AN MEMORANDUM of understanding with Westminster and Stanton regarding development of a “navigation center” for the homeless was approved Tuesday night by the Garden Grove City Council (Shutterstock).

A first step toward establishing a “navigation center” for the homeless was taken Tuesday night by the Garden Grove City Council.

On a 6-0 vote – with Councilmember Phat Bui (District 4) absent –  the council approved a memorandum of understanding with the cities of Fountain Valley and Westminster to “explore advancement of” of a center to provide temporary housing and services to the unsheltered.

“It’s just the beginning,” said Lisa Kim, assistant city manager and community and economic director.

The agreement does not identify a specific location for the center, but efforts to find a suitable place include an industrial area northwest of  Westminster Avenue and Harbor Boulevard. A navigation center typically provides temporary housing for the unsheltered but also includes physical and mental health services and employment assistance.

Also on Tuesday night, the council approved a declaration of a Stage 2 Mandatory Conservation -Water Alert aimed at reducing statewide water use by 20 percent.

Under the alert, lawn watering and landscape irrigation will be permitted only on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and none between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Additionally, restaurants are prohibited from serving water to customers unless they make a request, as is the operation of ornamental fountains.

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28.