Title
Approval of an Ordinance Relating to Crimes Against Property and Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 9.40
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading the Ordinance Relating to Crimes Against Property and amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 9.40.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt an Ordinance Relating to Crimes Against Property.
Staff Contact:
R. Tye Graham, Olympia Assistant Prosecutor II, 360.753.8449
Presenter:
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
Recent changes in state law increase penalties for certain domestic violence crimes. Adopting Malicious Mischief 3rd degree by reference as set forth in RCW 9A.48.090 will permit prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties against repeat offenders who victimize intimate partners by committing crimes against their property.
Last year there were a number of fires set across the City of Olympia that recklessly endangered property. There is currently no criminal offense in the Municipal Code that prohibits such behavior. Adoption of Reckless Burning would allow prosecutors to charge this crime under the City’s municipal code.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None.
Options:
1. Approve the proposed ordinance related to crimes against property on second reading.
2. Direct staff to make different or additional amendments to the proposed ordinance related to crimes against property.
3. Do not adopt the ordinance. Prosecutors will not have as many tools to hold those accountable who commit property crimes.
Financial Impact:
None.
Attachments:
Ordinance