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2nd Reading of Park Ordinances-public comment from Sean patrick O'NeillAimee Brunckhorst From: Sean O'Neill <soneill@capnwmt.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 9:42 AM To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment Subject: EXTERNAL 2nd Reading of Park Ordinances -public comment Greetings City Council and Mayor, I am unable to attend this evening's meeting, but felt it was important to share some follow-up to the last reading of these new proposed city ordinances. I believe there was some misrepresentation of the facts, as well as some other perspectives I think are not being considered. DISPERSING GROUPS: If groups are actively participating in criminal activity, then of course they should be held accountable for their actions. These ordinances will not reduce criminal activity and, in fact, could very well increase it. With much respect to the fine work of the KPD and Chief Overman, there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that does not support dispersion of homeless groups. First off, they're not participating in hooliganism or organized crime. They simply are trying to find folks that support them and do not treat them like 2nd-class citizens. Which is exactly what these ordinances will only further. My background and education as a case manager for folks with co- occuring conditions (mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability) was deeply rooted in group settings to help many folks at once with treatment and positive support. On the homeless outreach end, dispersion would make it very difficult to consistently connect with folks and bring critical services to them. Law Enforcement would have a much easier time ensuring public safety if they aren't dispersing folks from a covered structured that no one else is trying to use, only to force them into the surrounding neighborhood streets and businesses. These ordinances could lead to more crime. PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Simply, many folks (myself included) bring a truck or carload of items when they enjoy uncovered or covered park space. I doubt these instances would result in a citation or law enforcement interaction, but if someone were unhoused and carrying all they own they would be cited with this ordinance. Please understand that this will be the case often with this ordinance, and would enable our community and its members to essentially only kick the folks that are already down. TEMPORARY STRUCTURES: Understandably, no one wants 'permanent' structures that homeless folks are occupying in public parks for public use, and health and safety reasons. This ordinance lacks the perspective that many non -homeless groups are the folks that would be affected by this ordinance. 1, personally, and many of my family and friends have used temporary sun shade structures many times at Lawrence, especially, and Woodland Parks. There is little -to -no shade or covered structures in the open portion of Lawrence park. To say you would like to know when someone is using a temporary sun shade structure is not reasonable when families just want to have a simple picnic on the weekend and don't have the ability to obtain one, only to get cited. Stakes are a moot point, as that can be iterated and reiterated, with all temporary sun shade structures having the functionality of being weighted down with rock and/or sand bags. Thank you for reading my comment, and I hope I was able to help make the forest a little more clearly visible for the trees. Much appreciated, Sean Patrick O'Neill Community Services Director Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana 214 Main Street Kalispell, MT 59901 Ph: 406-758-5445 http://www.capnm.net This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. if you have received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete this email from your system.