Title
a. Support finding that the Safe Parking Program located at 2616 First Ave. in Marina, CA qualifies for a Class 1 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines, and none of the exceptions to the categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15300.2 apply;
b. Support approving and authorizing the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment #1 to Agreement #A-13791, subtracting $18,245, effective November 30, 2018, and extending operation of the Monterey County Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program through March 31, 2019, decreasing the total contract amount to $131,755;
c. Support authorizing 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% ($13,175) of the current amended contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work;
d. Support approving and authorizing the Auditor-Controller to increase appropriations in the adopted FY 18-19 Community Programs Budget 001-5010-SOC004-8258 in the amount $18,750.65 to fund the Safe Parking program using funds from one of the options discussed in the Financing Section of this Board Report; and
e. Support approving and authorizing the Auditor-Controller to increase appropriations in the adopted FY 18-19 Community Programs Budget 001-5010-SOC004-8258 in the amount $10,000 for the CEQA Study using funds from one of the options discussed in the Financing Section of this Board Report.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
a. Support finding that the Safe Parking Program located at 2616 First Ave. in Marina, CA qualifies for a Class 1 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines, and none of the exceptions to the categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15300.2 apply;
b. Support approving and authorizing the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment #1 to Agreement #A-13791, subtracting $18,245, effective November 30, 2018, and extending operation of the Monterey County Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program through March 31, 2019, decreasing the total contract amount to $131,755;
c. Support authorizing 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% ($13,175) of the current amended contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work;
d. Support approving and authorizing the Auditor-Controller to increase appropriations in the adopted FY 18-19 Community Programs Budget 001-5010-SOC004-8258 in the amount $18,750.65 to fund the Safe Parking program using funds from one of the options discussed in the Financing Section of this Board Report; and
e. Support approving and authorizing the Auditor-Controller to increase appropriations in the adopted FY 18-19 Community Programs Budget 001-5010-SOC004-8258 in the amount $10,000 for the CEQA Study using funds from one of the options discussed in the Financing Section of this Board Report.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In the County of Monterey, there are increasing numbers of homeless individuals who are identified as homeless, living in their vehicles, on the streets, or other areas not intended for human habitation. Vehicle dwelling by persons experiencing homelessness is scattered throughout the County, with some areas having greater density and issues of occupied vehicles than others. Vehicles provide a sense of security for persons experiencing homelessness, as they help alleviate fears that are commonly associated with living on the streets or in a shelter. Ordinances have been enacted that do not allow for overnight parking on certain County roads and city roads. Thus, homeless individuals living in their vehicles must move repeatedly, or face the risk of citations and towing. This lack of stability further entrenches individuals into homelessness, and negatively impacts their path to self-sufficiency and housing.
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 501c (3) community based organization, contracted with the County, through the Department of Social Services, to administer the Safe Parking and Supportive Services program through November 30, 2018. 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. Other locations were explored, however it was determined that the current location was the most appropriate for continued operations.
During the initial months of this program, the operator alerted law enforcement of unauthorized vehicles parking in and around this county safe parking program, however as the program became more established, unauthorized parking has ceased and calls to law enforcement became unnecessary. As far as the County and the service provider are aware, no complaints from the public or other entities regarding the participants or operations of this program have been made to law enforcement.
Staff contracted, and worked, with Rincon Consultants, Inc to prepare the environmental analysis of continuing the Monterey County Safe Parking Program at the current site potentially through December 1, 2020. Rincon prepared a Categorical Exemption Report. Staff concurs in the report’s conclusion, finding that the action qualifies as being categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Program occurs at an existing public facility meeting the criteria in CEQA Guideline section 15301 because this project involves renewal of an existing County program in a County-owned parking lot which served as the parking lot prior to implementation of the program. Authorizing overnight parking on the existing parking lot involves negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination and the program will not result in any potentially significant environmental impacts. Over the past year, this project has proven that there are no unusual circumstances that would create an exception to this exemption (Section 15300.2 CEQA Guidelines). To get the study completed, the Department of Social Services agreed to reimburse RMA for the CEQA study in the amount of $10,000 and the Department is requesting reimbursement for this County-funded program expense.
By continuing at the established location, the Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program can continue to provide a safe option for homeless individuals and families residing in their vehicle. The proposed amendment provides continuity of services and location until additional funding resources such as the release of the Homeless Emergency Assistance Program(HEAP) Request for Proposals. The County of Monterey will provide support to Orphan Productions in applying for HEAP assistance through the Continuum of Care (CoC) to fund future services beyond March 31, 2019.
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. County Counsel has approved the amendment and CEQA actions as to legal form. Additionally, these departments have partnered with the CoC under the oversight of the Leadership Council to strengthen homeless services throughout the county.
FINANCING:
Orphan Productions incurred expenditures of $63,004.35 in FY 2017-18; the estimated costs from July 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019 are $68,750.65, resulting in a revised agreement total of $131,755. The Department submitted an augmentation for approval during the Budget Hearings for a 12-month Safe Parking Program in the amount $150,000 for FY 18/19, however, the Board approved $50,000 funding through the current term of November 29, 2018 and asked the Department to re-evaluate the program and come back to the Board. Based upon the current assessment of the program, the Department needs an additional $28,750.65 to fund the CEQA Study and the contract through March 31, 2019. The recommended action will result in a total financial commitment of $78,750.65 in FY 2018-19. The Department shall be working with the contractor to submit a funding proposal for HEAP funding once the Request for Proposal has been released. If the proposal is not granted, the Department will return to the Board for further direction on the sustainability of this program. The Department has no additional funding available in the FY 2018-19 Adopted Budget.
To fund the extension through March 31, 2019, the Department will need appropriations increased. The following options to fund the recommendations totaling $28,750.65 in appropriations that are required to implement the recommended actions include:
• Option 1 - Transfer current year contingencies of $28,750.65 from CAO-General Fund Contingencies, 001-1050-CAO020-8034 for FY 2018-19;
OR
• Option 2 - Financed by a release of $28,750.65 from General Fund Cannabis Assignment fund balance (BSA 001-3132)
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
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Becky Cromer, Interim Finance Director, x4404
Approved by: Henry Espinosa, Acting Director, x4430
Attachments: CEQA Categorical Exemption Report