CC Minutes - 09/08/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Torrey congratulated the Public Works Department. 2. PUBLIC FORUM Mayor Torrey reviewed the rules of the Public Forum. Kathy Ging, 2878 Harris Street, invited all present to attend a live music benefit for the Woods family on Friday, September 12 at the Woodsmen of the World Hall (WOW Hall). Ms. Ging explained that she had come to call the attention of the City Council to "regular use of heavy paramilitary tactics by police and narcotics officers." She alleged that a raid had been conducted on a rural property on June 5, because a delivery person had mistaken tomato plants for marijuana plants. She said that the raid had included a full SWAT team response and that officers had pointed assault weapons at a mother residing at the house. She related that she had spoken to more than 100 businesses while soliciting donations for the silent auction to benefit the defense fund for the family and all had expressed outrage at "the misuse of tax dollars for victimless crimes." She stated that, in the previous week, eight cars had been vandalized in south Eugene at an apartment building but, when called, the Eugene Police Department (EPD) had refused to take fingerprints, saying that it would cost too much. Ms. Ging suggested that members of the EPD be required to take urine analysis (UA) drug tests. In closing, Ms. Ging asked the City Council to meet with County officials regarding the incident to "stop this persecution." She asserted that the Woods property was now threatened with confiscation. She noted that properties of murderers and rapists were not subject to confiscation. Janetta Overholser, 30300 Cottage Grove Lorane Road, Cottage Grove, spoke as a representative of the Humane Society of Cottage Grove. She stated her concern regarding the lack of funding for the cattery portion of the Lane County Animal Regulation Authority (LCARA). She noted that she had e-mailed all of the councilors information from the last meeting of the task force that had been convened by the County to address the issue. She related that Judge Sinclair had educated the task force on cases coming before the court involving the inhumane disposal of cats and kittens. She said that a litter of kittens had allegedly been bludgeoned to death with a hammer. She blamed the lack of funding for an increase in such incidences. She stressed the importance of having a safe place to take stray and abandoned cats. Ms. Overholser emphasized the connection between cruelty to animals and cruelty to people, stating that indifference to animal suffering could lead to an increase in criminal behavior. Ms. Overholser suggested that funding could be obtained through a surcharge on athletic events. She remarked that the cost for one box seat cost could pay for the cattery. She asked the council to please reconsider the issue. Sean Liebling, 2441 Fillmore Street, recounted his recent experience of being a victim of theft. He explained that, two weeks prior, his car had been broken into while parked in the Spencer's Butte parking lot and his belongings and $4,000 had been stolen. He related that EPD had not been able to help him and had advised him to come to the station and fill out a report. He then spent his time locating the perpetrator MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 8, 2003 Page 2 Regular Meeting