Should the City Council refer to the City Manager to establish an outdoor emergency shelter in Berkeley that would consider but not require various amenities; refer $615,000 in funding to be considered later; temporarily waive a BMC Section; select residents using protocols mirroring other shelters?

At its January 21, 2020 regular meeting the City Council will consider whether to:

1. Refer to the City Manager to establish an outdoor emergency shelter in Berkeley. Such a shelter should consider the following amenities to be provided but not required:

      A. Climate-controlled, wind-resistant durable tents with wooden pallets for support.

      B. Seeking an agency to manage and oversee the emergency shelter.

      C. Portable toilet service and handwashing service.

      D. Shower and sanitation services

      E. Garbage pickup and safe needle disposal.

2. Refer to the November budget process $615,000 to be considered alongside other Measure P recommendations.

3. Temporarily waive BMC Article 9 Section 19.28.100 Section N106, to allow for the installation of tents and membrane structures that may be erected for longer than 180 days even if they do not meet all physical requirements.

4. Refer to the City Manager protocol for selecting residents that mirror other shelter selection criteria and are less restrictive than HUD protocols

To read the full agenda item, see Item 48 on the January 21, 2020 agenda page.

The Council, whose Agenda and Rules Committee selected this topic, would like to hear from you. How would you like them to decide, and what would you like them to consider?