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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Community Development Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 11/21/2013 MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE GLENDALE CITY HALL—ROOM B-3 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE GLENDALE,ARIZONA Thursday,November 21,2013 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Arthur Swander Jr., Chair Cherie Hudson, Vice Chair Matthew Versluis Ronald Jauregui Shirley Wong Randy Miller Marcellous Sanders Sue Pederson Pattie Johnston Albert Ojeda John Torres MEMBERS ABSENT: Chuck Jared STAFF PRESENT: Erik Strunk, Executive Director Sam McAllen, Executive Director Mona Francis, Revitalization Supervisor Charyn Eirich-Palmisano, Revitalization Supervisor Rebecca Daniel, Community Action Program Administrator Elizabeth Garcia, Revitalization Coordinator Call to Order Chair Swander called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Roll Call Chair Swander conducted roll call. III. Minutes Committee-member Miller motioned to approve the September 19, 2013 meeting minutes as written. Committee-member Wong made the second. The motion passed 9—0. [Committee-members Ojeda and Torres were not yet present.] Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee November 21,2013 Page 2 IV. Business from the Floor None. V. Homeless at Bonsall Park North Mr. Stunk stated that over the past several months, there has been increasing homeless and transient activity at Bonsall Park, which is located at 59th Avenue and Bethany Home Road. Mr. Strunk stated that there are various amenities at the park, including lighted racquetball courts, an outdoor, in-line skating rink and tennis courts. Mr. Strunk announced the City has recently entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Arizona Game and Fish to include the 1.1 acre lake at the site in the State Urban Fishing Program. Mr. Strunk clarified that the specific homeless issues have been mostly located in Bonsall Park North. Mr. Strunk announced the following incidents at the park from January through October 2013: • A total of 446 incidents citywide are attributed to homeless/transients. • Of the 446, 263 or 59% occurred at Bonsall Park North. 98 occurred during September and October. o 61 Urban Camping o 63 Shopping Cart o 65 After-Hour o 46 Miscellaneous—fights, clothing, litter, debris, warrant violations o 28 Possession of Alcohol • Results o Criminal issues—fighting, drugs, urban camping, alcohol. o Health issues—defecation, urination, leftover food/pigeons, pets o Increased Maintenance issues—repeated cleaning of the area o Rental Issues and Enjoyment of the Park Mr. Strunk discussed the goals of the department in regards to the issue: • Education/Awareness of the Issue at Bonsall Park • Operational Impacts on Parks, Recreation and Library Services • Department Action Plan o Education and Outreach o Identify Stakeholders o Request to Re-Channel the Positive Energy o Case Management and Wrap-Around Services o Progressive—Not Punitive—Enforcement of Existing Codes Mr. Strunk displayed pictures of various scenes at the park and ramada areas such as urban camping, shopping carts left behind, animals and hygiene issues, food distribution, personal affects left behind, and trash from drinking and possible drug activity. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee November 21,2013 Page 3 [Committee-member Miller excused himself from the meeting.] Mr. Strunk stressed that safety of patrons and the enjoyment of the park is of major concern. Mr. Strunk commented that there are some faith-based and/or non-profit organizations bringing food, clothing and supplies to the park for the homeless. Mr. Strunk understood the need to help the homeless, but noted that there are other ways to reach out and assist this population. Specific concerns include: • The park ramada area was not designed for food and clothing distribution. • There have been documented conflicts and fights among transient populations. • There have been homeless encampments/structures being built in the park. • There is a long-term transient occupancy of ramada areas where reservations are required. • Health issues are of a concern as the racquetball courts have become an area of relief after the restrooms have been closed. • Additional staff time is taken by park rangers and maintenance staff in order to clean up after the individuals. Staff safety is a concern due to the instances of hazards/bodily fluids that have been encountered. Mr. Strunk announced the following action plan: • October/November: o Presentation to the Parks and Recreation Commission— 10/21 o Presentation to Neighborhood Alliance— 11/16 o Discussion with Glendale Police Department— 11/19 o Brief Community Development Advisory Committee— 11/21 o Establish contact with social service agencies o Begin educational campaign with transients/homeless • November/December: o Outreach begins—periodic social service visits o Enforcement begins—park code violations o Partner with Police Department on criminal violations • January—April 2014: Monitor, assess, outreach and enforcement • August — September 2014: Potentially apply for FY 2015-16 CDBG public service funds Chair Swander indicated that he volunteers with the Crisis Response Team and suggested that staff contact this group for assistance. Chair Swander explained that the Crisis Response Team has access to service agencies valley-wide, has a 12-passenger van and can provide transportation to medical or mental health facilities. Committee-member Sanders suggested that social service representatives come to the park to work on-site with these homeless people. Committee-member Sanders explained that many homeless people would like help but are unable to get transportation to shelters Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee November 21,2013 Page 4 or social service agencies for assistance. Committee-member Sanders also suggested the use of a mobile service unit. Committee-member Jauregui suggested that the City consider building a local homeless shelter in order to assist this population with temporary housing, mental health and other needs. Committee-member Torres felt that some of the issues at the park appeared to be isolated instances. Committee-member Torres works with the Neighborhood Alliance, which is an agency working to assist the homeless population. Committee-member Torres stated that many of the lights at the park are working except at the ramada. Committee-member Tones stressed that this was a safety issue and wondered why the light was not replaced. Mr. Strunk explained that the copper wiring was stolen for the second time this year and the light needs to be replaced again. Committee-member Torres stated that the size of the trash bins at the park should be larger. Committee-member Torres felt that the situation was not being reported in a true light. Committee-member Tones stated that he was at the park just prior to this meeting and there were only seven people at the ramada who were waiting for food, but there were no lights on. Committee-member Torres stated that the restrooms were clean. Committee- member Torres added there are pets with some of the homeless at the park; however this is because people lost their homes and are trying to keep their pets. Mr. Strunk thanked everyone for their comments and will keep the Committee apprised of the issue. VI. Community Action Program(CAP) Update Ms. Daniel gave an update on the status of CAP programs for first quarter FY 2013-14. The following were public funds utilized during July through September 2013: • Direct service funding balances are as follows: o Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: $192,028 o Arizona Community Action Association: $26,339 o Temporary Assistance to Needy Families: $ 9,813 o Neighbors Helping Neighbors: $13,045 • The Low Income Home Energy Assistance amount utilized was a record-breaking number. • 357 resident calls were accepted on the appointment hotline for July, September and October. • 383 individuals were assisted with crisis services for July, August and October. • Main goals are to prevent Glendale residents from becoming homeless and disconnection of utility services. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee November 21,2013 Page 5 • CAP caseworkers have completed outreach to senior retirement homes, such as Casa Bill Soltero, Vista Allegre and Kachina Village, that are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Ms. Daniel reported the following on the CAP annual family health fair held on November 16, 2013 at the Glendale Civic Center: • St. Mary's Food Bank distributed 215 turkeys to the first 215 attendees. • Booths included Susan G. Komen, United Healthcare, Touchstone Health and more. • There were approximately 890 attendees. • 75 individuals were screened for utility assistance and 12 on site applications were completed. • The APS booth received approximately 400 visitors and the SRP booth received approximately 200 visitors. • 111 blood pressure checks were done and 75 cholesterol checks were completed. • There were 12 pregnancy tests given and 425 visual and dental checks. • 205 attendees visited the pharmacy booth. • There were 22 referrals to the Ash Line at the tobacco prevention booth. • 300 children participated in the Teddy Bear Clinic. Ms. Daniel stated that the fair was very successful and was very appreciative of the sponsors and agencies that participated. Vice-Chair Hudson suggested a booth next year with a veterinarian or humane shelter to assist those in need who have pets. Ms. Daniel stated that upcoming events include: • The CAP Holiday Party on December 20th: Backpacks with school supplies will be distributed to children. Funding for this event is received from the Nina Pulliam Mason Grant. More donations are welcome. • The Glendale Elks JC Penney shopping trip and lunch: Funding is still being pooled for this event during which children are taken to JC Penney to purchase Christmas gifts and then have lunch. Committee-member Torres inquired as to how many callers are turned away from assistance when calling the CAP hotline. Ms. Daniel replied that within two hours of opening, all appointments are booked and the hotline is closed for the month. Ms. Daniel stated that the situation is very challenging and heartbreaking. Ms. Daniel noted that there are currently two full-time caseworkers and one part-time caseworker. Ms. Daniel is recruiting for one more caseworker to fill an opening. Committee-member Torres praised Ms. Daniel and her staff on a job well done. VII. Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services and Physical Improvements, Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Annual Grant Application Book Distribution Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee November21,2013 Page 6 Staff distributed the CDBG grant application books, in hard copy and digital format, to the Committee-members. Staff thanked the Committee-members for their participation in the grants process. VIII. Adjournment Committee-member Torres motioned to adjourn at 7:37 p.m. Vice Chair Hudson made the second. The motion passed 10 — 0. [Committee-member Miller was no longer present.] Respectfully submitted, HO LA' Vo_A,bo CO Recording Secretary - Denise Kazmierczak