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TO:
FROM:
DATE:
LOsBanos
Agenda Staff Report
Mayor & City Council Members
Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police Is~•~
August17,2022
SUBJECT: Council Member Request - Discussion Regarding the Continued Operation/Closure of the Rail-Trail Encampment (Councilmember Jones).
TYPE OF REPORT: Agenda Item
Recommendation:
Staff requests direction on:
1. The continued operation/closure of the Rail-Trail Encampment; and;
2. To pursue options regarding longer-term strategies for housing those experiencing homelessness in our community.
Background:
At the January 5, 2022 City Council meeting City Council approved a budget amendment for $20,000 for the construction of an enclosure designed to reduce the impact of homelessness in our community. In partnership with community, faith-based and government agencies, that space; commonly referred to as the "Rail-Trail Encampment" located east of Place Road and South of Pacheco Boulevard, was completed and individuals were able to utilize it in early March 2022.
Discussion:
Jurisdictions across the State of California continue to be impacted by increases in homeless populations. In addition, as a result of recent case law, jurisdictions have had to adapt their approach and response to homelessness. While the cause and response to homelessness is complex and often resource demanding, City staff continues to pursue initiatives and programs in our ongoing attempts to manage and reduce the impacts
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caused by homelessness in our community, with the encampment being one such strategy.
If so directed, closing the encampment would take approximately 2-4 weeks to complete.
Staff would also like to request direction from the City Council to pursue options regarding longer-term strategies for housing those experiencing homelessness in our community.
If authorized, staff would research 'best-practice' programs and report findings to the City Council at a later date.
Fiscal Impact:
Closure of the encampment would cost relevant Public Works and Code Enforcement staff and equipment time.
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Brent Kuhn, Interim
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Finance
&1Jl
Director
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