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CC- CONSENT ITEM: (1) Approval of the Community Block Grant Fund Allocation for Fiscal Year 2024/2025; and (2) Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of the Funding Application.
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Meeting Date: November 13, 2023
Contact Person/Dept: Elizabeth Garcia/Office of Economic and Cultural Development Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5708
Fiscal Impact: Yes [x] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [x]
Attachments: [x]
Public Notification: Posted at City Hall (10/26/2023) (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (11/07/2023)
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (10/23/2023)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) approve the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation for Fiscal Year 2024/2025; and (2) adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 CDBG funding application.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Each year, the City receives CDBG funding to progress eligible projects in the community pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement with the Los Angeles County Development Authority. Due to the CBDG program requirements, eligible capital improvement projects in the City are typically projects serving the elderly and disabled, such as sidewalk and curb ramp repairs relative to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Funds may be used to advance the City’s ADA Transition Plan and similar ADA-compliance projects. However, funds cannot be utilized to construct playgrounds and recreational facilities or to support youth programming.
The anticipated funding for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 is approximately $182,157 and will be confirmed in March 2024 upon application filing. The CDBG program allows that up to 15% of the total funding may be allocated for certain staff positions. The Recreation & Community Services Coordinator (formerly the Disability and Social Services Specialist) position in the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department has been partially funded with CDBG funds for more than thirty years.
The balance of funds must be used for eligible capital improvement projects. Public Works and Parks, Recreation & Community Services staff recommend that the City Council allocate the available Fiscal Year 2024/2025 CDBG funding per the priority order below.
Ongoing Social Service Project:
Priority No. 1: Recreation & Community Services Coordinator Salary ($27,323.55)
The Recreation & Community Services Coordinator position in the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department has been partially funded with CDBG funds for the past thirty-three years. This position assists residents with disabilities by identifying and facilitating access to available community resources and services. Staff recommends that this position receive the maximum allocation permitted by CDGB. Both the Culver City Disability Advisory Committee and the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department support this allocation. If the actual CDBG funding exceeds the amount anticipated, staff recommends that the additional amount be allocated to this position and the remaining balance applied to the capital improvement projects (CIP).
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects:
Priority No. 2: Sawtelle Improvements and Citywide Uplifted Project (approximately $154,833.45)
The City is required to upgrade sidewalks to ADA standards. This project will focus on two areas:
1. Sawtelle Improvements: This project consists of the removal of architectural and material barriers through repair or replacement of damaged and uplifted sidewalks to provide clear paths of travel for disabled residents. The proposed sidewalk locations are as follows:
• 3977 Sawtelle Boulevard
• Along Sawtelle Boulevard between Washington Boulevard and Culver Boulevard
• Along Sawtelle Boulevard between Ballona Creek and Sepulveda Boulevard.
2. Grinding and AC Ramping of Uplifted Sidewalk: This project repairs numerous uplifted sidewalk panels Citywide to enhance pedestrian safety and provide ADA access via grinding and AC ramping in areas of parkway tree root intrusion.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The availability and use of CDBG funding resources reduces the demand on the General Fund to progress this important work. If approved by City Council, the funding will be included in the budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025. The total estimated project cost is anticipated to be funded via CDBG funds. If project costs exceed the CDBG allocation, staff will return to City Council as necessary to request additional City funding.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution - City’s FY 2024/2025 CDBG application.
2. CDBG Participating City Cooperation Agreement.
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Approve funding for the proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 CDBG projects; and,
2. Adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 CDBG application, including all certifications; and,
3. Designate the City Manager as the City official to execute and file all documents pertaining to the CDBG program, including making minor adjustments to project funding for the actual Fiscal Year 2024/2025 CDBG allocation; and,
4. Authorize the City Attorney to review/ prepare any necessary documents; and
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.