09/12/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e IV. PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE REGULATING AUTOMATIC DIALING SYSTEMS City Manager Mike Gleason introduced the item. Lieutenant Vic Mann, Department of Public Safety, gave the staff report. He explained that the ordinance under consideration would update the City Code to address the 9-1-1 system in general. Several incidents have been experienced by the Central Lane County Communications Center involving automatic dialing telephone systems. When these systems, that are programmed to dial the the 911 emergency number directly, malfunction, they can "jam" the 9-1-1 telephone system and prevent legitimate calls from getting through to the center. Lieutenant Mann said this potential disruption of the 9-1-1 system could have catastrophic effects during a natural disaster when alarm systems have a high fa 11 ure rate. Lieutenant Mann explained that the ordinance would also prohibit the deliberate calling of 911 in order to test systems. He said Lane County will consider a similar county-wide ordinance being proposed by the Lane Council of Governments. Ms. Ehrman suggested publicizing the problems during the 9-1-1 Public Awareness Week September 11-17. Mr. Rutan asked about notification and enforcement if the ordinance is passed. Lieutenant Mann answered that the usual public information release process would be used. Passage of the ordinance would enable the department to trace calls and fine violators. Responding to Mr. Rutan's observation e that the fine or jail confinement penalties are excessive, Lieutenant Mann said the penalties are consistent with the County proposal. Mr. Sercombe added that the City Prosecutor would not object to the fine being lowered to $500 which might resolve a potential legal problem with the severity of the penalty. Lieutenant Mann indicated a lower fine would also be acceptable to the department. Ms. Ehrman supported the City's recovery of costs associated with enforcement. Lieutenant Mann explained that the costs of sending an officer out would be covered under the false alarm ordinance which has a penalty for initiating an alarm. Mayor Obie opened the public hearing. There being no requests to speak, Mayor Obie closed the public hearing. CB 3069--An ordinance concerning improper use of emergency telephone system: adding Sections 4.900, 4.902, and 4.904 to the Eugene Code, 1971; amending Section 4.990 of that code; and declaring an emergency. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 12, 1988 Page 10 ----