ORDINANCE No. 182758

Amend Sidewalk Obstructions code for a temporary extension of the expiration date to allow time for a City wide public involvement process to educate, assess performance measures and engage citizens in the evaluation of the Street Access For Everyone package (Ordinance; amend Code Section 14A.50.030 N)

Section 1.  The Council finds:

1.  By its own written terms, Portland City Code Section 14A.50.030 will cease to be effective on June 8, 2009.

2.  The Street Access For Everyone (SAFE) Oversight Committee submitted their 2008 Annual Report to the City Council in November 2008. It was posted on Portland Online in April 2009. It lists accomplishments and ongoing needs to address issues affecting people who may want or need to sit or lie on public sidewalks.

3.  The Report makes 17 recommendations for action or assessment. Some of the recommendations call for Council action.

4.  SAFE Committee members, Sisters of the Road Civic Action Group, and other community stakeholders have debated the benefits and concerns in the SAFE Package and Sidewalk Obstructions ordinance.

5.  While the Sidewalk Obstructions ordinance applies primarily in the Central City portions of Portland, many citizens in neighborhoods outside of this area care deeply about public safety, human rights, a thriving central business district, and help for people experiencing homelessness.

6.  Extension of the expiration date of Portland City Code Section 14A.50.030 (N) will allow additional citywide community outreach on the merits of the Ordinance, followed by an orderly process with a public hearing to decide whether to renew the Ordinance or allow the sunset clause to be enacted.

7.  Public involvement and outreach on the Sidewalk Obstructions Ordinance and SAFE package will be led by Commissioner Amanda Fritz and Commissioner Nick Fish, to engage citizens not only in evaluation and potential improvements, but also in working towards reconciliation in considering many aspects of the SAFE package.

8.  The findings made by council in Ordinance No. 180953 when adopting Portland City Code Section 14A.50.030 Obstruction As Nuisances remain valid.

9.  Extension of the sunset date of Portland City Code Section 14A.50.030 will allow the continued material enhancement of the public utility of the affected sidewalks as corridors for travel, transportation, and commerce and community life.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:

a.  Portland City Code Section 14A.50.030 (N) is amended as described in Exhibit A to this Ordinance.

b.  All other Sections as stipulated in Ordinance 180953 shall continue to be in full force and effect until such time as the Ordinance is amended or sunsets on October 23^rd as specified in the amendment (Exhibit A).

c.  City bureaus shall work with community partners to provide daytime services as specified in the SAFE package for people experiencing homelessness, to the extent practicable.

d.  The Commissioners of Public Utilities and Public Works shall report back to Council the results of community outreach efforts at a public hearing on or before September 16^th 2009.

e.  Portland City Code Section 14A.50.030 (N) shall be amended to read, This Section shall be effective for two (2) years after enactment through October 23^rd, 2009 unless extended by City Council.

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 518, 567-2009

ACTION TAKEN: APR 29 2009 PASSED TO SECOND READING MAY 06 2009 9:30 A.M.

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 182758