TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all related documents to implement an agreement with the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency to provide Neighborhood Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement services for 10 years. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Approval is recommended to enter into an agreement (Agreement) with the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (Agency) to provide Neighborhood Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement services in the Downtown, Central, North and West Long Beach Industrial redevelopment project areas for 10 years, through Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21).
In recent years, the Agency has increased its focus on strategic partnerships with the City to further basic neighborhood revitalization initiatives in redevelopment project areas, including code enforcement and graffiti abatement efforts that contribute to blight removal and quality of life enhancement.
Since Fiscal Year 2005 (FY 05), the Agency has funded a proactive code enforcement program in the Central, North, and West Long Beach Industrial project areas. Code Enforcement staff has worked in conjunction with Project Area Committees (PACs) , Agency and Neighborhood Services staff, and project area residents to review blighting conditions and determine priority cases. Staff coordinates these aggressive enforcement efforts with Neighborhood Services assistance programs such as Home Improvement Rebates and Home Security Locks and Lights. Program staff provides detailed monthly case reports to allow PACs and Redevelopment Agency Board Members to monitor the program's effectiveness.
Since FY 09, Agency budgets for the Downtown, Central, North and West Long Beach Industrial project areas, which experience significant graffiti, have included a transfer totaling $550,000 to the Department of Public Works for the City's Graffiti Abatement Program (GAP). Section 33420.2 of the California Community Redevelopment Law provides that the Agency may use tax increment revenue to abate graffiti if the Agency finds that this is necessary to effect the purposes of the redevelopment plans for the project areas and will assist in the elimination of blight.
In order to continue to support neighborhood revitalization in the Downtown, Central, North and West Long Beach Industrial project areas, it is recommended that the City agree to provide these services for 10 years through FY 21. The Agency will provide funding for the services at the currently budgeted FY 11 levels indicated in the table below, with a three percent annual increase.
Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement Funding FY11-FY21 |
Project Area |
Neighborhood Code Enforcement Program Graffiti Abatement Program |
|
North |
$350,000 |
$175,000 |
West |
$100,000 |
$125,000 |
Central |
$322,034 |
$125,000 |
Downtown |
$0 |
$125,000 |
Total |
$772,034 |
$550,000 |
|
|
|
The Agency Board (Board) will review this matter on January 20, 2011. Agency staff will recommend that the Board enter into an agreement with the City to fund Neighborhood Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement services for 10 years, and adopt a resolution making the necessary findings regarding the use of tax increment for the purpose of graffiti abatement.
This letter was reviewed by Chief Assistant City Attorney Heather Mahood on January 16, 2011 and by Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager Lou Palmer on January 16, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 18, 2011 to provide stability for the City's budget process and to facilitate processing of the required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Entering into this Agreement will result in approximately $16.9 million in Agency transfers to the General Fund (GF) during the Agreement period. These funds will support at least eight FTEs providing Code Enforcement services annually.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER