pages: CityCouncil/2021-04-06.pdf, 5
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2021-04-06 | 5 | (21-228) Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Section 2-14 (Youth Council) to Article Il (Boards and Commissions) of Chapter Il (Administration), Establishing a Youth Council and Prescribing Membership and Duties of Said Commission. Not heard. (21-229) Recommendation to Review and Provide Feedback on Preliminary Goals and Strategies for the Homelessness Strategic Plan. The Development Manager made brief introductions. Amanda Wehrman and Aram Hauslaib from Homebase gave a Power Point presentation. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she would like more data presented regarding the unsheltered population pre-COVID-19 and current; questioned how much the parking lot is utilized at Alameda Point, who is utilizing it and whether people are being connected to services; stated the lack of data provided looks like the City is starting from zero, when the City is not; the City has had many programs; she wants to know the results of the current programs in place; expressed support for the responses to her inquiries be attached to the staff report; stated not having data is a problem; the community deserves an update about the effectiveness of the current policies as well as Steering Committee meeting information; expressed concern about members of the Steering Committee; stated many members are from agencies that receive money from the City, which is a conflict; expressed concern about the report's lack of data. Discussed his experience with homelessness; stated the Safe Parking facility and individuals running the facility provided invaluable psychological support and kept him going; many individuals at the facility are in the same situation and have not previously been homeless; all participants want to be on a trajectory to get back to being self-sufficient; it is difficult to rely on social services; expressed gratitude for the services provided; urged Council continue to fund the services, which provide safe harbor for individuals; discussed finding a temporary place to live; expressed concern about the scattered set of resources: George Perkins, Alameda. Suggested the City consider establishing an independent citizen led committee; stated the committee could seek input from non-profit organizations while organizations remain independent from potential financial conflicts of interest; questioned the data compiled by the City regarding the number of individuals currently receiving assistance from local programs; further questioned how the City is evaluating the programs; discussed a Public Records Act request that she submitted; urged the City to seek the information and make it available to the public: Carmen Reid, Alameda. Expressed support for the City's efforts; stated that he is concerned about the potential conflict by the stakeholders receiving public money from the process; urged the City to carefully look into the matter; stated there needs to be an independent group; optics are important; he is not concerned about the County; Council can only focus on City issues; having data is critical; without data, informed decisions cannot be made; expressed support for effectively supporting the homeless and helping those with mental health issues: John Healy, Alameda. Stated that she appreciates the thoughtful planning going into both homelessness and preventing homelessness; urged the plan flesh out more housing, security and the prevention of homelessness; stated there has been unprecedented job loss under COVID-19; many who are homeless have lost over half of their income, are burdened with high rent, are people of color Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 April 06, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-04-06.pdf |