2016-09-06 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Peter Katz, noted that branding impossible; do not fight over territory; needle exchange program taking place in the library — move elsewhere; affordable housing funds are being reduced; county needs to get involved; put pressure on the State to solve the problem; 10 year program and now 811 year and nothing to show; • Jeffrey Jensen, owner of Chapter One Restaurant; opined that homeless have quadrupled in six years; need a central place may not be appropriate place; right now proliferating into the downtown and other areas of the City; • Mohammed Aly, opined that proposed resolution is an oxymoron; moot to have use of transit terminal as shelter since the County has already taken action • Ruth Hall, homeless are victims that have been preyed upon by the community, moral issue; provide facilities for all. • Brooke Weitzman, representative of the national lawyers guild, reminded all that in 2014 indicated that property storage should be considered and transit vouchers; do not criminalize and increase police presence; treat with dignity and find solutions such as housing • Benjamin Vazquez, thanked the City Council for considering the item; proposed use of the City's jail for services and not as profit making facility. • Ana Urzua, commended the City for bringing matter forward; does not adequately address public health concerns; address housing and personal necessities; • Phil Bacerra, proposed alternative site for homeless services (3131 S. Standard known as the Alton Yard) that is owned the City; homeless should not be located next to the award winning library. • Dave Hoen, City needs to provide a hand up and not a handout what will proliferate homelessness; downtown should not be area to provide services • Claudia Ramirez, represent Project Homelessness; read timeline into the record of action taken by the City Council. • Madeline Spencer, noted that homeless have been around for over 20 years; remove the criminalization portion of the resolution • Dylan Thompson, good that the County opening the shelter, but other services are needed including housing — permanent and affordable housing • Beth Noelle Smits, homeless in civic center; area has unsanitary conditions and infestation of maggots and skin conditions; do not criminalize homelessness • Smitty, what is the goal with the resolution; where should feeding take place? • Brizzy Mae, asked what the crisis is and for additional services to be provided including restroom facilities and phone charging stations. • Tiffany Tabares, asked that those being cited be allowed to receive services including mental health; proposed to create a safe zone for women with one security guard; Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Martinez, provided background as to how resolution came to be; not proposing to criminalize homelessness; public and health crisis that is CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6 SEPTEMBER 6, 2016