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HomeMy Public PortalAboutA 2008-03-05 - CDBG ADVISORY BOARDAGENDA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ADVISORY BOARD COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2008 6:00 P.M. LYNWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 11330 BULLIS ROAD, LYNWOOD, CA 90262 SYLVIA ORTIZ, CHAIRPERSON :> PATRICIA CARR, COMMISSIONER JOE BATTLE, COMMI OPENING CEREMONIES: A. CALL TO ORDER B. FLAG SALUTE C. ROLL CALL D. CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -February 6, 2008 F. PUBLIC ORALS: (ITEMS ON AGENDA ONLY) G. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Swearing In of newly appointed Commissioner(s) 2. Review of Graffiti Program Proposal 3. Presentations by Non-Profit Orgariization for Public Service Funds A. Dominoes' Parent Education Program B. Compton Dance Theatre C. Sunshine Afterschool Computer Program D. Project Impact E. A.D.E.L.A.N.T.E. Moving Forward F. Peace and Joy Center G. GAP Gang Prevention Education H. Parents Interested In Education (PIE) I. Latino Diabetes Association H. STAFF ORALS -Proposed Special Meeting I. BOARD ORALS _~ tS'0 ~.v Rf .h..s FI 1 Vc IL;/ CtTY'f3F F°9'Nti?~"~~"D ITY Q', [. FS?hfC y i?: C3C.~F <:s;. ~~Pt~a -/,~/7 p; ( > `~ Cam- r~~ %" r' J. ADJOURNMENT MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ADVISORY BOARD COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2008 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Ortiz called the meeting to order on the above captioned date. FLAG SALUTE: All those present participated ROLL CALL: Present Chairperson Ortiz Commissioner Battle Commissioner Carr CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING Staff stated that the agenda was posted per the Brown Act. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Motion to approve the minutes of January 9, 2008 was made by Commissioner Carr, seconded by Commissioner Battle. Motion carried unanimously PUBLIC ORALS Ms. Irene Garcia of 2737 E. 111th Street spoke briefly on the need for improvements relative to the Housing program. She stated that the program has such a long waiting list that it's not fair to the residents. Most residents don't want to participate due to the waiting list and inefficient administration of the program. Ms. Loraine Reed of 11805 Harris Avenue spoke briefly on the need for funds to be allocated to the senior programs. NEW BUSINESS Presentations by Lynwood staff for funding proposals for fiscal year 2008-09 CDBG/HOME activities. Marissa Cordova of the Lynwood Senior Services program gave a brief presentation on the program. Marissa explained that the seniors program receives funding from several sources to fund various aspects of the program. CDBG will help to subsidize salaries for staff. Chairperson Ortiz asked if staff cost is paid when the City sponsors trips for the seniors, or do they pay for the trim themselves. Marissa replied that she was not sure, but would bring that information back to the Commission. She stated that a staff member is required to attend, but is not sure about the cost. Ms. Reed stated that last year the seniors took a trip to Hawaii, and the travel agency provided a free trip if enough people boookeod a d useptheir vacat on time asewell.he participation was so low that staff had to pay g Commissioner Battle stated that $237,000 dollars is being requested this year. Are the same services being proposed or are there new services being proposed? Marissa stated that a shuttle service program is being proposed to assist the disabled residents with transportation. Chairperson Ortiz asked if the shuttle service would assist with food delivery. Marissa replied no. Commissioner Carr asked if the participation has increased since the new Senior Center has been built. Marissa replied yes. Since there is more room, there are more activities to participate in. After brief discussion, the Commission thanked Marissa for her presentation. Greg Woods, Workplace Development Manager, provided information on the Crossing Guard Program. Mr. Woods stated that the City currently has 15 guards, 1 supervisor, and 2 standbys. Chairperson Ortiz asked if any crossing guards will be assigned to the Helen Keller school site. Mr. Woods replied that the school district requested a safe crossing I study. Cal-Trans in conjunction with City engineers conducted a survey to see what the safest crossings are in the City. One of the major problems is that when the school was built the City was not involved in the process. As a result of the study, no changes were recommended. Therefore a guard was not provided for that site. Mr. Woods commended the crossing guards. He stated that there are a limited amount of guards for the number of elementary schools in the City. He also stated that the School District plays a minimal role in planning or safety issues related to crossing guards. In addition, the City of Lynwood is the only City in the area that funds the crossing guard 100%. The school district does not assist in funding the program. Commissioner Battle stated that the school district does not receive any funds for the crossing guards. He stated that years ago the funds were transferred over to the City. Mr. Woods stated that the crossing guard program is funded by the City's general fund and CDBG, he is not aware of any funds being transferred from the district. Chairperson Ortiz asked if the funding would be applied to obtain additional crossing guards. Mr. Woods replied yes, due to the number of new schools. Chairperson Ortiz asked what is the procedure for crossing guards if there is an emergency in the community. Mr. Woods replied that all guards are equipped with cell phones and the supervisor canvasses the entire city. Chairperson Ortiz asked if there were rules relative to the crossing guards sitting in their cars or in chairs at the site. Mr. Woods replied that the guards have certain hours that they must be at the site to cross everyone who needs crossing. Sometimes they need to sit if they are there all day, however the guards do a wonderful job and they are always available when someone needs to be crossed. Commissioner Battle stated that there is a certain amount of money that the City should receive for traffic control for foot officers. Other cities use those funds for crossing guards. After brief discussion, the Commission thanked Mr. Woods for his presentation. Rosie Carillo, Recreation Superintendent, provided a presentation on the Natatorium. She stated that CDBG funding allows the pool to stay open during winter months. It allows access for our youth, seniors, swim teams etc. Chairperson Ortiz asked if the patio area is still being rented, and where do the funds go. Ms. Carillo replied yes the patio area is still being rented and the funds received go back into the general fund. Ms. Carillo stated that the prices to rent have gone up. Commissioner Carr asked what is the cost to rent the patio. Ms. Carillo replied $110.00 for two hours and it use to be $70.00 for two hours and insurance is required. There being no further comments, the Commission thanked Ms. Carillo for her presentation. Ernie Nishi, Housing Manager, provided a brief presentation on the Housing program. Mr. Nishi stated that this year, two housing grants will be reserved for seniors to participate in the grant program. If there are already qualified seniors on the list they will be given first priority. Mr. Nishi stated that the program will have some changes. One change is to have larger penalty amounts for contractors who do not finish the work on time. He stated that most cities charge $100.00 per day for going over the estimated time. day!rCommisOsrtoner Battleosuggest d that mlaybethefCity am alsolinvelstigate~he pse of performance bonds. Chairperson Ortiz asked what is the normal time to complete a job. Mr. Nishi replied three months. Commissioner Carr stated that she would like to see the First Time Homebuyers program remain. She stated that there are a lot of young families in the City that could benefit from the program. She stated that the City could do one a year, but the goal would be to assist a family get established. Mr. Nishi replied that the City is currently working with Habitat for Humanity to help those low income families obtain homes. Commissioner Carr asked is Habitat currently working in the City of Lynwood. Mr. Nishi replied yes there are currently 3 Habitat houses in the City. Commissioner Carr stated in regards to the administration of the Housing program, she has had so many complaints of applications being lost, residents being given incorrect information, rejected and not serviced correctly. She stated that 10 loans/ grants are not enough to get the program back on track. Housing needs to start spending their money or HUD will audit the City again. She stated that when the loans/grants were She statedtthat the~oan'review process should be g0en back to the CDBGe ommission in order to expedite the process. Mr. Nishi replied that staff will complete ten projects. A consultant will be brought on board to do an additional 6. Commissioner Carr stated that some homeowners do not need a lot of money. In some cases it's just a new roof or windows or doors etc. Mr. Nishi stated that he is aware of that and there was a program proposed just for that purpose. However there may be code violations that have to be fixed as well. After brief discussion, the Commission thanked Mr. Nishi for his presentation. STAFF ORALS Ms. Potts asked the Commissioners if they would be available for a second meeting in February or is it preferred to have two meetings in March. The Commission agreed to have two meetings in March. BOARD ORALS NONE ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Battle, seconded by Commissioner Carr. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned @ 8:23. Date Chairperson