COUNCIL AGENDA: 04/04/2023
ITEM: 7.3
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Councilmember Peter Ortiz
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: April 4th, 2023
Approved: Date: April 4th, 2023
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT WITH SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT FOR COYOTE
CREEK FLOOD PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION
1. Accept the staff recommendations with the following amendment:
a. Direct the City Manager to return with a robust rehousing plan and record of abatement activities, like that created for the Guadalupe Gardens abatement.
DISCUSSION
I am thankful to staff and Valley Water for their coordination in delivering what will be a great project for the safety of our residents. That being said, I share a deep concern for the wellbeing of our unhoused community living in the creeks and the impacts that abatement will have on them.
Although the memo makes note of temporary housing assistance, time-limited rental subsidies, limited duration housing options, and one-time financial assistance/diversion, it is unclear if our shelters have capacity and likewise, rental subsidies/vouchers may not be a viable option.
The Guadalupe Gardens Guadalupe Gardens Encampment Work Plan included a housing plan that totals the housing need and planned resources (See table below). A similar sheet should be developed to account for each unhoused resident that are residing in the creek to track and ensure we are finding them stable housing.
COUNCIL AGENDA: 04/04/2023
ITEM: 7.3
Without a clear understanding of where folks will go, we are essentially pushing our unhoused from the creeks into situations that will endanger their wellbeing. Considering that the timeline for construction is less than three months away, we need to move quickly to lay out a plan for our unhoused residents.
The signers of this memorandum have not had, and will not have, any private conversation with any other member of the City Council, or that member’s staff, concerning any action discussed in the memorandum, and that each signer’s staff members have not had, and have been instructed not to have, any such conversation with any other member of the City Council or that member's staff.