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addressing homelessness. City Manager Kurtz also seeks the Council Committees approval of <br /> creating a City Homeless Services Manager position and taking it to City Council. <br /> Co-Chair Villegas inquires about the Needle Exchange Program, to which Robert Cortez <br /> explains that the current agreement is set to expire in February 2018, and a potential renewal <br /> process is being reviewed. The Exchange Program provides 20 new needles, for every one old <br /> needle, with a maximum of 200 per week. Additionally, Robert Cortez notes that an amendment <br /> to increase the frequency of trash pickups and pressure washings will be proposed at an <br /> upcoming City Council meeting. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENTS (pertaining to Item No. 3) <br /> Chris Schmidt, concerned resident of the Windsor Village neighborhood, shares his support of <br /> the recommended action and creating a City position to address the homelessness. He shares <br /> details of an incident in which the County responded to assist in a homeless encampment fire, as <br /> an example of why the need for creating a position and action plan is necessary. <br /> Chairman Solorio makes a motion to recommend Staff's proposed action plan to City Council. <br /> MOTION: Solorio SECOND: Villegas <br /> VOTE: AYES: Villegas, Solorio <br /> NOES: None (0) <br /> Motion carries. <br /> ACTION: <br /> Co-Chair Villegas: Shares his support of creating the Homeless Manager position, but also <br /> requests that additional individuals be hired to address individuals with mental health concerns, <br /> to ensure 7-day week coverage. Co-Chair Villegas also requested more follow-up for individuals <br /> with mental health concerns, and for continued cleaning and trash pickups in the Civic Center. <br /> Chairman Solorio shares that the County has 100 acres of land near the Great Park, to be used for <br /> institutional purposes, including a homeless shelter. Therefore, he requests advocacy for using <br /> this land for a shelter. Additionally, Chairman Solorio requests support for the Fairview <br /> developmental center becoming a mental health facility. After sharing some examples of tactical <br /> ideas to addressing the homeless, Chairman Solorio requests an email update from SAPD and <br /> OCFA with the number of calls for service, year-to-date, that are related to homelessness. <br /> 6 <br />