City continues Bullard Park encampment cleanup; Continuum of Care reports 69-person housing waitlist

City officials reported continued cleanup work at Bullard Park and told the council that partner agencies maintain a waiting list for housing assistance.

Public-works and police staff said crews have been in the third week of cleaning encampments at Bullard Park, removing an estimated 14 to 16 40-yard dumpsters of debris to date. Staff said the cleanup schedule depends on the availability of an operator for heavy equipment and that cleanup days have shifted week to week to accommodate staffing.

Chief Popmire (staff member) thanked partner agencies and said the effort has involved public works, police, probation and contractors. The fire department also reported hydrant testing and mutual training; one engine was undergoing a lengthy repair out of Sacramento.

During committee reports, a member who attends the Continuum of Care Executive Council told the council there is a lengthy waiting list for the navigation center and affiliated housing — the speaker said the latest count was 69 people on the waiting list with no housing immediately available. The speaker said new housing projects are in early stages and that additional capacity will be needed to reduce the backlog.

Council members did not take formal action on the report; staff and council members discussed continuing outreach and interagency coordination, and noted an upcoming joint public outreach meeting on the Antelope Water Sewer project scheduled for July 30.