01/27/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Lyle Nunn, 875 East 43rd, is a volunteer pastor. He said the Eugene Police do a good job, but they cannot be everywhere. He said he was attacked one evening at a bank machine. Although the person was identified by Mr. Nunn, the person was not jailed. Mr. Nunn said people must assume some responsi- bility for their own protection. He said criminals have weapons and law- abiding citizens are at a disadvantage without them. William T. Sweet, 65 West 26th, owns a bookstore in Eugene. He has never lived 1n a house without firearms. He used to own a convenience store and was robbed three times by people with concealed weapons. He said concealed weapons are almost always used by criminals. He said the proposed regulations should control behavior. Mr. Sweet said some people on the downtown mall have spears, knives, and chains. He saw a young girl attack another girl with a belaying pin. He saw a young man throw a powder which burst into flames. He said such behavior should be regulated and the ordinance does that. He said the City staff has worked on the proposed regulations since April, although, when the public hearing was announced, the public did not have much time to review the item. Mr. Sweet supported the ordinance and urged the council to adopt it. He said there is an emergency. He said some people on the mall brandish simulated weapons at police officers who have done an excellent job of restraining themselves. He said people come around a corner and point toy guns at police officers, and someday a 12-year-old may be killed if such behavior is not stopped. Mr. Sweet said City Councilors and other citizens have a responsibility to control behavior which violates basic standards. He said the proposed ordinance does not take away the right to keep and bear arms. It addresses behavior. He said the ordinance can be amended later. It is needed now. Jim Hamm, 23901 High Pass Road, said he carries a concealed weapon in Lane County five or six months a year legally without a permit for business reasons. He is a guide. He said he could be arrested if he stops at a convenience store going to or from work if Section 4.888 (1) (a) is adopted. He said it will violate his constitutional rights. Mr. Hamm said the proposed ordinance will not address the problem on the downtown mall. He said it will affect law-abiding citizens. He said two businesses on the mall attract people who cause problems and the problems on the mall shoul d be addressed di rectly. Steve Lesh, 28459 Siesta Lane, said he was offended by some of the proposed regulations, but, after studying the amended ordinance and listening to the testimony, he recommended the councilors table consideration of the ordinance to give themselves and other citizens time to review it. Gordon Elliott, 1414 Polk, said carrying a weapon gives him security. He cheCKS his property at night many times. He asked the council to table the proposal. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 27, 1986 Page 13