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MATSLER Clara T <br /> From: MATSLER Clara T <br /> Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2008 7:52 AM <br /> To: FOERSTLER Kevin J; LANKSTON Jeff; LARSEN Tom C; DALE Randal J; HAWKE Steve E <br /> Subject: FW: Metal Theft update <br /> Hi, <br /> Just in case you find the information below pertinent to the "Wire Theft" meeting we have scheduled for October 13. -clara <br /> From: MEDLIN Johnny R <br /> Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 4:28 PM <br /> To: *Eugene PW POS Mgmt Team <br /> Subject: FW: Metal Theft update <br /> FYI ... Johnny <br /> From: COREY Kurt A <br /> Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 3:23 PM <br /> To: LANKSTON Jeff; MEDLIN Johnny R <br /> Cc: LARSEN Tom C <br /> Subject: FW: Metal Theft update <br /> FYI <br /> From: WILSON Brenda S <br /> Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 3:19 PM <br /> To: *Eugene Mayor and City Council <br /> Cc: *Eugene Exec Managers Only <br /> Subject: Metal Theft update <br /> Hello: <br /> Jon has asked that I take the lead on finding local solutions to the growing issue of metal theft. Here is an <br /> update on what is happening: <br /> STATE EFFORTS <br /> Under current state law, metals theft is currently a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine <br /> and six months in prison. That's only one step up from a parking ticket so it is hard for the district attorney's <br /> office to justify prosecuting that. Even if the DA did prosecute, it is such a minor offense that the offender is <br /> immediately released and often because of a drug problem, they immediately go out and do it again. <br /> Additionally, the law provides that a scrap metal dealer violates the law by failing to keep a record of <br /> purchases - the fine there is $1,000 for each violation and $5,000 if the scrap metal dealer has at least three <br /> previous convictions. But if they are keeping records, they are not violating the law and the records can be <br /> very vague and without specificity. <br /> There are currently 3 bills in play at the state level, all offering varying assistance on the issue. One of the bills <br /> will be introduced by Senator Prozanski and it appears that Rep. Nathanson intends on signing on to that <br /> piece of legislation - so it is a priority for both of them. Right now the proposed legislation is being hammered <br /> out - but it looks like some of the provisions will be elimination of cash only transactions or a restriction on <br /> cash transactions (like $10) and criminal penalties for sellers who did not comply; restrictions on certain items <br /> - amount of copper wire (no more than 25 feet), beer kegs, catalytic converters, cemetery urns, etc. <br /> LOCAL EFFORTS <br /> 1 <br />