10-10-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 26, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 8. SEX OFFENDER ISSUE (continued) Police Chief Correy Farniok stated the majority of the sex offenders are either Level I or unassigned. Those who have a designation of unassigned have gone through the criminal system but did not serve time. Farniok noted it is the Department of Corrections that designates their risk level from one to three. Those that are unassigned have not gone through the state criminal system and do not rise to the level of one, two, or three. Farniok noted people who are designated Level 3 are more likely to reoffend. Walsh commented the more information, the better, and the more public comment, the better. McMillan commented the Chief's memo was very helpful and that perhaps it could be placed on the City's website. Printup stated his position has been clear all along and that the living arrangements of a sex offender are an important part of the Council's job to regulate in order to protect the residents. Printup stated the City could perhaps regulate the unassigned ones, which would help to ensure the residents that the City is protecting the community. Farniok noted that lower level risk information is confidential and that the police department cannot distribute that further except to the victim and witnesses to the incident. Farniok stated that would limit the City restricting those any further. Farniok noted some of the unassigned offenders may be under the age of 18, living with their parents, and are not likely to reoffend. Printup asked if the sample ordinances are not for Level 1. Mattick indicated they primarily concentrate on Level 3 offenders because of the likelihood to reoffend. Mattick stated the City can prohibit certain areas or require a certain distance from specific areas. Farniok stated the police department can impose sanctions on an unassigned person if it is felt there is a public safety risk. Walsh stated he did see that Level 3 is most likely to reoffend, a Level 2 is somewhat likely to reoffend, and that understanding those definitions is helpful. Walsh commented he was not aware there was an unassigned classification. Mattick stated the City Council can look at Level 2 since there is some likelihood they will reoffend. Farniok stated someone can be deemed a public safety risk based on their past practice and habits. Walsh stated the only way to stop someone from being within so many feet is to have some sort of policy. Printup stated he is fine with a public hearing if that is the consensus of the Council. Printup asked when a hearing could be held on it. Barnhart noted toward the end of the year is when the Council agendas tend to get fuller and that Staff can work with the city administrator to place it on the agenda as soon as possible. Page 18 of 26