06/10/1985 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Continuing to respond to testimony, Ms. Smernoff said the city currently does a background check on taxicab drivers and, thereby, incurs a tremendous liability. The revised regulations indicate that the taxicab firms should bear that liability. The Oregon Department of Justice has a computerized criminal history system and, if an individual signs a release form, background information could be obtained by a prospective employer for $10. In addition, the City will provide a background check for a fee. Responding to testimony, Ms. Smernoff said the City will have to investigate the status of lease agents for taxicabs. The regulations for weapons dealers have not changed. The City ordinance applies to weapons that cannot be concealed as well as those that can be concealed. The revised regulations emphasize that the City needs to receive copies of the reports sent to Federal authorities about concealable weapons. Continuing her response to testimony, Ms. Smernoff said it is important that used merchandise dealers and weapons dealers hold the merchandise for seven days so the City can track articles that may have been stolen. The regula- tions for the sale of knives require only that a person be 18 years or older and provide identification. The definition of dangerous weapons has been narrowed and made specific. Sharon Rudnick of the City Attorney's office defined a misdemeaner. The councilors discussed the process they would follow. Ms. Wooten was in favor of delaying action on some parts of the proposed ordinance. She was concerned about detectives I and II, taxicab drivers convicted of a misde- meanor, photographers, used merchandise dealers, and the wheel chair coach regulations. Mr. Rutan agreed with Ms. Wooten and had concerns about regulations for weapons dealers. Responding, Ms. Smernoff said the definition of dangerous weapons in the revised regulations is more specific than the one now used. It will probably result in the regulation of fewer types of weapons. Tim Sercombe of the City Attorney's office said the City will regulate more weapons than are regulated by Federal law. Mr. Holmer questioned the advisability of permitting the employment of taxicab drivers convicted of driving when their licenses were suspended. He said the ordinance indicated that the City will not review the background of armed security guards. That worried him. Ms. Schue asked the staff to review the proposed ordinance because it seemed to indicate that a six-year-old could buy a knife if the child is accompanied by a parent. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman about Section 3.878 on page 51 of the proposed regulation, Ms. Smernoff said the owners will be prohibited from employing people convicted of only the crimes listed. Ms. Ehrman is concerned about the "driving while suspended" exception. She wondered if the City should charge for background information. She thought the definition of social games should be more explicit. MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 10, 1985 Page 8