City Council Notes: July 16, 2024

By Staff on July 29, 2024

The Parks and Rec staff in attendance not in order: Christian Hernandez, James Stellino, Zoey Van Vorst, Miriam Duarte, Camryn Worsham, Aimee Aul, Karla Madrigal, Jocelyn Lagarde, Alma Peralta, Melissa Leggett, Joanna Sanchez, Naomi Gomez, and Bella Veloz were honored by Mayor Dunlap and Councilmembers Charles, Whitaker, and Zahra. Not in Attendance: Amanda Arbiso, Edgar Rosales, Eche Echeverria, Rachel Castanon, and Susie Camarillo

Proclamation: July is Parks and Recreation Month

July is National Parks and Recreation Month in Fullerton, recognizing the importance of access to local parks and promoting physical, emotional, and mental health. Parks and Recreation fosters social cohesiveness, offers learning opportunities for all ages and provides vital services during emergencies. A certificate was presented to director Mr. Hernandez for his leadership and the collective efforts of all employees.

CFD for Amerige Heights Special Tax Refunding Bonds Issuance annual report presented by Director Chang

In April, the City Council decided to refinance the 2014 Community Facilities District #2 Amerige Heights bonds to reduce property taxes. The City Council reviewed the refunding debt structure and considered authorizing the refund of the 2014 bonds. In 2014, the City of Fullerton issued Community Facility Districts special refunding bonds for public improvements in the Amerige Heights community, composed of 113 residential properties. These bonds were secured by special tax revenues assessed on property owners in the district. Of the initial issuance of $7.57 million, $6.92 million of debt is currently outstanding. Interest rates on the current debt range from 4 to 5%, and debt payments escalate by 2% annually. Staff is recommended direction requested from the City Council to refund the 2014 Bonds with Level Debt service, which removes the current annual 2% escalator. The net present value savings for homeowners is estimated at $265,000 (3.83%). The City Council may opt to refund the 2014 bonds using the current escalating debt structure. Once approved, the resolution will authorize the financing team, the issuance of the 2024 bonds, and the financing documents in substantial form. The motion proposes staff refinance with a level debt structure, adopt a resolution for the issuance and sale of special refunding bonds, and approve related documents and actions. Passed.

2024-2025 Community and Economic Development Annual Action Plan

Five-Year Consolidated Plan

• Assistance to homeless and at-risk homeless

• Assistance to non-profit organizations that provide public services to low-income residents

• Development of affordable housing

• Job creation and retention

• Provide public infrastructure

• Rehabilitation of substandard housing

• Support of fair housing practices

Total HUD Entitlement Funds decreased by 3.44%

The Community Development Block Grant for 2024/2025 was $1,407,083, and the HOME Partnership Investment Program Funds were $461,693, totaling $1,868,776.

Fair Housing Services

• Fair Housing activities are conducted under administration

• Fair Housing Foundation holds seminars/workshops for tenants and landlords regarding fair housing practices and laws, as well as programs in rental counseling and financial goals.

• Fair Housing Foundation anticipates serving over 225 Fullerton residents

Program Administration

CDCC recommends funding Housing Administration at the requested amounts $277,776, including $20K for Fair Housing.

Activities include:

• Administration of the Citizen Participation Process (CDCC)

• Administration of the Housing Rehab Program

• Monitor program compliance of non-profit sub-recipients

• Monitor affordable housing project annual inspections

• Administer/Monitor HOME Affordable Housing Project

• Prepare required documents (One Year Action Plan, Consolidated Plan (CASPER) Housing Rehabilitation

• Community Forgivable Loan Program—Provides loans for exterior work for citywide residents who are below the income guidelines. Loans cover new roofs, exterior paint, code items, disabled modifications, and mobile homes.

• Block Improvement Grant – Provides grants for exterior rehab work for owner-occupied homes in the identified community preservation areas that are located in the CDBG areas

• Rehabilitation Program – Provides loans for interior and exterior work for residents Citywide who are below the income guidelines

• Lead Reduction Program – Provides grants to residents Citywide who are below the income guidelines. Grants abate or provide interim reduction of lead hazards

Special Code Enforcement

• One designated Code Enforcement Officer is assigned to address complaints in the designated areas to eliminate blight.

• Proactive code enforcement is provided in designated areas

• The Code Enforcement Officer provides information such as the Block Improvement Grant (BIG) offered by the Housing Division

Park Improvements

• Union Pacific Park Improvements

– 121 West Truslow Ave

1) 1.4 acre park

2) Repair damaged walkway

3) Sports courts

Staff recommended the approval of the 2024/25 Annual Action Plan, authorizing the City Manager to make budget amendments and consider amending the action plan to reallocate up to $25K from current CDCC subrecipients to CARE Housing Services to continue to provide critical onsite direct social services to Fullerton City Lights residents.

Councilmember Ahmad Zahra made a motion to approve with exception of allocating $25K to City Lights CARE programs and not allocating to new requester Homeless Intervention Services of OC based in Placentia. Motion passed unanimously (Jung Absent).