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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-17-2016 CDBG MinutesCDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 1 of 11 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016 6:30 P.M. Weimer Room, Orange City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Mary Ellen Manning Eva Perez Mary Ellen Laster Megan Penn Fernando Rico Janice Mickelson-Weilmuenster David Gillanders (Alternate) I.CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:35 P.M. II.APPROVAL OF MINUTES MARCH 4, 2015 MEETING Without objection, the approval of the March 4, 2015 Minutes were continued to the March 2, 2016 CDBG Program Committee meeting. (Ms. Perez will need to be present at the meeting to approve the Minutes.) FEBRUARY 3, 2016 MEETING Committee Member Rico moved, seconded by Alternate Committee Member Gillanders, to approve the February 3, 2016, Minutes as presented. Motion carried, 5-0. CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 2 of 11 III. FUNDING PRESENTATIONS BY CITY DEPARTMENTS AGENCY:COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROJECT:After School Recreation Program/Community Programs Request funds for salaries for Friendly Center staff, supplies and pro fessional services Amount Requested:$43,170 Total Project Cost:$298,000 Emily Bustamante, Recreation Services Supervisor, stated that she and Mark Matsuda, Program Coordinator, oversee the Afterschool Community Recreation Program. She advised that this program serves approximately 300 children on an annual basis at three different sites in Orange, which include Killefer, El Camino Real, and Grijalva Parks; advised that it is a free program which includes a recreation and a tutoring component; and added that the children are also given a large snack. (The “snack” is a balanced meal that typically includes a sandwich, fruit, and milk.) Ms. Bustamante noted that the participants are usually present every day after school because they look forward to this program, and noted that for some, the snack might be their evening meal. She thanked this Committee for its past support, noting it is important for these kids to have someplace to go after school instead of going home to watch television or play video games. Mr. Matsuta passed out some information about the program and a handmade photo album for each Committee Member, each child showing how they are benefitting from this program. Committee Member Mickelson-Weilmuenster asked how the children get to these parks. Ms. Bustamante stated that with the exception of Grijalva Park, the children arrive on their own or are dropped off by a family member; and advised that the staff from Grijalva Park walks over to Prospect Elementary and walks them to the park and then back once the program is closed. She mentioned that some of the parents do not speak English and are not able to help their kids CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 3 of 11 with their homework, highlighting the importance of the tutoring program. Committee Member Penn asked if the food is donated for this program. Ms. Bustamante advised that it is a grant through Second Harvest. Ms. Laster clarified that the food comes from Friendly Center, which administers this program, but the food is donated to Friendly Center by Second Harvest. Committee Member Manning asked if the tutors are volunteers. Ms. Bustamante stated it is an in-kind donation through Chapman University. Alternate Committee Member Gillanders asked what the hours of operation are for this program. Ms. Bustamante explained that it depends on when the children get out of the schools, noting kids typically start showing up around 2:45 p.m., ending at 6:00 p.m. Committee Member Rico asked how often City staff makes a site visit. Ms. Bustamante stated that staff visits each site a minimum of once a month; and that on an administrative level, they are meeting quarterly with the Friendly Center staff. The Committee Members asked that park staff express to the children the Committee’s appreciation of the handmade materials. Ms. Bustamante noted for Committee Member Penn that they serve 300 unduplicated children annually; that most of these kids are there every day, noting that registration does go up and down every year with it picking up in spring after outreach events; and reiterated that the children really do depend on this program. Ms. Bustamante noted for Committee Chair Manning that they no longer have a free drop-in program in the summer due to the lack of funding, adding it was cancelled about seven years ago. She advised that the City does offer summer day camps that operate Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., a full-care and CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 4 of 11 structured program of activities; that two of those day camp sites are for children in grades first through 6th; that they are located at Handy and Shaffer Parks; and that there is a teen program at El Camino. She noted that these summer day camp programs are strictly recreational and cost each participant $95 per week, pointing out that fee is only cost recovery to run those three sites. She stated that the majority of the participants are kids from first through 6th grade. Committee Member Rico asked how many children participate in the fee programs. Ms. Bustamante advised that approximately 60 participants at Shaffer and Handy Parks and about 30 participants in the teen program at El Camino Park. AGENCY:ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT PROJECT:Bike Patrol Program Request funds for Bike Team salaries and benefits Amount Requested:$100,000 Total Project Cost:$544,721 Darrin Hall, Bike Team Corporal, explained that their goals for the next fiscal year are different from prior years’ requests in that they are proposing to perform 60 compliance checks on individuals who are on parole, probation or post-release community supervision; and he stated that this effort will be proactive instead of reactive, checking on these individuals to make sure they are complying with the terms/conditions of their release. He noted that post- release community supervision is for people who fall somewhere between probation and parole, people who used to be on parole that the State has moved down to the County level. Michele Echeverria, Code Enforcement Officer, explained that these individuals are typically people who are not always on their best behavior, yet they are out in this community with minimal supervision from probation or parole officers because of understaffing and overactive release programs. She added that these individuals typically go into familiar neighborhoods and commit crimes; and explained that with this program, there will be more eyes watching them and hopefully encouraging them to be on CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 5 of 11 their best behavior. She added that this program is expected to keep the neighborhoods safer and keep crime down. Corporal Hall explained for Ms. Laster that if an individual spends time in prison and does not spend their entire term in prison, they will be released on parole; and that these individuals have to report to a parole agent and have to abide by specific conditions depending on why they were in prison. He added that probation is sort of the County’s version of the same thing, where an individual does not spend time in State prison but is released directly from County jail; and added that the County can mandate some conditions on those probationers. He pointed out that usually a condition of all three is search and seizure; that if the police see someone who they know is on parole, probation, or post-release community supervision, they are able to stop and search them for no probable cause. He pointed out that the theory behind that condition is the more often the police make contact with these individuals who they know are on a conditional release, the more that individual knows they are likely to be stopped and searched every time the police see them; and that they are less likely to commit crimes in this community. He added this is proactive policing and that the ability to stop and search is effective for this group of individuals. Committee Chair Manning asked if these people can move to another location. Corporal Hall stated they typically are not restricted on where they can live in this County, but that they would have to have permission to move to another County. He added that if that individual moves out of Orange, the police department in the city they move to would be responsible for that person. Corporal Hall explained that these 60 proactive parolee compliance checks are done by the Bike Team officers going to their homes which they have listed on file, making sure they do indeed live there and making sure they do not possess any prohibited items. He advised that anyone convicted of a felony is not allowed to possess firearms and certain weapons. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria pointed out that there are more than 60 people in this community who are on parole, probation, or post-release community supervision, but she stated they will meet this goal and likely exceed this goal. CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 6 of 11 Corporal Hall stated that the Department’s narcotics officers are currently responsible for these compliance checks along with an assortment of tasks. He added that the Bike Team will assist in this effort by meeting with the probation/parole officers who know where all these people live; that the teams will proactively go to their houses for these compliance checks; and stated that their ultimate goal is to let these individuals know the police are keeping an eye on them. Committee Member Rico asked what activity is being exchanged with this program. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria explained that for the past several years, the CDBG funds have been used for the Bike Team to partner up with multiple police divisions/agencies to perform a couple special operations each year; and that they would determine a problematic area which had a spike in crime and then saturate that area with police. She stated that projecting forward with a limited police department budget, they cannot rely on the department to do these operations for now, so they have replaced it with this new activity for the next fiscal year; and she pointed out they are still in the CDBG neighborhoods with the patrolling bike teams concentrating on crime reduction and neighborhood preservation. Committee Member Rico asked if these 60 visits are in the CDBG areas. Corporal Hall indicated yes. He echoed that the crime reduction operations historically tend to be reactive; that they identify an area where they are seeing problems and they then saturate that area with police personnel; and pointed out that this program is proactive and gives the police an opportunity to get ahead of potential problems. In response to Alternate Committee Member Gillanders’ inquiry regarding the transient population, Corporal Hall stated that transients usually adopt areas along the riverbeds and shopping center atriums, stating they typically have a negative impact on the businesses. He explained that their ultimate goal is to relocate the transients to somewhere else that is safe for them and the community; and advised that they work with various agencies in that effort to find the transients shelter and long-term solutions. He added that for those transients who are not willing to change or improve themselves, the police will partner with County agencies to CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 7 of 11 clear their camp sites and try to get them some housing, adding this is typically a complaint-driven effort. Corporal Hall added that the Bike Team will continue their routine jobs, such as issuing parking citations with the intent to ease parking-related complaints in the CDBG neighborhoods and conduct quarterly sober living home inspections; and he stated they also propose to increase those efforts by 20 percent. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria mentioned that whenever a new member is added to the Bike Team, that officer is given a detailed background and history of the CDBG grant and advised of how the team incorporates that funding into their daily activities; and stated they routinely check those activities to make sure they are on track throughout the year in meeting or exceeding their proposed goals. She noted the team’s appreciation in the Committee’s past support. Corporal Hall advised that the Bike Team puts in an average of 12 to 15 miles each day, but stated any more than that indicates they are not interacting enough with the people living in the community and identifying issues of concern, noting they should be speaking with the residents as much as possible. He added that if a team member makes an arrest, they have to ride back to the station to process the person who has been arrested. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria added that a police car will come out to transport the arrested individual and that the Bike Team member will have to ride back to the police department, noting that sometimes the bike officers beat the police cars to the facility. She added that the Bike Team will stay at the office to finish the paperwork while the police car personnel goes back out into the community. Committee Chair Manning asked if the team is still doing code enforcement. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria stated that code enforcement is not funded with the CDBG grant. She advised that the Bike Team will continue to receive and actively pursue hotline complaints, citizen complaints, or patrol reports on a code problem in a certain area; and advised that the Bike Team has the resources/contacts the have made over the years to help by either eradicating or alleviating a code enforcement problem. CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 8 of 11 Ms. Laster stated that the City’s Code Enforcement Division in the Community Development Department handles health and safety code violations. Code Enforcement Officer Echeverria stated that she is able to handle all code enforcement activity; advised that her position was specifically created to address code enforcement issues and neighborhood preservation on a full-time basis with the assistance of the police department; and advised that her position has always been with the Bike Team in that capacity as a Code Enforcement Officer. She added that she does everything the City Code Enforcement Officers do, but she is under the umbrella of the Chief of Police, which allows her to do assignments with the assistance of police officers that a City staff member should not be doing because of personal safety concerns. She added that a lot of her caseload comes from officers, detectives, gang unit personnel and from people in the community, adding it typically involves a criminal element. Corporal Hall advised that there are fewer members on the Bike Team today than there were a few years ago, but stated that the Bike Team is still very effective; and he advised that they would like to see more officers on bikes. He added that they are working on getting more Bike Team members. Senior Administrative Analyst Chandler advised that there is a lot of turnover in the police department, and that there are a lot of officers graduating from the academy; but explained that those coming out of the academy are on probation for a year and still have a year of training; and she noted it becomes cyclical with people retiring and that the department is also competing with other regulatory agencies that are hiring. AGENCY:PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PROJECT:ADA Wheelchair Access Ramps Request funds for construction, engineering, and administration costs Amount Requested:$250,000 Total Project Cost:$250,000 Paul Tran, Associate Civil Engineer, stated that this grant will allow approximately 50 ADA wheelchair ramps to be constructed; and CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 9 of 11 advised that with the changing federal standards for ADA ramps, there are still a lot of areas that have ramps that are not up to current ADA standards. Committee Member Rico asked if there are corners that do not have ADA ramps. Mr. Tran stated that they have worked on most of the corners in the City; but explained that are a few curbs that do not lead to pathways and do not need a ramp. He advised that Public Works now coordinates the improvements for ADA ramps with street projects, making it more cost-efficient. He added that when using federal grants, if a street project is being performed, the ramps must be updated at that time to meet current ADA standards. Committee Chair Manning asked when the ADA ramps were first required. Mr. Tran stated he could only guess that it was in the 1970’s. He reiterated that if a street project is being done with federal grants, the ADA ramps must be up to current standards but that it is not a requirement when using other funding sources, such as gas tax or other local funding. AGENCY:PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PROJECT:Highland Neighborhood Streets and Alleys Request funds for construction, engineering, and administration costs Amount Requested:$461,063 Total Project Cost:$461,063 Mr. Tran distributed photographs depicting the current condition of the streets in the Fern Neighborhood Street Overlay and Sewer Replacement project, which includes the areas just east of the 55 Freeway, north of Chapman Avenue, and includes Fern Street, Handy Street and a small portion of Sycamore Avenue. He explained that this year, instead of having separate applications, they decided to group the projects together. He mentioned that just recently, this area became eligible as a CDBG-qualified area. He advised that the Public Works Department coordinates the street improvements with sewer maintenance, again to make it more cost-efficient. He mentioned that a small portion of the CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 10 of 11 sewer line on Handy Street, just south of Walnut Avenue, has a section of sewer pipe that is sagging and experiencing maintenance issues and will be included as part of this project. Addressing Committee Member Penn’s inquiry regarding funding sources, Mr. Tran advised that repair of the City’s infrastructure is financed with federal funds, annual gas tax revenues, the ½ cent sales tax generated from Measure M, other State funding, and sewer fees paid by residents in their water bills to maintain the sewer system. He added it is a competitive process to receive funding. Committee Chair Manning asked if any of this funding comes from the City’s General Fund. Mr. Tran stated that the General Fund can be used for maintenance activities. Mr. Tran explained that the condition of the streets is rated with the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), 100 being in very good condition and zero being in very bad condition. He highlighted the photograph of Handy Street, noting it has a PCI of 28, which is very poor condition; stated that Fern Street has a PCI of 22; and Sycamore Avenue has a PCI of 29. AGENCY:PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PROJECT:Senior Center Ceiling Improvements Request funds for construction, engineering, and administration costs Amount Requested:$34,500 Total Project Cost:$34,500 Mr. Tran stated there have been complaints about the old, stained ceiling tiles in the Senior Center for many years, and tiles have been replaced piece by piece as the years have gone by. He added that that the Building Official conducted an on-site inspection with a structural engineer, who determined that the ceiling does not meet safety/earthquake standards and that it needs to be replaced. The project would include all new tiles, t-bars and support wiring. He added that the ceiling it is free of asbestos based on a recent test. In response to a question regarding the leaking roof, he mentioned that the roof had been recoated and that they do not expect any new leaks. CDBG Minutes February 17, 2016 Page 11 of 11 Committee Chair Manning asked how long this project will take to complete. Mr. Tran stated that once it begins, he does not believe it will take any longer than a month. Committee Member Rico cautioned staff to remind the workers to be cognizant of the voltage cabling lying on the grid. Mr. Tran stated that before the job is undertaken, a job walk- through meeting will take place for everyone to be well aware of any conditions or concerns and that the inspectors will routinely be present during the project. Committee Chair Manning asked if the Senior Center will be closed during this work. Mr. Tran stated that he does not know. Committee Chair Manning asked if the ceilings will be replaced on both floors. Mr. Tran stated all the ceilings will be included. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT None. V. ADJOURNMENT At 7:48 p.m., the meeting was formally adjourned.