Public comments urge mobile shelter and memorial marker; council receives updates on FOP contract and comp plan

During the public-comment period, resident Sharif Hamid urged council to consider bringing a mobile shelter program, described as the "Dignity Bus," to York and asked whether ARPA funds or other steps could support it. Hamid said the project’s operator, Anthony Zorbaugh, operates mobile shelters in Florida and Chicago and that the units include showers and beds.

Hamid also requested a marker or street recognition for longtime local grocer John Jamieson on Out Parkway, saying the family’s permission would be obtained and that Jamieson remains active in the community. The clerk asked Hamid to provide contact information after the meeting and said the administration would receive the request.

Council received administrative updates earlier in the meeting: Business Administrator Kim Robertson reported the status of the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) collective bargaining agreement is still being finalized and that council consideration for final passage is tentatively scheduled for the Feb. 18, 2025 legislative meeting. Jessica Fieldhouse of CS Davidson briefed council on the comprehensive plan (Comp Plan 2044) process; public comments were being accepted and a public hearing was set for March 18, 2025, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. The transcript listed submission instructions to Nancy Griffin, city planner, at 101 South George, York, PA.

Why it matters: The public comments raised homelessness service options and neighborhood recognition; the administrative updates set near-term dates for contract finalization and the Comp Plan public hearing.

No council action on the mobile shelter or marker was recorded at the meeting; staff said they would follow up with the resident.