CC Minutes - 07/13/09 Work Session

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Minutes Recorder for committee meetings had been eliminated. While EPD staff was doing a good job, the commission was hearing from the public that it wanted more information, perhaps in the form of televised meetings, and not less information. She hoped the committee could find a low cost solution to capture meetings and webcast them. The department was considering conducting a survey to gauge public opinion. She reviewed the expected Work Plan Outcomes. While the Magellan staffing study had been disappointing, a subcommittee would begin working on department resources before work on the FY 11 budget process commences. The commission welcomed the new Police Auditor. The Human Rights Commission (HRC) and other community groups had expressed interest in jointly working on a hate crimes conference. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Piercy expressed appreciation for the commission's work. Mr. Brown stated the commission did an amazing job and EPD staff was always available at meetings to provide information. Mr. Clark thanked Mr. Alsup for his dedication and tenure as vice chair. He congratulated Juan Carlos Valle on his incoming opportunity to serve as vice chair, and he expressed his appreciation to Ms. Miller for her outstanding service as commission chair. He noted the Budget Committee made recommendations to the City Manager regarding the Magellan report for further discussions this year. He was impressed by the presence of Interim Police Chief Pete Kerns at Police Commission meetings and his willingness to solicit feedback from the commission, as well as by the quality of information Chief Kerns provided the commission. Ms. Ortiz thanked Ms. Miller and Ms. Alsup for their work on behalf of the City. She was challenged by the Magellan study in that she did see how the amount of pay equated to staffing levels, adding she thought officers were well paid. She commended the commission and Ms. Zimmer for their good work. She supported participating in a hate crimes conference, noting the last one in Eugene was held in conjunction with the Department of Justice. A previous event held at Churchill High School included a big name in conjunction with the University of Oregon Wayne Morse Chair that drew participants while a similar event at Petersen Barn lacked a big name and experienced a low turnout. She was pleased next year's workplan included conversations with officers. Mayor Piercy said the Police Commission could not have a staffing discussion without thinking about resources. While it was important to think about communicating with the whole community, it was critical to think about the whole public safety system and its needs. She asked if review by an outside organiza- tion to look at the various elements in the public safety system in both the City and across Lane County could provide suggestions for improvements. Ms. Ortiz asked if the Police Commission had had a discussion and formed an opinion on moving the patrol facility from downtown. Ms. Miller said the commission had the discussion on the patrol facility location and appreciated the opportunity to provide feedback although it was outside the commission's purview. Although a vote was not taken, Commission members had toured the proposed site on County Club Road and additional opportunities would be scheduled. She added it was scary to think the community could suffer a catastrophic event and many police resources would be at the existing City Hall location and not be able to be used. Mr. Alsup said the majority of commission members had done "ride - alongs" with officers and had an opportunity to see that the cramped quarters officers used were woefully inadequate. He opined MINUTES— Eugene City Council July 13, 2009 Page 4 Work Session