11.a. Safe Overnight Parking ProgramMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: 'TERESA MCCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 12-002 TO
ESTABLISH A PILOT SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM AT ST.
BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH LOCATED AT 301 TRINITY AVENUE
DATE: MARCH 27,201 2
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council.adopt a Resolution approving
Temporary Use Permit No. 12-002.
FUNDING:
There are no direct City costs related to the proposed project. There will be an unknown
amount of Police Dept. staff time allocated to enforcing the rules of the pilot program. '
BACKGROUND:
According to the 201 1 Homeless Enumeration Report performed by the Homeless Services
Coordinating Council (HSCC), on any given day in San Luis Obispo County 3,774 people
are homeless. Although, there are several services available to assist the homeless within
San Luis Obispo County, currently there are no safe parking programs formally established
and no overnight shelters in South San Luis Obispo County. In Santa Barbara County,
there is a program operated by New Beginnings, a non-profit counseling center that
provides community outreach programs for those who need help and support with life skills.
In addition to helping people stabilize their lives and find permanent housing, New
Beginnings operates a program to provide safe overnight parking for individuals and families
who find themselves living in their vehicles. The program is a cooperative effort between
New Beginnings, area churches and other non-profits whereby participating institutions
provide parking places for vehicle dwellers registered with the New Beginnings program.
The program provides 112 parking spaces dispersed in 23 locations in downtown Santa
Barbara, Goleta and lsla Vista, and has been in operation for approximately five (5) years.
In June 2009, the County of San Luis Obispo created an advisory body called the Homeless
Services Oversight Council (HSOC). The advisory committee consists of twenty four (24)
members, including a representative from each city council and the Board of Supervisors,
County government service providers, non-profit service providers, affordable housing
developers, local businesses, law enforcement, a local academic institution, a local health
care provider, the faith community and interested community members. The role of the
HSOC is as follows:
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 12-002 TO ESTABLISH A PILOT
SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM AT ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MARCH 27,2012
PAGE 2
Provide a plannirlg and policy development forum with local jurisdictions and
public and private service providers to increase local awareness and participation
and to increase service coordination and efficiency.
Work with service providers and local jurisdictions to compile and monitor data and
information regarding the number of homeless and service utilization.
Advise service providers of opportunities and best practices to improve access to
services and to strengthen services.
Advocate and provide local jurisdictions with recommendations on public funding
allocations based upon local needs and prioritized objectives within the 10-Year
Plan to End Homelessness.
Work with public and private partners, donors and grant makers to establish
financial resources for service coordination and implementation.
HSOC has been working to create a regional homeless safe parking program, whereby a
series of volunteered sites are identified across San Luis Obispo County where homeless
persons and families in vehicles can safely park their vehicles overnight. Each site would
have only up to five (5) or six (6) identified parking spaces. The proposed Safe Overnight
Parking Program at St. Barnabas Church would be consistent with the goals of HSOC and
serve as a pilot project for a regional homeless safe parking program.
On November 30, 201 1, St. Barnabas Church held a neighborhood meeting to discuss the
proposed Safe Overnight Parking Program. The applicant provided a detailed presentation
on how the program would be operated and encouraged neighbors to ask questions. There
were a number of questions and some concerns identified. At the conclusion of the
meeting, a number of people also expressed their support for the program.
The Planning Commission considered the proposed program on March 6, 2012 and
unanimously recommended approval with the following modifications (see Attachment 1 for
Draft Planning Commission Meeting Minutes):
The proposed program shall be limited to people in the South County area.
Modify Condition 1b to state that the Case Manager will contact the Police
Department for approval of people who will be sleeping in the vehicle.
Add the word "limited" before the words "background check" in condition I b.
Add a condition that shielded lighting shall be installed in designated areas of the
parkirlg lot.
Add a condition that portable restroom and washing facilities will be provided on site.
These changes have been made to the resolution.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 12-002 TO ESTABLISH A PILOT
SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM AT ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MARCH 27,201 2
PAGE 3
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Below is a map identrfying the St. Bamabas Church property and the parking area
dedicated to the proposed safe overnight parking program. The church property is 8.56
acres in size, and the designated parking area is located on the east side of the property
approximately 300 feet from the nearest residence.
1. A Case Manager at The Community Health Center (CHC), who works with the
homeless of the Five Cities Area, would refer people identified as appropriate for the
program. The Case Manager would screen applicants through an interview and
questionnaire to determine the qualifications of the applicant.
2. When approved by the Case Manager, the Case Manager will then contact the
Police Department to perform a limited background check of all people who will be
sleeping in the vehicle. Anyone found to have a history of sexual or violent crimes or
other issues of concern to the police will not be allowed to participate in the program.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 3
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 12-002 TO ESTABLISH A PILOT
SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM AT ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MARCH 27,2012
PAGE 4
3. The names of the qualified individuals, license and registration number of the
vehicle, and permit time period will be forwarded to the Police Department, St.
Barnabas Church office, and the church program manager.
4. A permit will be issued to be displayed in the vehicle. A copy of the rules will be
provided and a signed receipt obtained.
5. The church program manager will arrange for surveillance and be the contact person
for any problems.
Rules of the proposed program are listed below:
1. No more than one (1) vehicle per family at a site.
2. Parking permit in vehicle window to be clearly visible.
3. Enter space between 7:00 and 9:00 PM and leave by 7:00 AM.
4. The use of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated and result in immediate loss of
parking privileges.
5. Cooking outside the vehicle or the building of fires is not allowed.
6. Individuals are to sleep in the vehicle only - no tents are allowed.
7. No littering. All trash must be removed from the site.
8. Pet waste must be cleaned up and disposed of properly off site.
9. Loud music, generators or other loud noise is not permitted.
10. Permitted guests cannot invite other vehicles to the site.
1 1. Non-registered guests cannot be on the site.
12.Violent behavior, damage to property or uncooperativeness with church
representatives or police will result in immediate ejection from the site and
irrevocable dismissal from the program.
13. Participants are to leave the neighborhood during the daytime.
14. Participants are expected to respect and follow all laws of the community including
ordinances against panhandling.
15. Failure to comply with the above rules or to respond appropriately to requests from
representatives of the church or the police may result in the immediate loss of
parking privileges.
16. The church reserves the right to remove anyone from the program.
As part of this program, participating individuals will be working with a Case Manager from
the Communrty Health Center (CHC), and therefore will have access to a network of
community referral agencies to help .Find them permanent housing. The pilot program would
be valid for one (1) year, starting with three (3) vehicles for the first six ,(6) months and up to
five (5) vehicles for the remainder of the year, subject to review and approval of the
Community Development Director. See Attachment 2 for information from St. Bamabas
Church regarding the proposed program, and Attachment 3 for letter from the Church
addressing neighborhood concerns.
The purpose of restricting the program to only three (3) vehicles is to help ensure that any
initial problems that could occur are easily manageable. The one-year time limit will provide
an opportunity to re-evaluate the program at that time. The most important factor in staffs
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 4
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 12-002 TO ESTABLISH A PILOT
SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM AT ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MARCH 27,2012
PAGE 5
recorr~mendation is that by approving the application as a temporary use pem~it, it can be
terminated at any time if the conditions are not met or any problems occur that cannot be
easily resolved. This will provide the City with significant flexibility to ensure it does not
result in any ongoing impact on the neighborhood.
It is anticipated that the maximum number of participants may not be reached during many
periods since the program is designed to be very strict about who the participants will be.
The objective is to target individuals who are most vulnerable. As a result, these are people
that may choose not to stay in a shelter because they are ill, have children, or other issues.
Therefore, they are likely individuals who are temporarily without shelter due to an
immediate problem, are already living in their vehicle on a public street at various locations,
and this program will provide safe, temporary shelter while seeking help for a more
permanent solution.
Participants will be limited to people who are in South San Luis Obispo County because
they are from the area, work in the area or have family or other specific connection that
requires them to be here. It will not be open to people from other areas.
As conditioned, lighting will be improved at the parking lot. A portable restroom and washing
facilities will also be provided on site.
It is important to note that this program is not designed as a solution to the homeless
problem. Other efforts are under way to develop more permanent facilities. However, it is
intended to help a limited number of people meeting the program criteria while these other
efforts are pursued. Additionally, it should be noted that the proposed pilot program is not
intended to facilitate or create a camping facility or allow recreational vehicle parking outside
of the parameters of this temporary permit. If in the future the Council approves a
permanent Safe Parking Program, concurrent minor code modifications may be
recommended.
ADVANTAGES:
Approval of the proposed Temporary Use Permit will provide safe overnight parking for a
number of individuals and families who are currently homeless and living in their vehicles.
This pilot program could help stimulate other similar programs within San Luis Obispo
County, thereby further assisting the homeless community to find safe shelter.
DISADVANTAGES:
There is a potential for impacts on the neighborhood if a participant does not comply with
the restrictions. However, staff believes this risk is minimized by pre-screening, background
checks and good program supervision, since participants would be removed from the
program for any violation of the rules. Most importantly, since approval of the program is
recommended under a Temporary Use Permit, it can be terminated if any ongoing problems
are experienced.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 5
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 12-002 TO ESTABLISH A PILOT
SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM AT ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MARCH 27,2012
PAGE 6
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution approving TUP 12-002;
2. Modify the Resolution to limit the pilot program to 6 months with a review at 3 months
or other designated time period;
3. Modify the Resolution to include other conditions and/or restrictions;
4. Do not adopt the attached Resolution; or
5. Provide direction to staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff has reviewed this project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), the CEQA Guidelines and the City of Arroyo Grande Rules and Procedures for
implementation of CEQA. The parking lot at the project site is used by the church at all
hours and is currently not restricted. Based on the review, staff has determined that the
project is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061 (b)(3) in that there is no
possibility for the activity to have a significant impact on the environment, and 15305, in that
the minor alteration in land use limitations does not result in changes to land use or density.
PUBLIC NO'I'IFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, March 22, 2012. The Agenda
and report were posted on the City's website on Friday, March 23, 2012. Although this is
not a public hearing item, notices were sent to property owners within 300' of the subject
property (Attachment 4). At the City's request, St. Bamabas Church held a neighborhood
meeting and has since distributed follow-up information addressing neighbors' concerns
and questions. Comment letters received to date are included as Attachment 5.
Attachments:
1. Draft Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March 6, 2012
2. Information from St. Barnabas Church regarding the Pilot Safe Overnight Parking
Program
3. Letter from St. Barnabas Church addressing neighborhood concerns
4. Notice to residents
5. Comment letters
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 6
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING 'TEMPORARY USE
PERMIT NO. 12-002 TO ESTABLISH A PILOT SAFE
OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM AT ST. BARNABAS
EPISCOPAL CHURCH LOCATED AT 301 TRINITY
AVENUE
WHEREAS, a lack of adequate affordable housing in the County of San Luis Obispo
and City of Arroyo Grande results in many individuals and families living in their
recreational vehicles and automobiles; and
WHEREAS, St. Barnabas Church desires to provide a safe and sanitary place for
people to park their vehicles on a short-term basis while they transition to more
permanent housing; and
WHEREAS, St. Barnabas Church has applied for a Temporary Use Permit to establish
a pilot safe overnight parking program ("pilot program") as outlined in Exhibit "A"; and
WHEREAS, the St. Barnabas Church property ("property") is zoned Public Facility (PF)
with a design overlay (D-2.8); and
WHEREAS, the property is developed with a church facility including a parking lot
containing 95 spaces; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed pilot program as a non-
public hearirrg item on March 6,2012 and recommended approval to City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered the proposed pilot program on March 27, 2012;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this project is consistent with the City's General
Plan, Development Code and the environmental documents associated therewith, and has
determined that the project is categorically exempt per. Sections 15061 (b)(3) and 15305 of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that, Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Sections
9.22.020.D, 9.22.030, 10.28.030 and 10.28.040 pertaining to overnight parking or
camping or recreational vehicle parking in a private parking lot notwithstanding, the pilot
safe overnight parking program applied for herein is allowable pursuant to issuance of a
Temporary Use Permit and compliance with all of the conditions thereof.
WHEREAS, the City Council finds, after due study, deliberation and public hearing, the
following circumstances exist:
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 7
RESOLU'TION NO.
PAGE 2
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL
1. The operation of the requested use at the location proposed and within the time
period specified will not jeopardize, endanger or otherwise constitute a menace
to the public health, safety or general welfare.
Operation of the pilot safe parking program will be in the eastem portion of the
existing parking lot of St. Bamabas Church. The church property is relatively
large (8.56 acres) and situated on top of a hill approximately 250' away from the
closest residence. Surrounding land uses include Agriculture to the north, low
density residential development and undesignated property (commonly referred
to as the "Arroyo LindaJJ property) to the east, low density residential
development to the south, and medium density residential development to the
west. The proposed "Safe Parking ProgramJJ and "Rules" of the program are
intended to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the
community. Because it is a pilot program, assessment will be ongoing
throughout the one-year temporary time period. The program can be terminated
at any time during this period if issues arise that constitute a menace to public
health, safety or general welfare or if permit conditions are violated.
2. The proposed site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the temporary
use without material detrimental to the use and enjoyment of other properties
located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the site.
The program property is large in size (8.56 acres) and situated on top of a hill
away from existing residential development.
3. The proposed site is adequately served by streets or highways having sufficient
width and improvements to accommodate the kind and quantity of traffic that the
temporary use will or could reasonably be expected to generate.
The church property is accessed by a private driveway off of Trinity Avenue, an
improved public street with sufficient width to accommodate up to five (5)
additional vehicles.
4. Adequate temporary parking to accommodate vehicular traffic to be generated by
the use will be available either on-site or at alternate locations acceptable to the
Community Development Director.
Adequate parking is provided on the church property for the proposed program.
The church site contains 95 parking spaces, and the program will accommodate
up to five (5) vehicles during off business hours (from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM).
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 8
RESOLU'TION NO.
PAGE 3
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande
hereby approves Temporary Use Permit No. 12-002, subject to the conditions as set forth
in Exhibit "A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
On motion of Council Member , seconded by Council Member , and on
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 27th day of March, 2012.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 9
RESOLU'I'ION NO.
PAGE 4
TONY FERRARA, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
STEVEN ADAMS, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
TIMOTHY J. CARMEL, CITY ATTORNEY
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 10
RESOLU'TION NO.
PAGE 5
EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 12-002
St. Barnabas Church
301 Trinity Ave.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
This Temporary Use Permit No. 12-002 authorizes the establishment of a Pilot Safe
Overnight Parking Program subject to the conditions listed below.
1. The pilot safe parking program shall adhere to the "Safe Parking Process" as
follows:
a. A Case Manager at The Community Health Center (CHC), who works with
the homeless of the Five Cities Area, would refer people identified as
appropriate for the program. The Case Manager would screen applicants
through an interview and questionnaire to determine the qualifications of
applicant.
b. When approved by the Case Manager, the Case Manager will then
contact the Police Department for approval of all people who will be
sleeping in the vehicle. The Police Department will conduct a limited
background check. Anyone found to have a history of sexual violations,
violent crimes or other issues of concern to the police will not be allowed
to participate in the program.
c. 'The names of the qualified individuals, license and registration number of
the vehicle, and permit time period will be forwarded to the Police
Department, St. Barnabas Church office, and the church program
manager.
d. A permit will be issued to be displayed in the vehicle (see Attachment 1).
A copy of the rules will be provided and a signed receipt obtained.
e. The church program manager will arrange for surveillance and be the
contact person for any problems.
2. The program is subject to the following rules:
a. No more than one (1) vehicle per family at a site.
b. Parking permit in vehicle window to be clearly visible.
c. Enter space between 7:00 and 9:00 PM and leave by 7:00 AM.
d. The use of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated and result in immediate
loss of parking privileges.
e. Cooking outside the vehicle or the building of fires is not allowed.
f. Individuals are to sleep in the vehicle only - no tents are allowed.
g. No littering. All trash must be removed from the site.
h. Pet waste must be cleaned up and disposed of properly off site.
i. Loud music, generators or other loud noise is not permitted.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 11
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 6
j. Permitted guests cannot invite other vehicles to the site.
k. Non-registered guests cannot be on the site.
I. Violent behavior, damage to property or uncooperativeness with church
representatives or police will result in immediate ejection from the site and
irrevocable dismissal from the program.
m. Participants are to leave the neighborhood during the daytime.
n. Participants are expected to respect and follow all laws of the community
including ordinances against panhandling.
o. Failure to comply with the above rules or to respond appropriately to
requests from representatives of the church or the police may result in the
immediate loss of parking privileges.
p. The church reserves the right to remove anyone from the program.
3. Three (3) vehicles are allowed for an initial six (6) month period, with an option to
increase to up to five (5) vehicles if approved by the Community Development
Director.
4. A portable restroom with washing facilities shall be provided on site.
5. The program shall be lirr~ited to people in south San Luis Obispo County.
6. Shielded lightning shall be installed in designated areas of the parking lot as
approved by the Police Department.
7. The pilot program shall expire on March 27, 201 3 unless a one-year time extension
is granted or a Conditional Use Permit application is approved that permanently
establishes a safe parking program.
8. The applicant shall agree to defend, indemnify and hold the City harmless, at
hislherlits sole expense from any action brought against the City, its agents,
officers, or employees because of said approval, or in the alternative, to
relinquish such approval. The applicant shall reimburse the City, its agents,
officers, or employees, for any court costs and attorney's fees which the City, its
agents, officers, or employees may be required by a court to pay as a result of
such action. The City may, at its sole discretion, participate at its own expense in
the defense of any such action but such participation shall not relieve applicant of
hislher obligations under this condition.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 12
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
MARCH 6,201 2
6:00 P.M.
ATTACHMENT 1
CALL TO ORDER - The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission met in regular session
with Chair Ruth presiding; also present were Commissioners Keen, Martin, and Sperow.
Staff members in attendance were Community Development Director Teresa McClish;
Associate Planner Kelly Heffernon; Chief of Police Steve Annibali and
Deputy City Attorney Jon Ansolabehere.
Absent was Commissioner Barneich.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
AGENDA REVIEW: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Commissioner Keen, seconded by
Commissioner Sperow and carried 3-1-1 by roll call vote, the February 21, 2012 minutes
were approved as presented.
A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
B. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS AFTER AGENDA PREPARATION:
The Commission received the following material after preparation of the agenda:
1) Letter received on March 5, 201 2 from Marie Cattoir; 2) Letter dated March 1, 2012
from Trish Avery Caldwell, 3) Letter dated March 4, 2012 from Robert and Doris
Christianson, and 4) Letter dated March 6, 2012 received via email from Arroyo Linda
Crossroads; 5) Letter received at meeting on March 6, 2012 from Jaclynn Nisbett
opposing; Item Ill. A. CONSIDERATION OF A TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 12-002
TO ESTABLISH A PILOT SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM AT ST.
BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH LOCATED AT 301 TRINITY AVENUE.
II. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: None
Ill. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:
RATION OF A TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 12-002 TO ESTABLISH A PILOT
SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM AT ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL
CHURCH LOCATED AT 301 TRINITY AVENUE
Associate Planner Kelly Heffernon presented the staff report for the Planning
Commission to consider a Temporary Use Permit No. 12-002 to establish a Pilot Safe
Overnight Parking Program at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church located at 301 Trinity
Avenue. Ms. Heffernon stated staff recommends to add the following to the Conditions
of Approval to the Resolution: the proposed program is limited to people in the South
County area; Condition 1. b. The Case Manager will contact the Police Department for
approval of people who will be sleeping in the vehicle; add the word "limited" before the
words "background checkn in same condition; and add a condition that shielded lighting
shall be installed in designated area of the parking lot and portable restroom and
washing facilities will be provided on site.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 13
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
MARCH 6,201 2
In answer to Commission questions Associate Planner Heffernon indicated the Police
Department has been involved in the proposed project; a representative from St.
Barnabas Church will do check in upon participant entering the site; the Church initiated
the proposed program; the improved lighting will not spill onto the neighbors and will be
approved by the Police Chief; the Community Development Director would administer if
this proposal came back for approval upon expiration.
Reverend Valerie Valle of St. Barnabas Church gave the criteria for the proposed project
and provided the following comments to Commissioners' concerns: this is for people with
compromised immune systems; participants will be in contact with the Community
Health Center (CHC) Case Manager; participants will be limited to people who are
looking for permanent housing; surveillance by a representative from the church will be
done at least one time after 9:00 pm to check that only those with permits are parked in
lot; the church has liability insurance; and answered commission questions.
Police Chief Annibali, briefed the Commission on the program in Santa Barbara;
explained how the background check will work on participants; the Police Department
will attempt to do extra patrol of lot and church representatives or residents may call the
Police Department if needed; answered Commission questions; and spoke in support of
the proposed project.
Chair Ruth opened the public comment period. Speaking from the public was Margery
Gallegos, Trinity Avenue, expressed her concern with safety; surveillance of the lot; and
supervision of participants; and is opposed to the program.
Associate Planner Heffernon answered additional Commission questions regarding the
proposed project.
It was the consensus of the Commission to applaud the church for their effort of the
proposed program; feels the neighborhood concerns; there is a need for this in this
community; and are in support of the proposed program.
Commissioner Keen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sperow to recommend
to the City Council approval of Temporary Use Permit No. 12-002 to establish a Pilot
Safe Overnight Parking Program at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church located at 301
Trinity Avenue, with the followirlg modifications:
The proposed program is limited to people in the South County area;
Modify Condition 1. b. 'The Case Manager will contact the Police Department for
approval of people who will be sleeping in the vehicle; add the word "limited" before the
words "background check" in same condition;
Add a condition that shielded lighting shall be installed in designated areas of the
parking lot; and
Add a condition that portable restroom and washing facilities will be provided on site.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 14
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
MARCH 6,2012
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 3
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING THE
CITY COUNCIL APPROVE TEMPORARY USE PERMIT
NO. 12-002 TO ESTABLISH A PILOT SAFE OVERNIGHT
PARKING PROGRAM AT ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL
CHURCH LOCATED AT 301 TRINITY AVENUE
The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Keen, Sperow, and Chair Ruth
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Barneich
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 6' day of March, 2012.
IV. REFERRAL ITEMS FOR COMMISSION ACTIONINOTICES OF ADMINISTRATIVE
DECISIONS SINCE FEBRUARY 21, 2012:
Case
No.
V. DISCUSSION ITEMS: None
PPR 12-004
VI. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS AND COMMENTS:
Commissioner Keen stated he attended the March 5, 2012 Architectural Review
Committee meeting. The following was on the agenda: Two Administrative Sign
Permits which were approved: (1. East Branch Street, 2. West Branch Street); and a
Conditional Use Permit for Valley View Adventist Academy, which will be presented at
the next Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Keen stated there is a mock-up
sign in front of Chili's if the Commission wishes to view.
APP.
VII.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND FOLLOW-UP:
None
Community Development Director McClish reported the parking lot drainage issue will be
a Condition of Approval.
Doug DeBerti
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
On motion by Commissioner Keen, seconded by Commissioner Martin and unanimously
carried, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Address
DEBBIE WElCHlNGER ELIZABETH RUTH, CHAIR
SECRETARY TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
303 East Branch
Street
AS TO CONTENT:
Description
TERESA McCLISH, COMMLlNlTY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Fapde and parking lot improvements for new surf
shop
(Approved at the meeting)
Acti
on
Plann
er
A RF
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 15
ATTACHMENT 2
Possible New Ministry of St. Barnabas Church
Temporary Safe Overnight Parking
for fragile members of the community without a place to sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
about this possible new ministry
What is the need?
In these difficult economic times people sometimes find themselves without a home
while retaining their vehicle. It is against the law in San Luis Obispo County to sleep
in a vehicle except in a registered campground. Those who would sleep in their car
or RV risk receiving an expensive ticket from the police. If they choose to park in an
area not frequented by the police, the risks are even greater.
Why don't they go to a shelter?
The closest overnight shelter is in San Luis Obispo. Those who need to be in the Five
Cities area for employment or school would find both the travel time and cost of
gasoline prohibitive. Also, shelters are not appropriate for people with weakened
. immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, do not allow pets, and
are often overcrowded.
Where did this idea come from?
This program was inspired by a successful ongoing program in Santa Barbara
County. Currently over 110 people at 21 locations participate in the Safe Parking
Project that has been featured on national news programs. For more information on
the program see the website for New Beginnings, the coordinator of the program in
Santa Barbara http://www.newbeginningscounselingcenter.org/index.html
Why at Saint Barnabas?
Saint Barnabas has a history of concern for those in need in the Five Cities Area,
especially the homeless. St. Barnabas members have been helping to feed the
homeless at the Peoples Kitchen since its founding. The Saint Barnabas Thrift Shop
grew out of an outreach of supplying coats to the homeless. The people of St.
Barnabas have provided homeless men and women over 1700 home made bags
containing basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, a comb, and toothbrush. When we
became aware of the need for safe parking it seemed a natural continuation of our
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 16
ministries, especially since we have a large parking lot with an area where people
could park that is more than 90 yards from the nearest house.
How many vehicles would there be?
We would start with no more than three vehicles per night. After an initial period it
may be determined to increase the number, but in no case would there ever be more
than five vehicles on a given night.
When would vehicles be parked at St. Barnabas?
Registered vehicles will arrive between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and must leave the
premises by 7:00 a.m.
How will participants be chosen?
Jan Stone, a case manager at The Community Health Center (CHC) who works with
the homeless of the Five Cities Area, would suggest people that she is working with
who would be appropriate for the program.
What are the criteria for participation in the program?
All participants will:
demonstrate a sincere interest in finding a permanent housing solution
have a need for safe parking, with priority given to families with children,
people with disabilities and the elderly
have an existing tie to the local community such as local employment,
children enrolled in a local school or recent residence in the area
be in contact with the case manager on a regular basis
have a respect for the neighborhood and community
Will the participants be screened?
The case manager referring the participant will be doing an initial screening,
including any indication of drug and alcohol abuse. The participants will then
contact the Arroyo Crande police in person for approval of all people who will be
sleeping in the vehicle. Anyone found to have a history of sexual violations, violent
crime or other issues of concern to the police will not be allowed to park overnight
at St. Barnabas.
What if people park there who have not been screened?
Both St. Barnabas and the Arroyo Crande police will be given a list ofvehicles
permitted to park If a vehicle is found on the property that does not have a permit
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 17
to park they will be asked to leave, and if they do not comply the police will be
notified.
What are the rules?
The rules include:
No more than 1 vehicle per family at a site
Parking permit in vehicle window to be clearly visible
Enter space between 7 and 9 pm and leave by 7 am
The use of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated and result in immediate loss
of parking privileges
Cooking outside the vehicle or the building of fires is not allowed
Individuals are to sleep in the vehicle, no tents are allowed
No littering. All trash must be removed from the site
Pet waste must be cleaned up and disposed of properly off site
Loud music, generators or other loud noise is not permitted
Permitted guests cannot invite other vehicles to the site
Non-registered guests cannot be on the site
Violent behavior, damage to property or uncooperativeness with church
representatives or police will result in immediate ejection from the site and
irrevocable dismissal from the program
Participants are to leave the neighborhood during the daytime
Participants are expected to respect and follow all laws of the community
including ordinances against panhandling
Failure to comply with the above rules or to respond appropriately to
requests from representatives of the church or the police may result in the
immediate loss of parking privileges
The church reserves the right to remove anyone from the program
How will they be monitored?
A St. Barnabas volunteer will drive through the parking lot at least once each
evening to be certain that only those who are register are parking in the lot and to
see that all of the rules are being followed.
What about a rest room?
A portable toilet with water for hand washing will be provided by St. Barnabas for
participants' use. It will be professionally cleaned at least once a week.
Will they be using the church facilities?
No, the church will be locked and unavailable.
Will there be noise like loud music or parties?
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 18
The participants are not allowed to invite non-registered guests to the site. Loud
music, generators or other loud noise is not allowed. They are here to rest and sleep.
What will the children do?
If there are children they will be expected to remain close to their vehicle and be
monitored by an adult at all times.
What about pets?
Pets will be required to be in the vehicle or on leash and controlled at all times. Pet
waste is to be cleaned up and disposed of off site.
What will the participants do during the day?
All participants will be actively engaged in finding permanent housing which would
include meeting regularly with the case manager and contacting agencies that assist
with housing. Some of the participants may be working or going to school during the
day. All will be required to leave the neighborhood during daytime hours.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 19
SAFE PARKING PROCESS
1. Jan Stone, a case manager at The Community Health Center (CHC) who works
with the homeless of the Five Cities Area, would suggest people that she is
working with who would be appropriate for the program.
2. She would obtain appropriate information by interview and questionnaire to
determine the qualifications of applicant.
3. After the case manager approves the applicant, the case manager will then contact
in person the Arroyo Grande police department for approval of all people who
will be sleeping in the vehicle. Anyone found to have a history of sexual
violations, violent crime or other issues of concern to the police will not be
allowed to park overnight at St. Barnabas.
4. The names of the qualified individuals, license and registration number of the
vehicle, and permit time period will be forwarded to the Arroyo Grande Police
Department, St. Barnabas Church ofice, and the church program manager.
5. A permit will be issued to be displayed in the vehicle (see attached). A copy of
the rules will be provided and a signed receipt obtained.
6. The church program manager will arrange for surveillance, and be the contact
person for any problems.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 20
Rules for Safe Parking at St. Barnabas
No more than 1 vehicle per family at a site
Parking permit to be display in vehicle window and clearly visible
Enter space between 7 and 9 pm and leave by 7 am
The use of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated and result in immediate loss of
parking privileges
Cooking outside the vehicle or the building of fires is not allowed
Individuals are to sleep in the vehicle, no tents are allowed
No littering. All trash must be removed from the site
Pet waste must be cleaned up and disposed of properly off site
Loud music, generators or other loud noise is not permitted
Permitted guests cannot invite other vehicles to the site
Non-registered guests cannot be on the site
Violent behavior, damage to property or uncooperativeness with church
representatives or police will result in immediate ejection from the site and
irrevocable dismissal from the program
Participants are to leave the neighborhood during the daytime
Participants are expected to respect and follow all laws of the community
including ordinances against panhandling
Failure to comply with the above rules or to respond appropriately to requests
from representatives of the church or the police may result in the immediate loss
of parking privileges
The church reserves the right to remove anyone from the program
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 21
St. Barnabas Safe Parking Program
DISPLAY PARKING PERMIT
DATE PERMIT ISSUED:
PARTICPANT'S NAME Date of Birth
Additional occupants
Pet Type (s) and Number
VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL TYPE
VEHICLE LICENSE NO:
Permit Valid from to
Start Day and DateNear End Day and DateNear
In Case of Emergency, call 911 and
Case Manager's Signature Date
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 22
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
301 Trinity Ave.
Arroyo Crande CA 93420
March 20,2012
City Council of Arroyo Grande,
The people of St. Barnabas value our relationship with our neighbors, and we
understand that providing temporary overnight parking for those without a home is
a new program for this area and that it is natural for the neighbors to have
questions and concerns.
Therefore, when we began seriously considering this project we invited the entire
neighborhood to a meeting on November 30,2011 to discuss the program..
On a Sunday afternoon two weeks before the meeting members of St. Barnabas
visited every house on Trinity Ave., Village Ct., Traffic Way Extension, Orchid Lane,
and the Vagabond Mobile Home Park. If anyone was home our proposed project was
explained and we gave them a booklet describing the program as well as a door
hanger inviting them to attend the meeting. If no one was home the door hanger was
left on the Front door. We spoke in person to someone in about 213 OF the houses. A
few had questions or concerns, most were neutral and some were supportive.
The Wednesday evening meeting was attended by members of St. Barnabas, Jan
Stone, the homeless population case manager from CHC who would be doing the
initial screening, police Chief Annabali, City Manager Steve Adams, and City
Community Development Director Teresa McClish. There were about 15 people
from the neighborhood who attended. We described the programs and listened to
their comments, questions and concerns. Several expressed support of our program
while others expressed concerns.
The first major issue that came up at the meeting was how would people be
screened. We took this concern very seriously and worked closely with Chief
Annabali to determine a legal way that people with a history of sexual violations,
violent crime or other issues of concern to the police could be identified before
participating in the program. Although the program in Santa Barbara does not
demand a background check, in response to the concerns of the neighborhood all
participants will be required to go to the police and have an informal background
check performed.
The second issue was a lack of lighting in the area during the night. We immediately
addressed this by putting the back two parking lot lights on a sensor so they are on
whenever it is dark. The two parking lot lights closest to our neighbors are on a
separate timer so that the light will not affect the nearest home.
At the planning commission the question arose as to why we are not allowing these
people into the church to spend the night. There are several answers to this. First,
that would mean that we were establishing a homeless shelter, which would not be
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 23
appropriate in that location for many reasons, including the lack of public
transportation and the limited facilities of the church. But more importantly, we are
trying to serve a different population, people who have vehicles to sleep in for
whom staying in a shelter is not a good alternative, such as those with weakened
immune systems.
Recently we have become aware of two more issues of concern to our neighbors.
The first is a question of why this isn't being done in a more public area rather than
in a neighborhood. We have been asked if we have looked for alternative locations
such as a commercial district or another church.
The issue of a need for locations for safe parking has been discussed for quite some
time. The 10-year plan to address homelessness in the county included a discussion
of the need for such a program. It has also been discussed at 5 Cities Homeless
Coalition meetings, but no one else has been willing to come forward and be the first
to try it in our county. St. Barnabas has had a heart for ministry to the homeless and
the needy throughout its history and we were willing to step forward to provide a
pilot program with the hope that we will be able to demonstrate the feasibility of
such a program in our county and thereby interest other institutions to also provide
space. We are not in a situation to be able to convince others to do what we are not
willing to do ourselves. The other churches that we have spoken to are waiting to
see how our program works and are not interested in being the first. St. Barnabas
would be happy to help such a program in another location. We are also well aware
that Arroyo Grande is a residential community and there are no locations without
neighbors.
The other recent concern has been the lack of overnight monitoring. The Santa
Barbara program on which we have based this one, has found drive by monitoring
to be sufficient. We want this to be a program that can be replicated by others so we
did not want to make it too burdensome to potential sites, which an overnight
presence could become. Therefore we proposed a slightly higher level of monitoring
than that provided in Santa Barbara. However, we can understand the concern of
the neighbors that people who have not been screened may come to the site late,
after the monitors have visited. Since this is the first program of this kind in the
county we do not know for sure if this will be a problem or what level of monitoring
will be necessary. In response to these concerns St. Barnabas is committed to having
a church volunteer stay overnight in the parking lot in a van or RV for the first
month of the program. At the end of that time we would, in conversation with the
police, city officials and the neighborhood, determine what level of monitoring is
appropriate.
Using the mailing list provided by the city, on March 19 we sent the attached letter
to our neighbors to explain the efforts we are making to address their concerns.
That evening, accompanied by a parishioner, I visited some of our neighbors to
assure them that we valued our relationship with them and explain how we were
trying to address their concerns.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 24
As a church community we are well aware of how tenuous housing can be in this
economy. There is more than one member of our congregation who is a paycheck
away from having nowhere to live, who without the help of the church paying a bill
or two would be unable to pay the rent, or who have relied on a church friend to
provide a place to live for a few weeks during a difficult transition.
As Christians we attempt to follow Christ's commandment to love your neighbor as
yourself. St. Barnabas cares deeply about our neighbors who live close to us; and we
want to do all we can to help them feel secure and undisturbed by this ministry. We
also care deeply about our neighbors who find themselves without a stable place to
live. Those who would be using this program are our neighbors. Only people with
ties to the South County such as work, school, family or previous address, and who
are actively looking for more permanent housing will be a part of this program.
Saint Barnabas has appreciated working closely with the city to develop a pilot
program with a high probability of success. We would like to work with our
neighbors as well to address their concerns and invite them to be part of an
opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of a few of our neighbors who are
temporarily without a home.
Thank you for your serious consideration of our request to establish a small pilot
program to provide safe parking for those who temporarily find themselves without
a home.
Sincerely,
Rev. Valerie Valle
Rector
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 25
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
301 Trinity Avenue
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
805-489-2990
March 17, 2012
Dear Neighbor,
The people of St. Barnabas have always valued our relationship with our neighbors, welcoming
those who walk our grounds, enjoy the view from the memorial garden and exercise their dogs. We
do not want to do anything to damage that positive relationship.
We do not expect that providing temporary overnight parking for those without a home will have any
negative impact on the neighborhood. We also understand that given this is a new program for the
area it is natural to have questions and concerns. Be assured that the continuation of the program
will be based upon ongoing conversation with the neighborhood, the police and city officials to
review its effectiveness and impact on the community.
We are making every effort possible to address the concerns of our neighbors, those expressed at
the neighborhood meeting in November, those we heard at the Planning Commission Meeting and
those that we have become aware of recently.
How will participants be screened? - We have worked closely with the Arroyo Grande
Police Dept. over the past few months to determine a legal way that the police can quickly
and effectively screen participants. Once someone has been identified by a case worker as
appropriate for this program, all people who will be staying in the car will go to the Arroyo
Grande Police and have an informal background check performed. Anyone with a history of
sexual violations, violent crime or other issues of concern to the police would not be allowed
to participate in the program.
Will there be overnight monitoring? - Since this is a new program in the area we
understand the concern that people who have not been screened may come to the site at
any time of night. St. Barnabas has decided to have a member of the congregation sleep in
the parking lot in a van or RV each night for the first month of the program. At the end of that .
time we will, in conversation with the neighborhood, the police and city officials, determine
the feasibility of the program and what level of continued monitoring would be necessary.
What about the lack of lighting? -We have already installed a light sensor so that the back
two parking lot lights are on whenever it is dark. The two parking lot lights closest to our
neighbors are on a separate timer so that the light will not impact the nearest home.
Why not somewhere else? - The issue of a need for locations for safe parking has been
discussed for quite some time and is included in the county's 10-year plan to address
homelessness. No one else has stepped forward to demonstrate the feasibility of such a
program in our county. Other churches we have spoken to are waiting to see how our
program works and are not interested in being the first. St. Barnabas would be happy to help
such a program in another location, but it is important to remember that Arroyo Grande is a
residential community and there are no locations where there are no neighbors.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 26
Why don't we allow them to spend the night in the church? - To have a program where
individuals spend the night within the church buildings would be establishing a homeless
shelter, which would not be appropriate in our location due to the lack of public transportation
and the limited facilities of the church. More importantly we are trying to serve a different
population, people who have vehicles to sleep in for whom staying in a shelter is not a good
alternative.
As Christians the members of St. Barnabas attempt to follow the commandment to love your
neighbor as yourself. We care deeply about our neighbors, both those who live on Trinity Ave. and
those who are temporarily without a home. The participants in this program, who are actively seeking
a better housing situation, will all have a connection to the South County whether because of
employment, education or recently being a resident. We invite you to support us in helping a few of
our neighbors who have fallen on difficult times.
Sincerely,
Rev. Valerie Valle
Rector, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 27
ATTACHMENT 4
PILOT SAFE OVERNIGHT
PARKING PROGRAM
February 28, 2012
Dear Resident:
There will be discussion of a proposed Pilot Safe Overnight Parking Program to be located at St.
Barnabas Church, 301 Trinity Avenue, at the following meetings:
PLA NNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 6,2012
6:00 PM
Council Chambers
21 5 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande
CIW COUNCIL
Tuesday, March 27,2012
7:00 PM
Council Chambers
21 5 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande
The Planning Commission will consider an application to establish a pilot safe overnight parking
program in the parking lot at St. Barnabas Church. The pilot program would be valid for one (1)
year, starting with three (3) vehicles for the first six (6) months and up to five (5) vehicles for the
remainder of the year, subject to review and approval by the Community Development Director.
The Planning Commission will be making a recommendation to the City Council.
Comments may be either: (1) mailed or delivered in person to the Community Development
Department at 300 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA; or (2) provided in person at the
meeting.
Staff reports are posted on line at www.arrovoarande.org 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please
call 473-5420 for more information. Planning Commission and City Council meetings will be
televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 28
ATTACHMENT 5
PATRICIA AWRY CALDWELL
March 1,2012
Attn: Community Development Department
MAR 0 6 2012
CllY OF ARROYO WME
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
I recently received the letter dated February 28,2012 regarding the Pilot Safe Overnight Parking
program proposed to be at St. Barnabas Church, 301 Trinity Avenue, Arroyo Grande CA. We
enjoy living in a community that cares about others and think the idea of providing over-night
parking for those living in their cars is admirable. However I have three (3) major concerns:
Su~ervision of the Program. St. Barnabas Church has elected to provide a program while
designating the community to monitor it and this is unacceptable to me. Ifthey want to provide
a service to others they need to provide supervision of the program during program hours. As a
nearby resident I do not want the added responsibility of reporting problems that may occur. The
church is located in an isolated area and we already have a number of problems due to this
including grafliti, drinking, and people having sex in their car and in the area. It is not
uncommon for me to find empty beer bottles and extinguished condoms around the church area.
I appreciate that St. Barnabas has indicated they would have a volunteer "drive-by" early in the
evening to make sure everything is okay. However, this is not supervision of the program and
leaves a lot of hours for things to go wrong. I am unaware of any other local program that provides
homeless sleeping services in the community and doesn't not provide supervision for their program.
Zoning. The area at 301 Trinity Ave, Arroyo Grande is next to a residential area therefore is
NOT zoned for people sleeping in a vehicle. Having people sleep in cars, right next to a
residential area, creates a bigger issue of where people canlcamot park and sleep. If you are
going to condone sleeping in vehicles in this residential area then people should be able to sleep
anywhere they choose.
An Emptv Building Sitting in the Winps. Sleeping in a car is very uncomfortable and in cool
weather very cold. If St. Barnabas really wants to help those sleeping in their cars they would
team with other facilities/churches (Interfaith Coalition is a beautihl example) and provide a
warm place to sleep inside their church. Since they are proposing serving "3 vehicles" sheltering
these people at St. Barnabas should be a relatively simple task. Providing a warm dry place to
sleep is providing a service truly needed.
I believe St. Barnabas is not providing indoor overnight sleeping because they D0N"T WANT
TO SUPERVISE THEIR PROGRAM. They want the residents in the neighborhood to do their
work for them. They have the perfect facility to provide overnight shelter in their church and to
supervise such activity. Supervision of the Safe Overnight Parking program, the entire time
people are allowed to be at the church, is a must for me to support the propam.
Trish Avery Caldwell
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 29
March 4. 201 2
Planning Commission, City of Arroyo Grande
Re: Consideration of TUP 12-2002, Ho~neless Campsite pilot Program
We live on Trinity Avenue, approxi~nately 600 feet west of the proposed campsite.
This is a medium-density residential neighborhood with 15 homes in the immediate.
vicinity.
While we commend and support St Barnabas Church for their efforts in trying to
assist the homeless, we strongly disagree with the proposal to place this project righl
next to our neighborhood. It is not an appropriate location and it will definitely impact the
sense of safety and well-being we currently enjoy.
We do not want to wake up every day wondering who is sleeping in their cars
outside? Who are our new neighbors today? How long are they going to be there?
Should we walk the dog or let kids play at the end of the street?
It is our view that this program should not be approved at this location. There are
plenty of other non-residentidl locations which could easily accom~nodate this projecl.
The new parking lot on Le Point St, the City Hall parking lot, or the proposed site for
the new police station would all be more suitable locations. They would all be easier for
the Police to monitor, and with some modifications to the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code
pertaining to overnight camping, these sites would meet all of staff's current findings for
approval.
Again, we support the program, just not the location.
Thanks for all your hard work,
Robert and Doris Christianson
1 RECEIVED 1
I MAR 0 6 2012 1
( COMMUNITY DEMLOPMENT Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 30
Planning Cornmiss ion :
Re: St. Bsrnabss Ovcrni~.ht Park.ing
If this plan is so acceotsble why doesnt t the church house
the homeless within the church? Idhy is the church locked
?gainst the PBOP~P they inrend to hnlp* espmcislly since
the preferred clients were to be thr ~ldrrly and families
with ch Fldr~n?
rh~ current pronosal offers a pqrkinr spot and a key to a
portable toilet for twelve hours and they still sleep out in
the weather.
HOI~P~PSS park.! I~P. should not bn intler,jected into residentia 1
ne ighborhoods .
l'he St. Dsrnabqs proposal does not provide constant on-site
supervis ion bib ich is unacc~ptsble. Mho can puarantee cars
will not multiply durincl the niqbt? !&to can quarantee peonle
will stey in place? Vho is liable if snnfione is in,jured on
church propertv or on sn ad joini.nq nropertv thr~ t hgs been
trespassed? !.fir t .if il ln~ss strilc~s durin~: t5e rirrht?
Ho~i can re he SUIY thqt the clients have been ~roporly
screpnc\d? HO~J do r.le lcno~.i the jt.~d~crs -7re qualj.fiec! to judq-?
'1hi.s proposal hqs c-lusnd unre3t withiv the r~sidential
community. IJP arm entitled to f~nl safn at ni.cht from
wand~rinr: intruders.
Why not utilize c~ntrally located parks aqd the Rf~ionsl
Center ~~ho have ~stablished utilities until a better solution
car found:
We should not 5a.w to sacrifice the securitv and tranquility
of our ne ighborhoods .
Marin Cattoir
195 orchid Lane
Arrovo Grand-, Ca . ??Aqn
1 MAR 0 6 2012 I
ClW OF ARROYO GRANDE
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 31
Arroyo Linda Crossroads
101 5 Evy Lane
Arroyo Grande. Co 93420
Phone & FAX (805) 489-4521
E-mail MFREDS@an.net
Amyo Linda Crossroads
City of Arroyo Grande
Planning Commission
Re: TUP # 12-002
Dear: Planning Commission
I am responding to your recent letter regarding a temporary use permit for overnight parking for homeless
families.Our Company owns property directly adjacent to St. Barnabas Church.
church, there are no bathroom facilities or hook ups for motorhomes
identified to approve and keep people in compliance it appears you
and staff time to permit individuals on a daily basis, which is difficult to finance
should be a nightly charge for parking, to cover enforcement and maintenance by
nightly parking with a cap for the number of times the same people can
don't take advantage of the Church's generosity. . ,: -7 >..
\,,% ,, . ..,,*,>,..':. ,. a,.
Sincerely,
Michael L. Frederick
President, ALC Management Corporation
.:.c . . .,:!- (, .- ,::. . ..is .. . . '.. .;-. '8 . . "- . :, a - . x ..'Ahoyo, Linda' Crosst@adsi :,:: : .
;;,";*12-Fl: '.:, ,': - . . .<-.,:.; '. '
, ... ,<,,. ,,..2... ,,::+L.'A . .,',.~ol Calfirnla ; ,kc? :$.,,. ~iinit~d , .! . - . . ~ahikrship . . . . . . . . . . .. . .
B~,:ALC . .':; :... ~aha~ement .torpor-ati'on . . ... <. ; ,. ., ,.:. .., c, ,*., .. , -,
A Calijoi.nia Corporation
Michael L. Frederick, President
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 32
COMMENTS ON;
TRINITY AVE OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM
PROVIDED BY ST BARNABUS CHURCH
1.) Safety of the surrounding communitv.
a. Program is unacceptable without nightly police p
hours of 7pm-7an~-on weekends andtwiie during t$e workweek. A photo
ID of all occupants displayed on dashboard.
b. Unacceptable without the addition of parking lot ligllting. illu~llinating the
entire property of St Barnabus Church.
c. Unacceptable without an onsite Church Ministry Manager/Monitor, (not
just visitation) This would put the managing squarely on the shoulders of
the police department and the neighborhood.
d. Unacccptable without city speed limit signage (25 mph) on Trinity Xve,
curb painted red at end of Trinity with no parking signs at the dead-end of
block, and additional streetlight to prevent overload parking offsi te
2.) Safety of overnight parkinp participants
a. Insure participants with accident coverage and property. lost or stolen
while on grounds of St.Barnabus church.
I
b. Fire Department involvement in educating participants with regard to
vehicle safety, with inspections on regular basis, checking on. (propane or
other heating in the vehicle (proper ventilation), and electrical systems of
vehicles to reduce the chance of fire.
c. St Barnabus to provide a drinking water source, toilet and shower facility
(segregated for both sexes) and electricity .
d. Insure background checks on participants to exclude individuals with prior
psychological (previously institutionalized) conditions. individuals with
any record of deviant behavior (molestation/rape/pedophilia). This to be
provided by the A G Police department, directed to the Ministry Manager
(not just provided by the individual petitioner).
e. Exclude children or any participant under the age of 18 whose safety
cannot be insured in a vehicle. (parent leaves children in car while at
work etc)
It is our feeling that this is an exemplary plan for St Barnabus to undertake
We feel it falls short of there goal. If they are proposing to "help" get people
back on their feet, they need to provide inside facilities for participants. The
building has the capacity to house people in its spacious rec areas. Thus
providing a clean, safe, wam~ environment. This would be much more
charitable, and cost effective in the long run, and would mitigate neighbor
concerns about everyone's safety
This is a "residential" area and as such, should remain so by
housing these individuals inside. If this cannot bt: done a "public"
4: q parking should be provided in an area of tlie city that is Inore centralized and
*/kVragM ect. less residential, This could such be maintained as behind by city St hall/police Barnabus wir offsi deparlmentlst Patricks west lot A
9 WPd'-C lot.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 33
SCities Homeless Coalition
SCities Homeless Coalition
Board of Directors
Steve Adams
Brian Beclc
Tom Clough
Patti Diefenderfer
Betsy Ehrier
Rev. Eugenia Gamble
Jose Guzman
Shelly Higginbotham
Abby Lassen
Rev. Valerie Valle
Fred Wolf
P.O. Box 558, Grover Beach, CA 93483
Senior Advisors to Board
Roxanne Carr
Nan Fowler
Steven Harding
Bernard Horton
Peter Keith
Carroi Pruett
Fund Development &'~arketin~
Advisory Committee to Board
Jacqueline Frederick
Jim Guthrie
Duane Leib
Mary Ann Reiss
Anita Shower
Administration/Finance
Program & Facility
Advisory Committee to Board
Warren Hamrick
Laurie Morgan
Contact: Executive Administrator
Liz Howland
P.O. Box 558
Grover Beach, CA 93483
805.710.4330
LizSCHC@yahoo.com
Website: www.SCHC.org
March 12,2012
Arroyo Grande City Council
300 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Most Respected Council Members,
The 5Cities Homeless Coalition strongly supports and is partnering with St.
Barnabas Episcopal Church in its efforts to provide Structured Overnight Safe
Parking for three to five homeless families in need. Keeping in mind that this will
be a pilot program and participants will be screened by a case manager and
evaluated by the Arroyo Grande Police the 5Cities Homeless Coalition believes
this is a positive start.
There is a tremendous need in the Five Cities area for overnight services for the
homeless and a commitment by the City of Arroyo Grande will be the foundation
for all other services to come.
We further encourage the residents in the St. Barnabas area to make a concerted
effort to really find out what planning and cooperation has gone into this
endeavor before they try to shut it down.
The 5Cities Homeless Coalition offers its full support to this project and believes
that this will send a positive message to the community of not only Arroyo
Grande, but in the Five Cities area as well.
Most Sincerely,
Patti Diefenderfer
5CHC Board President
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 34
we Wobrorllt~
604 Vi0lage Court
!Zlttopo @ranbe, C!Zl 93420
@bone: 805 -474 -8 296
Traffic Commission
City of Arroyo Grande
300 East Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
March 12,2012
RE: "Safe" parking program and trafficlstreet issues in the area
Dear Traffic Commission,
I would like these issues to be addressed at your next meeting. Please put this on the
agenda.
My family and I live on Village Court, off of Trinity Avenue, where the "safe" parking
program is being proposed at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Almost all of the residents
in the neighborhood oppose the "safe" parking program for a variety of reasons, some of
which include significant issues with the potential traffic, roadway, and signage.
Traffic Way Extension was recently paved, which was a nice change, compared to the
dilapidated state it was in previously. However, Trinity Avenue and Village Court have
not been repaved. Village Court is currently in a state of deterioration and has needed to
be "patched" many times due to traffic from trash trucks and normal degradation.
I would like you to address these issues at your next meeting please:
1) What will the increase in traffic be as a result of the "safe" parking program and
what effect will it have on the roadway surface itself?
2) Do you know how many vehicles will be "lining up" down the roadway to get
into the safe parking area at the time of "check in"? Trinity Avenue is the only
ingress and egress for the church parking lot.
3) There is not adequate signage along Traffic Way Extension, Trinity Avenue or
Village Court.
a. There are no speed limit signs located anywhere in the area.
Matthew 6:33, "But seekfirst his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. "
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 35
Qe Wobrock~
604 %lage Court
lgrropo @ranbe, C&I 93420
#bone: 805 -474 -8196
b. Egress for vehicles from the church parking lot is down a sloped roadway
(Trinity Ave.), vehicles typically pick up significant speed and definitely
tend to exceed 25 mph.
c. There should be "no (overnight) parking" signs along the roadways
surrounding the church so that homeless people know it's not okay to park
anywhere else, outside the church parking lot.
d. There are small children in the neighborhood (I have two of my own).
Increased traffic and fast-moving vehicles definitely increase the potential
hazards for kids (and residents). There should be "children at play" signs
placed on Trinity Avenue and Village Court.
4) There should be speed bumps installed along Trinity Avenue so that vehicles
cannot pick up too much (dangerous) speed as they descend the roadway.
5) Why is this program not being done on city property and being allowed to go
forward in a strictly residential area? Has an impact study been done regarding
the traff~c and roadway issues I have listed above?
Most of the issues listed above are current problems and the "safe" parking program will
only exacerbate them.
Thank you for the consideration.
Jesse L. Wobrock, Ph.D. (and family)
blatthav 6.33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. "
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 36
Venice Action Alliancc: Rcport on Safe Parking Program in Santa Barbara
Shore Repon Abuse Next Blogn Creale Blog Slgn In -- . - - . - . . -- -
Venicc Action Allimuce is made up of residents sf Venice who avark together to solve
wimunity problcnls. Our objectives include maintilining: Venice as n vibrant, inclusive
nnd diverse community. Venice Action bzlicves in combining g~udeut, mpprapriate a~d
c~rnpas6;6out~te law cuforcemcnt with wsrlable solutions hat benefit ehc con~munity nnd
iL9 ~rsidents ~vhil~ avoi62ing tPic further and gratuitous vietinlization of people who find
thmsdvcs clown-;rnd-out in his diflieulc period of time.
YI.I:ASli lII!I.Y SUPPORT
\\'ORILAHI.B SOI.Ul'1OSS AS11
OUR LFCAI. 1)EYYSSIi FUNI).
SICS UP IaK\'Y?ICB ACI'ION
AI.ERTS. Hli A PART OY'I'Hli
.SoI.UIIOS
\\'ark to kctp Venice n vibmn~,
inclusive i~ncl clivehc
community. Sign up lo nrcivc
Report on Safe Parking Program in Santa
Barbara
Report on Fehruary 25,2010, trip to Santa Barbarn to
investigate
New Beginnings HV Parking Progmnl
I3y I)avid E\toing and Stc\\.an Oscurs
Vcnice pmicipnnu: Co~~ncilnicmhcr Bill Koscndnhl; CD I I stam Jim I,l~n\~icz,
Mikc Honi~i, rtnuro Pinq Nulicy I:mnco; I-API) Ofliccrs 'l'hcrcsn Skinner und
I'cggy 'l'liusing: Venice rcsidc~~ts 1)nvid E\tning and Stcwnn Oscm.
We'll \\'rite cl~ru~iologically nbout \vllat \ve head and sow. \Vc rcali-tc ns \\r arc
t\ritil~g this it is thc m11lt ofo frcc flo\\qing wnvcrsalior~, so plcase bcu \tsith
thut.
New Ucgili~ii~igs Counseling Ccntcr
Wc stuncd 01 Nc\v lkginning (NU), thc propnl dminismtor, locatcd at324
I:. Curillo. S13. Net\, kgi~lnings is n socinl services pmvider organized around
a counscli~lg center. \Vc spoke \vilh Ciur). I,inkcr, I)ircctor ofNI3. (Nuncjl Kupp
is tile I'rukiliy I'mgmn Dirccror, and she is ~hc lust ~WSOII \vc inten*ic\vcd).
Gary prcsc~~tcd us each u puckct ofi~~fonnutio~~ describing thcir progmm. llr
pnckcl included: n tlcscription ofNc\v Ikginni~~g \vok ill the comnlunity: ~hc
RV Puking Pmgn~r in dctnil including I4 n~lcs for lot uscrs. n progruln
upplicniio~~ fonn, o vchiclc pcrn~i~ n list ofthc 21 lots in use with popnlntion
breakdown, clicnt \mi\~r rclicvi~lg NB ofliabilin.? a license ngrecmcnt foml for
lot o\\ncrs. nnd cln o~~trc:rh flyer.
I lighlights of our ~on\~crsntio~~ rvih Ciury:
'I'licrc nrc 21 lots in use \\.it11 105 \*chicles using thcn~. 'Ilc lot sizes
am: 3 hnvc I. I has 2, I hus 3. 10 huvc 5: 2 have 6, 1 ha 9, 1 lins
I I, I hns 15, und I is for sunlnicr use only. l'hc hours ofthc lots nn:
nppn)sirnntclp 7pm-7un1.
'I'hc Inlcst count oflivc-in vchiclcs in the nrcu puts ~IIC ~iunibcr nt
354. Summcrs tcnd 10 bc highcr. \vintcrs lo\\,er.
1.01s uscd (m city, county, churches, nonprolits, und busincsws.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 37
Vc~iicc Action Alliance: Rcpon on Safe Parki~lg Program in Santa Barbara
Ernsll Vonle:, Action.
\\'AaI'CI I 'I'I I II COASI'AI.
COSlSllSStON III'AHINC.
'rr,ilhnul Lho rlsk of lili@~;iinn. \\o
wmld not be hcm ngnin today."
Shntlcnbcrgcr
not sarptising ~hu lw~ttclcss pmblctn
iq cnlcriug intoCm5lill Coml~rlssion
eni it or)--thcsc qlloli~yol tifo
ei~n~mns-bn woi~td badcnylng
m,lul nccw hy :lppm\in~ this. 'rr.e
cho~~ld riirwln ronsisrcnt" 3firlun'mi
HIDC ARCHIVI!
. Sonic lots arc 10 to I2 n~ilcs ouffiidc dlc ci~y. I)\rcllcrs tcnd to stay
ncar their rrspcc~ivc lots.
'I'lrrc arc ~e\~crul lots in tl~c do\rnro\\*n urca.
'I'hcrc is one lot ncnr tl~c hencl~~ and that lot parks \\,onlcn and
fun~ilics.
So~ric of rl~c lots houc porta toilcts, sonic 11avc no hcilities.
'I'\\,o lots t~rc Ibr KVs only. 'l'hc othcrs allot\. n n~is of vchiclcs.
.l'licrc's a 21 Il Ic11gt11 lin~it in Cily lots.
Sonic lots urc for \\'onicn and children only, sornc for \\tonicn onlyl
or \t4olIicn und fnn~ilies.
\\'hen all applicunt opplics, NU uses this opportunity to cvaluntc thc
pcrsc~n(s) for counseling, aid. I'mgrums t~rc offsmd but not
rcquircd. Good hhavior is rhc only rcq~~ircd action of tlic
d\\*cllen. Cue Illurlllgcrs colnc to tlr lots ttvicc a \\rck to chcck
conipli:n~cv~ build rclutionsbips \\*it11 clicnts, and on'cr scrviccs.
'I'hcrc arc 2 counselors OII stuff tvorki~~g wit11 llic
poprrlation. Clienrs arc rcf~md to NB wid otlrr ngcncics for social
scnliccs.
13\,cr). n11~nt11 tlic clicr~t IIILISI tvne\\. hcr/his pcmiir, nr~d thc pcnnit
can bL' n.ne\vcd pcrpctunlly. I'crniit mquircnicnts nrc a valid CA
driver's liccnsc., CA \*cliiclc rugistmion, and ins~~runcc. l'eoplc
king pl~~ccd 011 11 busi~~css lot ure clicckcd for fclony convictions.
'I'lic goal is to rclocutc all people to pcnlinnctit housing.
On a yearly hsis 25 vcl~iclc ~\\*cIIcPs arc king placcd in pcrmnncnt
housing und unotl~cr 30 urc king pl~~ccd in johs.
A brcokdo\v~~ oftl~c pmgrn~n's co~~iponc~~ts usogc is:
Page 2 of 8
I ) plncc~iicnt or1 lot.. .. ... 1 00%.
2) use ol'cnsc nlun:lgc:cllicnt by d\\'cllcm.. .. . ... Wtb.
3) loans fmni N13 ........ 2m 'I'l~cse ,uc loans to repair tlic \pcliiclcs,
liccnsc the \*cliiclc, obtain o driver's liccnsc, sniog tl~c vchiclc,
S~CUII: ~~~SIINIICC.
4) lifc skills training ........ 5%.
5) cou~iscling.. . . . ... 10- 15%
'I'hc progmni is built OII tn~st. ND docs not cocrcc clients. 'I'hcy
t1111kc s~lrc them arc continuing contncls cvhicl~ nrc osed to build
tn~st. 'llicrc is an undcrstu~idi~ig that pcwplc have alcol~ol, addiction,
and n~c~itul hcalth pmblcrris. I'cnplc may not be inlcrcstcd in
scn~iccs oni.~d ill thc bcginni~~g, but tlic rclotionship cun Icad to
rcfcrmls in Ulc fi~turc.
111 cacli lot, onc of thc lot d\vcllcrs is choscn by Nuricy Kupp, thc
casc Ilianugcr, to bc o lot captain, \vith nttcndant rcsponsibilitics. A
bit of cl~rvnctcr building.
N13 docs nn oric~~tution cvcry 6 months will^ SUI'D for cducationul
purposes.
NIl is n.spc~~~siblc for insurir~g thc loffi at o 1ou11 cost of W20Olycnr
+I-. 'Ilie insurance covcrj not only tlic IOU but the progun1 clicntclc
tvith liability insumncc.
'I'l~e estiniats of cmploycd rcsidcncs is 507'4 ~iiost ortvhorn have
druppd down in tmis of prcvious cniploymcnt.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 38
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Agenda Item 11.a.Page 42
Agenda Item 11.a.Page 43
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Agenda Item 11.a.Page 46
To: Mayor Tony Ferrara RECEI.YEf9 CITY OF ARROYO GRAHBE
From: Tom Holgate
Dear Tony,
Hopefulty you remember me from the days we played tennis at Soto Park several years ago. I'm writing
you to lend my voice to those urging the Council to allow a homeless "Pilot Parking Program" at St.
Barnabas Episcopal Church. Like most of the people at St. Barnabas, I take seriously Christ's admonition
to feed the hungry, dothe the naked and provide for the homeless. Our proposal to allow three can of
our community's homeless to park at the church from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M. is part of our attempt to live our
faith and calling.
Although I understand the concerns'of some of the neighbors, I wonder if they are aware of the
precautions that are being planned such as thorough "vetting" and recommendations from Community
Health, an investigation by the police department, and monitoring during the night by both the police
and parish volunteers. Also, top priodty would be given to families with children, the disabled and the
elderly. Tony, when my wife Shirley taught at AGHS, she often told me about the shame homeless
students felt and their fear of being humiliated if their classmates saw them sleeping in a car. Because
St Barnabas is located away from busy streets, staying in our church parking lot would providi! children
of all ages with relative anonymity. If this proposal is adopted, stringent guidelines would be observed
at all times. If anyone drank or used drug of any kind, he or she would be eliminated from the program
permanently.
I don't envy you your position, Tony, because you are constantly having to make difficult decisions. Still,
I urge you to approve of this Pilot Program that could not only greatly assist some of our neighbors who
have suffered misfortune but could also allow Arroyo Grande to become a leader in community service.
Perhaps, as a woman who wrote to The Tribune rently suggested, St Barnabas could become the first
of many churches and temples to allow their parking lots to provide a temporary home for homeless
families, thus saving the county ( and the homeless who are often ticketed) large amounts of money.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and for your thoughtful consideration.
d-*-
Tom Holgate
P.S. How's your serve? I know about your service -to Arroyo Grande, that is.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 47
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Agenda Item 11.a.
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