HomeMy WebLinkAbout210719 CFMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Virtual Meeting
Eugene, Oregon 97401
July 19, 2021
7:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark (joined at 8:09
p.m.), Randy Groves, Claire Syrett
Councilors Absent: Greg Evans
Mayor Vinis opened the July 19, 2021, meeting of the Eugene City Council in a virtual format.
1. Community Forum on Ad Hoc Committee on Police Policy Recommendations
Community Forum
1. Jacob Trewe - encouraged the adoption of the recommendations and explained reasoning.
2. Pat Bryan - urged Council to adopt all recommendations, shared story of international students.
3. Anne O'Brien - strongly supported each recommendation in the report.
4. Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Rubenstein- encouraged immediate adoption and long-term commitment.
S. Dawn Lesley - shared letter of support from the Santa Clara Community Executive Board.
6. Maria - encouraged Council to adopt recommendations that have direct influence over EPD.
7. Janet Morrison - appreciated the process and follow-through of Council.
8. Tibor Bessko- supported the recommendations and applauded the historical background.
9. Mia Coltrane - said this is an opportunity to create a new start for public safety models.
10. Jeffrey Kern - asked Council to consider improved policing for the benefit of all.
11. Emily Heilbrun - urged Council to act now; said police should not respond to mental health calls.
12. Ruth Koenig - expressed praise for CAHOOTS and recognition that they are not paid enough.
13. Katharine Hunt - strongly encouraged Council to listen and act on recommendations.
14. David VanPiccioni - commented that psychedelics should be made available and legalized.
15. Linda Ague - commented that there is little in the report that shouldn't already be policy.
16. Brita Pastor - expressed that safety is first and believes Eugene can do this hard work.
17. Laoni Davis - expressed support for all recommendations in the report.
18. Laura Diamond - asked Council to adopt and support each recommendation with a path forward.
19. Ellen Rifkin - encouraged Council to do something new and embrace the wisdom of the report.
20. Sarah Kerr -Daly - shared her family's experience with EPD and supported all recommendations.
21. Brooklyn - shared she does not believe in violence or incarceration to solve problems.
22. Jan Wulling - asked Council to methodically adopt all of the recommendations.
23. Charlcie Kaylor - represented the League of Women Voters in support of the report recommendations.
24. Jolene Siemsen - stated the report demonstrates thoroughness and a real -world view.
25. Marty Wilder - shared a story that drives him to actively advocate these recommendations.
26. Carol Seaton - shared doctors and hospital staff need to report injuries caused by police.
27. Hope Clifton - shared her concern for her brothers and sisters of color in this community.
28. Sarita Lief - said it is time to exit the dark shadows of racism; report is a roadmap to the way out.
29. Tomas Daly - suggested the City not hire officers with a military background; supported report.
30. Jack Radey - shared he addressed Council 22-years ago about a culture of violence within EPD.
31. Libbie Rascon - shared her experiences not getting help from EPD when called multiple times.
32. Jim Stauffer - shared common thread in paying attention to the process going forward.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council July 19, 2021 Page 1
Meeting
Council Discussion
• Mayor Vinis - commented that this is the first meeting in a long process of evaluating these
recommendations and Council has every intention to do this work thoroughly and respectfully;
stated Council is committed to this work and there will be more opportunities for the
community to engage on this topic.
• Councilor Keating - asked how a community should send in testimony to Council if they are not
able to log in to the Zoom meeting.
• Councilor Groves - shared this is an emotional issue for people, and it is important to weigh the
facts in terms of what is being done, what is left to be done, and what can legally be done;
clarified questions on mandatory reporting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
'6't�
Beth Forrest
City Recorder
(Recorded by Niyah Ross)
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council July 19, 2021 Page 2
Meeting