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Supervisors pass first-reading ordinances to strengthen oversight of city-funded shelters and add two public-health staff to monitoring committee
Summary
The Board of Supervisors passed on first reading two ordinances amending the administrative code to require contract provisions and enforcement for city-funded shelters and to require the Department of Public Health to assign two full-time employees to staff the shelter monitoring committee. The measures passed 9–2.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted on first reading to amend the administrative code to require stronger contractual provisions, enforcement measures and monitoring for city-funded homeless shelters (Item 14), and to require the Department of Public Health (DPH) to assign two full-time employees to staff the Shelter Monitoring Committee (Item 15).
Supervisor Ammiano, who sponsored the legislation, told colleagues the minimum standards were developed over two years by the Shelter Monitoring Committee Standard of Care Work Group, which included residents, service providers, advocates and city departments. He said the initial price estimate had been about $6,000,000 but that negotiations had brought the recurring cost down to about $160,000 per year.
A technical amendment addressing smoking was offered and accepted on the floor; the amendment clarifies a smoke-free environment and prohibits smoking within 20 feet of children's play areas. Supervisor Alioto Pier seconded the amendment and, by unanimous consent, the amendment was placed.
A roll call on the ordinances produced 9 ayes and 2 noes; the two ordinances were passed on first reading. The no votes recorded in the roll were Supervisor Ellsburn and Supervisor Chu.
Why this matters: The ordinances expand city oversight of privately operated, city-funded shelters by authorizing enforcement steps against contractors who fail to comply with required corrective-action plans, by empowering the shelter monitoring committee to investigate complaints, and by giving the director of public health the authority to consider liquidated damages when warranted. The added DPH staffing is intended to provide consistent monitoring and follow-up.
Formal action: Two ordinances amending the administrative code (Items 14 and 15) were passed on first reading; a non-substantive technical amendment regarding smoking locations was adopted prior to the vote.
Next steps: The ordinances go forward for further readings/permanent adoption per the city's legislative calendar; committee and departmental implementation steps and budget adjustments will follow to allocate the stated staff and enforcement resources.
