Item 3A: Approval of City Council Minutes

Home Browse Search

Chief Kerns related that a number of communities had restricted the sales of fortified wine and malt liquor. He explained that the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) could make a change administratively that would enable the City Council to pass an ordinance that would prohibit the sale of such products. He said those communities that had passed such ordinances had seen a reduction in admissions to detox centers and emergency rooms as a result. Continuing, Chief Kerns explained that they did not have a way to understand behavior crime currently. He said it would not be a huge expense to set up software that would track these types of crimes. He noted that the EPD was working on a way to enhance its crime enforcement strategies. Ms. Muir stated that, based on the Portland model, they were putting forth the concept of assessing fees on vacant buildings. They planned to develop this idea and bring something back for the council’s consideration. She said a map of the downtown district was included in the council packets so that the councilors could review it and potentially consider doing something different with the boundary. She related that they were also working with Downtown Eugene Incorporated (DEI) in partnership to come up with continued and enhanced ways of providing their services. Chief Kerns said a report was forthcoming in the fall on the effectiveness of the Downtown Safety Ordinance that would analyze what systematically was working and what was not. He stated that among other things, they would examine if the boundary was the right one and whether it was worthy of continuing or enhancing. Ms. Muir started a review of long-term strategies. Chief Kerns reiterated that the lack of accountability and jail space made it difficult to change some behaviors. He recommended adding ten jail beds as a long-term strategy. He also related that there was a type of facility used in a number of communities called “wet housing.” He explained that it was an intermediate housing opportunity for people who would not be appropriately placed in the Eugene Mission or the Buckley House and that would save money by preventing emergency room visits. He stated that this would provide a safe place for someone with an alcohol or substance abuse issue. He noted that there was not an estimated cost because there were different models that they could utilize. Continuing, Chief Kerns highlighted the long-term strategy of creating downtown work crews as part of sentencing for low-level crimes. Ms. Muir discussed the long-term strategy of including more seasonal and consistent lighting. Chief Kerns stated that the long-term strategy to improve policing would require the addition of nine Full Time Equivalent (FTE) police officers and also support staff. Ms. Muir added that they also saw enhancement of the Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets (CAHOOTS) in the downtown area as a long-term strategy. Ms. Muir said the items in the recommendation would cost a total of $2 million in ongoing funds and $200,000 in one-time costs. She added that the costs for some things, such as the “wet beds,” were as yet unknown. Mayor Piercy asked if there would be a better way to address the lack of clean-up outside of bars as one short-term solution. Regarding behavior crimes, she commented that some people have ceased to report MINUTES—Eugene City Council January 27, 2010 Page 2 Work Session