HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 2013-08-19 - Special Meeting 282
City Council, Special Meeting
Civic Center Council Chambers
777 Cypress Avenue
Redding, California
August 19, 2013 5:15 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 5:56, p.m. by Mayor Rick Bosetti with the following
Council Members present: Gary Cadd, Patick Jones, and Missy McArthur. Council
Member Francie Sullivan was absent.
Also present were City Manager Kurt Starman, City Attorney Rick Duvernay, Assistant
City Manager/Electric Utility Director Barry Tippin, Deputy City Manager Greg Clark, City •
Clerk Pamela Mize, and Assistant City Clerk Teresa Rudolph.
2. Public Meeting — Discuss Specific Ideas from the Community Regarding the
Possibility of Establishing a Homeless Day Use Facility in the Greater Redding Area
[A-050-250-074]
City Manager Starman stated the purpose of the meeting was to allow the City
Council to receive community input regarding the possible establishment of a
homeless day use(Day Center) facility in the greater Redding area.
Sam Allen shared photographs taken from her place of business on Yuba Street
depicting problems caused by the homeless. While she acknowledged that a Day
Center had merit, she believed the homeless need to be held accountable. She
opined that the community needs to join together to assist the homeless to rebuild
their self-esteem.
John Mattera questioned why taxpayers should be required to provide a Day Center.
He believed that many homeless individuals are in their current situation as a result
of choices they have made. He suggested that the City Council form a committee to
discuss the topic with representation on both sides of the issue.
Rev. Dr. Ann Corrin offered to assist with the creation of a coalition comprised of
businesses, non-profit organizations, and citizens to develop another way to look at
the community's homeless situation. She indicated that she would provide City staff
with information regarding the City of Santa Barbara and its work with the
homeless.
Michael Mojarro, Executive Director of Living Hope Compassion Ministries,
offered to share his experience relative to Day Centers and their successes and
failures.
Paul Lachapelle proposed organizing an entertainment festival to raise funds for the
Day Center. He estimated that a festival would raise enough monies to fund the
center for a year.
Charles Alexander requested the Day Center not be located in the Breslauer Way
area.
Frank Treadway opined that the effectiveness of the City of Redding and Shasta
County Continuum of Care (CoC) is near zero. He suggested the formation of a
committee to research the topic and prepare a plan for the City Council's
consideration. He expressed a willingness to share information with the committee.
Robert Trygar stressed the need to develop a multi-facet solution to the issue. He
offered to provide research on the topic for a committee if one is formed.
Richard Baker cautioned the City on starting a homeless program. He stated that the
City of Alexander, Virginia, opened a homeless shelter, only to close it a month
later. He noted that when it reopened, guards were required to supervise the
participants.
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Jessica Delaney, CoC Coordinator, stated,that the one important element the CoC is
missing is the community's voice. She encouraged the community's participation at
the CoC's meetings.
Murray Blake encouraged the formation of a committee. He noted that the longer
the topic is postponed, the worse the situation will become. He also'volunteered to
serve on such a committee.
Linda Gee questioned how the homeless population is supposed to obtain housing
and/or needed medical services. She noted that individuals released from prison do
not have money and often turn to stealing. She pointed out the need for programs
teaching self-esteem and anger management, similar to those'offered by Northern
Valley Catholic Social Service.
Stan Pickard stated that there is a hardcore homeless group which would not utilize
such a facility and no amount of money will change the situation. He believed that
the only thing that will stop the problems caused by the homeless is law
enforcement.
Dan Waldrop stated that he started volunteering with the CoC several years ago, by
providing eye care services. He stressed that people who care can make a difference.
He,too, encouraged the community to become involved with the CoC.
Council Member McArthur stated the public comments were very worthwhile. She
favored the formation of a committee to prepare a report for the City Council's
consideration.
Council Member Jones advised he was not supportive of a Day Center. He opined
that Redding community groups offer many programs to help the homeless and,
while the groups mean well, they end up having an adverse effect. He expressed a
willingness,however, to hold additional meetings to discuss the topic.
Council Member Cadd stressed the importance of additional discussion with
members of the community in order to develop ideas. He cautioned, however, that
the City does not have funds to contribute to the development of a Day Center.
Mayor Bosetti offered to facilitate future meetings with members of the community
who have an interest in being a part of the solution. He noted that the community
already has the CoC in place, and encouraged taking the pieces that work and
building on them.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Bosetti declared the meeting adjourned at the hour
of 7:28 p.m.
APPROVED:
4am*
Rick Bosetti, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ur{fit
Pamela Mize, City Clerk
08/19/2013