TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary subsequent amendments, including amendments to the award amount, with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $4,579,224, for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, for the period of April 15, 2022 to October 15, 2025; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $4,579,224, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded funding to the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control (LBPHC) Program. The award totals $4,579,224 in grant funds over three and a half years, and requires a City match of $440,175, which is being met using in-kind services with existing staff. This funding will contribute to controlling or removing lead-based paint and other housing-based health hazards (such as mold, open electrical boxes, and trip-and-fall hazards) in the City of Long Beach (City) and builds on the success of eight previous HUD-funded, Lead Hazard Reduction grants administered by the Health Department since 1994. These funds will also assist in retaining existing Health Department staff as well as support private lead remediation and painting contractors who will likely retain or generate new jobs in Long Beach.
The LBPHC Program will provide lead-based paint hazard control services to 220 units of pre-1978 constructed affordable housing throughout Long Beach. The Program focuses on the areas of highest need, specifically ZIP Codes 90802, 90804, 90805, 90806, 90810, and 90813. These regions contain a disproportionately high percentage of children with elevated blood-lead levels, older housing stock, and high percentage of low-income families.
Program services will include health education, outreach, training in lead-safe work practices (to increase employability of local area unemployed and/or low-income individuals), and relocation services for affected residents. Additionally, the Health Department will provide these services to families regardless of their location within the City when a child is reported to the Health Department to have an elevated blood-lead level.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on March 14, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on March 16, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 5, 2022, as funding for this program is available beginning April 15, 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant revenues of $4,579,224 for the period of April 15, 2022 to October 15, 2025. The total cost of the LBPHC Program is estimated at $5,019,399, including the City match over three and half years. An appropriation increase of $4,579,224 is requested in the Health Fund Group in the Department of Health and Human Services, offset by grant revenues. The City’s match of $440,175 is obtained from the Health Fund Group, and there is no impact on the General Fund. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. It is anticipated that this funding will create additional jobs in the community through lead abatement subcontracts.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER