Moses Lake moves forward with study to address shelterlessness

In a split vote, the Moses Lake City Council passed a motion to move forward with a feasibility study to identify what steps need to be taken to address shelterlessness in the city. Council members also voted unanimously to terminate a contract with Wenatchee-based Pacific Security, the company that patrols the city’s sleep center.

“It’s a 30-day notice (of termination). Staff has already gone out and done an analysis of other companies with the help of (Moses Lake Department Police Chief Kevin Fuhr) in checking references, and we would replace that contract with a contract with Phoenix Protective Corporation,” said City Manager Allison Williams.

Pacific Security has had performance issues on the contract, Williams said, which led to city administration requesting the termination of the contract.

Mayor Dean Hankins said he also got complaints regarding Pacific Security, with at least one couple who used the facility indicating security officers looked in the windows of their cabin while they were trying to sleep. Hankins said he felt that type of invasiveness was not necessary at the sleep center.

The debate on how to move forward with helping those facing shelterlessness in the city took more time and resulted in a 4-3 vote in favor of a feasibility study. The study will identify what services the city already provides to those without shelter and what additional facilities and resources are necessary to mitigate the problem. It would also identify where to move the sleep center when the lease on the current location at Broadway Avenue and state Route 17 expires in September 2023, and what other resources should accompany it. One proposed site so far was on North Central Drive, just northwest of Goodwill, across from Smulligan’s Pizza & BBQ.

The first step in that process will involve the city issuing a request for proposals to vet and hire a consultant who specializes in such studies, Williams said. Williams said legal rulings associated with the case of Martin v. Boise in 2018, which found any city with an ordinance against public camping must provide an alternative solution for those without homes.

Williams said American Rescue Plan Act funding will help to pay some of the cost for relocating the sleep center and adding additional resources. The city has previously estimated the project, which may involve creating administrative offices and a low income housing facility in addition to the sleep center, could cost about $20 million. The feasibility study will also look at the costs for the project.

“The Martin v. Boise case that occurred in 2018 really was the case that caused cities to have to provide a solution, or else our police departments would not have a way to maintain the anti-camping ordinances on our sidewalks and in our parks,” Williams said.