HomeMy WebLinkAboutWS Item 02 - Community Outreach Center (Af5 ITEM ##
MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER 3/Z
MEETING DATE: APRIL 21, 2009
SUBJECT: WORKSHOP - COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER
On January 24, 2006, the Police Department Community Outreach Center was opened in a
donated apartment at the Regional Place Apartment complex. Shortly after opening it was
apparent that more space was needed to provide the services that were being offered at the
Center. The apartment management company graciously offered an adjoining apartment at
a reduced rate to enhance the Center. For the past three years the Outreach Center has
provided many services to the residents in that area and the Department has reaped many
benefits from those efforts.
However, operating a municipal function in such a transient environment has provided many
unexpected challenges. As options were being considered to deal with those challenges,
the School District approached the Police Department to discuss the possibility of combining
our outreach efforts. Those discussions have resulted in an opportunity to solidify the Police
Department's presence in the area while affording the School District the opportunity to
provide services directly to an underserved area.
Those objectives can be achieved by moving a couple of portable classroom buildings onto
district property next to Mustang-Panther Stadium and directly in front of the bus barn, to be
used as a permanent Outreach Center. These buildings will provide significantly more
space for the Center while allowing for greater visibility.
Chief Salame and Deputy Superintendent Jim Chadwell will provide an overview of the
proposed Center and the potential uses for the expanded facility.
BR/pk