10/10/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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to giving discretion of arrests to the Police Department, he asked if Councilors would prefer to have that discretion given to the pimps and prostitutes. He felt it was time Council concerned itself with the . right of the majority of the people who live in Eugene and those rights were being offended. Mr. Haws said he was not convinced that Eugene should become like Portland or Seattle. He felt the recent action by the Police Depart- ment had been an excellent job in controlling the situation and he encouraged the department to continue that work. However, he was not about to trade in rights of women on the mall for economics. Mr. Delay responded to Mr. Obie, saying keeping the mall aesthetically pleasing was not the basis, 'but that he felt a better ordinance should be written in terms of a more adequate definition in terms of enforcement. Ms. Smith noted her support of the ordinance. She did acknowledge her concern in tenms of proceeding too quickly, noting the last effort of the Police Department had relieved the pressures somewhat. As she recalled, Chief Brooks had said this was an approach the Police Department would rather not use again in terms of its cost and time to the department. She expressed concern about the number of young people involved in the arrests and expressed a feeling of trust in the Police Department setting up procedures and guidelines to follow this ordinance. She noted Council had the option to make changes in the ordinance later. She said this is a potential problem that might grow and increase and she was going to vote for the ordinance. - Mr. Lieuallen mentioned a number of people were concerned about the loitering and harassment potential. He noted those concerns were not directed at anyone person or the current police force, but more at the process. He felt the problem had been dealt with on a temporary basis and Council was not under any time pressure to act immediately. Mr. Delay said that while Council might have opportunity to make changes in the ordinance later, he felt it best for Council to make I its best and final decision at this time, as members have had the opportunity to read, research, and discuss the various questions. Mr. Lieuallen said he did not want the citizens in the community to think Councilors were in opposition to dealing with the problem if they did not act immediately on the ordinance. Vote was taken on the motion, which passed with Councilors Hamel, Obie, and Smith, voting aye; Councilors Delay, Haws, and Lieuallen voting no; and Mayor Keller voting aye to break the tie. Mayor Keller said he felt questions that were raised were important, but it was also important to realize that the Council could be creative and also should be very careful to represent both sides. He felt this ordinance could do so. He noted the last action of the Police Department . 10/10/77--6 1~ ~