Title:
Title
(City Council / Housing Authority) COVID-19 Response: CARES Act Framework and Funding Priorities; Homelessness: River District Restrooms Program
End
FileID
File ID: 2020-01093
Location
Location: Citywide
End
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Adopt: 1) a City Council Resolution a) establishing the Homelessness: River District Restrooms Program for the temporary placement of restroom facilities at various locations in the River District; b) establishing a $790,000 budget from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Program (G02610100) in the Federal CARES Act Fund (Fund 2704); c) authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements as necessary to facilitate this project; and 2) adopt a Housing Authority Resolution a) amending the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency budget to accept $790,000 in CARES act funds to implement the temporary restroom project; and b) authorizing the Executive Director to execute agreements as needed to facilitate this project.
FileName
Contact: LaShelle Dozier, Executive Director, (916) 440-1319, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency
Body
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Coronavirus Relief Fund Program Schedule
3-City Council Resolution
4-Housing Authority Resolution
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: On March 13, 2020, the City declared a local emergency in response to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several actions were taken by the City to provide immediate economic relief to city businesses and residents. On April 21, 2020, the City received $89.6 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) from passage of the CARES Act.
This report proposes to provide CARES Act funding for temporary restrooms in the River District in and around the Richards Boulevard corridor to address the lack of facilities for the homeless population in the area. The City will provide up to $790,000 in CARES Act funding to the Housing Authority, which is administered by SHRA, to fund this project for a 12-month period. Funds will be needed for purchase and/or rental and installation of the restrooms, monitoring services and ongoing maintenance of the facilities and the adjacent areas. It is anticipated that 12 restrooms will be placed, with four (4) each in three different locations in the River District.
These funding recommendations are for an up-to funding amount and subject to eligibility review and scope refinement.
Framework and Funding Priorities: On May 12, 2020, Council participated in a workshop to discuss a CRF framework and funding priorities, and on May 26, 2020 adopted a general framework proposed by the Mayor for funding priorities. During the workshop, Council expressed overall interest in funding programs and projects that provide small business assistance, get people back to work, offer opportunities for youth enrichment, address homelessness and housing issues, and support families impacted by this pandemic. The deadline for expending CRF funds is December 30, 2020.
Policy Considerations: The City has been impacted by a global pandemic. Establishing programs and budgets that include federal CARES Act funding is consistent with City Council action relative to state and federal grant awards. The proposed action is responsive to addressing homelessness and housing issues which is one of the Council funding priorities.
Economic Impacts: Providing basic hygiene options to the homeless will keep the streets clean and provide incentive for businesses to remain on the Boulevard instead of relocating to other parts of Sacramento or outside the region.
Environmental Considerations: If the portable restroom facilities are located on a temporary basis, they will be exempt from environmental review under the CEQA Guidelines section 15311(c). Should they be converted to permanent use, an environmental study will be conducted.
Sustainability: Not applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: None.
Rationale for Recommendation: The actions proposed in this report will allow for the provision of needed amenities for the homeless population who are severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Considerations: On April 21, 2020, the City received $89.6 million from the CARES Act funds to address impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report recommends that $790,000 of the CARES act funding be approved for the Homelessness: River District Restrooms Program. The current Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) program schedule is included as Attachment 2.
These funding recommendations are for an up-to funding amount and subject to eligibility review and scope refinement.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE), M/WBE and Section 3 Considerations: Local Business Enterprise program does not apply to this report. The activities recommended in this report do not involve federal funding. Therefore, there are no M/WBE requirements. However, every effort will be employed to encourage the participation of Section 3 workers and businesses in implementing this program.