City may split cost of transient shelter

Historic City News has learned that St. Augustine Police Chief Loran K. Lueders needs help to enforce the City’s “no-camping” ordinance; since enforcement requires that alternative beds be available elsewhere.

A pilot program that relocated transients camped in the plaza to beds at the St. Francis Shelter was considered “highly successful” when it was evaluated last year, according to the City’s office of Public Affairs.

Individuals under the pilot program also received assistance with referral to appropriate social service programs.

Since managing the transient population is a shared responsibility between the city and county, Lueders tapped St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar for his cooperation.

According to a report received by Historic City News today, Shoar has agreed to split the estimated $36,000 annual bill with Lueders in order to acquire 15 additional beds from the St. Francis Shelter to be used as an alternative location for transient or indigent persons found camping in prohibited locations.

City Commissioners will be asked at their regular meeting on Monday to approve payment of the City’s $18,000 annual share of the expenses.

If you are planning to attend — the regular St. Augustine City Commission meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday and will be held in the Alcazar Room; on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine. It will be broadcast live on Comcast Government TV (Cable Channel 3) and is streamed over the Internet.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News archive photograph