REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on an Agreement with Tucker Construction, Inc. for Encampment Cleanups and Related Budget Amendment [Council Pillar: Deliver and Enhance Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure]
Report
BACKGROUND
According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the State of California is home to 22 percent of the nation's homeless population. The current housing challenges in California extend statewide, and as a result of these challenges, the City of Santa Clara has seen an increase in both the number and size of homeless encampments in various parts of the City over the last few years.
Debris from encampments contributes to stormwater pollution and other concerns. The City must follow stringent procedures to protect both the rights of individuals impacted by the encampment cleanups and the safety of the personnel performing the cleanup services. Notifications prior to and after cleanup, storage and distribution of personal property, and employee safety training to deal with potential jobsite hazards increase the complexity of encampment cleanups.
The complexity and safety requirements for encampment cleanups exceed the services that City staff can provide at this time. It is necessary to contract with an experienced vendor to give the City the ability to clean up encampments swiftly before they grow further in size and become hazardous.
DISCUSSION
Under the subject agreement, Tucker will provide turnkey encampment site cleanups as directed by the City. The Police Department (PD) will provide outreach to individuals advising them of the City's intent to conduct cleanup activities, encourage individuals to remove their private property and provide free bags to do so, and document pertinent information regarding the location. PD will provide additional information to those dwelling in the encampments, which will include resource and shelter options. PD may also coordinate with outreach specialists ...
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