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MEDLIN Johnny R <br /> Subject: FW: Metal Theft update <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 attomey'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 <br /> bills 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 /> I have discovered that there are several conversations going on around the city regarding what to do with the <br /> - metal theft issue. My first goal is to consolidate the conversations to bring all of the parties into the same <br /> conversation so we can move some solutions forward. <br /> I have requested that EWEB present their ideas and "Wire Watch" program to the intergovemmental group <br /> on October 10. EWEB belongs to one of the local task groups discussing metal theft. <br /> I am in the process of setting up a meeting with EPD and PW to discuss what is possible at the local level <br /> and what issues need to be addressed first. Chief Lehner has provided me with staff contacts that he would <br /> like to be involved and I am in contact with the PW's group that has been discussing this. <br /> Metal theft will be an informational item presented by EWEB staff at the joint City / EWEB meeting on <br /> November 19. <br /> Metal theft will be the Mayor's issue for discussion at the City Hall day on October 16. <br /> I will continue to update you as we move forward. Please let me know if you have any questions. <br /> Brenda Wilson <br /> 1 <br />