CC Minutes - 11/13/01 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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V. PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION: An Ordinance Concerning Forfeiture, and Amending Sections 4.425, 4.247, 4.251, 4.253, and 4.255 of the Eugene Code, 1971 Assistant City Manager Jim Carlson noted that the hearing was a continuation of a hearing held on October 22, 2001 and requested that action be taken that evening. Mayor Torrey opened the public hearing. Judge Darrell Larson reminded the council that an overwhelming majority of voters had voted for Ballot Measure 3 on the assumption that the money would be used for drug treatment. He urged the council to listen to those voters. He cited the measure language and reiterated his urging that the council stay with the intent of the voters. He stressed that drug treatment could accomplish fantastic results if money from forfeitures were directed towards it as voters intended. Larry Weinerman, 2891 Central Boulevard, stressed that the intent of Ballot Measure 3 was to dedicate forfeiture money toward drug treatment. He urged the council to be honest with voters. He stressed that drug treatment worked and saved money in the long-term. Mr. Weinerman went on to say that there were serious gaps in Eugene's drug treatment system. He stressed the need for detox beds and residential treatment for youth. He thanked the council for the opportunity to be heard. Lucy Zammarelli, 2250 Grant Street, said she voted for measure 3 because she thought forfeiture money would be directed towards drug treatment. She said that girls were the most at- risk population in the City and raised concern that the council was letting the community's youth down. She stressed that Eugene voters intent was for the money to be designated toward drug treatment and opined that the council was trying to derail the intent of the voters. Joella Ewing, 2384 Washington Street, stressed that the people who wrote and voted for measure 3 had intended forfeiture money to be dedicated to drug treatment. She commented that 95 percent of the crime in Lane County was drug-related, and added that the existence of the drug court depended on treatment availability. Robert Hawtree, 580 East 46th Avenue, urged the council to do the right thing and dedicate the forfeiture funds to drug treatment. Jan Mackey, 2502 Lily Avenue, said she had voted for measure 3 thinking that the money would be used for drug treatment. She stressed that drug treatment worked and would save money over time. She stressed the importance of having adolescent detox facilities in the City and urged the council not to hinder a positive impact on the community. Peg Waite, 2415 Del Monte Street, stressed the fact that drug treatment saved the community money in the long-run. There being no other requests to speak, Mayor Torrey closed the public hearing. MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 13, 2001 Page 5 Regular Meeting