The summary of ‘City of Grants Pass Special Council Meeting July 11, 2022’

00:00:00

In this part of the video, a special meeting of the Grants Pass City Council is focused on a park exclusion order hearing. The council is deciding whether to uphold or overturn 30-day park exclusions issued to Helen Cruz and Justin Wallace at Morrison Park. The proceedings are governed by municipal codes, and both staff and appellants have opportunities to present their arguments. Council members will listen to testimonies, review evidence, and make a final decision on the validity of the exclusions. The process includes structured statements, cross-examinations, and closing arguments, all with specific time limits. Any disruptive behavior during the hearing will not be tolerated. An attorney named Josh Gibbs raises questions about the scope of the hearing, specifically whether the council will judge the validity of the underlying citations leading to the exclusion orders. The council clarifies that their role is limited to deciding whether to uphold the exclusion orders based on presented evidence.

00:10:00

In this part of the video, the staff provides opening statements regarding park exclusions issued to Helen Cruz and Justin Wallace in Morrison Park. Both individuals received two citations in one year, resulting in a 30-day park exclusion. The exclusions stem from violations of camping regulations and scattering rubbish. The city injunction mandates a 24-hour notice before enforcing camping ordinances, which the staff asserts was followed.

The appellants’ attorneys argue that the exclusion should be stayed until the circuit court decides on the pending citations. They emphasize the need for a unified decision-making process and the validity of citations before the exclusions are enforced. They also raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest given the city’s involvement in both issuing and adjudicating the citations.

00:20:00

In this part of the video, Officer Jason McGinnis from the Grants Pass Police Department outlines his role and responsibilities, particularly regarding park exclusions and illegal camping enforcement. He explains park exclusions are issued when individuals do not adhere to the rules, resulting in a 30-day ban from the park for one ORS crime or two city ordinance violations. He details that violating a park exclusion can lead to a Criminal Trespass 2 charge. McGinnis also describes the process for illegal camping enforcement, which includes issuing a 24-hour notice before action and a 72-hour period for removing items from camps. Citations for illegal camping are typically issued after 24 but sometimes 48 hours, and camps must be broken down by 7:30 AM. The segment includes a review of specific incidents and citations issued to individuals like Helen Cruz and Justin Wallace in Morrison Park.

00:30:00

In this part of the video, the discussion revolves around the enforcement of illegal camping laws in a park. The officers explain their duties and actions regarding individuals like Miss Cruz and Mr. Wallace who have been staying in the park. It is highlighted that while they have encountered these individuals multiple times, they often issue warnings instead of citations to encourage compliance without immediate penalties. The officers also ensure that notices are left in visible spots if the individuals are not present. There is a distinction between notices of illegal camping, which inform individuals of their violations, and citations that summon them to court if the issues persist. The officers follow up on these notices and citations, and repeat violators could face a 30-day park exclusion.

00:40:00

In this segment of the video, there is a detailed discussion regarding interactions with an individual named Justin, and citations issued for illegal camping and scattering rubbish. The speaker cannot recall specifics of certain past conversations with Justin but confirms issuing citations in accordance with specific regulations. Details of the citations and notices given on various dates (e.g., May 31st, June 2nd) for illegal camping are discussed, emphasizing the procedures and timeframes involved. The segment also highlights whether protocol was followed, such as providing 24-hour or 72-hour notices before taking action, ensuring local shelter contact, and verifying body cam footage — all being important steps in enforcing the regulations. The conversation includes checking documentation (CAD notes, exhibits) for accuracy and compliance with the rules.

00:50:00

In this segment of the video, multiple citations issued to Justin Wallace and Helen Cruz for park use violations, including camping, are discussed. The citations were issued on various dates, including May 12, 2022, and June 2, 2022. The segment includes a review of park exclusion orders and specific details about the infractions and enforcement actions taken. The defense claims that the city has not provided sufficient preponderance of evidence to support the citations and exclusions, citing legal precedents and questioning the clarity and enforcement of park rules. The segment concludes with references to legal cases about the treatment of homeless individuals and the practicality of park regulations.

01:00:00

In this segment of the video, the discussion centers on the city’s enforcement of ordinances against homeless individuals engaging in life-sustaining activities, such as sleeping outdoors, when there are insufficient shelter options available. It is argued that the city’s actions are unconstitutional and violate the Eighth Amendment by constituting cruel and unusual punishment. Specific incidents are cited, including the issuance of citations and exclusion orders to Mr. Wallace and Miss Cruz, despite an injunction requiring 24-hour notice before enforcing camping ordinances. The city’s argument emphasizes that compliance with park rules is necessary, and the police followed proper procedures. However, opposing views highlight the lack of adequate shelter and basic sanitation for homeless individuals, stressing that enforcing such ordinances merely shifts public health issues. The city seeks to uphold a 30-day park exclusion, contending that the rules were fairly enforced and the individuals failed to comply with the guidelines despite multiple notices.

01:10:00

In this part of the video, the council is given a 10-minute break to review their notes and documents before starting a discussion and rendering a decision by the end of the day. The mayor emphasizes that council members should refrain from discussing the matter with each other during the break. The key decision revolves around whether to uphold a 30-day park exclusion as per Municipal Code 6.46.350.

01:20:00

In this part of the video, the council discusses and ultimately votes on upholding a 30-day exclusion order from Morrison Park for two individuals, Justin Wallace and Helen Cruz. The exclusion is based on the issuance of two or more citations within a year for violating city park regulations. Key points include the legality of the order under city code, the importance of maintaining safety in city parks, and the unanimous vote to enforce the exclusion. The exclusion will take effect at noon on Tuesday, July 12th. The public hearing is then adjourned.