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.Public Safety Services <br />In addition, the concept of deploying additional response resources during periods of peak <br />activity to increase concentration of resources and response reliability, is attractive as it best <br />matches the additional resources needed to periods of increased call volume only when needed. <br />This is the theory behind the deployment of single-role medic units within Eugene's ambulance <br />system, but one that could also be expanded and applied to fire suppression response. <br />5. The Area Information Records System (AIRS) Consortium (Eugene, Springfield and Lane <br />County), has been working to replace the outdated AIRS system. The current system is over 30 <br />years old and cannot provide support for critical public safety functions. The Consortium <br />implemented a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in FY04, Mobile Data Computing <br />in FY05 and Fire/EMS Records Management in FY06. The remaining parts of the full suite of <br />services will be built by Lane County AIRS staff beginning in FY06 and continuing through <br />FY11 and will include Law Enforcement Records Management, Local Courts and, Field <br />Reporting. AIRS staff will also build integration between the purchased and built segments of <br />the suite. and integrate the suite with Adult Corrections. <br />6. The economic and demographic changes in the community reflect a greater need for mental <br />health, indigent defense counsel and interpreter services. The Municipal Court is required by <br />State and Federal law to provide court-appointed defense attorneys to defendants when they are <br />facing potential jail time for a serious offense and cannot afford their own attorney. Interpreters <br />are provided by the Court for defendants who do not speak English. State-certified interpreters <br />are not always readily available and sometimes the Court must rely on less qualified interpreters <br />or a telephone interpretation service. The addition in FY06 of a Mental Health Court diversion <br />program has improved services to this population and reduced recidivism.. <br />7. Developing a strategy to help the homeless in Eugene, one of the City Council's goals, is <br />focused on responding to situational homelessness and helping implement Lane County's <br />recently adopted "Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness". Strategies include identifying <br />gaps in current services, promoting public awareness, and fostering collaboration with <br />community stakeholders to improve the delivery of services to homeless and at-risk populations <br />in the city. When feasible a "Housing First" model will be used to move people from <br />`~ homelessness to housing. The Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee will be identifying revenue <br />options to implement the Ten Year Plan in Eugene. Project Homeless Connect, held in February <br />2007, proved to be a valuable tool for identifying homeless people, then connecting them to <br />.services and housing programs. This model will be repeated 2008. Also, additional training <br />`' - opportunities will be considered for City employees and work groups that have frequent <br />interaction with homeless/at-risk persons. <br />8. The City's ability to contribute to the Human Services Commission (a jointly funded <br />collaboration among the City of Eugene, City of Springfield, and Lane County to provide <br />services to low-income, disabled, and homeless citizens) has been constrained due to a reduction <br />of the Federal Community Development Block Grant award. This grant award supplements the <br />;- City's annual General Fund contribution of approximately $1,000,000. Further reductions of the <br />CDBG award are anticipated in future fiscal years. <br />,,, ; r <br />45 y <br />_. <br />