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Council hears update on city-run homeless camp; residents, a former camper raise concerns about belongings and living conditions
Summary
City staff reported the camp population fell from 36 to about 20 and described replacement of steel pods with wooden a-frames; public commenters, including Goldie Siebenkuller, said residents were forced out and that belongings remain missing and conditions are inadequate.
City staff and the council addressed operations at the city-run homeless camp during manager's remarks and a slideshow-style presentation, and the meeting included public comment from current and former campers about conditions, lost belongings and services.
Dana, referenced as part of the city's homeless response effort, gave a detailed update and said the city inherited 36 residents in February and is "down to 20 residents." He described removal of several steel pods that had generated traffic and safety concerns, the installation of wooden "a-frames" (about eight initially, with more added), volunteer and partner support for meals (including Saint Francis Church and UCC), and plans to add screening netting along a fence to reduce visibility from neighboring businesses.
During Q&A, councilors and staff discussed transportation to services in Roseburg, propane handling (city stores separated tanks and does not allow indoor heating inside the a-frames), UCAN vouchers for propane, and coordination with the Douglas County Housing Authority for housing applications. Staff said some campers were trespassed for breaking rules, and the shower trailer previously at the site was removed.
Multiple public commenters spoke. Tammy Smithlin, a resident, requested a streetlight at the end of Forest Heights for safety and said she participates in an address confidentiality program as a survivor of domestic violence. She said installation costs around $8,000 and asked the city for help.
Goldie Siebenkuller, identified as one of the people who left the camp after staff actions, said she was "moved out of the camp without being able to leave" and that her belongings taken in April have not been returned. She described the a-frames as cramped and cold with no storage and said the shower trailer's removal reduced access to hygiene services. Her testimony included accusations that some residents were pushed out and that the city should reassess camp operations.
Dana and staff responded to operational questions but did not provide on-the-record commitments to return specific belongings during the meeting. Councilors thanked staff for work on camp operations and volunteers for support. The meeting record closes with no formal council action on the camp beyond hearing the report and public comments; follow-up or formal remedies were not recorded in the transcript.
