2008/08/06 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

August 6,2008 David Hall gave a brief history of laws regarding the regulation of sex offenders.He explained that various laws are dependent upon when an offense was committed.He talked about the 880 foot limit which restricts certain sex offenders from schools. 2006 legislation pre-empted local authority regarding regulation of sex offender residences.He related that the City of Everett has bean very Involved with regard to the legislation aspect.He advised that authority is with the Department of Corrections (DOC)and that there is a need to form a pro active relationship with the DOC.He also suggested forming a task force to formulate a package to take to the legislature.He doffed that registered sex offenders are not protected by the Fair Housing Act. The city is taking a look at group housing standards. Discussion ensued regarding the definition of'family as it relates to our zoning code and also disabilities.Health end safety aspects need to be iluded as part of the city's review process. David encouraged the city council to look at Pasco and Portland's ordinances with regard to bringing sub standard housing up to better standards. Chad Lewis,Department of Corrections,stated that they want to be partners in this.He asked for community help.Success means safety in the community. He then introduced Alanna Kinch,Joel Eskes,and Ricardo Rosales from the Department of Corrections who answered vanous questions. Council members questioned:who should be contacted with individual concerns;0 certain conditions can be imposed on offenders;end the concentration levels. Council Member Stonecipher voiced that she had concern that our complaint system is broken. President Nielsen summed up what actions the city council should take: look at the Portland and Pasco models;have the govemment affairs committee look at legislative actions;and enforce existing codes. He urged citizens to share their ideas. 249