REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Marie Knight, Director of Community Services
Subject:
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Adopt Resolution No. 2018-38 authorizing City staff to apply to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for a Federal Transit Section 5310 Program Grant
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Statement of Issue:
There is a need for City Council to adopt a resolution to accompany the application for an Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Program Grant to purchase replacement accessible vans and related equipment to transport elderly and physically challenged persons.
Financial Impact:
The approximate total value of the grant, if received, will be $253,000. Of this, approximately $202,400 would be grant funds, with a local match requirement of 20%, totaling approximately $50,600. The Huntington Beach Council on Aging (HBCOA) has committed to loaning the 20% match per their board meeting on May 3, 2018, (minutes attached, see item #11). Due to an impacted timeline for the application process from the granting agency and a need for a match commitment before there was adequate time to discuss options other than a loan with the HBCOA Board, the HBCOA has agreed to work with City staff to explore the loan payback terms and options ranging from collaborative fundraising, up to and including forgiving part or all of the loan. No need for General Funds is anticipated at this time.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2018-38, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Authorizing City Staff to Apply to the Orange County Transportation Authority for a Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Program Grant to Purchase Accessible Vans and Related Equipment to Transport Elderly and Physically Challenged Persons.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve resolution authorizing City Staff to apply to the OCTA Program Grant to purchase replacement accessible vans and related equipment to transport elderly and physically challenged persons and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
There is a need for Community Services to replace vehicles and other equipment in order to meet the increasing demand to transport senior citizens to and from their residences to locations within the Huntington Beach community. The “Surf City Seniors on the Go!” Program transports seniors to medical appointments, shopping centers, social services, and the senior center. Funds are needed to replace three vehicles nearing the end of their functional life, and upgrade transportation software to increase safety and efficiency. The estimated costs for vehicle replacements and related charges are: $63,000 for one small bus (8 accessible seats, and 2 wheelchair), and two medium buses (12 accessible seats, and 2 wheelchair) at $70,000 each. The upgraded software system will cost approximately $50,000. The software will help eliminate the need for costly GPS tracking and push-to-talk radios, while increasing safety and routing efficiency.
The City of Huntington Beach has the opportunity to apply for the Federal Transit Section 5310 Grant Program, which is now administered through OCTA as the Orange County Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Disabled (EMSD) Grant Program. In order to qualify to receive funds, the Community Services Department needs to provide proof of the approval of a Resolution by City Council.
As a requirement for the grant, Community Services staff sent letters via registered mail to several nonprofit and municipal agencies (copy of notice attached). The purpose of this notice is to inform all interested persons or private, nonprofit providers of the opportunity to express support or opposition on the proposed grant application and proposed use of said grant during public comments at the June 18, 2018, City Council meeting.
Another requirement of the grant is a 20% local match to the Federal Funds. This is not an annual grant and the timing of the release of this next round of funding was not anticipated as part of the FY 2018/19 budget so the current Senior Center budget does not allow the ability for the City to provide the match. The HBCOA was approached and agreed to a loan or donation of this 20% match of approximately $50,600. Unfortunately, the application timeline for this grant did not provide adequate time to explore options for this match outside of an initial loan by the HBCOA. However, the Board expressed clear support to work together with the staff on joint fundraising opportunities that could be used to repay the loan over time. Community Services staff will report back to City Council with a final determination of the match funding plan upon approval and acceptance of the grant. The need for General Funds is not anticipated at this time.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable
Strategic Plan Goal:
Improve quality of life
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution No. 2018-38, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach
Authorizing City Staff to Apply to the Orange County Transportation Authority for a Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Program Grant to Purchase Accessible Vans and Related Equipment to Transport Elderly and Physically Challenged Persons”
2. HBCOA Meeting Minutes, 05/03/2018
3. Copy of Notice of Public Meeting