2020/07/29 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

July 29, 2020 Deputy Mayor Harper provided an update on the grant process. Council Member Murphy expressed concern that despite Administration stating they have been working on this for the past year, there is a lack of specificity provided as to how the grant funds would be utilized. He also stated he is concerned about the potential for legal liability to the City of Everett, particularly if the grant funds were used to build shelter capacity on city-owned property, and the disproportionate distribution of the shelter capacity among the cities in Snohomish County. Council Member Murphy stated that the City of Everett has been an active supporter for many years of building shelter capacity, and based on data received from the County, the City of Everett has 75% of the shelter capacity county-wide, despite only having 15% of the population. He further suggested that other cities in the County need to step up and take on more shelter capacity before the City of Everett continues to provide even more than its fair share. Discussion ensued regarding the Everett's share of shelter capacity in the • Snohomish County, housing needs in the region, the need for a better understanding on where pallet shelters would be located and potential legal liabilities to the City, funds allocation, and the need for a provision of affordable housing in all the cities. Council members requested a briefing from Administration on the funding usage if the grant is awarded. Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Murphy who voted no, and Council Member Moore who was excused. Motion carried. GREEMENT— REIMBURSEMENT FOR ELIGIBLE COVID-19 RELATED COSTS Moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Roberts, to authorize the Mayor to sign the Interagency Agreement with Washington State • 224