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Council hears public comment on homelessness services, RFP concerns and Meadowbrook Park cleanup
Summary
Speakers urged transparency in the city's homelessness RFP process, supported proven service models, and described Meadowbrook Park encampment cleanup results; staff updated council on point‑in‑time count and outreach outcomes.
Public commenters and staff updates at the Feb. 5 meeting focused on homelessness outreach, an RFP to select homeless‑service vendors and results from a recent encampment cleanup at Meadowbrook Park.
RFP and vendor concerns
Kevin Mahaney, an employee of the Family Assistance Program, spoke in support of the Simba Center and asked the council for "good due diligence" in evaluating responses to a recent RFP for homeless services. He said the Simba Center has an established wellness center in Victorville and argued the city should ensure applications are reviewed transparently and vendors evaluated on equal footing.
Mr. Mahaney said the Simba Center leverages healthcare reimbursement to help operate expensive services and expressed concern that firms without demonstrated operational experience could be selected. He asked the council to carefully evaluate cost and proven performance when selecting a vendor.
Encampment cleanup and outreach results
City staff reported on a multi‑day encampment cleanup at Meadowbrook Park (a 14‑acre park adjacent to Perris Hill Park). Staff said crews completed the cleanup over three days and that a portion of people contacted accepted services. Staff reported about 85 tents at the site and said approximately 35 individuals accepted services; the transcript included a reference to an additional number of unhoused individuals that was not clearly specified and therefore is not stated here as a confirmed figure.
Point‑in‑time count and other updates
Staff thanked volunteers who participated in the region’s point‑in‑time count on Jan. 23 and said the count is critical for funding and service planning. The city manager's presentation also listed other operational projects relevant to mobility and access for residents: a $9.8 million Waterman/210 interchange project to add left‑turn lanes and widen an eastbound on‑ramp (expected to complete in November), a pilot of solar‑powered streetlights on Second Street, and a new futsal court under construction at Lytle Creek Park (expected complete in May).
Council comments and next steps
Councilmembers noted the need for regional coordination on homelessness funding and services; several members said they serve on continuum‑of‑care committees and encouraged public participation. Staff said the homeless ad hoc committee will receive a fuller update the following day and that additional steps will be taken to coordinate with county and regional partners.
Ending
No procurement decisions were announced at the meeting. Councilmembers and staff requested transparency and careful review of the homelessness RFP and asked staff to report back to the council and the homeless ad hoc committee.
