate Bill (SB) 0044, held over from the previous session, and determined from Mr. Solin that the same fee applied to all permitted underground storage tanks, regardless of age. Mr. Solin said that the legislation extended the fee. Ms. Bettman requested additional information on SB 0218, relating to injunctive relief available for public servants. Mr. Lidz clarified that the conduct in question was illegal already. The legislation in question allowed a restraining order to be issued with a lower burden of proof, that is, a preponderance of the evidence as opposed to beyond a reasonable doubt. It was preventive in nature, so in addition to a criminal penalty for harassment, one could also receive a contempt of court citation. Mr. Pap6 determined from Mr. Lidz that the legislation applied to elected officials such as city councilors. Ms. Taylor questioned how necessary the legislation was. Mr. Lidz indicated he could not speak to that. Referring to SB 0297, relating to the invasion of personal privacy, Ms. Bettman advocated for a higher priority. Ms. Bettman, seconded by Mr. Pap6, moved to change the status of the bill to Priority 1. Mr. Cushman noted that the legislation arose out of a situation in Eugene, and applied to the installation of video equipment. Ms. Bettman determined from Mr. Cushman that the legislation would not apply to, for example, parents taking pictures of their nude infant children. Mr. Cushman emphasized that the expecta- tion of privacy was key to the bill, as well as the element of sexual arousal. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Bettman asked about the source of funding for the grants called for in SB 0379, relating to the prosecution of crimes involving methamphetamine. Mr. Thoming was unsure, noting that the description referred to the State's General Fund. Ms. Bettman expressed concern about the use of the General Fund, and suggested the City take a position of Support with Amendments to preclude a transfer of funds from human services or education, for example, to the Department of Justice. Mr. Heuser indicated he would research whether the legislation would burden the General Fund. He noted that the bill was a high priority for the legislature and Governor Ted Kulonogski's Office. Ms. Bettman emphasized her support for the bill, but reiterated her concern about the funding. Mr. Pap6 asked staff to inquire about alternative sources of funding with the bill's sponsors. The committee agreed to hold the bill over to the following meeting. Ms. Taylor questioned the need for another law directed at methamphetamine. Mr. Thoming explained that many of the bills being introduced were intended to address specific situations or gaps in existing law. For example, in 2001 the legislature passed a law related to the sale and purchase of iodine, a key ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine. However, the law gave local governments the power to issue ;;cease and desist" orders to those selling quantities of iodine for illegal use, but it contained no criminal penalties. A newly proposed bill made it a misdemeanor offense for a seller to violate the provisions of the law regarding the documentation of iodine sales. Responding to a question from Ms. Bettman, Mr. Thoming explained that there were legitimate ranching and farming uses for iodine, but most ranchers and farmers buy no more than a pint at a time, in contrast to methamphetamine manufacturers. MINUTES--Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations February 11, 2005 Page 2