Balch Springs City Council on Jan. 13 directed staff to develop a temporary inclement-weather plan for unsheltered individuals and return to council on Jan. 27 with a draft and partner list. The motion passed unanimously.

Council member Hill introduced the item after council members and staff described recent cold-weather outreach efforts and constraints. Chief Neal (recorded as chief in the meeting) explained the standard operating procedure used by Dallas County municipalities and told the council that opening a shelter whenever temperatures hit 32°F would strain city resources because facilities, staffing, medical coverage and security must be provided.

Neal said the department had coordinated with a community care team to contact encampments and transport about four people to warming shelters in the region during the recent cold snap. Council and staff noted that several community backup sites once used (for example, the Cowboy Church on Pioneer Road) are no longer available and that outreach to churches and volunteer organizations is required to create a dependable local roster.

Public-works and emergency-management staff said the citys SOP typically triggers shelters for extended power outages or more severe weather. Council members and community advocates pressed for earlier activation thresholds and asked staff to identify volunteer sites, transportation options and supplies (blankets, emergency kits) for possible use. Council member Hill moved to have staff and council work together and return to the Jan. 27 meeting with a plan; the motion carried.

Ms. Marshall (community advocate) addressed the council in favor of a plan, saying she had tried to coordinate outreach during recent weather and that unsheltered people needed notice and temporary placements when encampments were cleared.

The council did not adopt a written policy at the Jan. 13 meeting but directed staff to present options and partner agreements at the Jan. 27 meeting.