HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2020-10-27_MinutesPUBLIC COMMENT PROVIDED BY EMAIL
COMMUNITY FORUM:
SUBMISSION FROM: Eric and Christy Wilkins
From: Eric Wilkins <ecwilkins2001@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 5:01 PM
To: City Clerk <cityclerk@atascadero.org>
Subject: Community Forum 10/27/20 Atascadero City Council Meeting
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
First, we would like to express our understanding that there is a need for a warming center in
Atascadero. That said, we are writing to voice our concern in regards to the warming
center/emergency shelter that Echo will be opening at the start of November in the Fellowship Hall
of the Atascadero Community Church. The location, in a residential neighborhood, in close
proximity to homes with many families with young children is not appropriate. Additionally, the
location is open with multiple entrances and exits to and from the hall that cannot be monitored for
safety. We have additional concerns that have not been addressed from the feedback we have
received from Echo and the church about how the program will be run in regards to safety of the
neighborhood, the safety of the volunteers, the safety of the people being sheltered, the l ack of
security beyond volunteers, and the safety of those that may be milling around who may not be
able to get into the shelter for the night. We have been disappointed that Echo and the church
have been considering the use of the fellowship hall as firs t a warming center and now an
emergency shelter since August and did not reach out to any neighbors in the community until two
weeks ago. While the city did organize a zoom meeting for the neighborhood, most residents had
just heard about the discussion two days prior and were unable to attend. We are also concerned
about the lack of a public process and neighbors around the church have volunteered to help with
looking at alternate locations, additional safety procedures, and further discussion. Instead, th e
residents surrounding the church are being told what will happen and there is no collaboration. We
recommend that an alternate location for the shelter be considered and that the City Council
consider this for an agenda item at the next City Council meeting.
Thank you,
Eric and Christy Wilkins