To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Consent Letter and License Agreement with the California Department of Transportation Regarding Access to Encampments Located Within the State Right-of-Way throughout the Highway 101 Corridor in Humboldt County
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Department of Health and Human Services Director, and/or designees thereof, to execute, the attached consent letter and license agreement with the California Department of Transportation regarding access to encampments located within the state right-of-way throughout the Highway 101 corridor in Humboldt County;
2. Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services Director, and/or designees thereof, to execute additional consent letters and license agreements that are substantially similar to the attached consent letter and license agreement with the California Department of Transportation, and any and all subsequent amendments thereto, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to provide the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit with one fully executed certified copy of the Board order related to this item.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund (1160-520)
DISCUSSION:
Several homeless encampment sites are located within the state right-of-way throughout the Highway 101 corridor in Humboldt County. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) staff regularly visit these sites to advise occupants that camping is not permitted, and that they must abandon the sites.
At the request of Caltrans, the Housing, Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) division of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services - Social Services (DHHS - Social Services) has agreed to partner with the State of California to provide occupants of encampments located within the state right-of-way throughout the Highway 101 corridor in Humboldt County with housing resources and other outreach-related services.
The attached consent letter and license agreement with Caltrans establishes an inter-agency relationship and procedure for working safely on the state right-of-way and authorizes HOME staff to access the state right-of-way without Caltrans staff being present. Caltrans maintenance staff and California Highway Patrol officers will be available to escort HOME staff onto the state right-of-way, if requested. The attached consent letter and license agreement with Caltrans will begin upon execution by both parties and shall remain in full force and effect for a period of 1 year thereafter.
Accordingly, DHHS - Social Services recommends that the Board approve, and authorize the DHHS Director, and/or designees thereof, to execute, the attached consent letter and license agreement with Caltrans regarding access to encampments located within the state right-of-way throughout the Highway 101 corridor in Humboldt County. Staff also recommends that the Board authorize the DHHS Director, and/or designees thereof, to execute additional consent letters and license agreements that are substantially similar to the attached consent letter and license agreement with Caltrans, and any and all subsequent amendments thereto, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office, in order to avoid any unnecessary delays in providing needed services to occupants of encampments located within the state right-of-way throughout the Highway 101 corridor in Humboldt County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no direct costs associated with the attached consent letter and license agreement with Caltrans.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations, creating opportunities for improved safety and health and providing community-appropriate levels of service.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the attached consent letter and license agreement with Caltrans regarding access to encampments located within the state right-of-way throughout the Highway 101 corridor in Humboldt County. However, this alternative is not recommended, as it would prevent the HOME division of DHHS - Social Services from providing timely and efficient outreach services to occupants of encampments located within the state right-of-way throughout the Highway 101 corridor in Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Consent Letter and License Agreement with the California Department of Transportation Regarding Access to Encampments Located Within the State Right-of-Way Throughout the Highway 101 Corridor in Humboldt County
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A