Agenda Packet 4-8-19 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES – Eugene City Public Hearing February 19, 2019 Page 3 1. Janet Sims – spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance; people rely on money they collect. 2. Cliff Gray – proposed ordinance would violate the Constitution; has unintended consequences. 3. Charmaine Rehg – supported the ordinance, noting that it will improve public safety. 4. Donna Riddle – said there is no evidence to support the need for the proposed ordinance. 5. Gina – supported the ordinance; said it will reduce incidents of distracted driving. 6. Dave Piccioni – opposed the proposed ordinance; related his experience donating to others. 7. Bob Cassidy – said the proposed ordinance won’t help the homeless and will be unenforceable. 8. David Strahan – said there is no evidence to support the need for the proposed ordinance. 9. Jennifer Frenzer – opposed restrictions to panhandling; supported efforts to help the homeless. 10. Leslie Robnett – encouraged the council to take action and help the homeless. 11. Michael Carrigan – spoke in opposition to the ordinance; people have legal right to ask for help. 12. Wayne Martin – said it is natural to ask for help; reasonable to allow exchanges. 13. Darcy Martin – supported passage of the ordinance; many other resources are available for help. 14. Lainy Davis – expressed concern about the safety of drivers and panhandlers during exchange. 15. Jerry Glass – said proposed ordinance is one more assault on the homeless. 16. Pamela Krause – said that destitution in Eugene is increasing; opposed ordinance. 17. Michael Gannon – expressed frustration about the obstacles to helping those in need. 18. John Thielking – opposed the ordinance as it violates the Constitution; suggested amendments. 19. Misha Seymour – opposed passage of the ordinance; City has created an unwelcoming atmosphere. 20. Susan Matthews – opposed ordinance; said it is an important means of supporting those in need. 21. Liana Leung – described the unsafe behavior she has witnessed during exchanges. 22. Jack Radey – said there is no evidence that panhandling creates a safety hazard. 23. Ben Clark – appreciated the opportunity for community conversation; opposed ordinance. 24. Sarah George – opposed ordinance for criminalizing acts of kindness. 25. Stephen Carson – said the main intent of the ordinance is to hide the problem of homelessness. 26. Kathy Cooks – recommended that council postpone action on the ordinance; do more to help. 27. Jenny Ulum – said ordinance focuses on the driver, not the person receiving; supported passage. 28. Stefan Strek – spoke about his enlightenment; opposed ordinance as being hypocritical. 29. Joe Williams – said that panhandling creates a safety issue; find common ground for problem. 30. Rose Padgett – opposed proposed ordinance; represents class war between rich and poor. 31. Chavon Wright – supported efforts to stop criminalizing homelessness and start helping homeless. 32. John Abbe – spoke about the hypocrisy of the proposed ordinance versus inundation of marketing. 33. Eric Jackson – supported amending the ordinance; acknowledged those who are homeless by choice. 34. Kris McAlister – encouraged council to consider unintended consequences of ordinance. 35. Leonard Stoehr – said there is no evidence to support the need for the proposed ordinance 36. Mel Hite – said acts of kindness result in other acts of kindness; opposed ordinance. 37. Tracy Joscelyn – spoke against the ordinance; panhandling is a lifeline for many in the community. Mayor Vinis closed the public hearing. Council Discussion • Councilor Clark – asked for information about the cessation of the “Fill the Boot” campaign for safety reasons. • Councilor Syrett – stated that she will not support the proposed ordinance; it will be challenged in court if enforced only in panhandling situations; proposal is a pretext to achieve an unconstitutional purpose. • Councilor Semple – noted that while she will oppose the ordinance, she supported providing an open forum for community to air its opinion on this issue; encouraged civil behavior to accomplish goals. • Councilor Taylor – reported that many of her constituents support this ordinance; there are many other ways to help those in need; supported passage of the ordinance. • Mayor Vinis – thanked those in attendance for their input and stressed the need for and value in maintaining a respectful meeting environment. April 8, 2019, Meeting – Item 2A