06/29/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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'- . Mayor Keller said Chief Brooks had reported the problem had gotten . better in the last month. Mr. Chalmers replied that was possible, as the young people were saying they did not want to go down to the mall anymore because they were tired of being mistreated. Chi ef Brooks read from a June 19 report from two police officers who had been meeting with young people. Their attitude was good and their desire to understand the police decisions and procedures was commen- dable. Their major complaints were that some officers followed them around, and they had alack of knowl edge ci ty ordi nances and regu- lations. Chief Brooks said at the next meeting a list would be dis- tributed to the youths to answer their questions regarding city reg~l ati ons. Mr. Obie said he had met recently with a group of businessmen from downtown and they felt the situation was much improved. He fel t the City had a responsibility to go an extra step in trying to resolve the problem, and he commended the Youth Commission and its involvement. He endorsed the continuing program of the Police Department. Mr. lieuallen said he would like to see the Youth Commission involved with the Police Department in its meetings with the young people, that the Youth Commission should feel free to come to the City Council with any suggesti ons, and staff shoul d keep. Ci ty Counci 1 i nfonned on the issue. Mr. Chalmers replied the Youth Commission endorsed the meetings by the Police Department and the youth, and'would feel comfortable working with the staff. He said the youths themselves were spending - a great deal of energy trying to find space for a center, and City Council endorsement of the idea would give credence to the energies. Assistant Manager said the peer/counseling concept and diversion activi- ti es on the mall shoul d be faced before any focus on a center faci 1 ity. City Council could direct staff to work with youth and see what could be formulated. Mayor Keller thanked Mr. Chalmers, Chief Brooks, Youth Commission, and Assistant Manager, for their efforts in the situation and hoped for resolution. He requested all parties involved to report back to Council in 90 days to see what progress had been made. Mrs. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to accept the Youth Commission report, and ask staff, Police Department, and Youth Commission to keep City Council aware of progress. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Obie left the meeting. x. Retail Ex ansion in Downtown to Council Manager said Council should schedule a public hearing July 11, with a full scale presentation made at that time. Charles Kupper, HCC, said the report had been completed and endorsed by a 12-member Downtown Plan - Review Group representing businessmen in the downtown area. It had also been endorsed by ERA, Eugene Downtown Associ ati on, and the Downtown Development Board. The report would be used to make offerings to devel- opers. The final and most necessary endorsement would be by City Council. 5~9 6/29/77--8