TO:
VIA:
FROM:
DATE:
Placentia City Council
CITY COUNCIL
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
JANUARY 24, 2023
AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION ADOPTING A SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT AMENDING THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING OF THE CITY OF PLACENTIA POLICE
OFFICER ASSOCIATION TO ADDRESS THE HOMELESS LIASION OFFICER
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT COMPENSATION
FISCAL
IMPACT: FY22-23 $2,450 ($6,150 annually) in salary and benefits.
SUMMARY:
The crisis of homelessness is one that is impacting the City of Placentia and surrounding cities.
The creation of a full-time Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO) and corresponding special assignment compensation would be primarily targeted at reducing homeless related problems and complaints.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Adopt Resolution No. R-2023-04 adopting a side letter agreement amending the memorandum of understanding of the City of Placentia Police Officer Association to address the Homeless Liaison Officer Special Assignment Compensation; and
2. Approve a budget amendment in the prorated amount of $2,450 from the General Fund's fund balance for the remainder of the fiscal year.
STRATEGIC PLAN STATEMENT:
This item is consistent with the City Council approved 5 -Year Strategic Goal #4 Increase Community Engagement, under Objective #2, which is Increase Community Engagement/Outreach.
DISCUSSION:
The crisis of homelessness is one that is impacting the City of Placentia and surrounding cities.
The City of Placentia has experienced many homeless calls for service and complaints in local neighborhoods, parks, and businesses throughout the city. The Placentia Police Department responded to approximately 3,000 homeless -related calls for service in 2022. These homeless - related calls for service were handled by patrol officers, often taking a considerable amount of
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Jan 24, 2023
City Council Agenda
January 24, 2023
service time. The creation of a full-time Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO) would be primarily targeted at reducing homeless related problems and complaints. The officer would be assigned full-time to handle homeless -related calls for service, allowing time for patrol officers to patrol the city and/or be available for other priority calls for service. While all the department's officers receive specialized training in dealing with the homeless and mentally ill, the HLO has quick access to resources such as the Navigation Center, OC Health, and many non-profit organizations.
Homeless persons residing in motorhomes/vehicles, storing of property on city sidewalks, and loitering around businesses/residences would be handled directly by the HLO as opposed to lateral duties by patrol officers. The HLO would work directly with homeless persons to find temporary housing, while providing resources and enforcement when appropriate. Additionally, the HLO would work collaboratively with the Navigation Center and the community to help bridge the gap between the homeless and the community. The HLO would educate citizens about crime awareness, crime prevention, safety, and reporting issues. The HLO would also prepare and make in-person presentations to citizens, neighborhood groups and others regarding homeless issues. This designation of a dedicated Homeless Liaison Officer does not increase the number of police officer positions per the Position Allocation Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adopting the side letter agreement for this special assignment will cost the City approximately $6,150 per year. Staff requests approval of a budget amendment in the prorated amount of $2,450 from the General Fund's fund balance for the remainder of the current fiscal year.
Prep . red b
Alice Burnett
Director of Human Resources
Reviewed and approved:
B'rad Butts
Chief of Po
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. R-2023-04
2. Exhibit A — Side Letter Agreement
Reviewed and approved:
d.dif4R/
Ros na Ramirez
Deputy City Administrator
Reviewed and approved:
Damien rru a
City Administrator