TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a Brownfields Job Training Grant in the amount of $199,968 including any subsequent amendments as needed to complete the agreement; increase appropriations by $50,000 in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD); and execute a contract with Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles (W.I.N.T.E.R.) in the amount of $100,000 for the period of March 1, 2007 through February 28, 2009. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Workforce Development Bureau (Bureau) collaborated with a consortium of community partners in response to a solicitation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Brownfields Job Training Grant Solicitation by submitting a proposal for the Integrated Environmental Training and Employment Program (Program). Of 38 applications received by the EPA nationwide, the Bureau was among 12 successful applications. The City will receive $199,968 to operate the Program for a two-year period beginning in March 2007 to provide training in hazardous waste removal and related trades.
Program and community outreach partners include the Bureau, Miller Children's Hospital, the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, the Long Beach Ministers Alliance, W.I.N.T.E.R., and various Brownfields-related employers.
The Program will prepare 200 unemployed or underemployed Long Beach residents 18 and over who reside in brownfields impacted neighborhoods with the skills necessary to qualify for environmental remediation employment as hazardous materials workers and environmental technicians. To ensure trainees have the requisite occupational skills and certifications necessary to qualify for employment, the project includes training in CPR/First Aid, Cal OSHA requirements, Hazardous Waste Site Worker Protection and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), Asbestos Abatement, Refinery Safety Operations, and Lead Abatement. The Project will also focus on employment readiness through career development workshops and individualized job placement assistance.
Operations, and Lead Abatement. The Project will also focus on employment readiness through career development workshops and individualized job placement assistance.
Each resident who completes the training will have access to employment opportunities at Brownfields clean-up sites through ongoing environmental remediation projects planned in the community.
A contract will be executed with WINTER in the amount of $100,000 over three fiscal years to deliver the Program's core training activities in conjunction with qualified instructors from UCLA's Labor Occupational Safety and Health Program.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on January 17, 2007 and Budget and Performance Bureau Manager David Wodynski on February 8,2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 20, 2007 to facilitate processing of the required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriations increase of $50,000 is requested in the Community Development Grant Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD) to cover the cost of the subcontract and other City expenses. This increase is 100 percent offset by grant funds. The increase is included in the recommended action. The remaining $149,968 will be budgeted through subsequent budget processes. There is no impact on the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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APPROVED: |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |