City Manager Aaron Cubic started last night's City Council listening session with an outline of the legal situation that Grants Pass still faces following the United States Supreme Court decision that overturned the 9th Circuit Court ruling which forced the city to allow camping in nearly all city parks.
Cubic announced the City Council would be taking no action during the meeting and the first revelation was the city is still subject to the 9th Circuit's injunction until it is lifted, likely within 90 days.
The City remains under federal, state and local laws that define time, place and manner regulations affecting homelessness. Oregon House Bill 3115 stipulates that cities regulate resting in places and on public property, and campers may be moved only with 72 hours' notice.
Oregon House Bill 3124 states designated campgrounds must be safe and sanitary with proper restroom facilities and public safety.
The City asked attendees to electronically vote their preference for which parks should be designated as campgrounds. The four -- in order of preference -- were Baker Park, Tussing Park, Redwood Park and Eckstein Park. Attendees were then asked which parks where camping should not be allowed. Those four -- in order of preference -- were Reinhart Volunteer Park, Riverside Park, Lawnridge Park and Morrison Centennial Park.
Attendees were allowed 90 seconds each to address the Council. Over 30 citizens used their opportunity. Most were angry about homeless people camping in parks and demanded immediate action.
