11.26.2018 City Council Work Session Minutes

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3. WORK SESSION: Rest Stop Program Update and Siting Policy Discussion Policy Analyst Jason Dedrick provided a brief update on the Rest Stop program and siting policy. Council Discussion • Rest Stop program was established as a low-cost way to provide shelter for people who have no other shelter options; not meant to be a permanent solution. • The benefits of having shelter are proven; rest stops are imperfect, but currently helpful. • Councilors should be notified if there are problems or challenges at rest stops in their ward. • Consider additional funding to support operational expenses in the next budget cycle. • Rethink some of the limitations of the current program; may be adding unfairly to stigmas and stereotypes. • Council needs to know what changes can be made to the program to facilitate its expansion. • Rest Stop program is successful; over 40 percent of rest stop users have transitioned to more stable housing. Rest stop residents have proven to be good neighbors • The program limitations contribute to the City's inability to identify sites; education and outreach important to destigmatizing the rest stop program. • Rest stops provide safety and security for the residents that needs to be emphasized. • Consider allocating more resources towards additional logistical support for rest stop site identification and outreach. • Giving the City Manager more discretion and authority to designate rest stop sites is reasonable; more flexibility on rest stop locations is also needed. • Ward 4 task team will begin looking at potential spaces for shelter options; greater flexibility would be helpful. • An indoor shelter and day center is still a priority; reconsider using City Hall lot for temporary shelter; downtown is ideal location for the unhoused to receive services. • Rest stop approach may be hindering council's efforts to meaningfully address the issue of homelessness; a permanent shelter is possible but needs council support. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Syrett, seconded by Councilor Semple, moved to extend the work session by 10 minutes. PASSED 5:2, councilors Taylor and Clark opposed. • A permanent shelter will not solve the problem of homelessness; a follow-up discussion with more specifics around options is needed. • Any changes to the ordinance would require a public hearing, giving people the opportunity to provide input. • Success of downtown will depend on everyone working together in good faith. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Syrett, seconded by Councilor Semple, moved that the City Manager prepare for council's consideration a set of options for amending or revising the rest stop program and ordinance that have the potential to expand the number of sites established by the City. PASSED 6:1, Councilor Clark opposed. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Beth Forrest City Recorder Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting: here MINUTES — Eugene City Council November 26, 2018 Page 2 Work Session