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would enable data analysis, provide for efficiency and effectiveness, and that the entire system <br />could collapse without it. <br /> <br />Mr. Laue said that he believed the AIRS conversion should be included in the levy proposal. He <br />asked for estimates of the percentages of persons released from jail on the matrix system who <br />were charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes. Lane County Sheriff Captain John Clague, <br />responsible for the operation of the jail, replied that most of those released were charged with <br />felonies because police were seldom jailing those charged with misdemeanors. He also said that <br />most of those released were not in custody as a result of convictions, but were being held in lieu <br />of bond being posted to ensure appearance at trials. <br /> <br />Mr. Laue said he believed that most of the programs proposed to be included in the levy had <br />been under consideration for some time and were needed to make the criminal justice system <br />more viable. He said he did not agree that it was possible to separate prevention programs from <br />others and generate increased support because the entire spectrum was needed. He said he <br />believed programs from all three options under consideration should be included in the levy. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey said he wanted all to understand that he supported all the programs included in <br />Option 1 of the levy proposal, but that he was hesitant to provide enthusiastic support without <br />other programs such as the AIRS conversion also being included. He expressed appreciation for <br />the long and hard work of the PSCC, but said that he believed many members were seeking to <br />"protect their own turf." He said he was concerned that no programs were being proposed for <br />those who were 5 to 18 years old but who were not involved in the criminal justice system. He <br />suggested that consideration be given to increasing the number of members on the PSCC with <br />education affiliations. <br /> <br />Mr. Lee said he believed concerns which had emerged following the shooting incident at <br />Thurston High School should be joined with those of the PSCC levy proposal. He said he <br />believed the Court School was an important program. He expressed concern that demographic <br />data showing that there were more youth than ever before was not included in the levy proposal. <br />He said he believed the AIRS conversion was important and that voters would support the <br />program when it was pointed out that not completing it would result in cost inefficiencies. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner said he believed that the public expected efficiencies in the operation of the criminal <br />justice system and that promoting a levy on the basis of it enabling increased efficiency was not <br />wise. He suggested that it would also be important to identify prevention and intervention <br />programs supported by resources outside of a levy proposal. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor said she was concerned that her remarks could be mistakenly interpreted as being <br />unsupportive of prevention programs. She said she was a strong supporter of such programs, <br />but that she believed agencies such as those specializing in cultural and recreation could better <br />operate them. She said it was important for programs included in a Local Option Levy to be <br />coordinated with those of a similar nature sponsored by the State. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor asked Mr. Hill if he believed the AIRS conversion would be supported by voters if it <br />were proposed as a separate revenue measure. Mr. Hill replied that the question was difficult to <br />answer because it would be affected by what other measures were on the ballot. He said it was <br />accurate to say the criminal justice system could not operate without an AIRS-type system. <br /> <br />Ms. Nathanson said that she joined other councilors in believing that inclusion of the AIRS <br />conversion in a levy proposal was essential. She suggested that it would be unusual and difficult <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 8, 1998 Page 5 <br /> <br /> <br />