Sub-Committee Chair Meeting

February 13, 2015

Sub-Committee Chair Meeting

Meeting started at 4 p.m.

Present: Mayor Pat Branson, Katie St. John, Trevor Brown, and Monte Hawver

Guest:Tom Lance

City Staff Present: Aimee Kniaziowski, City Manager and Michelle Shuravloff-Nelson, Deputy Clerk

Finding Solutions SafeHousing

Mayor Branson briefly discussed dealing with social issues in a community. She shared a handout produced by Jonathon Strong, Project Specialist that suggests members of a task force find potential solutions for readily accessible safe & sober housing in Kodiak.She indicated Mr. Strong understands the homeless issues. She referred to the homeless coalition, which was established four years ago. The group involves members from some of the following entities: Brother Francis; KIBDST; Jill Bunting, Youth Parole; and KIHA. She said the coalition meets once a month.Mayor Branson said she planned to bring theconcept of the task force to the Council on February 24, 2015. She will contact people on the list created by Mr. Strong.

There was a comment that KIB has a similar item on their agenda.

Sub-Committee Chairs agreed to support the task force as presented by Mayor Branson.

City Manager Aimee Kniaziowski gave an overview of a library in San Francisco and how they dealt with social issues.

Discussed was a neighborhood watch in orderto help deal with social issues as well as transitional housing with some volunteer/employment opportunities.

Manager Kniaziowski handed out the homeless panel discussion announcement that will be at the Kodiak Public Library on March 7, 2015, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

The group discussed a need for homeless housing. There was discussion on getting a social worker involved to identify needs.

The next coalition meeting is on March 11, 2015. Mayor Branson is interested in meeting with the group. Monte Hawver said the meeting occurs atthe shelter at 11 a.m.

City Manager Kniaziowski suggested the OWL system and meeting with other areas with successful initiatives.

Trevor reviewed two draft surveys.One survey will go to businesses “what do you want for a viable business?” And one survey will go to the public “why do you go downtown?”

Mayor Branson asked that feedback be given in one week. The due date for survey feedback from the group will be next Friday, February 20, 2015. Trevor will update surveys and bring back. Trevor said he was provided survey samples by Debra King,who now works in Maine.There was a suggestion to add a question on the survey regarding pocket park.

Sub-Committee Chairs made a recommendation to remove pocket park. Manager Kniaziowski wants it to go to Parks and Recreation Committee for discussion.

Katie will work with Trevor on ARTPLACE due March.

Next meeting will be tentatively scheduled in March.

Meeting ended at 5:20 p.m.