Commissioners say contamination will shape how the city moves an encampment; advocates press for services

Several speakers asked the commission to ensure the city’s planned response to a local encampment prioritizes health and services rather than only displacement. A representative from a local outreach group described capacity limits at shelters and drop‑in centers and urged the city to make social workers, harm‑reduction services and clear placement plans available before moving residents.

Commissioner DeWitt told the chamber that county authorities had reported surface‑level lead and cadmium on the property and described those as health risks. "The contamination on it is surface level lead and cadmium, which can cause major mental health issues and reproductive issues," she said. DeWitt and staff said federal grant money is expected to flow to cleanup efforts and emphasized that removal operations must be humane, coordinated and backed by services and housing options.

Advocates at the mic pushed for a solution‑driven approach that includes street outreach, harm‑reduction services and a placement plan because local shelters and drop‑in centers are reportedly at or near capacity. City staff and the city manager said they are coordinating with partner agencies and looking for compassionate, service‑centered responses.