Title
Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2022.15 seeking Collaboration Regarding Salinas Gabilan Creek Encampments and Environmental Concerns.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2022.15 and:
1) Direct that staff proceed with completion of referral based on description in this report; or,
2) Direct that staff:
i. Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by the Board; or,
ii. Return to Board with a more comprehensive analysis of referral and anticipated effort for completion; or,
iii. Rescind referral.
b. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:
Referral Summary & Background: Referral Number 2022.15 “Collaboration Regarding Salinas Gabilan Creek Encampments and Environmental Concerns” was submitted by Supervisor Alejo on April 7, 2022 and subsequently issued by the Board of Supervisors on April 19, 2022. The purpose of the referral is to collaborate with the City of Salinas, the Salinas Regional Sports Authority and the California Dept of Fish and Wildlife regarding homeless encampments along Gabilan Creek near the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex causing environmental and nuisance concerns.
Proposed Project Description: Referral 2022.15 requests that County staff collaborate with the City of Salinas, the Salinas regional Soccer Complex and the Ca Dept of Fish and Wildlife to find solutions and to participate in cost sharing to address nuisance and environmental concerns resulting from the Gabilan Creek encampments. CAO staff proposes that the County approach this referral with the County acting in a supportive service role to the City and the Soccer Authority, who are the lessees and sub-lessees of this County property and, as such, bear responsibility for activities occurring on the property. This would include Environmental Health, Behavioral Health, Social Services, CAO, Public Works/Facilities, and County Counsel
Estimated Project Cost: It is premature to estimate potential costs to the County at this time. Staff proposes to return with an update within 60 to 90 days.
Staffing Level Estimate: It is premature to provide a staffing level estimate at this time. It is likely that staff involvement will primarily include staff from the CAO, County Counsel, Health Department (Behavioral Health, Environmental Health and Public health bureaus) and Department of Social Services. The County Homeless Services Director will be involved if the position is filled in the near future.
CAO staff has had several meetings with the City of Salinas Planning Manager who is leading the City’s efforts to address the encampments. We have asked that the City Manager include CAO staff and other relevant County staff in coordinating meetings.
CAO staff has preliminarily discussed the environmental issues resulting from work done in proximity to Gabilan Creek by the Soccer Authority. Staff has also had a preliminary discussion with Soccer Authority leadership to gain a more complete understanding of the environmental situation.
CAO staff has had preliminary interaction with Behavioral Health and Environmental Health staff to gain a preliminary understanding of potential services which may be provided to assist the City and the Soccer Authority
Departmental Challenges: There are several challenges. Staff needs to gain a clearer understanding of the City’s timeline for addressing the encampments.
Given workload of all affected County departments, a prioritization decision must be made which could impact existing priorities of the various County departments.
Proposed Response Date: Staff proposes to return to the Board with an update in 60 to 90 days.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Addressing homelessness and environmental concerns are critical issues for the Board of Supervisors
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
__XHealth & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__XPublic Safety
Prepared by: Nicholas Chiulos, Asst CAO
Attachments:
Board Referral No. # 2022.15
Cc: Rod Powell, City of Salinas
Roxanne Wilson, CHSP
Katy Eckert, Behavioral Health
Ric Encarnacion, Environmental Health
Lauren Suwansupa, Social Services
Elsa Jimenez, Health Dept
Lori Medina, Social Services
Randy Ishii, Public Works
Lindsay Lerable, Facilities
Kurt Gollnick, Salinas Regional Soccer Authority