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