HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/17/2017 11 Temporary Emergency Cold Weather SheltersITEM TITLE:
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 11.
For Meeting of: October 17, 2017
Resolution authorizing temporary emergency cold weather shelters
in the City of Yakima from November 15, 2017 to March 15, 2018,
and allowing a faith based shelter to operate during this period of
time
SUBMITTED BY: Joan Davenport, Community Development Director
Joe Caruso, Code Administration Manager
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The proposed Resolution for Temporary Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Program sets
minimum standards and requirements for the shelters. Requirements identified in the Resolution
focus on the temporary volunteer managed characteristic of these shelters. The floor plan
configuration of the homeless sleeping areas within each potential buildings will be reviewed and
approved by the Building/Fire Official.
Homeless shelters may be operated by faith based organizations as authorized by RCW
35.21.915, but must conform to health and safety standards. At this time, the Transform Yakima
Together organization has not confirmed the specific location of the proposed shelter. However,
the City has inspected several alternative sites and provided guidance related to meeting
minimum safety requirements for each location. This resolution states the minimum standards for
any temporary, overnight shelter operated by a bona fide faith based organization.
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL:
City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date
Rasolution aulhod2ing 2017 E1/1/1/VS 10110:2017
1nrrn 10/11/2017
Type
Re2solulion
Cowl' Memo
2
A RESOLUTION
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RESOLUTION NO. R -2017 -
authorizing and directing the Yakima Community Development
Department to identify and implement a policy regarding temporary
emergency cold weather shelters in the City of Yakima, and providing that
such policy shall be valid only from November 15, 2017 through
approximately March 15, 2018.
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima, in conjunction with a non-profit faith -based entity and
Yakima Valley Conference of Governments, is aware that there is within the City of Yakima a
population of homeless persons who may require temporary emergency shelter from cold
weather; and
WHEREAS, owners of various buildings, which may include churches or buildings
owned or controlled by faith -based organizations, located within the City of Yakima have
indicated that they are willing and able to provide temporary emergency shelter; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima currently has no municipal code provisions, whether
under the zoning, buildings, fire or other codes, expressly allowing, authorizing, or regulating the
use of such structures as temporary emergency shelters; and
WHEREAS, RCW 35.21.915 may apply to emergency winter shelters if owned or
controlled by a religious organization; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima Community Department of Community Development has
endeavored to create interim policy guidelines to address and regulate temporary emergency
shelters and health and safety issues that may arise in their operation; and
WHEREAS, at the time of this Resolution, no specific building has been identified and
confirmed as a building where temporary homeless shelter facilities may be located, but it is
believed that one will be found prior to November 15, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the Yakima City Council finds and determines that it is in the public interest,
and the best interest of the City and its residents, to adopt the resolution and policy guidelines
set forth herein
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
The City of Yakima Department of Community Development is hereby authorized and
directed to implement the policies listed herein and require all operators of temporary
emergency shelters during the winter period to provide application materials as attached
hereto. Policies shall include the following, and must be certified by the owner or legal
occupier of each building:
1. Sleeping areas shall be located on the ground floor of the building or on other
floors with approved exiting;
2. Smoke detectors shall be located in all sleeping areas and connected to a
central station monitor;
3. No cooking is allowed on the premises, unless done in an approved
commercial kitchen;
4. The on-site staff ratio shall be one staff member per eight overnight guests;
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5. If there is no adequate fire suppression system, staff members must remain
awake and alert throughout the night, serving as a night fire watch;
6. The owner or legal occupier of the building shall provide a floor plan showing
the dimensions of the building, including exits and door swing, more than 72
hours before the first night of occupation;
7. Organizations not falling under RCW 35.21.915 shall provide proof of
adequate insurance; and
8. Any other health and safety requirements determined necessary by the fire
marshal or building code officials based on the proposed building(s) to be
used as temporary homeless shelters under this resolution.
A copy of the application is attached hereto and incorporated herein.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 17th day of October, 2017.
ATTEST: Kathy Coffey, Mayor
Sonya Clear Tee, City Clerk
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY COLD WEATHER SHELTERS
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
Definition
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Temporary Emergency Shelter: Provides for November 15, 2017 through March 15, 2018 for housing for
the homeless at the below mentioned church facility
Application Process
Location Address
Name of Location
Owner or Owner's representative shall submit and self -certify the following:
❑ Sleeping areas to be located on ground floor, or on other floors with approved exiting
❑ Smoke detectors shall be located in all sleeping areas and connected to a central station monitor
❑ No cooking is allowed on the premises
❑ On-site adult staff ratio of one member per eight overnight guests. On duty staff shall remain awake/alert
❑ Floor plan showing dimensions with exits and door swing
Applicant Signature Date
Shelter Contact (please print) Phone Number
Permanent shelters with approved fire safety equipment and exits are not subject to the requirements of the emergency cold
weather temporary administrative policy.
FEMA and Red Cross shelters occupied during a declared City/County/State emergency are not subject to the requirements of
the emergency cold weather temporary administrative Policy.
The above temporary administrative policy is to remain in place until approved, cancelled or modified by the Yakima City
Council