03/03/11 - City Council Newsletter

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providing solutions, the City Council doubled the funding for the CAHOOTS contract to enhance services for people experiencing mental health issues. EPD has been working with CAHOOTS on the upgraded $566,000 contract. “Police are usually called as a last resort, when someone is in mental or emotional crisis and other responses are not working,” said Eugene Police Lieutenant Pete Deshpande. “Our officers are extremely well trained with classroom, street and advanced Crisis Intervention Training, but we are not mental health providers. We are excited to have the CAHOOTS service enhancement and feel very fortunate in our relationship with them. For decades, they have provided some intervention response whenever possible, and to have that service doubled represents a big step forward.” The second van and personnel went into service this week. One pair of CAHOOTS operators will cover a shift from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and a second team will provide service from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. White Bird through ShelterCare will provide short-term emergency shelter for CAHOOTS-transported individuals. The $566,000 contract provides for CAHOOTS staff, supplies, and equipment, not including vehicle maintenance and fuel costs. The second van was purchased at an additional cost of $60,000 (vehicle maintenance and fuels costs are not included). For more information, contact Melinda McLaughlin at 541-682-5124 or Melinda.V.Mclaughlin@ci.eugene.or.us. Deep Green Event Encourages Action on Climate Change Despite predictions of snow, over 450 people braved the elements to attend the screening of the documentary Deep Green at the Hult Center’s Soreng Theater last Thursday. The film provided an overview of climate change as well as useful actions individuals and institutions can take to improve energy efficiency and reduce climate impacts. The goal of the event was to raise awareness and encourage action. Many people came early and stayed after the movie to learn about what’s happening in the community and what they can do to reduce the carbon footprint. Sixteen community organizations and sponsors provided information at tables in the Hult Center lobby on a range of topics including green building, renewable energy, school garden programs and bicycling. Matt Briggs, the writer, director, and producer of Deep Green, introduced the film and participated in a thought- provoking question-and-answer session after the screening. Pictures from the event are available on the City of Eugene Facebook page. For more information, contact Laura Hammond at laura.a.hammond@ci.eugene.or.us or 541-682-6021. “A Journey to the Outskirts of the Universe” at Eugene Public Library All ages are invited to take “A Journey to the Outskirts of the Universe,” in a presentation by Larry Deckman at the Downtown Eugene Public Library on Monday, Mar. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. This hour-long journey into outer space is illustrated entirely with spectacularly beautiful photographs from NASA and the world's great telescopes. Travel beyond earth's atmosphere to see the home planet from 150 miles up. Ascending higher, see the moon and the planets of the solar system, close-up. Continue out through the stars and clouds of the Milky Way galaxy, then to the clusters of galaxies at the very edge of the universe. The tour guide for this narrated trip will be dedicated amateur astronomer Larry Deckman, the creator of the Star Finders line of maps and other tools for star-gazers. Deckman also practices law and is a community activist in Eugene. For more information, call the Eugene Public Library at 541-682-5450 or visit www.eugene.or.gov/library. Survey Reveals High Satisfaction with Garbage, Recycling and Yard Debris Service According to a recent telephone survey of 400 residents, over 90 percent are satisfied with Eugene’s current garbage and recycling services. In January, the Waste Prevention and Green Building program conducted the triennial customer survey to determine residents’ satisfaction with residential solid waste and recycling collection service. A local company, Advanced Marketing Research, conducted the survey and compiled the results. Other high points include an 80-percent satisfaction rate with current yard debris service. Additionally, 94 percent valued having recycling service and 68 percent valued the ability to choose their garbage hauler. Ninety-five percent EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 March 3, 2011