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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-5-2014 CDBG MinutesCDBG Minutes March 5, 2014 Page 1 of 6 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 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. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 19, 2014 Committee Member Perez moved, seconded by Committee Chair Rico, to approve the February 19, 2014 Minutes as presented. Motion carried, 5-0. Ms. Laster distributed replacement pages that were revised for the Committee’s notebooks; she explained that having discussed with the Public Works staff the anticipated reduction in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, that department has decided to go forward with all its proposed projects and to use Gas Tax funds to cover any shortfalls if necessary. She pointed out that those Gas Tax funds will also be used in non-CDBG areas; and she explained that because these proposed projects are in such great need of repairs, that department did not want to delete any projects. She advised that it is still unknown how much Orange will receive in CDBG funding, but that she anticipates a five percent reduction in funding. Ms. Laster referred to the Four-Year Funding Allocation History for City Departments and nonprofit agencies. Ms. Laster explained for Committee Chair Rico that the YWCA of Central Orange County was allocated $15,000 in FY 2012-13 for repair/replacement of windows at CDBG Minutes March 5, 2014 Page 2 of 6 Beverly’s House, but that project never started because the YWCA was dissolved and a contract was never executed. She stated that Orangewood purchased the property, and was advised to provide three comparable bids to the City in order to go forward with seeking Council’s approval to award Orangewood these funds, noting there is money in the budget to fulfill this prior $15,000 commitment. She added that the $15,000 may not be enough to complete that project, but that Orangewood has indicated it will complete the project using its own budget if necessary; and she stated that this issue will be dealt with separately from what is being voted on this evening. Ms. Laster highlighted the following paperwork that had been provided to the Committee: FY 2013-14 current allocation for the CDBG program, highlighting the original recommendations and the final recommendations due to the unexpected increase in CDBG funding last year; and the Consolidated Plan Priorities, Five-Year Objectives, and Annual Goals FY 2010-11 through FY 2014-15, pointing out the priority is to reduce homelessness. III.DISCUSSION OF FY 2014-15 CDBG FUNDING REQUESTS Ms. Laster referred to Estimated Funding Distribution by Category list for the FY 2014-15 HOME Investment Partnerships Act Program, noted that these HUD funds are for affordable housing projects that are identified during the year; stated the figures shown are assuming a one percent cut in funding and will be adjusted if an increase/reduction is received; and noted these funds are allocated as follows: Administration (10 percent), Community Housing and Development Organizations [CHDO] (15 percent), and Capital Developer Allocation (75 percent). MOTION:Committee Member Scott moved, seconded by Committee Member Manning, to authorize staff to allocate the FY 2014-15 funds Orange receives for the HOME Investment Partnerships Act (HOME) Program as follows: $212,250 to Capital Developer Allocation; $42,450 to Community Housing and Development Organizations; and $28,300 to Administration, for a total of $283,000. Motion carried, 4-0. Ms. Laster highlighted the FY 2013-14 CDBG Program Subrecipient Status Report; she noted that the Fair Housing Foundation has expended 49 percent of its funding; advised that this agency submits its reports on time; and that staff is very pleased with the agency’s performance, flyers, and on-site events/meetings. With regard to HOMES, Inc., Ms. Laster noted that this agency has been in transition since Jamboree Housing absorbed it and the primary staff person has been ill, which is likely the reason that this agency’s reports were not being submitted on time; and she added that she received HOME, Inc.’s insurance documents last week. She noted that CDBG Minutes March 5, 2014 Page 3 of 6 she has visited the Riley House several times to inspect previously-funded projects and found the work has been satisfactorily completed; and added that they typically perform their projects at the end of the year. Ms. Laster stated that Paint Your Heart Out is doing a very good job for Orange, adding this agency will be working on a couple of mobile homes. She stated that the Assistance League has already dressed 641 children; and explained that the Status Report indicates the agency has no expenditures because they wait until the last quarter to bill the City. Ms. Laster stated that Friendly Center has done an excellent job; that it has a good history of reporting well; that they are currently at 99 percent of their proposed accomplishments; and stated they will likely be helping a lot more than proposed. Ms. Laster noted that Mariposa Women and Family Center still has not been paid because they are having trouble submitting accurate billings; explained that most recently, she had to contact the agency regarding various discrepancies with their employee timesheets/spreadsheets; and noted she is not confident about the accuracy of the agency’s reporting. She explained that the figures need to be accurate in order to determine how many Orange residents are being assisted; advised that she has been proactive, but unsuccessful so far, in trying to set up a meeting with representatives of this agency to discuss these inaccuracies; and advised that payments will not be processed until the agency submits acceptable documentation. She mentioned that the agency has submitted its quarterly reports. The Committee Members concurred that the discrepancies are unacceptable and unfortunate. Committee Member Perez stated that this agency needs to understand inaccurate reporting is making it difficult for this Committee to fund this agency, making it hard to determine which hours qualify for CDBG funding. IV.FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015 CDBG PROGRAM AND HOME PROGRAM MOTION: Committee Member Scott moved, seconded by Committee Chair Rico, to allocate $228,770 to Administration as follows: $204,248 for City Departments, Community Development Department, Program Administration;and $24,522 for Nonprofit Agencies - Fair Housing Foundation. By way of a friendly amendment, Committee Chair Rico requested that if a reduction in funding occurs, that this reduction will be taken from Program Administration, not Fair Housing Foundation. Committee Member Scott accepted the friendly amendment to her motion. Motion carried, 4-0. CDBG Minutes March 5, 2014 Page 4 of 6 MOTION:Committee Chair Rico moved, seconded by Committee Member Scott, to allocate $54,036 to the Public Facilities/Improvements and Rehabilitation, Nonprofit Agencies as follows: $10,360 for Helping Our Mentally Ill Experience Success (HOMES), Inc. -Riley House Rehabilitation; $8,676 for Olive Crest - Palm House Plumbing Refurbishment; $15,000 for Orangewood Children’s Foundation -Beverly’s House Heating and Air Conditioning;and $20,000 for Paint Your Heart Out, Inc. -Orange Paint Day. Motion carried, 4-0. The Committee agreed that any shortfall in funding be taken from the ADA Wheelchair Access Ramps allocation, supplementing the project with Gas Tax funds. MOTION: Committee Member Manning moved, seconded by Committee Member Perez, to allocate $850,854 to the following Public Facilities/Improvements/Rehabilitation,City Departments,Public Works Department projects, noting that whatever shortfall occurs, that it be taken from the ADA Wheelchair Access Ramps proposal: $250,00 to ADA Wheelchair Access Ramps - various locations; $98,500 -First Street Sewer Line Replacement - Chapman Avenue to North End; $79,820 - First Street Rehabilitation - Chapman Avenue to North End; $38,702 - Center Street Rehabilitation - First Street to West End; $166,222 - Culver Avenue Rehabilitation - Montgomery Way to Clark Street; $62,300 - Parker Street and Clark Street Sewer Relining - On Property Easement; $75,319 - Pixley Street Rehabilitation – Culver Avenue to La Veta Avenue; $79,991 - Kelly Avenue Rehabilitation - Lemon Street to West End. Motion carried, 4-0. MOTION:Committee Member Scott moved, seconded by Committee Chair Rico, to allocate $143,170 to the Public Services, City Departments,as follows: $43,170 for Public Services, City Departments - Community Services, After-School Community Programs at El Camino Real, Killefer, Grijalva;and $100,000 for Public Services, City Departments - Police, Bike Team Program. Motion carried, 4-0. CDBG Minutes March 5, 2014 Page 5 of 6 MOTION:Committee Chair Rico moved, seconded by Committee Member Scott, to fully fund Assistance League of Orange -Operation School Bell, $6,000. Motion carried, 4-0. Committee Member Manning stated that Family Promise of Orange County, Inc., is proposing a duplication of services provided by existing agencies in the community. MOTION:Committee Member Manning moved, seconded by Committee Member Scott, to not fund Family Promise of Orange County, Inc., -Supplemental Food Programs. Motion carried, 4-0. Committee Member Perez stated that the education provided by Consumer Credit Counseling Service of OC is beneficial, but questioned whether it falls within the CDBG priority of homelessness. Brief discussion ensued with regard to this agency’s use of funding for down payment assistance and loan modifications. Committee Chair Rico expressed his belief this agency’s work can be of some assistance in keeping people from becoming homeless. Committee Member Perez stated she would like to allocate some funds to Mariposa, but stated that the agency should contact Ms. Laster in order to address her concerns with discrepancies. The Committee agreed that if any shortfall in funds occurs, that the money come from the allocation to Mariposa. MOTION:Committee Chair Rico moved, seconded by Committee Member Scott, to not fund Consumer Credit Counseling Service of OC -Educational Workshops/Counseling. Motion carried, 4-0. MOTION:Committee Chair Rico moved, seconded by Committee Member Scott, to fund Friendly Center, Inc., -Emergency Assistance and Supplemental Food Program $10,000. Motion carried, 4-0. MOTION:Committee Chair Rico moved, seconded by Committee Member Scott, to fund Mariposa Women and Family Center -Community Counseling Program $4,907, noting that if any shortfall occurs, that it be taken from this agency’s allocation. Motion carried, 4-0. CDBG Minutes March 5, 2014 Page 6 of 6 Committee Member Manning stated that this agency’s inaccurate reporting and lack of getting it resolved with City staff’s urging is the reason for her supporting this reduction. MOTION:Committee Chair Rico moved, seconded by Committee Member Scott, to fund Women’s Transitional Living Center -Independence from Dependence $7,500. Motion carried, 4-0. Committee Member Scott asked that Ms. Laster advise Family Promise of Orange County, Inc. that it should return next year now that this agency has a better understanding of the type of proposals that qualify for CDBG funding. Noting Committee Member Scott’s forthcoming resignation from this Committee due to her move to Northern California, Committee Chair Rico stated it has been a pleasure working with Member Scott on this Committee, stating that she brings levity and a wealth of nonprofit experience and knowledge to this Committee; and stated he is sorry to see her leave. The Committee Members stated that Member Scott will be dearly missed. Ms. Laster advised that these recommendations will be heard by City Council on April 8, 2014, 6:00 P.M., and she thanked the Committee Members for their efforts once again this year. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT None. V.ADJOURNMENT At 7:55 P.M. the meeting was formally adjourned.