Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2010-R0555 - Homelessness Committee - 10/28/2010Resolution No. 2010-RO555 October 28, 2010 Item No. 6.8 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City of Lubbock, Texas has an estimated population of ! 19,643; and WHEREAS, there is a significant homeless population in the City of k; and WHEREAS, a significant percentage of the homeless population are identified veterans of the United States Armed Services; and WHEREAS, a significant percentage of the homeless population are identified suffering from mental illness and/or substance abuse/addiction or alcohol se/addiction; and WHEREAS, a large number of homeless individuals congregate in and around City of Lubbock facilities, both during the day and overnight; and WHEREAS, currently, two of the most impacted publicly supported facilities affected by the homeless are the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center and the i Public Library (the "Facilities"); and WHEREAS, issues of public health, safety, and welfare have arisen that vely impact the use of the Facilities, and which potentially threaten the health, , and welfare of the homeless, the public and the employees of those Facilities; WHEREAS, recent incidents involving the public health, safety, and welfare the homeless, the public and City employees have occurred, including but not cited to: a homicide having been committed; illegal drug activity (including used Idles and syringes found on the premises of the Facilities); sexual activity cluding public nudity and sexual acts taking place in public); campfires on the mises of the Facilities; vandalism and graffiti to the Facilities; trash, debris, public nation and defecation in and around the premises of the Facilities; public axication and disorderly conduct on the premises of the Facilities; in addition to presence of unsecured parcels and personal belonging on the premises; and WHEREAS, the homeless population being exposed to the elements, arly during extreme weather conditions, can present a serious threat to human safety, and welfare of the homeless in Lubbock, Texas; and WHEREAS, the homeless population being exposed to personal security particularly those involving criminal activity, can also present a serious threat to n health, safety, and welfare of the homeless in Lubbock, Texas; and WHEREAS, there are many selfless, caring individuals, non-profit groups, and churches in the Lubbock, Texas community who have made, as their tireless mission, the assistance and care of the local homeless population, and who are deeply deserving of the recognition and support of the City Council of the City of Lubbock; and WHEREAS, the issue of homelessness in Lubbock, Texas is an issue of significant public concern; and WHEREAS, a comprehensive strategy to effectively address the issue of ssness would be of public benefit to all citizens; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas desires to ppoint a Homelessness Committee whose charge is to study the issue of omelessness in Lubbock, Texas; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lubbock further charges said Homelessness Committee to develop a comprehensive strategy to effectively address the issue of homelessness in Lubbock, Texas; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK: THAT the Homelessness Committee is hereby created by the City Council of the City of Lubbock with purpose, membership and requirements described as follows: THAT the primary objective of the Homelessness Committee is to study the issue of homelessness and to develop a comprehensive strategy to effectively address the issue of homelessness in Lubbock, Texas. THAT the Homelessness Committee shall present their recommendations ng homelessness issues to the City Council for its review. THAT the Homelessness Committee shall consist of seventeen (17) members, follows: i. one (1) Committee member being a currently or formerly homeless person; ii. one (1) Committee member being a member of the South Plains Homeless Consortium; iii. one (1) Committee member being a local representative of an organization providing mental health services; iv. one (1) Committee member being a local representative of an organization studying or otherwise providing services to individuals with substance or alcohol addiction; V. one (1) Committee member being a local representative of a veteran's organization; vi. one (1) Committee member being a representative of the neighborhood association of a neighborhood that is affected by homelessness; viii. four (4) Committee members being local representatives of faith -based organizations; ix. one (1) Committee member being a representative of the Central Business District Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone; X. one (1) Committee member being a representative of a local organization providing assistance to battered, abused, or displaced women and children; X. one (1) Committee member being a representative of a local United Way Agency or Board; and xi. four (4) Committee members at -large. THAT the City Council of the City of Lubbock shall, on the second regular :ting in November of the Lubbock City Council, appoint all Committee members. Mayor of the City of Lubbock at that time shall designate the Chairperson of the nmittee, and the membership of the Committee shall by plurality vote designate Vice Chairperson of the Committee. The City Manager of the City of Lubbock I appoint one (1) City of Lubbock employee to act as a liaison to the Committee. THAT the regular meetings of the Homelessness Committee shall be held at and locations established by a majority of the Committee members at least once three (3) months. A simple majority shall constitute a quorum, and a majority of the quorum shall be required for any action to be taken by the Committee. All ings and procedures shall be consistent with the policies of the City of Lubbock -ruing advisory Committees and Boards. THAT the Homelessness Committee shall, within fifteen (15) months of its intment, present its initial recommendations regarding homelessness issues to the Council for its review. THAT there is no financial commitment required, requested, or provided by of the City of Lubbock, Texas by virtue of this Resolution. by the City Council this 28th day of October 2010. ATTEST: Garza, City Klein, Committee resolution (TK -VH) v6 ��� A&4� TOM MARTIN, MAYOR