10.22.2018 City Council Work Session Minutes

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Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt and City Manager's Office Division Manager Becky DeWitt introduced a proposal to create an overnight safe sleeping location and day center on a portion of the former City Hall block. Council Discussion • The proposed camping site is dependent on finding a private service provider willing to operate the site; staff is working to identify the organization that will take on responsibility for the day-to-day operations. • Although the site will use a 'low barrier" threshold for admittance, alcohol and drug use will be prohibited. • City funds will be spent to establish and run the proposed site, using modular infrastructure that can be used at another location; important to apprise council of the costs along the way. • Proposal is a reaction rather than a plan to address downtown issues; the City enabling those without shelter to sleep outdoors. Efforts should be made towards creating a safe, indoor structure. • Good temporary site, good plan, and good approach to a difficult issue; appropriate emphasis placed on coordinated entry and case management. • Providing an alternative to sleeping on the streets is a good temporary measure. • The budget for the proposed site is still being developed; staff will continue to look for a more permanent solution and will engage the County in a conversation about sharing some of the expenses. • Recognize that the proposal is not the ideal solution; it is a good interim step that acknowledges the challenges of approaching winter weather. • Efforts should be made to ensure the model is successful and ultimately replicable at other sites. • The site must be visually attractive; important to ensure community support and confidence. • Goal in creating the facility should be that it doesn't attract negative attention. • Staff is working to get the site up and running as quickly as possible, while being appropriately cautious and deliberate to ensure its success. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Clark, seconded by Councilor Evans, moved to extend by 10 minutes. PASSED 8:0. • Because the site is still City -owned property, it's important to be assured that the site will be safe and secure. If public health or public safety risk is identified, the City Manager is authorized to shut the site down immediately. • Acknowledge that this is a temporary plan to protect vulnerable people from the elements while longer-term shelter is created. • Appreciate consideration of dog owners at day center; encourage staff to consider ways to accommodate dog owners at dusk -to -dawn camp. • Need to have a plan in place to deal with possibility that demand will greatly exceed availability. • Those who are currently camping at the Butterfly lot site cannot be forced to move to an alternative site. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Clark, seconded by Councilor Taylor, moved to authorize the City Manager to move forward with piloting a temporary day center and dusk -to -dawn site on a portion of the City Hall block. PASSED 7:1, Councilor Clark opposed. MINUTES — Eugene City Council October 22, 2018 Page 3 Work Session