TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Steve Powers, City Manager
FROM: Dan Atchison, City Attorney
SUBJECT:
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Amending the Emergency Declaration related to unsheltered residents to allow for a limited, managed outdoor camp at City-owned property at 2640 Portland Road, NE? (Resolution No. 2021-11)
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Good Governance; Safe Community; Welcoming and Livable Community.
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ISSUE:
Shall City Council adopt Resolution No. 2021-11 to amend the declaration of emergency extended by Resolution No. 2020-49 related to unsheltered residents?
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt Resolution No. 2021-11 to amend the declaration of emergency extended by Resolution No. 2020-49 related to unsheltered residents.
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SUMMARY:
Resolution No. 2021-11 amends the declaration of emergency related to unsheltered residents to allow for a limited, managed, outdoor camp for the unsheltered at City-owned property located at 2640 Portland Road, NE. The declaration continues to be set to expire on October 26, 2021.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
Resolution No. 2020-49, adopted by City Council in November 2020 extended the declaration of emergency related to unsheltered residents until October 26, 2021, continued the vehicle camping pilot program, and authorized emergency shelters and warming centers.
City staff have identified Church in the Park as a potential community partner to manage an outdoor camp at 2640 Portland Road. This is the former DMW site that was acquired by the Urban Renewal Agency and is currently being used by Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency as an emergency shelter for up to 25 unsheltered individuals. The indoor use is set to end on March 31, 2021.
The City and Church in the Park have discussed continuing that use under Church in the Park’s management and expanding use of the property for both the vehicle camping pilot program and for a managed outdoor camp. The outdoor camp would utilize prefabricated structures, providing safe and dry shelter. Day and night-time use would be permitted.
Resolution No. 2021-11 establishes basic requirements for managed camps; that they not be located in a single- family residential zone and that the manager enter into an agreement with the City for the operation of the camp. If this amendment to the unsheltered emergency declaration is approved by City Council, the City Manager will issue an emergency order establishing program rules and manager and use requirements, such as limits on occupancy, minimum distance to sensitive uses, and other requirements as appropriate. City Council approval will be required to expand the authorization for managed, outdoor camps at other locations.
BACKGROUND:
Salem Revised Code, Chapter 2 provide authority for the City Council to declare a state of emergency if emergency conditions exist within the City, and to authorize the City Manager to take actions to address the conditions.
On November 9, 2020, City Council adopted a Supplemental Budget No. 2 for the City, appropriating $773,780 sheltering options, a portion of which may be utilized to facilitate sheltering activities under this emergency declaration.
Dan Atchison
City Attorney
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2021-11