AGENDA
ITEM
15 AGENDA
ITEM
CALEXICO California
15 CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: October 2, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
APPROVED BY: Juan Contrerras, Acting City Manager Al
REVIEWED BY: Sandra I. Fonseca, Interim Finance Director §† PREPARED BY: Armando Orozco, Police Chief AO
SUBJECT: Approval of Resolution No. 2024- _ of the City Council of the City of Calexico Authorizing the Establishment of a Un-Housed Outreach Service Team (U-HOST) Within the Calexico Police Department.
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SUMMARY:
Approval of Resolution No. 2024- of the City Council of the City of Calexico Authorizing the Establishment of a Un-Housed Outreach Service Team (U-HOST) Within the Calexico Police Department to address the increasing unhoused issue in Calexico, particularly in the historic downtown area. This initiative is in response to the short staffing of our police department, a recent Supreme Court decision regarding unhoused, and the need for effective enforcement of state and local laws.
BACKGROUND:
Unhoused Statistics:
In a 2023 report more than half of all people experiencing un-houseness in the country were in four states: (California accounts for 28% of all people experiencing un- houseness in the U.S, or 181,399 people)
(source of stats: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/ahar/2023-ahar-part-1-pit- estimates-of-unhousedness-in-the-us.html).
City of Calexico City Council Meeting
Proposal the creation of a Unhoused Outreach Service Team (HOST)- September 18, 2024. Page 1 of 3 Calexico faces unique challenges due to its proximity to Mexicali and the border, leading to an influx of individuals from Mexicali who prefer to be unhoused in Calexico for safety reasons.
Despite numerous programs to assist the unhoused population, a significant portion remains unhoused, often due to substance addiction and or mental health issues.
Legal and Enforcement Challenges:
Historically, enforcement of state and local laws has been restricted, with considerations often given to the status of individuals as being unhoused rather than their violations of the law.
The Supreme Court's recent decision emphasizes the need to address the unhoused more effectively while balancing enforcement and assistance.
Current Department Staffing:
The police department is currently understaffed, with only 20 budgeted positions filled.
Responding to calls for service associated with the unhoused account for large portions of officer's daily work regarding refusals to leave, trespassing, disturbances and welfare An additional 4 officers are needed to implement and sustain the U-HOST initiative.
PROPOSAL:
The U-HOST initiative aims to:
Establish a team of 4 officers dedicated to assisting unhoused individuals in the downtown area.
Provide a phased approach where the initial focus will be on outreach and assistance, where the officers will officer services with the assistance of county and nonprofits organizations. Also, the enforcement of municipal and state law when appropriate, followed by integration into regular patrol teams for continuous monitoring.
FUNDING:
The annual position estimated cost is $135,000 per officer. These positions will be placed on a deferred status until additional funding sources, such as grants, and other revenue generating programs are pursued to supplement the costs.
RECOMMENDATION:
City of Calexico City Council Meeting
Proposal the creation of a Unhoused Outreach Service Team (HOST) - October 2, 2024. Page 2 of 3 The City Council is recommended to approve the establishment of the U-HOST initiative and the allocation of funds for the necessary positions when available. This proactive measure will address the pressing issue of the unhoused in Calexico, ensuring both enforcement of laws and provision of support to those in need.
COORDINATED WITH:
City Manager's Office, Juan Contreras
Finance Department, Sandy Fonseca
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Resolution Form
City of Calexico City Council Meeting
Proposal the creation of a Unhoused Outreach Service Team (HOST) - October 2, 2024. Page 3 of 3
ATTACHMENT-A
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-_
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO
AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOMELESS OUTREACH SERVICE
TEAM (HOST) WITHIN THE CALEXICO POLICE DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, homelessness is a significant issue in the City of Calexico, exacerbated by its proximity to Mexicali and the U.S. border; and
WHEREAS, the Calexico Police Department is currently understaffed, hindering its ability to address the homelessness issue effectively; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to enforce state and local laws while providing assistance to homeless individuals; and
WHEREAS, the creation of a Homeless Outreach Service Team (HOST) will facilitate targeted efforts to support and monitor the homeless population in Calexico; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Calexico hereby authorizes:
The establishment of a Homeless Outreach Service Team (HOST) within the Calexico Police Department.
The appropriation of funds from vacant, budgeted positions to support the HOST initiative. ine pursuit of additional funding sources, including grants, to supplement the costs of the PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this day of _ 2024, by the City Council of the City of Calexico.
Camilo Garcia, Mayor
ATTEST:
Veronica Luna Alvarado, City Clerk
1 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Carlos Campos, City Attorney
State of California)
County of Imperial) ss.
City of Calexico )
I, Veronica Luna Alvarado, City Clerk of the City of Calexico do herby certify the above Resolution No. 2024- was approved at a regular City Council meeting held on the 2nd day of October 2024, by following vote to-wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Veronica Luna Alvarado, Interim City Clerk
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