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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/06/2001, PH 3 - CONSIDERATION OF THE HUMAN RELATION COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRIORITIES FOR THE 2002 CD council MtdgDft o/ j ac,Enba uEpont CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM: John Mandeville, Community Development Director Prepared By: Jeff Hook,Associate Plan SUBJECT: Consideration of the Human Relation Commission's recommendations and priorities for the 2002 CDBG Program. CAO RECOMMENDATION: As recommended by the Human Relations Commission, affirm the CDBG funding priorities for the 2002 CDBG Program. DISCUSSION Last July the Council revamped the City's annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) review process. The purposes of the changes were to allow early Council input into the grant award process, help Council prioritize community needs and help maintain an open, inclusive and fair grant application process. Specifically, these changes "moved up" the grant review process by at least one month and for the first time, involved the Human Relations Commission (HRC) as advisor to the Council on community needs and funding recommendations. Four key steps in a revised CDBG review process were identified: 1. HRC hosts a "Needs Workshop": The HRC co-hosts a public needs workshop in SLO to inform the public about upcoming funding amounts and how to apply for grants, to solicit community views on grant funding needs, and to recommend funding priorities. 2. Council priority-setting hearing: Council holds a public hearing to set CDBG funding priorities. 3. CDBG applications hearing: HRC holds a public hearing to review CDBG requests and forwards its funding recommendations for the Draft Consolidated Plan. 4. CDBG Program Hearing: Council holds public hearing on Draft Consolidated Plan, approves the City's CDBG Program and forwards its recommendations to the Urban County. On October 3rd the HRC completed Step I by holding its first combined Grants-In-Aid and CDBG community needs hearing. Over 30 people - the largest turnout ever for a needs hearing in the San Luis Obispo Urban County-- attended the late afternoon hearing and addressed a wide variety of community needs. These included affordable housing, recreation programs for disabled youth, homeless services, literacy programs, health care for low-income women and other needs. The hearing ran smoothly and both audience and commissioners felt it was a good start for the new grant program year. After hearing about 2 hours of testimony, commissioners also reviewed the funding priorities Council set when it launched the CDBG program in 1994: 3 - 1 r CDBG Funding Priorities Page 2 1. Affordable housing. 2. Emergency shelter for homeless persons. 3. Removal of architectural barriers for the disabled and elderly. 4. Economic development (to enhance economic stability, provide jobs for low/moderate income persons, and remove spot blight conditions). 5. Childcare and youth recreation services. After a brief discussion and on a unanimous vote, the Commission affirmed that these continue to be important community needs and unanimously approved a motion to continue with Council's previously approved CDBG funding priorities "with special consideration for affordable housing and shelter" (draft minutes attached). The next step in the review process is Council consideration of funding priorities. The funding priorities would then guide the HRC in developing funding recommendations at its November 14`h hearing when it reviews the CDBG applications, and guide the Council's funding decisions when it considers CDBG applications, tentatively scheduled for February 19, 2002. ALTERNATIVES Council may choose to add or modify priorities,by motion, or take no action, thereby allowing the existing priorities to continue unchanged. ATTACHMENT • Human Relations Commission draft minutes, October 3, 2001 meeting Jh/cdbg/cdbgfundingpriorides11-6-01 3 -a ATTACHMENT 1 DRAFT SAN LUIS OBISPO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 3,2001 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The San Luis Human Relations Commission meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3, 2001, in the Library Community Room, City County Library, Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Janna Nichols, Bill Tyson, Paul Brown, Tom Hutchings and Chairman Paul Wolff Absent: None Staff: Ann Slate and Jeff Hook Also present were Bryan Gingg and Stephan Lamb. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES: Motion to approve the minutes of September 5, 2001 made by Paul Brown. Second by Bill Tyson. The minutes were accepted as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA: 1. SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS: Two new members,Bryan Gingg and Stephan Lamb,were sworn in by City Clerk Lee Price. 2. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR: Nominations were accepted for the position of Vice Chair. Commr. Bill Tyson nominated Janna Nichols. Second by Commr. Tom Hutchings. No further nominations. Commr. Tyson presented a motion to close nominations. Second by Commr. Brown. Commr.Nichols elected Vice Chair by unanimous vote. 3. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING COMMUNITY NEEDS FOR THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO'S 2002 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM AND GRANTS INAID(GIA): Jeff Hook, Associate Planner, gave the staff report and discussed the schedule for the CDBG Program. He discussed the history of the CDBG program in San Luis Obispo, which started in 1994. The money from CDBG is distributed for public housing, public services/facilities, economic development/planning capacity,and administrative costs. 3-3 HRC Meeting Minutes October 3,2001 Page 2 Mr. Hook further discussed the priorities for spending the block grant and that there are always more requests than funds available. He listed the following priorities that the City Council had established previously: 1. Affordable Housing 2. Emergency shelter for the homeless 3. Removal of architectural barriers for disabled and elderly persons 4. Economic development (To enhance economical stability, provide jobs for low & moderate income,and remove spot blight conditions) 5. Child care and youth recreation Mr. Hook introduced Tony Navarro, Planner III for the County of San Luis Obispo, who spoke about the workshops for CDBG. He discussed national objectives and highlighted the different categories/eligible activities for grant funding, such as; redevelopment and removal of blight, housing and assistance to non- profit agencies, public facilities and services, economic development, planning and administration. Mr. Navarro concluded his discussion by outlining the application review criteria. Ann Slate then discussed the City's Grants in Aid (GIA) program, which is approximately $125,000 from the City's general fund that is earmarked to support human services non-profit agencies. She also discussed the priority funding areas and how GIA priorities are similar to CDBG priorities. Commr. Nichols asked how the restoration of the City's adobes had qualified for prior years' CDBG funding. Mr. Hook discussed the funding requirements and provided additional clarification on HUD eligibility and historic preservation. Chairman Wolff opened the Public Hearing: Melanie Topp, 654 Rancho Drive, a single mother with 3 children; two of whom are disabled (ages 8 and 9), spoke about the need for activities outside of the home for children with disabilities. Between the ages of 4 and 22, it falls on the parents and schools to provide enriching activities for children with disabilities. She has been working with the Tri-Counties Regional Center to seek out recreational opportunities for her children and other children with disabilities. Biggest obstacle is funding. She discussed the costs of staffing, training and establishing locations for programs. Looking primarily at programs for weekends, holidays,after-school and summer. Peggy Fowler, 1030 Southwood Drive, Prado Day Center Homeless Shelter Case manager, discussed the plight of the homeless in San Luis Obispo. She said how the shelter has provided 6,949 shelter nights to homeless individuals. 76 people per night. 2 out of 3 are children. There are people turned away every night because of lack of bed space. Richard Carrol, a homeless man, spoke about the struggles he and his family have had in the past two years. He has a wife and 3 children to support, has two jobs and hopes the Homeless Shelter and Prado Day Center continue to stay open until he can get back on his feet. April Crabtree, 736 Orcutt Road, a 23-year-old pregnant woman, spoke about staying in the shelter and how every night people are turned away. Phillip Gregory, a homeless man, spoke about moving to the Central Coast to start a new life. Both Prado Day Center and the Orcutt homeless shelter are wonderful facilities, but limited in resources and space. Kevin Klasman, a homeless man, spoke about losing his job, being swindled out of his belongings and good name. He credited the Prado Day Center with helping him get back on his feet. Ben Adams, EOC staff member at Prado Day Center, said there are 207 newly homeless, 23 of who are children. 3—Al HRC Meeting Minutes _ October 3.2001 Page 3 Robin Renfrow, 7705 Santa Ynez, Atascadero, of United Cerebral Palsy, spoke about how she cares for children with disabilities, and how there are potentially 91 children in the county who could utilize a recreational program if one was established. Dorothea Rhodes, 855 Calle del Caminos, mother of a disabled child, spoke about the need for additional funding for programs to care for her child and others with disabilities. Kathryn Bellaro Giumini, Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC), Senior Health Screening, spoke about the 40-wonderful project,which provides services to women for health care needs. Cindy Jacinth, Peoples Self Help Housing, 3533 Empleo St., S.L.O., spoke about the need for affordable housing,rentals and owner occupied. Bernadette Bernardi, Literacy Council, 1264 Higuera Street, S.L.O., spoke about the Literacy Council and its efforts in the recruitment of volunteers for tutoring and requested continued City support of their programs. Roger Jump, Administrator of Judson Terrace Homes in San Luis Obispo spoke about the need for affordable senior housing. They have 107 units and a four-year waiting list, which had to be closed October 1, 2000. There is a need for senior housing. When the list is opened again, there are over 100 people to be notified. He reported on their project to build a 32-units for the frail elderly and that most of the funding is in place. However,more will be needed to complete the project. Edie Kahn, Aids Support Network, spoke about the need for low-income housing projects and emerging health issues such as hepatitis C. Biz Steinberg, EOC, spoke about general poverty issues in the community. She said how thankful she was for funding given so far and for the collaboration of the city and county for funding. She believes the percentage of funding for housing needs to be higher. Emma Valdivieso, EOC Emergency Shelter, spoke about the need for affordable housing and the need to provide opportunities for buying a home. Vicki Wheeler, EOC Childcare Resource Connection, spoke about the need for quality infant care in the city and the need for local funds to leverage state funding. Gail Gresham, P.O. Box 12644,S.L.O.,Landlord, spoke about the homeless situation and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She said this is her first time accepting Section 8 tenants. She spoke about the waiting list of 70 children for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Karen Jones, 783 Quintana Road, Morro Bay, Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, spoke about the need for public support to help monitor long term care facilities. To her knowledge, they are the only agency in the county that currently monitors long term care facilities. She stated her concern about the lack of emergency planning in nursing homes. Lana Adams from EOC Mentoring Services asked the Commission to look at prevention dollars. Lillian Judd,EOC,spoke of an affordable housing trust fund as a future initiative. Mike Bossenberry of Hotline addressed the commission and described Hotline's referral program. Debra McNalty, 616 Nickelson Drive, Paso Robles, spoke about inclusive childcare and recreation programs for disabled children and the need to coordinate resources. Chairman Wolff closed the public hearing and thanked those in attendance for their input. 3—S HRC Meeting Minutes October 3,2001 Page 4 Commr.Nichols made a motion to recommend continuing with current priorities of the CDBG with special consideration for affordable housing. Second by Commr. Brown. Commr. Lamb expressed concern with the changing demographics of the homeless population and wanted to include an emphasis on homeless issues. Commr.Nichols amended her motion to include housing and shelter. Second by Commr. Brown AYES: Commrs.Nichols,Brown,Tyson,Hutchings,Lamb,Gingg,and Chairman Wolff NOES: None Abstentions: None Chairman Wolff suggested that a representative from Parks and Recreation be present at a future meeting to discuss childcare and recreational needs of children with disabilities and successful models of such programs. Commr. Hutchings suggested inviting a representative from the Tri-Counties Regional Center to see what programs they can assist with and what funding is available. Ms.Slate agreed to contact the individuals and place this issue on the next.HRC agenda. 4. DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RAIS BY MS. WILLOW KELLY RELATED TO CITY WIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING LA SE POLICIES REGARDING CAMPING IN CITY OPEN SPACE AREAS AND OTHER ACitESSIBILITY CONCERNS FOR DISABLED PERSONS: Ann Slate provided some backgroun information concerning Ms. Kelly's request of the HRC to review the City's open space policies and no ca 'ng regulations. Brandi Diffenderfer,City of San Luis Obispo Par and Recreation, Park Ranger, spoke about the purpose and duties of the City's Park Ranger force with reg to law enforcement in the City's open space. She discussed the City's "no camping" ordinance, the hom ess population, and that there are no facilities for camping with regard to potable water, restrooms, etc She also discussed the criminal aspects to be addressed should camping be allowed. The Park Rang s currently deal with many homeless,individuals. They determine their needs, provide referrals when ssible and enforce which are designed to protect sensitive environmental habitats. Commr.Wolff asked what do the rangers do if p ple refuse assistance or fail to comply with the rangers. Ms. Diffenderfer replied that the rangers rk hand-in-hand with local agencies to provide referrals and only in extreme cases would contact poli to arrest individuals. Commr. Hutchings asked which open spa is more likely to have issues. Ms. Diffenderfer replied that there is not one in p ' ular that has more issues than another. Commr. Lamb asked for a general profile of the homeles population the rangers have dealt with. 3—I