Item 3: Adoption of an Ordinance Concerning Authority of Traffic Control Officers to Direct Traffic

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Action: Adoption of an Ordinance Concerning Authority of Traffic Control Officers to Direct Traffic and Amending Sections 2.660, 5.010, 5.060, 5.065, 5.275 and 5.276 of the Eugene Code, 1971 Meeting Date: November 15, 2010 Agenda Item Number: 3 Department: Eugene Police Staff Contact: Captain Rich Stronach www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5252 ISSUE STATEMENT This is an opportunity for the City Council to take action on amendments to Eugene Code 2.660 and 5.010. These amendments would change the title of a community service specialist to a community service officer, providing authority to the community service officer to direct traffic on the streets and public thoroughfares of the city. The amendment to 5.010 of the Eugene Code adds a definition of traffic officer to include community service officers, police officers and any individual designated by the City Manager to serve as a traffic officer. These amendments are necessary to provide authority for Eugene Police Department community service officers to direct traffic in situations concurrent with authority provided by state statute. BACKGROUND As presently written, EC 2.660 gives “community service specialists” authority to enforce all parking, vehicle storage, noise disturbance provisions of sections 4.080 and 4.083 of this code, and animal regulations permitted under the laws of this state and city by issuance of a citation, but they are not authorized to make arrests. The position title for a Police Department civilian staff person performing applicable duties is community service officer. These Police Department civilian employees augment the work of police officers in the field, including responding to traffic emergencies, crashes, maintaining safe routes for parades and races on city streets, and assisting police patrol officers with other appropriate duties. The first purpose of this proposed amendment to the Eugene Code is to change the title of the employee to whom these powers have been given. Secondly, the ordinance would permit the Police Department to utilize CSOs to direct traffic in circumstances where their authority is appropriate to the situation. Examples of situations where the utilization of a community service officer would be a prudent use of resources include temporary traffic control at a vehicle accident scene or during a race on city streets. The City Council held a public hearing on this ordinance on November 15, 2010. No members of the public spoke either in favor or against the ordinance. Z:\CMO\2010 Council Agendas\M101122\S1011223.doc