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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-11/12/2014-AdjournedNovember 12, 2014 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO Council -Manager Form of Government Adjourned Meeting — 6:00 PM PRESENT: Weitkunat, Overbeck, Poppaw, Campana, Troxell, Conniff, Horak (6:07 PM) ABSENT: Staff present: Atteberry, Daggett, Nelson 1 The purpose of this item is to temporarily suspend the operation and enforcement of the Land Use Code and zoning map to allow for a temporary overflow wintertime shelter for the homeless. Bruce Hendee, Chief Sustainability Officer, discussed the proposed location for the emergency shelter, noting it is at the edge of a zoning district which would allow the shelter use. This Ordinance will be applicable for one year and he suggested an amendment to the Ordinance that would limit the number of women in the shelter to twenty. Additionally, he listed other locations that had been considered. Sue Beck-Ferkiss, Social Sustainability Specialist, discussed the existing shelters in the city and the need for additional shelter space for twenty women. The proposed shelter will be managed by Catholic Charities and will be located at Community of Christ Church, at the corner of Mathews and Oak. She detailed the hours of operation and results of the neighborhood meeting. Heather McDonald, Faith Family Hospitality_ discussed the need for family shelters in the community. Cheryl Distaso, Fort Collins Community Action Network, stated an average of ten homeless individuals die each year in Fort Collins and discussed the need for additional shelter beds, lockers, and more permanent supportive housing. David Rout, Homeless Gear Executive Director, supported the Emergency Ordinance. Zach Heath, 135 South Sunset, supported the Emergency Ordinance, but expressed concern it is not etiough. Guy Ment, Catholic Charities Director, supported the Emergency Ordinance and ensured a harmonious relationship with the neighborhood. Jeremy Woodard, Fort Collins resident, stated he has been homeless in Fort Collins and discussed the shortage of shelter housing for couples, families, and individuals with pets. Sandy Lemburg, Fort Collins resident, supported the Emergency Ordinance. Lynn .Thompson, Homeless Coalition, supported the Emergency Ordinance but expressed concern this is not a one-year need. City of Fort Collins Page 462 November 12, 2014 Sister Mary Alice Murphy, Fort Collins resident, stated the City should have a better plan in order to eliminate the need for these types of emergency situations. Rebecca Sorber, Fort Collins resident, stated she expects that any individual who needs shelter Should be provided that opportunity. Tim Dolan_ 4212 New Hampton Court, supported the Emergency Ordinance and stated this is an opportunity for Fort Collins to earn its reputation as the Choice City. Councilmember Poppaw requested information regarding the actual number of shelter beds needed in the community. Beck-Ferkiss replied the numbers for this winter overflow shelter for women have been quantified correctly. Councilmember Poppaw asked if additional plans are in place should this number of beds be insufficient. Hendee replied the overall issue of homelessness will be discussed and staff will be seeking Council input and direction in those discussions. Councilmember Poppaw asked how much money was allocated for this particular need, and how much of that is going toward administrative costs. Hendee replied $10,000 was allocated and there are no administrative costs in the budget. Councilmember Poppaw stated the issue of homeless families and residents with companion animals need to be addressed. Councilmember Overbeck requested information about security for women going to and from the overflow shelter. Mr. Merit replied security protocol will be the same as for anyone using the shelters now. Councilmember Overbeck asked how the City is taking requests for financial and time donations. Hendee replied those opportunities can be made available. Councilmember Overbeck asked if the City has any resources or commitment to ensure the safety of neighborhoods. Hendee replied issues such as litter and loitering will be addressed in the memorandum of understanding with Catholic Charities. Councilmember Overbeck suggested the possibility of a hotline phone number to allow citizens to call in immediate concerns. Chief Hutto noted the Police Services non -emergency number is always available, as is 911. Mayor Pro Tent Horak discussed the fact that no major problems arose with previous winter overflow shelters. Chief Hutto stated the neighborhood enforcement team will review any types of concerns. Mayor Pro Tern Florak requested the neighborhood be given all appropriate contact information and potentially meet with Police Services representatives. Hendee suggested holding additional neighborhood meetings to alleviate concerns. Councilmember Campana commended the work of staff and non -profits to develop a location for this overflow shelter and encouraged the formation of long-term strategies. He supported the allocation of additional resources to encourage neighborhood safety and suggested the possibility City of Fort Collins Page 463 . November 12, 2014 of opening the shelter earlier in the evening. Beck-Ferkiss replied Catholic Charities will require chores, such as picking up area trash, as part of the privilege of staying in the shelter. Councilmember Poppaw encouraged the inclusion of the homeless population in any type of neighborhood meeting. Councilmember Troxell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember .Poppaw, to adopt Emergency Ordinance No. 164, 2014, as amended to limit the number of nightly residents to twenty women. Councilmember Conniff stated he would like to address the emergency situation of this issue every year. He asked how United Way and Catholic Charities were chosen as partners. Hendee replied those organizations volunteered to help address the issue and noted the City is not a direct service provider, though it does aid with funding. Beck-Ferkiss noted the collaborative came forward with the program proposal and suggested it would be best to use United Way as a fiscal agent. Mayor Weitkunat stated this Ordinance would establish the ability for a temporary shelter in this location. She stated the broader issue needs to be further discussed. Additionally, she commended the organizations which reach out to fill this need in the community. Councilmember Poppaw asked about possible discrimination related to same -sex couples at shelters. Mr. Ment replied Catholic Charities is governed by the belief that it does not recognize same -sex marriage; however, everyone that comes to the facility is accommodated with compassion, though they are not allowed a family room. Councilmember Poppaw commended the generosity and willingness of the non-profit organizations to fill this community need. Councilmember Conniff questioned the mutual need for this type of overflow shelter. City Manager Atteberry replied a long-term, guaranteed severe weather shelter would be a perfect scenario; however, the location was only recently made unavailable which made this particular situation unavoidable. Councilmember Troxell stated he has no issues with the Emergency Ordinance and commended staff for work on the issue. He also thanked the community non -profits which aid in the needs of homeless populations. Councilmember Overbeck thanked the non-profit organizations and stated the solution to homelessness should be a larger statewide issue. RESULT: EMERGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 164, 2014 ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Wade Troxell, District 4 SECONDER: Lisa Poppaw, District 2 AYES: Weitkunat, Overbeck, Poppaw, Campana, Troxell, Conniff, Horak Executive Session Mayor Pro Tem Horak made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poppaw, to adjourn to Executive Session as permitted under Section 2-31(a)(1) of the City Code and the Colorado City of Fort Collins Page 464 November 12, 2014 Revised Statutes Section 24-6-402(4)(f)(i) for the purpose of conducting the annual performance reviews of the City Manager, City Attorney and Municipal Judge. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Gerry Horak, District 6 SECONDER: Lisa Poppaw, District 2 AYES: Weitkunat, Overbeck, Poppaw, Campana, Troxell, Cunniff, Horak • ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM. Ma or ATTEST: City Clerk OPFo,Tk City of Fort Collins Page 465