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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3.A 04/05/2005CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORApril 4, 2005 3A AGENDA BILL Agenda Title: Public Hearing To Receive Comments On The 2005- Meeting Date: 2006 Proposed Action Plan And Adoption Of A Resolution April 4, 2005 Approving The Community Development Block Grant Action Plan And Authorizing The City Manager To Sign All Documents Meeting Time: X 3:00 PM Required By The Department of Housing and Urban Development ❑ 7:00 PM (HUD). Category (check one): ❑ Consent Calendar X Public Hearing ❑ New Business ❑ Unfinished Business ❑ Presentation Department/Division: Director: Contact Person: Phone Number: Community Mike Moore Bonne G-a-,ebbllleey�, 778-4484 (Direct Line) Development Block �„f5�1' VJUI Grant (CDBG) V„ Cost of Proposal: $401,966 Account Number Fund 2110 Amount Budgeted: $ 401,966 (2005-06 CDBG Entitlement) Name of Fund: CDBG Attachments to Agenda Packet Item: Exhibit #1. FY 2004-2005 CDBG Requests and Recommendations: Table Format Exhibit #2. Requests and Recommendations: Narrative Summary Exhibit #3. Resolution Approving Action Plan and Budget Summary Statement: The City of Petaluma is an "entitlement jurisdiction" under the Community Development Block Grant Program. Under that designation, the City is entitled to an annual allocation of funds from HUD. Petaluma's 2005-06 entitlement was decreased by $24,034 this year due to federal budget constraints. The funds must be utilized on activities which benefit low and moderate -income persons. Within that broad definition, HUD defines eligible activities and the City Council allocates funds to community-based organizations that implement projects and programs which fit the Council priorities. Those priorities are outlined in the 2000-2005 Consolidated Plan, the document required by HUD to serve as our five-year strategic plan and application for federal funding. Recommended City Council Action/Suggested Motion: Conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the 2005-2006 proposed Action Plan and adopt a resolution approving the Community Development Block Grant projects and authorizing the City Manager to sign all documents required by HUD. Reviewed by Finance Director: Reviewed Attorne AppmVed by City Manager: /Date: � � Date: ' loav's ate: Revision # and Date Revised: File Code: Mdreh 8, 2005 I # Cdbg staffreport S:\Housing\CDBG Program\CDBG 04-05 Documents\cdbg staff report.DOC CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA APRIL 4, 2005 AGENDA REPORT FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON THE 2005-2006 PROPOSED ACTION PLAN AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ACTION PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN ALL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD). 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The primary objective of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is the development of `viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income." As an entitlement jurisdiction under the Community Development Block Grant program, the City of Petaluma is entitled to an annual allocation of funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to be utilized on activities which fulfill that national objective. Requests for funding for projects and programs must address not only the national objective, but also the Council's local priorities as outlined in the 2000-2005 Consolidated Plan, the document required by HUD to serve as a five-year planning tool and as our application for federal funding. Those priorities are: 1. Serving Petaluma's homeless population 2. Provision of rental units, particularly those with supportive services 3. Access improvements for persons with a disability 4. Promotion of housing choices and opportunities 5. Provision of childcare programs which aid in welfare -to -work 6. Provision of work assistance programs which aid in welfare -to -work 7. Provision of projects and programs which encourage principles of sustainability. 2. BACKGROUND: Having a designation as an entitlement community allows the City to not only receive direct funding from HUD for the Block Grant Program, but also to apply directly for statewide and other federal housing funds. Since we gained entitlement status in 1994, the City has allocated approximately $3,500,000 in Block Grant funds and nearly $6,500,000 via five HOME program grants, a $250,000 BEGIN grant for first- time homebuyers, five HUD grants for seniors and persons with a disability and five Continuum of Care homeless projects. The Petaluma Block Grant application process consists of a public notice, application packets to community agencies and other city departments, a technical assistance workshop, and one-on-one application assistance to any group which requests it. Eleven applications amounting to $445,656 were received from nonprofit and governmental agencies. A synopsis of each application is included in Exhibit #2. (If you wish to see one or more complete applications, please feel free to call Bonne Gaebler at 778-4484.) 2 Ki El The City's entitlement of $401,966 is based on a complex formula calculated by HUD and the Office of Management and Budget. The formula includes data on population, poverty statistics, employment information, housing conditions, and the like. There are two statutory restrictions on the funds: (1) there is a cap of 20% on expenditures for program administration; and (2) a cap of 15% on expenditures for "public service" activities, i.e. program or "soft" costs. Program administration expenses include Block Grant staff and support services, consultant services to provide an update of the Consolidated Plan for 2005-2010, an Analvsis of hnnediments for persons with a disability, and Petaluma's share of the county -wide Continuum of Care program. Public services are defined as those which "improve the community's facilities, such as child care, health services, drug abuse programs, services to seniors, etc." This federally imposed 15% cap precludes funding of many applicants; the nonprofit applicants are familiar with this limitation. Most of the Santa Rosa based nonprofit agencies that apply under this category submit an application to fulfill a County requirement to do so. 2005-2006 Entitlement $401,966 Administrative Cap (20% of entitlement) 80,393 Public Service Cap (15% of entitlement) 60,295 Total Available for Projects $261,278 Exhibit #1 outlines, in table form agency requests, staff recommendations and totals. Each applicant has been notified of the public hearing and representatives from each agency have been invited to attend, present information if they wish and be available for questions from Council. Some of the applicants who cannot be funded due to the limitations of Block Grant funds will apply for funding from the Housing Program which includes the Petaluma Community Development Commission Low -Mod Housing Fund and proceeds from the hi -Lieu Housing Fund. The Housing Program and Budget will be presented during May budget workshops. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Approval of project and program allocations as presented. 2. Modify allocations within program guidelines. FINANCIAL IMPACTS: The Block Grant Program is fiscally self-sustaining. All administrative, project, and program expenditures are covered by the entitlement revenues. CONCLUSION: In accordance with CDBG regulations, the City of Petaluma will publish its 2005-2006 Action Plan. Staff will respond to any community questions and comments. The Action Plan will be submitted to HUD by May 15, 2005; funds are available as of July 1, 2005. S:\Housing\CDBG Program\CDBG 04-05 Ddcuments\cdbg staff report.DOC 6. OUTCOMES OR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS THAT WILL IDENTIFY SUCCESSOR COMPLETION: HUD will approve the City's 2005-2006 Action Plan; the nonprofits and City Departments will complete the projects and programs, which have been approved; the low-income citizens for whom the program is targeted will receive benefits which enhance their quality of life. 7. RECOMMENDATION: (1) Conduct a Public Hearing to receive comments on the 2005-2006 proposed Plan of Action, which outlines the City's intentions for expending Community Development Block Grant Funds. (2) Adopt a resolution approving the FY 2005-2006 CDBG projects for the City of Petaluma. (See Exhibit #3.) Cdbgstaffreport/S 11 U1 EXHIBIT #1 2005-2006 CDBG PROPOSALS S:\Housing\CDBG Program\CDBG 04-05 Documents\cdbechart.DOC Project Funds Staff Agency DescriDtiOn Requested Recommendations Difference 1. City Program Admin. 80,393 80,393 0 2. Comm. Resources Access/Disabled 75,000 75,000 0 For hidependence Housing 3. COTS Mary Isaak Center 86,278 86,278 0 Photovoltaic System 4. Rebuilding Together/ Rehabilitation/ 100,000 100,000 0 Christmas In April Seniors/Disabled (Requests 511) are all subject to the 15% public service cap) 5. PPSC Fair Housing 34,000 34,000 0 6. PPSC Seniors Meals 26,295 26,295 0 7. CSN Support Services/ 5,690 0 (5,690) Disabled 8. COTS Family Connection 5,000 0 (5,000) 9. Sonoma County Family Self- 3,000 0 (3,000) Housing Authority Sufficiency 10. Social Advocates Youth Shelter 15,000 0 (15,000) For Youth (SAY) 11. YWCA Safe House 15,000 0 (15,000) 2005-2006 TOTALS $445,656 $401,966 ($43,690) S:\Housing\CDBG Program\CDBG 04-05 Documents\cdbechart.DOC EXHIBIT #2 SUMMARY OF REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (Correspond in Numbering to Table in Exhibit #1) 1. The City of Petaluma is requesting a total of $85,200 to administer the CDBG program. The administrative funds are utilized for salaries, supplies, consulting services, Block Grant's share of intragovernmental transfers, etc. Additionally, this year the City must update the 5 -year Consolidated Plan, the Analysis of Impediments (document reporting on barriers for persons with a disability), and our share of administering the County -wide Continuum of Care Program. Total Petalumans served: N/A Staff recommendation: $85,200 2. Community Resources for Independence (CRI) has requested $75,000 for its program of "housing accessibility modifications" which helps eliminate barriers in homes of persons with disabilities. It has been estimated that keeping individuals safely in their own homes and out of convalescent hospitals saves taxpayers thousands of dollars per month and greatly enhances the disabled person's quality of life. CRI is the only organization in Sonoma County with a grant program for housing modifications. Total served: 20 households Staff recommendation: $75,000 3. The Committee On The Shelterless (COTS) has requested $86,278 to purchase a roof -mounted photovoltaic system to decrease energy costs at the Mary Isaak Center, the year-round emergency shelter and transitional housing facility opened in mid- November 2004. A conservative return -on -investment analysis shows annual energy cost savings beginning at just under $8,000 per year. Final return -on -investment is anticipated to occur in approximately nine years. The total cost of purchase and installation of this system is $163,000. COTS will be requesting $21,722 from the Housing Fund, which will be presented to Council in May, and $55,000 comes from the California Energy Commission Rebate. Total served: 500 individuals annually Staff recommendation: $86,278 4. Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April has requested $100,000 for the rehabilitation and refurbishment of homes and nonprofit facilities serving very low income residents. Rebuilding Together holds an annual rebuilding day (this year, Saturday, April 17) when volunteers from the Petaluma business and professional community join with Petaluma residents in the bamraising tradition of neighbors helping their low-income, elderly, or disabled neighbors. The agency now serves our community all year round by filling home emergency repair requests with voulunteer labor and purchased or donated materials. Total served: 100 individuals Staff recommendation: $100,000 S:\Ilousing\CDBG Program\CDBG 04-05 Documents\cdbgsummary.DOC Requests 5-11 are all subiect to the 15% public services cap. 5. Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC) has requested $34,000 to administer the City's Fair Housing Program, a requirement for all entitlement jurisdictions. PPSC's Fair Housing Program offers tenant/landlord education and mediation and is a component of their Homelessness Prevention and Housing Services Department. Fair Housing offers free, non -biased service available to all tenants and landlords who live in or own property in Petaluma. Problems relating to rental housing such as eviction, rent increases, discrimination, etc. are issues which PPSC deals with for the City on a daily basis. Total served: 320 Staff recommendation: $34,000 6. Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC) has requested $26,295 to continue PPSC's Home Delivered Meals Program. This program provides homebound elders a daily hot meal and security check, nutritional assessments and, when needed, individualized counseling by a registered dietician. This program by PPSC is dedicated to bridging some of the gaps our growing population of frail elders face on a daily basis. Total Served: 6,000 meals delivered Staff recommendation: $26,295 7. The Community Support Network (CSN) has requested $5,690 to provide an array of psychosocial rehabilitative and support services to adults with mental illness. CSN has been recognized by the Social Security Administration as a local Representative Payee Cash Manager, the only agency currently providing payee services to adults with mental disabilities. Total Served: 10-20 Staff Recommendation: 0 8. COTS has requested $5,000 to partially fund the Family Connection which has recently been adopted by COTS, after dissolution of its original nonprofit agency, SOME. The Family Connection partners families exiting emergency shelter or transitional housing with volunteer support teams to increase families' success in independent housing. The families, volunteer teams, and a professional caseworker meet to assist the family in developing goals and ways to achieve them; they also help the families to find affordable housing. The HUD -imposed limitation on public service funding prevents funding of this program. Total served: Staff recommendation: 9. The Sonoma County Housing Authority submits an annual request for $3,000 for its Family Self -Sufficiency Program, developed to provide employment opportunities and supportive services for low-income families. As in the past, staff is recommending to not fund this request for the following reasons: Petaluma agencies provide these services; public service funds are limited. Total served: 30 Staff recommendation: 0 10. Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) is requesting $15,000 to support their Ripley Street Shelter, a 6 -bed, 24-hour residential facility for runaway, homeless and street youth ages 12-17. The shelter provides homeless youth with a variety of services including food, emergency housing, counseling services, etc. Youth are referred to SAY by police agencies, schools, friends and by self -referral. In 2001, Petaluma youth filled 6% of the shelter bed spaces. Public Service funding limits prevent our ability to fund this worthwhile project. Total served: 13-16 Staff recommendation: 0 11. The YWCA of Sonoma County is requesting $15,000 to fund the YWCA Safe House. The Safe House addresses the need for emergency shelter among families fleeing imminent danger of domestic violence. Safe, confidential shelter is matched with family advocacy, case management, support and resources to assist survivors of domestic violence in reclaiming their lives, and the lives of their children from the cycle of violence which often leads to homelessness. This is a most worthwhile program but public service funding limits our ability to fund it. Total served: 68 Staff recommendation: 0 EXHIBIT #3 APPROVING THE FY 2005-20065 ACTION PLAN OF THE PETALUMA CONSOLIDATED PLAN STRATEGY AND PROPOSED USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma is an entitlement community under the jurisdiction of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program; and WHEREAS, as part of the Consolidated Plan Strategy, HUD requires an annual Action Plan which is comprised of the community's projected use of Block Grant funds to address community needs; and WHEREAS, the Action Plan priorities as adopted in Resolution No. 00-63A include the following: (1) serving Petaluma's homeless population (2) providing rentals for low- income households (3) improving access for persons with a disability (4) promoting fair housing (5) providing programs which enhance child care capacity and (6) providing programs which assist people in finding employment to go from welfare to work; (7) provision of programs, projects, or facilities which encourage and implement principles of sustainability; and WHEREAS, all projects and programs which are proposed for funding address one or more of those priorities; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was noticed and conducted to hear comments from the community on the proposed projects and programs and the City Council found the proposed funding plan to be consistent with the Consolidated Plan; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Petaluma City Council that the Action Plan as shown below is approved and adopted for FY 2005-2006. S:\Housing\CDBG Program\CDBG 04-05 Documents\CDBGRESO.DOC AGENCY PROJECT ALLOCATION City of Petaluma A. Program Administration $80,393 Community Resources For Access for Disabled/ Independence Housing $75,000 Committee On The Mary Isaak Center $86,278 Shelterless (Photovaltaic System) Rebuilding Together Housing Rehabilitation $100,000 Petaluma People Fair Housing $34,000 Services Center Petaluma People Seniors/ Home Meals $26,295 Service Center TOTAL $401,966 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the required Standard Form 424 and to submit that and all other required forms and certifications to HUD; and that in the event of budget changes due to a reduced grant allocation or project/program changes, the City Manager is hereby authorized, under the provisions of the City Charter, to transfer appropriations between the programs listed in the Action Plan. S:\Housing\CDBG Program\CDBG 04-05 Documents\CDBGRESO.DOC 10