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<br />Celeste Edman <br />, Ward 4, Downtown Business Association, said downtown businesses had witnessed <br />dramatic changes in downtown because of the DPSZ. She emphasized the importance of public safety to <br />a vibrant downtown. Her association strongly supported the continuation of the DPSZ. She did not <br />believe the zone was targeted at the homeless or marginalized; instead, it was targeted at career criminals <br />who preyed on downtown businesses, their patrons, and the homeless. Ms. Edman asked the council to <br />review the exclusions that occurred in the last two years, which were for repeat violent offenders who <br />committed crimes with an acute human cost. She pointed out that judges made decisions that restricted <br />where people could be all the time. She asked the council to extend the DPSZ for at least another 12 <br />months. The ordinance protected more than buildings or assets; it protected people. <br /> <br />Jesse Lohrke <br />, Ward 6, believed the DPSZ was an oversized tool that invited violation due to the length <br />of the exclusions imposed. He suggested that if the zone was extended it should only be for a short time <br />with an opportunity for changes to be made. <br /> <br />Jim Welsh <br />, Eugene Association of Realtors, expressed his association’s support for the DPSZ. He asked <br />that it be extended until it was evident the increased police patrols were effective and jail space was <br />available. <br /> <br />Mark Jordan <br />, Ward 5, believed the DPSZ violated people’s rights, including freedom of movement, <br />freedom of assembly, due process, and equal treatment and protection under the law. He urged the <br />council to end the DPSZ to protect the right of its citizens. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy closed the public hearing. She thanked those who testified. She said that all people were in <br />the community together and both proponents and opponents of the zone had legitimate and deeply held <br />concerns. She reminded the audience the councilors were tax payers too. She encouraged dialogue <br />among those testifying and emphasized her interest in an outcome that was fair and just and enhanced <br />downtown safety. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy called on the council for questions and comments. <br /> <br />Councilor Clark agreed with the mayor’s remarks. He noted the community’s lack of jail capacity and the <br />impact that had on crime levels. He anticipated the community would lose more jail beds due to Lane <br />County’s budget shortfalls. He urged the council to extend the DPSZ for an opportunity for future <br />review. <br /> <br />Councilor Ortiz expressed appreciation for the mayor’s remarks and for the testimony offered by the <br />public. <br /> <br />Councilor Brown also thanked those who offered testimony. Speaking to Councilor Clark’s comments, <br />Councilor Brown said he was unable to see a correlation between the decreasing number of jail beds and <br />the zone’s effectiveness. He requested data related to the sanctions imposed on individuals who violated <br />the exclusion order more than once and also asked staff to provide crime data for the neighborhoods <br />around the downtown so the council could determine if the zone had led to a spike in activity in those <br />areas. <br /> <br />Councilor Zelenka asked staff for data characterizing the individuals excluded from the zone. He also <br />asked staff for suggestions to improve advocacy for those excluded. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council February 21, 2012 Page 8 <br /> Regular Meeting <br /> <br />