HomeMy WebLinkAbout19781 - RESOLUTIONS - 5/3/2000 RESOLUTION NO. 19781
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF '
PALM SPRINGS,CALIFORNIA,ADOPTING A
POLICY FOR ADDRESSING THE ISSUES 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 similar to communities 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 the use of legal and
illegal drugs resulting in chemical addiction has increased the complexity of the problem; and
WHEREAS,the City Council recognizes that a dramatic change in the State of California's
program for the treatment of mental illness in the early 1970's put a large number of people on the
street; and
WFIEREAS,the City Council recognizes that the increased number of homeless individuals
has become dependent upon the generosity of strangers and charitable organizations; and
WHEREAS,the City Council recognizes and believes that each of its residents has a right ,
to be treated with courtesy and respect,regardless of the resident's wealth or living status; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that a group of concerned citizens and
organizations,including Catholic Charities,Well in the Desert,West Valley Interfaiith Association,
and MainStreet Business Association, as well as representatives from County Supervisor Roy
Wilson's office, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the Riverside County
Department of Mental Health,the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services,the Palm
Springs City Council,the Palm Springs Police Department,the Palm Springs Planning Department,
and the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, came together to 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 and Goals
contained in its report 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.
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.
Section3. Policy Promoting Community Services to the Poor and Homeless. The City
wishes to establish such public policy by adopling the "Homeless Task Force Goals" to increase
public tolerance and to promote an opportunity for a decentliving environment for all, as follows:
R197S1
Page 2
1. Definition. "Homeless Task Force Goals"shall be substantially 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 Homeless issue and collaborate on solutions.
b. Educate local businesses, residents, and tourists on appropriate means of
assisting the homeless and the needy.
C. Support and promote actions to 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 to promote the above
goals of the Homeless Task Force.
b. The City shall take appropriate steps to train all City personnel relative to
the suitable treatment of all residents,regardless of wealth or living status.
3. Education:
a. The City supports the education of its citizens on issues regarding poverty
and the homeless.
Section 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and
enter it into the book of original Resolutions.
ADOPTED this 3rd day of May 12000
AYES: Members Jones, Hodges, Oden, Reller—Spurgin and Mayor Kleindienst
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ATTEST: THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
Bye Ab
City Clerk City Manager
REVIEWED AND APPROVED AS TO FORM:
i
City Att