04.07.20 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes April 7, 2020 meeting that the committee on Criminal Justice held. According to that memo, #1, the CJC did not agree that an ordinance is the answer. #2, there was no unanimous consent regarding the violations or offenses that should be considered and with all honestly, they 'kicked the can' back to you. This is an indication that they do not want the responsibility to fall on them for any poor decision made that would hurt the community. #3, the committee did not support the language. Instead, it appears they support the officers using discretion. Reading that, I am taken back that Mano Amiga is mentioned in this memo. Mano Amiga's opinions or allegations should not be considered or supportive. This organization is anti -law and anti -police, spread misinformation, advocate for the release of criminal aliens and now want to influence you to support handcuffing our officers to their agenda.They are NOT the face of our community and do not represent the majority of San Marcos citizens. I urge you to reject this ordinance and instead continue to work with our SMPD leadership and engage more community citizens to bring sensible recommendations that will protect our citizens and community. Offenses classified as A, B, or C misdemeanors are committed by individuals who go on to committing more serious crimes. The victims must not be forgotten. Law abiding citizens should not have to worry about being around individuals who cause them bodily harm, having their valuables stolen, criminal trespass, harassment, indecent exposure and the many other crimes that end up costly individuals mental, physical, and property harm. Please remember that this would affect each of you and your loved ones as well. You were elected to be leaders and make the right decisions for our community. Reject Agenda Item 18 and support our San Marcos Police Officers and keeping them safe in all regards as well." Rolf Straubhaar: "I know that tonight's meeting, you will be taking the first of two votes on the proposed cite and release ordinance. I want to voice my enthusiastic support for this ordinance, one that can reduce unnecessary incarcerations of low-level offenses that inordinately affect our fellow citizens of color, disrupting their lives, potentially affecting their employment, and creating unnecessary trauma for both those arrested and their friends and families. I also want to thank council members Mark Rockeymoore, Maxfield Baker, Melissa Derrick and Joca Marquez for the support you showed for the ordinance last month, and I hope that support continues tonight. I would invite Mayor Jane Hughson, alongside council members Ed Mihalkanin and Saul Gonzales, to join your colleagues in support for the ordinance. Thank you for your service, and for your time in listening to this message." City of San Marcos Page 8