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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-2010 CDBG MinutesCDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 1 of 10 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2010 6:30 P.M. Economic Development Conference Room MEMBERS PRESENT Mary Ellen Manning Fernando Rico Gina Scott Robert Tunstall Alternate Darren Smith MEMBERS ABSENT Eva Perez STAFF PRESENT Mary Ellen Laster Robert Moya Aaron Schulze I.CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:37 P.M. II.APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 17, 2010 Committee Member Rico moved, seconded by Alternate Committee Member Smith, to approve the February 17, 2010 Minutes as presented. Motion carried, 5-0. Addressing the Committee’s inquiry regarding follow-up by the Lestonnac Free Clinic, Mr. Moya explained that he called Lestonnac after the last meeting, but advised that the agency Clinic has yet to return his call or provide the information requested by staff and the Committee. With regard to Olive Crest’s Wheeler House proposal, Ms. Laster noted for the Committee that the agency provided a lead-based paint assessment, which indicated that no lead was found at the windows. She advised that there is lead in the bathroom tiles, but pointed out that as long as those areas are not disturbed, this project is eligible for the CDBG funds. Ms. Laster advised Alternate Member Smith that he would be able to vote (in the absence of Member Tunstall) on the Paint Your Heart Out request, although he has volunteered for this agency. She added that she received confirmation from the City Attorney that Committee Members can vote on a proposal as long as they are volunteering their personal time and are not receiving any money for themselves or their family members from the subject agency. Ms. Laster referred the Committee members to information in the agenda packets from HUD pertaining to fair housing requirements for cities and CDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 2 of 10 counties that receive CDBG funding, noting that all CDBG grantees are required to have fair housing programs in place and adding that it can be done in-house if a grantee chooses, but that HUD recommends that a qualified fair housing agency carry out these programs. She mentioned that the Fair Housing Council’s Director indicated that she did not attend last week’s meeting because she did not receive notice of the meeting. III. FUNDING PRESENTATION BY CITY DEPARTMENTS AGENCY:COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROJECT:El Camino Real Park, Prospect/Grijalva Park, Killefer Park After-School Community Programs Request funding to supplement salaries of part-time staff. Amount Requested:$43,170 Total Project Cost:$172,718 Recreation Services Supervisor Ryan Wright stated that these programs serve approximately 450 children; that they provide homework assistance, conduct visits to the Orange Library and Fire Department, walking excursions, provide sports clubs, craft clubs, art days, lanyard club, and monthly incentive celebrations. He noted that sports activities include youth flag football, youth basketball and baseball leagues, noting the focus is on teaching skills and allowing the children to compete. He noted that the Friendly Center provides tutoring and a snack program for the participants. Committee Member Manning asked about the qualifications for the staff. Community Service Coordinator Rachael Gomez advised that all of the staff is knowledgeable with CPR and first aid; stated that staff members for these programs are required to have completed the 10th grade by their hire date; and that the staff must express a sincere interest in working with children in an outdoor recreational environment and be able to assist them with their homework. She stated that the staff goes through an interview and background process. She noted that the age of the staff ranges from 19 to 23, and noted that a lot of the staff is attending college for teaching and social work careers. She stated that staff goes through an extensive training process. In response to a question from Ms. Laster, Ms. Gomez clarified that most of the staff members are students, and that those that have reached the 10th grade level are still in school and will graduate from high school in the future. Mr. Wright noted they receive many hours of training. Ms. Gomez pointed out there are three different levels of staffing: a Specialist level, Recreation Assistant II, and a basic Recreation Assistant position; and advised that most of the staff is promoted internally. She added that some of CDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 3 of 10 the staff members are former participants in the programs; and she noted that the groups usually average a 1:10 staff/student ratio up to a maximum of 1:15 staff/student ratio. She noted that a 1:7 staff/student ratio is ideal. Ms. Gomez estimated for Committee Member Manning that approximately 95 percent of their clients are Low Income; that the majority of the programs are located in Low Income areas; and advised that no one is turned away unless the program is full, pointing out no one would be turned away based on income levels. She added that the programs do not provide any transportation. On behalf of the program participants, she distributed to the Committee members and staff handmade artwork and friendship bracelets made by the participants. AGENCY:POLICE DEPARTMENT PROJECT:Bike Team Program Request funds for salaries and benefits of the Orange Police Department Bike Team Committee Members. Amount Requested:$120,000 Total Project Cost:$534,040 Michele Echeverria, Code Enforcement Officer with the Police Department and member of the Bike Team, stated that the current goals for FY 2010-11 are similar to those goals of FY 2009-10. She distributed photographs of two large events that the Bike Team participated in last fiscal year: Hoover/Wilson Jubilee and a Strong Safety Net Inspection. She explained that with the Hoover/Wilson Jubilee this past year, they invited the entire neighborhood and all property owners together for a barbeque, noting their intent was for the residents to meet their neighbors and meet personnel from the Police, Fire and other City Departments. She added that the Friendly Center and other nonprofit agencies also attended this event to show the residents services that are offered locally. Officer Echeverria advised that a few months later, they went into these neighborhoods and did a massive inspection inside and outside of all these apartments trying to identify all property maintenance and quality of life issues. She advised that Public Works personnel painted red curbs, changed street signs, and removed graffiti, trash, and debris; that Crime Prevention was present to offer security inspections; and that Code Enforcement was present, along with Building Inspectors, to perform comprehensive inspections of the buildings. She advised that this massive effort took approximately 60 people to accomplish, noting that besides Public Works personnel, there were also members from the Fire and Police Departments. She stated that this will be done again since it was so successful and well received by the residents. Corporal Brian Stanley stated there are four police officers on the Bike Team who focus on criminal activities, such as graffiti, illegal parking, and neighborhood blight; explained that they are able to get further into the neighborhoods on their bikes to enforce the law than they would in a typical patrol car. CDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 4 of 10 Committee Member Rico asked if the property owners were notified of the Strong Safety Net Inspection before it occurred. Officer Echeverria stated that it was an unannounced activity; advised that everyone arrived about 9:00 a.m.; that they started the “shot-gun scramble walk- throughs” with nine teams of three members – a police officer, a volunteer, and a Code Enforcement Officer and/or Building Inspector – who went inside 27 different properties in this affected neighborhood. She added that they did ask permission to enter the homes to conduct the inspections, noting that once residents understood this was a positive activity that would benefit them, they enthusiastically invited them into their homes to show them how their living conditions could be improved. She advised that letters highlighting the violations were sent to the property owners shortly thereafter; and noted that violations of Building Code, Housing Code, and Fire Code, and Security Code were cited. Committee Member Tunstall asked if there has been 100 percent compliance. Officer Echeverria stated that out of the 27 properties, they have already closed eight properties for their compliance; noted her expectation that within the next week or two, three to four will be closed for their compliance; and explained that sometimes it takes a bit longer for compliance but stated that ultimately, there will be 100 percent compliance. She stated that if a property owner does not comply, the matter can be taken to court, but noted their preference to work with property owners and suggest sources for financial assistance. Corporal Stanley highlighted the statistics of this one-day effort: approximately 700 housing and property violations identified, 34 Fire Code violations identified, 14 structural defects identified on the exteriors, 29 crime prevention and security code violations, 18 moving violations, 18 parking citations, removal of six abandoned vehicles, painting of 837 lineal feet of red curbs, removal of 604 square feet of graffiti from public and private property, replacement/installation of 24 street signs, and hauling away 5.5 cubic yards of illegally dumped items. Corporal Stanley noted for Committee Member Manning that four officers are dedicated solely to staff the Bike Team; and mentioned that they work 10 hours a day. Officer Echeverria stated that the focus of the Bike Team is quality of life issues and problem solving, noting they do a list of things that don’t fit into a patrol car team’s ability. In response to a question from Alternate Member Smith, Ms. Laster clarified that the Police Code Enforcement Officer is not funded with CDBG moneys. Sr. Administrative Analyst Darlene Chandler stated that the Code Enforcement Officer is funded through the police budget. CDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 5 of 10 Officer Echeverria pointed out that the presence of the Bike Team in the neighborhoods is a crime deterrent, creates/develops relationships between the residents and the police officers; a noted that the crime rates drop when there is police presence in the neighborhoods. AGENCY:PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING PROJECT:Palmyra Avenue Overlay from James Street to Esplanade Street 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 upgrading non- compliant and/or construction of ADA compliant access ramps within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $107,000; Engineering and Administration, $16,000. Amount Requested:$123,000 Total Project Cost:$123,000 PROJECT:Norwood Street Overlay from Palmyra Avenue to Burly Avenue 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 upgrading non- compliant and/or construction of ADA compliant access ramps within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $37,675; Engineering and Administration, $5,655. Amount Requested:$43,330 Total Project Cost:$43,330 PROJECT:Burly Avenue Overlay from Norwood Street to East End CDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 6 of 10 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 upgrading non- compliant and/or construction of ADA compliant access ramps within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $23,688; Engineering and Administration, $3,562. Amount Requested:$27,250 Total Project Cost:$27,250 PROJECT:Alanda Avenue Overlay from Norwood Street to East End 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 upgrading non-compliant and/or construction of ADA compliant access ramps within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $19,750; Engineering and Administration, $2,970. Amount Requested:$22,720 Total Project Cost:$22,720 PROJECT:Old Towne Street Lighting Improvements Request funds to install Acorn style poles and Old Towne street light poles on Almond Avenue from Olive Street to Cypress Street and Lemon Street from Almond Avenue to Palmyra Avenue. Amount Requested:$100,000 Total Project Cost:$100,000 PROJECT:Lemon Street Overlay from Palmyra Avenue to La Veta Avenue 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 upgrading non-compliant and/or construction of ADA compliant access ramps within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $114,750; Engineering and Administration, $17,220. Amount Requested:$131,970 Total Project Cost:$131,970 CDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 7 of 10 PROJECT:Olive Street Localized Reconstruction from Palm Avenue to Maple Avenue Request funds for removal of existing deteriorated cement concrete pavement and construction of a new 6- inch thick cement concrete section. The project will also include adjusting water valves to grade, upgrading non- compliant and/or construction of ADA compliant access ramps within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $131,200; Engineering and Administration, $19,600. Amount Requested:$150,800 Total Project Cost:$150,800 PROJECT:Lemon Street Localized Reconstruction from Palm Avenue to Maple Avenue Request funds for removal of existing deteriorated cement concrete pavement and construction of a new 6-inch thick cement concrete section. The project will also include adjusting water valves to grade, upgrading non-compliant and/or construction of ADA compliant access ramps within the project limits. Direct construction costs, $171,670; Engineering and Administration, $25,650. Amount Requested:$197,320 Total Project Cost:$197,320 PROJECT:ADA Access Ramps Citywide Request funds to construct sidewalk access ramps at various locations throughout the City. The construction of the ramps will be according to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Direct construction costs, $180,000; Engineering and Administration, $20,000. Amount Requested:$200,000 Total Project Cost:$200,000 Acting Principal Engineer Majid Farhat provided photographs of the proposed streets; and noted these roadways have a pavement condition index of 40 or less, which means they are in a poor state of repair and in need of rehabilitation. He explained that these streets suffer from severe weathering and alligator cracking; that all seven streets share the same poor pavement conditions; advised that when water penetrates to the sub-base (the compacted soil underneath the asphalt), the streets then need to be completely reconstructed; and stated that condition doubles the cost for repair. He noted CDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 8 of 10 his department does its best to repair the roadways before they get to that condition. He noted that fortunately, these seven streets do not have a big stretch of roadway that needs replacement. Mr. Farhat explained that there will be localized removal in some areas; advised that five of these roadways are on the east side and two are in Old Towne, reiterating there will only be localized removal and replacement in these areas. He added that they will be installing handicapped access ramps mainly west of Cannon, south of Taft, noting there are no handicapped ramps in these areas. Mr. Farhat noted for Committee Member Scott that the lighting project will be on Lemon and Almond; and that they will be installing Old Towne lighting poles and changing some of the acorn lighting globes to a lighter weight that would be safer for pedestrian traffic. Ms. Laster asked that Public Works provide the Committee with photographs of the type of street lights that will be installed and the existing street lights. Mr. Farhat responded that he would follow up with the Engineer that is handling this project. Mr. Farhat stated that he has digital pictures of all the proposed street projects if any Committee member would like to see them; and he advised that they document preconstruction conditions with photographs just in case a contractor damages an existing good curb or driveway, noting the contractor would be responsible for repairing any damage. Committee Member Manning asked what the lifespan is of the roadways. Mr. Farhat stated that rehabilitation projects last at least 20 years; explained that the old roadways were constructed with 2-inch asphalt; that they will be replaced with 4-inch asphalt; and pointed out that the trash trucks are mainly responsible for the roadway damages in residential areas. He mentioned that slurry seal adds about 10 years of life to an existing roadway that is in fair condition, noting they are not proposing any slurry seal projects. Ms. Laster asked how long an overlay project lasts. Mr. Farhat explained that overlay is the same as rehabilitation, noting that it lasts at least 20 years; that localized reconstruction also lasts for 20 years or more; and that total reconstruction lasts 30-plus years. Committee Member Rico asked how the localized replacement of four inches meets up with a two-inch roadway. Mr. Farhat explained that the new four-inch replacement will be feathered in to join/meet the existing two-inch roadway that isn’t being replaced. CDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 9 of 10 Committee Member Scott asked for the number of lights being replaced, noting some discomfort with this lighting replacement proposal. Committee Member Rico suggested that some of the roadway before-and-after pictures be placed on the City’s website if possible. AGENCY:ORANGE COUNTY FAIR HOUSING COUNCIL, INC. PROJECT:Orange Fair Housing Education, Counseling and Enforcement Request funds for the salaries and benefits for the education, counseling and enforcement efforts, operating costs, and associated overhead. Amount Requested:$28,776 Total Project Cost:$33,100 President and CEO Denise Cato noted that the Orange County Fair Housing Council has been in existence since 1968, its main focus to eliminate housing discrimination in Orange County; and she advised that the agency has a landlord/tenant department, a HUD certified counseling agency, an enforcement department, and a foreclosure department. She explained that their busiest department is currently the housing foreclosure department, which is funded by a recent stimulus grant; and noted that their clients do not pay for these services. She advised that thus far, they have a 98 percent success rate with their foreclosure program; that the agency has saved close to 1,000 homes from going into foreclosure by either getting loans re-modified or getting interest rates decreased. She noted that the agency served 355 Orange residents last fiscal year. Alternate Committee Member Smith asked for clarification on the agency’s CDBG funding. Ms. Laster advised that CDBG proportionately funds the agency’s budget, noting there are currently 27 cities that share in these eligible costs. She added that the City also proportionately funds the agency based upon the service level to Orange. Ms. Cato stated their landlord/tenant calls have dropped this fiscal year. Ms. Laster clarified that the foreclosure counseling is covered by a separate HUD grant, and that the CDBG funds are only used for tenant/landlord and discrimination components of Fair Housing. Ms. Cato noted for Committee Member Scott that the agency handles code enforcement issues; and she pointed out that this agency also assists landlords, not just the tenants. CDBG Minutes February 24, 2010 Page 10 of 10 IV. PUBLIC COMMENT None. V.ADJOURNMENT At 8:05 P.M. the meeting was formally adjourned.