Laserfiche WebLink
7. ACTION: <br />Exemption to Code on Overnight Camping <br /> <br /> <br />Councilor Taylor, seconded by Councilor Brown, moved to allow Occupy Eugene to <br />remain at Alton Baker Park until December 15, 2011. Prior to December 15 the City <br />Manager will update the council on the Occupy Eugene event, at which time the council <br />can decide whether to extend the December 15 deadline. If, prior to December 15, <br />Occupy Eugene moves to a different location, the City Manager will ask the council to <br />amend this motion to allow Occupy Eugene to remain at that second location. If, in the <br />opinion of the City Manager, the presence of Occupy Eugene poses an immediate risk to <br />public health or safety, the City Manager is authorized to revoke the allowance granted <br />by this motion. <br /> <br />Responding to a question from Councilor Poling, Chief Kerns estimated the costs incurred by the City <br />because of Occupy Eugene at approximately $50,000. The money would come from the department’s <br />operational budget. He said most of those costs to this point were related to Occupy Eugene protest <br />marches. Councilor Poling requested an estimate of future costs. <br /> <br />Councilor Clark expressed concern that Occupy Eugene participants might respond more strongly if the <br />encampment had to be ended for health and safety concerns because they would interpret that as a breach <br />of the City’s commitment. <br /> <br />Councilor Taylor, seconded by Councilor Brown, moved to amend the motion to allow <br />Occupy Eugene to use the downtown Parks Blocks if they decided to move. Roll call <br />vote: The amendment failed, 6:2; councilors Taylor and Brown voting yes. <br /> <br />Councilor Zelenka suggested to supporters of Occupy Eugene that they were responsible for ensuring that <br />the concerns expressed by some councilors were not realized and that the encampment remained safe, <br />crime-free, and clean. <br /> <br />Councilor Farr pointed out the council had no assurances in regard to its concerns. He did not support the <br />motion. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy supported the motion. She concurred with the remarks of Councilor Zelenka remarks <br />regarding the responsibility borne by Occupy Eugene. <br /> <br />Councilor Poling recommended that Chief Kerns “hope for the best and plan for the worst.” <br /> <br />Roll call vote: The motion passed, 5:3; councilors Poling, Clark, and Farr voting no. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy adjourned the meeting at 9:52 p.m. <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Beth Forrest <br />City Recorder <br /> <br /> <br />(Recorded by Kimberly Young) <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council October 24, 2011 Page 11 <br /> Regular Meeting <br />