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• Susan Knoll, representing the Orange County Needle Exchange, as an educator and a substance abuse counselor she is concerned that making it a criminal offense to possess clean needles will cause individuals to engage in risky behavior. Asked the City Council for support to continue services. • Jemma Alarcon, representing OCNEP, concerned that the ordinance will be keeping individuals away from OCNEP services. Urged the City Council to vote no. • Alex Smith, spoke in support of clean needles to avoid staph diseases and provide compassion. • Mahan Naeim, representing the Orange County Needle Exchange Program. Commented on OCNEP goal of the safe and proper disposal of used needles and concern that ordinance will only amplify an existing public health issue. Noted the solution to needle liter is to incentivize proper disposal of needles and not criminalizing it. • Carol Newark, volunteer with Needle Exchange Program, opined that gentrification will occur if program ends. • Sofia Laguna, volunteer with Needle Exchange Program, opined that passage of ordinance will criminalize homeless and further prohibit them from obtaining employment and other services. • Dallas Augustine, spoke on behalf of Needle Exchange Program, said that HIV can be prevented with use of clean needle. • Jasmine Sedaghati, volunteer with NEP, suggest that Santa Ana should continue to be a sanctuary to all. • Thao Le, volunteer with NEP, read statements from users in support of program. • Amy Magnus, volunteer with NEP, noted positive influence program has had in City. • Kelsey Chrisley, building manager of the OC Law Library, supports ordinance — noted that employees have a right to work in safe and clean environment. • Donna Layne, resident, urged all to approve ordinance; long term solution is housing, but ordinance is short term solution. • Margaret Sharpe, concerned that amendments to ordinance are not enough; proposed to help address homelessness by identifying available housing. • Jordan Hoiberg, representing OC Catholic Workers, met with staff and some members of the Council to outline concerns with amended ordinance. • Bruce Creel (speaker spoke on his behalf), indicated that officer had not allowed him to re-enter Chamber; opposed to ordinance. • Stephanie Roberts, representing community of Congregation Church, opined that religious member would not support ordinance. • Lisa Mills, commended the City Council for being the most compassionate in the county and spoke in support of the ordinance. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7 OCTOBER 17, 2017 10A-7