Montpelier moves to clean Confluence Park, launch encampment‑policy review and reconvene homelessness task force

City staff reported to the Montpelier City Council on Aug. 26 that Confluence Park had been cleaned and that three short‑term options are available to reopen the space: reseed the area (estimated cost about $3,000, six weeks to establish turf), cover it with stone or gravel, or install gates/fencing to allow time-limited access. Councilors also agreed to open a six‑month review of the city’s encampment policy with service-provider input and to work on next steps for the homelessness task force.

Why it matters: The city is balancing residents’ safety and public space access with rights and needs of people experiencing homelessness. The encampment policy defines how the city will respond when people use public land for shelter; changes to that policy affect enforcement, cleanup and outreach.

Staff told the council that the Confluence Park cleanup uncovered hazardous materials, and staff temporarily fenced affected areas while arranging cleanup; items that could be claimed were left for owners to retrieve. The three options staff presented are to (1) reseed and restore lawn (about six weeks for growth, ~$3,000), (2) install durable stone/gravel surfacing, or (3) provide fenced gates so the park could be opened and closed on a schedule. Council members favored reseeding and opening the park, and staff said they would proceed on that track unless council advises otherwise.

On policy, staff proposed a six‑month review process that includes legal research, a small stakeholder group of service providers, drafting policy options and public input. Staff noted the policy should reflect recent legal developments and the need for clearer alignment between city enforcement and social‑services responses; staff referenced the point-in-time data provided to council — there are 651 people living outside in the count data, and service providers estimate about 30–40 people are living outside within Montpelier.

Councilors discussed whether the homelessness task force should be turned into a permanent committee with a formal charge. Some task‑force members and councilors said formalizing the group would provide continuity and a formal channel for provider and community input; others said council should first clarify a specific strategy and deliverables. Council requested that three councilors (Adrian, Jim and Helen) draft a recommended charge and membership for a reconstituted task force or committee and bring it back to a future meeting.

Staff also encouraged key service providers and volunteers to attend a regional “situation table” training (a confidential, multi‑agency coordination framework) planned for September; councilors supported using that training to build interagency trust and inform the policy review.

Ending: Council asked staff to proceed with Confluence Park cleanup and reseeding, to convene service providers for the policy review, and to return with a draft encampment‑policy revision and a proposed charge for a homelessness committee.