Public Comment on Prior Meeting Minutes - Final Adoption of Ordinance 2057
Mayor and Councilmembers,
I'm speaking regarding the final adoption of Ordinance 2057 for the 350 Merrydale project.
At the prior meeting, a resident from the affected neighborhood asked that this item be pulled for discussion. Councilmember Bushey, who represents that area, did not acknowledge that request or her constituent's concerns. At a minimum, residents expect recognition when they show up and speak in good faith. That did not happen.
More importantly, pulling the item would have allowed discussion of what was actually approved.
Ordinance 2057 relies on Government Code section 65662, which governs low- barrier shelters and Housing First programs. Section 65662 incorporates Welfare and Institutions Code 8255, which defines the core elements of Housing First.
Those elements are not abstract. They determine what can and cannot be required of residents, including sobriety, treatment participation, and behavioral conditions.
Had this item been discussed, we would have asked the Council to address a clear discrepancy: WIC 8255 explicitly recognizes that alcohol and drug use may occur in Housing First settings, while staff statements to the community have suggested drugs and alcohol will not be allowed on site.
Both cannot be true.
This is not about ideology, but clarity and trust. Residents deserve to know what is required by state law, what is local policy, and where enforcement authority exists.
By approving this ordinance without discussion, the Council adopted a legal framework, many residents — and possibly some Councilmembers — do not fully understand. We ask you to publicly clarify the City's policy, so residents are not left with conflicting assurances.
Thank you.
Marianne Nannestal