Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-2014 CDBG MinutesCDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 1 of 11 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 6:30 P.M. Weimer Room, Orange City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Mary-Ellen Manning Gina Scott Mary Ellen Laster Eva Perez Fernando Rico I.CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:36 P.M. Committee Chair Rico asked if Orangewood Children’s Foundation had submitted their project bids. Ms. Laster indicated no. II.APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 12, 2014 Committee Member Perez moved, seconded by Committee Member Manning, to approve the February 12, 2014, Minutes as presented. Motion carried, 3-0. III. FUNDING PRESENTATIONS BY CITY DEPARTMENTS AGENCY:COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROJECT:After-School Community Programs (Recreation Program) at El Camino Real Park, Grijalva Park, and Killefer Park CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 2 of 11 Request funding to supplement salaries of part-time staff, supplies and professional services. Amount Requested:$43,170 Total Project Cost:$282,788 Recreation Services Manager Danielle Valadez, Community Services Department, advised that they are currently partnering with Friendly Center for the After-School Community Programs that are offered at El Camino Real, Grijalva and Killefer Parks, going on three years; and stated that the Programs consist of tutoring and a recreational component, which includes specialty clubs, sports and other activities to keep the children active. She stated that Friendly Center has been very responsive to the community’s need for the Programs, especially with the tutoring component; and advised that Friendly Center provides homework assistance and also provides snacks for the students every day. She noted there are a couple outreach programs each year that help to get participants into the Programs; that the beginning of the school year is when they get most of their participants, about 200 hundred kids; and stated that as the quarter ends, the participation starts to dwindle down. She advised that in the spring, they do another outreach with a spring event, bringing in some new participants; and stated their partnership with Friendly Center has worked well over the last two years. Recreation Services Manager Valadez stated that the kids are very appreciative of the Committee’s support; she distributed to the Committee Members handmade thank you cards expressing their gratitude for this program; and she distributed to the Committee program flyers. The Committee Members expressed their appreciation of the children’s thoughtfulness. Committee Member Manning asked what efforts are undertaken for the outreach. Recreation Services Manager Valadez stated they put on a spring extravaganza with various activities, such as an Easter egg hunt, crafts, and they educate the attendees about the program. She noted that the participants must commit to a certain number of days/hours each week. She added that Friendly Center does a lot of tracking and that they are in constant communication with the teachers to make sure they are meeting the needs of these children and managing their progress. Recreation Services Manager Valadez pointed out that Friendly Center is very good with the tutoring program; and that the City staff provides guidance to Friendly Center on structuring the recreation programs for these kids. CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 3 of 11 Recreation Services Manager Valadez noted for Committee Member Manning that they serve approximately 350 kids per year in this program. Recreation Services Manager Valadez clarified for Ms. Laster that the City has contracted with Friendly Center for two years to provide the Programs, and FY 2014-15 would be the third year. Committee Member Rico asked if it is possible to offer badminton at the Grijalva Sports Center. Recreation Services Manager Valadez advised that the floor is striped for badminton; and asked if he knows anyone interested in teaching badminton classes on a contractual basis. Committee Member Rico stated he will look into it. Recreation Services Manager Valadez noted for Committee Member Manning that Grijalva Sports Center is closed during the weekdays; that they do not offer much programming in the summer at this center, with the exception of some contract classes; and explained that they have to meet a participation level in order for the facility to be staffed cost effectively. She added that they are working at getting more programs to this facility, noting it does well on the weekends and evenings. Recreation Services Manager Valadez clarified for Ms. Laster that the Grijalva After-School Program is conducted at the park location, not the sports center. AGENCY:POLICE DEPARTMENT PROJECT:Bike Team Program Request funds for salaries and benefits of the Orange Police Department Bike Team. Amount Requested:$100,000 Total Project Cost:$216,019 Code Enforcement Officer Michelle Echeverria explained that they have added to their normal duties a department-wide crime reduction effort focusing on the CDBG areas, which includes parole and probation searches; and stated that they also have added patrols at the following City parks: Hart, Shaffer, El Camino Real, Grijalva, Taft, Steve Ambriz Memorial, and El Modena Parks. She stated there have been many issues lately in the parks and that they are making their CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 4 of 11 presence known; but added that most of their work is done in the CDBG neighborhoods. Bike Team Officer John Pickett stated that they are looking for people drinking alcohol and taking drugs, this element making it less desirable for good citizens who want to enjoy the park and have their kids safely play on the playground. Committee Chair Rico stated that Hart Park has greatly improved over the years, but stated that there are many people who drive too fast in that park. He added that there is a lot of graffiti on the bike trail near the dry river bed along the 55 Freeway, before Chapman. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria stated that the Bike Team is continuing with its warrant services for individuals in the CDBG areas; and that they are still working with the Street Terrorism Enforcement Program (STEP) cards and Field Interview (FI) cards, which help them learn who the people are who routinely cause problems. She added that the work with eliminating transient camps is an ongoing effort and noted it will take years to get it completely resolved. Bike Team Officer Pickett mentioned that instead of relocating the transient population, they are now helping them to find permanent housing, believing this is the best way to eradicate the homeless camps. Committee Chair Rico stated he has seen an improvement along the Santa Ana Riverbed, noting it is cleaner; and asked for input on the court’s ruling of the City’s blanket gang injunction. Bike Team Officer John Mancini explained that the DA’s Office prepared a blanket injunction that did not hold up in court because of an error on the part of the DA’s Office; and advised that this costly error is being rectified and that it is their intention to re-file. He mentioned that the ACLU’s attorneys won a $4 million judgment against the DA’s Office. Committee Chair Rico expressed his belief that overall, the injunction worked nicely. Bike Patrol Officer Mancini explained that even though the first injunction was overturned, it convinced a lot of the criminal element to leave the city. Committee Member Manning asked if other cities have filed injunctions. Bike Team Officer Mancini indicated there are 10 other injunctions in the County including Santa Ana, Anaheim, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano. He stated that injunctions are fairly common. CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 5 of 11 Sergeant Brian Marcotte, Bike Team Supervisor, stated that the Bike Team is a tremendous tool for not only the police department but also the community, noting that their outreach efforts are citywide. He added that the Bike Team can routinely be found at various functions throughout the community, such as Treats in the Streets and 3rd of July celebration. He stated that the Bike Team routinely educates the public, including children; and that they utilize a number of different facets to effectively perform law enforcement within the City. Committee Member Manning asked how many days the officers ride their bikes versus drive a patrol car. Sergeant Marcotte explained that the officers do both, but mostly they ride their bikes. He added that it depends on the tactics they are using. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria stated that they prefer to ride their bikes, noting they are more approachable. Bike Team Officer Pickett stated their try to ride all days they are on shift; and that they will drive a patrol car to transport someone to jail or during inclement weather. Committee Member Perez stated she likes to see police presence on bikes around the City. Bike Team Officer Pickett pointed out that the Bike Team is able to see, hear and smell much better than those officers patrolling in a car; that they are more easily concealed/stealth on the bikes; and explained that if a crime has occurred, the criminals are more apt to look for a police car as opposed to officers riding bikes. Committee Member Perez asked if they ever get approached to answer questions. Bike Team Officer Mancini stated they are approached all the time. Bike Team Officer Pickett stated that public relations is a huge undertaking of the Bike Team. Bike Team Officer Mancini advised that the Bike Team spends a lot of time at schools and community events -- such as concerts in the park -- where the public approaches them frequently to ask questions and talk about their bikes. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria pointed out that the children are very curious and routinely approach the Bike Team to ask a lot of questions. Ms. Laster asked if the Bike Team has experienced any cutbacks in personnel. CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 6 of 11 Sergeant Marcotte explained that every department has had its fair share of cuts/reductions due to the economy; but stated that other than one person currently being out on maternity leave, they are fully staffed. Police Department Sr. Administrative Analyst Darlene Chandler pointed out that the Police Bike Team bikes are purchased with AQMD grant funds. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria explained that they were awarded the funding because they are reducing emissions by riding these bikes. Committee Chair Rico stated that the City still does not know how much funding it will receive for FY 2014-15; and commented on the Committee’s decision last year to reduce the Bike Team’s (FY 2013-14) funding because of anticipated cutbacks in CDBG funding, but stated he was pleased that the City was awarded more than anticipated and that the Bike Team received its full request (for FY 2013-14). Police Department Sr. Administrative Analyst Chandler pointed out that their request this year has been reduced by $20,000 because of the anticipated cutback; and stated they are grateful for whatever funds the CDBG program can provide. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria noted for Ms. Laster that the Bike Team usually rides until 10:00 P.M.; and noted they will adjust their hours depending on need. AGENCY:PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING PROJECT:ADA WHEELCHAIR ACCESS RAMPS Request funds to construct sidewalk access ramps at various locations throughout the City. The construction of the ramps will be in compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Direct construction costs, $212,500; Engineering and Administration, $37,500 Amount Requested: $250,000 Total Project Cost: $250,000 PROJECT:First Street Sewer Line Replacement Request funds for replacement of damaged 8-inch sewer line in First Street, insuring uninterrupted sanitary service for the residents living in the neighborhood. Recent video images of the existing line showed an offset joint that may cause sewage leak into ground and backup of sewer flow CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 7 of 11 into homes. Direct construction costs, $83,725; Engineering and Administration, $14,775. Amount Requested: $98,500 Total Project Cost: $98,500 PROJECT:First Street Rehabilitation Request funds for cold planing, installation of pavement reinforcing fabric, asphalt concrete overlay, adjustment of manholes and water valves to grade. The project will also include removal and replacement of damaged sidewalk and curb and gutter within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $67,847; Engineering and Administration, $11,973. Amount Requested: $79,820 Total Project Cost: $79,820 PROJECT:Center Street Rehabilitation Request funds for cold planing, installation of pavement reinforcing fabric, asphalt concrete overlay, adjustment of manholes and water valves to grade. The project will also include removal and replacement of damaged sidewalk and curb and gutter within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $32,897; Engineering and Administration, $5,805. Amount Requested: $38,702 Total Project Cost: $38,702 PROJECT:Culver Avenue Rehabilitation Request funds for cold planing, installation of pavement reinforcing fabric, asphalt concrete overlay, adjustment of manholes and water valves to grade. The project will also include removal and replacement of damaged sidewalk and curb and gutter within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $141,289; Engineering and Administration, $24,933. Amount Requested: $166,222 Total Project Cost: $166,222 CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 8 of 11 PROJECT:Parker Street and Clark Street Property Line Easement Sewer Request funds to reline broken 6-inch sewer line running along the property line easement of residences on Parker Street and Clark Street will insure uninterrupted sanitary service to the residents living in the neighborhood. Recent video images of the existing line showed a broken pipe that may cause sewage leak into ground and backup of sewage flow into homes. Direct construction costs, $52,955; Engineering and Administration, $9,345 Amount Requested: $62,300 Total Project Cost: $62,300 PROJECT:Pixley Street Rehabilitation Request funds for cold planing, installation of pavement reinforcing fabric, asphalt concrete overlay, adjustment of manholes and water valves to grade. The project will also include removal and replacement of damaged sidewalk and curb and gutter within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $64,021; Engineering and Administration, $11,298 Amount Requested: $75,319 Total Project Cost: $75,319 PROJECT:Kelly Avenue Rehabilitation Request funds for cold planing, installation of pavement reinforcing fabric, asphalt concrete overlay, adjustment of manholes and water valves to grade. The project will also include removal and replacement of damaged sidewalk and curb and gutter within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $67,992; Engineering and Administration, $11,999 Amount Requested: $79,991 Total Project Cost: $79,991 Paul Tran, Associate Civil Engineer, distributed photographs of the current street condition for the proposed projects; stated they will work on more ADA ramps next year; and that they have added a couple sewer projects. Mr. Tran stated that the First Street Sewer Line Replacement project is being done at the same time they are doing the First Street Rehabilitation project, using a more time/cost-efficient approach this year. He explained that in prior years, CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 9 of 11 some sewer problems were only discovered during the design process; noted that it would sometimes delay a project to find more funding; and advised that they are now checking for sewer issues at the same time as addressing the condition of the streets, making it more cost effective. He highlighted the photos and the sewer line map that was provided to the Committee Members; and stated that the sewer maintenance crew has identified First Street as being in bad shape, having a severe offset and not operating properly. Mr. Tran stated that the First Street Rehabilitation project from Chapman to the north end has a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 31. Mr. Tran stated that the Center Street Rehabilitation project from First Street to the west end has a PCI of 36 – pointing out that this number needs to be updated, believing the street is much worse. He stated that the Pavement Management Report is dated August 2012; and that it is updated every two years, believing that the City’s consultant will provide updated CPI numbers in a couple of months. He added that the sewer line under this street is adequate and not in need of rehabilitation, noting it also does not serve many homes. Mr. Tran stated that the Culver Avenue Rehabilitation project will be a long stretch of street, noting that some sections are worse than others; and explained that the really bad areas along this stretch might have to have localized digouts rather than an overlay for the less damaged areas along that stretch. Mr. Tran stated that the Parker Street and Clark Street Property Line Easement Sewer project is a challenging project; he advised that sewers are typically located in the streets, but noted that this one is located in the middle of residents’ backyards; and explained that not wanting to rip up a huge hole in their backyards, they will use a different approach by relining the existing pipe. He explained that with the aid of a video camera, they will determine the condition of each section; that they will remove any tree roots that are clogging the system; and that a liquid will be injected inside the pipes and heated up to create a solid, strong and smooth plastic lining on the sides of the pipe. Committee Chair Rico asked if the work is done while the sewer is in service. Mr. Tran explained that the sewer may be out of service for a day. He added that when the lining is being put in, the plastic will harden and special equipment will be used to drill holes inside where the laterals are located. Committee Member Manning asked how many homes will be affected. Mr. Tran estimated about 30 homes; stated this process is more cost-effective and less disruptive to the residents; and added that any particularly bad area of the pipe will have to be removed and replaced with a new pipe, noting the plastic injection process will not work on collapsed pipes or huge cracks/holes. CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 10 of 11 Committee Chair Rico asked what the cost difference is per foot for each process. Mr. Tran stated that this method costs approximately $55 per foot versus sewer placement of approximately $125 per foot; and advised that this construction work will be done by contractors. Mr. Tran stated that Pixley Street has some cracks but is not as bad as the others. He explained that most of the streets are overlaid, but if there are some areas that are in very poor condition, they will remove complete sections, complete localized digout, and do a full reconstruction job in those smaller areas. Mr. Tran stated that the Kelly Avenue Rehabilitation project is from Lemon Street to the west end and that it has a PCI of 37. Committee Chair Rico asked why the Parker Street Rehabilitation project was removed from consideration for funding. Mr. Tran explained that residential property is on the east side of the street, and that a two-story office building on the west side of this street was mistakenly identified as an apartment building. He added that he discovered the error when he was on site to take photographs, noting that the funding request was withdrawn, because the project is not eligible for CDBG funding. Committee Member Manning commended engineering for a superb job done on Cambridge last year. Committee Member Perez noted her appreciation with Mr. Tran getting her street light fixed last year. She added that there is a foul odor coming from Orange Street in the breezeway area at the back of Watson’s, asking if it is the sewer. She stated that there is often surface water on the sidewalk going out to the street. Mr. Tran stated he will speak with the water quality staff about that situation. He mentioned that anyone seeking street light maintenance can contact his department, noting there is a special form at their front counter; and advised that their traffic maintenance workers perform these repairs approximately every two weeks. Committee Member Manning asked if all the ADA ramps have been completed. Mr. Tran stated that all the curb areas have been completed, but added that the Federal guidelines have changed and that some of them do not meet current ADA regulations for the truncated domes. Ms. Laster mentioned that the City has to comply with the Federal ADAAG requirements on a citywide basis, not just when using CDBG funds for improvements. CDBG Minutes February 19, 2014 Page 11 of 11 IV. PUBLIC COMMENT None. V.ADJOURNMENT At 7:50 P.M. the meeting was formally adjourned.