HomeMy Public PortalAbout03-15-95_sp CDBGA G E N D A
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
ADVISORY BOARD - COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY MARCH 15, 1995
i T EC Y DF �Y 4 CLERKS OFFICE
AN MAR 0 91995
718 " L911i213 4'4 G
6:00 P.M.
LYNWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
LYNWOOD, CA 90262
KENNETH ALFORD
CHAIRPERSON
MARGARET ARAUJO CONSTANCE FRANKLIN
VICE CHAIRPERSON COMMISSIONER
LAURA BYRD
COMMISSIONER
BLANCA CHAVIRA
COMMISSIONER
DONALD PRIMMER
COMMISSIONER
OPENING CEREMONIES:
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. FLAG SALUTE
C. ROLL CALL
D. CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
FEBRUARY 15, 1995
MARSHA WILLIAMS
COMMISSIONER
F. OLD BUSINESS: (CDBG RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUNDING)
DUE TO LACK OF QUORUM, AT THE FEBRUARY 8, 1995 MEETING, IN
WHICH THREE COMMISSIONERS WERE PRESENT, CHAIRPERSON KEN .
ALFORD CANCELLED MEETING AT 6:10 P.M. BUSINESS CARRIED
OVER TO THE SPECIAL MEETING OF MARCH 15, 1995.
G. STAFF ORALS
H. BOARD ORALS
I. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers of Lynwood City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road,
Lynwood, California.
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MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT ADVISORY BOARD COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1995
OPENING CEREMONIES
A. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order on the above captioned date
by Chairperson Alford at 6:10 p.m. in the Lynwood City Hall
Council Chambers, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA.
B. ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Chairperson Alford
Commissioner Araujo
Commissioner Byrd
Commissioner Williams
Commissioner Primmer
ABSENT: Commissioner Chavira (excused)
STAFF: Annette Clark, HCD Manager
Chondra Handley, Minutes Clerk
Don Adams, Sr. Rehab. Specialist
C. CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING
Staff informed the Commission that the Agenda was posted per
the Brown Act.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion was made by Commissioner Araujo, seconded by
Commissioner Byrd to approve the Minutes of January 18, 1995
and February 1, 1995. Motion carried unanimously.
E. NEW BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS FROM PROGRAM PROPONENTS
Chairperson Alford stated that persons wishing to speak or
give input regarding community development needs and /or
existing services will have three minutes to speak.
Prasine Martinez, Code Enforcement Manager, gave a brief
presentation regarding code enforcement needs and the success
of the Code Enforcement program during prior years.
Commissioner Alford asked Ms. Martinez how much of the last
year's funding is remaining. Ms. Martinez stated that Code
Enforcement is working within it projected budgeted amount,
however, City Prosecutor services were increased. That cost
will consume any remaining funds.
Commissioner Alford stated that the remaining funds be
allocated to cover Code Enforcement services on the weekend.
Ms. Martinez stated that positions were deleted from the
budget, which prevents Code Enforcement from providing
coverage on the weekends.
Commissioner Franklin asked what days are the most active for
Code Enforcement. Ms. Martinez stated that the holidays were
the busiest days for Code Enforcement.
Commissioner Araujo stated that the services of Code
Enforcement has decreased over the years. She stated that
more officers are needed especially on the weekend. If more
funding is requested for fiscal year 1995 -96, consideration
should be given to provide a additional officer for the
weekends.
Mr. Jim Given, addressed the public regarding recreational
needs. Mr. Given stated that the Recreation and Community
Services Department submitted five proposals for funding
fiscal year 1995 -96. (1) Afterschool Playground Program
which serviced approximately 25,000 students last year. (2)
Senior Citizen Program which provides trips, tours and meals
and has serviced approximately 20,000 seniors last year. (3)
Natatorium extended hours, CDBG funding would provide
funding to keep the pool open during the winter months. The
program services approximately 15,000 people yearly and two
new programs, the (4) Arthur Ashe Tennis Program and (5) The
Lynwood Boxing Program.
Commissioner Araujo asked if the participants in the Boxing
Program are charged a fee. Mr. Given answered yes, the
fees collected from the participants are used for entrance
fees for boxing events and uniforms.
Commissioner Byrd asked if funds requested were for
salaries. Mr. Given replied yes, in addition to supplies and
materials needed to operate the various programs.
Mr. Emilio Murga, Public Works Director, addressed the public
regarding public street improvements. Murga stated that
Public works Dept. submitted a proposal requesting funding
to repair residential street.
Commissioner Alford asked Mr. Murga if there were any
remaining funds from last year. Mr. Murga replied that none
of the funds from fiscal year 1994 -95 has been spent,
therefore streets approved last year for funding had not been
completed.
Mr. John Oskoui, Facilities Maintenance Director addressed
the public regarding improvements need for the City's
natatorium. Mr. Oskoui stated that no repairs have been
made to the Natatorium since 1956. As a result, the building
is deteriorating. Mr. Oskoui stated that the natatorium
would not be able to withstand a major earthquake, under it's
current condition.
Commissioner Araujo asked if the funding provided to
refurbish the park could also be used to renovate the
Natatorium.
Mr. Oskoui stated the cost to renovate the park is
approximately 3.6 million. Only 2 million dollars is
available for the renovation. Therefore the Natatorium
cannot be included in the park renovation budget.
Commissioner Araujo asked Mr. Oskoui if funding is granted,
could the pool also be renovated to accommodate competition
meets. Mr. Oskoui stated that he should be able to include
the necessary improvements needed for competition.
Reverend John Hopkins, of Truevine Community Outreach
Homeless Men Program address the public regarding the
homeless issues. He stated that his program operates an
adult residential care facility for homeless men, and also
assists disadvantaged families of Lynwood by providing
clothing and food to approximately 600 homeless persons per
month.
Commissioner Byrd asked Mr. Hopkins if the program assisted
the participants in finding employment after completion of
the program. Mr. Hopkins replied yes. He stated that the
men participate in a construction apprenticeship program,
which provides training and eventually employment.
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A representative from St. Francis Medical Center addressed
the public regarding their Child Abuse Treatment Center. It
was stated that the program provides service to over 26
Lynwood children and provides parenting classed to their
parents. Program staff consists of family counselors,
social workers, and a psychologist.
St. Francis requested CDBG funds to add additional staff in
order to assist more Lynwood families and reduce the waiting
period.
Commissioner Primmer asked how many families are referred to
St. Francis by Los Angeles County. He replied that the
majority of the participants are referred by the County
Department of Children Services. Commissioner Primmer asked
if services are provided 24 hours. The representative
replied that St. Francis has a 24 hour hot line number,
however the Children Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30
p.m.
Commissioner Primmer asked if St. Francis received CDBG
funding, how much will the waiting period be shorted. In
reply, it was stated that the program currently has a 90 day
waiting period, if the program received CDBG funding, the
waiting period would be shorter from 7 -10 days.
Commissioner Araujo asked if the Lynwood schools are aware of
the services offered by the St. Francis Children Center. It
was stated that the schools are aware, and the Center
receives numerous calls from parents who want to participate
in the parenting classes.
Donna Bannos of the County Library Services addressed the
Commission. She stated that the Library had received CDBG
funding fiscal year 1994 -95 which provided an extra day of
services for Lynwood residents, which allowed over 1,700
residents the opportunity to use the Library on Saturday.
Bannos stated that the Library is proposing to establish a
homework help center, purchase books and reference materials,
with the use of FY 95 -96 CDBG funds.
Commissioner Araujo asked if the Lynwood Library will
consider providing tutors to assist the students and parents
with reading skills. Ms. Banos replied that other Libraries
provide that program, however this request will be forwarded
to the County Library Services office.
Lorna Hawkins of Drive By Agony, addressed the public
regarding the effects of violence in the community. She
stated that her program assist victims of violent crimes by
way of referral services and cable T.V. show. Ms. Hawkins
stated that Drive By has assisted approximately 205 families
this fiscal year. In addition she stated that Drive By also
sponsors peace marches in an effort to bring awareness of
violent crime issues.
Commissioner Williams asked if Drive -By provided any
educational videos. Ms. Hawkins replied yes. The videos are
used to illustrate the different types of violence and
provides personnel experiences.
Bess Goodman of Genesys Youth and Community Services
addressed the public regarding the need for youth diversion
programs. Ms.Goodman stated that the Genesys Program has
expanded services to include literacy from Monday - Saturday.
Ms. Goodman stated in addition to counseling and literacy,
Genesys provides therapeutic aid for abused children. Ms.
Goodman stated that Genesys is currently assisting 34
children whom are residents of Lynwood.
Linda Mitchell of Mitchell Family Day Care addressed the
public regarding childcare. Ms. Mitchell explained that
Mitchell Day Care is requesting funds to provide day care
services to children from birth to 13 years of age. Ms.
Mitchell stated that her program also serviced children who
require afterschool care. Ms. Mitchell stated that the
afterschool program has computers with various educational
and tutorial programs installed to assist the children with
homework assignments.
Ms. Mitchell stated that her staff consists of 3 full time
assistants and 4 volunteers (tutors), from Compton College
and Volunteers of America.
Commissioner Franklin asked Ms. Mitchell how may children are
currently enrolled in the program. Ms. Mitchell stated that
the Day Care is licensed for 12 children but there is
currently 17 children enrolled who come in shifts.
Commissioner Alford asked how would the CDBG funds be
distributed throughout the program if approved. Ms. Mitchell
replied that she is requesting a total $20,000 which will
cover salaries, supplies, utilities, insurance, office
equipment and food.
Commissioner Alford asked Ms. Mitchell how much were the fees
per child. Ms. Mitchell stated that she received
approximately $300.00 per child per month.
Ms. Dorselen Henderson of New Testament Day Care Center
addressed the public. Ms. Henderson stated that funding is
being requested to upgrade the services to include extended
day care and purchase computers and software.
Commissioner Araujo asked Ms. Henderson how many children are
currently enrolled in the program. Ms. Henderson stated that
there are currently 34 children enrolled.
Commissioner Alford stated that the presentations from the
Rehabilitation program, Loan Review and Crossing Guards
program be carried over until the next meeting of February
22, 1995. However, the board will hear a brief 3 minute
presentations from the remaining public service proponent.
Phil Cookas of the Teen Challenge program addressed the
public. Mr. Cookas stated that Teen Challenge has been
working in the Lynwood Community since 1986. Cookas stated
that the program conducted a needs assessment which resulted
in the program opening a recreation center and a
rehabilitation home located at 3156 Euclid Ave., Lynwood.
Mr. Cookas stated that the recreation center is open 4 days a
week and services approximately 200 children per week of
various ages.
Several participants of the Teen Challenge drug
rehabilitation program were in attendance and addressed the
board on the success of the program and the positive
influence they received to stop gang participation and drug
abuse.
Mr. Cookas stated that Teen Challenge has an 80% success rate
and over 120 centers nationwide. The participants are in the
Lynwood facility 90 -120 days. Upon completion of 120 days
participants are transferred to the program's Riverside
facility for an additional 9 months. The program also offers
a one year staff training program. Mr. Cookas stated that
Teen Challenge also provides telephone counseling, and
outreach services.
Patrice Craver of the Craver Family Day Care Center addressed
the public. Ms. Craver stated that the Center provides day
care services in addition to after school care. Ms. Craver
stated that staff consist of 2 full time employees and 4
tutor volunteers who assist the children with homework
assignments.
Ms. Craver also stated that she would like to amend her
funding proposal. Commissioner Alford stated that amendments
to the proposals will not be accepted at this time, however
if Ms. Craver wishes to make corrections to the proposal CDBG
staff should be contacted in order to do so.
Ms. Clark asked how funding would be utilized if approved.
Ms. Craver replied that the funds would be used to buy
equipment and materials. However if the proposal could be
amended $15,000, the additional funds will be used to
purchase computers and software.
Several parents gave testimonies on how pleased they were
with Craver's services and the progress of their children.
Commissioner Primmer asked if Craver Day Care Center received
any other funding. Ms. Craver stated that she receives
funding from the state for the food.
Commissioner Williams asked if there was a age limit. Ms.
Craver replied no, and that if the children can talk they may
also participate in the learning center.
Mr. Williams of Mona Boulevard Community Services addressed
the public regarding youth services. Williams shared
information regarding services offered by Mona B1., in which
he felt would be beneficial to the Lynwood Community. Mr.
Williams stated that his program provides partnerships for
positives alternatives against voilence. They have a bi-
langual tutorial program that was funded by Compton last
year, in which 50 to 250 were assisted, 50 children from
Lynwood. Mona B1. has three components, 1; Tutorial, 2;
Computer Learning Center, and 3; Academic Tracking System.
Williams stated that at least 80% of the program participates
go on to college. The program is requesting CDBG funds in
order to increase Lynwood participation in the program.
Williams also informed the public that Mona B1. has set up a
system to located scholarships for participants. Williams
closed in saying that to fund their program would give a vote
of confidence toward youth academic excellence.
There being no further discussion, the CDBGAB Commission
meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m., until the next schedule
meeting.
CHAIRPERSON DATE ANNETTE CLARK, HCD MANAGER
DATE