HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-11 - AGENDA REPORTS - DAY LABORERS (2)Agenda Item: .= 0
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
DATE: January 11, 2005
SUBJECT: DAY LABORERS
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council receive presentation on Day Laborer research and findings and provide direction on
how to proceed.
BACKGROUND
At the October 26, 2004, City Council Meeting, Councilmember Kellar expressed concern
regarding the day laborer situation in the City and directed staff to conduct a more in-depth
investigation with the City of Glendale and other cities. Over the last two months, staff has been
in contact with many cities that have taken action to address the issue and have visited the Day
Laborer Work Centers in the City of Glendale and Thousand Oaks.
The Day Laborer population has historically caused concern for many communities. Specifically,
the universal complaints have focused upon issues ranging from "swarming of vehicles",
harassment of pedestrians and business patrons, property damage, trash, public intoxication,
urination and defecation.
For many years now, local government has attempted to "at best" address the issue and many
have done so with the enactment and enforcement of Solicitation/Loitering ordinances and/or
Day Laborer Work Centers. As a result of the rise in urban day laborers and the varying
responses by cities, many Civil Rights groups have surfaced and lawsuits have been filed. As a
result, the courts have indicated, as in the CF11IRLA vs. County of Los Angeles case, that many of
the city ordinances have constitutional problems. Specifically, the court specified that the
regulation of verbal expression involved in the solicitation of temporary work is unconstitutional
unless an alternative avenue is provided, such as a center where workers can solicit employment.
The practice of solicitation for employment within the public fight of way is presently a legal
action.
RECEIVED
As requested, staff contacted other cities, within and outside Los Angeles County, that have dealt
with and/or addressed the community issue.
A presentation of the findings will be provided to the Council.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other action as determined by the Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.