Cross_cutting

53:38 More arrests without a functioning court system only forces more water into our bursting pipes. If we are going to ask Vancouver consumers to pay more at the checkout counter, every dime must go toward balancing the scale. I urge this council to ensure that these funds are not just used to catch crime, but to properly administer justice, fund the public defenders, clear the court backlogs, review the pressure, release the pressure on the Clark County Correction Center. - Thank you for your testimony. That closes the public hearing and it brings it back to council. Councilor, motion? - Move to approve. - Paulson, seconded by Hansen. Roll call vote, please. - Is there a discussion? - I thought we had some. - Did you have a question, comment? - Yeah, just a comment, question. Just, you know, usually there's discussion with. - Comment or question? - Yes.

54:37 So I had some questions and I wanted to, you know, hear public comment first before moving forward. So, you know, I just want to make it pretty clear like what this ordinance is saying and what it isn't. And I mentioned this during council communications a week ago, but regardless, you know, reporting goes out. And this ordinance, it's a potential adaptable revenue source and it covers a wide array per RSW of what it can be used for. It's not just officers. It can be used for public defense as what was mentioned, as well as alternative response programs, mental health crisis response, homelessness response, such as our heart team and also domestic violence services and legal advocates as well for them.

55:33 So it was a recommendation that it goes towards the match for the 16 officers, but that's not what the ordinance says. So that will be ultimately determined, you know, through the budget process and how things are allocated. So just want to make sure that is like very clear. And right now, you know, I do have concerns with some of the other temporary funding with regard to like heart, for example, we have taken philanthropy dollars to help support that team and that's not forever either. And so something like this is also an opportunity for something that I would consider giving us some sovereignty in how we fund things and that we're not dependent on those one time sort of dollars. So that's one of the lenses that I'm applying and trying to balance that out with what was brought forward

56:29 by council member Perez about affordability crisis that we're in. And it's unfortunate that once again, as a city, we have regressive tools and that's all we have to addressing these crises, such as the public defense. So I look forward to, if this is passed, having a conversation about how it's allocated and used and that this ordinance does not earmark it for that. So just wanted to add that comment and thank you. - Any other comments or questions? Okay, roll call vote, please. - Council Member Harless. - Aye. - Perez. - Nay. - Fox. - Aye. - Paulson. - Aye. - Stover. - Aye. - Hanson. - Aye. - Mayor McEnerny-Ogle. - Aye, motion passes. - Thank you. That concludes the public hearings and the consent agenda, brings it to communications. Thank you, chief.

57:28 Thank you, JC. From the council, Councilor Harless. - Pass. - Councilor Perez. - I just wanna reiterate my vote on this last ordinance that my concern is timing and the cumulative tax burden that continues to be placed on all of us. So I just wanted to clarify that. And today I had a great field visit at the Tetra Park Packaging and learned so much about the contribution that they have as far as jobs and the transition into more sustainable products and the technology that's being used. So just a huge appreciation for the folks who led us on that little knowledge tour at Tetra Park. Councilor Harless joined me as well as Senator Adrian Cortez and a couple of other folks.

58:25 So just, if you haven't had a chance to visit them or tour them, I would recommend doing so.