HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/01/1992, C-9 - HOMELESS SHELTER SECURITY GUARD PILOT PROGRAM '111Wl1111111 IIUIII y� 1" MEETING DATE:.,
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITENYNUMBER: _
FROM: Ken Hampian, Assistant City Administrative of
Prepared By: Deb Hossli, Administrative Analyst--
SUBJECT: Homeless Shelter Security Guard Pilot Program
CAO RECOMMENDATION: Authorize a $2 , 250 contribution to the
Economic Opportunity Commission to fund a portion of the costs
associated with a pilot security guard program, contingent upon
County and Economic Opportunity Commission participation.
DISCUSSION:
At the direction of the City Council, staff has been working very
closely with the Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) to improve
relations between the Homeless Shelter and its neighbors. Most
recently, the City and EOC sponsored a neighborhood meeting at the
Grange Hall to discuss potential solutions to the ongoing problems
that disturb the neighbors of the Shelter. The meeting was well
attended and produced a variety of encouraging suggestions to
improve relations.
Throughout the meeting, it was apparent that the neighbors were
most concerned with issues relating to safety. Many feel that the
Homeless Shelter has created an unsafe atmosphere in the
neighborhood. As such, the group was very supportive of the
suggested solutions that focused on increasing security at the
Shelter and immediate surroundings.
In response to these suggestions, the EOC has developed a pilot
security guard program for the Homeless Shelter. As proposed, a
uniformed security guard would be responsible for patrolling the
Shelter and surrounding properties each day during the peak client
arrival (4: 30 PM to 6: 30 PM) and departure (7: 30 AM to 8: 30 AM)
times. It is their hope that this type of program will reduce the
number of loitering and panhandling occurrences in the areas
immediately adjacent to the Shelter. The pilot program would last
four months (July through October of this year) and cost $5, 500.
At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Shelter, the City, the
County and the neighbors would evaluate its effectiveness and make
a determination as to whether it should. continue and where long-
term funding would be obtained.
Consistent with past Homeless Shelter funding practices, the EOC
is requesting the City and the County to share in the costs of the
program. The City has been asked to contribute a total of $2, 250
toward the program. The County will be asked to fund an equal
share ($2,250) and the EOC will provide the remaining $1, 000.
It is important to emphasize that the security guard pilot program
only represents one component of the EOC and City' s efforts to
improve neighborhood relations. The EOC and City have jointly
prepared a letter to the Shelter neighbors advising them of a
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Page 2
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series of actions we plan to take over the next several months to
improve the neighborhood situation (see Attachment 1) . The actions
highlighted in the letter are all the direct result of suggestions
made at the neighborhood meeting. It is our hope that these steps
in combination will significantly improve the relations between the
iShelter and the neighborhood over the long-term.
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CONCURRENCES:
The Human Relations Commission concurs with the recommendation to
provide funding to the Shelter' s pilot security guard program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate monies are available in the Human Relations Commission ' s
Grants-In-Aid reserve to fund the City' s share ($2 , 250) of the
pilot security guard program (this will leave a balance of $750 in
the reserve) . The Human Relations Commission concurs with this
approach. Funding for the security guard program will be subject
to the same conditions as the current agreement between the City
and EOC for homeless services.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Do not provide funding for the pilot security guard program.
While this is a viable alternative, staff does not recommend
pursuing it. With the impending purchase of the Homeless
Shelter property, the EOC, City and County have a long-term
obligation to insure that the Shelter is a good neighbor.
Failure to participate in a program that helps to satisfy the
neighbors greatest concern related to the Shelter would
undermine the progress we have made toward demonstrating our
commitment to fulfilling this obligation.
ATTACHMENTS:
Letter to Homeless Shelter Neighbors
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ATTACHMENT 1
EOC
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
of San Lu,s Ob,SDo County. Inc.
880 Industrial Way 0 San Luis Obispo. California 93401 0 805544-4355
May 14, 1992
HOMELESS SHELTER UPDATE
Dear Homeless Shelter Neighbor:
The City of San Luis Obispo and the Economic Opportunity Commission
would like to extend our thanks to all the neighbors of the Homeless
Shelter that attended the meeting held on March 16, 1993 at the Grange
Hall in San Luis Obispo. We were very pleased with the outcome of the
meeting - that everyone involved took a constructive approach to the
issues. At the conclusion of the meeting, the City and EOC agreed to
provide the neighbors with a response to various ideas raised at the
meeting, and various concerns expressed.
The EOC has agreed to:
1. Begin a new transportation program using bus passes and van
transportation which will transport 20 clients per night, slightly less than
one-half of the Shelter population. This will dramatically reduce the foot
traffic on the Broad Street corridor at peak traffic times. (Beginning
June 15, 1992)
2. Request a modification of the use permit for the Shelter from the
Planning Commission which would allow an on-site waiting area on the
back of the Shelter property to eliminate congregation at the front of the
property before 5:30 p.m. EOC will restructure staffing in order to allow
for this staging area beginning at 4:00 p.m. (Pending Planning Commission
approval)
3. Expand and formalize client participation in neighborhood clean-up.
On a weekly basis, a crew will patrol a selected area of the neighborhood
for clean-up. Businesses will be notified in advance. (June 15, 1992)
4. Communicate with surrounding neighborhood regarding who to
contact on the EOC staff with specific complaints so that there can be
accountability on the part of the client population regarding neighborly
behavior. As has been the case, staff will be available to intervene as
necessary. (Immediate)
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Providing Community Action Programs to SLO County since 1 965
United Way
Letter to the Neighbors PAGE 2
5. Act as agents for property owners on trespass issues as authorized.
(Immediate)
6. Continue to educate the clients on the importance of being good
neighbors.
Items for Consideration by the EOC Board of Directors at their
May 21, 1992 meeting are:
1. Feasibility of establishing a security patrol comprised of clients
of the Shelter for response to neighborhood concerns. (May 21, 1992)
2. Participation in joint funding with the City and County of a pilot
project which would hire security guards for a four month period to
patrol on and off Shelter premises at client arrival and departure times.
A letter will follow to the neighborhood when these items have been
considered by the EOC Board, the City Council and Board of Supervisors.
In closing, the EOC and the City would like to again thank you for attending
the meeting and for your cooperation in solving the concerns surrounding
the Homeless Shelter. Please feel free to contact Gwen Guyre of the EOC
at 546-0702 or Deb Hossli of the City at 781-7151 if you have additional
questions regarding the Shelter.
Sincerely,
rct�*f
Elizabeth "Biz' Steinberg
Executive or of EOC
o ryunn
City Administrative Officer
Attachments:
Information from Police Department
Shelter Information and Phone Numbers
Client Intake form
cc: City Council
EOC Board of Directors
Board of Supervisors
George Moylan, Housing Authority
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Fost OStice Box 1-28 — San Luis Obispo, CA 9U05-1,328 — 805!!,#S7310
POLICE RESPONSE INFORMIATION
The San Luis Obispo Police Department responds to many calls throughout the
City involving persons displayi•-ig unusual behavior or committing minor criminal
violations. While we try to deal with each situation quickly and in the most
appropriate manner, these calls sometimes cause a level of frustration and
misunderstanding about the police response. The following information is provided
to help citizens understand the authorities and restrictions which guide the actions
of of5cers in these instances.
POLICE RESPONSE
We will respond to all requestsfor assistance and will taken an active role in tr}ung
to reduce problems in any area of our community. If you see a crime being
coramitted or if there is an immediate threat to anyone's safety, call 9-1-1. If you
observe suspicious circumstances, want to report a crime which has already
occurred, or just have a question, please call 781-7317.
POLICE AUTHORITY A�N%TD IM =.47I0NS
Fundamental to understanding our response and actions is the fact that most minor
crimes.are misdemeanors. Enforcement action for misdemeanors can only be made
by the person who sees the offense, whether that person is a police officer or a
private citizen.
Li other situations, a person may be exhibiting what seems to be "unusual behavior"
which may or may not be criminal in nature. In these cases, officers often find that
the person has some level of mental impairment This impairment may be chronic
or from some form of substance abuse. While each case must be dealt with
individually, the primary guideline for the officer is whether or not the person is
capable of caring for themselves. If they are not, the officer will take the person
into custody for the appropriate criminal offense or, if no crime is involved, the
officer will take the person for evaluation by mental health professionals. If the -
person is capable, the officer AU provide appropriate direction to the person to try
to resolve a particular problem.
LNTFOR- ATION ON COMMON CALLS R'E RE=-E
Drunkenness and drinking in public
If a person is intacdcated to the point that they cannot care for themselves, we
can take them into custody. We ,;U respond to reports of persons drinking, but
we can only arrest or cite a person for drinking in public when we see them take
a drink-
E
MIC OPpORTUNRY COMMISSION
of San Luis Obispo County. Inc-
880
nc880 Industrial Way O San Luis Obispo. California 93401 O 805/544-4355
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
The EOC Homeless Shelter is located at 750 Orcutt Road. The street mailing
address of the program is 736 Orcutt Road.
The EOC administrative offices are located at 880 Industrial Way.
Shelter Administrative Staff:
Gwen Guyre, Homeless Program Supervisor
Susan Howe, Services Center Manager
Administrative Staff can be reached during the day at 546-0702 or 546-0703.
Messages can be left at the EDC administrative office, 544-4355.
In the evening, emergency calls regarding the Shelter should be directed to the San
Luis Obispo Police Department at either 91 1 or 543-3131.
If you need to reach program staff at night, phone contact may be made through
Hotline, 549-8989. You are welcome to visit staff on duty at the Shelter.
The Homeless Committee of the EOC Board of Directors meets monthly at the
Shelter, and you are welcome to attend. Cal for dates.
Providing Community Action Programs to SLO County since 1 965
��%% Urvibed Way t/O
EOC Homeless Shelter -Ir ' -ke Form DATE
TRANSACTION: REPEAT I I NEW I I CHANGE I I F.EFERRAL SOURCES:
FKC
1 sat Name
Fret Name Ml.
Date of Birth Age Sex Height Weight Eyes Hair 1.0.0
Lived In San Luis 0biso County Before? When? Where?
Stayed At This Shelter Before? When? Length Of Stay:
Last Residence/Community Of Origin:
Reason Homeless:
Why Did You Come To S 10?
Currently Employed ? Full Time: Part Time: Temporary: Other:
Children With.You Now? F T source of Imams Oellir Amaant leee®e Baas.
(see back) Y N F Sinsic P.rmt/Fmtak A A w
Bamicirriltatle I M S' k Parm✓Mak B upesnywymcat B W-Wadly
9 Black T Two-Parent HouseboW C AFDC C Mass
W whi e S swig Penin D Oenenl Auktaece D Aural
H Himanic/spanish H Multifisaftr Household E Other E Previmu 1]-wK
N Native American A Aauha Only F ssl Otho Caeeetddiei .
Asian Flecatim G spew Seo V vete:'
O Ogee A 0-9 K Lliw A4pal $ L Lbahed/Nce
PACtiah speaking
Haeme B 9• II(Nae On hunt) L Pmaica M MsPw
R Rem C High Scheel OraduatclOPM M No tneeme $ T Parsom
O Owe D 12 + H Food Sumps
H Homckat I E counts Graduate TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME $ I. Mall CSI
Do You Have Health Insurance? Kind: 1 Medieara
Current Health Problems? Medication(s):
Are You Disabled? Under A Doctors Care: Doctors Name:
Problems With Drugs And/Or Alcohol? Currently On Probation Or Parole?
Emergency Contact:
I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFEKEEPING OF MY PERSONAL PROPERTY WHILE STAYING
AT THE SHELTER. THE SHELTER DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE STORAGE OF ANY UNATTENDED PROPERTY
I HAVE READ OR HAVE HAD READ TO ME THE RULES AND POLICIES OF THE SHELTER. I AGREE
TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES AND POLICIES I AGREE NOT TO LOITER IN OR AROUND THE SHELTER
BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8 am AND 5:15 lzn I AGREE NOT TO TRESPASS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
ADJACENT TO SHELTER . I AGREE NOT TO USE ALCOHOL OR UNAUTHORIZED DRUGS ON SHELTER PROP—
ERTY OR TO COME TO THE SHELTER UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SUCH SUBSTANCES I AGREE TO CO—
OPERATE WITH STAFF IN MAINTAINING A SAFE AND ORDERLY SHELTER ENVIORNMENT . I UNDERSTAND
`NT I MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE SHELTER AT ANY TIME THAT I DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE CON—
.IONS . MAXIMUM STAY: 60 DAYS IN ANY ONE YEAR PERIOD STARTING TODAY.
AP►LICANT'S STATEMENT: 1«rtify end the about information k carrel to she beat of my Itaewkdee and dust It Is oaf provided with the intens to fraud.
Applicant's SI Datura Date
IDtake worker's Signature Person Requires Translator?
5.12.92DYn � I�
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