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HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-06-87 HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT• A G E N D A CITY OF LYNWOOD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD F Y OF LYNWOOD I CLERKS OFFICE MAY 6, 1987 AM MAY 01 1987 910 81 1 1 REGULAR MEETID:G 7:00 P.M. 71 1111112111 21 34gi g LYNWOOD CITY HALL, 11330 BULLIS ROAD DONALD DOVE CHAIRMAN LAWRENCE 0. DUNN, SR. MEMBER BARBARA FITTS MEMBER REV. JOHN HOPKINS MEMBER CITY STAFF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VICENTE L. MAS MINUTES CLERK ANNETTE PORTER OPENING A. CALL TO ORDER B. FLAG SALUTE MARY SHERMAN -JONES MEMBER ARTHUR.J. LEWIS MEMBER JOSIE WISEMAN MEMBER HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR ARTHUR_ N. WALLER C. ROLL CALL D. CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING BY CITY CLERK E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 4, 1987 and APRIL 2, 1987 F. PUBLIC ORALS: (Items on Agenda Only) 0 0 G H. I. J. OLD BUSINESS 1. 1987 -88 CDBG proposed Statement of Objectives and Projected Use of Funds. Comments In compliance with HUD citizen participation requirements, the Proposed Statement of Objectives was made available to the public on May 4, 1987. A public hearing on the proposed activities is scheduled for May 19, 1987, at which time Council will make final funding decisions. 2. CDBG Application for Fiscal Year 1987 -88. Comments The deadline for submittal of the 1987 -88 CDBG Application has been extended to Jane 1, 1987, in order to allow suffi- cient time for citizen review and Council deliberation. HUD requires a minimum 30 -day review period. STAFF REPORTS /COMMENTS BOARD ORALS ADJOURNMENT Adjournment to 3, 1987, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, California. MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD March 4, 1987 I. OPENING CEREMONIES A. Call to Order A regular meeting of the Housing and Community Development Advisory Board was called to order by Chairman Donald Dove on March 4, 1987, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of Lynwood City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, California. B. Flag Salute Committee member Lawrence O. Dunn, Sr. led the Plege of Allegiance. C. Roll Call Present: Donald Dove Lawrence Dunn Mary Sherman -Jones Rev. John Hopkins Josie Wiseman Arthur J. Lewis Absent: Barbara Fitts Also Present: Vicente L. Mas, Community Development Director Arthur N. Waller, Housing'and Community Development Coordinator D. Approval of Minutes It was moved by Lawrence Dunn, seconded by Josie Wiseman to approve the Minutes of February 4, 1987; motion carried by unanimous vote. II. STAFF REPORT Vicente Mas, Community Development Director, introduced Arthur Waller as the new HCDA Coordinator and acknowledged the fine efforts of Wayne McMahan as Acting HCDA Coordinator. III. Public Orals Presentations were made by proponents seeking CDBG funds with which to operate public service projects. Prior to the pre- sentations, Vicente Mas explained to the Board the reason for two separate opportunities for public orals. As required by the Brown Act, as amended, the first opportunity for public orals addresses any item on the agenda before it is acted on by the Board. The second opportunity is for any items of a general nature that members of the public may wish to address. The items brought up at that time cannot be acted upon unless they have been agendized in subsequent meetings. Mr. Dove invited members of the audience to comment on agenda items. There was no response. 0 HCDA MINUTES March 4, 1987 Page #2 Presentations Community Legal Services 0 Mr. Julius West, Directing Attorney, explained that 105,000 people out of their current service area of 419,000 meet the income requirements,for legal services, which is 125% of the proverty threshold. In 1986, they served over 3,000 people. Opening an office in Lynwood would eliminate the need for quailfied Lynwood residents to travel to Compton for these services. The services provided include advise and counseling on housing, domestic violence, legal representation and re- ferral to appropriate agencies for employment, unemployment insurance and other social services. Other pertinent com- ponents of their program can be found in the project proposal. Mr. West presented two program models which included full - time and part -time service availability. Mr. West explained that the amount of funding received has a direct relationship to the number of days a local office would be open, but the variety of services offered would remain the same. Comments Vicente Mas explained that the maximum amount of CDBG funds available for Public Service projects cannot exceed 15% of the entitlement award for fiscal year 1987/88, which is estimated to be $1,010,000, or $151,500. In addition, staff will prepare evaluation criteria to be used in rating the proposals received. That information will be made available to Board members by Tuesday, March 10, 1987. The final decision on project proposals is expected to be determined at the special meeting on March 25, 1987, at 6:30 p.m. Project proponents will be notified of the meeting date and the evaluation criteria. City of Lynwood - Firefighter Training Program Don Fraser, Assistant City Manager and Ron Lathrope, Director of Public Safety introduced this program as an effort to provide a scholarship program with seventy -five slots for local resi- dents interested in becoming firefighters. Members of the Lyn- wood Fire Department would participate in recruitment efforts at the high school, junior college and college levels. The actual training program would be conducted in the fire station facilities, with trainees assuming the role of auzilliary fire- fighters. After 2 - 3 months, trainees would be placed in the academy to receive classroom training and subsequent firefighter certification. The estimated cost of this program is $63,500. Mr. Lathrope explained that this program is necessary to pre- pare minority individuals to effectively compete for jobs in this field. Most minority persons applying for vacancies with- in the fire department do not have adequate training with com- pared to the large numbers of caucasian applicants with fire- fighter certification. Comments Member Mary Sherman -Jones requested copies of job specifications for Lynwood firefighters. Member John Hopkins asked if it was necessary to implement such a program in order to integrate the fire department. Mr. Lathrope said that not enough minorities are applying for the HCDA MINUTES March 4, 1987 Page #3 the jobs, and those that do apply are not adequately trained to compete with their caucasian counterparts who have com- pleted degrees in fire sciences and have received academy training. Mr. Lathrope also explained that pay scales for firefighter are much higher in other jurisdictions, and quali- fied minorities who have been hired in Lynwood ultimately accept higher paying positions. Mr. Fraser explained.that recruitment efforts will be con- centrated at the local level with workshops in high schools and•Compton Community College. Member Josie Wiseman expressed concern over the cost of dis- sementating information about this program among the students. Mr. Lathrope explained that the fire department traditionally visits the schools annually, but special efforts will be made, such as nationwide recruitment in areas of high minority concentration. Funds for recruitment would be borne by the City and have no effect on the CDBG funds requested. Member Larry Dunn expressed concern about the program being contingent upon the award of CDBG funds. Mr. Fraser explained that the City Council was in favor of establishing this program whether or not CDBG funds were available. Member John Hopkins questioned whether or not the program would be that effective in view of the disporportionate number of caucasian applicants. Member Josie Wiseman questioned the feasibility of using local funds to provide training to individuals who may accept higher paying jobs outside of Lynwood. Messrs. Lathrope and Fraser explained that there Were no guarantees on retaining these employees, and fiscal constraints currently facing the city preclude paying competetive salaries. Department of Parks and Recreation Jim Givens of the Department of Parks and Recreation spoke of the success of the previously CDBG funded program which.allowed for extended hours at the City's Natatorium. Most notably was the fact that over 40,000 people were served, and a local swim club, the Aqua Knights, was formed which successfully competed in local and national competition. Members Josie Wiseman inquired as to the number of individuals served during the period of time funded through CDBG. Mr. Givens explained that approximately 20,000 individuals were serviced during this period. Orginally, the Natatorium only operated during the summer months, but the additional funds allowed the facility to remain open all year. Mr. Givens also spoke of a proposea program to expand recrea- tional and social opportunities for Lynwood Senior Citizens. More detailed information can be found in the project proposal. Member Mary Sherman -Jones inquired as to whether the Department contacted local churches in the area•to find out if they were providing similar services. Mr. Givens explained that those services were mostly restricted to church members and local neighborhood groups, while the Department would operate on a city -wide basis. 0 0 HCDA Minutes March 4, 1987 Page 44 Member John Hopkins inquired about senior citizen services offered by St. Francis Medical Center. Mr. Givens explained that those services were not especially directed toward Lynwood citizens, but provided services county -wide. Further- more, St. Francis concentrated on health - related services and would not over -lap or duplicate activities proposed under this program. Hudson - Lyndsey Group Home Dr. Cynthia Powell, a Clinical Psychologist and Director of Hudson Lyndsey and Cheryl Kopenski, Director of Development for Hudson Lyndsey briefly described the plight of physically and sexually abused children. This program was provided over $15,000 through CDBG during 1986 -87. These children receive a variety of educational and therapeutic services which con- tribute to their development. Currently Hudson - Lyndsey cares for six children between the ages of two and four years of age. Member Mary Sherman -Jones asked if any of the children were Lynwood residents. Dr. Powell explained that once they came to Hudson - Lyndsey they indeed became Lynwood residents. In addition, approximately 80% of the staff is from Lynwood. Member John Hopkins asked about the number of children that could be served provided that funding was made available. Dr. Powell explained that currently 60 children are waiting to be placed in homes of this type. Member Arthur Lewis asked if placement service was available. Dr. Powell explained that the Department of Community Services was the ultimate placement agency. Member Lawrence Dunn asked if Hudson - Lyndsey overlapped ser- vices provided by the St. Francis child abuse program. Dr. Powell explained that Hudson - Lyndsey provides 24 hour care while St. Francis provides out - patient type service. The only over -lap is in the provision of psychological counseling services. Members Jones and Wiseman requested that arrangements be made to visit the Hudson - Lyndsey Group Home. Staff will make arrangements. St. Francis Child Abuse Program Mr. Tony Chavez spoke on the merits He emphasized the bi- lingual nature thereby providing outreach services the population. He explained that St. Francis Medical Center, most of are from emergency room cases. of the above named program. of the services provided, for a greater segment of as an affiliate agency of the program's referrals Member Mary Sherman -Jones inquired as to the number of children served. Mr. Chavez explained that services have been provided to sixty seven families since July, 1986. Member Donald Dove asked if the program anticipated an increased demand on services during the next fiscal year. Mr. Chavez explained that an increase is indeed anticipated, however, the funding request was based on current levels of services being provided. a HCDA Meeting March 4, 1987 Page #S Proiect Impact Reverend Mathew Harris delivered a presentation on Project Impact. Accompanying him was Mr. Charles Brothers, Director of Development for Project Impact, and Mr. Kenneth Archer. Reverend Harris explained that Project Impact is a local community based, youth interface counseling and referral program. This concept resulted from meetings with local lenders to determine the "felt" needs of the community, which was largely directed towards providing more services to Lyn- wood youth. Reverend Harris explained that Project Impact's very unique approach to this situation revolved around rallies which bring youth together in order to make them aware of the various services available to them, and viable alternatives to drug and gang violence. He also stated that Project Impact networks with over 200 youth service organizations, and through various workshops and seminars, prominent sports figures and employees of various large corporations avail themselves to provide positive role models and success stories. Further information can be obtained from the project proposal. Member Art Lewis inquired as to the identity of the organiza- tions providing services. Reverend Harris deferred to the project proposal package which contained a list of the agencies. Member Lawrence Dunn questions whether some of the role models in the entertainment industry mentioned by Reverend Harris actually provide the type of positive role model that Lynwood youth need. Reverend Harris explained that these individuals are part of a public relations program operated by the NAACP and, consequently, are carefully screened to ensure conformity with program objectives. At this point, the tape recording became inaudible, therefore, a report on the remaining project components cannot be prepared; however, information regarding proposed projects can be ob- tained from the proposal package. BOARD ORALS dember Art Lewis inquired as to what kind of evaluation critera will be established to rate the proposals. Mr. Waller explained that the Board should concern itself with such issues as, "Is the proposed activity a new and innovative approach to serving a currently unmet need in the City ? "; "Is the proposal clearly written ? "; Does it state its intended goals and objectives ? "; "Can the project be imple- mented in a timely fashion ?" Mr. Waller explained that the criteria will be made available to Board members by Tuesday, March 10, 1987. Member Art Lewis stated that one question he would like to see in the evaluation form is "Can the Agency be expected to stay around for a while and not be a "fly by night" kind of activity ?" Mr. Waller suggested that an organization's intent to be around for a while could perhaps be determined by such factors as previous experience, HCDA Meeting March 4, 1987 Page 46 additional funding sources and current organizational structure; all items which would appear in the project proposal. If these items are not addressed, then longevity could be questioned. Further dis- cussion ensued. PUBLIC ORALS None ADJOURNMENT At 9:52 p.m., Member Lawrence Dunn made a motion to adjourn the meet- ing to March 25, 1987, at 6:30 p.m. The motion carried. DONALD DOVE, CHAIRMAN DATE ARTHUR WALLER, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DATE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR 0 0 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD April 2, 1987 I. OPENING CEREMONIES A. Call to Order A regular meeting of the Housing and Community Development Adviosry Board was called to order by Chairman Donald Dove on April 2, 1987, at 7:12 p.m., in the Council Chambers of Lynwood City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, 'Lynwood, California. B. Flag Salute Committee member Josie Wiseman led the Pledge of Allegiance. C. Roll Call Present: Donald Dove Lawrence Dunn Mary Sherman -Jones Josie Wiseman Arthur Lewis (arrived at 7:30 p.m. and asked to be excused for the evening, the Board excused this absence) Absent: Rev. John Hoplins Barbara Fitts (excused) Also Present: Vicente L. Mas, Community Development Director Arthur N. Waller, Housing and Community Development Coordinator Annette Porter, Minutes Clerk D. Approval of Minutes - March 4, 1987 Lawrence Dunn moved to defer any action on the Minutes of the meeting of March 4, 1987, until the meeting of May 6, 1987. The motion was seconded by Josie Wiseman and approved by unanimous vote. Approval of Minutes - March 25, 1987 It was moved by Lawrence Dunn, seconded by Josie Wiseman to approve the Minutes of March 25, 1987; motion carried by unanimous vote. II. OLD BUSINESS Art Waller, HCDA Coordinator, explained that staff has not re- ceived all of the Board's evaluations of the Proposals for 1987- 88 CDBG Public Service Projects. Mr. Waller mentioned that he had spoken to some of the members regarding the completion of their evaluation forms and submitting the forms before the meeting of April 2, 1987, and while discussing this matter with Board member Barbar Fitts, he was informed by Ms. Fitts that she was consider- ing resigning from the Committee due to the fact that she is attending night classes which may sometimes present a conflict with attending HCDA Board meetings. Mr. Waller informed the Board that the HCDA Board Regulations calls for dismissal after three (3) unexcused absences from regular and /or special meet- ings. Lawrence Dunn suggested that the Committee wait until Ms. Fitts actually submits her resignation before the Board considers her removal. Mr. Waller asked that Ms. Fitts be excused from the meeting of April 2, 1987. All Board members were in agreement. 0 • HCDA Board Meeting April 2, 1987 Page #2 Due to the time schedule for the submittal of the CDBG Appli- cation, Art Waller asked the HCDA Board if they wished to procees with the averaging of scores for the proposals, although two of the Board members were not present and did not submit their forms. Board members agreed that score averaging should take place since the majority of the members had submitted their scores and the proponents could be given a fair score. As Mr. Waller proceeded to tally the final scores of the Pro- posals, Mary Sherman -Jones took the opportunity to share with other Board members her visit to the Hudson - Lyndsey Group Home. She stated that she was very impressed with the home and went on to describe the facility and the type of environment the children residing at the home were in. She explained that many of the children had either been abused physcally and /or mentally and that there was a psychiatrist on board. She also stated that the facility was neat, clean and organized and that she was shown what the City's funding was being used for. At approximately 7:50, Art Lewis requested to be excused from the remainder of the meeting. The Board's reply was to excuse Mr. Lewis as requested. Art Waller presented a summary of the Proposal scoring and informed the Board of the following ranking: 1. Hudson - Lyndsey Group Home 2. St. Francis Medical Center 3. Natatorium 4. Community Legal Services 5. Firefighter Training 6. Senior Citizen Project 7. You Can #1 -8. Project Impact 9. You Can #2 10. L.A. County Advantage Program 11. You Can #5 12. You Can #3 13. You Can #4 Mr. Waller explained that the top three proposals fell in line with staff recommendations and would leave an estimated balance of $49,000 to be allocated to the next three proponents. Ms. Sherman -Jones asked if the Board could go back to the first three proponents and increase the funding amounts. Staff in- formed her that it was possible. Mr. Dove requested that if there is an income eligibility requirement for firefighter train- ing qualifications, that the Board consider not funding the proposal, due tc the fact a conflict may exist between the pro- gram design and HUD Regulations being that HUD restricts direct assistance to low- moderate income families. Vicente Mas explained that presently, a conflict did not exist; however, a conflict may exist in the future depending on who the applicants are. Although income eligibility criteria for potential trainees has not yet been established, there exists a possibility that the training program would be open to anyone regardless of income. CDBG funds would be used to assist those trainees who met the CDBG income guidelines only. 0 0 HCDA Board Meeting April 2, 1987 Page k3 A discussion ensued regarding several proposals of public ser- vice projects. Mr. Sherman -Jones recommended that the Hudson - Lyndsey Group Home and St. Francis Medical Center projects funding amounts be increased. Her reasons being that to spread the remaining funds in a small amount to other projects would not be sufficient enough to do good, and increasing the amount of the existing projects would be more advantageous to the City's goals. Donald Dove agreed that the projects be increased. Josie Wiseman recommended that funding for the Natatorium be decreased due to the possibility of them obtaining funding from other sources. Vicente Mas explained that at this point, the City might not be able to fill the gap if the CDBG funding request was reduced because q ilimited financial resources for recreational services next fiscal year. He further stated that the City Council is now evaluating a revision of the City's fee schedule and they have informally indicated that they may adopt increases in the fee schedule in order to avert any potential deficits in the budget. Ms. Wiseman explained that she was not speaking of the City as the only alternative to funding the Natatorium. She suggested that Partk and Recreation contact organizations such as the Olympics which grants funds to various recreational facilities, and she feels that the City of Lynwood has an opportunity to receive such funding. She also suggested that Parks and Recrea- tion investigate the possibility of obtaining additional funding resources, and that CDBG funds be geared towards proponents that don't have the opportunity of obtaining funds elsewhere. Lawrence Donn interjected that year after year a large portion of CDBG funds have been granted to the Natatorium project. He asked how can the City expect to expand and /or provide addi- tional services if the City continues to follow the same trend of funding. He suggested that public service projects expand into other areas and other services. A discussion ensued regarding the final recommended funding amounts. The final outcome of funding recommendations for Public Service Projects was as follows: 1. Hudson - Lyndsey Group Home 2. St. Francis Medical Center 3. Natatorium 4. Firefighter Training Program 5. Community Legal Services 6. Senior Citizen Project $15, 00C $15,000 $36,000 $33,OOC $36,500 $16,000 Mary Sherman -Jones moved, seconded by Josie Wiseman that the above recommendations for funding be submitted to City Council. Approval by the Board was unanimous. III. STAFF REPORT /COMMENTS Art Waller informed the Board that April 11, 1987 through April 18, 1987, will be national Community Development week and suggested that the City issue a proclamation proclaiming that week as such. Mr. Dove suggested that in addition to the pro- clamation, the City issue a press release informing the public of the progress that has been made throughout the City with the use of CDBG funds, and provide an update on the progress being made at the Towne Center site and other projects in process.. • HCDA Board Meeting April 2, 1987 Page 44 Mr. Waller also informed the Board that the Lynwood Local Development Company has processed its first Business Develop- ment Assistance loan in the amount of $10,000 and that.a ceremony would be held to commemorate the fact. Vicente Mas announced that a ground breaking ceremony were to be held April 28, 1987, for the Lynwood Towne Center at 10:00 a.m. and that all Board member were invited to attend. IV. BOARD ORALS None. V. ADJOURNMENT Adjournment to May 6, 1987, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, California. DONALD DOVE, CHAIRMAN DATE ARTHUR N. WALLER, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DATE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR