Council Study Session

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF MONTEREY Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers Haffa, Selfridge, Della Sala Absent: Councilmembers Downey, Sollecito City Staff City Manager, Director of Information Resources/City Clerk, Assistant City Present: Manager, Police Chief, Community Services Director, Deputy City Manager, Plans & Public Works, Chief of Planning, Engineering, and Environmental Compliance, Housing & Property Manager, Assistant Police Chief CALL TO ORDER Mayor Della Sala called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Della Sala opened the floor for public comments on items not on the agenda, no one came forward, and he closed public comments. AFTERNOON STUDY SESSION 1. Receive Reports from the Department of Plans and Public Works on: Real Property Management, City Specific Plans, Capital Improvement Program Management, and Long-term Capital Improvement Plan (Plans & Public Works - 804-01) Action: Received and discussed report Deputy City Manager Plans and Public Works Uslar introduced the item. Chief of Planning and Engineering Rerig presented details regarding the Housing and Property Management Division. Principal Planner Cole presented an overview on the Planning Division's work on the 2005 General Plan and related Specific Plans. Principal Engineer Harary reviewed the Plans and Public Works Capital Projects programs, including CIP, NIP, and PMSA. Deputy City Manager Uslar and Senior Engineer Krebs detailed the assessment of City assets and the five-year and twenty-year strategies. Mr. Uslar stressed the need to fund the maintenance of the City's numerous assets. Mayor Della Sala opened public comment on the item, and had no requests to speak. He closed public comment. Mayor Della Sala called a recess at 5:45 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Three Councilmembers were present, with Councilmember Downey and Councilmember Sollecito absent.  City Council Minutes Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Della Sala reopened public comment on items not on the agenda. Nina Beety requested that the Wi-Fi in the Council Chamber be shut off due to her health issues. She announced a workshop on fracking scheduled for April 30th. She voiced concerns regarding a project that would install wind turbines in Gonzales. Hazel Thompkins thanked everyone for coming to the meeting on homelessness tonight. There were no more requests to speak, and Mayor Della Sala closed public comments. EVENING STUDY SESSION 2. Receive Report on Homelessness in the City of Monterey (Recreation & Community Services - 207-04) Action: Received and discussed report City Manager Meurer clarified that the two absent Councilmembers plan to view the video of this meeting. He introduced the item, giving the background and saying that it is important to differentiate between homelessness and behaviors. He introduced Community Services Director Bui Burton who presented a detailed report on homelessness in Monterey and the surrounding region. She introduced Tom Melville, Executive Director of the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers (CHSP). He reviewed the Monterey and San Benito Counties' "Continuum of Care for the Homeless" program, saying that they have had tremendous strain on resources in recent years. Housing and Property Manager Marvin reviewed the City's current policy regarding allocation of CDBG resources, noting that a high priority is focused on homeless prevention. He said that $123,060 was allocated this fiscal year, representing a 50% reduction from last year due to loss of redevelopment agency funds. Police Chief Penko reviewed some community concerns regarding panhandling and unlawful behaviors that affect peoples' health and safety. He stressed that his job is to enforce the law and the importance of having cooperation from the people served by the Police. Ms. Bui Burton introduced Meho from Monterey's sister city, Dubrovnik, Croatia. She reviewed programs that he has responsibility for as part of his job with that city. Meho gave a brief history of the evolution of their programs and summarized by saying that the cost of their programs is approximately $300,000 per year. Community Services Director Bui Burton reviewed the next steps in this process, including upcoming meetings and items that staff will bring to Council at a future meeting. Councilmember Haffa requested a cost-benefit analysis between enforcement and programs. Mayor Della Sala opened public comment on the item. Mary Alice Cerrito-Fettis supported placing receptacles in areas so people can give donations to community service organizations via those receptacles rather than giving money directly to panhandlers. Rick Johnson, Executive Director of OMBA, supported finding ways to help people. He said that the panhandling in the Downtown has become so outrageous that some people are afraid to come Downtown. He introduced Dr. Walt Tribley, President of MPC, who invited everyone to the May 18 symposium. He said that the symposium will help MPC meet their mission to educate, which will help get at the root of the problem. He clarified that MPC would not be used as a facility because it would not be appropriate. 2 City Council Minutes Wednesday, April 24, 2013 Timothy Barrett, Monterey resident, presented details about the upcoming symposium. Timothy Gwen, one of the homeless, introduced his bird and thanked the staff and police officers for their compassion. He said that programs are a band-aid, and what is needed are offers of work. Jeff Stiles, Monterey resident, said that he and his wife have been working with a ministry that feeds the homeless. He suggested that developing relationships is important and that might be the best way to spend resources. Laurie Stiles told a story of their relationship with a homeless blind man who, through that relationship, now has a job and is a dear friend. Rafael Zenito supported services for the homeless. Jaycee Romero, a traveler, thanked the staff for differentiating between different types of people. He opposed ordinances that target the homeless. Leslie Patino, Monterey resident, opposed allowing homeless people to camp at Veterans' Park at no charge. John Harbick, former traveler, voiced concerns that there are no real homeless services in the area. He said that collection boxes will not stop panhandling because travelers will stop here and they will continue to panhandle. Vinz Koller, Chair of the Democratic Party of Monterey County, said that Susan Beach was a community builder and is a reminder to people that anyone could end up homeless. He opposed criminalizing benign behaviors. Judy Karas, Monterey resident, said that there is no women's shelter on the Peninsula, and she supported doing something more than the minimum. Lisa Ross, beach bum, said that she has traveled all around the coast and Monterey is gorgeous. She agreed that relationships are important, saying that love and acceptance can help build confidence. Joyce Vandevere, Monterey resident, urged people to approach the homeless in the spirit of brotherhood. She stressed the humanity of every person and urged that ordinances not be targeted at the homeless. Mayor Della Sala called a recess at 9:07 p.m., then reconvened the meeting at 9:17 p.m. Nina Beety said that keeping people in their homes in the first place is the best approach. She suggested eminent domain foreclosures, promoting healthy communities, and eliminating property tax up to a certain square footage. She supported family shelters, women's shelters, and youth shelters. She said that criminal behavior cannot be tolerated. Larry Parrish, Homeless Solutions Network, expressed hope that workable solutions will be found, but said that he does not support additional ordinances that will punish people for being homeless. Christopher Cook voiced opposition to the Sit-Lie laws. Raven said she has been homeless since she was 17 years old. She said that homeless people have health issues and she will ask people for help when she needs it. Maxwell Green spoke in support of adding services, saying that in other communities that has reduced the number of homeless. Barbara Mitchell, Executive Director of Interim Incorporated, described the services they provide. She said that day shelters and camp grounds have not been shown to move people out of homelessness. She said that the public policy of the Federal government is to secure permanent housing. Reyes Bonilla, Executive Director of Shelter Outreach Plus, reviewed the programs his organization provides and said that they are revamping their MOST program to bring more services to Monterey. Uni Hummel spoke in opposition to Sit-Lie laws. Vincent Delgado, Community Human Services Safe Place, thanked the City for their support and the Police Department for their work with them. He described the services they are able to provide, but said they are unable to provide immediate shelter. Susan Tiffany, Director for the Good Samaritan Program, said that they serve 45-60 homeless people every day. She reviewed the services provided at their shelter, and said that they currently receive money from the City of Monterey. Doug Weile, Foothill 3 City Council Minutes Wednesday, April 24, 2013 Partners, reiterated the distinction between homelessness and lawlessness. He reviewed problems experienced in his downtown properties. Michael Alba said that it is important to discriminate between homelessness and criminality. Jim Cullem, Skyline Forest Neighborhood Association Board of Directors, spoke in opposition to a homeless encampment in Veterans' Park. He suggested leaving some public restrooms open 24 hours a day. He suggested looking at buildings on Fort Ord for housing opportunities. Nancy Jones, Interfaith Outreach Carmel, supported a regional solution as a joint effort of the Peninsula cities. Ross Branden, District Manager of Peet's Coffee and Tea, asked the City to alleviate some of the burden on area businesses caused by the need for public restrooms near the Transit Plaza. Tia Fechter said that she interacts with homeless on a daily basis. She urged compassion and opposed passing ordinances. She advocated for a program called Yard birds, a group of homeless people who do yard work. She committed to give $1,000 to support homeless programs. Michael Fechter commended the City of Monterey and said he is trying to set up a business to assist the homeless. Steven Reese, Monterey resident, encouraged Council to approach the issue from an evidence based analysis. He voiced concerns regarding the proposed ordinances, saying that they criminalize constitutionally protected rights. Sunny commended everyone who has participated today. She voiced concerns regarding the large number of homeless people in Monterey County. Elizabeth Yannish, volunteer at Safe Place, said that she is proud to be here tonight. She agreed with the distinction between the homeless and criminals. She said that building relationships is important and suggested having pancake breakfasts with the homeless and the Police Department. Judd Tilley, Monterey resident, voiced concerns regarding the criminal activity Downtown. He opposed a homeless cam in Veteran's Park. He asked if Councilmember Haffa would be allowed to vote on the homeless issues Aik, traveler, urged Council to talk to the homeless people. Darka Looma, former Marine and business owner, said that he understands what the business owners are going through. He said that he has also been homeless and something has to be done, but the Sit-Lie ordinances do not work. Cynthia Walters, Monterey resident and homeowner, suggested opening the public restrooms 24/7 and having the homeless help maintain them. Donna, El Estero Visitor's Center employee, said that some people choose to be homeless and there is no way to help them. She said that the City loses visitors due to the homeless situation. Rosalee Harris, Visitor Center employee, said that she has had countless visitors come in and complain about panhandlers. She voiced concerns about losing tourist business because of this issue. She said that she works in order to get what she wants. Ericka, homeless individual, said that she has been unable to find a job. She said that she has written stories about homeless people and she appreciates the kind people who have said kind things. Jeff Gormel said that people are calling out for help. He opposed a homeless camp at Veteran's Park. Having no further requests to speak, Mayor Della Sala returned the discussion to the dais. Councilmember Haffa said he would like to see a cost-benefit comparison of the cost of enforcing ordinances compared to the benefit having specific programs such as safe parking or jobs programs. Councilmember Selfridge supported looking at what can be done for homeless teens by working with Safe Place and other organizations. 4 City Council Minutes Wednesday, April 24, 2013 Mayor Della Sala said that any solution should be regional. He supported looking into a jobs program. He said that if day shelters and camping are not effective, he does not want to pursue that. He suggested that working with police officers would help build relationships. He said that adding public restrooms in the Downtown should help the business owners. On question, City Attorney Davi said that Councilmembers are allowed to espouse strong political views, and Councilmember Haffa would be able to vote on this issue. City Manager Meurer said that staff would bring options to the second meeting in May for Council to consider whether to pursue them. Councilmember Haffa urged staff to drop the sit-lie law, but said that he would support additional police presence and expanded parking restrictions if it came along with options. He said that he would support smoking restrictions in some place. He supported having a liaison. Councilmember Selfridge said she could support more police and a liaison. ADJOURNMENT Having no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Della Sala adjourned the meeting at 11:01 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Bonnie Gawf Chuck Della Sala Director Information Resources/City Clerk Mayor 5