Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Olympia and Thurston County to Address the Need for Managed Parking Sites for Individuals Living in Vehicles
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Olympia and Thurston County to address the need for managed parking sites for individuals living in vehicles.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Olympia and Thurston County to address the need for managed parking sites for individuals living in vehicles.
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8206
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
There currently is no shelter or sanctioned safe parking area to address the needs and impacts of individuals living in vehicles on public streets in Thurston County. Numerous vehicles parked on Ensign Road (and other areas of the City) are being used as residences. This has created a situation that has many detrimental impacts to the health and safety of the people residing there; to operations and access to Providence St. Peter Hospital and other neighboring businesses; to travelers along Ensign Road; and to surrounding wetlands and streams.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines a collaboration between the City of Olympia and Thurston County to address some aspects of this situation. Phase 1 of the MOU would commit the City and County to working toward moving 15-20 of the vehicles on Ensign Road to an interim site owned by Thurston County on Carpenter Road north of Martin Way. Under Phase 2 of the MOU, the City and County would work with the Regional Housing Council toward acquisition and development of a safe parking facility for up to three years on Franz Anderson Road in Olympia. The long-term purpose of the property is for a permanent supportive housing facility or an affordable housing development.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The businesses, residents and travelers on Ensign Road have a very strong interest in this situation. Additionally, the neighborhood in the vicinity of Franz Anderson Road (south of Martin Way, north of I-5, and west of Lilly Road) would also have strong interest in Phase 2 of the MOU.
Options:
1. Approve a Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Olympia and Thurston County to address the need for managed parking sites for individuals living in vehicles.
2. Do not approve a Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Olympia and Thurston County to address the need for managed parking sites for individuals living in vehicles.
3. Table consideration of the Resolution for further discussion.
Financial Impact:
The MOU commits expenditure of funds received as a $100,000 donation from Providence to further support by the Scattered Sites program and case management work with residents of Ensign Road during Phase 1. Additional funding from the Regional Housing Council will also be necessary to implement Phase 2, along with City staff support during both Phases.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement