TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents, and any subsequent amendments, between the City of Long Beach and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to accept funding in the amount of $3,231,609, for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program for a period of three years, from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2018; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) and in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) in the amount of $3,139,859. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The 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 Program (LBP). The award totals $3,231,609 in grant funds over three years and requires a City minimum match of $323,161, which is being met using in-kind services using existing staff. This funding will be used to control or remove lead-based paint and other housing-based health hazards (such as mold, open electrical boxes, trip-and-fall hazards) in the City. These funds will also support private remediation contractors who will likely retain or generate new jobs in Long Beach.
The LBP will provide lead-based paint hazard control services to 205 units of pre-1978 constructed affordable housing throughout the City, focusing on 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 a 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 of affected residents. Additionally, the Health Department will provide these services to families, regardless of their location within the city of Long Beach, when a child is reported to the Health Department to have an elevated blood-lead level.
This LBP grant award will build on the success of six previous LBP grants the Health Department has administered since 1994.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Vu on September 14, 2015 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on September 17, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on October 6, 2015, as funding for this program is available as of October 1, 2015. Official notice of this award was received August 31, 2015. The Department of Housing and Urban Development must obligate these funds by October 1, 2015.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, including the City match over three years, is estimated at $3,690,068. Of this amount, $550,209 is appropriated in the FY16 Budget. An appropriation increase for the remaining balance of $3,139,859 is requested in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health Department (HE). The City will receive grant revenues of $3,231,609 to offset expenditures of the same amount. The City minimum match requirement is $323,161, which is being met using in-kind services from existing staff. 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 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER