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City Council <br />Meeting Minutes September 21, 2021 <br />Council Member Gonzales noted his concerns about the homeless and wants to <br />ensure we do better than some other cities have done. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem <br />Scott noted that arresting is not the solution and we have to find solutions but <br />we need help with funding from the federal level. Perhaps something similar to <br />a dormitory for some. <br />Council MemberGarza noted the speakers who spoke out tonight during <br />citizen comment and how many people have been or have been close to being <br />without a home at some time in their life. She wants to see a solution and not <br />more policing. <br />Mr. Lumbreras stated during the October 4 work session we can set the vision <br />to address the needs of unhoused neighbors. He stated discussing what is the <br />right vision and model to invest and how do we align the funding with <br />stakeholders and partners to work together. He stated this is a community <br />issue not City, and citizens should be working with us in terms in finding <br />solutions and realize the vision. There are different levels of assistance needed, <br />such as obtaining a birth certificate and other records needed for employment <br />and the strong need for case management. <br />The City Council Homelessness Committee is Mayor Pro Tem Derrick, <br />Council Member Gonzales and Council Member Garza. <br />Mayor Hughson would like to suggest that at the October 4 work session, the <br />council consider asking the Local Homeless Coalition to strongly consider <br />adding a representative that is unhoused to their group if they do not already <br />have this position. 3.34.10 Baker suggests that we not go after people who are <br />camping and/or panhandling. He feels that the police should not prioritize <br />arresting people. Council Member Gonzales is concerned that there be no <br />camping on the side of a busy roadway because that is not safe. <br />Chief Standridge stated road side solicitation has a huge public safety <br />component. He stated there has to be a level of response, education, and <br />seeking voluntary compliance and when person refuses there has to be some <br />level of enforcement. He mentioned since January through September 15, only <br />3 arrests out of 88 calls for service, regarding the three arrests two were for <br />warrants and one for public intoxication, nobody has been arrested for <br />solicitation or camping. He advised council that we should be careful with <br />public safety to concede persons can walk in and out of the roadways to solicit. <br />Council consensus is to provide direction to law enforcement to not <br />City of San Marcos Page 21 <br />