Memorandum 17-017 Temporary Shelter for People From Cold Weather

Memorandum 17-017

TO:                        MAYOR ZAK AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL
FROM:                 COUNCILMEMBER ERICKSON

DATE:                   DECEMBER 30, 2017

SUBJECT:      TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR PEOPLE FROM THE COLD WEATHER

The purpose of this memo is to introduce the concept for a draft ordinance to the City Council for review prior to recommending the Planning Commission work on an ordinance. This serves two purposes: 1. an opportunity for the public to be aware of the item and that the subject may get passed to the Planning Commission (hopefully for their comment and future participation) and 2. for the City Council to express their support for the concept and to discuss any refinement which would lead to a better recommendation to the Planning Commission. 

I would like to address the needs of homeless people who need temporary shelter during times of inclement weather. The points suggested for the Planning Commission to address include:

Setting parameters for temporary shelters for during time when weather is poor.

Generally from October through April.
Time of operation 8 pm – 8 am, no loitering
Length of stays, few days
Allow for churches to operate
Make a permitted use, no Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
Consider allowance to use Fire Marshal to determine capacity
  

Recommendation

Council support for the ordinance and concepts.