HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/12/2013MINUTES
t SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2013
9:30 A.M. WORKSHOP
SAN LUIS OBISPO LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM, 995 PALM STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
ROLL CALL:
Council Members
Present: Council Members John Ashbaugh, Dan Carpenter, Andrew Carter, Vice
Mayor Kathy Smith, and Mayor Jan Marx.
City Staff
Present: Katie Lichtig, City Manager, Christine Dietrick, City Attorney, Michael
Codron, Assistant City Manager, and Maeve Kennedy Grimes, City Clerk,
were present.
WORKSHOP ON HOMELESSNESS
1 MAYOR'S INTRODUCTION
Mayor Marx opened the workshop with an introduction to the topic at hand. She
reviewed the breakdown of provision of services to the homeless within the County by
reviewing the roles performed by the County and the City.
The County is the social services agency and regional leader in addressing the needs of the
County's homeless population. The County receives federal and state funding from various
sources to provide a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing self -
sufficiency while ensuring that safety and basic human needs are met for the people of
the County.
The City supports and strategically supplements efforts lead by the County. The City
supports housing and service agencies whose mission it is to develop programs for the
City's homeless population. The City provides funding assistance from Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG), Grants -In -Aid (GIA) and General Fund monies to
social service providers.
The City supports the implementation of the 10 Year Plan, which was endorsed by
Council and outlines strategies to coordinate homeless services and address housing
and service needs.
t The City is evaluating the pilot safe parking program and will evaluate develop of an
ordinance to allow expansion of program to other areas for Council consideration
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
January 12, 2013
Mayor Marx let the participants know that the workshop was intended to provide the City
Council with an opportunity to hear the views of the community regarding the issues and 1
impacts associated with homelessness in the City of San Luis Obispo and then have a
conversation amongst the Council.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON HOMELESSNESS
Adam Hill, San Luis Obispo. County Supervisor Hill apologized for any feud between
Bill Thoma and himself. He stated that they have met and discussed matters and are
willing to work together. The two came to the podium together because they wanted to
set a conciliatory tone for the day's workshop.
Bill Thoma, San Luis Obispo. In addition to the homeless services center, there are
many other topics for discussion. He stated that he and County Supervisor Hill have
discussed goals and objectives which are similar, however, the ways to get there are
different. He stated, Adam and I are sincere in trying to find solutions to the problem. In
a month they feel they will be ready to speak to the Council with more decisions. He
stated bad behavior should not be condoned and the City should enhance enforcement.
Mary Parker, San Luis Obispo. She has worked as a volunteer with homeless for over
20 years; and feels it is a complex issue. This is not a CAPSLO issue, but a City,
County and community issue. All citizens need to come together and contribute to the
solution. CAPSLO can't do it alone.
Bill Portzel, San Luis Obispo. He owns the property at Higuera next to the proposed
homeless shelter. He raised the issue that the State mandate sets forth the
requirement that there should be 1 supervisor on duty for every 10 people; that equals
20 staff for 200 homeless. He stated that the facility needs more space.
Ro Cannon - Miller, San Luis Obispo. She resides at Meadow Park Mobile Home Park
across from the proposed new facility; she is speaking on behalf of 63 residents.
Residents are concerned about the potential dog kennel and numbers of homeless in
the area. They realize the need for a shelter, but feel a shelter at this location it will
bring more problems to the park.
Heinz Huebner, San Luis Obispo. Board of Directors for newly forming Nonprofit (Hope
Village) that is trying to find housing for those who have no shelter. When they have
obtained approval, they will be looking for a property, but know that there are zoning
problems. He hopes to work with the City to find solutions.
Lori Zahn, San Luis Obispo. Owns a house in San Luis Obispo, however, she is
currently in the Women's Shelter due to domestic violence in her home. She asked
questions regarding the management of the women's shelter and the Warming shelter.
Personal property is not maintained for individuals. She stated that staff do their best
and she is impressed with the dedication to the homeless population.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
January 12, 2013
Gary Campbell, Hudson, Florida; now San Luis Obispo. Economic refuge in San Luis
1 Obispo since July. He lives in his RV. Most people try to be responsible and
responsive to the area where they are. The 72 hour rule gives police the opportunity to
monitor the situation and helps eliminate a buildup of. One solution would be the
National Guard should be called in to set up tents. He stated that as long as he is
legally parked and considerate of others should be allowed to park.
Robert Myers, San Luis Obispo. He stayed at Maxine Lewis Center, but with the help of
staff and those at Prado, he is back on his feet and has his own place. He thanked the
staff who helped him make the transition.
Michelle Tassaff, San Luis Obispo. Volunteers at Santa Maria Shelter — Good
Samaritan. It is a beautiful place and totally under control. Predominantly families.
There are strict rules and they are followed. She is frustrated with the condition of the
Prado Day center.
Lee Chastain, Morro Bay. He told Council that he is a recovering alcoholic and drug
user:- He went to the homeless shelter and they helped me put pieces together for my
life. It took three years to get social security. Even with everyone's help it took him
helping himself. The shelter should be separated; families should be separate from
individuals. Newly homeless should be in a separate facility until they are on their feet.
Ellen Shefter, San Luis Obispo County. Speaking on behalf of families and children.
She stated that we have a significant number of homeless children. The schools cannot
do it alone; they need resources for families. Resources and hope should be provided
for these families.
Andrea Pevitt, San Luis Obispo. Appreciates the opportunity to address the Council.
She stated that homeless families and veterans should be our priority.
Allison Groves, Cambria. Appreciates what is being done. Wants to know where the
money is coming from and who will get the contracts to build a new shelter and whether
or not they will be paid the prevailing wage.
Tom Swem, San Luis Obispo. Addressed the "will nots "; those who live in the creek
and do not want to participate. Enforcement needs to increase. As a business owner, it
is difficult to deal with what is left outside our businesses each morning. He sits on the
Downtown Association Board of Directors and feels the City needs to look at the
economics of the situation. We have to look to our own citizens first to help San Luis
Obispo residents who are down on their luck. We need to get rid of the folks who are
the "will nots ".
Kevin Carr, San Luis Obispo. Read Steve Hillstein's statement. He owns the property
directly across the street from new location and feels it is a bad location for the facility.
He requested that the City please find a new location.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
January 12, 2013
Mary Matakovich, Avila Beach. Friends of Prado Board member. She supports their
work and dedication. Requested that the City add funds for additional staff. 1
Mary Whiteford, Morro Bay. Volunteers for the homeless through People's Kitchen. She
looks at the faces of people. We as a compassionate society need to find a place for
them.
Jim Dummit, San Luis Obispo. Stated there are issues and impacts of homelessness
on Parker Street near Smart & Final. He wants to be an active participant. There are
cumulative problems within the neighborhood; police, City Departments and code
enforcement have not been very helpful. The feeling in the neighborhood is that the
quality of life is deteriorating and there is no use in trying to change anything.
Kathi Diperi, San Luis Obispo. She has been around the homeless for over 22 years.
We need to work together and come up with more housing and solutions for the
homeless.
James Patterson, Atascadero. Homelessness is not just a City, County, or State
problem; but is a community wide problem. There are many programs throughout the
County and we need to work collaboratively to help resolve the issues county wide.
Roy Rawlings, Arroyo Grande, SLO. President of Friends of Prado Day. We raise
about half of the funds to keep the center open; a compliment to the community of
volunteers and funding. Much of the homelessness stems from mental illness; we need
to help these people get the help they need.
Andrea Herrera, San Luis Obispo. Case Management worker with CAPSLO. The Case
workers assist homeless and engage them in participating in services and getting the
help they need.
David Raleigh, San Luis Obispo. I'm 77, 1 live in my small RV. I don't need a case
worker. I hope there can be benefits for those who need assistance in parking their
RVs and use other monies for case workers for those who need it.
Dr. Martin L. Meltz, Pismo Beach. We need affordable housing. We need detox
facilities in San Luis Obispo. We need sobering stations. We need funding for more
case managers throughout the County. We need a bigger area for safe parking. SLO
City should not have to do it by themselves; it is everyone's problem.
Jim Griffin, San Luis Obispo. Street homeless people see harsh policing. We need to
treat people with respect. We need places for the homeless to relax during the day and
throughout the night. We need to relax panhandling ordinances. Repression will only
lead to more problems. A balanced approach will lead to better results over time.
1
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
January 12, 2013
Courtney Kienow, San Luis Obispo. The Chamber of Commerce has a long history with
the Prado Day Center. They are part of a task force with other communities to see what
successes are out there; they found that communities with community input are
examples of success.
Stew Jenkins, San Luis Obispo. Stated he is pleased to see that the Council is looking
for positive solutions to homelessness. Open up public parking at night and the public
restrooms 24 hrs a day.
Larry Feldt, Grover Beach. CAPSLO case manager. The facilities we have are old and
deteriorating. We need a larger campus that combines day and night centers. I would
like to see the spirit of cooperation continue and barriors removed. The warming station
will be open tonight and tomorrow.
Paul Wolff, San Luis Obispo. The homeless situation is complex. Homeless persons
are as different as all individuals are; we can't paint them with one brush. We do have:
1. growing issue of homelessness (4% of the population);
2. We know the City and County must act;
3. We know the community wants to resolve this issue;
4. We. have a prospective non - profit who is willing to take the lead; and
5. Land has been given to us and we should be able to solve this issue.
Every community should be judged by how they treat those most in need.
1 Judy Bartels, San Luis Obispo. Asked if there is free transportation on our city buses.
A shelter from the cold should be available. In a written submission she stated, If a
homeless services center is placed on the outskirts ( Prado Rd area or elsewhere)
homeless should receive a special ridership pass for free public (bus) service in the
City.
Jeff Aranquena, San Luis Obispo. The building of the new homeless shelter should be
a priority. 30% of his students are termed homeless, however, they are embarrassed to
come forward to speak at events such as this. He recommended a book, "Almost
Home."
Mimi Phene- McKellan, San Luis Obispo. Lives by Meadow Park. Her stepson is age
27 years and is homeless with mental health issues. She is compassionate about this
issue and helps when she can, however, there are issues that will not be addressed.
Not all residentially displaced persons are violent, but those who can be need to be
moved. The site the Council is looking at is just too small.
Peter Breitmailer, San Luis Obispo. Employed but homeless. There are a lot of good
intentioned people who are just fearful. He suggested that the Council just do
something, and everyone would be happier. There need to be phones, intemet and
bathrooms.
C
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6
January 12, 2013
John Alongi, Meadow Park, San Luis Obispo. We need neighborhood community
meetings; need a park ranger who can meet with different members of the community. t
Meadow Park is not monitored 24 hours per day; there needs to be quicker response. If
the homeless sleep in the park, he wishes they would clean up after themselves. Look
at Casa Esperanza in Santa Barbara.
Richard Mar-getson, Cayucos. Thanked Mr. Thoma and Mr. Hill for their reconciliation.
He hopes that in the future these types of matters are not reported in the papers. He
feel there is a need for more community meetings. A forum should be broadcast on
Channel 20 describing what the shelter will be. The new shelter should have mental
health opportunities. He is disappointed in the stalled momentum of the new shelter.
Fran Coughlin, Atascadero. RN and volunteer with homeless through Community
Action Partnership. Thanked those in the community who participate in various aspects
of assisting the homeless, but stated that we need to do more.
Biz Steinberg, San Luis Obispo. Works for Community Action Partnership. The Board,
staff and volunteers are here to work together with everyone to replace the shelter,
provide case management services and access to low income property.
Carolyn Tibbetts. She is part of the safe shelter parking program. She appreciates the
help the Council has provided and stated that San Luis Obispo is a great community.
Robert Christenson, San Luis Obispo. The homeless who want to work through a case
management system deserve proper services. Those homeless who don't want case
management will sleep wherever they want to do whatever they want.
Gordon Mullin, San Luis Obispo. He ran a hostel previously and "feed in ". It became a
magnet for drug dealers. He stated that we cannot end homelessness, drug. use, or
crime. By continuing to provide better services we will act as a magnet for more people
from other areas. The nicer you make it, the easier you make it, the more people will
come. 200 beds in one spot will create a problem. The average stay is 6 -9 months.
We cannot do everything for everyone.
Jim Duenow, San Luis Obispo. In 1970 he was on a homeless committee. We can't
end homelessness; we can only help where we can. Case management is the most
effective way of getting people off the street. People need to be fed and have a place to
sleep, but case management is the greatest solution.
The City Council recessed at 11:40am and resumed at 11:50am.
Janna Nichols, San Luis Obispo. Lives on Lawrence, near Maxine Lewis and Meadow
Park. George Moylan was a magician in making housing happen. The fundamental
challenge we have is the lack of affordable housing. It is time for a new center and a
detox center. 1
City Council Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2013
Page 7
Daniel Phares, San Luis Obispo. Has faith in the process and the Council's efforts.
Shirley Wright, San Luis Obispo. She grew up in San Luis Obispo, but can't afford to
live here. We as people need to get out and work with people. We need to help the
homeless, not judge them. We need housing and assistance, not sympathy. Get this
shelter built.
Dee Torres, San Luis Obispo. Homeless Services Director for CAPSLO. A lot of great
ideas were brought up today. We do need a detox center in SLO. She provided a
recap of where we are: Prado Day Center opened in 1997 to provide wrap around
center for People's Kitchen. Staff ratio is 50 -57:1 at the moment. The night shelter is
in ill repair; it is made of six modular units put together and past their useful life. We
need to be able to support additional staff and additional services. We are really
struggling and appreciate your support.
Deborah Cash, San Luis Obispo. Downtown Association. We focus on the downtown
businesses; our issues are singular in nature as relates to homelessness. We have
established a Homelessness Task-force to help educate people as to what is acceptable
and what is not; Behaviors are the issues we have to deal with. Additional bicycle
police in the downtown are needed. We will work together on the larger issue as well.
Three participants did not wish to speak, however, they submitted written statements.
John Wilkinson, San Luis Obispo. Submitted the following statement. I am a Cold War
Veteran, I suffer from a considerable amount of heart trauma. I have received much
needed help from the shelter, and Prado. Mary Lou is especially helpful.
Ted Lester, Arroyo Grande. Submitted the following statement. Before you make any
decision, visit the Santa Cruz area to see firsthand the damage the homeless have
done. Make the distinction between local residents who have become homeless, and
someone who hitch hikes up here from LA.
Peti Johnson, Los Osos. Submitted the following statement: As the population
increases, the City needs to step up security / police. The bars create problems, as
there is an increase in restaurants and bars it should be commensurate with added
police. Also, mental health is severely lacking in SLO.
- - -end of public comments - --
COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON HOMELESSNESS
1 Mayor Marx brought the matter back to Council for further discussion.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8
January 12, 2013
Council Member Carpenter began the discussion with regard to homeless and the role of 1
the City in regard to homelessness. The need for a detox center should be addressed; a
detox center will assist those with addiction problems and mental health issues. There is
a need for the different services /assistance for people who choose the lifestyle but do not
have a wish to partake in services.
Council Member Carter, reiterated that the City of SLO is not the only agency responsible
for services to the homeless. He stated that it would have been a good idea to have
invited the County Board of Supervisors to attend today's hearing and hear from the
participants.
The stated that the homeless can be broken into three groups: the Ready; the Unable
(mentally ill); and the Resistant (drug and alcohol issues or lifestyle choice).
Our current services lists previous area of residence of homeless receiving services:
15% City of SLO; 25% County of SLO; 60% from out of the area. He believes there is a
need for greater enforcement. Case Management with a goal to self - sufficiency should
be the City focus. Try to help individuals get out of homelessness. If they aren't
interested in case management, he doesn't believe the City money should go towards
their services. There needs to be low cost camping, however, camping on our streets
should not be allowed. Although our facility may be a magnet to those from outside the
area, we do need to provide services. We need to decide what we do with tax dollars as 1
part of the puzzle; what do we need to take on and what strings we attach to our dollars is
another decision.
Vice Mayor Smith thanked the participants for sharing in the workshop. She stated that
the Council represents all members of our community without labeling individuals.
Everyone has a different style of life that they feel comfortable in; RV, tent, mobile home,
etc. We need a detox center in the County. We also need 24 hour restrooms (she noted
that previous restrooms had to be closed due to vandalism.) There are ways our City can
participate to benefit the homeless. Police need new resources; enhanced training for
officers who work with the homeless; officers who are focused on areas where homeless
congregate. What we are doing isn't enough. The City may be able to bring together
other agencies and be part of a Good Samaritan type solution. We need to go forward
with the homeless shelter. The homeless center assists the "want tos" ... we need to
assist the others as well.
Council Member Ashbaugh thanked the 49 participants who spoke today. He feels the
City of San Luis Obispo is trying to find a local solution to a national problem. We need to
continue with tough love.
We need low income housing for those in need. We need a KOA type facility. We need
more transitional housing. A detox center is needed; although he believes it is a County
responsibility. With respect to emergency shelter, the City needs to step up. The solution
lies within our grasp. City, County, CAPSLO and members from the business community
City Council Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2013
Page 9
need to come together and partner to finalize the new homeless facility. He is in favor of
1 donation stations around town (perhaps not parking meters). We need a network of
security cameras similar to the system around the safe parking program. There is a need
for public restrooms that are open for 24 hrs. There is a lot of work to continue to be
done, and he hopes we do not raise expectations too high.
Mayor Manx made the following comments. The City may not have the primary
responsibility or the funds necessary to deal with the homelessness problem, but we do
have to step up and work towards solutions. We cannot accept some of the behaviors
that are going on in the downtown and in neighborhoods. She is very interested in
helping people with families and people from our community. It is not acceptable to have
people living in the creeks. Affordable housing, transitional housing and employment
programs are necessary. Case workers on the street would be helpful in creating an
interface. She is concerned about our veteran population. There are 60 housing
vouchers for low income (Section 8) Vets, but it is difficult to find landlords who will rent to
them. We need to look at the wellbeing of the whole community; we need to move away
from enabling those with addictions. By supporting the organizations that assist the
homeless rather than panhandling, monies are put to the best good. We need to work
more closely with the County.
Council Member Carpenter noted that the timeliness of this discussion coincides with
budget matters. Public safety must be funded on the front end to ensure safety for our
community. We need to provide services up front, but also on enforcement.
Council Member Carter asked if the Council wanted to discuss budget goals and
priorities. He stated he feels homeless issues should rank in the top bucket.
Vice Mayor Smith feels it is within the top five, but wants to look deeper into the
comments on specific matters.
Council Member Ashbaugh concurred with Council Member Carter that homelessness is
on the top of his list. Council Member Carpenter concurred. Mayor Marx agreed, and felt
we should not move to the next step before the budget goal setting meeting on January
26, 2013.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Marx adjourned
the meeting at 1:11 p.m.
Ma&d Ken y Grim
City Clerk
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: 2/5/13