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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-12-2013 homelessness safe parking programSafe Parking Pilot Program & Publi c Street Parking Restriction s City Counci l March 20, 201 2 Presented by : Community Development, Public Works & Polic e Departments 7 • 10-Year Plan to En d Homelessnes s Priority 1 . Facilitating Access to Affordabl e Housing to Put an End to Homelessness . Strategy 1 .2 : INCREASE THE SUPPLY O F SHORT-TERM "INTERIM" AND TRANSITIONA L HOUSING AS A SUPPLEMENT, AND NOT A N ALTERNATIVE, TO PERMANENT SUPPORTIV E HOUSING . • 2 • • City's Role in Addressin g Homelessnes s "Other Important Objective " i 10-Year Pla n General Plan Housing Elemen t Funding suppor t Community Development Block Grant (CDBG ) General Fun d Leverage grant and local fund s Site for Prado Day Center 3 Backgroun d Egs RV's and automobiles have increasingl y emerged as a form of shelter due to : Poor econom y Scarcity of transitional and affordable housin g Limited shelter bed s Strained social service resource s Combination of factors 4 "Seattle may help homeless car campers " -The Seattle Times (November 24, 2011 ) "L.A.to help homeless people find safe overnight parking in Venice area " -Los Angeles Times (July 27, 2010) "Teen riding across U .S . for safe parking program" The Sacramento Bee (August 20, 2011) "Mobile homeless may get A .G . help " -The Tribune (March 8, 2012 ) "SLO considering a place for homeles s to park their vehicles"s =The Tribune (March 20, 2012 ) "Safe parking programs would benefi t homeless " -The Tribune (January 22, 2012) • • Overvie w An increase in the number of individual s illegally camping throughout the City both i nvehicles and other encampments ha sresulted in a corresponding increase in : Fire Department response s Police Department calls for servic e Trash and pollution in creeks and open spac eareas Citizen and business concerns 6 Estimated Vehicle Campers and Safe Parking Program Interes t Higuera Commerce Prado Road West of Higuera Potential Interest' Park Streets ' 7 • • CAPSL OO. erator Salvation ArmNew Be :innin s City Residency Re . uirement Yes. Must sho w .roo 9 No No Vehicle Requirements — Registration, Insurance , License Not determined (Yes)Yes Ye s City Count). of Citc of Ventura CAPSI .O Proposa l Santa Barbar a Case Managemen t Re, wired Yes Yes Yes I sPro_^ram Dc 8 • • CAPSLO Safe Parking Proposa l •Prado Day Center parking lot (43 Prado Road ) •Six month pilot progra m •5 vehicles in parking lot overnigh t •Case management require d a$ Drug-free zon e Shelter staff to monitor progra m P.:Restroom facility provided a Budget to be provide d Work with other partners (i .e . Prado Day Center Warmin g Station as a funding model . Review Budget with CAPSLO and partners 9 • CAPSLO Safe Parking Proposal Cont . 70 1 . Estimate of time and effort to prepare zoning code amendment s to establish permanent program, and analyze and prepared parkin g ordinance changes .1 1 Estimated Resourc e Requirement s Public Works 12 0 Police 8 0 Departmen t CDD 20 0 City Attorney 12 0 Administration 60 $11,259 .60 Unknow n $13,912 .00 Unknow n $26,930 .60 Unknow n $17,024 .40 Unknow n $10,796 .40 Unknow n $79,923 .00 Unknow n • Recommendatio n 1)Adopt a resolution to temporarily suspend the enforcement of Municipal Code Chapter 17 .16 .015 (Recreational vehicle as dwellin g unit) for six months for a portion of 43 Prado Road and authorize th e City Manager to enter into an agreement with Community Actio n Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CAPSLO) to implement a safe parking pilot program at the Prado Day Center with condition s outlined in Attachment 10 ; an d 2)Direct staff to return to the Council in six months to report on the pilo t program and consider changes to Title 17 of the Municipal Code t o establish a permanent safe parking program ; an d 3)Direct staff to develop amendments to the Municipal Code to improv e parking enforcement to address persons sleeping in vehicles that ar e not participating in an authorized safe parking program . 12 • Future Municipal Code Change s 1)Modifications to Chapter 17 .16 .015 (Recreational vehicle as dwellin g unit) 2)Create new Zoning Regulations chapte r 3)Create new land use categor y 4)Create new land use definitio n Alternative approaches to provide appropriate parking enforcemen t measures could include the following : 1)Establish a City ordinance that prohibits parking of Recreationa l Vehicles on city streets . 2)Establish a two-hour parking limit on Prado Road and th e surrounding area . 3)Establish a parking zone that prevents parking within a certain 1 3 distance to the businesses . • Parking Enforcement Directio n 1)Should the City amend parking restrictions on publi c streets to limit the overnight parking of RVs and/o r other oversized vehicles as other cities have done? I f so, what are the parameters ? 2)Should authority be given to the Police Chief and/o r Public Works Director to restrict parking on a n emergency basis to address threats to public healt h and safety ? • 3) What is the appropriate avenue for public notificatio n of these parking regulations? 14 • • • If Council approves the safe parking pilot program staff will : 1.Work with CAPSLO to implement progra m 2.Report back to Council with finding s 3.If directed by Council, staff will bring back the necessary Zonin g Regulation changes for a permanent citywide progra m 1.Proceed with Municipal Code changes as directe d 2.Determine costs for signage and resources required t o implement code changes 1 5 • • Vehicle Access and Turnin g Movement Analysis 16 Safe Shelter Pilot Program Update & Direction Regarding a Safe Shelte r Ordinance City Counci l October 2, 201 2 Presented by : Community Development Department City's Role in Addressing Homelessnes s "Other Important Objective " r.10-Year Pla n 15,General Plan Housing Elemen t 55-Funding support Community Development Block Grant (CDBG ) General Fun d Leverage grant and local fund s Site for Prado Day Cente r Supplement efforts led by the County 2 • • 2012 Total population of Homeless , Oty of San tuts Obisp o Percent of Tota l Population Total s 1,592 300% 100 OF HOMELESSN V.414 NOW Category of Hamele%neSs Tota l Population 2012 Total population of Homeless , City of San Lois Obispo %us% aC ,mien npm....aieMe asmtm,oamm,ik,vni um. anmu n m et San W,0 m .a,u ... ...es bath shads ..•d. • • • 201E Total population of Homeless, City of San Luis Obispo 201E Total population of Homeless , City of San Luis Obispo ... muagam .ern., t.mm~o °wi.o.SOIL anima: munlryaa n 0.m Mpa n Lm.oamu,lm..mu. •Indudet bath chin .,ad ad . • • • READY HOMELESS want sus ) 2012 Total population of Homeless, City of San Luis Obispo RESISTANT HOMELES S Root potsl READY HOMELES S Mans RolPS'j 2012Total population of HOOeless, City of San Luis Obispo RESISTAN T HOMELES S will pots ) mu. munM MS.P .anwy ni Sin Wl. Obispo C.O., 20a Indu0.. lam,tampmayum um . CanmunIpPeOps hrm.naipai S .W .ONge<e ., 101012. ,Iude,.th •d • • READ Y HOMELESS (want%Hs) RESISTAN T HOMELES S twl((pots ) 2012 Total population of Homeless , City of San W6 Obispo FUTURE READY c HOMELESS (wa St Ypsl. 2012 Total population of Homeless , City of San Luis Obispo RESISTAN T HOMELES S (will ants ) I „~^uMM aaanaarnmpp .1 s.nise Dupe Co., mc,m¢10N m AM.wnn .mne a s.Obn.p,Ca,Inman •h•dudm MM ./puma .. • • ~NPMtCS OF H OMELESSNESS 4NPMtCS OF MI% Additional O Additional READ Y HOMELESS n0am toss RESISTAN T HOMELESS /wili#iots ) 2012 Total population of Homeless.City of San Luis Obispo 101E Total population of Homeless , City of San Luis Obispo Category o f Homelessness Total Popul8H0 Pateent of Total Populanan titTou'1006 Some u'xs %Ma nT.xlp MS.tma aaxe Co ,.r.._,M. meues both Som.tor.,.My aeon amnmi> nzm weoaroa Co im . mu. MM..both du ft • Pwoo OF HOMEtee5, 4AA Additional Services RESISTAN T HOMELESS l~;af~set~~ READ Y HOMELESS (want a 2012 Total population of Homeless, Gry of San this Obispo Backgroun d ,;RV's and automobiles have increasingl y emerged as a form of shelter due to : Poor econom y Scarcity of transitional and affordable housin g Limited shelter bed s Strained social service resource s Combination of factors 1 4d.s • • Estimated Vehicle Campers and Safe Parking Program Interes t Higuera Commerce Prado Road West of Higoera Potential Interes t' Park Streets ' --Chen{s? C1ents Clients ._3 _.,.4_3 Pilot Program Backgroun d On March 20, 2012, Council : Temporarily suspended enforcement of the requirements o f Municipal Code Chapter 17 .16 .015 (Recreational vehicle a s dwelling unit) at 43 Prado Road . Authorized CAPSLO to operate a safe shelter pilot progra m for up to five vehicles within the parking lot at the Prado Da y Center. Directed staff to return within six months of progra m implementation to report on the findings of the pilot progra m and consider a permanent safe shelter ordinance . 4,On June 22, 2012, CAPSLO implemented the saf e shelter pilot program at the Prado Day Center . 15 16 • • • • Safe Shelter Site (43 Prado) 17 ,P Pilot program has served a total of 13 peopl e (seven households). There are currently eight people consisting o f five households in the program . Progress has been made towards securin g permanent housing . 18 • • •• Police Calls for Servic e Between June 22 nd and September 4th there were three Police Department calls fo r service . June 26th — trespassin g August 9 th —welfare chec k August 28 th (domestic violence) Participants have demonstrated progres s towards securing permanent housing . s=One Police Department call for service wa s for an assault that resulted in an arrest . Pilot Program Finding s The pilot program has operated at or nea r capacity . 19 20 • 21 Safe Shelter Ordinanc e Direction 1) Who can apply to the City to establish an d manage a safe shelter facility ? Should case management be a requirement of a safe shelter program ? 3)Should proof of residency be a requirement fo r participants ? 4)Should people with a violent crime conviction b e allowed to participate ? a . Should the Police Department conduc t background checks to verify participan t eligibility? 22 Case Studies & Preliminary Recommendation s Program Details Ci Cm of San Rcc ~oNal~v Diego for Pmnonan a Pro., Parking Lot Religions Religious Business Re/IgiTUy. Ownership facility.facility business.gmmmnvn r mvenuneitt Vehicle Yes Yes No Re•wnmeotr VehielePmgram Yes . 0day Yes . Two No Permit Required permit,week mrnnk renewable renewable of Parklm Lob 23 • • S INh A safe shelter program would require th e following Municipal Code changes : Modification to Chapters 17 .16 .015 & 9 .1 8 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit ) New Zoning Regulations chapter wit h application requirements and performanc e standard s New land use category and definitio n Municipal Code Changes 23 Program Fundin g A permanent safe shelter program will likel y result in an increase in annual fundin g support requested by social servic e providers . Potential funding sources ma y include : CDB G GI A General Fun d CAPSLO has estimated a per vehicle annua l cost of $ to operate and manage an on-goin g safe shelter program .24 • • • Sanitation (RV Dump Stations ) 25 If directed to prepare Municipal Cod e changes, staff will : 1)Continue to monitor the safe shelter pilot program fo r lessons learned (ongoing). 2)Engage residents and stakeholders through a series o f round tables discussions and community workshops (fall). 3)Draft a safe shelter ordinance (winter). 4)Facilitate the public hearing process and advisory body review (winter). 5)Bring the ordinance to Council for review an d consideration (spring). 26 • • • • Recommendatio n 1)Adopt a resolution to extend the temporar y suspension of enforcement of Municipal Cod e Chapters 17 .16 .015 & 9 .18 (Recreational vehicle a s dwelling unit) at 43 Prado Road for an additional si x months ; an d 2)Direct staff to develop amendments to Title 17 of th e Municipal Code to allow a permanent safe shelte r program . 27 • SAFE SHELTER C O WORKSHO P November 27, 2012 ' Presented bye,'1 ler Corey,H usin Prog t arns M j City of San Luis Obispo ontact Info.r tecrcv t s1 acrfx rca tar':805-7 $1,-7C Welcome and introduction s Safe shelter backgroun d u Council directio n City's rol e o Community input and discussio n o Next steps • • Why a Safe Shelte r Ordinance ?p n Zoning Regulations prohibit people from sleeping i n vehicles on private propert y n Municipal Code prohibits people from sleeping i n vehicles on public right-of-ways (streets ) A Safe Shelter Ordinance would allow on privat e property at compatible locations, subject to permi t requirements and performance standard s A safe place for those sleeping in vehicles t o temporarily park overnight . 4 • Consistency with Regional an d Local Plan s q 10-Year Plan to end homelessnes s % Strategy 1 .2 : INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF SHORT-TER M "INTERIM" AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSIN G La Case management required for consistenc y i Other Important Council Objectiv e General Plan Housing Elemen t Pilot Progra m March 20, 201 2 - Council approved Safe Shelter Pilo t Prado Day Center parking lo t Six month perio d June 22, 201 2 - CAPSLO initiated progra m Operates at or near capacit y Participants have made progress towards permanent housin g o October 2, 201 2 - Council directed staff to develo p amendments to the Zoning Regulation s Extended pilot program for an additional six month s Allow a permanent safe shelter program at compatible location s 5 6 • On October 2 nd ,Council also provided direction t o include the following criteria in a permanent Saf e Shelter program : Facility operators to be social service provider s o Case managemen t c Background checks on a case-by-case basi s c Residents should have priority 7 • What is the City's Role ? Allow safe shelter facilities at compatible location s ci Establish permit requirements and performanc e standard s ci Not a City program -Facilities will be manage d and operated by social service providers that hav e experience with the homeless population . • • • Community input Discussio n Break into small group s Discuss three main topics — 15 minutes eac h L Progra m Locatio n Operatio n Report out at the end on major themes discusse d at each statio n • Compile public feedbac k Public survey available a t Workshops, survey, e-mails, letters and other correspondenc e Outreach with community organizations and neighborhood group s Draft a Safe Shelter Ordinanc e Based on Council and community inpu t Draft Ordinance to be posted on City websit e Additional opportunities to participate through public hearin g process • • Program Criteri a How should prospective participants be prioritized ? •Other ? • ci Church/non-profit facility in a residential area ? o Church/non-profit facility in a non-residential area ? cc Business/industrial areas ? q Government/public facility areas ? o Other areas? • • • Buffers from residential uses ? Maximum number of vehicles per location ? Restroom facilities ? Trash receptacles ? ci Noise restrictions ? Other? Other Thoughts ? q Other thoughts City should consider as it develops th e Safe Shelter zoning code provisions ? • • •(Meeting Dat e 3-20-1 2 Item Number B 1 ~counci l agenda Repol2t C I T Y O F S A N L U I S O B I S P O FROM : Derek Johnson, Community Development Directo r Steve Gesell, Police Chie f Jay Walter, Public Works Directo r Prepared By :Tyler Corey, Housing Programs Manage r SUBJECT :SAFE PARKING PILOT PROGRAM AT PRADO DAY CENTER & DIRECTION REGARDING PUBLIC STREET PARKING RESTRICTION S RECOMMENDATIO N 1)Adopt a resolution to temporarily suspend the enforcement of Municipal Cod e Chapter 17 .16 .015 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit) for six months for a portio n of 43 Prado Road and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement wit h Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc . (CAPSLO) to implement a safe parking pilot program at the Prado Day Center with conditions outlined in Attachment 10 ; and 2)Direct staff to return to the Council in six months to report on the pilot program an d consider changes to Title 17 of the Municipal Code to establish a permanent saf e parking program ; and 3)Direct staff to develop amendments to the Municipal Code to improve parkin g enforcement to address persons sleeping in vehicles that are not participating in a n authorized safe parking program . REPORT-IN-BRIE F This agenda report provides information in support of a recommendation to establish a saf e parking pilot program for members of the City's homeless population that have a vehicle and ar e participating in Community Action Partnership (CAPSLO) case management services . It i s recommended that this pilot program be limited to the Prado Day Center site with no more tha n five vehicles . This is necessitated by the desire to have a successful pilot program that i s modeled on similar programs in other jurisdictions, the size and vehicle capacity of the parking lot and the requirement to provide supportive services to the participants in the safe parking pilo t program. This request is consistent with the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Year Plan to En d Homelessness and will further the City's "Other Important Objective" to continued efforts to support and implement the 10-Year Plan and strategies to coordinate homeless services an d address housing and service needs . • B1 -1 Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 2 • In addition to providing background on the City's commitment to the priorities and guidin g principles outline in the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness,thi s report outlines the safe parking pilot program, provides data about this issue, summarizes th e activities that have led to enforcement of existing laws and provides information regarding tw o other cities that have implemented similar programs (Santa Barbara and Ventura). The repor t also evaluates the consistency of this proposal with the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Yea r Plan to End Homelessness (it is consistent), outlines the need to further evaluate changes t o municipal code to assist in addressing the challenges of our existing Municipal Code as a tool t o address illegal activities and articulates the impacts of adding the safe pilot parking program an d the Municipal Code evaluation to our work plans as these were not anticipated when th e Financial Plan was adopted . Lastly the next step and fiscal impacts are outlined . In sum, the City Council is being asked to consider the information included in this report an d approve a safe parking pilot program to be located at the Prado Day Center . Staff will return t o the City Council in six months with a report on the program . In addition, independent o f Council's direction on the safe parking pilot program, staff is seeking direction to develo p amendments to the Municipal Code to improve parking enforcement to address persons sleepin g in vehicles . BACKGROUND Dating back many years the City has been a supporter of providing service to those who ar e experiencing homelessness . In addition to the City's robust affordable housing program as wel l as financial and facilities support to non-profits, the City has endorsed the priorities and guidin g principles of the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness (10-Year Plan) (Council meeting of January 20, 2009). At that same meeting the City Council voted "to utiliz e the 10-Year Plan and the Guiding Principles as a point of departure in our future efforts, bot h within cities and among the regional partners, to address and prevent homelessness in the County of San Luis Obispo . At that time the City Council appointed Council Member Ashbaugh as Cit y Council Liaison to serve on what is now called the Homeless Services Oversight Committe e (HSOC). That appointment has since transitioned to Councilmember Smith . The 10-Year Plan is divided into four sections, each of which contains recommendation s addressing one of the priority areas of action to end homelessness : Priority 1 . Facilitating Access to Affordable Housing to Put an End to Homelessness . Priority 2 . Stopping Homelessness Before it Starts through Prevention and Effectiv e Intervention . Priority 3 . Ending and Preventing Homelessness through Integrated Comprehensive , Responsive Supportive Services . Priority 4 . Coordinating a Solid Administrative & Financial Structure To Support Effectiv e Plan Implementation . The Guiding Principles were critical in the development of the 10-Year Plan and are relevant t o this discussion of the Safe Parking Pilot Program . The Guiding Principles are as follows : • B1 -2 • Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 3 Sharing Responsibility through Education and Outreach To All — Achieving result s that matter will require involvement of all sectors of the community, including the busines s community, faith-based organizations and citizen volunteers . As such, education to build understanding of homelessness is essential in order to encourage broad involvement an d cultivate support for solutions . Continuous Community Building —Development of this system of care will be carrie d out through significant investment in affordable and supportive housing, treatment an d services for the benefit of all county residents . Fostering of Innovation &Excellence —Through continuing investment in training , annual integration of lessons learned and emerging best practices, and openness to ne w ways of doing things, we will create a model system of care that is equal to the challeng e of preventing and ending homelessness . Flexible and Individualized Attention —Ending homelessness will happen on person at a time ; as such, housing and service provision will be tailored to the specific needs of eac h individual or family . Focus On Housing —All service provision will include ensuring the client' s housin g stability, whether by helping people to obtain housing quickly, linking g them with th e services they need to sustain it, or identifying risk and intervening early to prevent housin g loss . Comprehensive Solutions With A Systemwide Perspective -No matter where the client enters the system, comprehensive solutions will be provided through access to the ful l range of care available within the system . Strategic Thinking &Efficiently Targeted Interventions —Data collection to allow evaluation of emerging needs and program outcomes will enable us to target t intervention s for maximum impact and continuously monitor results and adjust for improvement . The conclusion of the 10-Year Plan encourages the County, cities and community partners to us e the priorities and guiding principles as guideposts for decisions in the future . Specifically it says , The planning process that produced Path to a Home,the San Luis Obispo countywid e Ten-year Plan to End Homelessness, involved a diverse group of stakeholders and built a strong base of collaboration that can help to carry the Plan forward through th e implementation process .Path to a Home provides a strong and compelling framework fo r joint action that can guide County, City and Community partner efforts to effectivel y address homelessness and utilize precious housing and service resources in the mos t efficient and productive manner possible . In recent years, RV's and even automobiles have increasingly emerged as a form of shelter fo r persons who have not been able to obtain transitional or permanent housing and are seeking t o escape the elements . Some people have found themselves in this position because of th e B1 -3 Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 4 • economy, the scarcity of transitional and affordable housing, and limited shelter beds . Straine d social service resources makes it increasingly difficult to assist people who find themselve s without homes and unable to find transitional housing . Another group of people living in vehicles has ended up in this position because of past and/or ongoing choices . These people are living in vehicles in locations that have largely gon e unnoticed, until recently. In these areas, some people have engaged in illegal behaviors that hav e been the source of complaints regarding fundamental health and safety matters . In recent months, these groups have grown and drawn attention, resulting in increasingly frequent calls fo r service and general complaints to the Police Department about illegal behavior and health an d safety issues . There is a mix of these two groups of people throughout the City, but there is an especially heav y concentration of people living in their RVs or automobiles along Prado Road and the immediat e vicinity. The escalating illegal behaviors of some of the overnight vehicle residents along Prad o Road and along other streets in the City are compromising the health and safety of th e community. An absence of health and safety facilities and programs focused on transitionin g vehicle-dwelling individuals towards permanent housing complicates these conditions . As thes e issues have converged, interest has grown in a safe parking pilot program that could hel p mitigate the impacts of people living in vehicles on City streets by providing access to cas e management and a safe place for these individuals to park and sleep with the goal of eventual transition to permanent housing . City's Role in Addressing Homelessness and Regional Effort s In addition to the endorsement of the 10-Year Plan, the City's General Plan Housing Elemen t contains policies and programs that support housing and service agencies whose mission it is t o develop programs for the City's homeless population . The City's role is one of funding suppor t to local and regional organizations to meet the needs of the homeless as well as finding ways t o leverage grant and local funds to achieve construction of affordable housing . The City provides funding assistance from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and General Fun d monies to CAPSLO for the operation of the Maxine Lewis Homeless Shelter and Prado Da y Center programs . Additionally, the City provides a site for the Prado Day Center facility wit h "in kind" support, including free rent, water, sewer and trash services . In addition, the City has awarded CDBG grant funds to CAPSLO to help fund pre-developmen t costs for the design and construction of a new homeless services facility to be located adjacent t o the Department of Social Services on 3451 South Higuera Street . The new facility would combine services currently provided at the Maxine Lewis Homeless Shelter and the Prado Da y Center, consistent with the concepts of the 10-Year Plan . Providing a strategy to work towards programs that transition people out of homelessness has been a regional effort. The City has partnered with the County, Cities, and nonprofit entities t o provide programs that advance goals outlined in the 10-Year Plan . While the City has a role t o serve, the City is not a social services agency and the City's greatest opportunity for supportin g B l -4 • Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 5 • the success of the 10-Year Plan is to support and strategically supplement efforts lead by th e County, which has both the resources and expertise in social services . As an example of the regional efforts, on March 6 th the Planning Commission of the City o f Arroyo Grande approved a temporary use permit to allow a safe parking pilot program at the St . Barnabas Episcopal Church located at 301 Trinity Avenue . The property is approximately 8 .5 - acres in size and is developed with the church facility and a 95-space parking lot . The pilo t program was approved for a six month time period for use by three vehicles with an option t o increase the vehicle number to five with approval by the Community Development Director . DISCUSSIO N Safe Parking Pilot Program Request Submitte d On February 6, 2012, CAPSLO submitted a proposal (Attachment 2) to the City to establish a safe parking pilot program at the Prado Day Center to address this growing community issue an d advance a key goal to provide a form of transitional housing consistent with the 10-Year Plan . The program will provide qualifying homeless persons with vehicles a safe place to temporaril y park vehicles overnight with the goal of eventually transitioning them out of their vehicles and into permanent housing . On February 15 `h, City staff met internally with the Police Department, Fire, Public Works , Utilities, Administration, and the City Attorney. The purpose for the meeting was to review an d discuss CAPSLO's proposal and outline the City process and program requirements for forma l review and consideration . In the intervening weeks, staff discussed some initial concerns wit h CAPSLO . On February 24 th staff met with CAPSLO to outline and discuss the proposal . Discussions focused on performance standards for a successful pilot program and the social , fiscal, and legal dynamics surrounding the proposed program . On February 29 th staff provide d CAPSLO with a letter outlining the performance standards that staff would recommend a s conditions of approval associated with launching a pilot program (Attachment 3). Problem Statement and Informal Survey Result s Over the past several years, an increasing number of individuals and families are residing in thei r vehicles overnight throughout the City . This has resulted in a wide range of health and safet y issues for themselves and the community . Within the past 18 months the Fire Department has responded to over 405 medical emergencies, trash and brush fires, and hazardous waste issue s associated with homeless encampments . The Police Department notes that calls for service involving reported misconduct by homeless persons or transients have nearly doubled in the las t five years (Attachment 5). The Parks and Recreation Department staff removed approximatel y 40 tons of refuse from abandoned homeless camps last year from the City's creek and open spac e areas . It is clear that the citizens of San Luis Obispo are aware and concerned about the issue o f homelessness . The City's recent citizen satisfaction survey indicates that 70% of respondent s consider homelessness and transient a somewhat serious or very serious issue in our community . On February 27, 2012, City staff met with Prado Day Center staff to survey City streets in a n effort to estimate the number of individuals that may be interested in participating in a saf e parking program . The survey was focused along Prado Road as well as other streets within th e Higuera Commerce Park Specific Plan area with known concentrations of RV campers an d B1 -5 Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 6 • persons who sleep in their automobiles (Attachment 6). The estimates provided in the tabl e below are based on the experience of Prado Day Center staff working with clients that regularl y use the facility for services and a general assessment of potential interest in participating in th e program. Estimated Vehicle Campers and Safe Parking Program Interes t Higuera Commerce Prado Road West of Higuera Potential Interes t' Park Streets' Car/truck/vans 25 1 2 t fl t Includes Prado Road East of Higuera Street, Long Street, Empresa Drive, Empleo Street, Bonetti Drive an d Granada Driv e 2 Refers to those that regularly use the Prado Day Center facility for service s ' Estimate based on Prado Day Center staff client knowledge and experienc e The 2011 San Luis Obispo County Homeless Enumeration Report indicates that 58 of 274 (21%) respondents t o the question "Where did you sleep last night?" said they had slept in a vehicle the previous evening (Attachment 7 ) Based on this survey and discussions with Prado staff, there are approximately 24 Prado Da y Center clients that may be interested in participating in a safe parking program in the City at thi s time . This estimate reflects those individuals who would be willing to comply with envisione d program requirements that are described in more detail later in the report but include suc h expectations as a drugs or alcohol free program and a willingness to participate in cas e management. Enforcement to address Illegal Activities The number of vehicles and individuals camping on Prado Road and the immediate area has significantly increased over the last several years . According to the February 27 1h count mentioned above, there were more than 60 vehicles either utilized for camping or long-term storage on City streets . Several recent assaults, safety concerns from Prado Day Center staff, City of San Luis Obispo Corporation Yard staff, citizen complaints, and written correspondenc e from three businesses on Prado Road listing adverse community impacts and health and safety concerns . These include assaults, thefts, public urination, defecation, and trespassing, all o f which have prompted focused efforts by the Police Department to address the behaviors that ar e in violation of existing Municipal and State Penal Codes . Efforts to address the safety concerns have primarily centered on both education an d enforcement of the City's ordinances prohibiting overnight camping and storage of vehicles o n public streets . • Overnight Camping - Municipal Code 17 .16 .015 addresses the issue of campin g within the City and states :"Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit . No recreational vehicle, camper shell, automobile or similar device shall be used for living or • • B1 -6 • Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 7 • • sleeping quarters except in a lawfully operated mobile home park, travel trailer park , or campground, except as provided in Section 17 .08 .010(C)(4) et seq ."Enforcemen t of this Municipal Code for overnight camping has been conducted when occupant s inside the vehicle are contacted . In the event the occupant cannot be contacted th e vehicle is tagged with a notice requiring the vehicle to be moved a minimum of 50 0 feet within 72 hours . This offense is an infraction and violators are subject to citatio n and not physical arrest . • Vehicle Storage - Municipal Code section 10 .12 .090 ("Removal of vehicles fro m street by police officers permitted when .") has been used to address the parking issu e and states : "Any regularly employed and salaried officer or designated employee o f the police department of this city may remove or cause to be removed : A . Any vehicle that has been parked or left standing upon a street or highway fo r seventy-two or more consecutive hours ;" Vehicles remaining following the 72-hour period are towed and impounded at the owner's expense. The current Municipal Codes have proven to be relatively difficult to enforce . If those campin g in their vehicles do not answer the door for officers, the vehicle is tagged prompting the owner t o move at least 500 feet in order to comply with the ordinance . In many instances, violators simpl y move to a nearby location until they are contacted and noticed by police again, repeating th e cycle. The Police Department believes that in addition to the current issues being addressed on Prad o Road, the issue of camping within the City continues to grow . Many of these issues will b e pushed onto other city streets, or into the creek areas that are already impacted with transien t camps . The City's Park Rangers and the City Biologist managed the City program to remove u p to 40 tons of rubbish last year from local creeks after transient camps are posted for removal . Currently the Police Department utilizes Penal Code section 647(e) to address the issue o f camping in the city limits . The section states " every person who commits any of the followin g acts is guilty of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor : Who lodges in any building, structure , vehicle, or place, whether public or private, without the permission of the owner or perso n entitled to the possession or in control of it." Many cities and counties have adopted local ordinances to address camping and sleeping on public property, but it should be noted that thi s type of regulation must be carefully tailored and is the subject of frequent legal challenge . Moreover, if a local ordinance is adopted and used to cite violators, prosecution falls to the Cit y Attorney rather than the District Attorney . Case Studies In an effort to review best practices and lessons learned regarding safe parking programs, staff researched programs currently operating in the City/County of Santa Barbara and City o f Ventura. Staff contacted both the non-profits and jurisdictions to solicit specific input on what t o consider in a local program, what to avoid, and how to craft a program with the best chances o f B1-7 Safe Parking Pilot Program &Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 8 • success . The City/County of Santa Barbara's program was initiated in 2002 with a non-profi t social service agency called New Beginnings . The City of Ventura's program was initiated i n 2009 with the Salvation Army . The table below provides details of these operating programs a s of May 2010 and a comparison of key program elements with CAPSLO's proposal . Program Details City/County of City of Ventura CAPSLO Proposa l Santa Barbar a Program Size/# Vehicles 105 15 5 Vehicles . er Lot 3-10 3-5 5 Italics indicate staff recommended condition where the issue was not addressed by the proposal .2 Includes evidence from driver's license records, utility bills, medical bills, hotel bills, social service databases , mailing address, etc . Consistency with San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Year Plan to End Homelessnes s CAPSLO's proposed safe parking pilot program is consistent with and implements Strategy 1 .2 of the 10-Year Plan . This strategy seeks to increase the supply of short-term "interim" an d transitional housing as a supplement, and not an alternative, to permanent supportive housing . Permanent housing should be provided "first" when possible and appropriate to the individual's needs, and interim and transitional housing should be used only for targeted populations or as a stopgap measure for a system in housing crisis . Interim housing should be linked with th e community services centers and structured so that is connects clients with support services and a case management plan to help them move toward greater stability . Implementation of the 10-Year Plan will close gaps in the continuum of care for homeles s individuals and families and will link and improve the use of limited funding resources t o achieve the plan goal of ending chronic homelessness . The Homeless Services Oversight Council City Residency Re . uirement Yes . Must sho w .roof' No No Vehicle Requirements — Registration, Insurance , License Yes Yes Not determined (Yes) Case Managemen t Re . uired Yes Ye sYes B1 -8 Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 9 (HSOC) supports the establishment of safe parking programs for homeless in the County (Attachment 8 ) Proposal Overview and Evaluatio n CAPSLO has proposed to establish a safe parking pilot program at the Prado Day Cente r (Attachment 2). The program will provide homeless persons with vehicles a safe place t o temporarily park vehicles overnight with the goal of eventually transitioning them into permanent housing. Staff has thoroughly reviewed, analyzed and researched CAP SLO's saf e parking pilot proposal . The result of this effort is agreement between City staff and CAPSLO o n the components of a safe and successful pilot program, and potential long-term citywid e program . Highlights of the program are as follows : Target Clients 1.Those who are in need of a safe place to park their vehicles overnight and have demonstrate d a commitment to return to permanent or other transitional housing . 2.Those who are willing to actively participate in the case management program will receive a guaranteed parking space until they are housed . Proposal Highlight s I . Six month pilot progra m 2 . 5 vehicles in parking lot overnigh t 3.Restroom facility provided (Port-a-Potty ) 4.Drug-free zone (zero tolerance towards drugs and alcohol ) 5.Shelter staff to monitor program by driving through parking lot once in the evening an d morning (CAPSLO does not currently have funding to support a dedicated staff person onsit e at all times) 6.Clients will register with CAPSLO and be entered into the HMIS databas e 7.Case management will be require d 8.Preference will be given to those that show evidence of residency in the City for at least 6 months (new area arrivals will be given a lower priority ) During review of the program, there were two issues that City staff and CAPSLO worked closel y on to achieve agreement . These include the number of overnight spaces to be permitted at th e Prado Day Center for the pilot program, and the requirement that participants be enrolled an d actively pursuing case management services . An evaluation of these issues follows : 1 .Number of vehicles allowed in pilot program at Prado Day Center site .CAPSLO originally proposed up to 25 vehicles in the parking lot . Since the submittal, both staff and CAPSL O have further researched and analyzed other successful safe parking programs and have agree d that limiting the number of vehicles to 5 is appropriate for the following reasons : • B1 -9 Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 10 • a)The parking lot is constrained by its overall size, access, drive aisle width and parkin g stall dimensions . The Public Works Department conducted a vehicle access and turnin g movement analysis for the parking lot using a maximum RV length of 25 fee t (Attachment 9). The results of the analysis indicate that the parking lot can safel y accommodate up to three RV's and three standard vehicles (sedan, small truck, SUV , etc .) for a total of six . b)The City has a lease agreement with the Small Bore Rifle Range adjacent to the Prad o Day Center. This lease agreement allows the tenant to use the facility for nighttim e shooting activities . Overnight parking at this location would conflict with the tenant's lease agreement and use of the facility. Members of the Small Bore Rifle Range indicat e that they use the parking lot during evenings and a parking program would conflict wit h their activities . c)Successful programs in Santa Barbara and Ventura limit the number of vehicles per lot t o between 3 and 10, with the larger number being in parking lots with over 300 space s (1200% larger than Prado's). d)A recently approved safe parking pilot program in the City of Arroyo Grande at a churc h facility included three vehicles in a 95-space parking lot . e)As CAPSLO's proposal states, the goal of the program is to "provide homeless person s with vehicles a safe place to temporarily park their cars". Those interested in the progra m are seeking a "safe" place to sleep overnight . People in interim or transitional housin g have the same basic needs as those in permanent housing . Factors that contribute to a safe sleeping environment include having a sense of privacy, having defensible space , being in an environment that is secure, properly maintained, managed and monitored, an d having an appropriate density given the site's size and amenities . f)If successful, CAPSLO's pilot program could be a model for a potential long-ter m citywide program . In order for the pilot program to have the best chance for success , minimizing complicating factors provide the best chance of success . 2 .Pilot program participants must be enrolled in programs and paired with a cas e manager.CAPSLO originally proposed to "offer" case management to those participating i n the program. After discussing this issue in more depth, City staff and CAPSLO agree that case management should be a requirement of program participation for the followin g reasons : a)CAPSLO has a 100% success rate transitioning people who remain in case managemen t into permanent housing . This is instrumental to the success of the program and i s required for consistency with the 10-Year Plan . b)Successful safe parking programs in Santa Barbara and Ventura require participants to b e paired with a case manager. c)Those actively involved in case management are less likely to be engaged in activitie s and behaviors that have a detrimental effect on local public health, safety and welfare . With incorporation of these and additional conditions included in the Draft Council Resolutio n (Attachment 10), staff believes the proposed pilot program can be successful and a model for a potential long-term Citywide program . B1 -10 • Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 1 1 On March 7, 2012, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) received a staff presentation regarding the issues surrounding overnight parking along Prado Road and an overview of th e safe parking pilot program proposal by CAPSLO . Commissioners agreed by consensus that th e HRC supports the collaborative efforts among the City, County, and service providers aimed at addressing the safety, social, environmental, and related issues resulting from the overnigh t parking along Prado Road and in the vicinity (Attachment 4). The Commission further expressed its willingness to participate in education and outreach to support these efforts . Sanitation (RV Dump Stations ) Concern with discharge of RV wastes to the environment raised the question as to whether or no t the City operated an RV dump station at its Water Reclamation Facility . While the Municipa l Code allows for such a site at the utility director's discretion [Section 13 .08 .140(C)(11)], th e capital investment, liability, and administrative requirements (such as monitoring the location , taking payment, ensuring no hazardous waste or illicit drug-production related materials ente r the sewer system, among other items) associated with such a facility have not made an RV dum p station an enterprise into which the City desires to enter . Currently, the Elks Lodge on Elks Lane has the only RV dump station in the City of San Lui s Obispo . This service is free to members ; the public is charged $10 . RV dumpsites can be foun d at this website .http ://www .sanidumps .com/maps/index .php?id=1 8 Future Municipal Code Changes Zoning Regulation s If the pilot program is successful, a potential citywide long-term program would requir e changes to Title 17 of the Municipal Code (Zoning Regulations). Specific changes woul d include the following : 1)Chapter 17 .16 .015 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit). Language would need to b e modified to include an exception for safe overnight parking in conjunction with a loca l social service provider . 2)New Zoning Regulations chapter would need to be created for safe overnight parking tha t would include specific performance standards and requirements . 3)Chapter 17 .22 (Table 9 – Uses Allowed by Zone). New land use category would need t o be added to Table 9 that specifies the Zoning Districts the use would be allowed and an y required entitlements (i .e . Use Permit). 4)Chapter 17 .100 (Definitions). New land use defmition would need to be created . Parking Enforcemen t Changes to the Municipal Code to provide appropriate parking enforcement measures coul d include the following : • B1 -11 Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 12 • 1)Establish a City ordinance that prohibits parking of Recreational Vehicles on city streets . Exceptions could be addressed through a permitting process by allowing parking for a limited number of days per year . 2)Establish a two-hour parking limit on Prado Road and the surrounding area to preven t long term parking or camping on Prado Road . 3)Establish a parking zone that prevents parking within a certain distance to the businesse s except for customers to those businesses . Notwithstanding the changes discussed above, the City can regulate parking on city streets b y adopting an ordinance or resolution . Changes can be made to the Municipal Code prohibitin g the parking of certain "types" of vehicles that park in certain defined areas, and for specific time s of the day . For example Santa Barbara prohibits overnight parking of trailers, semi-trailers , buses, mobile homes, and any vehicle with a''/ ton cargo capacity on any city street between th e hours of 2 :00 a .m . and 6 :00 a .m . of any day . Santa Barbara additionally prohibits overnight parking of recreational vehicles in a defined are a near their beaches between the hours of 12 :00 midnight and 6 :00 a .m . Lastly Santa Barbara ha s another municipal code section that that prohibits the parking of recreational vehicles within 50 0 feet of schools, churches, homeless shelters, and parks . These codes articulate exceptions fo r commercial vehicles delivering goods or providing services . Many of these municipal codes us e parking citations as the method of enforcing these regulations with fines of $112 to $125 . The California Vehicle Code § 22507 provides cities with the authority to regulate the stopping , parking or standing of vehicles on streets provided signs are posted giving adequate notice of th e regulations to the public . While Santa Barbara posts signs to regulate parking in specific areas o r streets, other cities like Ventura post signs at all of the entrances to their city that oversize d vehicles and unattached trailers are prohibited on all city streets . In discussions with other cities regarding their experience with similar parking regulations , common issues were identified . First the parking problem that the regulation was meant t o address often moves to another location . Once a parking regulation is posted in a certai n location, the vehicles are moved to another street that is not regulated . This results in having to expand the regulations to more areas or streets . This has caused many cities to establish a parking permit system to allow some on-street parking by property owners and their tenants fo r oversize vehicles . Second, most cities enforce these regulations "by complaint only" due t o limited resources or because of the push back from residents or local business interests wh o believe the parking restriction was unnecessary . Third, some cities have had legal challenge s concerning their regulations from groups protecting the rights of the homeless . Fourth, parking regulations require the installation of signs to warn motorists of the parking regulations that ar e costly and require on-going maintenance . The current cost to purchase and install a signpost an d sign by an outside contractor can be as high as $400 per sign according to City staff . The City can either change existing Municipal Code sections or establish new codes to addres s the stopping, parking, and standing of certain type of vehicles in our city . It would requir e additional resources and funding to provide for public notice (signs), enforcement, and additiona l permit programs should City Council decide to direct staff to address street parking regulations . B1 -12 • • Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 1 3 If the City decides to establish a permit system that allows for limited parking of oversize d vehicles, trailers, or recreational vehicles a process would need to be developed . The City woul d need to determine criteria for the permit process like the length of time it is valid, where it i s valid, and how many times a year a permit can be issued . Then staffing must be provided t o process requests, evaluate whether it meets the City's criteria, and then to distribute the permit t o the public. This effort would be beyond staffs current capacity due to other workload an d priorities . Further analysis would be required to determine the precise amount of funding o r staffmg augmentation that is needed to implement an oversized vehicle permit program . Work Program Impacts The 2011-2013 Financial Plan included Affordable Housing/Homeless services as an "othe r important" Council objective . This objective includes continued efforts to support an d implement the 10-Year Plan, which was endorsed by Council and outlines strategies t o coordinate homeless services and address housing and service needs . While the Communit y Development Department's work program included this objective, the amount of effort both i n terms of reviewing and advancing a pilot and a long term safe parking program is much mor e resource-intensive than anticipated . As a result, this has impacted the Department's ability to : 1.Manage the City's CDBG program, Affordable Housing Fund grant award program , Inclusionary Housing Program, an d 2.Facilitate the development of new affordable housing, and 3.Complete revisions to the South Broad Street Corridor Plan, an d 4.Seek grant opportunities and implement Housing Element policies and programs t o advance key Housing Program goals, an d 5.Shifted focus of Department leadership away from the Major City Goal of Neighborhoo d Wellness. Should Council elect to move the Pilot Program forward and direct changes to the Municipa l Code for the long term operation of a program, staff proposes that the South Broad Stree t Corridor Plan (SBSCP) schedule would shift and revisions would be completed in late summe r and presented to the Planning Commission and City Council in late fall . The current schedul e anticipated that the Planning Commission and City Council would consider the plan this spring . This would have impacts to the LUCE update as Planning Commission and City Counci l approved SBSCP revisions would not be fully integrated into background and other plannin g documents and may diminish integration into the LUCE EIR . If Council decides to direct staff to revise the parking regulations in the Municipal Code, Publi c Works staff would need to consider which work items need to be reprioritized . The Parkin g Services staff is fully committed to existing work plan projects like the Major City Goal fo r Neighborhood Wellness, credit card meter project, Sunday parking implementation, Palm - Nipomo Parking Garage, Downtown Champion duties, new parking district implementation, a s well as several Parking Fund CIPs, just to name some of the highest priorities . • B1 -13 Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 1 4 Staff believes that the Palm-Nipomo Parking Garage project is at a stage where some delay coul d be acceptable . The new development in the Downtown continues to be slow, and som e opportunity exists to wait before proceeding into the environment phase . In addition, the processing of new parking district requests could be delayed if Council directs this to be a priority, The revision to parking regulations within the City could have an impact on where an d what Districts are requested for and waiting to process new requests may provide some clarit y and be of some benefit . The Police department has limited resources to do proactive parking enforcement within the city . If council were to develop more stringent ordinances and give direction for more proactiv e enforcement of this type of behavior it would reduce patrol efforts to address other problem area s within the city especially during the daytime hours . It is difficult to quantify or identify a specifi c impact that would result from focused enforcement related to new parking regulations . Some o f the impacts could reduce attention to traffic enforcement, enforcement of issues in the downtown, and issues surrounding the schools . Next Step s Safe Parking Pilot Progra m If Council approves the establishment of a safe parking pilot program at the Prado Day Center , staff will work with CAPSLO to implement the program consistent with the parameters an d conditions included in the Draft Council Resolution . At the end of the pilot program period, staff will report back to Council with findings on the pilot program . If Council determines that a long-term citywide program is desirable, staff will bring back the necessary Municipal Cod e changes to Council for review and consideration . Parking Enforcemen t If directed by the City council, staff would evaluate parking programs and Municipal code amendments that address problems sleeping and camping in vehicles on Public streets . In the course of developing a program, staff will evaluate all aspects of this issue including th e following : 1) Should the City amend parking restrictions on public streets to limit the overnigh t parking of RVs and/or other oversized vehicles as other cities have done? If so, what ar e the parameters? a . The Police Department believes an ordinance that limits the ability of RV parkin g on city streets would be valuable . This issue is present in the area surrounding th e Prado Day center and as well as many other areas of the city . If an ordinanc e were created to limit the ability to park RVs on city streets it would reduce th e number of complaints within the city and reduce the need for 72 hour tagging in many areas . Temporary permitting for short periods of time would be evaluate d for visitors utilizing RVs while visiting our city . By limiting the number o f permits and time associated with the permit it could help address the issue o f long-term storage of RVs on city streets and camping in RVs . B1 -14 • • • Safe Parking Pilot Program &Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 1 5 • 2)Should authority be given to the Police Chief and/or Public Works Director to restric t parking on an emergency basis to address threats to public health and safety ? a. Because the primary violation of the parking restrictions occurs during nighttim e hours, it is recommended that the Police Department take lead on enforcement o f any new restrictions and any permit process . It may be advisable to consider allowing the Police Chief to designate "No Parking" Zones if needed in extrem e circumstances similar to the current regulation that allows the Parks & Recreatio n Director to close City Parks when illegal or dangerous behaviors warrant . 3)What is the appropriate avenue for public notification of these parking regulations? Thi s analysis will include an estimate the type and number of signs that would be needed t o make the new restrictions enforceable . The desire to regulate must be balanced with a signage and information program that I) helps local residents understand why the stricte r regulations are needed ; 2) provides adequate notice from a due process standpoint; and 3 ) does not appear to "trap" unsuspecting motorists who may just be visiting . The investment in signs and the ongoing maintenance of those signs are significant costs, an d the City should be prepared for objections from residents who believe that stricte r regulations are unnecessary. FISCAL IMPAC T At this time, CAPSLO has not proposed a budget or requested specific funding for the safe parking pilot program . CAPSLO is developing a budget based on the anticipated costs t o administer the program . The program budget is expected to include costs associated wit h staffing, sanitation, facilities maintenance, case management, and other incremental costs . Onc e these costs are known, it is expected that CAPSLO would make a proposal to the City and othe r participating jurisdictions, such as the County, for funding . A budget request could be made t o the City and County by the middle of this week . In general, the safe parking program could result in an incremental and on-going increase i n annual funding support requested by CAPSLO . If the program is successful, other servic e providers may initiate programs, as well . The City has existing programs, including th e Community Development Block Grant program and the Grants-In-Aid program, that suppor t social service programs such as a safe parking program . In conclusion, the fiscal impact on the City's General Fund associated with the proposed safe parking pilot program is expected to be minimal, and approval of a long term safe parkin g program could result in additional demand for funding through the City's grant programs . Staff will report back to the City Council regarding specific program costs when more information i s known at the conclusion of the pilot program . The fiscal impact associated with the delays t o other identified priorities due to staff redirection, especially with regard to housing programs, ha s not been fully evaluated and cannot be estimated at this time . • B1 -15 Safe Parking Pilot Program & Public Street Parking Restrictions Page 16 • ALTERNATIVE S 1.The Council may approve the safe parking pilot program with modified fmdings and/o r conditions . 2.The Council may continue action, if more information is needed . Direction should b e given to staff regarding additional information needed to make a decision . 3.The Council may deny the safe parking pilot program if the necessary findings cannot b e made . Action denying the proposal should include the basis for denial . 4.The Council could withhold direction to evaluate further changes to the municipal cod e related to parking enforcement . ATTACHMENT S 1.Vicinity Map 2.CAPSLO Safe Parking Pilot Program Proposal 3.Letter to CAPSLO dated February 29, 201 2 4.Draft minutes from the Human Relations Commission March 7, 2012, meetin g 5.Police Department calls for service involving homeless persons 6.Higuera Commerce Park Specific Plan Area Ma p 7.San Luis Obispo County 2011 Enumeration Report (number of individuals per sleeping location) 8.HSOC Resolutio n 9.Vehicle Access and Turning Movement Exhibi t 10.Draft Council Resolutio n T:\Council Agenda Reports\ 2012\2012-03-20\61-Prado Safe Parking (Johnson-Corey)\Safe Parking CAR Reportv4 .docx • • B1 -16 Attachmen t PRADO DAY CENTER HOMELESS SAFE PARKING PROGRA M The Proble m For a variety of reasons, including the economy, lack of affordable housing, and limited shelte r beds, an increasing number of individuals and families have had to reside in the ir vehicles . Currently these people park their vehicles overnight throughout the streets of the city of San Lui s Obispo and are heavily concentrated on Prado Road . Residents sleeping in vehicles with n o oversight or restroom facilities create a wide variety of health and safety issues for themselves a s well as the community at large . On any given night, 30 or more cars, vans, and RV's are parke d bumper to bumper and line both sides of Prado Road . In a continued effort to provide emergency shelter services to our homeless and indigen t population, we at the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo are expressing a n interest in providing safe, sanitary, and regulated overnight parking for these people at the Prad o Day Center site, and hope to engage the City in more detailed discussion to make this a reality . We are aware that there are many people in this situation, but we are also aware that imprope r behavior by the program participants may cause the program to fail . Therefore, the participant s must agree to the Program Rules and Procedures before they are allotted a space for the evening . Program Missio n The goal of the Prado Day Center Safe Parking Program is to provide homeless persons wit h vehicles a safe place to temporarily park their cars . Target Clients 1)Clients who are in need of a safe place to park their vehicles overnight and have a demonstrated cormnitment to return to permanent or other transitional housing. 2)Clients who are willing to actively participate in the case management program wil l receive a guaranteed parking space until they are housed . Type ofProposed Activitie s The Prado Day Center Safe Overnight Parking Program will accommodate up to 25 vehicles i n the main parking lot . This program is being proposed as a four month pilot . After that time, th e program will be evaluated and a decision will be made regarding possible continuation . The decision will rely on a number of factors, including safety and for security issues during the tria l period, funding, and client's success in achievement their goals . Sanitation and Site Security At minimum, one restroom will be made available at all times through the rental of a portabl e "Port-a-Potty", which all clients will have access to . There will be a zero tolerance toward drugs and alcohol on the site . At minimum, shelter staff will do one drive through of the parking lot each evening and again i n the morning to help maintain a safe and sanitary environment . At this point there is not enoug h funding to support a dedicated staff person on-site at all times . We hope to have detaile d discussions with SLOPD regarding the support of their patrols during the evening hours . Should funding be made available CAPSLO would place video cameras with a live intemet fee d directly to the MLM Shelter office where there is a staff on duty all night to monitor activities . B1 -18 • Attachment 2 Our hope is to discuss with the City as soon as possible ways to ensure the safety and security o f clients, facility and near-by grounds as these will affect all partners . Intake and Assessmen t Every client will complete the current intake that all CAPSLO Homeless Services client s complete . All data collected will be entered into the HMIS database, and used to help staff mak e appropriate assessments and referrals . Case Management, Case management services will be offered to every client utilizing the parking lot . Thos e choosing to participate in case management will be given a parking preference Working with a case manager includes, but is not limited to : •Assistance in obtaining long term stable housing . •Assistance with budgeting and other financial management issues . •Assistance in obtaining/increasing income . •Assistance in accessing other service providers (i .e ., County Mental Health, Drug an d Alcohol Services, Social Security). Residency Requirement s While the program is open to all, evidence of residency for 6 months or longer in the City of Sa n Luis Obispo will result in a higher likelihood of placement . The evidence for this can be suc h items as earlier utility bill, older hotel bills, bills from area medical facilities, current intake fro m one of our other homeless programs, etc . New area arrivals will be given lower priority . We believe that the program described above is aligned with the goals stated in our County's 10 - year Plan to End Homelessness and is supported by the Resolution adopted by the Council whic h was tasked to oversee that plan (see attached HSOC Safe Parking Resolution signed b y Supervisor Adam Hill dated March 21, 2011). • B1 -19 Attachment 3city of san Luis oBlspo • Community Development Department • 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-321 8 February 29, 201 2 CAPSL O Attn: Dee Tones 1030 Southwood Drive San Luis Obispo, CA 9340 1 Subject :Safe Parking Pilot Program (Prado Day Center) Dear Ms . Tones : We appreciate CAPSLO advancing the conversation and developing an initial proposal t o establish a safe parking pilot program at the Prado Day Center . The February 6th proposal advances a key component of the goal to provide a form of transitional housing consistent wit h the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness . Since submittal of th e proposal, City staff has met internally with the Police Department, Fire, Public Works, Utilities , Administration and the City Attorney to evaluate the proposal and identify policy and program management issues . City staff met with you last week to outline and discuss the proposal . Discussions focused on performance standards for a successful pilot program and the social , fiscal, and legal dynamics surrounding the proposed program . An initial list of performanc e standards was also the focus of the discussion . The purpose of this letter is to provide you with a list of performance standards that staff wil l recommend as conditions of approval associated with launching a pilot program and eventuall y rolled into a permanent program should it be approved . There is no need to revise the February 6 th proposal, but we wanted to alert CAPSLO to thes e performance standards as described below . We believe that many of the performance standard s are necessary to ensure the establishment of both a successful pilot and long-term program . The following list is divided into two parts. Part 1 (Pilot Program Performance Standards ) includes items that will be recommended as conditions that would essentially modify th e February 6 th safe parking proposal . Part 2 (Permanent Program Criterion) includes additional items that the City would like CAPSLO to incorporate into its program implementation so th e effectiveness of each practice can be evaluated during implementation of the pilot program . Evaluation of these practices through the pilot program will allow us to determine together i f they should become components of a potential permanent program located at this or other sites i n the City. The City understands that there is a significant need for a program and that CAPSLO's administration of the program and the suggested conditions will place additional strain on alread y constrained resources . Recognizing this dynamic, the City is prepared to work with CAPSLO The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities .B l _2 0Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410 . • • Attachment 3Safe Parking Pilot Progra m February 29, 201 2 Page 2 and remains flexible on the timing, implementation and exact nature of the performanc e standards . Part 1 — Pilot Program Performance Standard s 1)Modify the number of vehicles allowed to participate in the pilot program to 5-10 . Pleas e clarify whether the site will be male only, female only, RV only, etc . 2)Pilot program participants must be enrolled in programs and paired with a case manager . 3)Clearly indicate the length/duration of the pilot program . Four months seems to be a n adequate timeframe for both CAPSLO and the City to evaluate the operation of the pilo t program, but we are open to discussions . 4)Restroom facilities shall be provided (Port-a-Potty). Provide the location of the facility o n a site plan for reference . 5)No drugs or alcohol may be contained in program vehicles or consumed on City property . 6)No firearms of any kind may be contained in program vehicles or on City property . 7)No music may be played that is audible outside vehicles . 8)No cooking or food preparation shall be performed outside of the participant's vehicle . 9)Camping tarps or equipment beyond the top of the vehicle is prohibited . 10)Only one vehicle is allowed per participant or household at the site . 11)Provide program rules to participants . . 12) Program monitoring and oversight shall be provided . Please submit a monitoring progra m (i .e . hours and frequency of site visits) for consideration . 13)All trash shall be properly disposed . Please indicate the location of existing and propose d trash storage containers on a site plan for use by the program . 14)Program participants shall possess a current driver's license, vehicle registration, an d insurance for the vehicle that will be parked in the designated space . CAPSLO shall kee p a copy of all three on record . 15)CAPSLO shall provide a recognizable parking permit for vehicles registered in th e program . This will assist CAPSLO staff and police officers recognize vehicles which ar e authorized to participate in the program . 16)Provide pilot program hours . Overlap with the Prado Day Center with the pilot progra m should be limited . 17)Utilities such as water, electricity or gas shall not be connected with RV's or othe r vehicles . 18)Vehicles may only be occupied by clients and approved registered household members . Guests shall not be allowed . 19)Program participants and all household members who will be staying in vehicle must sig n an indemnification and waiver indemnifying and waiving all rights against the City . Th e City will provide a standard indemnification form . 20)Program participants shall keep barking or aggressive dogs in their vehicles . Pets shall b e kept on a leash at all times on the property . Animal waste shall be picked up immediatel y and disposed of properly . 21)Program participants shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rule s and regulations . 22)Failure of program participants to follow all program rules will result in termination fro m the program . B1 -21 Attachmen t Pan 2 — Items for Consideratio n 1)Consider how to remove those individuals from the program who are not using their saf e parking spaces consistently . 2)Consider whether to limit the number of months/years participants may remain in th e program . 3)Prepare a waiting list for those qualified individuals unable to participate in the pilo t program . 4)Participants should notify CAPSLO if leaving the program site for an extended period o r permanently . 5)Provide a plan to track participant compliance with program rules . The plan shoul d include a maximum number of warnings, process for eviction, and criteria to terminat e participants from program following multiple offenses . The City is prepared to assist CAPSLO with identifying alternatives to performance condition s and is receptive to modifications of suggested pilot program standards . We have tentativel y scheduled a study session hearing with the City Council on March 20, 2012 . We are excited to work with you on this important community issue . If you have any question s regarding this letter or the specific items listed above, please contact me at tcorey(a,slocity.org or 805-781-7169 . Sincerely, CC : City Counci l Katie Lichtig, City Manage r Michael Codron, Assistant City Manage r Steve Gesell, Police Chie f Derek Johnson, Community Development Director • B1 -2 2 Tyler Corey Housing Programs Manage r Community Development Departmen t Safe Parking Pilot Progra m February 29, 201 2 Page 3 Attachment 4 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION (HRC ) MINUTES REGULAR MEETIN G March 7,201 2 5 :00 p .m . 990 Palm St — Council Hearing Roo m CALL TO ORDER : 5 :00 P M PRESENT :Chairperson :Charlene Rosales,Vice Chairperson :Louise Mathen y Commissioners :Theresa Merkle, John Rollefson, Hillary Trout and Ronal d Tille y ABSENT :non e STAFF PRESENT :Monica Irons, Human Resources Director, Community Developmen tDirector Derek Johnson, Police Chief Steve Gesell . ACTIO Moved by Trout/Matheny to approve the minutes of February 1, 2012 a s submitted ; motion carried 6 :0 SIDERATION OF MINUTES : PUBLIC COMMEN T No public comment . Item 1 .REVIEW 2011-2012 GRANTS-I D LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS (ROSALES I Commissioners agreed by consensu at assignments as provided in agend a packet were acceptable . Item 2 .REVIEW 2011-2012 GRANTS-IN-AID (GIA) MID-•R REPORTS (ROSALES ) Trout reported on SLO YMCA After School Program, ` e Cool Earth, L a Clinica de Tolosa . Tilley expressed difficulty trying to ge , old of SLO Lega l Alternatives regarding the Senior Legal Services Project . '. - son reported last month on all his assigned agencies . Matheny had nothing eport at thi s time . Rosales reported on Assistance League, Operation School - • I, Cas a Solana, Senior Nutrition Program, Transitional Food and Shelter, an B1 -23 Attachment 4 Children's Health Initiative (dis-enrolling in health insurance due to cos t increases). All agencies satisfied reporting requirements . Item 3 .PARKING AT PRADO DAY CENTER (JOHNSON/GESELL) (1 Hour ) Community Development Director Johnson provided an overview of issues o n Prado Road with overnight parking and summarized a proposal received b y the City from CAPSLO for a 6 month pilot program to provide a limited numbe r of safe parking spaces on the Prado Day Center site . A staff report will b e presented to Council on this topic on March 20 th at the 7 p .m . session . Commissioners agreed by consensus that the HRC supports the collaborativ e efforts among the City, County, and service providers aimed at addressing th e safety, social, environmental, and related issues resulting from the overnigh t parking on Prado Road, including the pilot program proposed by CAPSLO . The commission further expressed itswillingness to participate in educatio n and outreach to support these efforts . COMMISSIONER COMMENT S All commissioners expressed gratitude for the presentation . Rollefson expressed interest i n further defining HRC's role in assisting in education in this area . Rosales reported th e Grants-in-Aid subcommittee met and will bring initial recommendations back to the ful l commission at the April 4, 2012 meeting . There being no further business to come before the HRC, Rosales adjourned the HRC meeting at 7 :11 p .m . to the regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 5 :00 p .m . in the Council Hearing Room at 990 Palm St . Respectfully Submitted , Monica Irons , Human Resources Director • B1 -24 • Attachment 5 Calls for Service with "Transient " 120 0 1000 H 80 0 v 600 40 0 20 0 0 YS 4 °-}'s 8 I~~y~~G. ~. `yam y ~.l~TM .. 749 ' ..~Xis[[["'.. . by{l l ti 'S`tL a 'td th ~,y m ~u 7 Pik'C~vS.Fm 2007 2008 2009 2010 201 1 Yea r . 1400 B1 -2 5 Incident 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Attachment 5• 5150 6 8 12 12 6 Alcohol 70 96 153 143 12 1 Animal Problem 5 4 3 7 5 Assault 10 12 24 11 1 4 Assist Req 31 0 49 28 5 3 Burg 2 5 6 1 3 Controlled Narc 11 7 10 13 1 8 Disorderly 48 97 153 125 10 7 Fire/Smoke 7 7 12 10 7 Littering 1 5 3 4 6 Loitering 47 35 79 68 85 Medical 19 29 43 26 1 9 Missing Person 7 3 1 5 2 Muni Code 8 34 107 68 109 Robbery 3 1 1 4 1 Sex Offense 4 7 3 3 3 Suspicious 97 104 116 134 19 7 Theft 23 27 44 25 3 1 Traffic Offense 12 12 28 10 1 8 Trespass 220 219 262 250 31 3 Vandalism 9 8 12 10 1 1 Weapon 1 3 4 4 8 Welfare Check 24 33 71 77 74 30 0 250 200 15 0 100 50 I !i ■~■■ I I ~I i I 'UU■•(■I ■~mar mnn 5150 Alcohol Anima l Problem Assault Assist Req Burg Controlle d Narc Disorderly Fire/Smok e 2007 6 70 5 10 31 2 11 48 7 2008 8 96 4 12 0 5 7 97 7 2009 12 153 3 24 49 6 10 153 1 2 2010 12 143 7 11 28 1 13 125 1 0 2011 6 121 5 14 53 3 18 107 7 s B1 -2 6 Attachment 5 l l JI , I 1 1 ~j i 1II _,~~_i ce.nl Littering Loitering Medical Missin g Person Muni Code Robbery Sex Offense Suspicious Theft Tr a Off( 1 47 19 7 8 3 4 97 23 1 5 35 29 3 34 1 7 104 27 1 3 79 43 1 107 1 3 116 44 68 26 5 68...._4 3 134 25 1 85 19 2 109 1 3 197 31 1 B1 -2 7 Attachmen t iffi c ?Ilse Trespass Vandalism Weapon Welfare Chec k 2 220 9 1 24 2 219 8 3 3 3 8 262 12 4 7 1 .0 250 10 4 77 .8 313 11 8 74 ■ 2007 ■ 2008 ■200 9 ■2010 ■2011 B1 -2 8 • Attachment 6 B1 -29 Attachment 7 • Nature of Homelessnes s Where did you sleep last night? (1 a ) Of the 274 responses from homeless individuals pertaining to sleep location, 133 slept outside o r in a vehicle . Seventy-two surveyed homeless people slept in a shelter, transitional housing or a detox/halfway house . Thirty-seven spent the night as a guest with family and friends or dou- bled up with more than one family. Twenty-two people slept in a motel, three of which used a voucher.° Ten spent the night in jail . Reported number of individuals per sleeping location doubled up 4% vehicle 21 % outside 27% motel 8 % transitional housing 4 % guest 9% shelter 11 % detox/halfway house 12 % jail 4% 5 8 26 0 20 40 60 80 6 Motel vouchers provided by Transitional Food and Shelter, Inc . liter: / /www.nowheretogo.co m Continuum of Care San Luis Obispo County 2011 Homeless Enumeration Repor t 14 B1 -30 hick the hawing cam igtve tce.Fh2ctgstii to SuPettr Adatei dill Chair.I ~smelessServices Oversight Cpu 201 1 engr, aa,~me 'fU~?t}t'talt~` attnand` ~easofour wnt xns a nu Programs ttiat provide a safe, design atec2lo c can park undisturbed for the nigh t WHEREAS a Safe Parking Program can facilitate outreach to homeles s earlassist their transition to services and housing; WHEREASflee Nameless Services Oversight i ouneil of Sari >;ttis'Obispa County conveneda discus sion group who researched best practices of Safe Parking Programs and prepared informationalMatterialsfor local use ; WHEREAS the incidence of homeless residents has increased in recen t years due to the recessionary times. WHEREAS a number of homeless residents sleep intheir vehicles overnight, as their only form of shelter ; WHEREAS residents sleeping in vehicles create:l public safety a concern for one's per onal afetywhen forced to u vehicle as night shelter ;and 3)a drain on lawenforce :e a ment resources; a perceived threat to HOMELESS SEIWICES-DYERS! SAFE PARKING PROGRAM FOR110MELES S the establishedSafe Parkin g ion wherehomeless residents HEREFORE the Elora Services Oversight Council'endorses S Parking as a necessary andvaluable interim housing opportunity,benef `i t both the community an d dhest > apptzrtsucit interim app s March e HE tkexo iary res#iversighe flunei1 ut eslreai jurisdictions to seriously consider the establishment of Safe Parking projects 'Medical Facility] Ca r t)RV in transi t Cl)Potential RV Parking Space 0 5 0 •S Attachment 1 0 • • City Council Resolution No. (2012 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL SUSPENDING ENFORCEMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 17 .16 .01 5 FOR A PORTION OF 43 PRADO ROAD AND AUTHORIZING A SAFE PARKIN G PILOT PROGRAM AT PRADO DAY CENTE R (43 PRADO ROAD ) WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public hearing i n the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on March 20 , 2012, for the purpose of considering a safe parking pilot program to allow overnight sleeping i n vehicles at the Prado Day Center at 43 Prado Road ; and WHEREAS, the City's Municipal Code, 17 .16 .015 prohibits sleeping in vehicles except i n lawfully operated mobile home parks, travel trailer parks, or campgrounds ; and WHEREAS, there is a growing community need for programs providing safe accommodations for individuals and families utilizing vehicles for temporary shelter in order t o facilitate the transition to permanent housing ; and WHEREAS, CAPSLO has requested to establish a safe parking pilot program at the Prad o Day Center; and WHEREAS, the established homeless services program and facilities at the Prado Da y Center is an appropriate location for a temporary pilot program to accommodate people sleeping i n vehicles overnight as temporary shelter ; an d WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all evidence, including the testimony o f the applicant, interested parties, and the evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented at sai d hearing. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Lui s Obispo as follows : Section 1 . Findings .Based upon all the evidence, the City Council makes the followin g findings : 1.A safe parking pilot program advances a key component of the goal to provide a form o f transitional housing consistent with the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-year Plan to End Homelessness . 2.There is a growing community need for a safe parking pilot program for those looking for a safe place to temporarily sleep in their vehicles while they transition to permanent housing . 3.A pilot program will allow CAPSLO and the City to evaluate the success of the progra m prior to deciding whether to move forward with a long-term City-wide program . 4 . As conditioned, a safe parking pilot program within the parking area for the Prado Da y B1 -3 3 • City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series) Safe Parking Pilot Progra m Page 2 Attachment 10 • Center, as show on Exhibit A, is a logical addition to the homeless sery ices currentl y provided and managed by CAPSLO . Section 2 .Conditions .The City Council hereby authorizes the Prado Day Center t o operate a safe parking pilot program at 43 Prado Road in the location specified in Exhibit A an d subject to the following conditions : 1.The pilot program shall be valid only for the Prado Day Center parking area located at 4 3 Prado Road and only as shown on attached Exhibit A . 2.The pilot program shall be valid for a six month period from the date of progra m implementation . 3.The number of vehicles allowed to participate in the pilot program shall be limited to fiv e (5). 4.Pilot program participants must be enrolled in programs to facilitate the transition to mor e permanent housing and paired with a case manager . 5.Restroom facilities shall be provided by CAPSLO . 6.No drugs or alcohol may be contained in program vehicles or possessed or consumed on City property. 7.No weapons or firearms of any kind may be contained in program vehicles or used o r possessed on City property at 43 Prado Road . 8.No fires of any kind shall be permitted on City property . 9.No music may be played that is audible outside vehicles . 10.No cooking or food preparation shall be performed outside of the participant's vehicle . 11.Camping tarps or equipment beyond the top of the vehicle are prohibited . 12.Only one vehicle is allowed per participant or household at the site . 13.A monitoring and oversight program shall be provided to the City prior to commencemen t of the pilot program . 14.Provide program hours . 15.Provide a site plan with the following information : a.Location of trash and recycling bins b.Location of restroom facilitie s c.Parking plan B l -34 • City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series) Attachment 1 0 Safe Parking Pilot Progra m Page 3 d . Any lighting or security facilitie s 16.Program participants shall possess a current driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance for the vehicle that will be parked in the designated space . CAPSLO shall keep a copy of all three on record . 17.CAPSLO shall provide a recognizable parking permit for vehicles registered in the program . This will assist CAPSLO staff and police officers to recognize vehicles which are authorize d to participate in the program . 18.Utilities such as water, electricity or gas shall not be connected with RVs or other vehicles . 19.Vehicles may only be occupied by clients and approved registered household members . Guests shall not be allowed . 20.Program participants and all household members who will be staying in vehicle must sign a n indemnification and waiver indemnifying and waiving all claims or causes of action against the City, including relocation benefits . The City will provide a standard indemnification andwaiver form . 21.Program participants shall keep barking dogs in their vehicles and dogs demonstratin g •aggressive behavior shall not be permitted to be maintained on City property . Pets shall b e kept on a leash at all times on the property . Animal waste shall be picked up immediatel y and disposed of properly . 22.Program participants shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules an dregulations. 23.Failure of program participants to follow all program rules will result in termination fro m the program . 24.Program rules shall be distributed to all program participants . Section 3 .Suspension of Municipal Code Enforcement .In order to facilitate th eoperation of the pilot program, the City Council hereby suspends enforcement of Section 17 .16 .01 5 of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code prohibiting the use of a recreational vehicles as a dwelling unit as it applies to the City property located at 43 Prado Road, as shown in Exhibit A . Enforcement of Section 17 .16 .015 on this property shall be suspended only for such time period a s the pilot program is authorized by the City to operate and enforcement shall resume at such time a s the pilot program is terminated . Section 4 .City Manager Authority .The City Manager is authorized to act on behalf o f the City in executing any necessary agreements or other related actions to implement the saf e parking pilot program at the Prado Day Center . B1-3 5 • City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series) Safe Parking Pilot Progra m Page 4 Attachment 1 0 On motion of , seconded by , and on the following roll call vote : AYES : NOES : ABSENT : The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 20 th day of March, 2012 . Mayor Jan Marx ATTEST : Elaina Cano, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM : Christine Dietrick, City Attorney City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series) Attach t 1 0 Safe Parking Pilot Progra m Page 5 Exhibit A • B1 -3 7 • • City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL REMOVING A PORTION OF 43 PRAD O ROAD FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF MC 17 .16.015 AND AUTHORIZING A SAFE PARKING PILOT PROGRAM AT PRADO DAY CENTE R (43 PRADO ROAD ) WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public hearing i n the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on March 20 , 2012, for the purpose of considering a safe parking pilot program to allow overnight sleeping i n vehicles at the Prado Day Center at 43 Prado Road ; and WHEREAS, the City's Municipal Code, 17 .16 .015 prohibits sleeping in vehicles except i n lawfully operated mobile home parks, travel trailer parks, or campgrounds ; and WHEREAS, there is a growing community need to accommodate people sleeping i n vehicles overnight within the City on a temporary basis while they transition to permanent housing ; and WHEREAS, CAPSLO has requested to establish a safe parking pilot program at the Prad o Day Center; and WHEREAS, the established homeless services program and facilities at the Prado Da y Center is an appropriate location for a temporary pilot program to accommodate people sleeping i n vehicles overnight ; and WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all evidence, including the testimony o f the applicant, interested parties, and the evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented at sai d hearing. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Lui s Obispo as follows : Section 1 .Findings .Based upon all the evidence, the City Council makes the followin g findings : 1.A safe parking pilot program advances a key component of the goal to provide a form o f transitional housing consistent with the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-year Plan to End Homelessness . 2.There is a growing community need for a safe parking pilot program for those looking for a safe place to temporarily sleep in their vehicles while they transition to permanent housing . 3.A pilot program will allow CAPSLO and the City to document the success of the progra m prior to deciding on whether to move forward with a long-term City-wide program . 4.As conditioned, a safe parking pilot program within the parking area for the Prado Da y Center, as show on Exhibit A, is a logical addition to the homeless services currentl y B1 -38 • • City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series ) Safe Parking Pilot Progra m Page 2 provided and managed by CAPSLO . Section 2 . Conditions. The City Council hereby authorizes the Prado Day Center to operat e a safe parking pilot program at 43 Prado Road in the location specified in Exhibit A and subject to the following conditions : 1 . The pilot program shall be valid only for the Prado Day Center parking area located at 4 3 Prado Road and only as shown on attached Exhibit A . 2 . The pilot program shall be valid for a six month period from the date of program implementation . 3 . The number of vehicles allowed to participate in the pilot program shall be limited t o 4 . Pilot program participants must be enrolled in programs and paired with a case manager . 5 . Restroom facilities shall be provided . 6 . No drugs or alcohol may be contained in program vehicles or consumed on City property . 7 . No firearms of any kind may be contained in program vehicles or on City property . 8 . No music may be played that is audible outside vehicles . 9 . No cooking or food preparation shall be performed outside of the participant's vehicle . 10 . Camping tarps or equipment beyond the top of the vehicle is prohibited . 11 . Only one vehicle is allowed per participant or household at the site . 12 . A monitoring and oversight program shall be provided to the City prior to commencemen t of the pilot program . 13 . Provide program hours . 14 . Provide a site plan with the following information : a.Location of trash and recycling bin s b.Location of restroom facilitie s c.Parking plan d.Any lighting or security facilitie s 15 . Program participants shall possess a current driver's license, vehicle registration, an d insurance for the vehicle that will be parked in the designated space . CAPSLO shall keep a copy of all three on record . • 16 . CAPSLO shall provide a recognizable parking permit for vehicles registered in the program . • B1 -39 City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series) Safe Parking Pilot Progra m Page 3 This will assist CAPSLO staff and police officers recognize vehicles which are authorized t o participate in the program . 17.Utilities such as water, electricity or gas shall not be connected with RV's or other vehicles . 18.Vehicles may only be occupied by clients and approved registered household members . Guests shall not be allowed . 19.Program participants and all household members who will be staying in vehicle must sign a n indemnification and waiver indemnifying and waiving all rights against the City . The City will provide a standard indemnification form . 20.Program participants shall keep barking or aggressive dogs in their vehicles . Pets shall b e kept on a leash at all times on the property . Animal waste shall be picked up immediatel y and disposed of properly . 21.Program participants shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules an d regulations . 22.Failure of program participants to follow all program rules will result in termination fro m the program . 23.Program rules shall be distributed to all program participants . Section 3. City Manager Authority .The City Manager is authorized to act on behalf of th e City in executing any necessary agreements or other related actions to implement the safe parkin g pilot program at the Prado Day Center . On motion of , seconded by , and on th e following roll call vote : AYES : NOES : ABSENT : • • • B1-40 City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series) Safe Parking Pilot Progra m Page 4 The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 20 th day of March, 2012 . Mayor Jan Man ATTEST : Elaina Cano, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM : /S/ Christine Dietric k Christine Dietrick, City Attorney B1 -41 City Council Resolution No. (2012 Series ) Safe Parking Pilot Progra m Page 5 Exhibit A • • B1 -42 counci l agenOa Report C I T Y O F S A N L U I S O B I S P O FROM : Derek Johnson, Community Development Directo r Prepared By :Tyler Corey, Housing Programs Manage r SUBJECT :SAFE SHELTER PILOT PROGRAM UPDATE AND DIRECTION FOR A SAFE SHELTER PARKING ORDINANC E RECOMMENDATION 1)Receive a presentation on Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obisp o County, Inc . (CAPSLO) safe shelter pilot parking program and adopt a resolution t o extend the temporary suspension of enforcement of Municipal Code Chapter s 17 .16 .015 & 9 .18 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit) at 43 Prado Road for a n additional six months ; and 2) Direct staff to develop amendments to Title 17 of the Municipal Code to allow a permanent safe shelter parking program . REPORT-IN-BRIE F On March 20, 2012, the City Council approved a pilot safe shelter parking program for member s of the City's homeless population that possess a vehicle and are participating in CAPSLO cas e management services . This program is consistent with the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Yea r Plan to End Homelessness and furthers the City's "Other Important Objective" to continu e efforts to support and implement the 10-Year Plan and strategies to coordinate homeless service s and address housing and service needs . This report outlines findings of CAPSLO's safe shelter pilot program and provides informatio n regarding three other cities that have implemented similar programs (e .g . Santa Barbara, Ventur a and San Diego). This report also evaluates the consistency of a permanent citywide safe shelte r program with the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness (it i s consistent), and outlines the need to further evaluate changes to Title 17 of the Municipal Code . Lastly the "next steps" and fiscal impacts are outlined . In summary, the City Council is being asked to consider the information included in this repor t and extend the safe shelter pilot program at the Prado Day Center for an additional six month s and provide direction to staff on the parameters should Council want to extend the program to other compatible locations in the City . This extension will allow continued operation of the pilot program while staff responds to Council direction to develop amendments to Title 17 of th e Municipal Code to establish a permanent safe shelter program to facilitate the transition o f • MeetingDate 10-2-1 2 Item Number B ra B2-1 Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing Page 2 homeless individuals and families to permanent housing in other compatible locations in th e City. If Council directs Staff to proceed with outreach and preparing municipal code changes t o expand the program, in addition to the standards conditions that were stipulated for the pilo t program, discussion of the following questions would assist staff in crafting a successfu l program . 1.Who can apply to the City to establish and manage a safe shelter facility ? 2.Should case management be a requirement of a safe shelter program ? 3.Should proof of residency be a requirement for participants of a safe shelter program ? 4.Should people with a violent crime conviction be allowed to participate in a safe shelte r program? 5.Should the Police Department collaborate with social service providers to conduc t background checks for prospective participants to verify eligibility ? More details related to these program design questions are included in the report . BACKGROUND Dating back many years the City has been a supporter of providing service to those who ar e experiencing homelessness . In addition to the City's robust affordable housing program, the Cit y provides financial and facilities support to the Maxine Lewis Homeless Shelter and Prado Day Center, non-profit social service providers that serve the homeless population . The City has als o endorsed the priorities and guiding principles of the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Year Pla n to End Homelessness - known as the 10-Year Plan (Council meeting of January 20, 2009). At that same meeting the City Council voted "to utilize the 10-Year Plan and the Guiding Principle s as guidance for our future efforts, both within the City and in cooperation with the regiona l partners, to address and prevent homelessness in the County of San Luis Obispo ." In addition to the endorsement of the 10-Year Plan, the City's General Plan Housing Elemen t contains policies and programs that support housing and service agencies whose mission it is t o develop programs for the City's homeless population . The City's role is one of funding suppor t to local and regional organizations to meet the needs of the homeless, as well as finding ways t o leverage grant and local funds to achieve construction of affordable housing . Providing a strategy to work towards programs that transition people out of homelessness has been a regional effort . The City has partnered with the County, other cities, and nonprofi t entities to provide programs that advance goals outlined in the 10-Year Plan . While the City has a role to serve, the City is not a social services agency and the City's greatest opportunity fo r supporting the success of the 10-Year Plan is to support and strategically supplement efforts le d by the County, which has both the financial resources and expertise in social services . Situatio n Recent discussions with the County of San Luis Obispo and CAPSLO in the effort to address th e impacts and services for the homeless community have produced a visual model for improving • • B2-2 • Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing Page 3 services and reducing homelessness and its impacts on the City of San Luis Obispo . This mode l begins with the premise of there are three general groups of homeless in San Luis Obispo : 1.Ready (want tos):This group is ready and engaged to participate in available service s and transition ou t of homelessness . This group ha s been homeles s less than 2 .5 years . 2.Unable (Cannots):Thi s group is ,.moo 1~:. constrained by .Mth■dn be ..Cad mental illness , addiction or both and is unable to access or sustain involvement in available services . They are also defined as those that have been homeless for 2 .5 years or longer . 3.Resistant (will nots):This group is unwilling and resistant to access available service s and homelessness is a choice . This group has been homeless less than 2 .5 years . The graphic shows the relationships between these groups and the estimated population tha t resides in the City . In recent years, RV's and even automobiles have increasingly emerged as a form of shelter for persons who have not been able to obtain transitional or permanent housin g and are seeking to escape the elements . RV dwellers are estimated to come from each of th e groups previously described, some identify it as an end state and as permanent housing, others a s transitional shelter towards permanent housing and others who because of a variety of factors ar e conflicted about this form of shelter . In March 2012, staff estimated that there wer e approximately 24 vehicles that had individuals who would either qualify or be willing t o participate in a structured safe shelter program . These numbers have not been updated, but d o provide a starting point for understanding the scope of the issue . Estimated Vehicle Campers and Safe Parking Program Interes t Higuera Commerce Prado Road West of Higuera Potentiallnteres t3 Park Streets ' Traile r Car/truck/vans 25 12 9 READ HOMED?"'I M RESISTANT LESS 3012 Total popkUH H N Homeless. Glyof5an Wu Mingo • B2-3 Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing Page 4 Includes Prado Road East of Higuera Street, Long Street, Empresa Drive, Empleo Street, Bonetti Drive an d Granada Driv e z Refers to those that regularly use the Prado Day Center facility for service s a Estimate based on Prado Day Center staff client knowledge and experienc e The 2011 San Luis Obispo County Homeless Enumeration Report indicates that 58 of 274 (21%) respondents t o the question "Where did you sleep last night?" said they had slept in a vehicle the previous evenin g Some people have found themselves in this position because of the economy, the scarcity o f transitional and affordable housing, and limited shelter beds . Strained social service resource s make it increasingly difficult for government agencies and social service providers to assis t people who find themselves without homes and struggling to find transitional housing . Another group of people living in vehicles has ended up in this position because of past and/o r ongoing choices . These people are living in vehicles in locations that have largely gon e unnoticed, until recently . In these areas, some people have engaged in illegal behaviors that hav e been the source of complaints regarding fundamental health and safety matters . In recent months, these groups have grown and drawn attention, resulting in increasingly frequent calls fo r service and general complaints to the Police Department about illegal behavior and health an d safety issues . There is a mix of these two groups of people throughout the City . The escalating illega l behaviors of some of the overnight vehicle residents are compromising the health and safety o f the community. An absence of health and safety facilities and programs focused on transitionin g vehicle-dwelling individuals towards permanent housing complicates these conditions . As thes e issues have converged, interest has grown in a safe shelter parking program that could hel p mitigate the impacts of people living in vehicles on City streets by providing access to cas e management and a safe place for these individuals to park and sleep with the goal of eventua l transition to permanent housing . DISCUSSION Pilot Program Backgroun d On March 20, 2012, the City Council temporarily suspended enforcement of the requirements o f Municipal Code Chapter 17 .16 .015 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit) and authorize d Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc . (CAPSLO) to operate a safe shelter pilot program for up to five vehicles for a portion of property located at 43 Prado Road (Attachment 1). Council also directed staff to return within six months of progra m implementation to report on the success of the pilot program and consider changes to th e Municipal Code to establish a permanent safe shelter ordinance . On June 22, 2012, CAPSL O implemented the six month pilot program that provides homeless persons with vehicles a safe place to temporarily park overnight with the goal of eventually transitioning them into permanen t housing . On July 3, 2012, Superior Court Judge Charles S . Crandall issued a preliminary injunctio n against the City's enforcement of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 17 .16 .015, whic h prohibits the use of vehicles as living and sleeping quarters on local streets . On July 10, 2012, the • B2-4 • Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing Page 5 City Council adopted an emergency ordinance declaring and reaffirming the scope and intended enforcement of the City's Ordinance and added Chapter 9 .18 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit) of the Municipal Code . On July 17, 2012, the City Council temporarily suspende d enforcement of the requirements of Municipal Code Chapter 9 .18 for a portion of the propert y located at 43 Prado Road to allow the safe shelter pilot program to continue consistent wit h Council's previous approval (Attachment 2). CAPSLO Repor t On September 4, 2012, CAPSLO submitted a status report on their safe shelter pilot program a t the Prado Day Center parking lot (Attachment 3). Since June 22 "d the program has served a tota l of 13 people, consisting of seven households . Of this total there are currently eight peopl e consisting of five households utilizing the program . Two households left the program prior t o securing permanent housing for differing reasons further explained in Attachment 3 . Detaile d demographic information on program participants is included as Attachment 4 . Of the clients currently enrolled in the program, progress has been made towards securin g permanent housing . One of the single individuals is currently employed, and has been placed o n waiting lists for several subsidized housing opportunities in the County . There is a couple wh o has received a Housing Choice Voucher (e .g . Section 8) and is currently in the process o f securing housing . The other three households (e .g . three couples and one single) have bee n making progress in their savings goals . A single woman is working on physical and menta l health goals and is saving monthly . The couples are saving for housing and are addressin g physical issues . One of the individuals is addressing medical issues and CAPSLO is working o n securing In Home Support Services . Police Calls for Service Related to Pilot Program From the period between June 22 "d and September 4`h there were a total of three Polic e Department calls for service to the Prado Day Center parking lot during safe shelter pilo t program hours . The first call was received on June 26 th (trespassing) for an individual that wa s not registered in the program and was asked to leave the area without incident . The second cal l was received on August 9 th (welfare check) to check the welfare status of a program participant . Police found the individual was fine and no further assistance was needed . The third call wa s received on August 28 th (domestic violence) where a female program participant was assaulte d by her partner who was arrested for the incident . • B2-5 Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing Page 6 • Pilot Program Finding s The safe shelter pilot program has been operating at the Prado Day Center parking lot fo r approximately 10 weeks . Based on information provided by CAPSLO and the Polic e Department, the program is accomplishing its goal of providing a safe place for those living i n their vehicles to sleep while working towards transitioning into permanent housing . Based on th e reports provided, staff has the following findings : 1)The safe shelter pilot program has operated at or near the five vehicle capacity sinc e implementation on June 22 "d . Program requirements, such as case management , preference to those with documented residency in the County, vehicle requirement s (license, registration, insurance) have not deterred interest . 2)Participants in the pilot program have demonstrated progress towards securing permanen t housing through CAPSLO's case management services . 3)There was one Police Department call for service for an assault that resulted in an arrest . This is unfortunate, and CAPSLO has dismissed the person from the pilot program an d suspended their ability to access services until further notice . This incident has raised th e question as to whether individuals with a violent crime conviction should be allowed t o participate in a safe shelter parking program . This issue is further discussed unde r Council direction below . Case Studies and Preliminary Recommendation s In an effort to review best practices and lessons learned regarding safe shelter programs, staff researched programs currently operating in the City/County of Santa Barbara, City of Ventur a and City of San Diego . Staff contacted both the social service providers and jurisdictions t o solicit specific input on what to consider in a local program, what to avoid, and how to craft a program with the best chances of success . The table below provides details of these operatin g programs and a comparison of key program elements with staff's preliminary recommendation s for a permanent program . Program Details City/County of City of City o f Santa Barbara Ventura San Diego Recommendation s for Permanen t Program Operator Social Servic e Provider Social Servic e Provider Social Servic e Provider Social Servic e Provider #of Parkin l Lots 23 3 1 N/A Parking Lo t Ownership Religiou s facility , business , government Religious facility Business Religious facility, business, government • B2-6 • Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing Page 7 1 Number of vehicles allowed at each safe shelter facility location would be determined as part of a Use Permi t review process on a case-by-case basis . 2 Includes evidence from rental agreements, mortgage, utility, hotel and medical facility bills, paystubs and intak e from homeless service programs . 3 Participants would need to show evidence of residency in San Luis Obispo County for a minimum period of si x months . Vehicle requirements include current registration, insurance and license . s Prospective participants would be required to have a background check prior to admittance into the program . Those that have been convicted of a violent crime are prohibited from participation . Consistency with San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-Year Plan to End Homelessnes s A permanent citywide safe shelter program is consistent with and implements Strategy 1 .2 of th e 10-Year Plan . This strategy seeks to increase the supply of short-term "interim" and transitiona l housing as a supplement, and not an alternative, to permanent supportive housing . Permanent housing should be provided "first" when possible and appropriate to the individual's needs, an d interim and transitional housing should be used only for targeted populations or as a stopga p measure for a system in housing crisis . Interim housing should be linked with the communit y services centers and structured so that is connects clients with support services and a cas e management plan to help them move toward greater stability . Implementation of the 10-Year Plan will close gaps in the continuum of care for homeles s individuals and families and will link and improve the use of limited funding resources t o achieve the plan goal of ending chronic homelessness . The Homeless Services Oversight Counci l (HSOC) supports the establishment of safe shelter programs for homeless in the Count y (Attachment 5 ) Municipal Code Change s A permanent citywide safe shelter program would require changes to the Municipal Code . Specific changes would include the following : Program Details City/County of City o f Santa Barbara Ventura City o f San Diego Recommendation s for Permanen t Progra m Vehicl e Re . uirements4 N oYesYes Yes Case Managemen t Re . wired No Yes Yes Yes Vehicle Program Yes . 30 day Permit Required permit , renewable Yes . Tw o week permit , renewable No Yes B2-7 Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing Page 8 • 1)Chapter 17 .16 .015 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit). Language would need to b e modified to include an exception for safe shelter parking facilities . 2)New Zoning Regulations chapter would need to be created that would include applicatio n and permit requirements and performance standards to establish safe shelter parkin g locations . 3)Chapter 17 .22 (Table 9 — Uses Allowed by Zone). New land use category would need t o be added to Table 9 that specifies the Zoning Districts the use would be allowed and an y required entitlements (i .e . Use Permit). 4)Chapter 17 .100 (Definitions). New land use definition would need to be created . Council Directio n If directed by Council, staff will prepare Municipal Code changes to allow a permanent citywid e safe shelter parking program . In the course of developing an ordinance, staff will evaluate al l aspects of this issue including the following : 1)Who can apply to the City to establish and manage safe shelter facility ? a . Staff recommends only qualified social service providers be allowed to apply for, and manage, a safe shelter parking facility . A qualified social service provider means the y are licensed or supervised by any federal, state or local health/welfare agency an d participate in the federal Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). In addition, they must have demonstrated experience with the homeless population b y assisting individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency and self - determination through a comprehensive array of programs and actions . Staff i s recommending this requirement because well-intentioned private parties do not hav e access to HMIS and other resources and connections to a comprehensive system well - versed in addressing homeless issues . A social service provider will provide cas e management services and will have staff that is trained to address a variety of issue s that may be preventing participants from transitioning to permanent housing . 2)Should case management be a requirement of a safe shelter ordinance ? a . Case management is a system for arranging and coordinating care and services t o meet client needs by ensuring they are receiving the appropriate entitlement benefits so they do not need to rely on emergency public or private assistance . Staff recommends case management be a requirement of a safe shelter ordinance for th e following reasons : i. Case management is required for any safe shelter program to be consisten t with the 10-Year Plan . ii.One local social service provider, CAPSLO, has demonstrated a 100% succes s rate transitioning people who remain in case management into permanen t housing . iii.Those actively involved in case management are less likely to be engaged i n activities and behaviors that have a detrimental effect on local public health , safety and welfare . • • B2-8 • Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing Page 9 • iv . Issues that may have contributed to a household being homeless are not likel y to be addressed without access to social services available through cas e management . 3)Should proof of residency be a requirement for participants of a safe shelter program ? a . Staff recommends safe shelter program participants show evidence of residency i n San Luis Obispo County for a minimum period of six months . This will allow limite d resources to be targeted toward those invested and in need within our communit y while preventing scarce resources from being strained by those that choose to trave l here to take advantage of programs . Evidence of residency may include items such a s rental agreements, mortgage, utility, hotel and medical facility bills, paystubs an d intake from homeless service programs . 4)Should people with a violent crime conviction be allowed to participate in a safe shelte r program? Should the Police Department collaborate with social service providers t o conduct background checks for prospective participants to verify eligibility ? a.In order to reduce potential conflicts and address safety and compatibility issue s between program participants and surrounding neighborhoods, staff recommends th e safe shelter parking ordinance include a performance standard that crimina l background checks be required of all prospective participants in a safe shelter parkin g program and that those with a violent crime conviction be specifically prohibite d from participation . b.Staff recommends that the Police Department conduct background checks for prospective program participants in collaboration with social service providers . Next Step s If directed by Council to prepare Municipal Code changes to allow a permanent safe shelte r parking program, staff will : 1)Continue to monitor the safe shelter pilot parking program for lessons learned as cod e amendments are drafted (ongoing). 2)Engage residents and stakeholders through a series of round tables discussions an d community workshops (fall). 3)Draft a safe shelter ordinance (late fall). 4)Facilitate the public hearing process and advisory body review (winter). 5)Bring the ordinance to Council for review and consideration (winter). FISCAL IMPACT In general, a permanent safe shelter parking program will likely result in an incremental and on - going increase in annual funding support requested by social service providers . The City ha s existing programs, including the Community Development Block Grant program and the Grants - In-Aid program, that support social service programs such as a safe shelter parking program . The fiscal impact on the City's General Fund associated with a permanent safe shelter parkin g program is expected to be minimal ; however, it could result in additional demand for fundin g through the City's grant programs . B2-9 Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing Page 10 • ALTERNATIVE S 1.The Council may extend the safe parking pilot program for an additional six months wit h modified findings and/or conditions . 2.The Council may continue action, if more information is needed . Direction should b e given to staff regarding additional information needed to make a decision . 3.The Council may deny the safe parking pilot program extension . Action denying the proposal should include the basis for denial . 4.The Council could withhold direction to evaluate further changes to the municipal cod e related to a permanent safe shelter ordinance . ATTACHMENT S 1.Council Resolution No . 10342 (2012 Series ) 2.Council Resolution No . 10385 (2012 Series ) 3.CAPSLO safe shelter pilot program repor t 4.Pilot program participant demographic s 5.HSOC Resolution 6.Draft Council Resolutio n T:\Council Agenda Reports\2012\2012-10-02\Safe Shelter Pilot Program Briefing (Johnson-Carey)\Council Briefing CAR .docx • • B2-10 Attachment 1 RESOLUTION NO . 10342 (2012 Series ) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO SUSPENDIN G ENFORCEMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MUNICIPA L CODE SECTION 17 .16 .015 FOR A PORTION OF 43 PRADO ROAD AN D AUTHORIZING A SAFE PARKING PILOT PROGRAM AT PRADO DAY CENTE R (43 PRADO ROAD ) WHEREAS,the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public hearin g in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on Marc h 20, 2012, for the purpose of considering a safe parking pilot program to allow overnight sleepin g in vehicles at the Prado Day Center at 43 Prado Road ; and WHEREAS, the City's Municipal Code, 17.16.015 prohibits sleeping in vehicles except in lawfully operated mobile home parks, travel trailer parks, or campgrounds ; and WHEREAS, there is a growing community need for programs providing safe accommodations for individuals and families utilizing vehicles for temporary shelter in order t o facilitate the transition to permanent housing ; and WHEREAS, CAPSLO has requested to establish a safe parking pilot program at th e Prado Day Center ; and established homeless services program and facilities at the Prado Day Center is an appropriate location for a temporary pilot program to accommodate people sleepin g in vehicles overnight as temporary shelter; and WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all evidence, including the testimon y of the applicant, interested parties, and the evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented a t said hearing. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Lui s Obispo as follows : SECTION I .Findings .Based upon all the evidence, the City Council makes th e following findings : I . A safe parking pilot program advances a key component of the goal to provide a form o f transitional housing consistent with the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-year Plan to En d Homelessness . 2.There is a growing community need for a safe parking pilot program for those looking for a safe place to temporarily sleep in their vehicles while they transition to permanent housing . 3.A pilot program will allow CAPSLO and the City to evaluate the success of the progra m prior to deciding whether to move forward with a long-term City-wide program . R 1034 2 B2-1 1 • Resolution No. 10342 (2012 Series) 2 Attachment 1 • 4 . As conditioned, a safe parking pilot program within the parking area for the Prado Da y Center, as show on Exhibit A, is a logical addition to the homeless services currently provide d and managed by CAPSLO . SECTION 2 .Conditions .The City Council hereby authorizes the Prado Day Center t o operate a safe parking pilot program at 43 Prado Road in the location specified in Exhibit A an d subject to the following conditions : 1.The pilot program shall be valid only for the Prado Day Center parking area located at 4 3 Prado Road and only as shown on attached Exhibit A . 2.The pilot program shall be valid for a six (6) month period from the date of progra m mplementation . 3.The number of vehicles allowed to participate in the pilot program shall be limited to fiv e 4.Pilot program participants must be enrolled in programs to facilitate the transition t o more permanent housing and paired with a ease manager . 5.Restroom facilities shall be provided by CAPSLO . 6.No drugs or alcohol may be contained in program vehicles or possessed or consumed o n City property , 7.No weapons or firearms of any kind may be contained in program vehicles or used o r possessed on City property at 43 Prado Road . 8.No fires of any kind shall be permitted on City property . 9.No music may be played that is audible outside vehicles . 10.No cooking or food preparation shall be performed outside of the participant's vehicle . 11.Camping tarps or equipment beyond the top of the vehicle are prohibited . 12, Only one vehicle is allowed per participant or household at the site . 13.A monitoring and oversight program shall be provided to the City prior t o commencement of the pilot program . 14.Provide program hours . Resolution No . 10342 (2012 Series)Attachment 1 Page 3 15 . Provide a site plan with the following information: a.Location of trash and recycling bin s b.Location of restroom facilitie s c.Parking plan d.Any lighting or security facilitie s 16 . Program participants shall possess a current driver's license, vehicle registration, an d insurance for the vehicle that will be parked in the designated space . CAPSLO shall keep a cop y of all three on record . 17 . CAPSLO shall provide a recognizable parking permit for vehicles registe r program . This will assist CAPSLO staff and police officers to recognize vehicles which ar e authorized to participate in the program . 18 . Utilities such as water, electricity or gas shall not be connected with RVs or othe r vehicles . 19 . Vehicles may only be occupied by clients and approved registered household members . Guests shall not be allowed . 20 . Program participants and all household members who will he staying in vehicle must sig n an indemnification and waiver indemnifying and waiving all claims or causes of action agains t the City, including relocation benefits . The City will provide a standard indemnification an d waiver form . 21 . Program participants shall keep barking dogs in their vehicles and dogs demonstratin g aggressive behavior shall not be permitted to be maintained on City property . Pets shall be kept on a leash at all times on the property . Animal waste shall be picked up immediately an d disposed of properly. 22, Program participants shall comply with all applicable IoeaI, state, and federal laws, rule s and regulations . 23 . Failure of progr the program . Iprogram rules will result in temiinatkp 24 . Program rules shall be distributed to all program participants . SECTION 3 .Suspension of Municipal Code Enforcement .In order to facilitate the operation of the pilot program, the City Council hereby suspends enforcement of Section 17 .16 .015 of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code prohibiting the use of a recreationa l vehicle as a dwelling unit as it applies to the City property located at 43 Prato Road,as shown in Exhibit A . Enforcement of Section 17 .16 .015 on this property shall be suspended only for suc h time period as the pilot program is authorized by the City to operate and enforcement shal l resume at such time as the pilot program is terminated . Resolution No . 10342 (2012 Series) Attachment 1 Page 4 SECTION 4 .Cib Manager Authority .The City Manager is authorized to act on behal f of the City in executing any necessary agreements or other related actions to implement the saf e parking pilot program at the Prado Day Center . On motion of Council Member Ashbaugh, seconded by Council Member Carter, an d on the following vote : AYES : Council Members Ashbaugh, Carter and Smith, Vice Mayor Carpente r and Mayor Marx NOES : None ABSENT : None the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 20 11 day of March 2012 . ATTEST : Elaina Cano City Clerk I B2-14 .:g" Resc>Iutloz~No . 10342 (2012 Series ) • Page 5 Exhibit A Attachment 1 Attachment 2 RESOLUTION NO . 10385 (2012 Series ) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO SUSPENDIN G ENFORCEMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MUNICIPA L CODE CHAPTER 9 .18 FOR A PORTION OF 43 PRADO ROA D WHEREAS,on March 20, 2012, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obisp o temporarily suspended enforcement of the requirements of San Luis Obispo Municipal Cod e Chapter 17.16 .015 (Vehicle as dwelling unit) and authorized Community Action Partnership o f San Luis Obispo County, Inc . (CAPSLO) to operate a safe parking pilot program to allo w overnight sleeping in vehicles at the Prado Day Center at 43 Prado Road ; and WHEREAS, on June 22, 2012, CAPSLO implemented a six month safe parking pilo t program for up to five vehicles at the Prado Day Center at 43 Prado Road ; and WHEREAS, on July 3, 2012, Superior Court Judge Charles S . Crandall issued a preliminary injunction against the City's enforcement of San Luis Obispo Municipal Cod e (SLMC) Chapter 17 .16 .015 to prohibit the use of vehicles as living and sleeping quarters o n local streets; and WHEREAS, on July 10, 2012, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo adopte d an emergency ordinance declaring and reaffirming the scope and intended enforcement of th e City's ordinance prohibiting the use of vehicles as living and sleeping quarters throughout th e City of San Luis Obispo and added Chapter 9 .18 (Vehicle as dwelling unit) of the San Lui s Obispo Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all evidence, including the testimon y of the applicant, interested parties, and the evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented a t said hearing. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Lui s Obispo as follows : SECTION 1 .Findings .Based upon all the evidence, the City Council makes th e following findings : 1.A safe parking pilot program advances a key component of the goal to provide a form o f transitional housing consistent with the San Luis Obispo Countywide 10-year Plan to En d Homelessness . 2.There is a growing community need for a safe parking pilot program for those lookin g for a safe place to temporarily sleep in their vehicles while they transition to permanent housing . 3.A pilot program will allow CAPSLO and the City to evaluate the success of the progra m prior to deciding whether to move forward with a long-term City-wide program . • • • R 1038 5 B2-16 • Resolution No . 10385 (2012 Series) Attachment 2 Page 2 4 . A safe parking pilot program within the parking area for the Prado Day Center, as sho w on Exhibit A, is a logical addition to the homeless services currently provided and managed b y CAPSLO . SECTION 2.Suspension of Municipal Code Enforcement.In order to facilitate the operation of the pilot program, the City Council hereby suspends enforcement of Chapter 9 .18 of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code prohibiting the use of recreational vehicles as a dwelling unit as it applies to the City property located at 43 Prado Road, as shown in Exhibit A . Enforcement of Chapter 9.18 on this property shall be suspended only for such time period as the pilot program is authorized by the City to operate and enforcement shall resume at such time a s the pilot program is terminated . Upon motion of Council Member Ashbaugh, seconded by Council Member Carter, an d on the following roll call vote : AYES : Council Members Ashbaugh, Carter and Smith, Vice Mayor Carpente r and Mayor Marx NOES : None ABSENT : None The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 17 th day of July, 2012 . • Al JEST : Sheryll S oeder Interim City Clerk Christine Dietric City Attorney B2-17 Attachment 2 • Resolution No . 10385 (2012 Series) Page 3 Exhibit A •Safe Parking Report 8/24/12 Attachment 3 Since its inception, the safe parking program at the Prado Day Center has served a total of 1 3 people, consisting of 7 households (see demographic report for breakdown). Of these, there ar e currently 8 people consisting of 5 households utilizing the program . In addition to these, there were also 3 other individuals who showed interest in the program, but, for a variety of reasons, did not acces s the program . Of the clients who are currently enrolled in the program, progress has been made toward s securing housing . One of the single individuals is currently employed, and has been placed on waitin g lists for several subsidized housing options in the county . This person is also awaiting a possible unit i n the complex he is currently employed at . There is also a couple who has received a section 8 vouche r and is currently in the process of trying to secure permanent housing with it . The other three households (three couples and one single) have been making progress in their savings goal . A singl e woman is working on physical and mental health goals . She is also saving monthly . The couples ar e saving for housing . The couples are addressing physical issues that have arisen . One of the individuals i s already utilizing pain management and we are working on getting In Home Support Services for her . Of the two households that have left the program, there have been differing reasons to explai n why they have left . One of the couples left the program to park in the driveway of someone that the y know, and pay rent to the person . Another household who was in the program, decided that they di d not want to deposit any money into their savings account, and left the program . Of the 5 individuals who have shown interest, but have not utilized the program, the reason s also vary . Three individuals ended up having not following up with a case manager, and were therefor e not allowed into the program . Another client came here from the Santa Barbara Safe Parking Program, and asked about our program . He was informed that our program works differently and told about th e requirements, including the requirement to commit to case management and a savings plan with th e goal towards financial sustainability, his interest in the program diminished . After staying in the area fo r 2 nights, he left to seek services elsewhere . The condition of another prospective client's vehicl e became inoperable and never enrolled in the program, so he started to receive case managemen t services and stayed at the shelter, but was shortly thereafter suspended for behavior related issues . B2-19 State of Californi aDepartment of Community Services and Developmen tCSBG Programmatic Data-Client Characteristic Repor t CSD 295-CCR (Rev_ 2011 ) Please use the CSD 295 Client Characteristic Report Instructions and Helpful Hints to complete this form . Contract It : Report Period : Email address:a lewis(Gicapslo .orq 1 Contractor Name : Prepared By (name): Phone Number : Remember to include All Other ARRA Data Attachment 4 •CAPSL O Aaron Lewi s (805)541-6351 ext. *815 Demographic data should be collected on ALL clients receiving services under any program administered by the designate d Community Action Agency . Yellow Highlighted Sections represent demographics collected on INDIVIDUAL S 2 Total unduplicated number of persons about whom one or more characteristics were obtaine d 3 Total unduplicated number of persons about whom no characteristics were obtained 1 3 $BEd" i 'I c s ~i IWf k5 a demq^a~rhrcefet3ed"on FTI1Nf!/E3 ', ..7 .......__:l.u.d'.ifH'ip,r s ...!Int1fitA+e)es'_;, `whAt `i'jh+ e!friwl~e d-sass :ep 3 urere r 'ainee f Car~tilies abwA whom-no characterisf"ss were obtained is?-5-~otaEs~duliYcaYed rp€xe .:o 6 .Gender Number of Persons*`,#t 4 Fart€au Si 5.'.:,..N:C Numberof fbmifies -a a .b .MaleFemale 'Total 5 _i'a. -One;.;=,r 24 _8 13 {,~,Thl 1 7 . Age Number of Persons*`: d<n Four's'i Fwe-ii .a . b . c . d . e . f. g . h . 0-5 6-1 1 12-1 7 18-23 ...e —.;fin S t I , 1 Fe E1ghLOr mote 24-44 SuW 4 7 45-54 55-69 70+ thru 7h =5 its ry Souk'6 o£Fainny litiyeitite ":°`:Number of Families :; 12 3 a UndupTeated ,A Of P¢it kes J 7 ;. *Total 13 ,;Re jpt Ot' sJ(fvY$Yit$our€e_.1`-' of Income :-„ ix.Undtlpiicatc of F;im4les ....8 .Ethnicity/Race Ethnicity a . Hispanic, Latino or Spanish Origi n b . Not Hispanic, Latino or Spanish Origin 1 UNt1UR Fam~cv~rCtffi~nddd ..:--~'7 1 2 13 ss .„0~a1a ti ion 9puiA vTlnco ;i t a d ilduime e;It*Tota l I/.Race RecOYf lhu'-3'ourcaofeaalk3~amdp ilfObme as feporfetin 1S a a . White b . Black or African America n c . American Indian an d Alaskan Nativ e d . Asian 13 ?l SSE`_`_5 Srxto .1^ecu~ fgr°'c e . Native Hawaiia nand Other Pacific Islande r f . Othe r g . Multi-Race (any 2 or _ z a~"t 4S '+ `E eri ~th r€e 1 13 s iiiai i(}~ent1bfl y - "t'~rriogu_glt fcE 2 1 1 more of the above) *Total ~ 9. Education Level of Adults Number of Persons 24+t4:a--~ r terelro[Fain rincape Aum a . b. c . d . e. 0-8 9-12/Non-Graduat e High School Graduate/GE D 12+ Some Post Secondary 2 2 6 3 2 1 1 2 Number of Persons* .~' P G 101°Igrto 125^1F""126° ,.fct 1 ~":'2 or 4 yr. College Graduates **Total 710. Other Characteristics <d i Yes No Total *^t#,;"Hd~i"~:amtiflr7ih8e7ofFS(es '> a .Health Insuranc e b .Disabled 10 3 13 a;-Owls-- 8 5 13 )bs~R,a'.,,vs a ~,a 'i"m g 7.;:. °I r,F-s :.564+;.° Othe>?I -j,S!t 'is 4~F 1 `S y .'SfRTO 7 a e A r~}iratekpf Fein 7-~ `.i6j ~2~I I -.+ 4 1 4i 1tit 3 t I 7 f ~,y,-..f :1c.E *The sum in this category should not exceed the value of Section 2 . Es3«n:&'d3~SU •-'id3 ' J° il `54 .~t'.~.~i-.~`.h'..f M....~:§~'r•S t .. M°..m'L....Lka:..*° The sum in'this category should not exceed the value of Section 4 ...x^ '*'*' Reminder, September 30, 2010 was the cutoff date for reporting CSBG clients served up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines . Attachment -S-5 HOMELESS SERI, CESOVERSI-HT COUNCI L SOLUTIO N SAFE PARKING PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS WHEREAS the incidence of homeless residents has increased in recen t years due to the recessionary times , WHEREAS a number of homeless residents sleep in their vchide s overnight, as their only form of shelter ; WHEREAS residents stewing in vehicles create . 1) arperceived threat t o r a eye public safety; 2) a concern for ones personal safety when forced to use a he s night shelter; and 3) a drain on saw enforcement resources; wccpttrns a number of jurisdictions have established Safe Parkin g munny.Programs that provide a safe, designated location where homeless resident s can park undisturbed for the night; WHEREAS a Safe Parking Program can facilitate autre a and can assisttlieii transitio n'ransiti ti to services and housing ; ces Oversight Counci l County convened a discussion group who researched bes t Parking Programs and prepared informational materials fl THEREPO1$theHomelessservices Oversi$t council endorses Saf e Parking as anecessary and valuable interim housing opportunity,beneflttin g both the community and homeless residents. aometess Services Oversight Counci l jurisdictions to seriously consider the establishment of Safe Parking project s and to make their best efforts to support such interim approach % using th e identified best practices . n which thehousing dnd comps heasa?e services aecesserna meless City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series) Attachment 6 • A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL EXTENDING THE SUSPENSION O F ENFORCEMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MUNICIPA L CODE SECTIONS 17 .16.015 & 9 .18 FOR A PORTION OF 43 PRADO ROA D WHEREAS, on March 20, 2012, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obisp o temporarily suspended enforcement of the requirements of San Luis Obispo Municipal Cod e Section 17 .16 .015 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit) and authorized Community Actio n Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc . (CAPSLO) to operate a safe shelter pilot program t o allow overnight sleeping in vehicles at the Prado Day Center at 43 Prado Road ; an d WHEREAS, on June 22, 2012, CAPSLO implemented a six month safe parking pilo t program for up to five vehicles at the Prado Day Center at 43 Prado Road ; and WHEREAS, on July 3, 2012, the City received a ruling Superior Court issued a rulin g granting a motion for preliminary injunction against the City's enforcement of San Luis Obisp o Municipal Code (SLMC) Section 17 .16 .015 to prohibit the use of vehicles as living and sleepin g quarters on local streets ; an d WHEREAS, on July 10, 2012, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo adopted a n emergency ordinance declaring and reaffirming the scope and intended enforcement of the City's ordinance prohibiting the use of vehicles as living and sleeping quarters throughout the City of Sa n Luis Obispo and added Chapter 9 .18 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit) of the San Luis Obisp o Municipal Code in order to ensure enforceability of vehicular occupancy prohibitions on publi c streets ; an d WHEREAS, on July 17, 2012, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo temporaril y suspended enforcement of the requirements of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 9 .1 8 (Recreational vehicle as dwelling unit) to allow the safe shelter pilot program to continue consisten t with Council's previous approval ; an d WHEREAS, there is a growing community need for programs providing saf e accommodations for individuals and families utilizing vehicles for temporary shelter in order t o facilitate the transition to permanent housing ; and WHEREAS, CAPSLO has requested that the safe shelter pilot program be extended a n additional six months at 43 Prado Road ; an d WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all evidence, including the testimony o f the applicant, interested parties, and the evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented at sai d hearing . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Lui s Obispo as follows : B2-22 • • City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series) Temporary Suspension of Municipal Code Sections 17 .16 .015 & 9 .18 Attachment 6 Page 2 Section 1 . Findings .Based upon all the evidence, the City Council makes the followin g findings : 1.Extending the safe shelter pilot program for an additional six months will advance a key component of the goal taprovide a form of transitional housing consistent with the San Lui s Obispo Countywide 10-year Plan to End Homelessness . 2.There is a growing community need for programs providing safe accommodations fo r individuals and families utilizing vehicles for temporary shelter in order to facilitate th e transition to permanent housing . 3.A safe shelter pilot program within the parking area for the Prado Day Center, as show o n Exhibit A, is a logical addition to the homeless services currently provided and managed b y CAPSLO . Section 2 .Suspension of Municipal Code Enforcement . In order to allow the continue d operation of the pilot program, the City Council hereby suspends enforcement of Section s 17 .16 .015 & 9 .18 (until repealed) of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code prohibiting th e use of recreational vehicles as a dwelling unit as those sections would otherwise appliy to the Cit y property located at 43 Prado Road, as shown in Exhibit A . Enforcement of Sections 17 .16 .015 & 9 .18 on this property shall be suspended only for such time period as the pilot program is authorize d by the City to operate and enforcement shall resume at such time as the pilot program is terminated . All conditions established by Council Resolution No . 10342 (2012 Series) shall remain in full forc e and effect . Section 3 .City Manager Authority .The City Manager is authorized to act on behalf of th e City in executing any necessary agreements or other related actions to extend the safe shelter pilo t program for an additional six months at the Prado Day Center . On motion of , seconded by , and on the following roll call vote : AYES : NOES : ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 2"d day of October, 2012 . • Mayor Jan Mar x • B2-23 City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series ) Temporary Suspension of Municipal Code Sections 17 .16 .015 & 9 .1 8 Page 3 ATTEST : Maeve Kennedy Grimes, City Cler k APPROVED AS TO FORM : J . Christine Dietric k Christine Dietrick, City Attorney Attachment 6 0 • B2-24 City Council Resolution No . (2012 Series ) Temporary Suspension of Municipal Code Sections 17 .16 .015 & 9 .18 Attachment 6 Page 4 Exhibit A B2-25 • Page intentionally left 0 blank . • PUBLIC WORKSHOP NOTES November 27 t h Location Criteri a •Devaul Ranc h •County facilities on Hwy 1(Kansas Ave) •Property behind General Hospita l •Camp SLO/ Camp Robert s •No residential area s •Concern — Those that hang out, but not in progra m •40 Prado — 9 acre s •Vets' Hal l •Small bore rifle association site •• Size of lot — not too smal l •No proximity to schools/ parks = concern for kid s •Dalidi o •Larger location (less/ fewer) instead of multiple small site s •Business park = N o •Proximity to transit is importan t •CAPSLO near Y — Parking are a •Adj . neighbors — Approval? Buffe r •City hall pkg lot — 990 & 919 Pal m •City corp yar d •Concern about having them in park s • •Good locations o Damon Garcia & Laguna Lake — Further from residences & businesse s •If bigger lot (# of cars), then it needs to be further from residences & businesse s •Consider public property first •Non-residential locations best, but need buy-in by neighbor s •Close to services/ social services & homeless cente r •Doesn't have to be paved – could be an open fiel d •If in residential area, screen for crim e •Size of lot for facility matter s •Relate # of cars allowed to surrounding density/ lot siz e •Preference for govt locations that have facilitie s •Consider low nighttime usage facilitie s •Consider density – is changing density of are a •Cuesta Colleg e •El Chorro Regional Par k Operational Criteri a •Environmental Revie w o Nois e o Traffi c o Aesthetic s o Night Ligh t •Establish time restriction s •Develop formula to scale # of vehicles to lot siz e •Pets – Licensed, same rules that apply to everybody else • • •Access for patrolling & emergency vehicle s •Need restrooms, tras h •Appropriate Lightin g •Appropriate buffers to residential & business are a •Should be able to park 24/7 o Torn about hour limitation s o Where do vehicles park during the day ? •Keep site clean around vehicl e •Property Crimes/ Residential/ Preclude next to residential area s •Zero Buffer from residential & commercial area s •Based on behaviors •Tremendous outreach before selecting site s •Required contact info if problem s •Zero buffer ; No crimes against person s •Ensure that people leave lots "on time " •Smaller pods to fit into density of neighborhood s •Need restrooms & trash facilities o How to pay for it ? •Need case managemen t o If not, who will provide amenities ? •Noise restrictions are a mus t •No pets, allowed if program operator can ensure clean u p • Case by case, site by sit e •Need operational plans for each sit e •Curfew: 7 :00 AM — 7 :00 PM • ▪No more than 3 — business parking lot s •Smaller – Less problemati c •Separation from other business / consent of other businesse s •Look at trailer s ▪Length of sta y •City funds for trash / •Trash & bathrooms where not availabl e •Pick-up site s ▪Keep noise to acceptable level at nigh t •Designate funds to run/ administer progra m •Mechanism to respond to complaint s •Shopping center parking lots o Security o Lightin g Program Criteri a ▪Prioritize people w/ connections to the communit y •Case managemen t •Criteria for re-entering peopl e •Should have multiple programs (case mgt . vs . no case mgt .) •Background check s •Crime prohibitio n •Consider those who don't fit into case managemen t •Children should have priority • • • • • •Work for services/priority •Background check on case-by-case basi s •Prioritize those w/ childre n .Case management require d •Local residents should have priorit y .Limit length of stay for participant s •Buffer between neighbor/ busines s •Use permit require d •Case managemen t •Childre n •Priority to local s •Background chec k •90-day limit in progra m Other Thoughts •Not be done w/o speaking w/ other city (sic)in the county — communit y sharing of the problem, i .e ., detox in other parts of the county as well a s SLO — community sharing of programs/support/management of proble m ▪Labeling of people not productiv e •Access to bathrooms must be considered .The population will grow and we have to think about the impact on th e program in the future, unless city can provide a legal place for them t o move t o .The current ticketing of parking is unconstitutional, unjus t •Oppose case management as an option/ part of the progra m •Should not have a "one size fits all" program — highly variable needs •Should be allowed to have pets — can be a deciding facto r •Temporary/ emergency ordinance for temporary housing in a structure w/o a sprinkler syste m •People already living in their vehicles in SLO not seeking service s •Make sure you talk to the homeless populatio n •With limited resources, we need to prioritize the population the city can o r should serve •Collaboration w/ other cities in the county — police, centralized location fo r services . Currently, this can be overwhelmin g •Absolutely have case management— It gives people a goal to achieve • • FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS & SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDER S WORKSHOP NOTES November 28 th Location Criteri a •Close to public transit & services ++ •In more urban than rural area s •Leave location open — use the use permit process to determin e acceptability of locatio n •Temporary locations on city/ public property during the day ? •Other city properties should be evaluate d Operational Criteri a •Buffer not necessary because issues are handled immediately throug h case managemen t • •Existing ordinances are in place to regulate behavior can add specifi c restrictions through the use permit proces s •Can be site specific & case-by-cas e •Sufficient lighting, but not detracting to neighborhood s •Require camera feeds at the sit e •Location - Look at areas not in residential area s •Length of stay requirements? Don't need a limit if case management i n place . •What about pets ? •Put fewer restrictions into ordinance — leave for case workers & propert y owners to coordinat e •Size : Density vs . an actual numbe r Program Criteri a •Case management should be part of the program •Interview process through a panel — establish criteria the panel addresses - perhaps case management : size of family, record of chroni c homelessness, potential for stability •Who should be on the interview panel ? •Single interviewer — drain on resources to have a pane l •Be flexible in the types of documentation accepted from potentia l participants •Priority for those who work in SLO county — invested in the communit y •Background checks — shouldn't preclude anyone based on results Other Note s •City doing a good job facilitating discussion s •Provide a description of "case management" — get this information out t o the public — news, radio, etc ... •Case management is based on the Client — not a one size fits all • • SAFE SHE .LT R PARKIN G COMMUNITY H P .? Std Ndvembl r 27, 0T2 '1'dbht rksho } sed rci't What criteria should be used t o determine participant eligibility . Program Criteria- Publi c orksh o General agreement that case management shoul d be require d Limit length of stay/participation in progra m Preference given to people with childre n Preference given to people with ties to communit y Background checks on a case by case basis — thoug h some expressed the need for all participants t o submit to checks • Program Criteria Faith Base d rcianizations Social Service s Case management should be a requirement o f program and tailored to individual need s Preference given to familie s Preference given to people with ties to th e communit y No limit on length of stay/participation provide d case management is a program requiremen t Background checks required for participants — socia l service providers to decide eligibility on a case b y case basis • ■ How should the City determin e where facilities should b e located ? • • Location Criteria —Publi c orksh o If in residential areas, appropriate buffers should b e provide d General concerns about overflow issues in busines s area s Number of vehicles at each site should be consisten t with the surrounding neighborhood densit y Proximity to transit (buses) should be a consideratio n Locations near schools and parks should be avoide d Consider fewer locations with larger capacit y City/County facilities and property should b e considered Location Criteria — Faith Base d Or & Social Service s o Locations should be close to public transit i n urban areas as opposed to rural area s o Leave facility locations open and require us e permit process to address compatibility issue s at site specific location s qConsider facilities on public propert y o Consider facilities/locations that could b e available 24/7 • What should be considered o r incorporated into facilit y operations? Operational Criteria-Publi c orksho p L Need for restrooms on sit e o Need for trash pick-up and site maintenanc e o Develop mechanism to respond to complaints (noise, trash, etc .) L Buffers zones are not necessary with case management a component of the progra m •Noise restrictions should be enforce d e Establish facility hours and enforce as necessar y c Ensure appropriate lightin g c Some attendees were conflicted and leaning towards 24/7 access to lot •Sites to be managed by social service provider s • Operational Criteria- Faith Base d Organizations & Social Service s Sites managed by social service provider s Buffer zones are not necessary with cas e management a component of progra m Allow site flexibility (hours, number of vehicles) on a case by case basis through the permitting proces s Require camera feeds at each location for remot e monitorin g Put fewer restrictions in ordinance to allow socia l service providers and property owners to wor k collaboratively on establishing a facility that meet s desired needs • Ability to include pet s Safety of participants and residents / businesses i n surrounding area s 3 Concerns that program will attract additiona l homeless people from other area s Provide additional information regarding "cas e management" as this is often misunderstood b y potential clients and the public • 0 SLO Safe Shelter Survey .Sureeyislonke y 1 . Case management is expected to be a requirement of the Safe Shelter Ordinance . What components of case management do you support? (Check all that apply) Response Response Percent CaOnt Managed savings plan/budget & financial counseling 68 .9%235 Client. must be and remain drug an d alcohol abuse free 79 .2%270 Client and Case Manager will develop goals toward permanent 89.7%306 housing and self-sufficiency Other (please specify)5 8 answered question 34 1.„..i::.;i ,. ,,,,,,, skipped question 1 2 . Should proof of community ties (family, previous residency etc.) be a requirement fo r participants? Response Percent Respons e Coun t Yes 29 .4%100 No, but those with ties should 54 .1%18 4, be given priority or preferenc e No 16 .5% Other (please specify) 5 6 1 8 answered questions 340 `! ppqd-question 2 . 1 of 36 3 . Should people with a violent criminal conviction be allowed to participate? • Response Respons e Percent Count Yes 3 .6%1 2 Yes, on a case by case basis ,a{NS i ,,,65 .6%21 9 No 30 .8%10 3 Other (please specify)3 3 answered question 334 skipped question 8 4 . Should the Police Department conduct background checks to verify participan t eligibility? Response Respons e Percent Count Yes 37 .1%126 Yes, on a case by case basis 4 .."u,:m~:.<=a 48 .8%166 No 14 .1%48 answered question 340 • 2 of 36 5 . Where should Safe Shelter facilities be located? (Click all the apply )..:. Response `Respans e Percent Count At a church or non-profit facility i n a residential are a At a church or non-profit facilit y in anon-residential area In business/industrial area s In government and public facilit y areas Other (please specify)6 5 answered question 30 8 ,,,,, skipped question 3 4 ......................... .6 .What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/o r concerns? Response ''Coun t 23 1 answered question 23 1 skipped questio n 32 .5%100 3 of 36 7 . Please check all that apply . •Respons e Percent Respons e Coun t I am resident of the City of San 88 .2%29 8Luis Obisp o I work in the City of San Luis 54 .4%184Obispo I own a business in San Luis 15A%52Obispo I am a student at Cal Poly 5 .3%1 8 answered question 338 skipped question 4 8 . Please indicate your age . Response Percent Response • Coun t 18-25 8.8%3 0 34 .3%11 726-45 37.2%12 746-65 19 .6%6 765+ answered question 34 1 skipped question • 4 of 36 •9 .Please indicate whether you own or rent your home . Response Respons e Percent Coun t kratrakii-ir 64 .5%21 8Own Rent 35 .5%12 0 answered question 33 8 skipped question 4 10 . Please indicate your employment status . Response Respons e Percent Coun t Employed .::;:::.:,.._.:....;.a67.8/0 232 Currently not working jj 5 .0%1 7 Retired w}...;~22 .2%76 Student 5 .0%1 7 .:answered question - 34 2 5 of 36 • • 6 of 36 •Q1 . Case management is expected to be a requirement of the Safe Shelter Ordinance . What components of casemanagement do you support? (Check all that apply) 1 find space to build little tiny homes managed by tenants Dec 12, 2012 3 :12 PM 2 random drug and alcohol should be mandated during program participation Dec 5, 2012 10 :40 AM 3 Also, if feasible, job/vocational training should have some role in case Nov 18, 2012 5 :01 P Mmanagement. 4 no panhandling by particapants Nov 18 ;2012 12 :10 P M 5 'don't know enough about this to comment Nov 16; 2012 11 :11 'P M 6 Education / job training Nov 16, 2012 3 :48 P M 7 I think client must show improvement and accountability regarding drug and Nov 16, 2012 1 :49 P Malcohol use . If they are making progress, one mistake shouldn't disqualify them . community service Nov 15, 2012 8 :29 P M 9 All three would be ideal ...but most likely too much to expect given the Nov 15, 2012 1 1 .:33 AMcircumstances 10 Help them go to AA and NA programs if they have substance abuse issues Nov 15, 2012 10 :15 A M 11 Time limit for parking, there should not be EXTENDED stay as some may feel it Nov 15, 2012 9 :44 A M is "home" to ;~park : in the lot' at Prado Day Center . The center is for multple.people and the amunt of parking spots needs to be kept into concideration . Asfor drug°and alcohol free, there needs to be concideration for REAL medica ltreatment with pain managment . 12 CAPSLO case management staff do an exceptional job of customizing plans for Nov 15, 2012 8 :23 AMclients, respecting each as an individual with unique circumstances and needs ,and helping each reach her/his specific goals . 13 On going case management for at least 6 months once housed in permanent Nov 15, 2012 7 :57 AMhousing 14 employment to afford the over-priced housing in SLO Nov 14, 2012 8 :14 PM 15 time limit for assistance, reliance on private donations and funds Nov 14, 2012 4 :15 P M 16 client must be drug ABUSE and alcohol abuse free Nov 14, 2012 2 :22 P M 17 Client must make an effort to work and show job stability Nov 14, 2012 1 :51 P M 18 Not all homeless are mentally healthy enough to follow thru, so while counseling Nov 14, 2012 10:54 AMavailable; should not be required that they can follow thru on'own : 19 also clients SHOULD be addressing their overall HEALTH & NUTRITION!Nov 14, 2012 10 :40 AMClasses on how to SHOP & PREPARE SOUND ECONOMIC & NUTRITIONA LMEALS NEEDS TO BE DONEI!!I t Client must attend Drug and alcohol abuse counseling or meetings required Nov 14, 2012 819 A M20 7of36 Q1 . Case management is expected . to be a requirement of the Safe Shelter Ordinance . What components of cas e management do you support? (Check all that apply) 21 mental health support must be provided ; supportive work opportunities must be a Nov 14, 2012 8 :06 AM part of participation requirement s 22 Can't spend over 60 days on one person .Nov 14, 2012 2 :29 AM 23 I do not necessarily support the case management that is currently being Nov 13, 2012 11 :21 PM provided . That part of the system is very important and might need to b e reworked . I have spoken to several people that wanted to participate in th e program but were deterred by the approach of the case management workers,I have an issue with combining permanent housing and self-sufficiency being pu t together. Some people do not want permanent housing and that so no t necessarily impact the ability to be self sufficient . 24 Case management help with access to healthcare, including mental health . 25 Tier requirements in phases so clients are not overwhelmed . Seek stability and comfort and then work on goals . 26 case management for clients without incom e 27 Mental health counseling as needed . 28 Some sort of (CMSP-type?) healthcare . 29 this cannot go on indefinitely ; establish timelines . All participants must work ; no t wander around while under "case management." 30 a community service component would help the participants fit into th e community bette r 33 some way to give back to the community like working at a thrift shop,Nov 13, 2012 3 :53 P M volunteering at non-profit, helping keep Prado clea n 34 People might . be given a month or timeline for getting into case management Nov 13, 2012 3 :27 P MEH: 35 Drug and alcohol use should be handled on a case by case basis as many of the Nov 13, 2012 2 :40 P M homeless have a problem with this and if you apply a standard of being drug an d alcohol free then you will rule out MOST of the homeless . I know this from having worked with the SLO homeless population for several years . 36 Limit time Nov 13, 2012 2 :08 PM 37 Ideally, drug abuse treatment options will be provided . Goals should be Nov 13, 2012 1 :52 P M established and met.3 strikes = disqualification . 3 8 39 less is better, employment is key to housing . Those that have family in other Nov 13, 2012 1 :31 P M Nov 13, 2012 8 :50 P M Nov 13, 2012 8 :41 P M Nov 13, 2012 8 :18 P M Nov .13, 2012 6 :56 P M Nov 13, 2012 6 :23 P M Nov 13, 2012 5 :48 P M Nov 13, 2012 5 :15 P M 31 Although I prefer sober living . It may be smarter to allow at least alchohol use a s long as itdoesn't cause hardship on others in the program . 32 working to get off drug. addiction Nov :13, 2012 4 :03 P M Nov 13, 2012 4 :12 P M Famlies with children should be priority recipients of benefits Nov 13, 2012 1 :51 PM • 8 of 36 Q1 . Case management is expected to be a requirement of the Safe Shelter Ordinance . What components .of cas e management do you support?(Check all that apply ) cities should be asked to return, a city cannot act as support for those that refus e support from their own family .,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.__...,,,,,,,,....: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,T.... 40 Client must be seeking employment or be a vOlunteer Nov 13, 2012 12 :45 P M ..41 Help with resume and job placement Also, some giving back to the community Nov 13, 2.01212 :17 P M would be nice in .terms of community service hours ...._......_.,,,,,,,,,,,,,_. 42 Can the city provide enough qualified case managers?Nov 13, 2012 11 :08 A M 43 Or in a certified drug/alcohol rehab program Nov 13, 201211 :05 A M 44 Referals and assisstance for any mentally ill clients ...Nov 13, 201210 :59 AM,,,,,,......_...„,,,,,,,,,„„ 45 Participate in substance abuse program if applicable .Nov 13, 201210 :36 AM......T ,,,,,,,,, 46 What do yob mean by 'managed' savings? Will you continue to required Nov 13, 2012'10 :07 AM applicants to surrender their paychecks ?,,,,,, 47 ..Drug and/or psychological counseling .Nov 1 .3, 2012 :.10 :03 AM,,,,,,,,,,...,,, ,,,,,,,, 48 Managed savings and budget should be individualized . If people feel infantalized Nov 13, 201210 :02 A M they feel powerless and lose the drive to push on via their own wil l clients and overall, for the success of this program . i ,,,,,,,,,,„„„__....._„....._.„.„,,,,,„....,,,,,,,,,,„.50 Job success and training Nov 13, 2012 9:57 AM 51 Permanent housing should be in a more affordable community Nov 13, 2012 9 :51 AM 52 evaluation for required medication ; in case an individual is homeless because Nov 13, 2012 9 :41 AM they're not receiving required/necessary medicatio n,, 53 case mgmt restrictions are designed to keep people living and sleeping in the Nov 13, 2012 9 :32 A M street 54 I support these but that doesn't mean I think they should be hard requirements Nov 13, 2012 9 :30 A M for participation . 55 Job skills training Nov 13, 2012 9 :27 A M 56 realistic time limits Nov 10, 2012 11 :35 AM 57 Proven ties to community .Nov 2, 2012.4 :47 P M 58 City must set aside specific job positions, which people living in safe shelter must Nov 1, 2012 6 .48 P M be given preference . e .g . abandon senseless Ieafblowers within City limits an d introduce street sweepers ... 49 Solid, professional case management is crucial for the success of individual Nov 13, 2012 10 :00 AM 9 of 3 6 • 10 of 36 •Q2 . Should proof of community ties (family, previous residency etc .) be a requirement for participants ? 1 If they need help, we need to try regardless .Dec 12, 2012'3 :12 P M 2 Preference/priority should also be given to those with dependent children . With Nov 18, 2012 5 :01 P Mlimited resources, especially in affordable housing and jobs, we can't tak eeveryone. We have to prioritize . Still, I'm not so concerned about outsider sbeing accepted into the program . If this program makes them a productivemember of our community, then both the participant and the community benefit .If this program puts them back on their feet, but they leave the area to find a jo bor return to family, then there is still a mutual benefit. The participant would b eon the path to productivity, and we would have one less person living on th efringes of our community, outside of which there is risk to both the individual an dthe community . We have people with ties to the community who have been helped over and Nov 16, 2012 6 :10 P Mover, and we have people who come from the storms back east that cannotsleep in the rain and snow . Picking who can come have services in our count yand who can't reminds me of of a time not so long ago when only the peopl ewithout the star on their coat gets services . I hope we don't go there . 4 How do we define who is local or not is another question Nov 15, 2012 10 :05 AM 5 Out of town people movong into SLO are not the clients which I would like to see Nov 15, 2012 9:44 AMusing services in this city . 6 Parents with children or the medically ill should be given priority for the program Nov 14, 2012 .1 :57 P M There should be a Minimum requirement to STAY & BUILD a family enviroment .Whether that be a co-operative one with two or more families sharing the "raisin gof several kids/resposibilities " t understand that many of the homeless in our area are not resident s We cannot afford to help every homeless person in the countr y If someone is willing to meet all the requirements and wants to find a way to b eable to live successfully in SLO, then they should be eligible for these service safter we have metthe needs of those already established here . 11 Willingness to change, be mentored should be major criterio n 12 AND/OR Why are they here & not working??? 13 It would be preferable to take care of our own community first . One concern Ihave is if the program allows just anyone then it will draw people from othe rseat and we don't need more than we already have . 14 In the beginning . Program can be expanded later . SLO needs to be careful notto be a magnet for every homeless person that finds there way here 15 We should plan forout of towners relocating here because of the wonderful ide aof the program . However, there should be some "skin in the game" for everyone ,but especially out of towners . It could be as simple as community servic erequirements.. 10 Nov 14, 2012 10 :40 A M Nov 14, 2012 8 :06 AM Nov 13, 20125 :15 P M Nov 13, 2012 4 :35 P M Nov 13, 2012 3 :53 P M Nov 13, 2012 2 :43 PM ' Nov 13, 2012 2 :40 P M Nov 13, 2012 12 :17 P M Nov 13, 201212 :17 P M 11 of 36 Q2. Should proof of community ties (family, previous residency etc .) be a requirement for participants ? 16 Yes, priority to certain services, etc .Nov 13, 2012 10 :43 AM • 17 There should be some screening method to make sure SLO doesn't become a Nov 13, 2012 9:49 A M homeless destination, but proof of community ties should not be a requiremen t for assistance . 18 ship nonresidents to LA or SF Nov 13, 2012 9 :32 AM 12 of 36 • 13 of 36 Q3 . Should people with a violent criminal conviction be allowed to participate?• 1 Somehow they need to be integrated into community Dec 12, 2012 3 :12 P M 2 With input from probation and law enforcement Dec 5, 2012 10 :03 AM 3 Nor should any sex registrants, given that children would be allowed to stay at Dec 5, 2012 10 :01 A Mthe facility . 4 Maybe - depends on the crime & how long ago it happened, the person's entire Nov 25, 2012 5 :30 P Mcriminal history and SLO PD assessmen t 5 On a case-by-case basis, they should be allowed to participate, because this is Nov 18, 2012 5 :01 P Mthe kind of program that can bring someone in from the margins of society, withi nwhich they are for more likely to remain a law-abiding citizen . 6 don't know ; certainly the safety of other homeless should be consideration Nov 16, 2012 11 :11 P M 7'<We are offering places to sleep, not metals of honor . Would you rather the Nov 16, 2012 6 :10 P Mviolent criminal sleep in the bushes down the street from your house ? 8 I'm not sure ..! would say no if the supportsystem is not strong to avoid putting Nov 16, 2012 4 :38 P Mthe administrators or other people in their cars at risk . Maybe they need to par kat the police station parking lot . 9 They should explain and have a desire to be a productive member of society Nov 15, 2012 10 :15 AM 10 As long as people are willing to change their life Nov 15, 2012 10 :05 AM 11 No sex offenders . If the client can prove they are working with some form of Nov 15, 2012 9 :44 A Mbehavior health, then it should be taken into concideration . 12 History or pattern of criminal activity should be considere d 13 But not sexual offender s 14 special "counseling or spiritual needs " should be adhered to 15 there are enough without a vilent criminal conviction needing service s 16 Did not see criminal record check as a requirement to be in program . Nov 15, 201.2 7:57 AM Nov 15, 2012 7 :51 AM Nov 14, 2012 10 :40 A M Nov 14, 2012 8 :06 A M Nov 13, 20128 :41 P M 17 but not against children and not recent conviction Nov 13, 2012 8 :18 P M 18 Balance the risk of higher liability for the city with the possibility that someone Nov 13, 2012 5 :15 PMwho has a violent history may be trying to change their life for the better . 19 I'm not!sure how I feel about this . I would want to know more about how this Nov 13, 20124 :35 PMcould be handled effectively . 20 Thosepedofile background should not be allowed near park or schools. And ..Nov 13, 20122 :43 P Mhowcanthey be tracked . 21 Those who are trying to sincerely 'come around' need to be given a fair chance .Nov 13, 2012 2 :40 P M 22 I think a policy that facilitates removal of violent participants should be in place .Nov 13, 2012 1 :56 P M 14 of 36 0 Q3 . Should people with a violent criminal conviction be allowed to participate ? 23 Not at this time, maybe later when program is established Nov 13,2012 12 :29 P M,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 24 ..: Nov 13,-2012 12 :17-P M,,,,,,,,,,,,, 25 Once a person has paid their dues with fines and prison, they deserve a fresh Nov 13, 2012 12 :17 P M start and a helping han d 26 no, unless the conviction was over 10 years ago Nov 13, 2012 12 :10 P M,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,L ,,,,,,,,,, 27 My feeling is there should be another option "No, with exceptions for individuals Nov 13, 2012 11 :36 A M who don't seem to be habitually violent (or similar language). 28 yes, provided that there is some security personnel available on premises (that Nov 13,2012 11 :08 A M may actually, reduce crime ) 29 Keep a close on 'ern!Nov 13, 2012 10 :49 A M 30 Only through a special division of the program .Nov 13,2012 10 :43 A M....,,,,, 31 Not on violent or sex offense cases . On the other hand, those with Nov 13;2012 10 :02 A M misdemeanors and minor infractions shouldn't be penalized in any way UNLES S they have violated parole or restitution obligations .. 32 If they've paid their debt they should be eligible but we should also be aware of Nov 13, 2012 9 :41 AM their past in order to be fair to worker s 33 its a problem that I am not sure we are qualified to solve Nov 13,2012 9 :32 A M 15 of 36 • • 16 of 36 Q5.Where should Safe Shelter facilities be located? (Click all the apply) 1 Anywhere they will be accepted by NIMBYS Dec 12, 2012 3 :12 P M 2 Near existing homeless services facilities, or The Tribune parking lot .Dec 5, 2012 11 :22 AM 3 City proprty outside city limits Dec 5, 2012 11 :20 AM 4 Away from downtown, parks, or residential areas Dec 5, 2012 10 :15 AM 5 I believe it is best placed where it's most economical and least intrusive . to Nov 28, 2012 9 :15 PMalready established residential areas . 6 Where ever space is available .Nov 27, 2012 5 :14 PM 7 We cannot build a facility that is of a size so large that it will draw a client base Nov 27, 2012 3 :19 PMthat will increase the need for more more resources . Do not build a new facility . 8 in the county Nov 26, 20129 :10 PM 9 If and only if adequate supervision and case management were provided - and Nov 25, 2012 5 :30 PMno criminal history 10 I can't think of a practical location with *no* businesses or residences within Nov 18, 2012 5 :01 PMrange of potential negative consequences, but the shelter has to be somewhere .I hope there can be some kind of incentive or insurance–for lack of a betterword–to alleviate the legitimate concerns of local residents, business owners ,and employees, i .e ., stakeholders . I don't know what would be feasible, but (jus tbrainstorming), maybe trusted participants known to have certain useful skill scould provide services to nearby stakeholders . Maybe a prerequisite fo rparticipation would be a willingness to help clean up any mess or repair an ydamage that is likely a direct result of the program's proximity . not in residential area s 12 I do not like the idea of using parking lots at public parks . As it is,families i nsome neighborhoods do not feel comfortable using their local park because o fpeople "camped out" in the parking lot during the day . I realize parks are publi cfacilities, but it is a problem . 11 Nov 16, 201 .2 11 :11 P M Nov 16, 20123 :48 PM 13 in a SAFE location in our communit y 14 provided background checks are complete d 15 Where the providers think it will work and makes sens e 16 Anywhere available w/ community approva l In a location where there is monitoring, not at a site where there is n ostaff/volunteers to monitor night behavior . where trained, experienced service providers feel most appropriat e Near service providers 20 existing campground with existing toilet facilitie s • Nov 16, 2012 10 :11 AM Nov 15, 2012 12 :35 P M Nov 15, 2012 10 .05 A M Nov 15, 2012 10 :05 A M Nov 15, 2012 9 :44 AM E iL Nov 15, 20128 :41 AM Nov14,201210 :11 P M Nov 14, 2012 9 :24 P M 1 7 18 17 of 36 Q5 . Where should Safe Shelter facilities be located?(Click all the apply) 21 Unsure 22 Near public transport and programs to help clients . 23 all! Santa BArbara has been successful in creating safe communities in publi c. parking lots . Women have created supportive nad safe environments for eac hother. 24 in a co-operative setting ...muti unit facilty ...bi warehouse maybe with section sdevided...ranch/farm setting as .to become self sustainin g 28 Far from city cente r 29 Away from Downtow n 30 Different group could be in different areas . Example, families, couples, singl emales and females . Maybe age grouped also . 25 Definitely not residential . Close to police facility or industrial, not close t obusiness area . Free bus pass to get to facility . Families with children close to schools in residential and non-families close t oother resources in non-residential area s 27 always a tough questio n 26 Nov 14, 2012 5 :17 PM • Nov 14, 2012 1 :57 P M Nov 14, 201210 :54 AM Nov 14, 2012 10 :40 A M Nov 14, 2012 8 :49 A M Nov 14, 2012 8 :19 AM Nov 14, 2012 8 :06 AM Nov 13, 2012 9 :20 P M Nov 13, 2012 8 :50 P M Nov 13, 2012 8 :41 P M 31 lets get going on a permanment shelter !! 32 Prado road area as an example . 33 An area close enough to most social services . 34 All are reasonable if the numbers aren't too large at any given spo r 35 Keep the number of people in each of the shelter locations small and they will fi tinto the neighborhood better . Do not open up public facilities– unless City Hall i sone of the locations— we already have enough homeless people in our parks.Private facilities have much more leeway in disciplining those who break th erules because they can be kicked off the premises . 36 I think this can work effectively in all areas if it is well managed . I do not want t osee those who are homeless marginalized. 37 . 38 Familiar wlsomeone threatening under a church overnight stay and the churchfacilitator was not interested . Need to find a designated specific area, away fro mdowntown and residential neighborhoods .iii i 39 I have reservations about people in their cars near a residential . area as groupsan be more problematic than individual cars parked discreetly around . 40 NOT in a residential area is all Nov 13, 2012 8 :18 P M Nov 13, 2012 6 :56 P M Nov 13, 2012 6 :23 P M Nov 13, 2012 5 :19 P M Nov 13, 2012 5 :15 P M Nov 13, 2012 4 :35 P M Nov 13, 2012 3 :43 P M Nov 13, 2012 2 :43 PM Nov 13, 2012 2 :40 PM Nov 13, 2012 2 :39 PM • 18 of 36 Q5 .Where should Safe Shelter facilities be located? (Click all the apply) 41 Located where support of program is atleast cost to taxpayers .Nov 13, 20122 :38 PM 42 around the city Nov 13, 2012 12 :23 P M 43 There must be access to transportation and social services .Nov 13, 2012 12 :17 P M _,,,,,_.___,,,,,„,,,,,,, 44 Close access to public transportation should be important .Nov 13, 2012 12 :17 P M 45 Not on city streets .Nov 13, 2012 11 :50 A M 46 This could backfire if case managers place individuals with sociopathic Nov 13, 2012 11 :36 AM tendencies in residential areas . 47 Clear of business, schools and homes . Behind old General Hospital?Nov 13, 2012 11 :35 AM 48 Not in my backyard!Nov 13, 2012 11 24 A M 49 It would be highly desirable to build low cost housing, the city could collect rent Nov 13, 2012 11 :08 A M determined by ability to pa y TT T TT ...TT TT T 50 Homeless shelters and assisstance'facilitiea already in place .Nov 13, 2012 10 :59 AM 51 Diversify and apply appropriately .Nov 13, 2012 10 :43 A M 52 Security and toilet facilities need to be provided Nov 13, 2012 10 :36 A M,,,,,,,,,, „ „,,,. „,,,, __.,, „,, „„,,,„,,,T _„,,, ,TT...._._._T.„,,,,,,„,,,,,,,,, „,, „,,,,..._,TT 53 campgrounds Nov 13, 2012 10 :08 A M 54 ANYWHERE there is land avilable and residential safety is assured .Nov 13, 2012 10 :02 A M 55 Residential communities are too uncomfortable with the idea of shelters in their Nov 13, 2012 10 :00 A M neighborhoods, and so it seems best to find less controversial options . 56 Anywhere that makes sense ; a church is a fine place as long as we don't dictate Nov 13, 2012 9 :41 A M that the individual has to follow that religio n 57 all of the above if it is orderly, kept clean ; and well supervised Nov 13, 2012 9`:32 AM 'TT..„,,,,T ..._„,,,,...T ..„,,,,,,,,,,,,,_T T ..TT _ ..:58 CAMP SAN LUIS .E'".”.Nov 13 ;2012 9 :32A M„,,,..,.....59 Homeless are just as human as the rest' of us ; they shoul d 1d not be treated like Nov 13 ; 2012 9 :32 A M animals that should only exist . in accepted places . 6 0 _T_„,,,,...T. „,,,,,„,,,,„,,,,,,...._.TT ....—_„,,,TT_ „,,,,_TT „,,,,...T _T T ..._-_..._._.._..__„,,,....TT T TT „,,,,,,, ..:..,.pear,public transportation .',....:::::..T.”..,.Nov 18i.2012 9,;29,A M ..,,,,T._ ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, _T ._. ,,,. ,. ,,,,,,TT .._T T..._._........T T T ......T . _TT_ 61 Non-residential :,..Nov 13;201 .2 .926A M....T ......T ..._,,,,__....T .._T ..,,,,,,,....:_TT... 62 where ever immediate community allows ."' Nov10, 2012 11 :35AM„,,,,„,,,,....„,,,,_T ._ T .._....T T.._._. 63 Case by Case! NO waiting list now .''”..No ,...v 5, 2012 10 :49 AM 64 One facility that is appropriately supervised . Not multiple facilities all over town .Nov 2, 2012 4 :47 P M 65 government or public facility area only if non-residential area Oct 30, 2012 6 :40 P M 19 of 36 • 20 of 36 •Q6 .What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns? 4 More needs to be done to get people off the streets Dec 12 ;"2012 3:12 P M 2 Disruption to neighborhoods would be counter productive so the locations would .Dec 7, 2012 8 :27 A Mneed chosen to mitigate these issues . 3 Safe shelter should have a a time limit and is nota permanent solution . It should Dec 5, 2012 12 :09 P Mbe transitional . 4 It is a good idea to get people off the streets, but may attract others to the area Dec 5, 2012 11 :22 AMwho want to participate . And if they panhandle their way here to get rejected ; wewill have them living on the streets in their cars . SLO should not be a destinationfor homeless . 5 It will create more problems than it will solve .Dec 5, 201211 :20 AM 6 My concern is trash and sewage dumping onto the city streets . I think if we are Dec 5, 2012 10 :40 AMgoing to provide a Safe Shelter Program we should also provide access to adump station where the motor homes/rv's can empty their sewage tanks . Is .there somebody that is verifying the people parked in the Safe Shelter areas areactually participating in the program . Who will police this aspect during non -business hours ? 7 Not near downtown or residential areas .. Dec 5, 2012 10 :15 AM 8 Resources should be made available to those that want it and are willing to Dec 5, 2012 10 :03 A Mparticipate in active case management . If participants break laws whil eparticipating in receiving services OF ANY KIND, they should be discontinue dfrom the program . Resources should be granted to residents of SLO first . Activ e"don't give to panhandlers" campaigns should start and continue in th edowntown area . 9 Case management is critical . Otherwise, individuals will continue to come to SLO Dec 5, 2012 9 :52 AMto take advantage of services and the community's good will . 10 That it would be aprogram that the people who really need and deserved i tcould.' access . 11 I believe everyone has a right to shelter, and those willing to participate in aprogram and show their need and willingness to participate should have th eopportunity to do so . 12 There is a need for them, butthey must be cloesely regulated . 13 I welcome Safe Shelter Programs . Mental Health issues a big concern of mine. 14 Ifwill draw urt-desireables. 15 Another successful program i shttp://www .projecthomelessconnect .cpm/HOC Affiliate_Home_Pag e 16 I feel it would help everyone, the homeless and the business owners, and th eresidents. 17 Concerned aboout adequate supervision and case management being provided Nov 25 2012 5 :30 PM Dec 2, 201210 :36 A M Nov 28, 2012 2:12 P M Nov 27, 2012 5.24 P M Nov 27, 2012 5 :14 PM Nov27 2012 3 :19 PM Nov 26, 2012 7 :12 PM Nov 26,:201 .2 .9 :56 AM 21 of 36 Q6 . What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? at other than Prado Day Cente r 18 Need a better understanding of what a "Safe Shelter" programs are and how Nov 25, 2012 11 :31 AMthey work :to help families and individuals . 19 I think it's necessary . Thank you for pursuing this .Nov 21, 2012 4 :30 PM 20 They are needed .Nov 19, 2012 9 :10 PM 21 I think it is a good way to help those who want to be helped . I think it is good for Nov 19, 2012 2 :11 P MI' the city to have one location in the city to handle homelessness . Those wh oneed the services will know where to go and resources can be dedicated to th eone site ........ .22 fully support the idea and only request full .background checks to keep any Nov 18, 2012 7 :42 P Mvolunteers safe . 23 The Safe Shelter Program is a smart, commendable idea, but I'm troubled by its Nov 18, 2012 5 :01 P Mlinktotheprohibition on sleeping in one's car . How is sleeping in my car, in an d of itself, a threat to the community any more than sleeping under a tree i nMeadow Park? How can sleeping be permissible under that tree but forbidden i n `my car, my private property? So long as I'm not in the middle of the street o rtrespassing, I can't be a threat while I'm sleeping . Our law against this act alon eseems based in .:a double-standard and an infringement on the civil rights of to omany. who . are not criminals. and are least deserving of .a confrontation wit hauthorities. Yes, some who sleep in their cars also engage in unsafe ,threatening, or otherwise illegal behavior . Why not just enforce or strengthe nexisting laws against the offending behavior? With violations concentrated in a narea where many sleep in their cars, removing the cars to eliminate th eviolations seems practical,'but what's practical is not necessarily just. I fear tha t the City's ban on sleeping in cars is a tactical shortcut that misdirects lawenforcement resources, harasses too, many innocents already in a lamentabl esituation, and fosters among our citizens an Us versus Them mentality thatcannot lead ustoa solution on homelessness . Part of .that solution is the Saf eShelter program . I recognize that it cannot be our only tool . Swift and consisten taction against criminal .behavior is also necessary . I only hope that the City wil laggressively pursue this noble and sophisticated Safe Shelter program whil ewielding the blunt instrument of the sleeping ban with nuance and compassion . 24 I think it is needed and should be expanded .Nov 18, 2012 2 :21 PM 25 The problem of homeless, especially in the downtown core areas is totally out of Nov 18, 2012 12 :10 P Mcontrol. Especially during the past 18 months, the willful homeless has grownrapidly, and to the point of citizen safety being challenged nearly daily . A fulltime facility needs to be developed and buiilt for all homeless . If individuals arenot accepting of the facility, then the City needs to inforce current laws or th eCity needs to pass laws that require the homeless to use the facility or they wil lhave to move to other towns or areas outside of the City . Our city is a wonderfu lplace to live and work . Loitering and sitting on the street with signs in front o fbusinesses and begging for food or money is not helpful to the town in any way .Many towns in CA enforce their loitering laws . With thecompletiion of a full timefacility in SLO, these loitering lawsw need to be enforced . • • 22 of 36 Q6. What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? 26 provide shelter but minimum shelter and minimum meals so that there is Nov 16, 2012 11 :11 P M incentive to seek betterment 27 Waste of a lot of money and resources Nov 16, 2012 7 :52 P M 28 Homeless people not using services available & wanting to do things on their Nov 16, 2012 6 :38 P M own/stay-homeless . 29 Program works well at PDC and could work at other nonprofits, but there should Nov 16, 2012 6 :10 P M not be police involvement or any requirements regarding who can partifipate an d who cannot . Case Managers are well equipted to select their clientel :._....___ 30 I think it is a good option to reach and support those individuals living in their Nov 16, 2012 4 :38 P M cars dealing with financial hardship . This way they are not criminalized b y ticketing them when they have nowhere else to go . 33 They can work if the participants are willing to work with services .Nov 16, 2012 1 :50 P M 34 I think this is a great idea ; I heard that it cost the clients too much to participate .Nov 16, 2012 1 :49 P M I wasn't aware that there was a charge . 35 Residentially challenged individuals need a roof over their head, not sleeping in Nov 16, 2012 1 :30 P M creeks or under bridges. 36 They should be first and foremost for women and children . Men can be Nov 16, 2012 11 :10 A Maccomadated first if they are a husband/father of a homeless woman with chil d then based on non violent convictions and inability to secure a job . Neagative drug and alcohol testing should be a requirement of admission to the Program . !think they#ill an urgent need .Nov 16, 2012 10 :51 A M I believe it is an excellant idea . My concerns are that the management might get Nov 16, 2012 10 :11 A M to demanding on the clients, start to turn those away that are in dire need an d .accept the ones they may become close to . Money should be manage d between the dent and management but not to the extent that the client can no t take care of themselves or famile . 70% of ones income is too much to expec t from the clients . Provide transportation to foss expensive areas for them to live i n good idea, must be strictly monitore d there is a big need for addtional programs to assist the homeless Nov 15, 2012 4 :06 P M Great idea, expand it so others may participate Nov 15, 2012 2 :31 P M I support the idea of safe shelter programs but they do need have rules and have Nov 15, 2012 12 :35 P Mrules enforced • • 31 It sounds like a great concept .) think a stand alone facility would be best.ln Nov 16, 2012 3 :52 P M today's economy,l'm not sure a prgram of this sort would have much of a chanc efor survival . 32 I have no concerns Nov 16, 2012 2 :30 P M 3 8 3 9 40 Nov 16, 20128 :28 A M Nov 15, 2012 8 :29 P M 43 23 of 36 Q6.What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? 44 I think that for people that truely want to turn their lives around it is a great Nov 15, 2012 11 :33 A M idea ....but I don't think that we should create a haven to draw more of those tha t embrass homelessness to the area . I own a business in San Luis Obispo an d would like to see more police interaction ...New York added foot patrols t o problem areas and VOILA it helped ...would love to see foot patrols in Downtown San Luis OBispo during the holidays the homeless population that is currently hanging out downtown has no intention of getting help or participating i n anything . So back to the questions at hand . I think that Dee Torres and staff ar e doing a great job and the program should continue ...the big thing for me would be to make sure that these people had former ties to the community and were o f attracted here by available services . 45 Living in SLO I see homeless everywhere and I've helped out at Prado day Nov 15, 2012 10 :15 A M center and Maxine Lewis shelter . It's good to know that there will be more programs to help those in need in this wonderful city . Homeless need to b e treated as human beings with respect just like everyone else . Each person has a story and until you get to know that person one can not know why they ended u p being homeless . 46 Don't want to encourage people to tome here because they can live in their cars Nov 15, 2012 10 :05 AM for free. 47 It's one necessary tool needed along w/ many others which helps us to first meet Nov 15, 2012 10 :05 AM the basic safety needs of our homeless population and second to guide them towards self-sufficienc y 49 great idea, concerns are clientresponciblity Nov 15, 2012 9 :12 A M 50 concerns are that they can enable homelessness rather than end it for Nov 15, 2012 8 :41 A M individuals if not managed appropriately by experienced providers . 51 I support the programs, and am glad they are being spearheaded by Dee Torres'Nov 15, 2012 8 :23 A M and CAPSLO . 52 Excellent idea and concept . Properly monitered and administered it can Nov 15, 2012 8 :09 AM provide a great opportunity as a gateway to more permanent housing . 53 Time element should be limited to no more than 90days Nov 15, 2012 7 :57 AM 54 I think they're a great idea and fully support them . They give a hand up to people Nov 15, 2012 7 :51 AM who really want to improve their own situation . Also they provide safety for singl e homeless women, which is a priority for me . 55 substance abuse is evident in most homeless people here in SLO . A one chance Nov 15, 2012 7 :47 AM for rehabilitation and self sufficiency should be your policy . 56 Great idea that has worked well in other communities .Nov 15,2012 7 :26 AM • 48 I don't believe there should be people allowed to park in a safe parking program Nov 15, 2012 9 :44 AM and not have to move their vehicles . If people in the "shelters" needs to mov e during day hours so should the vehicles . It is NOT a everlasting parking spo t which can be occupied 24/7 .• 24 of 36 6 .:Wha is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or!'concerns?' 57 i it's a gaud sta t,a step in the right direction .i think most of the people parking in Nov 1 iRVs and campers wilt not use anyprogram Itke this because of personalpreference or lifestyle . in spite ''.of that, there are many who will benefit so it'i sworth itto move ahead with expanding the program _'rmost of the crticisims'of th eprogram are not valid, in my opinio n bad idea I think it sounds like a great idea to help people who Bally want to improve thei rlife. I do not'believe Council should be in the Business of creating a'safe shelte rprogram. If Council continues to move forward with this program, true needan dinability to pay for a structured'campsite Should be clearly demonstrated .Jf th ecityfeelsit must move forward on this, priority should be given to qual redfamilies. County should be a major participant and accept a significant level o ffinancialandadministrative responsibility'-if government is to get involved in thi sprogram ?t all . Nov 14, 2012 8 :14 P M Nov14 , 2012 5:17PM : Nov 14, 20125 :15 PM homeless people from Nov 14,20123 :21 PM I think any program that helps people who need homes to find them is a good Nov 14, 2012 2 :22 PMthing. if me program can provide servicesflike daycare and job counseling tohelp pedple along the way, even bette r 67 Potientai crime and that children will notbe given .priority Nov 14,2012 1 .57 P M 68 I think-its great .I just fear that it could be taken advantage of if the participants Nov 14,20121 51 P Maren't managed closely enough and.held responsible .: 69 l think we should assist people!as much ae possible . We frequently have people Nov 14 20 rysleeping'in their cars on our street (which ,leads . to. all kinds of problems; like :trash and noise}. Giving people safe spaces to . stay seems .essential . 70 The homeless' should not be treated as outcasts There are so me who'WANT to :Noy 14,201211 .23 AMremain homeless . They should tae aliawe to do so . 71y„ ,, . WONDERFUL! Keep up the good work and thank you for allyou da i .72..Stop erequirerrments cur pianydoifihavethe`sthouand'; many do not anticipate permanenthousing'or have rthe sk 12-11 53 AM Nov 14 ,201210 .59 AM ~ 58 60 '6 1 6 2 3 64 6 That they go to the!top of the list at Housing Author ty, while the employed,;hardworking citizens have to pay the extremely high rent to live in SLO an dsurrounding communitie s Good idea if well managed for succes s great idea I fear that if the program is too,good you will draw monother areas . I appreciate that the City and[CAPSLO are working to provide creative option sfor the individuals in our community that have found themselves in difficul tsituations and are willing to work toward the goal of permanent housing . Nov 14, 2012 10 :11 P M Nov 14, 2012 9 :55 P M Nov 14, 2012 9 :41 P M Nov 14, 2012 9 :24 P M isto 'rrmaintaiit .y 14,201210 54'AM 25 of 36 76 I like that it's focused on a long term solution for helping homeless transition .Nov 14, 2012 8 :45 A M 75 People should be helped when they are "down and out", but need to put forth Nov 14, 2012 8 :49 A M effort to get back on their feet when offered help . It needs to happen in othe r cities nationwide so that homeless don't flock to our community . Encourag e people who are.helped to give back when they can, be it through donations o r volunteering:, Don't want to be taxed heavily to support the programs . Q6. What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns? a rental .ing 73 They should be be a teaching/leaming/co-opertive facility . Empasis on Nov 14, 2012 10 :40 A M NUTRITION and WHOLE BODY HEALTH ....learning re-entry and copin g skills ....sustainability ...resposibility ...accoutabilty . 74 " You're on the 'right track .) was once living on the streets in my motorhome, and Nov 14, 2012 8 :54 AM am glad to see progress (finally) in this area .Keep at it...don't ignore the problem . 77 I am glad that families living in their vehicles have a safe place to park at night Nov 14, 2012 8:19 AM 78 I understand that other programs are also offered ; would like to see these Nov 14, 2012 8 :06 AM coordinate d 79 I work really hard to pay my bills and be a contributing part of the SLO Nov 14, 2012 8 :01 AM community . I see a huge amount of homeless people downtown, walking to an d from the creek on south Higuera and hanging out on every exit/entrance t o shopping areas . I understand that some people are in those positions becaus e of the many different complications that happen in life . I also know from talkin g to many of those people that . they don't have any intentions of getting off o f .government programs, working jobs ;or being a contributing part of our culture .I am skeptical and resistant to help a . majority of these people because I don't believe they want to help themselves . Why don't you spend the time and mone y to help the people that are already here, working two jobs, shopping th e Goodwill, eating with coupons and a budget and actually contributing to society ? 80 I think it's a great idea . My only concerns are that the homeless that do Nov 14, 2012 7 :17 A M participate need to remain substance-free in order to .participate and they als o need to be serious about the program and not take them for granted . Sounds like :a :..good idea Really should be only for SLO residents of several years, not substance abusers , etc. No shelters anywhere near residential or business . If you plan to hav e increased programs more out : of towners will come which we do not need o r want . 83`anything would bean improvement .Nov 14, 2012 6 :08 AM 84 Love this program! Helping those who need/want a hand .Nov 14, 2012 6 :06 AM They are worth pursuing, but not appropriate as permanent "residences" for Nov 14, 2012 6 :01 A M people..86 • • Nov 14, 2012 6:54 A M Nov 14, 2012 6 :14 AM Our curent program is too draconian: We should look at Santa Barbara's Nov 14, 2012 6 :00 A M program for kinder ideas . 26 of 36 08VVhat inynuropinion nfSafe SheberPnO8rannsand What a,oynvr' ideasand/orcnnmerns ? city -'-spending homeless ~,-`'-~ ~ 87!don't think the should be money towards this . The Nov 14,20!22 ;29/M (excluding children) should not be a priority .,,,,-'~ 88 great idea - people need to be self sufficient but not chronic homeless Nov 13, 2012 11 :40 PM_,____ 89 This is a step in the right direction . In continuing with my response in question 1,. Nov 13, 2012 11 :2 1 .P M this program will do a lot more good and be much more successful if it is focuse d onha!pingponp!ohowtheyvvant to be helped . Really listening to the peopl e who are affected . The 20% are those that wish to be "transferred out o f homelessness," what about the other 80%2 Yes, some people want absolutel y nothing to do with help or assistance . Some people have trust issue and ! honestly can't say I blame them completely . Utherndonot mindnot haYin gpermanent housing, by providing safe parking and shelter programs to thes e people would also be a large improvement and be met with more success tha n eliminating them from assistance because they do not share the same concep t of a house. Yes, this means more resources/money/time, but it will go a lon g way to improving relations . I have worked in the area around the Maxine Lewi s shelter, more specifically I have worked graveyards in that area . I have gotten to see a few success stories. I have seen the growing numbers of people as well .I hope that this program continues to' grow and succeed . 90 Not in favor of it. Don't want to attrack people from outside the area and don't Nov1 '1?9:20 .P M .want want to create a permanent home for them versus a steppingstone ._______ 91 Could be very beneficial if doesn't get mired in red tape Nnv1%'2V129 :17P M ".--,'-'----'---,'---- We desperately need one, along with psychiatric help for those in need .'Nov 13, 2012 9 :13 'P M .. 93 I think it is a good idea and should be expanded .Nov 1V,2812 8 .50 PNi~~-_.---~'._.„ ,,,.:..,'~~- 94~ This progrumnoedstobodnno .Noedntoborofinodoodthenprnmo1ed . b Nuv10 '20128 ;41pM'. 95 not enough medical support or assist for clients that do not have an income for Nov 13, 2012 8 :18 P M current case management but need assist with forms, medical, and job assist . 96 Great Idea, much needed Nov 13 2012 8 :13 P M,,,,,_......_.~~~~~~~-...__ 97 It k; irriportaht . Women and children should have a place separate from-men ;8n'Nvv18,2V12V%4PM'' ^ ~hou!dfomi!iensepanatuhnmsingkm, ~ ____ ^~__ __~~_ ~~~___~~ ~` _„..._... g8 '/ !support/Safe Shelter but think we're making it too difficult. Concern :CAPSLO .Nov18,20120:0a PM: ...taking.. such a large .portion of.an1nin . How many...have oon `,moved Ntohoun!ng???Concern : Require those parked to keep the ~ :Surrounding :areaclearr &. tidy .:... -~-_-- 99 WE need to get haomeless people off the streets Nnvt3,20 1 100 My opinion is that these shelters should not consume many resources and an Nnx13.20127 :45P k idea i siithat participants should begin to understand how to COnStrUd safe, eve n portable, homes/shelters . Aside from helping them physically, we should hel p them mentally as wel l 10 *and mental health . concerns a place for the homeless to g .o to for Nov 2012 6 :56 ..PM .~~_......:...-~~~_~.,,L =~~~~, ,,,, 27 of 36 Q6 . What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? the day and evening with mandates of program participation . To be a n addendum/extension to the Prado Day Center and the Homeless Shelter o n Orcutt . A restriction on length of services to an individual with progres s mandated. and monitored . Referals toget a job, counseling for mental halth , substance abuse, and other common issues that are attributed to homelessness . 102 help people that want to move forward in life set a time limit for being in the Nov 13, 2012 6 :35 P M shelter. They must want to support themselfs in the future . :103 The community safety is important . By checking background we will ensure the Nov 13, 2012 6 :32 P M safety of the citizen s 104 Certainly needed .Nov 13, 2012 6 :23 P M 105 I support safe shelter programs . I'm concerned about how affective they are .Nov 13, 2012 5 :54 P M 106 unfortunately, gov'ts create bureaucracy that keep costing more Those needing Nov 13, 2012 5 :48 P M help must also contribute to their keep . Clean parks, sweep sidewalks ...anythin g to let the person earn some of the way . Children must come first . '107 I'like the idea,' but realize that not all homeless people want to settle Nov 13, 2012 5 :36 PM permanently . I think there should be some short-term safe parking space s available as well . 108 it should be for local residents with hardship cases Nov 13, 2012 5 :30 P M 109 Necessary and overdue Nov 13, 2012 5 :19 P M 110 Keep it for locals primarily and always have a goal of getting people permanantly Nov 13, 2012 5 :15 PM Ihousedand oremployed: It's not the city's'job to enable people who choose no t to put effort into getting off the streets . 111 Be sure to address the psychological needs of the client, as that will determine Nov 13, 2012 5 :11 P M the long-term success of the program . 112 It is something that is very much needed especially for children . Strict rules Nov 13, 2012 5 :00 P M should apply and when they are broken there should be consequences ..I hav e worked with the homeless and found many homeless people to be wonderfu l people in *difficult situation,. there are always those who want to take advantag e of those who try to help them . 113 Very well intentioned program . I'm concerned about the program operating Nov 13, 2012 4 :36 P M efficiently and that people will abuse the progra m 114 This is an absolute necessity and we must find effective ways of transitioning Nov 13, 2012 4 :35 PM homeless individuals and families to appropriate housing whenever possible ..I would 'rather see people be able to reside in their vehicles in a safe way with services to help them than wander the streets or sleep onbenches or in parks . 115 They are the right and humane thing to'do .Nov 13, 2012 4 :30 P M 116 Iwould expect the program to' be helpful in transitioning those individuals who Nov 13, 2012 4 :03 P M truly to desire to "get off the street", and therefore should be expanded an d should'be made'available to all those people with a sincere desire to get off the 28 of 36 •Q6 .What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns? street--and if they have convictions and/or current drug/alcohol problems . But Isuspect that a very significant portion of the homeless are "chronic homeless "who have no desire to change their circumstances (perhaps because o fsubstance abuse and/or mental health issues). This program will do nothing fo rthese people, which is fine but let's just acknowledge that . Harsher fines an dpenalties for homelessness would compliment the Safe Shelter Program b ymaking SLO a less attractive place for the chronically homeless who have n odesire to get off the street . 117 I know very little about it but think it is running it fine .Nov 13, 2012 4 :03 P M 118 Mostly, it should be for people who will most probably be benefitted long term Nov 13, 2012 3 :53 P M 119 I am of the mind that if we subsidize something, we get more of it . In this case,Nov 13, 2012 3 :53 P MSan Luis Obispo has become a destination for increasing amounts of homeles sfrom out of the area, at a time when the community can ill afford it . 120 the homeless and the transients are two different things Nov 13, 2012 3 :47 P M 121 if they remain alcohol and drug free and work or volunteer, I .am for it Nov 13, 2012 3 :43 P M 122 That it will encourage MORE homelessness Nov 13, 2012 3 :42 P M 123 Homelessness is not always an avoidable situation . Help needs to be provided Nov 13, 2012 3 :40 P Mto those with a desire to change their situation and obatin safe, affordabl ehousing. • 124 I think they are a great way to get unemplyed, homeless people on track to Nov 13, 2012 3 :28 P Mstarting a new life for themselve s 125 I think people might be able to come into the program and then have a set Nov 13, 2012 3 :27 P Mamount of time to get into case management : 126 Safe Shelter facilities are a potential downer for market values where they're Nov 13, 2012 3 :08 P Mlocated. Care must be taken to see that the negative impact is . minimized . 127.put it whereithesolar farm parks on elks lane i.Nov 13, 2012 3 .02 PM 128 i ii .AniiadMirable goal that deserves community support .Nov 13, 2012 2 :45 PM 129 Understand there is a need, again away from areas mentioned prior .Nov 13, 2012 2 :43 PMBusinesses and workers for anyone should not have to feel threatened . Thereshould`be some type of work'required forthose who are mentally competent :trash pick u p 130 If people are allowed to sleep in their cars -many in one area I have concerns Nov 13, 2012 2 :40 P Mabout people having access to toilets and having a culture for keeping the are aclean. Some homeless people (as all of us) are very considerate about bein gclean and others have no understanding, training or care about this . If there ar emanyina parking IS it could get out of hand . 131 If ran properly they work just fine, but rules most be followe d 132 It represents good stewardship and should be closelymanaged so as to Nov 13 2012 2 :38 P M • 29 of 36 Q6 . What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? minimize abuse of the programs . It's difficult enough for working people t oprovide for themselves here without having to pay for those who won't hel pthemselves. 133 I think they are the best answer we've found so far for a growing problem Nov 13, 2012 2 :14 P M 134 If you build it they will come . I believe we need to take care of our people but am Nov 13, 2012 2 :08 P Mconcerned that this will only invite more homeless people to collect in SLO . Weneed to take care of our neighbors .but other communities need to step up fo rtheir people . 135 My concern is that government never is efficient or effective in its management Nov 13, 2012 1 :56 P Mof programs . I think non-profit orgs should be enlisted to administrate . Having afacility and minimal staff would be the city's only responsibility . They don't exist . There should be more outreach from the City to it's constituent sasking for help . This is the first I've heard of it . If FEMA can provide temporar yshelter and security for 22000 people, we can do it for 2000 and do it better .I picture a wide park, with rows of tents, trash cans, water, and a kitchen fo rvolunteers.Rows categorized by family type, addiction, gender, etc . It's not ideal ,but safe and cheap . Access to city/county resources (Health, DSS, DCSS )provided . Surely these people want out of their situation . Concerns = it being s osuccessful that other cities homeless travel here for help, creating a hostil eenvironment. Lack of real help, creating security issues in our City . Failure I worry most about children, and making sure they can go to school and hav esafe place to stay . 138- I am concerned it will not only . encourage the transient population to increase ,but it will also give the homeless incentive to take advantage of social welfar eprograms 139 so far it seems to be workin g 140 I think that the Safe Shelter Programs is a great idea! I think that it is reall yimportant that the homeless community in San Luis Obispo has a tanglible pat hto follow to improve their life . It is so important that they are given opportunitie s to advance past their current situation . The fewer hurdles (agencies), the better. Homelessness is a product of man ytrails,a symptom that may or may not increase with time . It's not clear why SL O in California, with all of it's support programs needs another program . Are therenot existing "systems" or programs we can bolster and/or improve on? Or is thi s all a new problem that requires a new idea ? I think it's a great idea . It will get the homeless off the streets and given the hel pthat is needed, expecially the mentally ill . 143 I would be concerned with more homeless people coming to the area an dexpecting to be accommodated in the program. 144 scary Nov 13, 2012 1 :52 P M Nov 13, 2012 1 :21 PM Nov 13, 2012 1 :20 P M Nov 13, 20121 :14 P M 136 137 142 a Nov 13, 2012 1 :51 P M Nov 13, 2012 1 :51 P M Nov 13, 2012 1 :50 P M Nov 13, 2012 1 :49 P M Nov 13, 2012 1 :31 P M 30 of 36 Q6.What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? 145 away from residences Nov 13 ;2012'12 ;46 P M 146 I think this is a much needed program as long as self-sufficiency is the number 'Nov 13, 2012 12 :45 PMone priority . 147 If you build it, they will come . Provide .,a leg up for our local citizens, not an Nov 13, 2012 12 :43 P Mattractive nuisance that lures people in from all over . 148 Properly run, could be successful and beneficial to all .Nov 13, 2012 12 :29 P M 149 good idea Nov 13, 2012 12 :23 PM 150 Consistent with human and spiritual values . Needs to operate within financial Nov 13, 2012 12 :17 P Mlimits with the help of many volunteers . 151 Wonderful idea and a true sign of addressing a very real problem . A country /Nov 13, 201212 :17 P Mstate / county / city's first reason for being is to take care of their citizens, so thi sprogram is excellent. Provisions should be in place to avoid "lifers" and peopl ewho take advantage of the system when they really can contribute . Community .service and active job searching should always be a priority and closel ymonitored 152 I like the idea and think we should check what other cities,towns like ours have Nov 13,'201212 :10 P Mfound that works for them to save some steps . and money . 153 There are not enough to meet the needs .Nov .13, 2012 12 :00 P M respected and less like an outsider . Concerns include safety, sanity, litter, an dpotential for crime . 156 I support the efforts to help those who what it, to get off the streets .Also monitor Nov 13, 201211 :45 AMthose who do not or can not, because of substance abuse or mental healt hproblems. Guide those to other programs if possible . 157 By my answers you can tell that I am sympathetic to those who are homeless .Nov 13, 201211 :36 A MThat said, I would not like to see this town or county become a haven fix thos elooking for a handout but not seriously interested in becoming contributin gmembers of society . There are clearly individuals and families who simply nee dfinancial help, and perhaps financial planning help, to reclaim their lives . Man yof the Other "homeless" that we see around town clearly have substance abuse itproblems and/or mental health issues as well as sociopathic tendencies . Thesefolks need much more than housing and if the city/county houses them the yshould do so knowing the downsides if not done correctly . 158 1 stop is good . Disrupting business is a problem . The participating members are Nov 13, 2012 11 :35 A Mok, but those not on programs will still congregate around the center and disrup tbusiness. 159 I think that the program is self defeating . The more homeless friendly the City Nov 13, 2012 11 :24 AMbecomes this will attract more transients . While the goal to "end homelessness"is a noble desire it is no more practical than to end'world hunger . Unless the City • 154 I am afraid that the system will be, abused despite best intentions .Nov13, 2012 .11 .58 AM. 155 It is a good ideato care for our transient and homeless residents so they feel Nov 13, 2012 11 :48 AM 31 of 36 Q6 . What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? addresses the root causes of the problem of which are many, it shoal to stampout homelessness is just a fuitless crusade . The Safe Shelter concept is just abetter way to store them and only those of tvks who actually own a vehicle o fsome type . The City seems to have a contridiction in its actions . It put th eDeVault ranch out of business turning the residents loose to live in the creek sinstead of help the guy to make ago of it . We all know why . Christine Mullhollan ddidn't like the view . 160 Worry that it may attract more homeless people to the area and we alread yseem to have an abundance of them . 161 We must do it . 162 Everyone deserves an opportunity . Some times people need a helping hand ,those with the means to do so should lend one . 163 What about shelters for homeless people who don't even have cars? They arethe most in need of shelter . 164 I am for Safe Shelters as the Reagan Administration shut down most programs .My concerns .regard bureaucracy buildup and the funding being reallocated b ypoliticians away from the program . 165'a work component would be nice, instead of these people laying around in th epark all day long have them do something useful like pick up trash, wash polic e.cars etc 166 Keep the size limited . It's seems to me if taking on to many clients, It will jus tattract more homeless . Allowing only those with ties would help with that though . 167 help those that need guidance to help establish a life for them . 168 .I think these programs area need inour community ; it's a great idea, as long a sproper safeguards, training, and management are in plac e 169 ram glad to hear that it is a success and being expanded . 170 Seemed like a good idea at the time . 171 Necessary, essential, should be developed locally, but with broader informatio nand policy sharing . 172 There are many homeless people in our community who are mentally ill, thus Nov 13, 2012 10 :36 A Mhave a hard time transitioning back into society . It is in our community's interes tto- help them succeed . 173 It`s a good program Nov 13, 2012 10 :29 A M 174 This is a start .... I personally vacillate between being "My brother's Keeper,"Nov 13, 2012 10 :21 A Mand fearing an endless "Free Ride." I would like to see the city off "jobs" i nreturn for shelter, maybe limited at first to cleaning, repairing, fixing up th eshelter/potential shelter. Nov 13, 2012 11 :20 AM Nov 13, 2012 11 :12 A M Nov 13, 2012 11 :11 A M Nov 13, 2012 11 :08 A M Nov 13, 2012 11 :04 AM Nov 13, 2012 10 :59 AM Nov 13, 2012 11 :07 A M Nov 13, 2012 11 :06 A M Nov 13, 2012 11 :06 AM • Nov 13, 2012 10 :57 AM Nov 13, 2012 10 :49 AM Nov 13, 2012 10 :43 AM Asa society, we ought to respond with compassion and 'a sincere desire to help . Nov 13, 2012 10 :18 AM 32 of 36 Q6 . What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/Or concerns ? 176 Safety for my kids is a concern Nov 13, 201210 :13 A M T ....,,,,,,,,,,,,, 177 Needed, but perhaps a "community camp".With self-governance Safeguards Nov 13, 2012 10 :10 A M might be a solution at a faster pace ..,,,,,,,,,,,,,,7_..7 ..7 „ 178 rvs and camping should be allowed and supported with bathrooms/showers Nov 13, 2012 10 :08 AM `179 It is much needed .Nov 13, 2012 10 :08 AM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 180 Not working to get the nomadic transients out of town- move al Nov 13, 2012 10 :07 A M 181 In the second paragraph you indicate "people with a desire to actively participate Nov 13, 201210 :06 AM in programs that can transition them out of homelessness" at 20% or 318 . Where would you house 318 with no income? Who's going to pay for that? Give a ma n a fish he'll eat today, teach a man tOfish .and he'll . eat fora lifetime ! 77 ...,,,,,,,,,,,, ,.:..182 good program, administered well Nov 13, 2012 10 :06 A M 183 Concerned that participants can obtain the specific assitance that they require .Nov 13, 2012 10 :03 A M 184 As of this date, they are minimal and provide no "real" or tangible way to getting Nov 13, 2012 10 :02 A M housing . In theory they are a great idea, but often you meet a dead end with th e housing authority, subsidized housing etc .. I have researched these options (AL L options available using social services, Cottage Outpatient Services, and count y mental health as resources). There are too few units-,and too many that restric t occupants to over 65 . For a legitimate disabled individual on diability an d Medicare part B who is under 65, there is NOTHING affordable (of those tha t are, there are no vacancies). This is terribly distressing . 185 Long overdue . Please go forward with this project . 186 People are hungry and in trouble . Where is the job training ? 187 OK with proper supervision , guidelines, and control s 188 I think it's a good program, but it should be limited to those with goals toward s self-sufficiency and not those who are chronically homeless by choice . 189 I think these program should be directed specifically at families and individuals Nov 13 2012 9 :54 AM who have been recently employed and or searching for employment . 190 Cost is a concern, I'm not in favor of taxpayers paying for this in any way .Nov 13, 2012 9 :54 AM 191 They are more practical in a more affordable area (i .e ., Nipomo)Nov 13, 2012 9 :51 AM. 192 Current activities (programs) should be consolidated with an emphasis on those Nov 13, 2012 9 :50 A M who actually want assistance . Once progress is being made in this area , P roceed down the list with thosewho have no interest on the bottom rung .,,,,..._7 7. 193 Counseling and mental health evaluations are important . Also, some sort of work Nov 13, 2012'9 :49 A M program for participants to subsidize the shelter costs and get them into a 0''"".."-7"..-''".'"."."".77 ...".".777 ::"..":-77 ..--.T On the other hand, SLO residential areas are pretty safe . It would be a shame to locate sucha program in a safe neighborhood . Nov 13 2012 10 :00 AM . Nov 13, 2012.9 :56AM ............ .... Nov 13, 2012 ..9 :56AM . 77 ...77_777..._77 .7 ...7 ..7....... Nov 13, 2012 '9 :54 AM 33 of 36 Q6 . What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? routine of accomplishment . 194 The cost and how effective they will be .Nov 13, 2012 9 :48 A M 195 If these programs can show value by helping individuals secure affordable Nov 13, 2012 9 :48 A Mhousing and keep them off the streets, then I am all for it . My primary concern s..,'revolve areound asthetics and potential for increased unlawfullness . As long asthere aren't 85 RV's parked outside my house and these individuals aren't hittin g the bottle or pipe at 5 :00am, I'm all for these types of programs to help thos ewho have came under unfortunate circumstances . 196 I do not agree with the managed saving plan Nov 13, 2012 9 :47 AM 197 we need to do this and support less fortunate individuals Nov 13, 2012 9 :42 AM 198 This should really be made available to anyone who needs it, otherwise the Nov 13, 2012 9 :42 AMproblem is on our streets (so might as well help them!). My concern is how it wil lbe managed - for example, while I believe we need to help everyone includin gthose with violent records, to house them in the same facility as children i sunwise to say the least. 199 I think they help people who are vulnerable and they are a necessary part of a caring democracy. My concern is that they're underfunded . 200 Concerned about wasted funds and lack of accountability . 201 It has the potential to promote new transients into the area ... 202 Great as long as these programs are managed by professionals and that take smoney to pay for the salaries of the professionals . 203 The City needs to make a serious effort to address large numbers of homeles sresidents. No lip service please .. 204 .1 thinkthis is a great idea - Ihave volunteered and seen the number of families Nov 13, 2012 9 :37 A Mand children without homes in this community . I think that families should have apriority to the safe shelter program but that all homeless should have the suppor tthey need for rehabilitation . 205 good idea in case I ever need i t 206 ..I live in a mix use area ; and I don't want to deal with trash and urine from th ehomeless. We deal with this at parks when we take our children . This is a waste of money and will not wor k 208 They are very necessary to help those in need . 209 the right tiny -to do the the few who want and can be helpe d 210 my main concern is cost of administration, tends to skyrocke t 211 . So farit has been a tiny bandaid Nov 13, 2012 9 :41 A M Nov 13, 2012 9 :37 A M Nov 13, 2012 9 :40 A M Nov 13, 2012 9 :38 A M Nov 13, 2012 9 :37 AM • Nov 13, 2012 9 :37 A M Nov 13, 2012 9 :36 AM Nov 13, 2012 9:36 AM Nov 13, 2012 9:35 AM Nov 13, 2012 9 :34 AM Nov 13, 2012 9 :33 AM Nov 13, 2012 9 :32 AM • 34 of 36 Q6 .What is your opinion of Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? 212 Non e 213 IT STINKS! WE DO NOT WANT THIS ON HIGUERA ST!!! WE FEAR FOR Nov 13, 2012 9 :32 AMOUR SAFETY WITH THE PRADO DAY CARE CENTER BEING NEARBY . Nov 13, 2012 9 :32 AM 214 I think we need more more more of programs like this that give some help to the Nov 13, 2012 9 :30 AMhomeless in the area . I HATE the "not in my backyard" mentality of so many o f my neighbors, and I think actually that the more we get to know our homeles sneighbors the more we can understand them and help them . They SHOULD b evisible to everyone so we remain aware . 215 Good idea ; face reality . Safety and sanitation are the main concerns .. Don't treat Nov 13, 2012 9 :29 A M all homeless as if they are criminals or substance abusers . Behavior is th estandard, not consumption . 216 Good place to start, but a more comprehensive approach is needed to end Nov 13, 2012 9 :27 A Mhomeless proble m 217 Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happines s 218 Limited time in program . Transition to main stream within a time perio d 219 The program will attract more homeless to the area, thus increasing th ehomeless problem . 220 they are necessary Nov 13, 2012 9:26 AM Nov 13, 2012 9 :24 AM Nov 13, 2012 9 :23 AM Nov 13, 2012 9 :22 AM • 221 What will CAPSLO do if the participants do not meet their goals towar dpermanent housing ? 222 If you put a bowl of milk on the porch, eventually, you'll have a stray cat problem .We're attracting stray cat s 223 cost concerns Nov 10, 2012 11 :35 AM 224 should be granted for a limited time . Should not attract people who choose to be Nov 7, 2012 1 :35 P Mhomeless to our city (therefore strict). 225 Excellent program ! 226 The goal should be to end homelessness, not to provide free camping . 227 Great idea to reduce the risk of violence and give these people a fair chance tobecome productive citizens . Location, resocialization, training and projecte d'commute' routes should be given special attention . 228,The homeless problem is growing exponentially in,this community and no tenoughisbeing done to clean up downtown! Downtown used to be an attractiv eand fun place to. take the kids, now at times it's down right .unsafe . 229 I think just about anything that helps someone get off the street is a good thing .My concern is that with our weather , political climate and programs, SLO wil lbecomeamagnet attracting more homeless . There has to be come stick to g owith the carrot - penalties for aggressive panhandling, no tolerance for violence, Nov 12, 2012 8 :20 A M Nov 11 2012 7 :10 P M Nov 5, 201Z :1 0 :49 A M Nov 2, 2012 4:47 PM Nov 1,20126:48 PM Nov 1, 2012;2 :44 PM Nov 1, 2012 2 :04 P M • 35 of 36 Q6 .What is your opinionof Safe Shelter Programs and what are your ideas and/or concerns ? etc . We are all so lucky, we have much to share ... so long as the program i s measurably moving people from homelessness to homes, I'm all for it . 230 City needs to up its $$$ to case management Nov 1, 2012 12 :20 P M 231 It is a good idea . Management needs training to be truly safe .Oct 30, 2012 6 :40 PM • • 36 of 36 city O f san tui s os1 Sp o Evaluating Safe Parking Programs, addressin g current parking problems and future need s City of San Luis Obispo White Pape r Steve Gesell, Chief of Polic e Chris Staley, Police Captai n Keith Storton, Police Lieutenant Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 201 2 SUMMARY OF HOMELESSNESS IN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO The City of San Luis Obispo is well known for the services it provides to the homeless . The willingness to do so is driven by a compassion that we as a community embrace as we attempt t o provide hope and opportunity to those in need . Over the years the City of San Luis Obispo ha s partnered with numerous outreach agencies, public and private, to provide services for ou r homeless population . Facilities such as the Maxine Lewis Shelter and the Prado Day Center ar e successful examples of a culmination of effort by many to help those who are less fortunate, i n need of physical and/or mental health, counseling, or to simply provide an opportunity to hel p some "get back on their feet". There are many success stories as a result of this endeavor and th e City of San Luis Obispo is committed to a continued partnership with those entities that share i n this goal . For the homeless that partake in these services the goal is to enhance their situation and lea d them down a road to recovery and self-reliance . There is an element of the homeless populatio n that has a true desire to make good use of the services provided and lead a more productive an d self-sufficient lifestyle . On the other hand, there is an element of the homeless population tha t does little or nothing to enhance their predicament . Often these individuals will have frequen t contacts with law enforcement due to illegal drug use, excessive alcohol consumption and othe r criminal activity . SUMMARY OF HOMELESS LIVING IN VEHICLES IN THE CITY OF SAN LUI S OBISP O With our inviting climate and reputation for providing quality services a portion of the homeles s population travels from out of the area to partake in the services and facilities offered . Som e "settle" here as a means to have continued access to the variety of services or take advantage o f the services with no real desire to improve their life circumstance . There is a portion of th e homeless population that has chosen to live in their vehicles because they neither have th e means, ability or desire to find other living facilities . Within recent months there has been a concern regarding the number of homeless that are sleeping in their vehicles on public streets . Over the years there has been an increase i n citizen/business complaints to the police department pertaining to this matter particularly aroun d the Shelter and Day Center areas as well as the more industrialized areas around the south side o f town . Some complaints have filtered in from residential neighborhoods where a segment of th e homeless population in cars/RV's move to a variety of locations to avoid law enforcemen t contact . It's recognized that a segment of this population is in need of alternative options in order t o safely park, rest and effectively utilize the services available to them . However, there is a n element of this population that has no desire to partake in services being offered and will use th e confines of their vehicle as a place to use and deal drugs, abuse alcohol and engage in othe r criminal activity . 1 Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 201 2 TOOLS AVAILABLE TO THE POLICE TO ADDRESS ILLEGAL PARKIN G The police department has limited tools when dealing with people who choose to live in thei r vehicles . The two most common methods of enforcement include a violation of SLOM C 17 .16 .015 — Camping in a vehicle and VC 22651(k) — 72 hour parking . Camping in a vehicl e In the City of San Luis Obispo, by ordinance, it is illegal to utilize a vehicle (car, RV, moto r home) as living or sleeping quarters on a public street . In order to address this behavior the Sa n Luis Obispo Police Department will use this violation as a means to contact, identify, an d possibly issue citations to violators of this ordinance . Historically, this violation has not been used excessively . Since 2002 a total of 171 people have been issued a citation in violation of this ordinance . However, this number does not accuratel y represent the amount of contacts officers make for a violation of this ordinance . Realizing ther e is a sense of balance and compassion for violators in this predicament an officer may choose to write a field contact card, provide a warning or do nothing at all which in all likelihood has bee n the trend of the past. Recently there has been a significant increase in the amount of violations of this ordinance an d contacts due to a public outcry and expectation of enforcement by the police department . Years of tolerance and limited enforcement has created a situation where "all our welcome" with a mixing of those who legitimately need services along with those that take advantage and ar e involved in criminal and anti-social behavior . Additionally, several areas within our communit y suffer from issues of blight with the large number of homeless vehicles lined along city streets , some with leaking automotive fluids and human waste causing additional health an d environmental concerns . Although an effective ordinance, there is no real way for a police officer to determine th e intentions of the violator, whether they are a citizen temporarily down on their luck or a violato r with alternative motives or criminal intentions . By experience police officers often contac t violators of this ordinance who are known criminal offenders, parolees, sex registrants an d persons of interests in a variety of criminal investigations . Conversely, other violators have bee n found to be passing through town, in need of help or already partaking in the services offered i n our community . In some cases a violator may be both . 2 • Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 2012 Number of Citations issued for a violation of SLMC 17 .16 .01 5 Year # citations issued 2002 8 2003 1 2 2004 1 1 2005 1 1 2006 7 2007 5 2008 1 0 2009 2 5 2010 8 2011 22 2012 (Jan — Mar)52 72 hour parkin g Many of the homeless population living in their vehicles will park at a variety of location s throughout our community . In the City of San Luis Obispo a vehicle is not allowed to park on a public street, in one location, in excess of 72 hours . In order to meet the requirements of th e violation a vehicle must be "tagged" with a notice advising the operator/owner/violator that the y have 72 hours from the date and time posted on the notice to move their vehicle (car, boat , trailer, RV) at least 500 feet away from its present location . Some of the violators of the 72 hour ordinance are legitimately "abandoned vehicles"; vehicle s for some reason that are inoperable or abandoned and given up by the owner . Some of th e violators are citizens who live in our community and choose to park their RV, boat, trailer or ca r on a public street because they do not have enough space to park on their private property o r driveway. Some refuse to pay for storage at a private storage facility and will continually pla y the "shell" game by moving their vehicle to a new location to avoid a 72 hour tag or violation . Included in the abandoned vehicle total is a portion of the homeless population that chooses t o live in their vehicle . Many of these people are well versed with our laws and their limitations an d will circulate throughout the city to avoid a 72 hour tag or simply move just prior to th e expiration of a 72 hour tag . The majority of abandoned vehicle calls for service are generated by citizen complaint . In order to handle the large number of calls for service pertaining to abandoned vehicles th e police department has created an abandoned vehicle call for service list . It is the primary functio n of one SLOPD employee to go through the abandoned vehicle list, physically visit the location , issue a notice and return three days later to see if a violation still exists . If a violation exists the employee will declare the vehicle abandoned and have it towed by a contract towing company . 3 • • • Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7,201 2 In most instances the vehicle has been moved the necessary 500 feet or removed from the are a completely . Once moved, often more complaints are generated, and the process starts over again . There is a great deal of time and effort put forth by the police department to address thi s continual problem, however, there is little resolution to the overall issue of ridding ou r community of this behavior within the confines of this existing ordinance . Year #Of Reported Abandons Moved or Gone On Arriva l 2007 1048 847 (80%) 2008 960 796 (83%) 2009 796 673 (85%) 2010 782 663 (85%) 2011 781 660 (85%) 2012 (Jan — Mar)146 131 (90%) SAFE PARKING PROGRAM - BACKGROUND In March of 2011 Supervisor Adam Hill, as Chair for the Homeless Services Oversight Council , signed a resolution urging local jurisdictions to "seriously consider the establishment of Safe Parking projects and make their best efforts to support such interim approaches, using identifie d best practices". Several community advocates for the homeless, as well as existing entities that support service s for the homeless were vocally in favor of creating a safe parking environment for citizens i n need . Many have taken their concerns to a number of councils to educate and gamer support fo r safe parking programs . In March of 2012, the Arroyo Grande City Council approved a safe parking pilot program at a local church, allowing three vehicles to park in their private parkin g lot during nighttime hours . The program will be monitored by the church and evaluated at a late r date . If successful the plan is to increase the number of allowable vehicles to 5 . Recently, the City of San Luis Obispo has stepped forward to partner with the Communit y Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, Inc . (CAPSLO) to provide safe parking services for the homeless . On March 20, 2012, in a 5-0 vote, the City Council approved the implementation of a safe parking pilot program at the Prado Day Center for a six month period . The program wil l allow 5 vehicles to park in the parking lot during nighttime hours . Clients parking in the lot wil l be screened and be expected to participate in case management services to assist them i n returning to more permanent or transitional housing . Once a client is successful it is expecte d that another client with a vehicle will take the vacant spot . At the end of the six months the pilot program will be evaluated and information will be brought back to council to address the need for municipal code changes in order to adopt a long-term citywide program . 4 Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 201 2 OTHER COMMUNITIES WITH EXISTING &SUSTAINABLE SAFE PARKING PROGRAM S City of Santa Barbara In February 2010 Venice Action Alliance (a group made up of Venice residents who wor k together to solve community problems) completed a visit and report on the Safe Parking Progra m operated in the City of Santa Barbara . A report was created and posted on the Internet . Information from this report was used to generate portions of this report . Additional research included discussions with Kristine Schwarz who is the Executive Director o f New Beginnings, the organization that provides case management for clients in the Safe parkin g Program . Discussions about the Safe Parking Program also took place with Lt . McCaffrey of the Santa Barbara police department which provided insight about the impacts the program has ha d on their agency and surrounding communities . Like other communities along coastal California the City of Santa Barbara was experiencing a large influx of homeless as well as car dwelling homeless into their community . Some of the homeless living in vehicles was involved in drugs, alcohol and other illegal activity . Th e behavior prompted the City to initiate an entire ban on camping in a vehicle in the city . Homeles s advocates responded with a law suit and a settlement negotiation resulted in the creation of wha t is now known as the New Beginnings Parking Program . The program has been inexistence fo r over 4 years . New Beginnings is a social service center that that engages in the promotion of healthy lif e concepts for the Santa Barbara community . New Beginnings provides counseling services, life skills and outreach programs . Clients must complete an application with New Beginnings wher e they are evaluated for counseling, aid and the availability to other services . Programs are offere d to clients, however, they are not required to participate in order to be accepted to the Safe Parking program . Good behavior is the only requirement expected of participants . In 2010 the City of Santa Barbara estimated there were approximately 354 vehicles in whic h people were living . The numbers would tend to increase in the summer and decrease in th e winter . Currently the City of Santa Barbara has 23 parking lots with 112 parking space s accommodating approximately 150 people . Some lots are as small as 1 vehicle with the larges t lot holding 15 vehicles . Two lots house strictly RV's . Some lots are for women and childre n only . These safe parking sites are located on city, county, church, nonprofit and other busines s property . New Beginnings is responsible for insuring all of the lots (estimated appx . $4,200 .00 a year). The insurance covers the lots as well as the program participants with liability insurance . New Beginnings has two case workers that visit the parking lots at least twice a week to chec k compliance, build relationship with clients and offer services . Clients are referred to program s within New Beginnings or other social service agencies depending on need . Case workers ar e on-call and available 24/7 . 5 Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 201 2 An application and screening process is required for all clients . All clients in the Safe Parkin g Program are required to have a valid driver's license, current California vehicle registration and insurance . Clients must apply monthly for a parking permit and verify they are in complianc e with license, registration and insurance requirements each time . The goal of the program is to find permanent or transitional housing for all participants . -Lots are typically at 100% capacit y -There is a small waiting lis t -90% of participants are involved in case management -New Beginning provides loans to 20% of clients for vehicle repairs, licensing, insuranc e -5% use the life skills trainin g -10-15% use counseling service s -95% on the clients are considered extremely low incom e -There is no limit for the amount of time a client may stay -The program is based on trust -Clients do not have to be Santa Barbara residents or show proof of residenc y Most of the parking lots have a "Lot Captain". This assigned position is a client that parks on sit e and has attendant responsibilities to ensure that regulations are being followed and clients ar e orderly . Clients that break the rules are dropped from the program after one warning . Also, cas e managers or personnel from the parking site help monitor compliance, cleanliness and behavior . There is an understanding that participants may have alcohol, drug addiction and mental healt h problems . Participants may not be interested in services in the beginning, but building positiv e relationships can lead to referrals in the future . There is no drug testing completed to enter th e program . There may be a background checks and selective placement of clients based upo n criminal, mental or behavioral history . New Beginnings works with local residents, businesses and interested groups to find viabl e parking locations . If there is dissention in the nearby community a lot will not be established .A private waste hauler is contracted where RV dumping can take place at a central site . This ha s been deemed as a very important part of the program . The parking program costs approximately $125,000 a year . The City of Santa Barbara fund s approximately half of the funds through the general fund . Approximately $15,000 is received through Federal Block Grants, approximately $15,000 through private donations and $50,00 0 from a variety of foundations . The City of Santa Barbara does have a "no camping in vehicle ordinance" and it had to b e constructed to allow safe parking programs to exist in the City . The Police Department continue s to enforce the no camping in a vehicle ordinance by complaint, but it is not a regularly use d ordinance . The City of Santa Barbara has an ordinance that was introduced in 2007 that limite d the availability for RV's and other vehicles to park on public streets for no longer than 2 hours , or in designated parts of the City or certain periods of time during the nighttime hours . Thi s 6 Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 201 2 ordinance has several exemptions and signage requirements that are burdensome to meet and ar e not fully supported by the local courts . It was reported that even with the safe parking program there remains a large influx of homeles s sleeping in RV's and vehicles in other areas of town not designated as safe parking areas . Although the 2 hour parking ordinance exists this issue is not a police department priority an d the ordinance is rarely enforced . Also by ordinance the Public Works Director on the advice of the Police Chief can post signag e to ban or restrict parking in specific use areas . It was expressed that the ability to spread the nighttime parking locations throughout the community and not allow vehicles to congregate i n mass has reduced problems within the community . From a police department perspective the Safe Parking Program is being run efficiently and ther e has been nothing to indicate an increase in calls for service or adverse effects as a result of th e program . City of Ventura Research was conducted with Commander Mark Stadler of the Ventura Police Department . Commander Stadler coordinates all homeless services for the agency and has overseen th e department's efforts toward developing a safe parking program . Additional research was conducted with Bill Finley who oversees the Salvation Army in Ventura and he was als o involved in the development process of a safe parking program . The population of Ventura is approximately 110,000 people . Over the years the City of Ventur a has seen a significant increase in the homeless population entering their city . Additionally, due t o poor economic times, several of its own residents have fallen into poverty and homelessness . This increase has included the amount of homeless living out of their vehicles . In order to deal with this problem the police department began to utilize their "no camping in a vehicle" ordinance . Because of the stepped up enforcement (similar to what we are experiencin g in the City of San Luis Obispo) the issue of vehicle homelessness generated a public outcry an d identified the need to provide other types of services to the homeless population that lived i n their cars . Initially the topic of a safe parking zone met with overwhelming support by those sensitive to th e homeless needs countered with a skeptical view by a segment of the population that wa s concerned about safety, criminal activity and attracting an undesirable element of the homeles s population to the community . Several meetings were arranged for community input an d feedback . Prior to the implementation of a program the City of Ventura evaluated similar programs i n neighboring Santa Barbara and Eugene, Oregon . Along with community input and research the y took what they felt were the best practices of both cities and created a program that organizer s felt would best fit the City of Ventura . The City of Ventura partnered with the Salvation Arm y and began managing its first two lots in March of 2010 titled as the Safe Sleep Program . 7 Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 201 2 Under the Safe Sleep Program the City of Ventura has authorized the use of 3 lots, holding up t o 5 vehicles per lot, with a maximum of 2 people per car . The City has worked closely with th e religious community who were the more vocal groups in favor of providing night time parkin g services . After public notices and community forums two church locations were approved . On e of the lots has a porta-potty and the other allows access to bathroom facilities on site . Anothe r church location attempted to have a lot approved, however, after a great deal of public commen t and negative support for this location it was not approved . The program has a site selection committee consisting of a representative from the Polic e Department, a representative from the Salvation Army and a representative from the Communit y Development Department. The City of Ventura provided initial seed money of $25,000 to start up the program . Th e Salvation Army (working closely with the church groups) provides overall management of th e program . The City provides budgeted funds (approximately $15,000 annually) for personnel an d case management costs . The Salvation Army employs one full time case manager that meet s with clients, minimally every other week, or a couple times a week depending on need . The parking locations are not advertised and all clients are referred to the Salvation Army for th e application process . The Salvation Army has a 24-hour contact number available to assist thos e in need of services . During the planning stages there was concern that others not belonging to the community woul d travel to their area to use these facilities. One of the first priorities was to ensure that client s receiving help were residents of the City of Ventura . Clients must prove residency one of thre e ways : Proof of recent home ownership or recent rental histor y Work in the City of Ventura or recently work in the City of Ventur a Using community services within the last 6 month s All clients are drug tested prior to entry and must remain drug free . Clients are allowed to stay a t the parking site for 10 weeks . Check-in is at 6 p .m . with check out at 6 a .m . This process i s coordinated through the Salvation Army and church personnel . While using the Safe Slee p Program participants are expected to actively seek employment or find alternatives to thei r existing situation . There are some services and assistance provided by the Salvation Army an d other social service outlets, however, after 10 weeks the client is expected to move on . On average the program assists 7 to 8 vehicles total at any one time . Rarely does the program fil l to its maximum of 10 . Although a third lot has been approved (for a max of 15 vehicles), th e need to acquire a third lot anytime soon is not a priority because services are effectively bein g rendered to those in need that meet the program requirements . Three factors that have guided th e program's success include : 8 Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 2012 No drug use (including medical marijuana ) Drivers must be licensed and cars must be licensed and insure d Clients must enter the process with a desire to change behavior and end homelessnes s To date there have been minimal setbacks and nothing of significance has resulted in additiona l police calls for service or stepped up law enforcement . Last year (March 2011 — Feb . 2012) th e Safe Sleep Program contracted with 21 clients . They were able to successfully place 60% of th e clients into permanent or transitional housing . As previously mentioned the program only allow s 2 persons per vehicle . Families (of more than 2) are not allowed to participate in the program , however, at minimum the program will find families with more than 2 members transitiona l housing and discourage their living in a vehicle whether in the program, or out on the streets . CURRENT HOMELESS VEHICLE CAMPING PROBLEMS IN SAN LUIS OBISP O Even with the implementation of the Safe Parking pilot program at the Prado Day Center, its us e will have little impact on the overall issue of the excessive number of cars and RV's that ar e parked on public streets where its occupants are sleeping/camping in their vehicles . As the Safe Parking Program is evaluated and possibly maintained as a more permanent progra m in the future part of the evaluation process will likely include additional safe parking location s and the viability of providing services to a larger population in need . In a recent informal study by the Prado Day Center staff (contacting subjects identified as livin g in an RV, car, truck or van in SLO) it was estimated that of the 69 surveyed, 24 would b e interested in a safe parking program as a means to improve their life and current situation . Certainly, requirements of the plan to remain drug/alcohol free, maintain insurance, registratio n and being licensed will exclude those participants that although interested, may not qualify t o participate . Additionally, some of those surveyed many not have an interest in participation because they d o not want to change their current behavior or lifestyle . As such they would continue to live on th e streets and likely continue to alert police officers and generate calls for service . Regardless of the counseling, programming and benefits we as a community provide to those i n need there will always be an element of this population that will be unwilling to create chang e for their own behalf and continue to use drugs, abuse alcohol and/or participate in other illega l activity . With the existing "no camping in a vehicle" ordinance and 72 hour parking laws th e police department will need additional, more efficient tools to deal with this repetitive illega l behavior . This is the element of the homeless population that law enforcement is targeting t o keep our citizens safe and our community a pleasurable place to live and visit . 9 Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 201 2 SYNOPSI S Both safe parking programs in the City of Santa Barbara and Ventura operate with a simila r philosophy of providing help to those in need and the eventual goal of finding transitiona l housing for their clients . Both cities recognize the importance of community compassion,a vested involvement in supporting a variety of human need services and supplementing this effor t with city funds . Conversely, the cities of Santa Barbara and Ventura offer differing perspective s and opportunities for the Safe Parking Programs they operate . Santa Barbara tends to have a more liberal policy with the acceptance of clients into the safe parking program . There are no residency requirements or mandatory time limits clients can us e the safe parking lots . There is an expectation that clients are "good neighbors" and refrain fro m drug/alcohol use and abuse . There is an understanding as long as they are not disruptive, lapse s may occur, however it is the programs goal to assist with recovery and eventual placement into a more permanent housing . Clients are not required to program and are allowed to participate i n programming opportunities at their convenience . The parking locations are consistently full . Clients are from Santa Barbara as well as other areas of the State and Country . Ventura offers fewer parking locations than the City of Santa Barbara and expressed a muc h more conservative approach to the operation of their safe parking program . Ventura has a significantly fewer amount of parking spots . They have a defined period of use and there is a n expectation that all participants use program services to better their circumstance and eventuall y obtain transitional housing . Drugs and alcohol are not tolerated . Ventura City has strict residenc y requirements and it was expressed their obligation was to provide safe parking services fo r residents that were vested and committed to their community . They typically keep only half o f the available lots occupied and all clients have ties to the City of Ventura . Program Comparisons Program Details City of Santa Barbara City of Ventur a Program Age 4 2 Type of Organization New Beginnings Salvation Arm y Program SizeNehicles 112 1 5 Number of Parking Lots 23 3 Capacity projections frequently full 7 — 8 vehicles on averag e Parking Lot Ownership churches/business/government churche s City Residency Requirements No Yes — must show proof Program Budget $125,000 $15,000 Vehicle Requirement s Reg/Insuranee/Driver's License Yes Yes Maximum Stay Unlimited 10 week s Case management required Yes — limited Yes Vehicle Program Permit Required Yes - 30 day — renewable Yes- 2 week - renewabl e Success Rate Not tracked for safe parking 60% to transitional housing 1 0 Impacts of Safe Parking Program s April 7, 201 2 CONCLUSIO N The City of San Luis Obispo has recognized that a safe parking program needs to be offered to a segment of our community that is looking for sanctuary and recovery from their curren t predicament . As researched there are varying opinions as to how this objective can be reached . Santa Barbara and Ventura have contrasting philosophies . Santa Barbara operates a more libera l program allowing a variety of those in need of services to utilize the safe parking lots . Ventura is more restrictive offering safe parking specifically to those that can prove residency in their city. The City of San Luis Obispo will need to evaluate its long term expectations should safe parking locations continue into the future . Additionally the City needs to research and craft ordinances that benefit those that are activel y seeking to improve or restore their life circumstance . This would be inclusive of amending th e existing "no camping in a vehicle" ordinance to exempt safe parking locations from th e ordinance . Conversely, the City needs to research and implement ordinances that provide la w enforcement with effective tools to address the criminal and anti-social behavior by segments o f the population that refuse to change and insist on living in an environment and behavior that i s destructive or hurtful to the citizens and visitors in our community . • • Revised 6/12/1 2 11