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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-10 Staff Report - MOU North San Gabriel RiverMOU with Duarte and Irwindale November 6, 2023 Page 1 CONSENT ITEM E-10 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER FROM: LUCY DEMIRJIAN, SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2023 SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITIES OF AZUSA, DUARTE, AND IRWINDALE TO COLLABORATE ON SERVICES TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE NORTH SAN GABRIEL RIVER AREA BACKGROUND: The rapid and troubling growth in the homeless population has been difficult to address, given the increased rates of persons with untreated addictive disorders involving substance abuse and mental health conditions, the high cost of housing and the shortage of emergency, transitional, and affordable housing available in the region. As a result, local jurisdictions throughout the County have experienced increased incidents of unlawful camping and loitering activities in and upon portions of the public rights-of-way, parks, and other public facilities including federally owned property along the San Gabriel River (Riverbed). The growing homeless population in the Riverbed has required additional law enforcement and emergency response from the adjacent cities of Azusa, Duarte, and Irwindale, including response to dozens of brush fires and calls for service for suspicious person(s) and activities. In September 2020, the North San Gabriel River Working Group (NSGRWG) was created to discuss and address the growing concerns of the unhoused population occupying the Riverbed. The NSGRWG consists of elected officials and staff from the cities of Azusa, Duarte, and Irwindale. Over the past few years, the NSGRWG has partnered with Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District to connect homeless individuals to health and housing services, and coordinate Riverbed encampment cleanups. The NSGRWG desires to continue to coordinate public safety operations and formalize their collective efforts with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in order to accept potential funding to support such activities. Approved City Council November 6, 2023 MOU with Duarte and Irwindale November 6, 2023 Page 2 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended City Council: 1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and authorize the City's continued participation in the North San Gabriel River Working Group ("NSGRWG") to collaborate on services and enhance public safety in the North San Gabriel River Area with the Cities of Duarte and Irwindale. ANALYSIS: The purpose of the MOU is to establish a collaborative framework between the three cities to coordinate public safety efforts, deliver critical services, restore recreational open space, and pursue funding opportunities in furtherance of the health, safety, and well-being of these communities. Elements of the MOU include joint planning and preparedness, information and resource sharing, referrals to supportive services, partnership with other agencies and encampment cleanups. The cities will also continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District to manage flood-risk, reduce the risk of wildfires, and to prevent further physical harm or destruction to the North San Gabriel River. The MOU will remain in effect until terminated by 30 day written notice of the parties. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund. The MOU formalizes the collaboration of the NSGRWG and allows the three cities to apply for and accept funding to support their collective efforts in developing and implementing public safety solutions to address the evolving challenges and demands of the homelessness crisis in and around the Riverbed. The City of Azusa will be designated as the “Fiscal Agent” for the purpose of administering grant funding and will establish a separate account for this purpose. Prepared By: Reviewed and Approved: Lucy Demirjian Sergio Gonzalez Senior Project Manager City Manager Attachments: 1. MOU 2. Map of North San Gabriel River, Reach 12 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITIES OF AZUSA, DUARTE, AND IRWINDALE TO COLLABORATE ON SERVICES TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE NORTH SAN GABRIEL RIVER AREA This MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“Agreement”) is dated as of November , 2023 (“Effective Date”), and entered into by and among the Cities of Azusa, Duarte, and Irwindale, each of which is a municipal corporation organized and existing under California law (cumulatively the “City Parties,” and at times individually a “City Party”), with reference to and in consideration of the following: WHEREAS, like many other regions in California, the County of Los Angeles (“the County”) has seen a rapid and troubling growth in the homeless population over the past several years, a condition that has been difficult to address given the increased rates of persons with untreated addictive disorders involving substance abuse and mental health conditions, the high cost of housing and property in the area, and the shortage of emergency, transitional, and affordable housing available in the County to serve this population; WHEREAS, as a result, local jurisdictions throughout the County have experienced increased incidents of unlawful camping and loitering activities in and upon portions of the public rights-of-way, parks, and other public facilities including federally owned property along the San Gabriel River (collectively, “Riverbed”); WHEREAS, the homeless encampments in the Riverbed create health and safety risks to homeless persons due to exposure to weather, inadequate sanitation, and other conditions detrimental to their wellbeing, and negatively impacts the health, safety, and general welfare of the surrounding communities by degrading the environmental and physical condition of the San Gabriel River, increasing risks associated with public health and safety such as the spread of illnesses, high fire danger and proliferation of criminal activity; WHEREAS, the growing homeless population in the Riverbed has required additional law enforcement and emergency response from each of the City Parties including response to multiple brush fires and calls for service for suspicious person(s) and activity resulting in investigations and several arrests; WHEREAS, the City Parties have made necessary efforts to conduct extra patrols and outreach operations in and around the Riverbed aiming to connect homeless individuals to health and housing services, including weekly convoys with law enforcement partners and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) outreach teams; WHEREAS, the City Parties have partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District in the planning and coordination of several encampment cleaning projects to remove debris from the banks of the Riverbed including shopping carts, material used to build campsites, abandoned vehicles, propane tanks and gasoline cans from abandoned illegal campsites; Attachment 1 WHEREAS, to address issues arising from the increasing homeless population in the Riverbed, including violent crimes and devastating fires impacting surrounding communities, the City Parties created the North San Gabriel River Working Group in September 2020; WHEREAS, the City Parties desire to continue to coordinate public safety operations and desire to memorialize their partnership with this Agreement; WHEREAS, by formalizing this partnership, the City Parties aim to promote efficient coordination, resource sharing, and effective communication to respond to public safety incidents, mitigate risks, and safeguard the well-being of all citizens; and WHEREAS, each City Party has caused this Agreement to be duly approved by its respective governing body, and by so doing, has found and determined that this Agreement furthers the health, safety, and general welfare of their respective residents. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the City Parties agree as follows: AGREEMENT 1. PURPOSE In furtherance of the health, safety, and well-being of all their residents and to prevent further physical harm or destruction to the North San Gabriel River and adjacent communities, the City Parties desire to work together cooperatively and in good-faith towards developing and implementing public safety solutions to jointly address the evolving challenges and demands of the homelessness crisis in and around the Riverbed. The City Parties seek to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge and expertise and combine their respective resources for purposes of providing and coordinating public safety responses to address continuing fire concerns, unsanitary conditions and ongoing criminal activity in and around the North San Gabriel River. The purpose of this Agreement is to establish a collaborative framework between the City Parties in order to enhance public safety and strengthen the delivery of critical services to the community with a specific focus on addressing homelessness issues, restoring recreational open space, and pursuing grants and funding. The City Parties aim to engage in the following specific activities: 1. Joint Planning and Preparedness: Collaborate on emergency response plans, conduct joint training exercises, and share best practices to enhance preparedness for natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other public safety incidents. Facilitate cross-training and professional development opportunities between members agencies, promoting the exchange of knowledge, skills, and best practices in areas such as incident management, crisis communication, and risk assessment. 2. Information and Resource Sharing: Coordinate timely and secure exchange of relevant information and intelligence, enabling agencies to enhance situational awareness, identify emerging threats, and take proactive measures to address them. Explore opportunities for resource sharing, including personnel, equipment, and specialized expertise, to optimize the allocation of limited resources and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public safety operations. 3. Joint Homelessness Response and Coordination: Collaborate on developing comprehensive strategies and action plans to address homelessness, including prevention, outreach, counseling, and housing assistance. Establish protocols for coordinated and compassionate response to individuals experiencing homelessness, with the goal of connecting them to appropriate resources and support services. 4. Supportive Services and Referrals: Establish mechanisms for sharing information on available supportive services, such as mental health counseling, addiction treatment, and job placement programs. Work collaboratively to ensure individuals affected by homelessness receive appropriate referrals and support to address their underlying needs. 5. Joint Grant Research and Application: Collaborate on researching funding opportunities, identifying relevant grants, and jointly applying for grants that support initiatives related to homelessness response, encampment cleanup, and public safety. Pooling resources and expertise to strengthen grant applications will increase the likelihood of securing funding. 6. Partnerships with Agencies and Organizations: Strengthen relationships with regional, County, State, and Federal agencies to maximize the impact of available resources, knowledge exchange and support for public safety-related initiatives and homelessness response efforts. 7. Encampment Cleanup: Coordinate efforts to identify and assess encampments, prioritize cleanup needs, and ensure safe and efficient removal of hazardous materials and debris. As these encampments present a health and safety hazard to homeless individuals, residents, the environment and wildlife, regular cleanup efforts are necessary. 8. Improvements to San Gabriel River: Continue working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District to manage flood-risk, reduce the risk of wildfires and to improve the health of the San Gabriel River. Establish strategy to include additional mitigation efforts to restore the natural habitat and open space for recreational activities. Through this Agreement, the City Parties seek to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge and expertise, and enhance their collective ability to respond to emergencies, protect lives and property, and jointly address the complex and multifaceted challenges of homelessness while also ensuring public safety and the overall well-being of the community. By engaging in these specific activities, the City Parties aim to leverage additional financial resources, maximize the impact of programs and initiatives, and create a sustainable framework that supports long-term success and positive outcomes. 2. TERM 2.1. General Term. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date which the last of the City Parties has executed the same and shall remain in full force and effect until terminated. 2.2. Termination by City Parties. a) Notice and Effective Date. Notwithstanding Section 2.1, any City Party may terminate its participation in this Agreement by providing 30 day’s written notice to all other Parties. b) Continuing Enforceability. Following the effective date of termination, the terminating City Party shall have no further obligations or rights with respect to this Agreement, except as expressly provided otherwise herein. 3. Fiscal Agent The City Parties agree that the City of Azusa shall be designated as the “Fiscal Agent” for the purpose of administering grant funding and assumes financial responsibility related to funding requirements. The Fiscal Agent will establish and operate a designated account segregated for the mutual use of the City Parties as described in the Purpose section. The Fiscal Agent will disburse funds from the Account upon written request or invoice by the City Parties for relevant expenditures. Funding opportunities will be reviewed and approved by the City Party Representatives, as defined in Section 4 Authority below, prior to acceptance. All expenses incurred related to the pursuit of funding, such as retaining a consultant for grant writing or administration, shall be divided equally among the City Parties. 4. Authority. The City Parties represent and warrant that this Agreement has been duly authorized by their respective governing boards, and executed by a duly authorized representative thereof (“City Party Representative”), and constitutes the legally binding obligation of their respective City Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms. 5. Assignment. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, no City Party shall assign any of its obligations or rights hereunder without the consent of all other City Parties, and any such assignment without consent of all other Parties shall be null and void. 6. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which, when the City Parties have signed this Agreement, shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties to this Agreement have caused the same to be executed by each of their duly authorized officers as follows: CITY OF AZUSA City Manager Attest: City Clerk Approved as to form: City Attorney CITY OF DUARTE City Manager Attest: City Clerk Approved as to form: City Attorney CITY OF IRWINDALE City Manager Attest: City Clerk Approved as to form: City Attorney Unincorporated County Irwindale Unincorporated County Monrovia Duarte Bradbury Azusa Unincorporated County Unincorporated County County of Los Angeles, California State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau, USDA, Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMANorth San Gabriel River (Reach 12)R 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Miles North S a n G a b r i e l R i v e r ( R e a c h 1 2 ) October 24, 2023