TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Councilor Jim Lewis, Ward 8
SUBJECT:
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Motion from Councilor Jim Lewis to reconsider Council’s decision to establish a managed temporary camp at the 2700 Wallace Road NW parcel, within the city-owned commercial retail zoned portion that occurred at the September 27, 2021 Council Meeting.
Ward(s): Ward 8.
Councilor(s): Councilor Lewis
Neighborhood(s): West Salem Neighborhood Association
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MOTION:
I move that City Council reconsider its decision to establish a managed temporary camp at the 2700 Wallace Road NW parcel, within the city-owned commercial retail zoned portion.
DISCUSSION:
If the motion to reconsider is passed by Council, I will move that City Council withdraw its approval to establish a managed temporary camp at the site until;
1. Staff has completed its analysis of the site to determine whether it is feasible, and
2. Staff has met with interested west Salem neighbors to discuss alternate sites within west Salem.
As discussed at the September 27, 2021 Council Meeting, City staff is still investigating whether the 2700 Wallace Road, NW site is feasible to use as a managed camp. Issues include unmapped flood prone areas and the need to obtain ODOT permission to access the site. Until those issues are resolved it is premature for City Council to approve use of the site.
Further, there was inadequate public outreach concerning the use of the site as a managed camp. Neighbors have voiced overwhelming opposition to the location due to the proximity to residential areas and distance from services. Neighbors have indicated a willingness to work collaboratively with the City to find a more suitable alternative site, and the City should provide that opportunity before Council moves forward with approval of this site.
City staff have also drafted land use code amendments to provide for standards for the location and operation of temporary shelters. The draft amendments were reviewed by the Planning Commission as part of other proposed amendments on October 4th. The City should prioritize consideration and approval of the draft amendments to provide more clear standards and procedures for the siting and operation of temporary shelters.
Council Rule 11 provides:
“A motion to reconsider any action taken by the Council may be made no later than the close of the next following regular meeting of the Council. Such motion must be made by one of the prevailing side, but may be seconded by any member, and shall have precedence over all other motions or while a member has the floor and shall be debatable.”
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Attachments:
None.