Commission refers warming-center proposal to staff after public pleas for daytime shelters

The Bay City City Commission on Feb. 9 voted 5–4 to refer Commissioner Tenney’s proposed warming-center resolution to city staff for development rather than approving an on-the-spot plan.

Public commenters — including Tracy Zane and Brenda Buckhorn — urged immediate action to provide daytime warming spaces. Zane said the city had "failed miserably" during a recent multi-day cold snap and asked the commission to create or coordinate daytime warming centers; Brenda Buckhorn, who said she had been homeless and living in a tent, told commissioners residents were "freezing" and needed additional support.

Commissioners agreed the city has a gap between overnight shelter capacity and daytime needs. Staff reported the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission was averaging about 20 people per night and that the night's capacity was roughly 35; commissioners discussed whether that facility could extend hours, whether the city could partner with nonprofits or county services (Bay Metro buses), and whether vacant buildings could be repurposed. Members raised regulatory and staffing requirements for certified daytime drop-in shelters (medical staffing, insurance, code/licensing), and several asked staff to return with cost estimates and trigger conditions (the resolution referenced triggering conditions such as single-digit temperatures).

Commissioner Coopet moved to refer the draft to staff so the city could return with a specific, budgeted proposal and a 30-day timeline for ideas; Commissioner Coakley seconded. Commissioner Tenney objected to referral on the floor, arguing urgency; the objection was overruled and the roll-call vote to refer passed 5–4. Several commissioners said they would welcome community partnerships and immediate volunteer efforts while staff develops a formal plan.

Clarifying details provided in the meeting included staff comments that the recently opened $400,000 facility had not been used for daytime shelter during a subzero period and that some grants and funds exist for cleanup and infrastructure projects elsewhere in the agenda. Commissioners requested that staff return with: (1) whether the nighttime warming center can extend daytime hours, (2) the number of days per year code-blue conditions are likely to be triggered under the proposed thresholds, and (3) a budget estimate for daytime operations or partner supports.

What happens next: staff will prepare a detailed plan and cost estimate for commission review; community groups and churches may be asked to collaborate on interim measures.