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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 Agenda Item 11.a.Page 39 Agenda Item 11.a.Page 40 Agenda Item 11.a.Page 41 Agenda Item 11.a.Page 42 Agenda Item 11.a.Page 43 Agenda Item 11.a.Page 44 Agenda Item 11.a.Page 45 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 THIS PAGE INTENTIO NALLY LEFT BLANK Agenda Item 11.a. Page 48