04/23/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e - several good ideas, he opposed the requirement of providing the name and address of the property owner or the towing operator, stating that this could create unnecessary problems. Harold W. Smith, 290 Walnut Lane, representing Northwest Christian College, stated that a problem existed in keeping the driveways of the houses operated by the college clear. He said it was necessary for the police to issue a citation before the towing company can tow. He stated that on several occasions the Eugene Police Department has stated that it was too busy to respond to such calls. He suggested that the ordinance be modified so that vehicles blocking a driveway could be towed without the issuance of a citation. Ed Zietz, PO Box 285, stated that he owned property in Eugene and the sur- rounding area. In regard to the proposed citation, he believed that the police would give such requests a low priority. He was concerned with vehicles being illegally parked in spaces rented by others, stating that this situation would lead to confusion and disruption. He said he was sympathetic to the towing companies, stating that he previously owned a towing company and was familiar with the problems involved. He did not envy the job of the task force, but he urged the City Council to consider the rights of the property owner. Mr. Zietz stated that he has investigated those occasions when vehicles have been towed from his properties and he said that he has not found the towing companies to have acted improperly. He stated that the blame belonged to the illegally parked individual. He acknowledged that proper signing was a problem, adding that he has attempted to keep his signs in accordance with current ordinances. Tom Slocum, 2610 Highland Oaks Drive, stated that he has resisted putting up signs and patrolling his lot because he wanted to maintain the attractiveness of his building. He suggested that smaller but still clearly visible signs be allowed. He felt that the "poachers" should get what they deserve if they chose not to read the signs. He stated that he must pay the towing company when he calls to have a vehicle towed, regardless of whether the car is towed or not. He felt the person illegally parked should be responsible for any charge. Gary L. Beasley, 2547 Willakenzie Road, a former towing operator for Emerald Towing Company, stated that he had experienced much of the troubles described by Mr. Swager in his job of patrolling the parking lots. He stated that about ten percent of the cars illegally parked were towed, adding that the owners of these vehicles caused him the most problems and violence. He stated that he had been assaulted and threatened with a gun. While he said he understood the vehicle owner's situation, he felt that some of the problems were created by the towing operators being paid on a commission basis. There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed. Councilor Holmer explained that the proposed citation would be an option under the ordinance, adding that the property owners could still have vehicles towed if they chose. He said the citation option may be a way of avoiding some of the friction and violence which has accompanied towing situations. He explained that the 15-minute waiting period would provide time to the vehicle owner to procure the funds necessary to pay the towing fees. He added that the vehicle MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 5