CC Minutes - 04/25/11 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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to do the work of a police officer and put their life on the line. Councilor Poling commended the officers of the Eugene Police Department (EPD) for their ability to continue to provide excellent service at such a tirne, and thanked Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns and the department for their hard work. He also expressed his sympathy to the Kilcullen family for tragic loss of Officer Kilcullen. He suggested people give a wave, a tip of the hat, or a word of thanks to the next officer they saw. It would be appreciated. Councilor Farr had no words other than words of prayer to offer to the Kilcullen family and the officers of the EPD. Councilor Zelenka expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Officer Kilcullen's ultimate sacrifice. He expressed his sympathy to the Kilcullen family and thanked the EPD officers who continually put their lives on the line. He said that Officer Kilcullen would be missed. Councilor Taylor expressed her sympathy and gratitude to the Kilcullen family and to the EPD. Councilor Brown expressed his sorrow to the Kilcullen family. He had attended the vigil held for Officer Kilcullen on April 24 and believed it demonstrated the community's support for the EPD. Councilor Clark called the loss of Officer Kilcullen a tragedy for the department, the City organization, and the entire community. He had first met Officer Kilcullen at the Citizens Police Academy and was struck by his unfailing kindness and gentle spirit. He was deeply saddened by his loss and would miss Officer Kilcullen. He had also attended the April 24 vigil and recalled that Ms. Kilcullen had asked those present to remember that all police officers were "just folks" who had families and felt tragedy and pain. He suggested that the-community could use the occasion as an opportunity to treat its officers better. Councilor Clark asked staff to prepare a motion of support for an effort to rename a section of I -126 from Main Street to 1 -5 in honor of Officer Kilcullen. He said the existing Oregon Department of Transportation process for renaming a facility was lengthy and suggested the possibility that the City could piggyback on a bill currently being considered by the State legislature to accomplish the goal. Councilor Ortiz believed there was a little Chris Kilcullen in all EPD officers so the suggestion that people be kind to all officers resonated with her. At Councilor Ortiz's request, those present observed a moment of silence in honor of Officer Kilcullen. Mayor Piercy recognized Eugene Police Chief Kerns, who said it was an absolute privilege to serve the community. He and the department appreciated the honor the council bestowed on Officer Kilcullen. 2. PUBLIC FORUM Mayor Piercy reviewed the rules of the Public Forum. She opened the forum. Wayne Ford, 85560 Svarverud Road, chair of the Homeless Action Coalition, presented the council with a petition from Virgil, a homeless resident, asking the City to provide more spaces for people to camp legally. The petition was signed by many residents and the request was endorsed by the EPD. Mr. Ford expressed concern about the growing homeless population and his fear that reductions in State aid would increase the number. He contrasted the cost of enforcement against the lesser cost of providing homeless spaces and asked the council to hold a work session on the request. St. Vincent de Paul could provide 10 more spaces immediately. MINUTES— Eugene City Council April 25, 2011 Page 3 Regular Meeting