2016-09-06 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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affecting the homeless — need to protect those vulnerable; City proposing initiatives including wrap around services at former hotel that was dilapidated; City Attorney Carvalho, is well aware of the law and will not prosecute the homeless; PD will not issue citations simply for being homeless; but if other laws are ignored after several warnings then will cite; have met with ACLU to discuss enforcement strategy; resolution encompasses a true call and policy statement. City Manager Cavazos, indicated that he has met with various members of the labor unions that represent City employees; have met with CEO of County of Orange and Court Supervisor, need to do more and provide better health facilities; needle exchange program has been detrimental; better feeding location; PD has the HEART program and need additional staffing to have clean and sanitary conditions for all; will have a safety assessment study; will have a follow up report for City Council consideration. Police Chief Rojas, indicated that violations of the law will cite or arrest; balanced approach needed; have HEART program that is non -enforcement program. Councilmember Martinez, proposal is not to criminalize homelessness; need to include the entire County to address the issue; County has funds and jurisdictional authority to provide services; County has disregarded homeless services for many years; asked that County and City have better relationship and be held accountable — make a priority; 3 cities have housing authorities and challenge the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove and the County to produce 500 units in the next 3 years; proposed the San Diego model. Mayor Pro Tern Sarmiento, part of proposed action is moot since they took action earlier this morning; City expends approximately $5 million for security and other services to address homeless; all other cities in the County need to share responsibilities; compel the County to do what they should have done years ago; resolution is not criminalizing poverty or homelessness; need to secure the environment for all; thanked Dwight Smith for summarizing the inaction by the County of Orange — compel to do something; does not believe that transmit terminal should be permanent site, but it could be temporary site and will not conflict with county and city customers and employees; thanked last speaker for proposing safe area for women; County to develop such program; applaud Councilmember Martinez for her leadership; thanked officers who work the HEART program. Councilmember Benavides, thanked speakers, City has challenge that needs action; treat all with dignity; work with providers and be committed to work collectively (regional plan) or convene a summit; commit to move forward; would like to move forward on actions listed in resolution immediately; would like to move forward with portions of the resolution but concerned with other sections. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7 SEPTEMBER 6, 2016