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Receive presentations from both the Parks and Recreation Department regarding Olson Park and the Salvation Army regarding their facility, discuss either hosting a location for unhoused individuals to shelter in the City of Lawton, and take appropriate action as deemed necessary.
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INITIATOR: John Ratliff, City Manager and John Andrew, City Attorney
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: John Ratliff, City Manager and John Andrew City Attorney
BACKGROUND: The City of Lawton intends to pass an “anti-camping” ordinance that would not allow camping on public spaces within the City of Lawton. This ordnance will mostly affect the unhoused population within the City. The City wishes to discuss two options that would allow for individuals who find themselves unhoused to have a place to stay that would be safe. These two organizations will be able to provide some space that would allow for our unhoused population to have a place to go to get help if they are stopped for the new anti-camping ordnances. The City of Lawton’s Parks and Recreation Department will be showing Olson Park, and the Salvation Army has interior locations as well as a baseball field they have located at their facility. The Council may take any action they deem necessary after these presentations.
EXHIBIT: Presentations
KEY ISSUES: N/A
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: Receive presentations from both the Parks and Recreation Department regarding Olson Park and the Salvation Army regarding their facility, discuss either hosting a location for unhoused individuals to shelter in the City of Lawton, and take appropriate action as deemed necessary.