City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: 1/04/2010 Item Number: PH-1
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING – (1) Allocation of 2010-11
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds; (2) Adoption of Resolution
Authorizing the Filing of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-11 Application for Funding from
the CDBG Program; and (3) Approval of a CDBG Reimbursable Contract with the
County of Los Angeles Concerning Culver City’s FY 2010-11 CDBG Allocation.
Contact Person/Dept.: Kriss Casanova,
CDD
Phone Number: 310.253.5769
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [X] Action Item: [] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [] Date: 12/16/2009
CDBG Advisory Committee
Public Notification: Published in the Culver City News (12/17/09, 12/24/09 and 12/31/09);
(E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas – City Council (12/30/09).
Department Approval:
Sol Blumenfeld (12/23/09)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (12/28/09)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Mark Scott (by M. Noller) (12/28/09)
City Manager Approval:
Mark Scott (12/30/09)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council (1) approve the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee’s recommendations for the allocation of
CDBG funds for fiscal year (”FY”) 2010-11; (2) adopt a resolution authorizing the
filing of the FY 2010-11 application for funding from the CDBG program; and (3)
approve a CDBG Reimbursable Contract with the County of Los Angeles (County)
concerning Culver City’s FY 2010-11 CDBG Allocation.
PROCEDURE:
1. Mayor seeks motion from the City Council to receive and file the affidavits of
publication and posting of notices and correspondence received in response to
the public hearing notices; and,
2. Mayor calls for a staff report and the City Council Members may pose questions
to staff as desired; and,
3. Mayor seeks a motion to open the public hearing; and,
4. Mayor seeks motion to close the public hearing after all public testimony has
been presented; and,
5. The City Council discusses the item and arrives at its decision. City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
BACKGROUND:
The 1974 Housing Act authorized the allocation of block grants to eligible applicant
municipalities nationwide to be used in certain broad categories of activities in the
areas of housing and community development. Culver City has participated in the
CDBG program as a member of the Los Angeles Urban County Entitlement and to
date has completed thirty-five (35) application cycles of Block Grant funds. During
that time, the City has received an aggregate allocation in excess of $11 million.
These funds have been used to construct the Senior Center, improve the City’s
streetscape and infrastructure and modify City facilities to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates. CDBG funds have also been
applied to the administration of the CDBG program and to positions providing
programs and services for people with disabilities. The program is administered by
the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission.
To comply with CDBG citizen participation requirements, the City Council formed
the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee (CDBGAC). The
CDBGAC meets annually to evaluate the projects and activities proposed to be
funded; hear public comment; and then prioritize and make a recommendation to
the City Council as to which projects and activities to fund. The CDBGAC
orientation meeting was held on December 2, 2009. The CDBGAC held a
community meeting on December 16, 2009, during which the CDBGAC received
public comment before issuing their project priority and funding recommendations
for FY 2010-11.
DISCUSSION:
The anticipated funding is approximately $301,933 for FY 2010-11 with about
$12,000 carried over from FY 08-09 (which totals and estimated CDBG funding of
$313,933 available for FY 2010-11). The actual allocation will be finalized by the
County in late March, after the submission of the City’s CDBG application. Of the
total allocation for FY 2010-11, $172,736 is obligated for the repayment of a Section
108 Loan, which was used to partially fund construction of the City’s Senior Center.
Approximately $129,197 remains available to fund other CDBG projects.
Attached is information that describes program regulations and eligibility criteria, as
well as project descriptions for FY 2010-11 submitted by various City departments
to the CDBGAC. Per CDBG regulations, funding for public service projects is
capped at 15% of the City’s FY 2010-11 total allocations, and funding for general
administration of the CDBG program is capped at 10%. As in prior years, proposed
CDBG projects must have a minimum budget of $10,000 to be considered. If the
total funding amount is less than the anticipated level, adjustments will be made
accordingly to capital, administration, and public service project allocations.
City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
PROPOSED PROJECTS FOR 2010-11
The following recommendations were made by CDBGAC for the allocation of FY
2010-11 CDBG funding. The first three priorities are for City Council and public
service projects and the remaining funds are assigned to capital projects.
• Priority 1: Senior Center Section 108 Loan Repayment ($172,736): A Section
108 loan in the amount of $2,020,000 was used to partially fund construction
of the City’s Senior Center. The amount allotted for repayment of the loan in
FY 2010-11 is $172,736. The payment is taken directly from the City’s
allocation of CDBG funding. The obligation to repay this loan will conclude
with a final payment being made in August 2014.
• Priority 2: CDBG General Administration Authority ($30,193): This project is
to reimburse the City for staff time used to administer the CDBG program.
CDBG guidelines allow the City to apply up to 10% of the entitlement funds
for administration, which includes administrative, accounting and public
participation costs. CDBGAC recommends that $30,193, the full amount
allowable under CDBG regulations, be used to reimburse of the City for all
eligible costs associated with the administration of the City’s CDBG program.
• Priority 3: Disability Services Specialist ($45,290): The funding for this project
is a priority of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
and the Disability Advisory Committee. This position has been funded in part
with CDBG funds for the past 25 years. The Disability Services Specialist
assists in the identification of available community services, and implements,
conducts and facilitates services and programs for City residents with
disabilities. CDBGAC recommends allocating $45,290, the full amount
allowable under CDBG regulations. The General Fund has historically funded
the difference (estimated at $45,765 for FY 2010-11).
PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECTS
• Priority 4: Gateway Median Improvement Project ($43,600): This project will
provide landscape design services to landscape the four medians at the
eastern edge of the Phase I Area Improvement Plan (AIP) area along west
Washington Boulevard. This area was not included in the original
Redevelopment Agency project approval. CDBG funds will be used to hire a
landscape architect to design and prepare conceptual and construction
documents at a cost of approximately $43,600. The new median planting will
provide needed visual enhancement and help revitalize the area.
Construction of the AIP project is part of the current Redevelopment Agency
budget and proposed for the Redevelopment Agency FY 10/11 or 11/12 work
program. Upon further discussion by the CDBGAC, they moved to submit a
request to the City Council encouraging them to fund construction of the City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
gateway medians in a timely manner so that construction may commence
immediately following completion of Phase I Improvements.
In the event that the LA County CDC determines this project is ineligible for
funding, the CDBGAC created a list of alternative capital projects described
below that can be substituted.
• Priority 5: Purchase and Installation of an ADA approved lift for the Municipal
Plunge ($11,500): Swimming pools are required to have a transfer lift for the
purpose of assisting those with mobility-related disabilities to gain access to
the pool. Recently, the aging transfer lift at the Municipal Plunge failed.
Subsequently, it was determined that it was in need of replacement.
• Priority 6: Countdown Pedestrian Signals (remaining balance of $10,560):
CDBGAC recommended that the balance of remaining CDBG funds be
allocated to the installation of countdown pedestrian signals. This project was
proposed from the Department of Public Works and consists of having City
staff install countdown pedestrian signals at various intersections according to
safety needs. These traffic control devices yield more relevant and real time
information to pedestrians crossing any given signalized roadway.
A regular 4-way intersection would require 8 countdown pedestrian signals at
a cost of approximately $250 per signal.
Per CDBGAC’s recommendation, staff will check with surrounding cities to
see if any of them already have a similar contract in place that went through a
public bidding process for this equipment. If there is, staff may recommend
that the City Council authorize the City to participate in their unit bid price
contract for purchase of the countdown units.
PROPOSED ALTERNATE LIST OF CAPITAL PROJECTS
Listed below, and ranked in priority assigned by CDBGAC, is an alternative list of
projects recommended to the City Council to allocate funding if the Gateway Median
Improvement Project is deemed ineligible.
• ALT Priority 4: The purchase and installation of an ADA compliant lift for the
Municipal Plunge (listed as Priority 5 above).
• ALT Priority 5: The purchase and installation of three ADA compliant, electric
automatic doors for the Municipal Plunge. This project would replace three
sets of doors including the main facility entrance as well as the entrances to
the men’s and women’s changing rooms at a cost of $25,000. This facility
receives a large amount of usage by the community for recreational
purposes. Many swimming pool users are senior citizens and people with City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
disabilities who use the Municipal Plunge to meet their therapeutic fitness
needs.
• ALT Priority 6: The remaining balance of grant funds shall go towards the
purchase and installation of countdown pedestrian signals.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
Approval of CDBGAC’s recommendations will result in an impact to the City’s
General Fund. The position of Disability Services Specialist can only be funded
through CDBG at a maximum of $45,290, leaving an estimated additional $45,765
that CDBGAC requests be funded from the General Fund, consistent with the City’s
long standing past practice. These two amounts include both salary and benefits.
Funding would be appropriated through the upcoming FY 10-11 budget process.
With CDBGAC’s recommendation to fund the AIP median design, staff estimates an
additional funding of $200,000 from the Redevelopment Agency would be needed to
complete construction of the median improvements.
SUMMARY OF 2010-11 CDBGAC FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
Priority Project Title Recommended Funding
Priority 1 Senior Center 108 Loan Repayment $172,736
Priority 2 CDBG General Administration $ 30,193
Priority 3 Disability Services Specialist $ 45,290
Priority 4 Gateway Median Improvement Project $ 43,600
Priority 5 ADA approved lift for the Municipal Plunge $ 11,500
Priority 6 Countdown Pedestrian Signals Remaining Balance
TOTAL CDBGAC RECOMMENDATIONS: $313,516
ESTIMATED AVAILABLE FUNDING: $313,879
(Est. Allocation + Unprogrammed Funds from FY 2008-09)
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proposed Resolution authorizing the filing of the City’s 2010-11 CDBG
application;
2. DRAFT Minutes of the CDBG Advisory Committee Public Hearing conducted on
December 16, 2009; City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
3. Committee funding recommendations for FY 2010-11;
4. Information provided to CDBGAC; and,
5. List of Prioritized Intersections to Install Countdown Signals.
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1. Approve the FY 2010-11 CDBG projects, and,
2. Adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of the FY 2010-11 application for funding
from the Community Development Block Grant Program, including all
certifications; and,
3. Designate the City Manager as the authorized City official to execute and file all
documents pertaining to the CDBG program, including making minor adjustments
to project funding to address the actual 2010-11 CDBG Allocation; and,
4. Approve the CDBG Reimbursable Contract with the County of Los Angeles
concerning Culver City’s FY 2010-101 CDBG Allocation; and,
5. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and,
6. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.
MEETING DATE: January 4, 2010
AGENDA ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING - (1) Allocation of 2010-11
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Funds; (2) Adoption of Resolution Authorizing
the Filing of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-11
Application for Funding from the CDBG
Program; and (3) Approval of CDBG
Reimbursable Contract with the County of Los
Angeles Concerning Culver City’s FY 2010-11
CDBG Allocation.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution authorizing the filing of the City’s 2010-11
CDBG application;
1-3
2. DRAFT Minutes of the CDBG Advisory Committee Public
Hearing conducted on December 16, 2009;
4-9
3. Committee funding recommendations for FY 2010-11; 10
4. Information provided to CDBGAC; and,
5. List of Prioritized Intersections to Install Countdown Signals.
11-45
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ATTACHMENT 1
1ATTACHMENT 1
2ATTACHMENT 1
3CITY OF CULVER CITY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 16, 2009
DAN PATACCHIA CONFERENCE ROOM
CULVER CITY CITY HALL
9770 CULVER BOULEVARD
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
At the hour of 7:02 p.m. Chairman Vernon Taylor, Jr. called the regular meeting of the City of Culver City
Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee to order.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Taylor.
Present (voting): Anthony Pleskow (Planning Commission)
Mary Ann Greene (Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission)
Vernon L. Taylor, Jr. (Advisory Committee on Redevelopment)
Neil Rubenstein (Disability Advisory Committee)
Non-voting alternates: Linda Smith-Frost (Planning Commission)
Laura Stuart (Parks Recreation and Community Services Commission)
Paul Struhl (Advisory Committee on Redevelopment)
Absent (voting): Martha Gunther (Culver City Homeowners Association)
Nicole Julian (Teen Center)
Non-voting alternate: Robyn Tenensap (Disability Advisory Committee)
SECRETARY’S REPORT
It was moved (Rubenstein) and seconded (Greene) to receive and file the Secretary’s Report regarding
posting of the agenda, pursuant to Government Code Section 54454.2.
Motion passed 4-0.
ATTACHMENT 2
4Minutes of the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
December 16, 2009
Page 2 of 6
RECEIPT OF CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Ms. Sharon Bowman, representing the “Friends of the Culver City Scout House” addressed the
Committee to request they consider using funds to install a lift in the Veterans Memorial Building to
provide access the basement level meeting rooms. She believes the basement level meeting rooms are
no longer available to the public because the space does not comply with ADA requirements. Ms.
Bowman recommends the lift be installed in the exterior stairwell atrium. By bringing the area into
compliance with ADA, it will increase the amount of scarce meeting space in the City.
AGENDA ITEMS
CDBG Administrator/Economic Development Manager, Kriss Casanova presented the staff report
describing the process for selecting programs, projects and activities to be funded from the 2010-11
CDBG estimated allotment which Culver City expects to receive.
Member Rubenstein recommended that Ms. Bowman receive the necessary information so that she can
submit a request for funding an ADA compliant lift at the Veterans Memorial Building for the next year’s
funding cycle.
Senior & Social Services Manager, Armando Abrego stated that part of the problem about fixing the one
ADA compliance issue at the Veteran’s Memorial Building is that once some work is begun, the code
requires all necessary ADA upgrades be added which make the project more costly.
It was moved (Pleskow) and seconded (Greene) to receive and file the staff report. Motion approved
4-0.
Chairman Taylor then asked for the first presentation on the discretionary funding requests.
Senior Management Analyst Elaine Gerety-Warner presented a request for $43,600 for the Gateway
Median Improvement project design and responded to questions from the Committee. Ms. Gerety-
Warner advised that staff is working with the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission,
which administers the City’s CDBG funds to determine if this project is geographically eligible for funding.
Senior Civil Engineer, Hong Wang presented a request for $48,400 for a Countdown Pedestrian Signal
Project, and responded to questions from the Committee.
Senior Civil Engineer, Hong Wang presented a request for $43,065 for a Slurry Seal project and
responded to questions from the Committee.
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5Minutes of the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
December 16, 2009
Page 3 of 6
Senior & Social Services Manager, Armando Abrego presented the recommendation of the Parks,
Recreation and Community Services Department for funding. The recommended distribution of funds is:
1) Make the annual the Section 108 Loan repayment for the Senior Center construction;
2) Fund 15% of the Disability Services Specialist position;
3) Fund the grant administration expenses of 10% of the grant amount;
4) Purchase and installation of an ADA approved lift at a cost of $11,500 for the Municipal Plunge
at Veteran’s Park; and,
5) Replace three sets of doors at the Municipal Plunge with ADA handicap electric, automatic doors.
Senior and Social Services Specialist Darren Uhl presented the duties of the Disability Services Specialist
position.
Senior and Social Services Specialist Darren Uhl presented a request for $11,500 for a new ADA
compliant lift to install at the Municipal Plunge, and responded to questions from the Committee.
Senior & Social Services Manager, Armando Abrego presented a request for $25,000 for three sets of
doors at the Municipal Plunge with ADA handicap electric, automatic doors to replace the existing doors,
and responded to questions from the Committee.
Chairman Taylor announced the conclusion of the staff presentations and invited the Committee begin
deliberations to formulate a list of recommended projects to the City Council.
It was moved (Rubenstein) and seconded (Greene) to recommend to the City Council that the City
Council select the following activities for funding:
a) Make the annual re-payment of the Section 108 loan which was used for construction of the
Senior Center;
b) Allocate the maximum 15% of public service to fund the Disability Services Specialist position;
and,
c) Allocate the maximum 10% for administrative expenses.
Motion passed 4-0.
Chairman Taylor stated that the Committee must now make recommendations for allocating the
remaining grant funds estimated to total $65,660.00.
It was moved (Rubenstein) to recommend:
a) The purchase and installation of the ADA compliant lift for the Municipal Plunge; and,
b) The purchase and installation of the countdown pedestrian signal devices.
Motion died for lack of a second.
It was moved (Pleskow) to recommend:
ATTACHMENT 2
6Minutes of the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
December 16, 2009
Page 4 of 6
a) $10,000 for the purchase and installation of countdown pedestrian signals;
b) The purchase and installation of an ADA compliant lift for the Municipal Plunge;
c) The Gateway median improvement project; and,
d) The remaining balance of grant funds shall go towards additional countdown pedestrian signals.
Motion died for lack of a second.
It was moved (Pleskow) and seconded (Rubenstein) to recommend:
a) The Gateway median improvement project;
b) The purchase and installation of an ADA compliant lift for the Municipal Plunge; and,
c) The remaining balance of grant funds shall go towards additional countdown pedestrian signals.
Member Rubenstein suggested the Motion be amended to add that the City consider coordinating a
bulk purchase of the countdown pedestrian signals with other nearby cities to achieve an economy.
Chairman Taylor suggested the Motion be amended to add that the City should prioritize the list of
intersections to receive the countdown pedestrian signals to address the intersections with the
greatest safety needs first.
Member Pleskow accepted Member Rubenstein’s amendment and agreed to amend his own
Motion to recommend to the City Council that the first two intersections to received countdown
pedestrian signals should be the intersections of Elenda Street and Washington Boulevard and
Elenda Street and Culver Boulevard.
Motion passed 3-1 (Member Greene dissenting.)
Member Stuart stated she believes the Committee should also provide a recommendation to the
City Council in the event that the Gateway median project is declared ineligible.
CDBG Administrator/Economic Development Manager Kriss Casanova advised that it would be
helpful to staff if the committee prioritized all the proposed projects.
It was moved (Pleskow) and seconded (Greene) that if the Gateway Median project is declared
ineligible, the following alternate list shall become the list of projects recommended to the City
Council for funding:
a) The purchase and installation of an ADA compliant lift for the Municipal Plunge;
b) The purchase and installation of three ADA handicap, electric automatic doors for the Municipal
Plunge; and,
c) The remaining balance of grant funds shall go towards the purchase and installation of
countdown pedestrian signals.
And that the same amendments which were a part of the last motion are included in this motion,
specifically:
ATTACHMENT 2
7Minutes of the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
December 16, 2009
Page 5 of 6
1) A recommendation to the City Council regarding bulk purchases with other cities for the
countdown pedestrian signals; and
2) A recommendation to the City Council to direct staff to prioritize the intersections to receive
the countdown pedestrian signals according to safety needs.
Motion passed 4-0.
Upon further discussion by the Members, it was moved (Greene) and seconded (Rubenstein) to
recommend that the Committee submit a letter to the City Council encouraging the City Council to
fund construction of the Gateway medians in a timely manner so that construction may occur
without a delay after completion of the median design.
Motion passed 4-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
No other business.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved (Pleskow) and seconded (Green) to adjourn at 10:09
p.m. to a date to be determined
Motion passed 4-0.
_______________________________________
Kriss Casanova
SECRETARY of the Culver City Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
APPROVED ____________________
_______________________________________
Vernon L. Taylor, Jr.
CHAIR of the Culver City Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
City of Culver City, California
ATTACHMENT 2
8Minutes of the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
December 16, 2009
Page 6 of 6
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that, on the date below
written, these minutes were filed in the Office of the City Clerk, City of Culver City, California and
constitute the Official Minutes of said meeting.
_________________________ _________________________
Martin R. Cole Date
CITY CLERK
By: ____________________
Ela Valladares
Deputy City Clerk
ATTACHMENT 2
9
COMMITTEE FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2010-11
1. ESTIMATED 2010-11 CDBG GRANT ALLOCATION
• Estimated: $301,933.
• Carry-Over from 2008-09: $11,946.
• Estimated Available Funding: $313,879
2. FISCAL YEAR 2010-11 PROJECT REQUESTS
• The Public Service funding maximum is 15% of the annual allocation, or
$45,290.
• The General Administration funding maximum is 10% of the annual allocation, or
$30,193.
PROJECT TYPE
PROJECT
FUNDING
REQUESTS
Council
Commitment
Annual repayment for $2 million Section 108
Loan for Senior Center Project
$172,736
CDD/Priority/
Administration
General Administration for CDBG (10% of
allocation maximum)
$30,193
Public Service Disability Services Staff $45,290
Subtotal: $248,219
The following Capital Projects are listed in priority order, with an alternate list of
projects recommended if the Gateway Median Improvement Project is declared
ineligible.
Priority #1 Gateway Median Improvement Project $43,600
Priority #2 ADA Lift at Municipal Plunge $11,500
Priority #3 Countdown Pedestrian Signals $10,560
ALT Priority #1 ADA Lift at Municipal Plunge $11,500
ALT Priority #2 ADA Doors at Municipal Plunge $25,000
ALT Priority #3 Countdown Pedestrian Signals $29,160
Capital Projects Subtotal: $65,660
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Estimated 2010-11 CDBG Allocation + 08/09 Carry-Over: $313,879
Section 108 Loan Payment: $172,736
Administrative Maximum: $30,193
Public Service Maximum: $45,290
Capital Projects: $65,660
TOTAL: $313,879
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9770 CULVER BOULEVARD CULVER CITY, CA 90232-0507
TEL 310.253.5760 FAX 310.253.5779
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMUNITY MEETING
DECEMBER 16, 2009 AT 7:00 P.M.
DATE: December 10, 2009
TO: CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THROUGH: Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director
Todd Tipton, Redevelopment Administrator
FROM: Kriss Casanova, CDBG Administrator / Economic Development Manager
RE: Fiscal Year 2010-11 Community Development Block Grant Report
Project Description
A community meeting to obtain public input on projects proposed to be funded from the
Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) allocation in fiscal year (“FY”) 2010-11
and to identify CDBG Advisory Committee (the “Committee”) recommendations that will
be presented to the Culver City City Council (the “Council”) for implementation.
Introduction
Since 1988, Council has directed the Committee to conduct the initial CDBG meeting,
which aims to prioritize projects for the coming fiscal year. The Committee’s charge is
to incorporate public input into its final project priority recommendations to the City
Council. The Committee’s recommendations will be presented to the City Council for
consideration on January 4, 2010.
Notice of the December 16, 2009 meeting was published in the Culver City News on
December 3 and 10, 2009. Notice was also posted in front of City Hall on December 11,
2009. A public information report was advertised as available at the Culver City Julian
Dixon Library, the Culver City Senior Center, and the offices of the Culver City
Redevelopment Agency.
Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
ATTACHMENT 4
39COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 10, 2009
PAGE 2 OF 7
The Committee was created in order to increase the amount of public input related to the
allocation of the City’s CDBG monies. The six-member Committee is constituted of one
designated representative from each of the following groups: Culver City Planning
Commission, Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission,
Culver City Disability Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee on Redevelopment,
the Culver City Homeowners’ Association and a youth representative.
Community Development Block Grant Status
On December 17, 2007, the Committee recommended projects for FY 2009-10 funding.
The projects were approved by Council on January 12, 2008. All projects were part of
the Los Angeles Urban County CDBG application and were approved by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) upon submission. At this time,
all current CDBG projects are being executed, and will be completed by June 30, 2009,
with the exception of the Culver City Senior Center Section 108 loan repayment, which
has a multi-year schedule.
Funding of Nonprofit Agencies
At Council's direction, staff studies the options for funding nonprofit projects using
CDBG funds. The most recent report to Council regarding the use of funds for
nonprofits was provided during the January 7, 2002 Council meeting.
Staff’s direction from Council was to only fund City-initiated programs/activities. Council
will consider funding sub-grantees with future CDBG monies once the Section 108 Loan
(Senior Center) is repaid.
Redevelopment Agency Funding for the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP)
In past years, the Culver City Redevelopment Agency (the “Agency”) used CDBG
monies to fund the NPP, which assists low and moderate income Culver City
homeowners and tenants. Beginning with FY 1991-92, Council and Agency approved a
policy whereby NPP monies from CDBG were replaced with Agency Housing Set-Aside
monies. This policy supports the City’s Housing Element as well as the Agency’s “Low
and Moderate Income Housing Policy and Five Year Implementation Plan”.
The Agency continues to honor Culver City's commitment to serve the housing
conservation/rehabilitation needs of its low to moderate income homeowners and
tenants. The NPP is implemented by the Culver City’s Housing Division, as has been
done in the past.
FY 2010-11 Community Development Plan and Program
Staff recommends implementing the CDBG program for FY 2010-11 in order to:
ATTACHMENT 4
40COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 10, 2009
PAGE 3 OF 7
A. Stabilize and preserve existing residential neighborhoods by developing public
infrastructure and improving supportive public facilities to prevent and
eliminate blight.
B. Provide funding for grant administration and projects serving the elderly,
disabled, and youth.
Anticipated Funding for the FY 2010-11 CDBG Program
Staff estimates receiving $301,933 in CDBG funding for FY 2010-11 with an additional
$12,000 carried over from FY 2008-09. Culver City’s final allocation amount will not be
known until February 2010 or later, due to federal and Los Angeles County
administrative procedures.
Culver City Funding Strategy
Culver City’s policy is to first use its most restricted funds for public projects before using
other funding sources, such as the General Fund. Grant monies, such as CDBG funds
are typically the most restricted because of shorter expiration dates, as well as
administrative and other requirements that limit their flexibility.
Culver City must spend an amount equivalent to all but 150% of its annual allocation by
the ninth month of the program year. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the number of
projects to ensure timely expenditure of CDBG funds. To avoid penalties, the City must
implement projects during FY 2010-11 (NOTE: except for construction projects, which
can be scheduled over two year’s time).
Culver City will obtain CDBG budget authority to implement projects beginning July 1,
2010. Cities that fail to meet the drawdown requirement will risk losing future funding.
Since Culver City spends over half of its allocation on the Senior Center loan repayment,
this requirement has been easily met.
Federal Funding Eligibility Requirements
Below are some general federal funding CDBG eligibility requirements. For additional
information on CDBG eligibility requirements, please see the Public Information Report.
1. For FY 2010-11, between 70% and 100% of all City CDBG funds should be
obligated for projects benefiting persons/neighborhoods of up to 80% of County
median income (not exceeding $55,450 for a family of four). Please refer to
maps in the Public Information Report delineating the current eligible Census
Tract/Block Groups.
2. Up to 30% of funding (approximately $90,579) may be spent for public
infrastructure projects that eliminate or prevent blight within areas that meet
HUD standards for blight and environmental deficiencies. At this time, only two
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Block Groups within Census Tract 7024 in east Culver City qualify in this
category.
3. Capital projects benefiting the elderly, including the Culver City Senior Center
project, or projects benefiting the disabled, such as compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are presumed to be eligible for CDBG
funding.
4. CDBG administrative and participation costs cannot exceed 10% of the City’s
annual grant.
5. Public Service projects must assist the elderly/disabled and/or low-to-moderate
income persons. Public Service projects are limited to 15% of the total annual
allocation.
FY 2010-11 Projects Recommended by City Staff
Please see the Public Information Report for additional information on the projects
below:
A. Culver City Senior Center Loan Repayment: The City Council has committed to a
15-year annual repayment schedule from CDBG for the Section 108 loan
received for construction of the Culver City Senior Center. As a result, $172,736
of the Culver City’s 2010-11 CDBG funding is obligated for loan repayment.
B. Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and Disability Advisory
Committee Recommendations:
• Disability Services Specialist: This request is the highest priority of the
Disability Advisory Committee and the Department of Parks, Recreation,
and Community Services. The Disability Services Specialist provides
resources for community services, and implements, conducts and
facilitates services and programs for Culver City residents with disabilities.
Funding for this project cannot exceed 15% of the City’s annual CDBG
funding. Based on the current estimate, the maximum funding available
for this project is $45,290.
• Purchase and installation of an ADA approved lift for the Municipal Plunge
at Veterans Park: Swimming pools are required to have a transfer lift for
the purpose of assisting those with mobility-related disabilities to gain
access to the water. Recently, the aging transfer lift at the Municipal
Plunge failed and must be replaced. This project will cost $11,500.
• Culver City Municipal Plunge ADA Doors: This project would replace three
sets of doors including the main facility entrance as well as the entrances
to the men’s and women’s changing rooms with upgraded ADA
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compliant, automatic doors at a cost of $25,000. This facility receives a
large amount of usage by the community for recreational purposes. Many
swimming pool users are senior citizens and people with disabilities who
use the Municipal Plunge to meet therapeutic fitness needs.
C. Public Works Department Recommendations: The Public Works Department,
Engineering Division, has made the following recommendations for 2010-11
CDBG funding:
• Countdown Pedestrian Signal Installation Project: This project proposes
installing countdown pedestrian signals at 23 intersections. A regular 4-
way intersection requires eight (8) countdown pedestrian signals at a cost
of approximately $250 each for a total of $48,400. Therefore, 176
countdown pedestrian signals are needed for the 23 intersections. Public
Works staff will perform the installations.
• Slurry Seal Project: This project will install a slurry seal coat on the existing
asphalt pavement on Caroline Ave., Sherbourne Dr., Reid Ave., and
Sentney Ave. in order to extend its life. The project will cost $43,065.
D. Community Development Department Recommendations: The Community
Development Department has made the following recommendations for 2010-11
CDBG funding:
• CDBG General Administration: This project provides reimbursement to
Culver City for the costs of CDBG administration, including the citizen
participation and public hearing process, as well as accounting and
auditing costs. Reimbursement for CDBG Administration cannot
exceed 10% of Culver City's annual CDBG allocation. Based on the
current funding estimate from the Los Angeles County Community
PRIORITY PROJECT AMOUNT
#1 Disability Services Specialist
(salary and benefits)
$45,290
#2 Plunge Lift $11,500
#3 Plunge ADA Doors $25,000
TOTAL: $81,790
PRIORITY PROJECT AMOUNT
#1 Countdown Pedestrian Signals $48,400
#2 Slurry Seal Project $43,065
TOTAL: $91,465
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Development Commission (LACDC), $30,193 is the maximum funding
available for this project in FY 2010-11.
• Median Design: This project will provide for landscape design services
to replant four medians within the Phase I AIP area along west
Washington Boulevard. CDBG money will be used to hire a landscape
architect to design and prepare construction documents at a cost of
$43,600. The replanting of the medians will help to revitalize the area.
E. Public Comments: No public comments have been received at this time. Any
public comments received after the preparation of the staff report will be
presented at the public hearing.
FY 2010-11 CDBG Program Funding Options and Recommendations
Culver City estimates receiving $301,933 in CDBG funding for 2010-11. The anticipated
allocation is insufficient to fully fund all requested projects for the program year even
with the additional $12,000 in carry-over funds. The Council requests that the
Committee conduct this evening's meeting to consider public input on all eligible
projects, as well as additional information presented by Culver City staff. The
Committee is charged with recommending to Council a list of projects to fund in FY
2010-11 with CDBG monies. The Committee shall list projects in priority order, with
specified dollar amounts for each project.
A. Funding Options: The City expects to allocate $129,197 in CDBG funds for
projects in the FY 2010-11 (after deducting the obligatory commitment for the
Senior Center federal loan repayment). The Committee can decide to reduce the
funding of one or more projects; eliminate a project (or projects); defer a project;
or recommend a project for approval in phases, with part of the needed funds
coming from 2010-11 and the balance from anticipated 2011-12 CDBG monies.
The Committee may also recommend funding subject to additional
information/documentation submitted for the City Council public hearing on
January 4, 2010.
B. Funding Recommendations:
1. Staff recommends that the Committee anticipate a funding shortfall (i.e.
less than the expected $301,933) and program accordingly. The
PRIORITY PROJECT AMOUNT
#1 General Administration $30,193
#2 Median Design $43,600
TOTAL: $73,793
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Committee may wish to designate a single project, or multiple projects,
for a reduction in funding should a shortfall occur.
2. Staff recommends that an increase in CDBG allocation, either from
projects completed under budget OR from additional allocations, be
programmed as follows:
a. That CDBG projects experiencing budget shortfalls receive the
additional allocation (funding subject to approval by City Manager).
b. That additional CDBG funds not needed for the above purposes be
allocated to other eligible projects as determined by City Council.
RECOMMENDED MOTIONS:
1. That the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee recommend to
the City Council for approval:
a. Adoption of the 2010-11 Community Development Plan as set forth in this
report (or as amended); and
b. Adoption of the 2010-11 Community Development Program including
CDBGAC recommended projects in priority order, and at specified dollar
amounts, per the recommendations set forth in this report (or as amended).
2. That the Committee direct the Secretary (CDBG Administrator) to transmit the
minutes of the December 16, 2009 meeting to each of the members of the
Committee Development Block Grand Advisory Committee, and to authorize the
Chairperson to sign the minutes as prepared, or as modified, based on changes as
requested by members and accepted by the Chair.
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45Countdown Pedestrian Signals
List of Prioritized Intersections
Proposed Intersections
Signals
Required
1. Culver Boulevard and Elenda Avenue 8
2. Washington Boulevard and Elenda Avenue 4
3. Overland Ave @ Braddock Dr. * 8
4. Overland Ave. @ Franklin Dr. * 8
5. Jefferson Boulevard and Duquesne Avenue 8
6. Washington Boulevard and Helms Ave * 4
7. Washington Boulevard and Wade Street 10
8. Washington Boulevard and Rosabelle Street 4
9. Washington Place and Zanja Street 2
10. Washington Boulevard and Washington Place 4
11. Washington Boulevard and Hughes Avenue 8
12. Washington Boulevard and Inglewood Boulevard 8
13. Washington Boulevard and Centinela Avenue 8
14. Washington Boulevard and Grand View Boulevard 8
15. Washington Boulevard and Redwood Avenue 8
16. Washington Boulevard and Beethoven Street 8
17. Washington Boulevard and Sawtelle Boulevard 8
18. Washington Place and Sawtelle Boulevard 8
19. Culver Boulevard and Madison Avenue 8
20. Washington Boulevard and Girard Avenue 8
21. Washington Boulevard and Culver Center 8
22. Washington Boulevard an La Cienega Boulevard 8
23. Jefferson Boulevard and Kinston Avenue 8
24. Jefferson Boulevard and Cota Street 8
25. Sepulveda Boulevard and Sawtelle Boulevard 8
* Intersections indentified subsequent of the original submission of the list to CDBG committee
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