Davis City Council approves emergency services agreement
Council meeting approves agreement with local nonprofit
By HANNAH OSBORN — city@theaggie.org
On Sept. 1, the Davis City Council convened for a general meeting following a closed session.
The meeting addressed discussion for an agreement with faith-based nonprofit Fourth and Hope for reserved emergency shelter beds and supportive services. Other topics included amendments to the Outdoor Dining Program, potential changes to the operation of the Urban Forestry Division and information on solid waste management contract options.
City Manager Daryel Dunston invited Director of Social Services and Housing Dana Bailey and Deputy Police Chief Matt Petersen to speak with the council about a proposed resolution to enter an emergency services agreement with Fourth and Hope. Bailey provided information on what the agreement would entail and how the nonprofit’s services fit the city’s housing goals.
“We did negotiate the five beds that will be reserved specifically for Davis residents,” Bailey said. “People that avail themselves of shelter services will also be offered the opportunity for housing navigation, case management services, the ability to talk with the staff at Fourth and Hope about developing a housing plan and beyond that to be assessed for what their individual needs are.”
Mayor Donna Neville addressed community concerns that the agreement would shift city issues outside local oversight, citing financial considerations and continuity of support services.
“We are all dedicated and committed to providing continued services to our unsheltered population and working on the housing issues,” Neville said. “That said, we know the fiscal constraints we’re faced with are very real [...] What has become extremely important is the need for regional coordination, and when you have something that already exists, that is well suited to providing this service, let’s avail ourselves of that and make the best use of that service.”
The council unanimously supported the item, with the suggestion of adding a written provision in the contract for return transportation to Davis from Fourth and Hope’s Woodland location.
The meeting also continued a public hearing on the Davis Outdoor Dining Program with a report by Assistant Planner Samantha Bailey on proposed amendments and council oversight within state and federal regulations.
The council unanimously approved amendments giving the city authority over signage and design.
Assistant City Manager Stan Gryczko presented a report on operational and policy changes related to attempts to reduce city-owned trees through attrition.
Don Shor, co-president of nonprofit Tree Davis, spoke during public comment on the item to express concern on behalf of the organization about current urban forestry goals.
“We want to emphasize that shifting the cost of tree care to property owners will reduce the quality of care,” Shor said. “We’re very concerned that the impact of these changes is not being addressed and evaluated by tree professionals.”
Other public comments shared the sentiment that the decisions regarding the Urban Forestry program’s policies should be left for further consideration by experts.
Following public comment, Councilmember Bapu Vaitla suggested paths forward for urban forestry policy and operations in the city.
“I feel like we have a little bit of time if the plan is to [reduce city trees] by attrition,” Vaitla said. “I hesitate to make any major policy changes tonight, but I think this is the perfect kind of issue where a robust discussion on a commission after some subcommittee has done some background work [...] would be ideal.”
Following discussion, Vaitla requested an update in six months from the Urban Forestry program on its inventory and moved to create a council subcommittee with Councilmember Ryan Chapman. He also requested a subcommittee of the Climate and Environmental Justice Commission to discuss issues with a representative from Tree Davis.
The formation of subcommittees was unanimously approved by the council, and the item was closed.
Deputy Director of Public Works Utilities and Operations Adrienne Heinig presented contract options for the City of Davis regarding solid waste removal. The city’s current contract with Recology Davis lasts until Dec. 31, 2029. Heinig explained the importance of considering new contracts ahead of time.
“There is a lot of volatility in solid waste costs and processes, and that ability to lock in consistent rates and services and programs is very important, both from the perspective of fiscal responsibility for the city but also continuity for our customers,” Heinig said. “We will have this opportunity, for the first time in quite a long time, to take a look at [...] new technologies [and] incorporate significant regulatory changes that have occurred within legislation.”
The options presented for consideration were a renegotiation with Recology Davis, or issuing a request for proposals (RFP).
The council voted 4-1 to move forward with the RFP process, with Vaitla dissenting.
With no additions or comments regarding the long-range calendar, the meeting adjourned. The council will meet again Sept. 15, and the agenda can be found on their website.
Written by: Hannah Osborn— city@theaggie.org