Title
Agenda Item:
Report from Land Use Committee on Discussion of Use of City Property and Sidewalks
Body
Issue:
As part of the Downtown Project, on December 6, 2012, the Land Use Committee reviewed whether current City regulations concerning use of City-owned property and sidewalks are sufficient to support the goal that the downtown is safe, inviting and open to all user groups.
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use Committee is recommending a series of changes to implement a balanced and comprehensive solution. A general description of the proposed changes is set forth in Attachment 1.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Provide direction to staff on proposed changes and timeline for bringing forward amendments to the City code.
Staff Contact:
Steve Hall, City Manager, 360.753.8370
Tom Morrill, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Presenter(s):
Land Use Committee
Background and Analysis:
As part of the Downtown Project, the Land Use Committee has reviewed whether current City regulations concerning use of City-owned property and sidewalks are sufficient to ensure that the downtown is safe, inviting and open to all user groups. In addition, camping on the steps and landing of City Hall has created a situation that resulted in the City Manager requesting, at the City Council's last public meeting, the adoption of an emergency ordinance to respond to an immediate and urgent threat to public safety and public health. The City Council asked the Land Use Committee to consider whether a more comprehensive solution was appropriate and asked the Land Use Committee to report back at the Council's December 11 meeting. Additional background on the public safety and public health issues is set forth in the staff report and proposed ordinance that was included in the City Council's December 4 packet for the item proposing a restriction on camping at City Hall.
In addition to the ordinance proposal, members of the Land Use Committee expressed strong commitments to working with the homeless and advocates to support and expend well planned regional responses to the underlying problems of homelessness. They urged supporters to help engage County and State officials in problem solving these more complex aspects of homelessness.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Council and the Land Use Committee have heard from interested parties regarding neighborhood and community interests as a part of the Downtown Project and in response to proposed regulations concerning use of public spaces such as City Hall.
Options:
Provide direction to staff on proposed changes and timeline for bringing forward amendments to the City code.
Financial Impact:
No specific financial impact analysis has been completed for the potential amendments.