10-23-17 City Council Agenda Packet

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EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Public Hearing and Possible Action: An Ordinance Concerning State Traffic Laws; Amending Section 5.005 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and providing an Effective Date Meeting Date: October 25, 2017 Agenda Item Number: 3 Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Kathryn Brotherton www.eugene-orgov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-8447 ISSUE STATEMENT The purpose of this action is to amend 5.005 of the Eugene Code, 1971 (EC) by the re -adoption of the State Traffic Code. This proposed amendment reflects changes made during the 2017 session of the Oregon State Legislature which have become effective. It is important for law enforcement purposes that this ordinance becomes effective as soon as possible. Therefore, this item is scheduled for public hearing and possible action at a single meeting, and provides for an effective date less than 30 days after enactment of the ordinance. The unanimous consent of the Council is required for the Council to enact this ordinance following the public hearing. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Council is required for an effective date less than 30 days after enactment of the ordinance. BACKGROUND Each biennium, the City Council updates the Eugene Code to ensure that Code provisions are consistent with legislated changes in the State's traffic code. EC Section 5.005 was last updated effective January 1, 2016. Since that time, the Legislative Assembly has made changes to the Oregon Vehicle Code, necessitating an amendment to EC 5.005 in order to maintain consistency between state statutes and the Eugene Code. RELATED CITY POLICIES Municipal courts have concurrent jurisdiction with State courts for all traffic and criminal violations and misdemeanors. The City has maintained consistency between provisions of the Eugene Code and the State statutes in the definition of various violations and misdemeanors in order to provide fair and equitable treatment to offenders. COUNCIL OPTIONS 1. Adopt the ordinance as proposed at a single meeting, effective upon signature of the Mayor. 2. Adopt the ordinance as proposed at a single meeting, with a 30 -day effective date. 3. Not act tonight, in which case action will be scheduled at a future council meeting.