Loading...
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