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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/20/1988, 1 - CONSIDERATION OF CITY HALL AS A PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF POINT FOR THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION'S ""BUS PROGRAM"" FOR HOMELESS PERSONS."MEETING DATE: i►IN�I ►►���`���Illljp ll�l`I City of san LUIS OBISPO 9- 2a - -88 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITS NU ! FROM: Toby Ross, Assistant City Administrative Officer SUBJECT: Consideration of City Hall as a pick -up and drop -off point for the Economic Opportunity Commission's "bus program" for homeless persons. CAO RECOMMENDATION: Review alternative approaches to the bus program pick -up and drop -off point, and provide direction to the Economic Opportunity Commission and City staff. BACKGROUND: On May 3, 1988, the City Council directed the Human Relations Commission to consider pick -up and drop -off points for the Salvation Army's bus program for homeless persons (now operated by the Economic Opportunity Commission) and to present a recommendation for a new site to the City Council. At that time, the Salvation Army (having taken over the old Zedakah House bus program) was using Mitchell Park as their pick -up site. The City had received numerous complaints from residents in the Mitchell Park area, who were concerned about what they perceived as the negative impacts of the situation on their neighborhood. The Salvation Army worked with the HRC and City staff to identify possible alternative sites. At a special meeting of the Human Relations Commission on May 28, 1988, the HRC considered a list of alternative sites: 1.) The Post Office parking lot 2.) The Amtrak terminal area 3.) The Salvation Army's Church, Chorro /Islay 4.) City Hall 5.) Rotate site monthly After considerable discussion, the HRC voted to recommend to the Council that the Amtrak terminal area be used as the pick -up point. At its regular meeting of July 19, 1988, the City Council took several actions related to recommendations by the Human Relations Commission, including a recommendation to change the bus program pick -up and drop -off point. a 1111iifVilll1K city of San tuts OBISPO Ini i COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Following discussion, the Council voted to move the pick -up point to City Hall. Since that time, the bus program (now being operated by the Economic Opportunity Commission) has been using City Hall for this purpose. On September 4, 1988, Councilmember Reiss asked that this issue be reconsidered by the City Council. ANALYSIS• Several complaints regarding the City Hall pick -up site have been received. The Public Works Department has requested that the location be changed, citing a large increase in vandalism, garbage, and other problems associated with the bus program clients (Attachment A). The operator of the bus program has requested that the site be moved back to Mitchell Park (Attachment B). The homeless continue to use the park as a gathering place during the day, regardless of the bus pick -up site. ALTERNATIVES• 1. The Council may direct the EOC bus program to continue using City Hall as its pick -up and drop -off point. 2. The Council may direct the EOC bus program to begin using a specific alternative site as its pick -up and drop -off point. 3. The Council may allow the EOC bus program to make its own determination as to the most appropriate pick -up and drop -off site. 4. The Council may choose to take no action at this time. RECOMMENDATION: Review the alternatives to the City Hall pick -up site, and provide direction to the Economic Opportunity Commission and staff. ATTACHMENTS A. Public Works Department memo B. Letter from Salvation Army to City C. Letter from City Employees Association TR /bv HRCII:shelsite August 11, 1988 MEMORANDUM ir city of sAn tuis oBispo 990 Palm Street /Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.8100 TO: Dave Romero FROM: Lane Wilson SUBJECT: Homeless drop -off at City Hall Steve Dunlap, City Parks Maintenance Worker, has spoken to me about this problem. These people are being dropped off at City Hall at 7:00 a.m. and then proceed to use the bus stop as a restroom. He is irritated at having to clean up this type of human waste mess and I agree; he shouldn't have to do this. I am suggesting the following: 1. Find another drop -off point; perhaps several different drop -off points to spread the impact. 2. The sponsors be informed about this problem and be asked to solve the problem. 3. The sponsors inform the program users that this behavior is unacceptable; and, if they like the program, they should control the people who are causing the problems or the program should be changed. Phil Leo has also experienced an increased problem in the restrooms at City Hall. Toilets and sinks are plugged by vandals, and they leave a very dirty mess in the restroom as if they took a bath in the sink. We, in the Parks and Buildings Division, are tired of dealing with this type of abuse of city facilities and the constant clean up after abnormal and /or just plain abuse. What bothers me even more is the intimidation of some citizens by others. Please forward this memorandum to whomever is responsible for, and can solve, this problem. dh b /wilson /homeless 1-3 August 12., 1988 The Honorable Mayor Ron Dunin and Council Members City of San Luis Obispo P.O. Box 8100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 -8100 Dear Mayor Dunin: y uenotes action by lead Person Respond by: 9 Council C h Atty. Clerk -odg. S. p1e4Wn0-s4A_' In our continuing efforts to advise you and the City Council as to concerns and direction of our homeless effort I want to make you aware of the problems we have encountered with the moving of our pick -up /drop -off paint from Mitchell Park to the City Hall bus stop on August 1: We have experienced a significant decline in shelter use, which has been most noticed in two groups. The first is the most chronically mentally ill and alcoholics who are unable to make the walk to the bus stop and thus are once again spending their nights in Mitchell Park. As such we feel they become more of a concern to the residents of the Mitchell Park area and a direct tflreat to their own survival. Without being overly alarmist these are the most fragile of the homeless population and without adequate evening shelter we are experiencing numerous problems (arrests /hospitalizations). If this situation cannot be reversed we may well be experiencing the death of one or more individuals over the age of 55 in the park. A second group, numbering approximately six individuals, are now seeking shelter in the Mission Plaza area while awaiting the van and creating problems for the police, persons visiting the Plaza, and the homeless themselves. Some are not making it to the bus at all, thus ending up spending their nights in the Plaza or elsewhere. We are already aware of complaints from individuals who frequent the downtown area about the homeless who congregate while awaiting van transportation to the shelter. We, of course, are most concerned about the ultimate welfare of our clients, however, we also recognize the problems these diversions create for the Police Department and the City. Because of our concern for our clients we hope you will understand our need to move the pick -up and drop -off point back to Mitchell Park. We understand that this will create concerns in neighborhood residents and we do pledge to work with those neighbors on either a group or individual basis. As you know we are committed to the long -term goal of removing the homeless from our streets and our parks. However, at this point in time the moral and ethical concerns for the health of our clients is simply our foremost concern. Sincerely, Toni Flynn Shelter Director Salvation Army RECEIVED AUG 2 5 1988 CRY CLERK SAN LLPSCM SPO C16 /_ / F Imo, August 10, 1988 John Dunn City Administrative Officer City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Dear John: At our last quarterly meeting between Association Representatives and City Management Staff, we briefly discussed problems encountered thus far and future concerns regarding the homeless being dropped off and picked up at City Hall. City staff felt you would be the more appropriate individual to address. Following are complaints received from numerous employees: 1) Lack of Security - The drop off time is 7:00 a.m. and the pick up time is at 8.:30 p.m. City Hall is normally unlocked at 7:00 a.m. and there are-relatively few employees here at that hour. In the evening hours it is a scary situation, especially for females working late at night. It isn't so bad when there are meetings because of the number of people in the building. However, even on these evenings it is difficult for the janitor to make sure all areas of the building are secured. It is not unusual for employees to work beyond Midnight and be left alone in the building. 2) Sanitation & Health - Since City Hall has been used as a drop off and pick up point, we have had complaints of some of these men and women defecating and urinating in the bus shelter and surrounding public areas. Two in particular have been caught by at least one city employee on a couple of occasions and warned. 3) Children - At the end of August or beginning of September, we will again be visited by little ones awaiting their buses. These children.are definitely here between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. 4) Panhandling - Employees have advised us that they are refusing to leave the area once dropped off and are starting to panhandle around City Hall now. These are just a ,few of the concerns employees have expressed. We have no "right" answer, however, we at least have a suggestion. How about setting up the Police Department as drop off and pick up point? They are a secured facility. They are close yet not immediately in a heavy foot traffic area or downtown in the heavily used bus shelter area and City Hall. We look forward to hearing from you. S(lincerely, "+e vx Yvonne Hampton SLACEA President /S —r. Dr.:.J: s actwn by Lead Person j19aspond by: u7- Gajncil 11 [t' CAO tZq Arty. �IQass r. r. F /:LF mayor Ron Dur.in 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, California 9 "401 Dear Sir: MEETnvG AGENDA SEP DATE 20 as ITEM # 1050 Pisr::o Street San Luis Obispo, Cal.93401 Se- t^n,.ber 15, 1938 We live at 1050 Pismo Street directly across from Mitchell Park . and have lived there for '5 years. i`re have seen 11itchell Park go from a nice family park for family picnics and a nice playground for children to a park for vagrants. ',`:hen we �zo out we are often asked for money so they can 'guy liquor and dope. The store on the corner of Osos and -ismo Streets is very handy for them to buy their liquor. We also wish you would tear down the brick structure on the corner as it is a gathering place for them when it is windy or rainy and all kinds of things go on in that corner as they can't be seen from the street. �,!e appreciate the police patrolling the park and we have called them when things get rough. The other evening four policemen handcuffed five peo;le and took them from the park. Every few days they take people out of the park. `le think the nick -up and drop -off of them should be at Santa. Rosa Park. They can walk to town for their free meal and that would give them some exercise and take up some of their time. Their isn't many residents around Santa Rosa Park and there isn't any liquor store across the street. Some of them sleep under the bridge on Santa Rosa Street and some go to Fare: Soy Kestaura.nt in the morning and them come to 14fitohell Park for the day. V,re would appreciate if you would give our suggestions some consideration. Yours truly, ? % I cc: Co.znc ilman Jerry llieiss cc• ouncilman Allen Settle RECEIVED ����ZY� 3 E P 2 0 1988 CITY CLERK SAN LUIS 081500. CA r rt<,,t7ING AGENDA DATE KP 20 AS ITEM # CONCERNED MITCHELL PARK AREA RESIDENTS Please plan to attend the City Council meeting Tuesday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street. The first item on the agenda is the change „of pick -up and drop -off of vagrants peopling Mitchell Park. The residents around the Mitchell Park area have been saddled with the vagrant problem for the past six years and we feel we have had enough. Our neighborhood should not be subjected to this practice again; there are other parks and other areas.that can be used for this purpose. Over 300 people have signed petitions concerning Mitchell Park in the past few years. It appears the city has little regard for the residents who live in the area surrounding Mitchell Park. If you are unable to attend this meeting, please write or call the following persons voicing your disapproval of using Mitchell Park as a drop -off point for these vagrants. Mayor Ron Dunin 549-7117 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Councilman Jerry Reiss 549 -7107 Early morning 7 a.m. or late afternoon 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Councilman Allen Settle 549 -7119 12 noon to 1 p.m. or Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays after 4 p.m. Address: City Council 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Thank you for anything you can do to help give Mitchell Park back to our neighborhood and the tax- paying citizens of San Luis Obispo. RECEIVED SEP 2 0 1985 CJTy CLERK SAN LUIS CEpSpo. CA CONCERNED MITCHELL PARK AREA RESIDENTS Please show this to a neighbor. Thank you. September 12, 1988 C C) vo� ) * Denotes action by Lead Person Respond by: 9?1 ouncil M [fir ,Q,,s c CB- 77r. C d, ,OL, C. WiL $ -ko Sao F 5elol MEETING AGENDA fill SEP 20 -88 ITEM# - L DATE pta .4j' It -124L ---ClAb & Inv Ot C�C/yj A [Lom; -T M 0 Denotes action by LeaO Perscn FrC4 Atty. r1vT Ross ,CIA E RECEIVEC SEP 2 0 9AN LUiS OBISP0. CA Conte Capt. Dan Hughes RECEIVED or Toni Flynn 544 -2401 SEP 2 01988 - MY CJUM k' PUSS R .gpSR MEETING AGENDA SAN LUIS OBISPO.CA DATE T2c ee ITEM # September 20, 1988 The Salvation Army Advisory Board of San Luis Obispo met today and announced it's recommendation that current shelter services provided by the Salvation Army discontinue effective October 31, 1988. The Board, in reaching consensus, expressed concern about the continuation of services begun last February in what was originally to be a temporary facility on Kansas Avenue. Due to the lack of running water, cooking facilities, adequate toilets, heating and lighting, the Board has a real concern for the health and safety of both the clients and staff housed there overnight. However, the Board urged the continuation of daytime case management for the 20 - 30 clients currently served by the Shelter through the funding year of December 31, 1988. The Board recommended that the Salvation Army consider continuing the evening sheltering services only if an appropriate long term facility in a suitable location can be secured before the end of October to house the clients and staff. As a related issue, the Board also recommended the return to the Mitchell Park location for the pick -up and drop -off of shelter clients thru October 31. The Salvation Army of San Luis Obispo is committed to continuing to advocate for dignified and improved conditions for the homeless in our rwww action by Lead Person Community. ond by: CAO �4 Afty• r, r- 'let L&T DRAFT P.C. Minutes August 24, 1988 Page 1. f uenoles —on by Lead Person Respond b, lt 7•P.ouncil &5AO a6y Arty. C;-T. Rosn [1- T. T. '� 4Z'- / AEETING `J- AGENDA DATE__ ITEM # -----------------.----.-----__-----------------_------------ .— .---------- - ----_ Item 5. Public Hearing: � �ZoninQ Regulations Amendment CR 1383. onsi erasion or adding emergency Shelters fUr t?~ITmeless as a use to the Zoning Regulations; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. -----------------------------------------=--------------------------- - - - - -- Commr. Gerety stepped down. Dave Moran presented the staff report and recommended the commission recommend to Council that homeless shelters be allowed in all zones except R -1 and C /OS subject to commission approval of a use permit. Chairperson Kourakis opened the public hearing. Patrick Gerety, Buchon Street, was not against homeless shelters, but felt the proposal should include R -1 zones. Chairperson Kourakis closed the public hearing. Chairperson Kourakis suggested shelters should be in all zones except c /o- S, with an administrative use permit, with review after 1 year. Commrs. Hainline and Crotser agreed with Chairperson Kourakis. Commr. Duerk felt homeless shelters should be treated the same as a group house and agreed that R -1 zones should be included. Commr. Crotser moved to recommend the zoning amendment to Council, to allow homeless shelters in all zones except C /o -s subject to an administrative use permit and proposed parking standards. Commr. Schmidt seconded the motion. r VOTING: AYES - Commrs. Crotser, Schmidt, Duerk, Hainline, Roalman, and Kourakis. NOES - None. ABSENT - Commr. Gerety. The motion passes. RECEIVED SEP 1 6 1988 CITY CLERK SAN LUISOBISPO CA Denotes action by lead Person Respond by: �ouncil 1-'AO )Y Atty. erk -orig. T A7, rs T'T• / 0ETING ` r AGENDA DATE 6EP 20 "88 -A # We,' the undersigned, citi, s and taxpayers of the C. of San Luis Obispo, protest the use of Mitcheli Park as a drop -off point , for the vagrants who are making this area their hangout. NAME o 5. • 8. i, 0 vat s ?• 3 • `lrvL . G ADDRESS /lf ..?l CNOIC&O, 34.0. ld.l 1 %d sJ-o 1 ? -2 O PHONE NO. 5_4p3.5794- 5 Y3 - 345 6 �� -21y — ?9 /S' 5�3 -3g9,d S' 3-7 ,366-7 �y�a9o.7 Ito loq. 1147 L —JS 2 `f 7� ZS (•� -o-z s `� ' o 3 2 •b 7 s�0 /7'2r, z� , SEP 2 0 1988 CRV CLERK SAN LUISORSPO CF. cau ipso ' V '�4� i ���Z�' `E( Ll 1 ? -2 O PHONE NO. 5_4p3.5794- 5 Y3 - 345 6 �� -21y — ?9 /S' 5�3 -3g9,d S' 3-7 ,366-7 �y�a9o.7 Ito loq. 1147 L —JS 2 `f 7� ZS (•� -o-z s `� ' o 3 2 •b 7 s�0 /7'2r, z� , SEP 2 0 1988 CRV CLERK SAN LUISORSPO CF. We; the undersigned, CitiL .s and taxpayers of the C:,_f of San Luis Obispo, 'protest the use of Mitchell Park as a drop -off point for the vagrants who are making this area their hangout. N' vE 2 6. 7. 8. ADDRESS st 6 -0- 3 442' PHONE NO. Fy3- �.7s Ir �- 3 -- -3 ISO 4 L5. L6. L7. L8. L9. ?0. 21. ?2. 23. -4. >C ?6. 270 28. U. L2. ��. Some of the area senior citizens who avail themselves of services at the Senior Citizen Center at Santa Rosa and Buchon Streets. L4• L5. L6. L7. L8. L9. ?0. 21. ?2. 23. -4. >C ?6. 270 28.