Garden City officials discussed unauthorized encampments in the former riverbed and nearby public spaces, stressing that enforcement alone will not resolve the issue and that a coordinated, long‑term approach is required.

Economic development staff member Lund Duvall said the problem "won't be that easy" and urged a systemic response that involves social services, law enforcement, health providers and regional partners. "It did not happen... it won't be solved overnight," Duvall said, noting the legal and property‑ownership questions complicate immediate removal efforts.

Why it matters: residents in the Sagebrush homeowners association raised safety and property concerns after people began camping in the riverbed. Officials said the community expects action, but staff cautioned that immediate enforcement could create additional hazards or legal challenges if the underlying housing and health needs are not addressed.

Discussion and details: Duvall told the council the first step is understanding ownership and enforceability for the sites used as encampments, and flagged legal precedent that people without housing may have some protections when creating makeshift shelter. He said Representative Lewis has discussed proposed state legislation that would give communities an option to enforce removal in some circumstances, but noted community members who read the draft warned it could have unintended consequences for other river uses.

Duvall also said local social‑service organizations are already providing blankets, food and outreach but that the resource pool is shallow. He noted that service providers sometimes have housing vouchers but cannot place voucher holders because landlords have higher‑paying applicants. "We have housing vouchers... but the landlord can get $900 for that apartment going to the general public, why would they accept my housing voucher client," Duvall said, describing a market barrier to using existing resources.

Public‑health and hospital impacts were raised. Duvall said recent meetings with the hospital CEO, Twyla Lee, revealed a sharp rise in uncompensated charitable care: he recalled that when he began in his position 15 years ago the hospital's charitable care was about $2,000,000 in a year, "Last year that number was $22,000,000." He added the hospital is on pace to be "nearly double" that this year and suggested some nonemergency visits to the emergency department may be connected to food‑seeking or shelter needs among people impacted by the encampments.

Community response and next steps: Council members and staff praised Commissioner Gurman for convening a 45‑person invitation meeting to begin cross‑sector planning. Participants at that meeting included homeowners, social‑service providers and county public‑health staff, who are cataloging how case‑management and referral processes currently operate. County Health Director Shruti was mentioned as having ideas staff consider promising. Vicky (meeting organizer) was thanked for convening the community discussion.

Officials repeatedly cautioned against a punitive, rapid removal strategy. Duvall used the metaphor of an "anthill" to say a heavy‑handed fix could break infrastructure or create new hazards. Instead, he and others urged a collaborative plan that clarifies who does intake and referrals, aligns vouchers to housing availability and builds capacity for mental‑health and addiction services.

Ending: Staff said the work will require sustained coordination, more resources and public patience. Commissioners and staff asked the public to engage constructively as officials develop a cross‑agency response rather than demand immediate enforcement without follow‑through.