Title
a. Support approving and authorizing the Acting Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment #2 to Agreement #A-13791, adding $40,170, effective March 15, 2019, and extending operation of the Monterey County Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program through June 30, 2019, increasing the total contract amount to $171,925;
b. Support authorizing the Acting 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% ($17,192) of the current amended contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work; and
c. 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 $40,170 to fund the Safe Parking program; financed by a release of $40,170 from the General Fund Cannabis Assignment fund balance (BSA 001-3132); OR
d. Authorize the allocation of $40,170 from General Fund Contingencies to fund the Safe Parking program in FY 2018/19 Adopted Budget; 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 $40,170 to fund the Safe Parking program, financed by a transfer of current year contingencies of $40,170 from CAO-General Fund Contingencies, 001-1050-CAO020-8034 for FY 2018-19;
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Support approving and authorizing the Acting Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment #2 to Agreement #A-13791, adding $40,170, effective March 15, 2019, and extending operation of the Monterey County Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program through June 30, 2019, increasing the total contract amount to $171,925;
b. Support authorizing the Acting 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% ($17,192) of the current amended contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work; and
c. 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 $40,170 to fund the Safe Parking program; financed by a release of $40,170 from the General Fund Cannabis Assignment fund balance (BSA 001-3132); OR
d. Authorize the allocation of $40,170 from General Fund Contingencies to fund the Safe Parking program in FY 2018/19 Adopted Budget; 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 $40,170 to fund the Safe Parking program, financed by a transfer of current year contingencies of $40,170 from CAO-General Fund Contingencies, 001-1050-CAO020-8034 for FY 2018-19;
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 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 reached capacity and the program was extended on a short-term basis through March 31, 2019. 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 8-12 vehicles nightly. Furthermore, the additional supportive services has provided assistance to 19 individuals to move into new housing, 13 individuals in finding new employment opportunities, responded to over 1,800 telephone calls requesting information and referral services, and significantly reduced illegal parking in surrounding areas.
Staff are currently convening with local stakeholders to assess and identify other possible locations to house the program. While this process is in progress, it is determined and mutually agreed upon by local stakeholders that the current location is appropriate for continued operations and the Categorical Exemption Report prepared in December finds that the site remains acceptable for this use through December 1, 2020.
By continuing at the established location through June 30, 2019, 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 while a long-term plan can be developed that considers ongoing funding and site location needs. Recently, it became apparent that the Safe Parking program does not qualify for HEAP funding because it does not fall under the criteria of the “Housing First” model.
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 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:
In November 2018, the Board approved the term of the Orphan Productions agreement to March 31, 2019 and reducing the overall agreement by $18,245 to $131,755 with the assumption that an application for HEAP funding was going to be submitted for future funding. However, it recently became apparent that the Safe Parking program does not qualify for a HEAP funding application because it does not fall under the criteria of the “Housing First” model.
To fund the extension through June 30, 2019, the Department will need appropriations and General Fund Contributions increased by $40,170. When the last amendment was developed, it was not known that the monthly costs were going to rise due to the contractor’s need to switch annual costs into monthly disbursements, thereby reducing the financial burden of covering large costs till reimbursement is received. Weeks. Additionally, the contractor was requested to scale back their costs however the Program cannot maintain the scaled back costs and maintain the level of security/oversight. This caused an estimated shortfall in the current Amendment #1 by $6,824 for March, therefore Amendment #2 will be effective March 15th. The remaining funds of $33,345 is estimated for the period of April - June 2019, totaling $40,170 for Amendment #2.
The Department has no additional funding available in the FY 2018-19 Adopted Budge and are requesting $40,170 in General Fund Contributions with recommending option “C” or a combination of “D and E”.
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
Attachment: Safe Parking Activity Report
Attachment on file with the Clerk of the Board