Salem City Council Chambers. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
The Salem City Council meets Monday to consider a new managed camp location which could allow about 60 people without housing to live on a city-owned parcel in west Salem.
Councilors are meeting from 5:15 to 6 p.m. to hold a work session on the annual Community Satisfaction Survey and residents’ perspective on infrastructure need.
Councilors will consider authorizing the city manager to establish a temporary managed camp in west Salem at 2700 Wallace Road N.W., a city-owned parcel zoned commercial retail.
A city staff report said the site would serve approximately 60 campers, with seniors 55 and older getting preference.
“This is the only parcel feasible for managed temporary camping that is not currently utilized for another purpose known to staff,” the report said.
Project costs are estimated at $87,000 for site preparations, $150,000 to buy microshelters and $96,000 per month for operations. The city is planning to use federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project.
Councilors will also consider an extension of an Emergency Utility Assistance Program until Dec. 31, 2022.
They will consider authorizing a partnership with the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency to provide financial relief to city of Salem utility customers through the Low-income Household Water Assistance Program.
They will consider an annual fee for restaurants wanting to operate on-street dining platforms in former parking spaces. Staff are recommending a fee of $442 per space, with businesses allowed up to four spaces. The program won’t go into effect until July 2022, but the staff report notes “approving the fee structure now will help restaurants determine if investing in a dining platform makes financial sense for their business prior to undertaking the investment.”
They will hold a public hearing on Community Development Block Grant and HOME investment partnership programs’ annual report, which lists projects and programs funded through these sources including homeless prevention, economic development, affordable housing, public service, required planning and administrative activities. The report assesses the progress made toward Salem’s housing and community development goals.
They will also hear a motion from Councilor Virginia Stapleton to require multifamily developments to provide emergency power supply for tenants.
How to participate: The meeting is on Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Watch on YouTube or CC:Media Channel 21. Submit comments on agenda items by 5 p.m., or earlier, on the day of the meeting at [email protected]. Public comment and testimony may also be provided during the meeting via Zoom. Please pre-register between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting at the following link.
-Saphara Harrell
