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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2014 CDBG MinutesCDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 1 of 11 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2014 6:30 P.M. Weimer Room, Orange City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Mary-Ellen Manning None Mary Ellen Laster Eva Perez Fernando Rico Gina Scott I.CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:40 P.M. Ms. Laster advised the Committee that Lestonnac Free Clinic has withdrawn its application for consideration this year. II.APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 5, 2014 Committee Member Scott moved, seconded by Committee Chair Rico, to approve the February 5, 2014, Minutes as presented. Motion carried, 4-0. Ms. Laster distributed to the Committee Members the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Objectives & Eligibility summary, advising that all the nonprofit agencies received this information during the technical training class; and she pointed out specifically where it indicates that CDBG funds are not to be used to purchase equipment. CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 2 of 11 III. FUNDING PRESENTATIONS BY NONPROFIT AGENCIES AGENCY:MARIPOSA WOMEN AND FAMILY CENTER PROJECT:Community Counseling Program Request funds for direct program expenses, including staffing costs. Amount Requested:$10,000 Total Project Cost:$618,525 Noriko LeCompte, Director of Operations, advised that Mariposa has been in operation for 37 years providing behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse recovery services in Orange County; stated that approximately 90 percent of their client population is serving the underserved and Low-Income families; and stated their mission is to help make positive changes in their lives and become healthier, happier, well-rounded individuals. Susan Contreras, Director for the substance abuse program, advised that the Community Counseling Program offers services to people for counseling sessions that involve individuals, couples, support group sessions/therapies, parenting groups, and educational counseling groups which covers mental health diagnoses, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders that may involve the entire family. She stated their clients can start with any counseling session and switch to another if they feel more comfortable with individual sessions versus a group environment. Committee Member Perez asked how long a client participates in the substance abuse program. Ms. Contreras stated the substance abuse program runs four months, which encompasses an education and process group portion; and advised that they may extend their aftercare for another couple of months, up to six months total depending on the treatment they are receiving. Committee Member Scott asked for clarification on how many Orange residents have been served. Ms. LeCompte stated that from July 1, 2013 to January 31, 2014, they have served 152 Orange residents. Committee Member Manning asked if this agency received CDBG funding from Anaheim. CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 3 of 11 Ms. LeCompte indicated the agency received $17,000 from Anaheim this fiscal year and that they are requesting $20,000 from Anaheim for next year; she explained that the foundation supplements funding for this program; and advised that they write approximately 20 to 30 grants each year for this program, noting this program serves approximately 2,000 participants annually throughout Orange County. Ms. Laster noted for Committee Chair Rico that this year’s grant from Orange was $5,438 following the City Council’s direction to fund Mariposa and Frendly Center if additional CDBG funding became available; and explained that staff was able to allocate funding to both agencies, because HUD provided a higher CDBG allocation than the City received in the previous year. Ms. LeCompte noted her appreciation for the support this agency receives from Orange. Ms. Contreras stated they are seeing an increase in clients with various traumas and are able to offer gender specific counseling, domestic violence and depression counseling. Ms. Laster asked if those treatments are all under the umbrella of this Community Counseling Program. Ms. Contreras indicated yes. Committee Chair Rico asked if this agency is serving more human trafficking victims. Ms. Contreras stated they are seeing an increase in this population. She added that this agency offers free on-site child care services for those parents seeking treatment and stated that through the Community Counseling Program, they have a wrap-around program for all their clients and children as long as they are participating in one of their services. She mentioned that their headquarters are located in Orange. Ms. Contreras noted for Committee Member Perez that the cost for their service is income based, noting they have the ability to work with each client; and they also have some scholarships to help those that do not have the money, noting they work on a case-by-case basis. CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 4 of 11 AGENCY:OLIVE CREST PROJECT:Plumbing Refurbishment – Palm House Request funds for construction costs and plumbing materials. Amount Requested:$8,676 Total Project Cost:$8,676 Tim Bauer, Executive Director of Development, advised that Olive Crest is headquartered in Orange County, having started over 40 years ago; stated that they have served 60,000 children and families; and explained that their two priorities are creating strong families and keeping these kids safe. He advised that this agency works with over 2,000 children every day who are scattered throughout three states (all throughout Washington; Southern California; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Bauer noted that they work with 1,000 children in Orange County every day, approximating 75 of those being Orange residents; and he explained that some of those kids from Orange are involved in their group home program, pointing out they have several homes in Orange, one being on Palm. He stated the Palm house is a nice four-bedroom home which gets a lot of wear and tear with six teenaged boys living there; and advised that the house is in need of new plumbing. Mr. Bauer noted that the boys who live at the Palm house all come from various difficult backgrounds; that almost all the children come from abused and/or neglected homes or kids who have been abandoned by their families; and he explained that Olive Crest becomes their family. He added that some of their alumni group members stay in touch with the agency and that the agency helps them out whenever they can. Committee Member Perez asked if a house manager lives on site. Mr. Bauer stated that none of the adults who work there live on site; that they work various awake shifts to cover a 24-hour period; and noted that the master bedroom serves as the staff office/headquarters. Committee Member Manning asked what schools these kids attend. Mr. Bauer stated they go to various schools, wherever their plans dictate they go; advised that some stay in their own districts of origin; that some may go to another district other than Orange Unified School District; that some of them attend the local high school; and that some of them qualify for specialized services through the Orange Unified School District. He added that most of these kids are behind academically and quite a few have educational special needs. He pointed out that they are just as diligent working with them in the residential care CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 5 of 11 program as they are with meeting their educational needs because these foster kids are at a high risk for homelessness and incarceration after they emancipate. Mr. Bauer noted for Committee Member Scott that he will provide the Committee cost quotes for the proposed project. Committee Member Manning asked if this agency has applied for other grants. Mr. Bauer stated they apply for grants all the time for their ongoing needs, noting that the money they receive from the County does not cover the cost of their care; and he advised that they do many fundraisers. He mentioned that they just completed a major remodel of their Tustin house and that they are hoping to do likewise one day with this Palm house. Committee Member Manning stated that this is a nice home. Mr. Bauer thanked the Committee/City for its past support. AGENCY:ORANGE COUNTY FAIR HOUSING COUNCIL, INC. PROJECT:Orange Fair Housing Education, Counseling & Enforcement Request funds for salaries, benefits and operating costs. Amount Requested:$22,500 Total Project Cost:$28,900 Brenda Magaña, representing the Fair Housing Council, distributed letters of recommendation for this agency. Denise Cato, President and CEO, briefly noted her disappointment in losing this contract last year with Orange. She advised that every department within this agency is certified by the Department of Justice or HUD, pointing out that education is very important when dealing with fair housing issues. She added that this agency is the only certified counseling agency in Southern California; and explained that in order to be certified, every landlord/tenant counselor has to go through training every three years for this agency to get approved again by HUD, noting that laws constantly change in this field. Ms. Cato stated they have a mediation department; advised that the mediators are also certified in California, having no less than 25 hours of training and exceeding what is required by the State; and noted that her staff has to undergo background checks because they are working in the courts throughout Orange County. She CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 6 of 11 added that the agency also has an enforcement department. Ms. Cato stated that this agency has had a Fair Housing Initiative Program for the past 10 years, noting there are only two other housing council agencies that have this program; and she mentioned that HUD has to verify all staff are qualified. She mentioned that this “FHIP” grant that gives them the opportunity to service anyone in Orange County who walks through their doors. Ms. Cato stated this agency is based in Orange County; noted her understanding that they had problems with their reports in the past, but explained that all her staff was new; that it has taken five years to retrain her staff to make sure they were on the right track in order to get all the certificates; advised that they are monitored by HUD constantly; and stated she can provide recommendations for her agency from all over the country. Ms. Cato stated that she taught fair housing trainings last year in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Orange County, reiterating that HUD requires ongoing training, education and certification because they also train realtors; she stated there is no other person in fair housing outside of an attorney that can do that; and stated she has been doing this for over 20 years, mentioning she attended paralegal school. She stated that she has worked at most levels in her agency and worked her way up and knows whether there are any deficiencies in the program; and stated that the only program she does not run is foreclosure. Ms. Cato stated that this agency provides free foreclosure assistance to their clients; noted they have a 98 percent success rate in getting their clients loan modifications or getting their loans extended. She stated she understands the need for outreach; advised that they work in this community; and stated that Orange residents come to them constantly stating they are unhappy because they would have to go to Long Beach for service. Ms. Cato stated this agency is centrally located; that if a client calls on the phone, they refer them to Long Beach; but if they walk in their doors, they assist them. Ms. Cato stated that when one talks about workshops in the community, most of who attends are Moderate Income people or higher and/or stay-at- home mothers, pointing out that you will not typically get the poor or the very poor or individuals who use English as their second language; and she stated that those people want to come in to talk to someone face-to-face, not a workshop. She stated that if someone comes in with an eviction notice, they do not want to have to call someone on the phone, they want someone who is going to help and assist them right there on the spot. Ms. Cato stated their agency is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to anyone in Orange County; advised that they have a workshop once a month and that they stay open until 9:00 p.m. in order to assist anyone who attends the workshop. She stated that she works with some of the largest law firms across the country and stated she wants to get back the contract from Orange. She stated they want to CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 7 of 11 work in this city with its residents who are not happy with the current situation; she questioned why an Orange resident has to travel 26 miles away when they can go locally for assistance; and why should someone have to call to make an appointment when all they have to do is be inside her office at 9:00 a.m. to get assistance. Ms. Cato mentioned her agency just settled a discrimination case with a resident from Orange, noting it was publicized in the Orange County Register. Committee Chair Rico asked if fraud and foreclosures are still on the rise for people who are modifying their loans. Ms. Magaña explained that the mortgage scams are still on the rise and that the scams are becoming more sophisticated; and that they are trying to make the homeowners, agents and realtors aware of the scams. She stated that the homeowners they are currently seeing are homeowners who were either in the pipeline a couple years ago or they received modifications and are now finding their modification is jumping up in payment and they still cannot afford it or their trial modifications are still not working for them. Ms. Laster asked what the agency’s funding sources are for the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) and foreclosure counseling. Ms. Magaña stated that for foreclosure counseling, they use a grant given through the National Foreclosure Mitigation Council, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), which is separate from CDBG; and noted that the FHIP is is funded with a separate federal grant. Ms. Magaña noted this is where the agency is allowed to serve any resident whether or not they have a CDBG contract; and that even with their HUD comprehensive grant, counseling programs, they can still serve the residents because HUD does not restrict where the residents reside within Orange County. AGENCY:ORANGEWOOD CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION PROJECT:Beverly’s House Request funds to support needed repairs, including adding heating and air conditioning. Amount Requested:$15,000 Total Project Cost:$15,000 Robert Theemling, Chief Program Officer, explained that up until last year, Beverly’s House was owned by the YWCA of Orange County; and having decided their agency could no longer go forward, the YWCA selected Orangewood to be the recipient of this property, noting the property was deeded CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 8 of 11 to them June 2013. He stated there have been some long-term maintenance issues they are discovering that need to be dealt with, one being heating and air conditioning; and explained that the upstairs was expanded at some point and does not have any heating or air conditioning and can be a very uncomfortable climate, especially in the summer. Linda Levshin, Director of Youth Services, advised that the residents are currently using space heaters upstairs and that they would like to be more energy efficient. Mr. Theemling stated that the property has been evaluated by an air conditioning company; stated that they believe this grant will cover the hard costs; and noted that they anticipate the work to be donated. He stated that because they are located within the historic district, it becomes a little more complicated, and it is their intention to do it right. Ms. Levshin stated that the women who live at this home are former foster youth, now between the ages of 18 to 24; stated this agency has had a transitional housing program in place since 1999; and that they provide a home environment with on-site, full-time awake staff 24 hours a day. She explained that the girls typically live on-site for a year and then move to the next step of independent apartment living; advised there are currently six women inside the home with room for four more women in the apartments above the garage. Ms. Levshin explained for Committee Member Manning that these women choose to live here, noting that some still want a program after being emancipated from the foster care system. Addressing Committee Chair Rico’s inquiry regarding the grant for the windows, Ms. Laster explained that the windows were never repaired because the YWCA was going to be phased out and the contract was never executed. Ms. Laster explained that she spoke with Daryl Robinson (agency contractor) this afternoon and discussed the possibility of asking the City Council to consider awarding the funds for the windows to Orangewood. She added there are strict requirements for the historic district and the type of windows that can be installed. Ms. Laster stated it is her understanding Orangewood has asked Mr. Robinson to obtain bids to go forward with window replacement; and she added it would be helpful to know what the cost would be before returning to City Council for that project. Ms. Laster advised that Mr. Robinson has already talked with the City’s Historic Preservation Planner about the process that will have to be followed and he is aware of the bids he will have to obtain for either repairing and/or replacing the windows. She noted that the previously approved grant for the windows was $15,000. CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 9 of 11 Ms. Levshin stated that with the heating and air conditioning proposal, it would be beneficial to get the windows fixed so the HVAC system runs efficiently. Ms. Laster suggested that once the three bids are obtained, that Orangewood staff meet with City staff to discuss the project before asking the City Council to reallocate the FY 2012-13 grant funds to Orangewood, noting there is funding available. Ms. Laster clarified for Committee Chair Rico that the prior proposal/work write- up from the restoration bidder indicated some of the windows needed to be replaced and some were able to be repaired; and it was her belief that the bid from Renaissance Doors & Windows was to replace all the windows, expecting the windows from this company would not meet the specs required in the historic district. She added there were only two bids provided at that time, which were not comparable. Ms. Laster urged Mr. Theemling to speak with the Historic Preservation Planner about the placement of the HVAC system. AGENCY:PAINT YOUR HEART OUT, INC. PROJECT:Orange Paint Day Request funds to screen applicants, train volunteers, test/remove lead paint, create work plans, salaries. Amount Requested:$20,000 Total Project Cost:$25,000 Debbie Schultz, Program/Executive Director, handed out photographs from the past year of the work they performed. She advised that this agency paints the homes of Low Income seniors and the disabled using a volunteer workforce. She stated they do various repairs and lead abatement, pointing out they did not find any lead this year; advised that they contracted for five homes; and noted they still have funds remaining and are hoping to work on a couple mobile homes by the end of this fiscal year. She highlighted some of the volunteer groups they had this year: Community Service and Leadership Program from UCI, National Oilwell Varco, Orange County Funeral Directors, etc. She stated they performed the following work: two major yard cleanups, minor stucco repair at four homes, major stucco repair at one home, replaced four broken window panes, replaced one sliding glass door pane, tested five homes for lead with no lead found, repaired one hot water heater door, performed wood repair on four homes, repaired a dilapidated patio cover, and repaired two fences with over 100 volunteers. Ms. Schultz advised that three of the homes were referred by CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 10 of 11 Community Action Partnership. She mentioned that the volunteers have a good time with these projects. Committee Member Manning asked if any of their clients were Code Enforcement referrals. Ms. Schultz indicated rarely in Orange. She added that some hoarders cannot be helped because they do not want anyone touching their things; and she added that from time to time, they will refer people to social services for help. AGENCY:WOMEN’S TRANSITIONAL LIVING CENTER, INC. (WTLC) PROJECT:Independence from Dependence Request funds to partially pay salaries of staff. Amount Requested:$7,500 Total Project Cost:$96,210 Kathy Strong, Director of Contracts Administration for WTLC, stated that the Independence from Dependence program is pretty much the same program as has been funded in the past with two notable changes. WTLC is now teaching Personal Empowerment Program (PEP) classes at El Modena Community Center in Orange and Mariposa Women’s Center in Orange; and Ms. Strong noted that Mariposa will also be coming to WTLC to teach some classes and offer some counseling groups. She advised that PEP is a 10-week curriculum that was copyrighted by four domestic violence shelters in Orange County; noted that PEP classes are usually mandated by either the criminal or family courts, or social service agencies; that these are often for victims that are still living with their batterers; and explained it is their responsibility to try and teach their clients to move into a safe living environment. She stated they cover various topics, such as legal, safety, health, effects on children. Ms. Strong explained that these female/male clients typically arrive very angry, not wanting to participate in the mandated program for the first two to three weeks, believing there is nothing wrong with their lives and that they do not appreciate the outside interference in their personal lives; and she went on to explain that usually after the fourth week, things start to change when they begin to realize what abuse really looks like. She stated it is inspiring to witness this change. Ms. Strong explained that if the agency can keep someone in PEP class for six weeks or longer, they can usually to get them moved out and put into a safe environment. She added that most of the time when the courts or social service CDBG Minutes February 12, 2014 Page 11 of 11 agencies mandate they attend, it is usually for the full 10 weeks. She added that sometimes they do not get their kids back, so they have to show proof they have attended all the required classes. She mentioned that sometimes client think they want a restraining order lifted, but after participating in the program the full 10 weeks, most of them will keep the restraining order in place. Ms. Strong advised that they teach these same classes at the shelter programs; stated that the classes are offered in English and Spanish in both facilities; and that they are teaching four classes a week, two at each facility. She stated they have several new services they offer within their programs; that their focus will be on securing jobs or helping the clients to keep their current jobs while in this program. Committee Member Perez asked how long they have been at El Modena. Ms. Strong indicated since November 2013. Ms. Laster asked how people know about the locations for the program. Ms. Strong stated they do some advertizing; that all the shelters have listings of PEP classes; that the PEP class information is listed in all the court systems; and that social workers know where and when the classes are offered. She added that their listings are handed out at North Court, Central Court and West Court. Ms. Laster asked if PEP is part of the Independence from Dependence program. Ms. Strong indicated yes. Ms. Strong noted for Committee Chair Rico that she is aware of the limited funding and that they can use whatever funding is provided; she noted that they have been working with victims of human trafficking for almost 10 years; and explained that there is still one area of need, which is housing children of human trafficking, noting that Orangewood cannot take them in and there is no place for them to go. VI. PUBLIC COMMENT None. VII. ADJOURNMENT At 8:25 P.M. the meeting was formally adjourned.