06/27/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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David Fidanque, 1756 Willamette, Suite 2, spoke for the American Civil Liberties Union, noting that the ACLU had some concerns with the report in the area of law . enforcement. He reminded the council that vagrancy ordinances had been found unconstitutional because they gave too much discretion to the police and no clear direction to the public as to what was or was not permitted. He stated that there was a possibility that recommendation 1, in particular, could be applied in a discriminatory manner, with the result that people could be arrested because of how they looked rather than what they were doing. He said that he would like to see some clear criteria and guidelines for police officers. He added that the ACLU was working with the City Attorney on the language for a camping ordinance, and he expressed concern that recommendation 10 could affect other businesses such as movie theaters and urged further discussion on recommendation 1. There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. A break was taken from 9:00 to 9:10 p.m. Councilor Lindberg spoke as the chairperson of the Vagrancy Task Force. He said that he had checked the work of other cities on this issue and found this to be the most comprehensive approach. He added that constitutional issues had been addressed and that the task force was continuing to work with Mr. Fidanque. He observed that half of the recommendations would involve funding, though much could be channeled through existing sources, such as block grants and the joint social service funding; but new programs, such as arrest instead of citations, would require new funds. He then asked the council to approve the recommenda- tions, and to direct the task force to coordinate implementation, returning to the council in September with a status report, including those items which could e not be implemented because of lack of funds. Mr. Lindberg moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the council approve the recommendation of the Vagrancy Task Force as policy, and direct the task force to coordinate implementation of these recommendations, returning to the council in September with a status report on implementation, including those items which could not be implemented due to lack of funding. In response to Councilor Hansen's request for clarification, Councilor Lindberg stated that his motion would give the task force and support staff the weight of City Council policy, with the exception that implementation involving expenditure or reorganization with policy impact would have to be brought back to the council for approval. Councilor Schue stated her support for the motion, given the understanding that the recommendations represented goals and directions. Councilor Smith suggested that the wordi ng of the moti on be amended to read that lithe council accept the report and recommendations and work towards policy." Councilor Lindberg agreed that the report should be adopted in concept. Councilor Hansen stated his willingness to accept the report's recommendations as goals, and added that he would like to see recommendation 12 deleted and the reference to plasma donor centers deleted from recommendation 11, since he did not wish to single out one business. Councilor Lindberg replied that after e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 27, 1983 Page 6