HomeMy WebLinkAboutHomelessness Subcommittee 2026-02-19 Agenda PacketSan Rafael City Council
Homelessness Subcommittee
February 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
City Hall, Third Floor Conference R oom
1400 Fifth Avenue,
San R afael, CA 94901
Watch Online:
Webinar: https://cityofsanrafael-org.zoom.us/j/84609566288
Phone: +16694449171,,84609566288#
ID: 846 0956 6288
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Approval of Minutes
a.Approve the minutes of the October 21, 2025 meeting
3.Open Time for Public Expression
a.The public is welcome to address the Committee at this time on matters not on the
agenda that are within its jurisdiction. Comments may be no longer than two -
minutes and should be respectful to the community.
4.Reports/Action Items
a.Sanctioned Camping Area Update (SCA)
i.The Subcommittee will receive an update on the Sanctioned Camping Area,
and its outcomes to date.
b.350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Update
i.The Subcommittee will receive an update and provide feedback on draft
versions of the following: Good Neighbor Policy, Code of Conduct,
conceptual Site Plan, and future community engagement efforts.
5.Request for Future Agenda Items
6.Adjournment
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Subcommittee less than 72 hours before the
meeting, shall be available for inspection online and in the City Manager’s Office, 1400 5th Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901.
Sign Language interpreters may be requested by calling (415) 485 -3066 (voice), emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org or
using the California Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Copies of documents are available in accessible formats upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation,
please submit an online form at https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request -for-interpretation/.
MEETING MINUTES
Housing & Homelessness Subcommittee
October 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
City Hall, Third Floor Conference Room
1400 Fifth Avenue,
San Rafael, CA 94901
Watch Online
Webinar: https://cityofsanrafael-org.zoom.us/j/84566869826
Phone: (669)-444-9771
ID: 84566869827
1.Call to Order
Time called to order: 11:00am
Present: Mayor Kate Colin, Councilmember Rachel Kertz
Staff Present: Micah Hinkle, John Stefanski, Angel Robinson Piñon, Greg Minor, Alexis
Captanian, Daniel Cooperman, Andrea Visveshwara.
2.Open Time for Public Expression
There were no public comments.
3.Reports/Action Items
a.Existing Tenant Protections in San Rafael
Staff gave a presentation relating to an analysis and recommendations regarding existing
City of San Rafael policies including just cause evictions, relocation assistance, and
mandatory mediation.
Mayor Kate Colin expressed support to improve program accessibility and program
outreach for the City’s mandatory mediation program including the need for a Spanish
language requirement and requested that program costs be included in any future changes
brought before the full City Council. The Mayor emphasized evaluating return on
investment and reallocating resources as needed. The subcommittee did not oppose the
recommendations but did not provide specific feedback on time extensions, alternative
provider models, or landlord outreach.
Councilmember Kertz asked about District Attorney capacity who administers the
Mandatory Mediation, landlord retaliation, and data collection approaches, including the
potential value of a rental registry.
Subcommittee members expressed strong interest in a County-led rental registry. The
Mayor requested analysis of potential use of Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
discretionary funding. Most relocation assistance cases to date were associated with the
property located 400 Canal. Discussion included monitoring potential changes to the State
rent cap, eviction noticing requirements, and administrative costs.
The subcommittee supported exploring strengthened citywide protections for vulnerable
populations, longer noticing periods for Ellis Act evictions, supplemental relocation
assistance payments, and clearer habitability standards. The Mayor emphasized the need
for robust stakeholder engagement before adopting a single citywide policy.
Councilmember Kertz expressed interest in expanding older adult homelessness prevention
efforts as part of these efforts.
b.Rooted in Marin: Strategies for Anti-Displacement
Chris Logan from the Partnership for the Bay’s Future gave a presentation on the 2025
report, Rooted in Marin: Strategies for Anti-Displacement, a collaboration between the
Cities and Towns and the County of Marin.
Councilmember Kertz requested survey data specific to older adults and asked whether a
rental registry could be implemented through a phased approach. Additional questions
included whether a right-to-return policy would guarantee return at the same rent, whether
any Bay Area jurisdictions have adopted Right to Counsel, whether the Home Match model
is under consideration, and what criteria would guide policy prioritization.
The Mayor referenced prior City and County exploration of COPA/TOPA and questioned the
return on investment and the County’s current position. The Mayor noted that such policies
could help strengthen Community Land Trusts. Additional comments included exploring a
regional pool of attorneys, potential incorporation of triple damages as a remedy to attract
private counsel, alignment with the City’s adopted workplan, the role of Section 8, and the
importance of Countywide policy alignment. The Mayor also noted that Novato is
considering just cause protections that include anti-harassment measures and a right to
return at the same rent plus allowable State increases.
Public Comment on this item:
Staff from Community Action Marin (CAM) reported significant countywide interest in
habitability and rent stabilization. Canal Alliance emphasized concerns regarding
habitability and fear of retaliation.
Legal Aid of Marin (LAM) noted concerns about eviction following renovation as a potential
retaliatory response to code enforcement complaints and underscored the importance of a
right-to-return policy.
c.ERF3, Homelessness, and Sanctioned Camping Area Update
Staff gave a presentation on Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) Round 3 and the
City’s efforts related to homelessness, camping ordinance, enforcement, and
interim shelter.
Staff provided an update on the Sanctioned Camping Area (SCA), reporting that 24%
of individuals who resided on the path prior to the program’s opening have since
been housed. Additionally, 12% of current SCA residents have exited to housing,
74% are on an identified housing pathway, and 54% have increased their income.
Staff also provided updates regarding impacts related to the closure of Downtown
Streets and noted the need for expanded outreach efforts citywide. A brief update
was given on community engagement efforts for the proposed interim shelter at 350
Merrydale. The subcommittee also received an overview of the City’s encampment
management policy, including clarification that encampments located on Caltrans
property are managed by the State.
Staff responded to Councilmember Kertz’s question regarding potential nonprofit
replacements for Downtown Streets Team (DST) services, noting that there is no
direct one-for-one replacement for DST services currently operating in Marin
County. The Mayor requested that national averages for housing placements among
unsheltered individuals be posted for comparison to San Rafael’s outcomes. The
Mayor also inquired about enforcement of the camping ordinance; staff clarified
that a third-party contractor conducts cleaning, while the San Rafael Police
Department (SRPD) handles enforcement.
Public Comment on this Item:
Resident Greg Andrew asked: (1) whether negotiations on the 350 Merrydale
property have been completed; (2) what commitments have been made; (3) when
and in what forum the City Council has made decisions regarding 350 Merrydale;
and (4) how and by whom the project budget was adopted. The subcommittee
referred the questions to staff, who indicated responses would be provided and
posted to the City’s 350 Merrydale FAQ page.
4.Adjournment
Approved this 19th day of February, 2026
_____________________________
Daniel Cooperman, Staff Liaison
350 Merrydale Road Interim Shelter:
Participant Code of Conduct and
Good Neighbor Policy
Introduction
The 350 Merrydale Road Interim Shelter provides interim housing, onsite services, and
supportive programming in a structured and managed environment. The Interim Shelter Program
supports participants while also ensuring safety, accountability, and respectful integration with
the surrounding neighborhoods.
This document establishes the expectations, responsibilities, and accountability framework for
participation in the Interim Shelter Program. It applies to all program participants and describes
how the program operates both within the shelter site and in relation to the surrounding
community.
To provide clarity and transparency, this document is organized into two distinct but connected
parts:
Part I: Program Participant Code of Conduct
Governs participant behavior, safety, and operations within the shelter site and in connection
with shelter-related activities.
Part II: Good Neighbor Policy
Establishes expectations for how program participants, staff, and the shelter operator interact
with the surrounding neighborhood and how the City of San Rafael and County of Marin engage
with community members.
COMPLIANCE WITH BOTH PARTS IS A CONDITION OF PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERIM
SHELTER PROGRAM.
Violations of the Program Participant Code of Conduct or the Good Neighbor Policy are
addressed through the unified enforcement framework described in this document. This
approach ensures that expectations related to both on-site conduct and neighborhood impacts
are handled consistently, fairly, and with appropriate due process.
Day-to-day enforcement of participant behavior is carried out by the shelter operator. City staff
provide oversight and coordination, including review of reported concerns and involvement
when issues require escalation or interagency response.
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Participant Code of Conduct and Good Neighbor Policy
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Part I - Program Participant Code of Conduct
Purpose: The Program Participant Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations to maintain
safety, dignity, and respect within the shelter site and surrounding environment connected to
shelter operations.
1. Core Expectations
All participants will::
• Treat fellow program participants, staff, service providers, neighbors, and community
members with respect and dignity.
• Follow directions from program staff related to safety, program operations, and site
management.
• Conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the safety, stability, or functioning
of the shelter community.
2. Zero Tolerance: Safety, Violence, and Weapons
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited::
• Violence, attempted violence, or threats of violence toward any person.
• Harassment, intimidation, or aggressive behavior that creates a safety risk.
• Possession, use, or display of weapons of any kind.
• Criminal activity which occurs on or near the Interim Shelter site. Law enforcement will
be contacted for reports of any criminal activity.
3. Assigned Units and Residency Rules
Each participant is assigned a specific interim shelter unit.
• Units may not be shared, transferred, or occupied by anyone not approved to participate
in the program.
• Participants may not maintain tents or encampments in San Rafael while enrolled in the
Interim Shelter Program.
• Personal belongings must be stored inside the assigned unit or designated storage areas
only.
• Items stored outside these permitted areas will be removed
Immediately.
4. Entry, Exit, and Site Access Protocols
• Participants must follow site check-in and check-out procedures.
• No public drop-in access is permitted.
• Visitors are allowed only with prior site operator staff approval, within designated hours
(9am-5pm), and must follow all program rules.
• Loitering outside the property, along the SMART pathway, or in neighboring residential
areas is not permitted.
5. Cleanliness and Property Care
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Participant Code of Conduct and Good Neighbor Policy
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Rev. 02/2026
Participants are responsible for:
• Keeping their assigned unit clean, orderly, and sanitary.
• Respecting shared spaces and common areas.
• Properly disposing of trash and debris.
• Damage to property or repeated failure to maintain basic cleanliness will result in
corrective action.
6. Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are in effect between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM. During quiet hours:
• Noise must be kept to a minimum.
• Music, phone use, and conversations must not disturb others.
7. Fire Safety and Prohibited Items
For safety reasons, the following are not permitted:
• Open flames or candles.
• Smoking outside designated areas.
• Gasoline, propane, butane, torches, or flammable chemicals.
• Unauthorized heaters, generators, or cooking equipment.
8. Smoking, Alcohol, and Substances
• Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.
• Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited in common areas.
• Drug distribution, use that creates safety risks, or related criminal activity is strictly
prohibited and will be reported to the San Rafael Police Department.
9. Pets and Service Animals
• Approved pets must remain under the owner’s control at all times.
• Pets must be leashed outside the unit, and waste must be cleaned and disposed of
immediately.
• Aggressive animals will not be permitted to remain onsite.
• Participants must follow leash and control rules both on-site and when walking pets off-
site.
10. Health and Wellness Requirements
Participants will be required to:
• Follow public health guidance during outbreaks or emergencies, declared emergencies, or
other public health concerns; including health or wellness screenings.
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Participant Code of Conduct and Good Neighbor Policy
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Refusal to comply may affect continued participation.
11. Relationship to the Good Neighbor Policy
In addition to the expectations set forth in this Program Participant Code of Conduct,
participants are required to comply with the Good Neighbor Policy contained in Part II of this
document.
Compliance with both Part I and Part II is a condition of participation in the Interim Shelter
Program. Violations will result in corrective action, up to and including removal from the
program, consistent with the Program Policy Framework described later in this document.
Part II – Good Neighbor Policy
1. Purpose, Intent and Goals
The City of San Rafael and County of Marin are committed to ensuring that the Interim Shelter
at 350 Merrydale Road operates safely, respectfully, and in a manner that positively integrates
with the surrounding neighborhood.
This Good Neighbor Policy establishes shared expectations for program participants, staff, the
shelter operator, and community members. It focuses on how the Interim Shelter Program
interacts with the surrounding community and how concerns are addressed in a transparent,
coordinated, and accountable manner.
The goals of the Good Neighbor Policy are to:
1. Support and encourage high-quality services that are well integrated into, and supported
by, the entire community.
2. Maintain peaceful, safe, clean, and crime-free neighborhoods for both program
participants and surrounding residents and businesses.
3. Facilitate direct, open communication among community partners, including the City’s
Police and Fire Departments, County of Marin Health and Human Services, transit
agencies, and other service providers.
4. Ensure clear, accessible points of contact and resolution for addressing community
concerns or disputes.
5. Foster mutual respect for all community members and protection of public and private
property.
6. Encourage active participation of shelter operators in sustaining the neighborhood’s
cleanliness, safety, and vitality.
7. Ensure adherence to property maintenance standards that preserve the neighborhood
quality of life.
8. Provide accountability for criminal or disruptive behavior, including cooperation with law
enforcement when necessary.
9. Maintain accessible, publicized contact information—available 24/@ 415-272-3224—for
community inquiries or concerns.
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10. Convene regular meetings with community partners and individuals with lived
experience, including engagement with nearby residents or businesses, to review
operations and address emerging issues.
11. Notify neighbors of significant program or facility changes in advance and seek
community input.
12. Document and review concerns or complaints to ensure timely and effective follow-up
and corrective action.
2. Guiding Values
The Good Neighbor Policy is guided by the following values:
• Responsiveness: Maintain open communication with neighbors and adjust operations
based on feedback.
• Collaboration: Partner with residents, community organizations, and public agencies to
foster shared understanding.
• Accountability: Measure and report outcomes such as housing placements and
reductions in unsheltered homelessness and ensure the County of Marin, City of San
Rafael and its service providers remain accountable to the community.
• Coordination: Align program operations with the County’s Coordinated Entry System,
outreach teams, and public safety partners. Services offered at the site are reserved
exclusively for participants in the Interim Shelter Program.
3. Safety and Security Practices
To support neighborhood safety and program accountability:
1. Onsite staff are present 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.
2. Entry and exit are monitored through check-in and check-out procedures.
3. No public drop-in access is allowed.
4. Loitering outside the property, along the SMART pathway and nearby areas, or in
neighboring residential areas is not permitted.
5. Site operator staff to conduct regular site walks and neighborhood walks to maintain
cleanliness and identify and resolve issues.
6. Lighting and security systems are maintained to ensure visibility and safety.
7. Contracted staff members follow their agency’s standard emergency protocol, requiring
immediate contact with Police, Fire, or SAFE team when necessary.
8. Regular property inspections and maintenance are conducted in compliance with City
standards.
9. The shelter follows health and safety rules required by the City and the County, such as
fire safety and public health standards.
10. Concerns raised by residents, neighbors, or community partners are addressed promptly
by the program operation and/or City staff.
11. Safety and security practices are implemented by the shelter operator as part of day-to-
day operations. City staff work closely with the operator to support consistent
application of safety protocols, including coordination, review of reported concerns, and
involvement when issues require escalation or interagency response.
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4. Community Engagement and Complaint Resolution Practices
A designated City contact (email and phone) is available during business hours to address
neighborhood concerns.
i. Email: endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org. This email is monitored by
Community Services Staff during normal business hours.
ii. Phone: 415-256-5565 (Daniel Cooperman, Community Services Division
Director Direct Line).
2. A 24-hour contact number is maintained for urgent matters. Outside of normal business
hours, calls are directed to SAFE or law enforcement as appropriate. All complaints are
documented, investigated, and resolved with timely follow-up, consistent with
confidentiality requirements
a. SAFE team (mobile mental health) phone number: 415-458-SAFE (7233).
b. SRPD Non-Emergency Line: 415-485-3000.
c. In case of emergency call 9-1-1.
3. The City maintains an updated webpage with program information, performance data,
and meeting schedules.
4. Periodic community meetings will be held to review operations, outcomes, and
neighborhood input.
5. The City and County encourage coordination with neighborhood watch programs and
community associations to enhance safety and communication.
6. The City maintains a Community Contact & Response Guide (“Who Do I Call?”) outlining
reporting pathways and appropriate points of contact.
Accountability and Enforcement Framework
Parts I and II of this document establish expectations for participation in the Interim Shelter
Program and for interaction with the surrounding neighborhood. When violations of these
expectations occur, they are addressed through a single, unified enforcement framework. This
framework applies to all violations of the Program Participant Code of Conduct and the Good
Neighbor Policy and is designed to promote safety, accountability, consistency, and due process.
Violations of the Program Participant Code of Conduct (Part I) or the Good Neighbor Policy (Part
II) are addressed through the enforcement framework described below. The nature, severity, and
frequency of the behavior are considered when determining the appropriate response.
Day-to-day enforcement of participant behavior is carried out by the shelter operator. City staff
provide oversight and coordination, including review of reported concerns, consultation with the
operator and County partners, and involvement when issues require escalation or interagency
response.
All enforcement actions will be documented.
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Minor Infractions
Minor infractions are behaviors that do not pose an immediate safety risk but disrupt shelter
operations or negatively impact the surrounding community. Examples may include noise
disturbances, disrespectful communication, failure to follow site rules, or other low-level
behaviors.
Minor infractions are addressed through a progressive response, which include:
Step 1: Verbal Warning
• Staff documents the incident internally.
• Staff explains the concern, the expected change in behavior, and next steps.
• The participant is given an opportunity to share their perspective.
Step 2: Written Warning
• Staff issues a written notice summarizing the concern or repeated behavior.
• The participant signs acknowledgment of receipt (not necessarily agreement).
• Staff will implement corrective actions such as increased check-ins with site operators,
security members, and case managers.
Step 3: Final Warning or Loss of Privileges
• The participant is informed that continued violation will result in removal.
• Staff work with the participant to develop a clear plan for compliance.
Step 4: Removal from the Program
• If violations continue despite progressive steps, staff may initiate dismissal.
• When feasible, staff provide notice and coordinate a transition or warm handoff to
outreach or service partners.
• The full progression of warnings and rationale for removal is documented.
Major Infractions
Major infractions are behaviors that pose a safety risk or involve serious violations, including but
not limited to violence or threats of violence, possession or use of weapons, serious criminal
activity, destruction of property, harassment, or behavior creating an immediate safety concern.
Major infractions result in immediate action, including:
Step 1: Immediate Safety Intervention
• Staff take steps to ensure the safety of participants and staff.
• Security or law enforcement will be contacted..
• The participant may be temporarily separated or placed on suspension from the site.
o A suspension would only occur if program staff deemed the incident required a
“cool down” period. In these situations, program participants are referred to other
short-term services or admitted to an institution such as a, hospital, mental health
facility, etc.
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Step 2: Incident Documentation
• Staff completes an incident report describing the behavior, individuals involved, and any
witnesses.
• Relevant information or evidence is collected when available.
Step 3: Management Review
• Shelter leadership, in coordination with City staff, reviews the incident as soon as
possible.
• A determination is made regarding suspension, removal, or conditional return.
Step 4: Immediate Removal (if warranted)
• For serious safety-related incidents, the participant can be removed from the program
without prior warnings.
• When appropriate and safe, staff provide information about alternative service
connections.
Step 5: Re-Entry Consideration (Case-by-Case)
• In limited circumstances, and at the discretion of program leadership, a participant may
request future consideration for re-entry.
• Decisions are based on behavior change, service engagement, and risk assessment.
Throughout the enforcement process, staff work with participants to address concerns, support
positive behavior change, and encourage continued participation in the program. Exiting
participants to unsheltered homelessness is not the goal of this program. In most cases where a
program exit is necessary, the site operator will make reasonable efforts to coordinate a warm
handoff to appropriate service providers or work with City and County partners to identify
alternative shelter or placement options, based on availability and individual circumstances.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Acknowledgment and Agreement
By signing below, I acknowledge that:
I have received and reviewed the Interim Shelter Program Participant Code of Conduct and
Good Neighbor Policy for the 350 Merrydale Road Interim Shelter.
The expectations and requirements set forth in Part I (Program Participant Code of Conduct) and
Part II (Good Neighbor Policy) have been explained to me.
I understand that compliance with both parts of this document ares required to remain in the
Interim Shelter Program.
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Rev. 02/2026
I understand that violations of the Code of Conduct or the Good Neighbor Policy may result in
corrective action, up to and including removal from the Interim Shelter Program, consistent with
the Program Enforcement Framework described in this document.
Participant Name (Printed): ______________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________
Date: ______________________________________