HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/3/2000 - STAFF REPORTS (9) RESOLUTION NO-
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING A POLICY FOR
ADDRESSINGTHEISSUES OF POVERTY
AND THE HOMELESS
WHEREAS,the City Council("City Council")of the City of Palm Springs("City")
acknowledges that the City and the Coachella Valley are similarto communitics throughout
the country with a growing class of disenfranchised citizens who live in poverty and are
homeless;and
WHEREAS,the City Council recognizes that a dramatic change in our economy,
with a greater emphasis on education and technical skills,has exacerbated the problem;and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that an accelerated growth in chemical
addiction has increased the complexity of the problem,and
WHEREAS,the City Council recognizes that a change in the State of California's
program for the treatment of menial illness in the early 1970's increased the number of
homeless people;and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the increased number of homeless
individuals became dependent upon the generosity ofstrangers and charitable organizations;
and
WHEREAS,the City Council recognizes that each of its residents has a right to be
treated with courtesy and respect,regardless of the residerifa wealth or living status;and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that a group of concerned citizens and
organizations, including Catholic Charities, Wall in the Desert, and Main3treet Business
Association, as well as representatives from County Supervisor Roy Wilson's office,
Riverside County Department of Mental Health,the City Council,the Palm Springs Police
Department,and the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission,came togetherto create the
Palm Springs Homeless Task Force("Homeless Task Force")in 1999;and
WHEREAS,the City Council wishes to acknowledge the work of the Homeless Task
Force and establish a policy in support of the Homeless Task Force's Mission Statement,
entitled,"Lost in Paradise"or"Homeless in Palm Springs."
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Springs as follows:
Section 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct.
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Section 2. Public Policy_ The City finds that the establishment of a policy
addressing issues of poverty and the homeless is in the public interest and necessary to
answer the concerns of the downtown business community regarding the general behavior
of the homeless.
Section 3. Policy Promoting Community Services to the Poor and Homeless.
The City wishes to adopt the"Homeless Task Force Goals"to increase public tolerance and
to promote an opportunity for a decent living environment for all,as follows:
I. Definition_ "Homeless Task Force Goals"shall be the same as those adopted
by the Palm Springs Homeless Task Force,as follows:
a. Gather representatives from groups that have often found themselves
on different sides of the issue and collaborate on solutions.
b. Educate local businesses,residents,and tourists on appropriate means
of assisting the homeless and the needy.
C. Lease, buy or build a facility to offer comprehensive services that
meet the immediate as well as long term needs for our homeless
population, so that many may move from destructive to productive
roles in our community.
d. Provide the avenue for local businesses and residents to make a
difference through advocacy, volunteering, employment
opportunities,and contributions.
2. City Action:
a. The City resolves to vigorously pursue, through means reasonably
available to the City and its Departments, a course of action
promoting the above goals of the Homeless Task Force.
b_ The City shall take appropriate steps to train all City personnel as to
the treatment of all residents,regardless of wealth or living status.
3. Education:
a. The City resolves to support the efforts of the Palm Springs Human
Rights Commission to educate its citizens on issues regarding poverty
and the homeless.
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Section 4. The City Clerk shall caRify to the passage and adoption of this
Resolution and enter it into the book of original Resolutions.
ADOPTED this day of_ .2000
AXES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,CALIFORNIA
By
City clerk City Manager
REVIEWED AND APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City A