CC Minutes - 06/26/02 Work Session

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Mr. Meisner asked Judge Allen if there were needs he perceived to be filled, or trends in crime and activity that the council should be aware of. Judge Allen said the court did more outreach to the community than it had previously. He cited a meeting he had with representatives of the Muslim community. He realized, through that outreach, there was a segment of the community not comfortable with the court system; he proposed to address that through a group meeting, and train a court liaison to meet with people in court and assist them through the court process. He did not perceive any particular criminal trends facing Eugene. He said that the court was more focused on education at this time than on penalties, and referred people to various programs to ensure that education occurred. Mr. Meisner said he hoped that in the future Judge Allen would let the council know if he or the other judges perceived a problem with implementing the current code. Ms. Taylor also indicated support for Judge Allen's reappointment. She asked if anyone ever won when challenging a police officer. Judge Allen said yes, every day of the week. He expressed concern about the question, which presumed that the police never lost. Ms. Taylor asked if anyone ever helped people who were facing a police officer in court. Judge Allen said yes. He encouraged people to watch trials before they had their own trial, and explained the procedures to each person who entered the court. He did not want people to be intimated by the court process, which would occur anyway, and wished to soften that feeling. Ms. Taylor endorsed Judge Allen's suggestion for a marijuana diversion program. She hoped the fines would not be large. Judge Allen responded by saying that the court did not impose enormous fines. Mr. Pap~ invited the judge's thoughts on the City's criminal ordinances. He suggested that Judge Allen meet with the Police Commission on the subject. Mr. Farr said the input the Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations received from court staff and the judge helped it respond quickly to legislative action. Mayor Torrey said he had recently been asked by a private service provider why the City had so few DUll (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) convictions, which reduced the number of people referred to her business. Judge Allen said that it was his perception that DUll convictions had remained constant. Enforcement was a continuing issue. If there were more officers on the street, there would be more such cases. He said that it was his perception drug and alcohol counselors were overwhelmed with clients. He did not know about the business involved. Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Pap~, moved to appoint Judge Wayne Allen to another four-year term as presiding judge of Municipal Court, and direct staff to renew his contract. The motion passed unanimously, 8:0. Mayor Torrey congratulated and thanked Judge Allen. MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 2002 Page 4 Work Session