Title
a. Approve and authorize the Acting Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment #2 to Agreement #A-13791, adding $40,170, 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. Authorize 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. Approve and authorize 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 and Supportive Services program using funds financed by a release of $40,170 from General Fund Cannabis Assignment fund balance (BSA 001-3132) (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment #2 to Agreement #A-13791, adding $40,170, 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. Authorize 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% ($17,192) of the current amended contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work; and
c. Approve and authorize 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 and Supportive Services program using funds financed by a release of $40,170 from General Fund Cannabis Assignment fund balance (BSA 001-3132) (4/5ths vote required).
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 29, 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 8-12 vehicles nightly and a total of 18 vehicles have current permits. Furthermore, the additional supportive services have provided assistance to 21 individuals to move into new housing, assisted 14 individuals in finding new employment opportunities, responded to over 2,000 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 is in process, it is determined and mutually agreed upon by local stakeholders that the current location is appropriate for continued operation 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, 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 to June 30, 2019. The department has requested a budget augmentation to continue the program for fiscal year 19/20.
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 extension of the Orphan Productions agreement to March 31, 2019 and reducing the overall by $18,245 to $131,755 with the assumption that an application for HEAP funding would 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 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 large annual costs into monthly disbursements, thereby reducing the financial burden of covering those costs until reimbursement is received. 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 to fund the Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program in the FY 2018-19 Adopted Budget. The Department is requesting $40,170 in general fund Contributions to increase appropriations in the adopted FY 18-19 Community Programs Budget 001-5010-SOC004-8258 in the amount $40,170 using funds financed by a release of $40,170 from General Fund Cannabis Assignment fund balance (BSA 001-3132). On February 27, 2019, the Budget Committee supported this recommendation.
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.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
X Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Glorietta Rowland, MA II, x3584
Approved by: Henry Espinosa, Acting Director, x4430
Attachments: Original Agreement, Amendment #1, 2-2019 Activity Report, Resolution
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board