Homeless task force pulls out

Decision ends association, collaboration with city of Chico

CHICO » The Greater Chico Homeless Task Force voted Monday to end association with the city of Chico following a call for evaluating operating options with the city by the Chico City Council.

The task force had operated as a committee with city staff, originally formed as a way for local nonprofit organizations, as well as the Housing Authority of Butte County, Legal Services of Northern California, Butte County Department of Behavioral Health Chico State and Butte College, to collaborate and discuss issues related to homelessness.

At the March 2 Chico City Council meeting, Councilor Kami Denlay asked for discussion of the task force being made a formal city commission. She had support from Mayor Andrew Coolidge who expressed his belief that meetings as they were being conducted with city staff were not legal. Former task force chair Councilor Alex Brown opposed and said for years the task force operated independently of the city staff and only when city councilors were named to the committee by the executive team did city involvement become more frequent.

Denlay had motioned to direct staff to look into the process to amend the task force to a commission and bring those options back to council for a final decision, which was approved 5-2.

On Monday, members of the task force were asked to vote by 6 p.m. on whether to send a letter formally ending collaboration with the city of Chico after 25 years.

“Our focus will continue to be to serve as an inclusive space for education and collaboration, and to encourage continued involvement from our community partners, service providers, and members of the general public,” according to the letter.

Local former and current lawmakers Coleen Jarvis, Andy Holcombe and Tami Ritter were among those thanked, as well as Chico’s Housing Manager Marie Demers.

“While this separation is necessary at this time, we welcome direct collaboration with the city in the future,” the letter said.

Chair Angela McLaughlin confirmed Tuesday the vote was confirmed to send the letter and formally leave the collaboration with the city.

“The task force has had 25 years of fruitful collaboration. It is arguably the most democratic group in the city; service providers, city staff, councilmembers and concerned citizens can attend meetings, and after attending one meeting, anyone can request membership and have an equal vote in any initiatives we bring forth,” McLaughlin wrote Thursday.

“I can’t think of one other place where a ‘regular’ citizen can come and have their concerns and their vote have the same weight as city staff, city councilors (formerly) or service providers. It is for that very reason that the task force has been so innovative and fostered so many solutions, including the Jesus Center, Torres Shelter and Chico Housing Action Team. Our members continue to bring creative, thoughtful solutions to the table, some of which have been adopted and championed by service providers, city staff and the community at large.

“We will continue our mission in the spirit of open collaboration we have always had, and we hope Chico city staff and councilmembers will choose to engage in the future,” she added.

Coolidge said Tuesday, “One way or the other, something had to happen. It’s probably the best path forward for them.”