Title
a. Find that the Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program qualifies as use of an existing facility and is Categorically Exempt per Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines as presented in a Categorical Exemption report on November 6, 2018;
b. Approve findings and evidence supporting operation of a Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program at 2616 First Avenue in Marina to assist up to 15 vehicles overnight within an existing public (County) parking lot;
c. Approve and authorize the Acting Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Orphan Productions for $127,000 to provide a Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020;
d. Authorize the Acting Director or the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($12,700) of the contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work; and
e. Direct staff to continue efforts seeking other sites for this Program.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to:
a. Find that the Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program qualifies as use of an existing facility and is Categorically Exempt per Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines as presented in a Categorical Exemption report on November 6, 2018;
b. Approve findings and evidence supporting operation of a Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program at 2616 First Avenue in Marina to assist up to 15 vehicles overnight within an existing public (County) parking lot;
c. Approve and authorize the Acting Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Orphan Productions for $127,000 to provide a Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020;
d. Authorize the Acting Director or the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($12,700) of the contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work; and
e. Direct staff to continue efforts seeking other sites for this Program.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program at 2616 First Ave., Marina officially opened on December 15, 2017. The Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program was implemented in response to community complaints and concerns regarding persons living in their vehicles in an area just north of the City of Marina. Orphan Productions, a 501(c)3 community-based organization, contracted with the County, through the Department of Social Services, to administer the Safe Parking and Supportive Services program through June 30, 2019. Use of the program has continued to increase and presently has reached capacity. The program provides participants a safe parking space to sleep in their vehicle and offers supportive services such as case management, job search, housing search, and other support as uniquely identified. Portable hygiene, security and garbage facilities are on-site to support the program’s operation.
The Safe Parking and Supportive Services program has proven that it is fulfilling a need in our community. Parking logs indicate the lot is utilized by an average of 10-15 vehicles nightly. Furthermore, the additional supportive services have provided assistance to 17 individuals to move into new housing, assisted 11 individuals in finding new employment opportunities, responded to 1,479 telephone calls requesting information and referral services, and significantly reduced illegal parking in surrounding areas. Furthermore, the program has not received information or complaints regarding negative consequences occurring in the surrounding neighborhood as a result of the program being located in this area.
Staff are currently convening with local stakeholders to assess and identify other possible locations to house the program. One highly potential alternative site has been identified and is being actively pursued for necessary noticing, documentation and program preparation. While this is in process, it is determined that the current location is temporarily appropriate for continued operation. By continuing at the established location, the Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program will continue to provide a safe option for homeless individuals and families residing in their vehicle. An amendment will be prepared and submitted to this board once a new location is secured that is able to support the program in a longer-term capacity as funding allows.
CEQA: On November 6, 2018, a presentation to the Board of Supervisors was made of a report prepared by Rincon Consultants, under contract to Monterey County, to evaluate how the Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program qualifies as a Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines. The building and parking lot existed prior to closure of Fort Ord, where it was zoned and used for public/quasi-public purposes. In 1997, after Fort Ord closed, the site was transferred to Monterey County where is has continued operation by Monterey County for public/quasi-public purposes. The Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program utilizes a public parking lot for a public/quasi-public use, which concludes the project qualifies as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption for use of an existing facility. Staff finds that the conditions considered in that report remain applicable for this Program to continue through December 1, 2020.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Social Services, County Administrative Office, and Resource Management Agency have coordinated and been consulted with respect to the program. Additionally, these departments have partnered with the CoC under the oversight of the Leadership Council to strengthen homeless services throughout the county.
FINANCING:
Funding for these services is provided through County General Fund Contributions. Sufficient appropriations in SOC004 are included in the FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This proposed program correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working towards the goals of improving health and quality of life outcomes to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
X Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Glorietta Rowland, MAII x3584
Approved by: Henry Espinosa, Acting Director, x4430
Attachments: Orphan Productions Safe Parking Agreement, Categorical Exemption Report, 04.2019 Safe Parking Activity Report, and Resolution.
Proposed Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report