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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-31-1995 City Council Study Session IUNUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1995 - ***************************************************************** CALL TO ORDER The City Council study Session was called to order by Mayor Washburn at 8:35 a.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Clerk Kasad. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILKEKBERS: ALONGI, BENDER, BRINLEY, PAPE, WASHBURN ABSENT: COUNCILKEKBERS: NONE Also present were: City Manager Molendyk, Assistant City Manager Rogers, Community services Director Sapp, Community services Manager Best, Public Services Director Tecca, City Planner Leslie, Manager of Special proj ects Watenpaugh, Special proj ects Coordinator Wood and City Clerk Kasad. - DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Communitv DeveloDment Block Grant ApDlications. (F:84.2) ci ty Manager Molendyk explained that this is part of the annual process for C.D.B.G. fund distribution. He stressed efforts by staff to identify the most efficient use of the funds available, and noted the decreasing funds and increasing needs. (C.D.B.G. ) Funding Community Services Director Sapp explained that the annual allocation is done through H.U.D., based on population. He noted that it is anticipated that this year's allocation will be approximately $157,000 of which 15% can be used for public services. He further noted that the applications received this year are the same as last year. He detailed the requests and staff recommendations. City Manager Molendyk noted that the Swick/Matich Park upgrade would provide a parking lot which would also service the permanent boat launch facility. Mayor Washburn requested a brief report from each organization requesting a portion of these funds with regard to how much 1-.hpv rpl"!p;UDn 1~~t- '\TD~'" ~nn un::at- ~no rnnne! t.10....0 ne!""'~ .f:^.... PAGE TWO - STUDY SESSION - JANUARY 31, 1995 Community Services Director Sapp commented that staff, with Council approval, will also be submitting an application for a portion of the County allocation to provide improvements at the Senior Center. Mayor Pro Tem Bender questioned the anticipated $157,000 and how to handle the distribution if the total allocation was ultimately less. He suggested that the various allocations be a percentage of the total rather than a set dollar amount. Mr. Sapp indicated that while the County can require a reallocation of funds, this is generally an accurate figure. - Councilman Pape noted the portion suggested for retrofit at the Community Center and inquired whether additional funds could be taken from the Swick/Matich Upgrade to address other concerns at the community Center, such as heating & air conditioning or the roof. City Manager Molendyk clarified the use of funds and stressed that the retrofit is to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements which qualify for funding; however the other improvements would not qualify for these funds. Mr. Sapp further clarified that the service area of the Community Center does not qualify for C.D.B.G. funding, but A.D.A. automatically qualifies. Councilman Pape inquired why the upgrade at Swick/Matich would qualify. Mr. Molendyk explained that it is within a qualifying service area. Councilman Alongi further questioned the possibility of providing additional improvements at the Community Center and stressed the deficiencies of the building. He expressed concern that the parking lot for the ball field was more important than saving a building from further deterioration. Mr. Sapp reiterated the limitations on the use of these funds and stressed that the Community Center service area does not meet the Low and Moderate Income criteria. Councilman Alongi .... questioned who determines the Low and Moderate criteria. Mr. Molendyk advised that the criteria is set by the Federal Government. Mr. Sapp detailed the efforts to obtain county approval for the requested projects so they will support the funding. Mayor Washburn requested input from the organizations on the public service requests. city Manager Molendyk noted that there are three new Councilmembers since last year and requested a brief overview and background from the organizations. Ben Nobel, Vice President of the Board for Alternative to Domestic Violence, introduced Ms. Chris Ogawa, Executive Director. Chris Ogawa explained that Alternatives to Domestic Violence has served Riverside County since 1978; cover the entire county; receive CDBG funds from other cities, the County, and united Way. She explained the they receive Emergency Shelter Grant money because ADV provides emergency shelter for battered women. Ms. Ogawa noted that their organization will ___....: __ ......_ ,...: ... _____~, ___ _4/: ......_ .&:__. ......._. ......_.. ____.: ...._ PAGE THREE - STUDY SESSION - JANUARY 31, 1995 - Lake Elsinore last year, and advised that the program received $7,000 last year. She thanked the City, and noted that all money goes directly to the shelters and the clients' needs. Councilwoman Brinley asked if there is a shelter in the City of Lake Elsinore. Ms. Ogawa stated that there is not. Councilwoman Brinley asked if their organization counsels children in High School as well. Ms. Ogawa stated that their organization is developing a program for teenagers since they are finding out that the problems can start there. She explained that anyone can call the crisis line and their organization will present a program at the local high school. Mayor Pro Tem Bender asked what the ADV definition of Lake Elsinore is. Ms. Ogawa stated that it is defined by Lake Elsinore City proper, and explained that they work from exact addresses and have exact figures. She explained that the I-15 Region is along I-15, including Corona, Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore and surrounding County areas. Mayor Pro Tem Bender questioned the 532 calls in 1994, for Lake Elsinore and stated that compared to the entire County, there should be no more than 290 calls and asked why there were 532. She stated that there is no way to keep count of the duplications of call from the same persons, since they will make multiple calls before giving exact information, therefore only the area is known and not the exact address. Mr. Nobel explained the process and why the number is so different. - City Manager Molendyk explained that the victim of domestic violence are afraid to call for police help and will make a number to calls to the ADV crisis line to get verbal assistance. He explained that the City of Lake Elsinore has a higher statistic of domestic violence since the average age group is 28.4 and his understanding is that domestic violence is more prevalent in the 18-32 age group. City Manager Molendyk stated that the money requested is to support the services, but he felt that the way to possibly drop the number of felons caused by domestic violence is through education and programs presented to the public. Mayor Washburn asked what education process the organization takes the person who is a victim of domestic violence through. Ms. Ogawa stated that the philosophy of the organization is self sufficiency. She explained that many of the women have been isolated, have low self esteem and feel that they cannot take care of themselves and their children. She further explained that they help them access resources in the community such as social services, law enforcement, aid in paper work, housing, food and clothing. She noted that they provide what the victim is ready for. Ms. Ogawa explained that the victim often goes back to the abuser, but each time the organization gives them one more skill and eventually they will progress to the point that they can have an independent life. Mr. Nobel exnlained that th~v alga nr~~~nT nrnNr~m~ ~n PAGE FOUR - STUDY SESSION - JANUARY 31, 1995 Elsinore. He noted that the surrounding areas have a Lake Elsinore mailing address and yet they are in the County; and even the police reports have a problem with the difference. He noted that in their report they gave a number of 950 persons County wide of which 85% were low and moderate income. He wanted to know how they arrived at this figure. Ms. Ogawa explained that this is an unduplicated count of 950 persons who are contacted through the outreach shelter and are actual cases. She stated that 85% of the 950 are low to moderate income. Councilman Alongi stated that because of the crime __ reported in the area, with the County and City bulked together the City has gotten a bad reputation. Ms. Ogawa stated that since the numbers are so high, it means that this area has a high reporting record and that is good since the persons in question are seeking help and the community is doing something about it. She explained that many cities have a low percentage of domestic violence crimes reported, and that means the people do not call, because the city does not do anything. Councilman Alongi stated that he is more interested in the cases reported which are actually in the City. Mayor Washburn questioned the 530 calls from Lake Elsinore and asked how they geo-code those. Ms. Ogawa stated that it was through their phone bills. Mayor Washburn stated that the bills would list Lake Elsinore and they mayor may not be in the City limits. He asked that they do a little more homework to better ascertain who is actually in the City Limits. Mayor Washburn then called on the persons representing H.O.P.E. Beverly Mumphrey, Chairman of H.O.P.E., explained that the area that their organization covers is the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, including Canyon Lake, Wildomar, - Meadowbrook, Tuscany Hills, Lakeland Village and Sedco Hills. She explained that they use a street guide to ascertain whether it is City or County. Ms. Mumphrey stated that all persons serviced are low income, with no moderate income. She noted that if the person collects food stamps, then they make too much money for their services. She stated that they help people while their food stamps are pending, and explained that last year they served 40,000 meals to the same people because so many of them have to return. Ms. Mumphrey stated that they have Senior citizens who are on limited incomes and they are allowed to come once a month to collect a bag of groceries. She explained that each bag contains 9 meals for each member of the family. She stated that they do provide bread to those who do not qualify for other items. She explained that they had to expand in order to meet the needs of the people and she pointed out that last year the City funded $8,700 which purchased two large freezers for storage of food. Ms. Mumphrey stated that their first priority is rent, then utilities and then the food. She explained that if there is no building nor utilities there will be no food. She noted that the organization is run by an all volunteer staff and their is no money spent on anything other than the rent, ,,+-.; , .; +-.; ""'.". ",,~1'1 -F,,,,,,1'1 PAGE FZVE - STUDY SESSZON - JANUARY 31, 1995 City Manager Molendyk asked Ms. Mumphrey if they have fund raisers during the year to supplement the funds received. - Councilwoman Brinley asked what portion of the budget the funds from Lake Elsinore cover. Ms. Mumphrey explained that their total budget is $39,000. She explained that their rent is $14,000 a year and that is a must. She stated that they do hold fundraisers to help support this program. Councilwoman Brinley asked how many families H.O.P.E. service from the City of Lake Elsinore. Ms. Mumphrey stated that they serviced 543 people from the City of Lake Elsinore, which they confirm by street guides to establish the City limits from the County. Councilwoman Brinley asked if they assist the persons coming to them to seek other assistance from other organizations and services. Ms. Mumphrey explained that the first time they will accept a church or school referral and after that they send them to DPSS for assistance and after that they must have a referral from DPSS or they will not be serviced. She noted that otherwise they would become a free mission and that is not their purpose. - Councilwoman Brinley commended the organization for the 35 volunteers that are working for H.O.P.E. Councilman Alongi commented that the City Council should visit the facility and see how it is operated. Jerry Doyle, Department of Community Action, explained that they are an enabling agency for the homeless. He further explained that the cold weather shelter is only one of the services that this department offers. He noted that while the cold weather shelter is in Corona, it does offer a resource for the Police Department to aid someone to get into a shel ter. This program is operated from approximately November 1, through March 31, and allows for persons to get out of the really bad weather. He explained that they have a very small budget and the problem of homeless persons are growing. He explained that there has been a major increase in the number of women and children on the street. He noted that it has gone up 45% in the last year. He stated that it is a goal to get a facility closer to the Lake Elsinore area to better serve the homeless in this area. Mr. Doyle stated that they would appreciate the Council's continued support of this program. Mayor Washburn then called upon Operation School Bell representatives. - Louise Ball, Operation School Bell, stated that they are a group made up of all volunteers, and explained that they run a thrift shop to help support the clothing of 600 children a year. She noted that all the children that their organization services are referred to them by the schools. Ms. Ball stated that 47% of the children are from Lake Elsinore, but they do not keep count of County versus city. She noted that the $5,000 requested from the City is approximately 10% of the ~~~al bud~~~ ag ~h~ ~~~~ la~~ v~ar wa~ annrnv;ma~Alv ~~n~nnn~ PAGE SIX - STUDY SESSION - JANUARY 31, 1995 Mayor Washburn asked if the clothes are brand new. Ms. Ball stated that all of the clothes provided to the children are brand new including a new pair of shoes. Councilwoman Brinley commended them for all their work and effort. She stated that both H.O.P.E. and this program leave the people their integrity and pride. Ms. Ball extended an invitation to Council to come and inspect the inventory that they keep to provide clothing to the children. Mayor Pro Tem Bender stated that he appreciates that the organization is run by volunteers and asked how many children are in the School District. Ms. Ball stated that there are 30,000 children enrolled in Elsinore, Temecula and Murrieta. Mayor Pro Tem Bender asked how many of the 30,000 are in Lake Elsinore School District. Ms. Ball stated that she did not have an exact figure, however the 10% that the City of Lake Elsinore contributes goes directly back to the children in the City of Lake Elsinore. Ms. Ball stated that they are currently trying to find a way to apply to the County of Riverside, since they are sure that many of the children live in the County areas and not within the different City limits. She explained that because they are minors, the program cannot ask for addresses, and this also allows them to retain their dignity. - City Manager Molendyk commented that the City appreciates their efforts, and explained that the County area residents do pull some resources away from the residents and he stated that he did feel that the County should contribute to their program since it does go to support their people as well. Ms. Ba~l explained their process and how they use and spend the money. Councilman Alongi stated that in their report it states that __ 51% are in the poverty level and he stated that this substantiates the amount of people that are low income families. Ms. Ball stated that to qualify for CDBG funding, 51% of the persons serviced must be low income. She explained that the majority which is approximately 90% to 95% of the children's families are low income to poverty level. Ms. Ball stated that the children must qualify for the Federal School Lunch program before they are referred to this organization. Councilman Alongi stated that more information is needed in order to qualify for programs in the low and moderate income levels; the existing programs give the City an idea of just how many people are in that level and need assistance. Community Services Director Sapp explained the type of programs that qualify for CDBG funding, and clarified that for the School Bell program they would have to start doing intake forms to qualify for County money. Chris Ogawa, Alternatives to Domestic Violence, stated that when it comes to the homeless, they are presumed at poverty level, and explained that once a woman breaks from the An,,'; ""'-""'I"\1'nO'l"\'" "''h~'" e!'h6 6"""""6.......; .ft""''''~~ '1'.7'; ~'" "'"'''''..... ~................'ll'll__ __ ......_..4:_.: __...11 PAGE SEVEN - STUDY SESSION - JANUARY 31, 1995 - Mayor Washburn thanked the representative of the different organizations for attending the meeting and explained that at the meeting today, no formal action will be taken, but will be presented at the next city council Meeting. Councilman Alongi stated that H.O.P.E. is planning to do an emergency blanket supply, and asked if that can be an additional request for CDBG funds. Community Services Director Sapp stated that he will have to check with the County to find out if that would be considered an eligible service. He asked if the program is eligible, would H.O.P.E. be submitting another application. Councilman Alongi stated that probably not this year, but they will ask for the program to be considered for next year. Councilman Alongi stated that H.O.P.E. in trying to develop a program for emergency blankets, because at this time there is nowhere that a person can go in case of emergency and receive a blanket, or where the homeless receive a blanket during cold weather. He stated that he felt that this program is needed. Councilman Alongi asked why the Library has not applied for CDBG funds. Community Services Director Sapp stated that the Library does not qualify for this type of funding, and explained how the census tract maps set the areas that are considered for the different funding. - city Manager Molendyk explained the purpose and noted that it is easier to group sections for neighborhood centers and their needs versus community centers which encompass the entire city area. He noted that they are better identified for their income levels and can have their needs directly met. Councilman Alongi asked why it was not possible to call the Community Center, the Neighborhood community Center in order to qualify for funds from the CDBG. Community Services Director Sapp explained that there is no other facility which is available, and therefore it services not just one area, but the entire City and does not qualify. He explained that if there were two libraries and two community centers, then funds could be requested based on the fact that it is assumed that the facility services the immediate area which is low to moderate income. Councilman Alongi asked why the Senior Center qualifies for benefits. Community Services Director Sapp explained that because they are seniors and have a presumed benefit and are considered low to moderate income and qualify. Mayor Pro Tem Bender stated that definitions and statistics are misleading. Councilman Alongi asked if there was a way to change the situation, and find the answers to implement the change. He __'__....3 __'-__ ___ ___ _'-,_ .&..._ ___.&...___ ~.!.&... ..1....'-_ '-_.&...'-_______ _.&... PAGE EIGHT - STUDY SESSION - JANUARY 31, 1995 2. Memorandum of Understandinq reqardinq state Route 74. (F:82.3) Public Services Director Tecca stated that Cal-Trans requested that the City enter to an MOU for State Route 74 (Riverside Drive) between Interstate 15 and Grand Avenue. He pointed out the width that they are requiring is 134 feet which would affect several businesses along the stated route. He explained that retaining the 50 foot take along the west side and taking 84 feet along the east side would save all the existing development along the west side and confine damages to the east side only. Public Services Director Tecca explained that if we continue to require dedication of 50 feet on both sides, and the roadway must be widened in the future to carry future traffic, Caltrans will be forced to buy all additional right of way and pay damages for all existing structures. That would be many years in the future; and would significantly increase the cost of widening, maybe to the extent that widening would be impossible. He stated that it is his recommendation that the City adopt a policy that requires dedication of 50 feet along the west side of Riverside Drive and 84 feet along the east side, and noted that this policy would be included in the General Plan. - Councilman Alongi clarified that Caltrans is proposing a six lane roadway from 1-15 to Grand and stated that he felt that this was impractical since it would wipe out so many businesses. Mayor Washburn stated that he could see that width being dedicated in vacant areas, but not in the area already developed. City Manager Molendyk questioned if Caltrans is going to ask that the City require a 134 foot roadway dedication, and they __ are not going to improve the Ortega Highway, then what is the purpose. Public Services Director Tecca outlined the area that Highway 74 encompasses. city Manager Molendyk questioned the study that Caltrans has done, the existing development and the impact that this will have. Public Services Director Tecca stated that this is a far future plan and would have no immediate impact, but could happen some day. Councilman Alongi stated that if we follow Caltrans plan then the impact will not be in the future, but now. He explained that when someone wishes to develop, this setback will have to be met. He noted that even if they do not build the road for a long time, the set backs will have to be done now if this plan is adopted. He suggested that the Mayor appoint a committee to meet with Caltrans to get the full information on this plan. Councilman Alongi stated that as he reads this MOU ..- - -----.. -.. -- ---- - -------- ~--- ~ PAGE NINE - STUDY SESSION - JANUARY 31, 1995 - Mayor Washburn stated that he had just spent all day Saturday at an WRCOG meeting and one of the topics the meeting dealt with was SCAG's projections of traffic and how WRCOG is trying to work with it. He noted from that meeting, all the different cities' General Plans went to SCAG directly, then to Cal trans. He explained that Cal trans then came up with a date of 2010 projection of traffic volumes. He noted that from their study every roadway is rated E and F and is restricted. Mayor Washburn stated that all the numbers are inflated and in the General Plan we are stating the possible maximum. He explained that what this has created is a situation where Caltrans is holding up funding for Highway 74 and they are in no hurry to fund that project. He noted that if Caltrans is not willing to put funds into upgrading that Highway, then the City should not worry about the required dedication. City Manager Molendyk pointed out the distance a store or building will be setback with the City not being able to promise when the development of the roadway will occu!:'. Councilwoman Brinley stated that if they are not going to fix Highway 74, then to follow this dedication is siJ.~~}.. Public Services Director Tecca stated that there is not nearly enough money and Highway 74 is on the bottom of the list. He stated that they are only aSking for the City'S comments. Mayor Washburn stated that he would like to see Public Services Director Tecca take this document back to them and have more dialogue. - city Manager Molendyk stated that this would open up discussion for off-ramps from 1-15 to address new commercial development, and noted that now is the time to talk about it to have it included in the plan. Public Services Director Tecca stated that he is still waiting for answers regarding Ortega Highway and Grand. Mayor Washburn suggested that staff start pressuring Caltrans regarding what they are going to do about the agreement that is already in place. Councilman Alongi stated that this could injure development along Riverside Drive. Councilwoman Brinley asked if there would be another MOU regarding off-ramps. City Manager Molendyk stated that he is trying to set up a meeting with the other City Managers to consider all the issues. - Councilman Alongi asked if it would be possible to use CDBG funds to move a family that was displaced from their home due to abatement. City Manager Molendyk stated that it would be restricted to the immediate downtown area and would not apply to Nashland. PAGE TEN - STUDY SESSION - JANUARY 31, 1995 ADJ01JlUD(EHT MOVED BY WASHBURN, SECONDED BY ALONGI AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO ADJOURN THE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AT 10:10 A.M - ATTEST: <z1'&~J VICKI ~~AD, CJ. Y LERK -