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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCORRESPONDENCE - 85AA - SAUSD0 �" Santa Ana Unified School District t�J � Richard L. Miller, Ph.D., Superintendent �00� October 20, 2014 Chairman Shawn Nelson Supervisor 41h District Orange County Board of Supervisors Hall of Administration 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd. Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Chairman Shawn Nelson, Thank you and the Board of Supervisors for your continuing efforts to service the needs of Orange County residents. This correspondence is provided to you in efforts to fully convey the concerns of our parents, your constituents, residing within the Santa Ana Unified School District boundaries. On August 22, 2014, Superintendent Rick Miller wrote to you regarding the concerns our District has identified with the County's proposed placement of the homeless shelter located at 1217 E. Normandy Place, Santa Ana (see attachment 1). Though we have yet to receive a response, we are compelled to follow up on the issue due to the growing concerns of our parents and the lack of information and coordination we have received from the County on this issue. Parents and community members have voiced their concerns to the Santa Ana Unified Board of Education and staff of the following: 1. The site selection process did not allow them to weigh in on the impact to the neighborhood(s) with regard to safety, congestion, and overcrowding 2. The community did not receive adequate information on other alternatives that were considered In addition, the Santa Ana Unified School District has not had an opportunity to work collaboratively with the County to resolve issues that will ultimately impact school climate and safe learning environments. We are aware of the Santa Ana City Council's proposed resolution concerning the emergency 45 -day moratorium of Santa Ana emergency shelter and transitional housing ordinances and support an intentional delay to facilitate interagency collaboration and community involvement. CCM: 10/21/2014 Item 85AA Shawn Nelson - Page 2 Proposed Homeless Shelia, Normandy Place In order to address our constituents' concerns, Santa Ana Unified School District is in support of the City Council's adoption of an emergency 45-day moratorium of the City's emergency shelter and transitional housing ordinances in order to provide opportunity for interagency collaboration and community involvement on this issue (see attachment 2). We believe that it is critical that the voices of our parents be heard. We want to be part of the solution. We understand the need for these types of facilities, and support providing needed transitional housing within Orange County. However, we would like to discuss alternative models that might mitigate some of the concerns as well as provide improved services that would not be an adverse impact to the traffic, safety, and overcrowding of students and families in our schools and neighborhoods. Sincerely, Audrey Yamagata -Noji, Ph.D. President, Board of Education AYN:SP cc: Members, SAUSD Board of Education SAUSD Superintendent of Schools Members, OC Board of Supervisors Members, Santa Ana City Council Attachments 1601 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 42701, (714) 555 -5501 BOARD OF EDUCATION Audrey Yamagata -Noji, Ph.D., President • lose Alfredo Hern indez, J.D., Vice President Rob Richardson, Clerk • John Palaeio, Member • Cecilia "Ceci ' Iglesias, Member Attachment 1 Iof 2 Santa Ana Unified School District Richard L. Miller, PILD., Superintendent �S11100b August 22, 2014 Chairman Shawn Nelson Supervisor 4" District Orange County Board of Supervisors Hall of Administration 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd. Santa Ana, CA 92701 Re: Proposed Homeless Shelter/Normandy Place Dear Chairman Shown Nelson, There appears to be some confusion regarding our position on the proposed homeless shelter located at 1217 E. Normandy Place. I was informed of this proposal by Supervisor Nguyen in June along with one of our Board members (in a separate meeting). At that time, 1 voiced concern about the proposed shelter's proximity to Kennedy Elementary School and the potential for impacts on traffic. I was informed that there would be a new substation for the Santa Ana Police Department on the premises and that there would be an external contractor that would operate the facility. There was an explanation that the City of Santa Ana had declared an SB2 zone in the area that limited the location of the facility. At the beginning of July, 1 met with the City Manager of Santa Ana, and he discussed essentially the same proposal that was being forwarded by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Again, I voiced some of my concerns but had the impression that this was more or less a "done deal," and the only discussion was regarding issues of implementation. 1 was not informed as to a date for a public comment meeting. 1, along with several Board members, the principal of Kennedy Elementary School, and District staff attended a community meeting on Tuesday night. At that time, there seemed to be statements and representation of correspondence from City and County officials that seemed to suggest that we, as a District, were not interested and concerned about the issue Therefore, let me attempt to clarify our position on this matter. While we are greatly sensitive to the needs of our homeless citizens in fact, as a School District we sen'e 6,000 of these students and their families we do not see this proposal as the preferable solution. Our concerns are probably broader than what I will represent here, but the following will at least give you a notion of our concerns: We are concerned about the proximity of this facility being less than 1000' from Kennedy Elementary School. Certainly, the school and community have voiced their concern for the safety of the children and safe travel routes and we would agree- However, we also have a functionality concern as the proposed loading of the facility was stated as 200 residents, which obviously can impact the capacity and student - loading of this school. 1601 E. Chestnut Ave., Sonia Ana, CA 92701,1714) 558 -5501 BOARD OF EDUCATION Audrey Yamagata -Koji, Ph D., President a Josh Alfredo Hem6ndez, J,D., Vice President Rob Richardson, Clerk a John Palacio, Member a Coeds "Ceti' Iglesias, Member Attachment 1 2 of 2 Proposed Homeless Shcherlommndy Place S %USD - Page 2 • As stand by parents from Rcntudy, along with students from Century High School, there are also questions regarding the possible interaction beta ecn students and the residents of the proposed 1217 E. Normandy Place facility It Would scent that there are a number of assumptions made regarding this issue, Vet once it occurs, there are likely to be few options. • I uas informed that there was to be a police substation in association timilh this facility that would pro%ide a variety of services At the time, I raised time question of what eras meant by "substation." as I have seen the impicnmcntatinn of such vary from image alone to substance. Additionally, this Week 1 °heard" a remark that there was a plan for a ­substation.­ I have no idea if that is true: however, the point is that at a minirutn, there is confusion about the intention of a "substation" and what that migln actually mean. • 7 here was also a discussion of an estenml contractor operating the Normandy facility. In both cases. I suggested that there be due diligence re�aufing ilw reputation of any possible contractor including inte viewing of current community stakeholders whac they curremtly operate. • finally, it seems that proceeding with this muter mid- summer raises questions of transparency and the desire to engage the interests of parents and students in the process. Bottom line, so that there is greater clarity on this issue, we realiie that the Cup of Santa Ala has prerogali%c over the SB2 zone locations and sizes. furthermore, we also malice that this is a decision that is in the hands of the Change County Board of Supervisors. Clearly. u e as the Santa Ana I inifted School District do not play a rule in this decision. I lowever, you should he anare that we do NOT think that this is a good solution. and there are a numha of pnmblents a fill it. Additionally. location of this facility in dose proximity to ANY ofour schools is problematic in our %ie%%. Think you for your tine and allention to this nutter If ue can assist you with further input and dialogue %rich you, u c are more than happy to meet. Respectfully. 19449_-_- - -/_ 4V V Rick Miller. ph.D. Superintendent of School; cc. Members. Urangc County Board of Super isurs Mcmbers. SAUSD Board of rducuuon Councilmembers. Cam of Santa .Xna REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2014 TITLE: CONSIDERATION OF OPTIONS ADDRESSING PROPOSED COUNTY ORANGE EMERGENCY SHELTER MULTISERVICE CENTER i o - - Attachment 2 1of3 CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED FOR O As As Recommended Amended OF ❑ Ordinance on 1" Reading AND ❑ Ordinance one Reading ❑ Implamenting Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Consider options for addressing the proposed County of Orange emergency shatter and multi- service center. �ti •L Council agenda Items are authorized pursuant to Santa Ana Charter Section 411. Pursuant to this section, any member of the City Council may place items on the City Council agenda to be considered by the City Council. Counclimember Samtiento has requested that the City Council consider options to address community concerns expressed regarding the County of Orange emergency shelter and multi- service center proposed for 1217 E. Normandy Place. BACKGROUND In September 2013 the City Council adopted the Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing Ordinance In furtherance of compliance with California's Senate Bill 2 which requires cities to Identify zones where emergency shelters may be allowed by right. The Citys ordinance allows for one multi- service center with a maximum of 200 beds within limited industrial zones. On July 15, 2014 the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a purchase and sale agreement for a property located within one of the permitted zoning areas at 1217 E. Normandy Place, beginning a g0-day feasibility period. Escrow Is not anticipated to dose until January of 2015. Prior to this action, a community meeting was held on July 2, 2014 at Kennedy Elementary School to provide Information on the requirements contained within the City's zoning ordinance related to emergency shelters and the Countys proposed purchase of a facility In the area; however, the specific address of the facility was not released during the meeting due to the fact that real estate negotiations were still in progress. Following the Board of Supervisors' action on July 15, and concerned that the surrounding neighborhoods had not had sufficient notification and Information about the Impending purchase, Attachment 2 2 of 3 Emergency Shelter Options October 21, 2014 Page 2 community members organized an informational forum held on August 19, 2014 at Kennedy Elementary school to express their concems about potential impacts of an emergency shelter at the proposed location. On September 30, 2014 staff provided a presentation to the Development and Transportation Council Committee which discussed the provisions of the Clty's emergency shelter ordinance, confirmed that the property selected by the County Is within the permitted zone, and explained limitations on the City's ability to stop the establishment of the shelter at this location due to the County's preemption authority under state law. In order to provide an avenue to address the neighborhood's concerns, Councilmember Sarmiento requested Information on potential actions that the City could take In regards to the County's proposed emergency shelter. Staff has Identified the following two actions: Adopt a resolution requesting inter - agency cooperation and community Involvement — The City Council could request that a resolution be prepared that would establish a process for Inter - agency cooperation between the City and the County, and that would establish a role for the Involvement of the community in the further development of the emergency shatter. This action would be in alignment with the City's Strategic Plan. Adopt a 45-day emergency moratorium — This option would establish a 45-day period of time during which the provisions of the City's previously adopted emergency shelter and transitional housing ordinance would be set aside in order for further study to be conducted, thereby prohibiting the establishment of new emergency shelters. This would, however, not apply to the County due to the preemption authority previously described. This option would require that the City Council make findings that there was an imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare resulting from the provisions of the previously- adopted ordinance. Given that there Is little evidence to suggest that emergency shelters result In Increased crime or other public safety impacts as evidenced by crime reporting data for the two existing shelters in Santa Ana (the Santa Ana Armory and the Salvation Army shelter), and In light of the fact that the Council made findings in September of 2013 that the adoption of the ordinance would not be Injurious to the public health, safety and welfare, It would be d1 ficult to make findings to the contrary at this time. Adoption of the emergency moratorium would require a super - majority vote of the City Council. This action would not be In alignment with the City's Strategic Plan. Should the City Council move forward with this option, the City would cease to be in compliance with state law regarding both the Housing Element and the requirements of SB 2. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT The Strategic Plan contains two strategies relating to addressing the needs of the City's homeless population: Goal 1: Community Safety 85AA -2 Attachment 2 3of3 Emergency Shelter Options October 21, 2014 Page 3 Strategy 1g — Participate and collaborate with government agencies and community groups to assist In reducing cdminal behavior and providing resources for the homeless population. Goal 5: Community Health, Livability, Engagement & Sustalnability Strategy 3d — Continue to implement the Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing Ordinance (SB -2) to locate facilities for homeless shelters within the Light Industrial (M -1), Heavy Industrial (M -2) or Specific Development (SD) zones, which meet all of the required development and operational standards. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Karen A. Haluza interim Executive Director Planning and Building Agency 85AA -3