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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-01-2012 CDBG MinutesCDBG Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 1 of 8 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY,FEBRUARY 1, 2012 6:30 P.M. Economic Development Conference Room MEMBERS PRESENT Mary Ellen Manning Eva Perez Fernando Rico Robert Tunstall MEMBERS ABSENT Gina Scott Alternate Darren Smith STAFF PRESENT Mary Ellen Laster Aaron Schulze I.CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:37 P.M. II.APPROVAL OF MINUTES –JANUARY 25, 2012 Committee Member Manning moved, seconded by Committee Member Rico,to approve the January 25, 2012, Minutes as presented. Motion carried,4-0. Ms. Laster advised that the FY 2012-13 allocation Orange will receive from HUD has been reduced to $1,138,398 for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)Program; and that the HOME Investment Partnerships Act (HOME) Program allocation has been slightly increased to $304,516.Ms. Laster stated that because of the CDBG reduction, there is a negative difference of $221 for the Public Facilities projects category; and stated that if the City Departments are fully funded in the Public Services category, there will be $7,590 available for the Nonprofit Public Services.Because of the limited funding for nonprofit agencies this year,Ms. Laster suggested that the Committee ask agency representatives why they believe that their agency should receive funding. Committee Member Rico stated it is also helpful to see what other funding sources these competing agencies are receiving. CDBG Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 2 of 8 III.FUNDING PRESENTATIONS BY NONPROFIT AGENCIES AGENCY:AIDS SERVICES FOUNDATION ORANGE COUNTY PROJECT:Nutrition Services Program Request funds to purchase food product. Amount Requested:$10,000 Total Project Cost:$247,834 Marc Marger, Director of Support Services, advised that this agency was founded in 1985 by a small group of volunteers; stated that their food pantry has been in operation since 1985 when the agency first started;and that the agency now has a staff of 51 and a volunteer base of 770. He stated that they have served almost 75 percent of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County over the past 26 years.He explained that the AIDS Services Foundation Orange County is a comprehensive provider of services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County. He noted that as of December 31, 2011, there are approximately 6,674 people living with HIV in Orange County; of that number, 3,800 have been diagnosed with AIDS;he advised that the City of Orange continues to be the seventh largest population in Orange County with individuals living with HIV/AIDS;and that currently,there are 291 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Orange.He stated that Orange also ranks seventh in their agency’s client caseload and food pantry program. Mr. Marger explained that the agency’s mission is to prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County. He advised that this agency provides its clients with case management, transportation, housing services, benefits counseling, emergency financial assistance, family programs, outreach, prevention, education, testing, and a nutritional services program. Mr. Marger stated that the food pantry is designed to help individuals who are Low Income, disabled,and test positive for HIV;that the pantry is run by one staff member and that the volunteers provide over 7,000 volunteer hours a year. He explained that this pantry is unique because it empowers their clients to make their own food choices; that the clients visit the food pantry twice a month and fill out a menu that consists of non-expired food, fresh fruits and vegetables; and he explained that all the food must be fresh and non-expired because these clients have compromised immune systems. He stated each client receives enough supplemental food for two weeks, roughly 48 small meals.He mentioned that this agency collaborates with other health care agencies. He added that each client is also provided with a 30-day supply of nutritional supplements, noting that the food improves the effectiveness of their medications and treatments. Mr. Marger explained that this food pantry program is supposed to be a supplemental food program, but they have found through their client surveys that 66 percent of their clients depend on this food pantry service for three- CDBG Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 3 of 8 fourths of their nutritional needs; and that 39 percent of those clients solely depend on this food pantry for their nutritional needs every day. He added that most of their clients are on SSI and do not qualify for food stamps.He added that their client survey indicates that 94 percent of their clients believe that receiving food from this pantry has helped them to maintain and/or improve their health by providing food they may not have been able to otherwise afford and that it enhances their medical treatments, noting their clients have to consume a lot of medications each day. He stated that the survey also indicates 91 percent of their clients believe this pantry helps them to keep their medications down and to stay healthy; and he noted that if these clients stay healthy,they are less likely to visit emergency rooms and drive up the costs to the taxpayers. He stated this food pantry addresses their clients’most basic need. Mr. Marger stated that the requested $10,000 will cover the food costs for 20 Orange residents, pointing out the money will be used solely to purchase the food for these Orange residents. Committee Member Rico asked if the same services could be provided with less CDBG funding,pointing out the very limited funds for this year. Mr. Marger stated that they will fill in the gaps with their fundraising efforts. Committee Member Manning briefly highlighted the larger number of non- Orange residents this agency serves. Mr. Marger stated that the largest number of clients they serve are from the Cities of Santa Ana and Anaheim; and that they serve anywhere between 20 to 40 clients from each of the remaining Orange County cities. Mr. Marger highlighted for Ms.Laster the cities they serve in order of highest demand starting with Santa Ana, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, then Orange followed by 26 other cities in Orange County.He advised that they will provide services to anyone in Orange County living with HIV/AIDS. Ms. Laster asked what other funds the agency is seeking. Mr. Marger stated that they will soon submit their application for Garden Grove’s CDBG Program;advised that Santa Ana is not opening up its CDBG program to nonprofits this year; and he noted that they have not yet applied to other cities for CDBG funding. Mr. Marger noted for Committee Member Rico that the agency is seeking approximately $15,000 total in CDBG funding from other cities. He noted they receive a good portion of their funding from the Ryan White Foundation; and stated there will be a $26,000 funding reduction in March for the County Health Care Agency grant. CDBG Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 4 of 8 AGENCY:ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF ORANGE PROJECT:Operation School Bell Request funds to purchase school uniforms. Amount Requested:$6,000 Total Project Cost:$49,600 Charlotte Vaughn,Grants Committee Chair, stated that the Operation School Bell is a national program that has been in operation for almost 40 years, noting this program provides school uniforms, clothing, shoe vouchers, backpacks,and hygiene kits to elementary students in the Orange Unified School District. Deida Conrad, Chair of Operation School Bell, displayed the various articles of clothing that are given to each child: two polo shirts, package of socks, package of underwear,two pairs of shorts,pair of long pants,skorts for the girls, sweatshirt,backpack filled with a paper binder, colored pencils,crayons, pencils, eraser, glue stick; adding that each child also receives a hygiene kit that contains a large shampoo, large conditioner, tooth brush, toothpaste, bar of soap and comb. She added that each child gets to pick out a new book. She noted that receiving these new items makes the children very happy. Committee Member Manning asked about the total value of these items and the ages of their clients. Ms.Vaughn stated that she estimates the total value is $76 for each child’s clothing and other materials;and noted that they dress children from the kindergarten grades up to the 6th grade.Ms. Vaughn noted that every once in a while they will provide clothing to older children through their Special Assistance Program out of their thrift store supplies. Ms. Conrad stated that through their Special Assistance Program,they helped to clothe and provide other essentials to approximately 15 homeless high school students last year. She noted that the children are referred to this program through the schools’low income lunch programs; and noted that all the schools in Orange County are aware of the Operation School Bell Program.She added that the families are very grateful for this program. She noted for Committee Member Manning that their revenues have increased at their thrift store since its renovation. CDBG Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 5 of 8 AGENCY:FRIENDLY CENTER, INC. PROJECT:Emergency Assistance and Supplemental Food Program Request funds to supplement the salary of the Family Services staff. Amount Requested:$10,000 Total Project Cost:$209,833 Cathy Seelig, Executive Director, thanked the Committee for its continued support over the years; explained that this grant will go towards the salary of the staff person who oversees the entire food program;and advised that the agency continues to serve people who are in need of food and emergency services. She pointed out that they income qualify their families to receive these services;and that their clients are all low- income Orange residents. She explained that they must provide their membership card each time they receive services. She stated that there are other wrap-around services they provide to the families in need, helping them to safely stay in their homes, such as dealing with domestic violence issues and job development; and she highlighted one of their most recent success stories of helping a family to get back on their feet. Ms. Seelig explained that this agency is able to leverage so much because they collaborate with other agencies and receive donations from the Second Harvest Food Bank, churches, service clubs, businesses, and individuals who all donate food to Friendly Center; she pointed out that Friendly Center never purchases any of its food;and explained that the requested funding is to pay for one staff person that oversees this program with the aid of volunteers. She confirmed that the numbers reported are all Orange residents and that 100 percent of this CDBG funding will benefit solely Orange residents. Ms. Seelig noted for Committee Member Rico that they do a variety of fund raising efforts, such as the Orange Street Fair, golf tournaments,and wine tasting events. Ms. Laster noted that the City’s Community Services Department is contracting with Friendly Center to operate the After-School Community Programs with a CDBG subgrant of $43,170. She added that with very limited funding it could be difficult to fund Friendly Center for Public Services programs from both the City and nonprofit agency allocations.She noted that Friendly Center is doing well with its Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) subgrant, noting that HPRP is a three-year program funded by HUD. CDBG Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 6 of 8 AGENCY:HELPING OUR MENTALLY ILL EXPERIENCE SUCCESS, INC. (HOMES) PROJECT:Riley House Rehabilitation Request funds to paint exterior,stucco/molding repairs,and rebuilding of outdoor utility building. Amount Requested:$9,840 Total Project Cost:$9,840 Helen Cameron,Manager of Services for Residents with Special Needs, advised that HOMES has six houses, including three in Orange;she noted that in five of their houses, their clients live independently with their mental illness and share their homes with others who have some form of mental illness. She advised that this agency recently took over an existing program in Irvine for emancipated youth. She noted that they co-developed the first 30-unit apartment building in Midway City for those with mental illness and that they have 24 apartments in Anaheim where residents with mental illness,who were formerly chronically homeless,live together with their families.She stated that their most recent program is a fully integrated affordable housing community in Irvine where 10 residents with mental illness are part of a 60-apartment unit community. Ms. Cameron stated that the Riley House currently has six residents --two women and four men -who all pay approximately $345 a month for rent; and noted they typically receive disability income from SSI and are Extremely Low Income individuals.She explained that their residents do their own shopping, cooking, budgeting;advised that staff regularly meets at the house to discuss client medications, case management, how they are getting along in the house with others, household responsibilities, and how they are spending their required 20 hours a week of outside activities. Ms. Cameron stated that they are seeking to remove asbestos ceiling material throughout the house, to replace the patio door with dual paned glass door, and to install energy efficient lighting around the exterior; and she noted that this house is attractive and well maintained. Ms. Cameron noted for Ms. Laster that a contractor did confirm the ceiling contained asbestos; and stated the ceiling material is deteriorating to the point of possibly coming down on its own in certain areas.She added that they may have to do the removal in stages or temporarily relocate the residents,if necessary,while the asbestos removal work is being done. Ms. Cameron noted for Committee Member Rico that she also uses a couple other contractors who work on the larger facilities, but that she is very pleased with the quality work Angel Construction Company provides. She noted that they continue to fundraise with their golf tournament and dinner events. CDBG Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 7 of 8 AGENCY:L’ARCHE WAVECREST PROJECT:Disabled Accessibility Request funds to pay for construction costs. Amount Requested:$8,125 Total Project Cost:$8,125 Sister Paula Cooney,President of the Board of Directors,stated that this agency serves people with developmental disabilities in Orange,defends the rights of people with disabilities and educates society on becoming more respectful of their differences.She noted that this agency was incorporated in 1999 and that its mission is to create homes for persons with developmental disabilities,to reveal the unique value of each individual,and to be a sign of hope and love in other areas of their lives. She noted there are five persons with developmental disabilities living with assistance in this home, five individuals who share life together as a community. Jim Dempsey,Board Member,explained that the agency is seeking to provide disabled accessible ramps at the front and side entrances of the home to provide better accessibility for their clients and their guests. He explained that currently,three of the residents have developmental and physical limitations that force them to grab hold of a side post to maneuver the steps and access the house; and that these handicapped ramps would make it safer for them to enter and exit their home.He added that the first floor bathroom door needs widening to allow for wheelchair access; and pointed out that while none of the residents currently are in a wheelchair, they do have family and friends visiting who use wheelchairs and need access to the bathroom. He explained how important it is for these residents to socialize with outsiders. He stated that widening the bathroom door should not be too difficult, but noted that part of the wall will have to be removed. He stated this house was built in 1956. Committee Member Rico asked whether the single-family house has to comply with ADA standards. Ms. Laster stated that she will defer to the City’s building department for guidance; and stated that if any of the paint will be disturbed, a lead-based paint test will have to be performed.She noted that due to the age of the house, staff would have to consult with the State Historic Preservation Office and other City staff regarding the planned improvements and architectural significance of the house. Sister Cooney noted for Chairperson Perez that the residents in this home meet the criteria of the Regional Center. She noted that the agency purchased this house in 2006. CDBG Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 8 of 8 AGENCY:LESTONNAC FREE CLINIC PROJECT:Diabetic Sanctuary Program Request funds to fund the salary of the nurse practitioner. Amount Requested:$10,000 Total Project Cost:$150,000 Edward Gerber, Executive Director,advised that the Lestonnac Free Clinic is now the largest free clinic in California, serving 9,000 people last year with 22,000 office visits. He stated that there has been a huge increase in the number of people visiting this clinic, noting that 150 individuals have been identified as Orange residents who need diabetic services. He highlighted the importance of also providing these clients nutritional education and managed care until they are able to do it on their own, noting many of them have to be routinely encouraged to become compliant with their diabetes management.He stated that the program is designed to help the patients get control of their disease; and pointed out that all of the patients who enter into the program must prove their income eligibility.He added that because Saturdays are so busy, they do not obtain income verification on new clients,but stated that if they are to become a returning client, they have to go through the complete income eligibility process.He stated that the Hispanic population has a higher incidence of diabetes. Mr. Gerber noted for Chairperson Perez that in order to participate in this Diabetic Sanctuary Program,the educational classes are mandatory; and stated that funding would be used for a nurse practitioner, who is vital to the success of this program. He explained that some patients will require more care than others because they are not willing to be as compliant with their nutritional needs. He noted that they receive referrals from various health care agencies; and mentioned that 200 doctors volunteer their time including ten from Orange. VI.PUBLIC COMMENT None. VII.ADJOURNMENT At 8:15 P.M. the meeting was formally adjourned.