2.19.2019 City Council Public Hearing Meeting Minutes

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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. S. 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. Lamy 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 Blum - 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. MINUTES - Eugene City Public Hearing February 19, 2019 Page 3