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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. 0 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. 0 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