DRAFT
CITY OF BUENA PARK
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMITTEE (CDBG)
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2025
A meeting of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Civic Center, 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Chairman Solorzano presiding.
1: GENERAL
1A. CALL TO ORDER
1B. ROLL CALL
Present: Barraza, Massed, Serrano, and Solorzano
Absent: Garcia
Staff: Matt Foulkes, Director of Community and Economic Development Melissa Dhauw, Senior Management Analyst
Sarabeth Suarez, Housing and CDBG Analyst
Lauren Yoon, Management Analyst
Lana Ardaiz, Senior Administrative Assistant
1C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Solorzano.
2: COMMUNICATIONS
2A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Chairman Solorzano announced the public may at this time address the members of the CDBG Committee on any matters within the jurisdiction of the CDBG Committee.
There being no requests to speak, Chairman Solorzano closed oral communications.
3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
3A. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: JANUARY 21, 2025
Motion was made by Committee Member Serrano and seconded by Committee Member Massed to approve the minutes of the Community Development Block Grant Committee Meeting of January 21, 2025.
Motion: Serrano
Second: Massed
Ayes: Serrano, Massed, Barraza, Solorzano
Noes: None
Absent: Garcia
MOTION CARRIED.
4: STAFF REPORTS
4A. OVERVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (CDBG) PROPOSALS
Ms. Sarabeth Suarez, Housing and CDBG Analyst, stated that the City received 11 eligible CDBG proposals for FY 2025-2026 totaling $1,068,086. CDBG applicants will each have five minutes to present their funding request for the Committee’s consideration. Committee Members may ask the applicants questions after each presentation. Ms. Suarez noted that Agenda Item No. 5C. Neighborhood Improvement / Code Enforcement Program is being towards the end of the presentations.
5: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING PROPOSALS
5A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Ms. Suarez stated that the City of Buena Park receives a CDBG allocation from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In order to continue receiving this grant, CDBG Program staff ensure that the City is in compliance with HUD’s regulations and requirements. The City is requesting $140,000 for staff salaries and benefits, maintenance and operational costs, and contractual services for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Administration. CDBG Program Administration includes planning and submitting required reports to HUD, coordinating public meetings, working with grant sub-recipients, attending HUD trainings, communicating with HUD representatives, preparing for HUD audits and monitoring the overall use of CDBG funds.
5B. RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION, SENIOR OUTREACH,
AND LOANS
Ms. Suarez presented the request of $249,000 for Residential Rehabilitation Program Administration which includes staff salaries, benefits, and maintenance and operational costs. The amount of $250,000 is requested for Residential Rehabilitation loans. The purpose of the Residential Rehabilitation Program is to make home improvement affordable. The Program makes it possible for low-income families to address necessary home repairs such as replacing a leaky roof, installing a new water heater, repairing unsafe electrical wiring, installing ADA accessibility features, and other improvements. The Program offers deferred Home Improvement loans of $60,000 at 1% interest for low-income homeowners.
The City offers assistance through the Senior Code Enforcement Relief Program (SCERP), which is an extension of the Residential Rehabilitation Program, to assist very low-income senior residents to correct outstanding code violations that need immediate attention. Seniors
may be eligible to receive a forgivable loan up to $15,000 at 0% interest, if they are referred to the Program by Code Enforcement staff.
Program Administration includes maintaining the Program waitlist, advertising the Program, providing application assistance, construction management, and loan servicing. In order to make the Program accessible to Buena Park homeowners, we partner with the Senior Outreach Program Coordinator to assist senior applicants that are unable to navigate through the application process themselves. The funding request includes a portion of the Senior Outreach Program Coordinator’s salary to assist with Program Administration.
5D. GRAFFITI REMOVAL PROGRAM
Mr. Nino Libunao, Facility and Parks Superintendent, presented the request of $22,930 for the Graffiti Removal Program. These funds supplement part-time staff salaries and benefits in order to respond to the vast majority of graffiti calls within the low-income census tracts of the City. The goal is to remove most graffiti within 48 hours following a reported graffiti instance.
5E. SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
Ms. Connie Hurtado, Community Services Supervisor, presented the Program request of $40,037 to fund one part-time bus driver’s salary, benefits, and cell phone costs. She explained that the Senior Transportation Program provides round-trip transportation to non-emergency medical appointments for low-income senior residents. Participants must be over the age of 60 and there is a suggested donation of $1 each way, however, no one is denied transportation for the inability to pay. The Program also provides trips to the Senior Center, grocery store, and the pharmacy allowing seniors access to basic necessities and services.
5F. HOMELESS OUTREACH PROGRAM
Ms. Rosemary Nielsen, Homeless Outreach Supervisor, discussed the Homeless Outreach Program indicating that the funding amount of $20,000 will be used for motel stays for emergency shelter, relocation expenses, transitional program fees, emergency supplies, staff training, and local transportation. The Program assists individuals by reuniting them with their families or referring them to available shelters. In closing, Ms. Nielsen stated that the ultimate goal is to place homeless individuals into permanent supportive housing.
5G. FAIR HOUSING FOUNDATION
Ms. Stella Verdeja, Executive Director, Fair Housing Foundation, presented the request of $16,000 to provide Fair Housing services. The proposed funding will be used for their staff salaries and benefits and other Program related costs directly tied to the assistance provided to Buena Park residents. Fair Housing Foundation’s missio n is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting access to housing choices for all. They monitor and investigate unlawful discrimination and complaints in housing and a variety of other services, including landlord/tenant counseling and mediation. They offer education and outreach workshops to Buena Park tenants and landlords on-line, in-person, and at walk-in clinics.
5H. BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF BUENA PARK
Mr. Todd Trout, Chief Executive Officer, Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park, presented the request of $47,397 for reimbursement of utility costs to operate the Boys and Girls Club. This year they were awarded the State of California’s Non-Profit of the Year. Mr. Trout highlighted the club’s accomplishments stating that they provide a positive after-school environment promoting character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, arts, sports, fitness, and recreation for youth children from 4 to 18 years of age for a nominal fee.
5I. MERCY HOUSING LIVING CENTERS
Mr. Cayman Beeman, Grants Specialist, Mercy House Living Centers, presented the request of $30,000 to provide meal services at the Buena Park Navigation Center. The Navigation Center has 149 beds for adults with 24-hour access to shelter and ongoing supportive services. Individuals are connected one-on-one to a Housing Navigation Specialist who works with the program participant to create a housing and employment plan. 5J. FRIENDLY CENTER
Kenia Cueto, Executive Director, Friendly Center, presented the request of $23,000 to support salaries and benefits for on-site staff residents. They offer stability programs, which encompass food distribution, case management, mental health counseling, utility and rental assistance, and other referral services. Friendly Center’s mission is to provide stability, safety, and to end the perpetual cycle of intergenerational poverty. 6: RECESS
6A. RECESS: 7:40 p.m.
RECONVENE: 7:45 p.m.
5C. NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT / CODE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM Mr. Matt Foulkes, Community and Economic Development Director, presented the request of $229,722 for a portion of staff salaries and benefits for the Code Enforcement Program. Code Enforcement officers address quality of life issues, nuisances, violations of health and safety, and land issues on private property. They are responsible for investigations regarding garage conversions, substandard housing, overcrowding, abandoned properties, hoarding issues, hazardous buildings, illegal dumping, and outdoor storage within HUD eligible low-income census tracts. The Program also assists seniors by referring them to the City’s SCERP to rectify code violations.
7: DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS
7A. CDBG COMMITTEE MEMBER SITE VISIT REPORTS:
The Chairman invited the Committee Members to report on their site visits.
Following discussion, the Committee moved on to the next agenda item to discuss their funding recommendation.
7B. DISCUSSION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CDBG FUNDING RECOMMENDATION:
Ms. Suarez explained that the purpose of the CDBG Committee is to encourage community participation and public input and to develop a CDBG budget recommendation for City Council’s consideration before the CDBG budget may be approved and incorporated into the City’s Annual Action Plan. CDBG staff conducts a thorough analysis of each request, which considers funding availability, program impact, program performance records, and previous grant awards to prepare a budget recommendation for the Committee’s consideration. The Committee may move to approve staff’s recommendation as listed on the budget matrix, or make appropriate adjustments for their budget recommendation.
A motion was made by Committee Member Serrano and seconded by Committee Member Barraza to approve the budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026, as recommended by staff.
Motion: Serrano
Second: Barraza
Ayes: Serrano, Barraza, Massed, and Solorzano
Noes: None
Absent: Garcia
MOTION CARRIED.
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS
8A. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Chairman Solorzano announced that the proposed activities and budget for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 CDBG Program will be presented at the City Council Meeting in March. 9A. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Chairman Solorzano adjourned the CDBG Meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Rudy Solorzano, Chairman
ATTEST:
Lana Ardaiz, Secretary
City of Buena Park
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda Report
A. SIX-MONTH REVIEW OF THE BUENA PARK COMMERCIAL FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 5:00 PM
Agenda Group
STUDY SESSION Item: 9A.
Prepared By
Matt Foulkes, Director of Community and Economic
Development
Approved By
Aaron France, City Manager
Presented By
Matt Foulkes, Director of Community and Economic
Development
DISCUSSION
The City Council received a study session presentation in March 2024 regarding commercial corridor blight abatement and facade improvement options. The direction provided at that meeting was to develop a Commercial Corridor Facade Improvement Program and return to the City Council for approval of the program guidelines and appropriation of funds. At its meeting on July 9, 2024, the City Council approved the Facade Improvement Program Guidelines and allocated $1 million for the program from the undesignated Economic Development Fund balance.
The primary goal of the Program is to revitalize and improve the appearance and aesthetics of properties and facades along commercial corridors in the City. The program provides financial assistance to property/business owners in the form of a one-time City Grant for each eligible property or business. An agreement is prepared by the City and signed by the City and Property/Business Owner prior to the commencement of work. Pursuant to the Program Guidelines, grant applications for work previously completed are not eligible. The amount of City funding for each project is flexible based on the scope of the work proposed and could be as little as $10,000 or as much as $95,000 but there is a 25% match required from the business/property owner.
The Economic Development Division released the Program Guidelines and online application in September 2024.
The program was promoted on the City's social media accounts, reader boards, City website, and through the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Since its launch, the City has received numerous calls and inquiries about the program, but has only received five formal application,s which are summarized in the table below.
Date
Application
was Received
Business NameBusiness Address Proposed Scope of Work
October 23,
2024
Kitchen Cabinets
Express 6282 Beach Boulevard Facade remodel and building expansion October 24,
2024 Travelodge Hotel6532 Auto Center Drive New fencing, landscaping, and parking lot improvements
December 16,
2024
Classic Auto Body &
Repair
7870/7872
Commonwealth Avenue
New fencing, landscaping, and parking lot
improvements
January 15,
2025
Trico Trading
Corporation 6855 Western Avenue Facade remodel and new landscaping January 27,
2025
Christopher Club of
BP 8410 Kass Drive Facade remodel and parking lot
improvements
For each of the above applications, Economic Development staff have reviewed the application materials to determine Program eligibility and some have already completed preliminary designs for the proposed improvements and have received construction quotes for completion of the work.
While program participation has been slower than anticipated, the properties/businesses that have submitted applications are primarily along major commercial corridors and represent properties that could benefit from the exterior improvements that have been proposed. The feedback received from other cities who have offered similar facade improvement programs is that it is not uncommon for there to be a slow start, but that once the first few properties complete the improvements, word spreads quickly and more businesses/properties become interested.
Alternatives that the City Council could consider to increase program participation include:
1. Direct mailings to Buena Park businesses advertising the Program and inviting businesses/properties to apply.
2. Door-to-door meetings with specific businesses that could benefit from the Program.
3. Paid advertising in online and print media.
4. Additional outreach to Chambers of Commerce and other business publications.
5. Revising the Program Guidelines to allow certain types of work that was completed prior to the program launch date to be eligible for reimbursement through the Program funds.
In addition to any direction provided by the City Council, staff will continue to work with the current applicants on their projects and take advantage of any future opportunities to further promote the program to the Buena Park business community.
City of Buena Park
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda Report
B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING JOHN BEAT PARK RENOVATION Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 5:00 PM
Agenda Group
STUDY SESSION Item: 9B.
Prepared By
Dale Kurata, Community Services Supervisor
Approved By
Aaron France, City Manager
Presented By
Dale Kurata, Community Services Supervisor
DISCUSSION
This item is being brought forward by Council Member Hoque for discussion on potential renovations to John Beat Park.
John Beat Park is a 2.0-acre, triangular shaped neighborhood park located at 6600 Mt. Shasta Circle, east of Holder Avenue, between Ball Road and Orange Avenue. The park features:
Basketball court
Playground area
Restroom building
Small gazebo
Walking path
Parking circle
The park is bordered to the south and west by the former railroad property and to the south and east by a flood control channel.
John Beat Park has struggled with vandalism due to its proximity to the railroad and flood control areas. These conditions have contributed to ongoing issues, including unhoused population activity, graffiti, and vandalism.
Residents have stated that safety at the park is a concern to the point that many opt to visit nearby parks instead of visiting John Beat Park.
The wrought iron fence bordering the park is in disrepair. Unhoused populations and vandals are constantly damaging the wrought iron fence to gain access to the park. Over the years, this has been a constant problem.
Staff have even attempted to grow bougainvillea in spots to deter the vandalism with little success. Additionally, many of the trees in the park are in need of attention, including trimming or removal. Particularly, the trees that have grown on the fence line of the wrought iron gates need maintenance. These trees are problematic and attract negative activity from the unhoused populations.
Unhoused individuals often seek out these flood channels for several reasons. They provide a discreet way to travel while staying out of sight, and encampments are often more difficult to spot beneath the channels. As a result, many tend to congregate there, allowing them to camp with less visibility to the public.
The Buena Park Police Department (PD) has been instrumental in addressing ongoing concerns in the flood channel area at Beat Park. Through a proactive approach, PD has increased patrols, strengthened collaboration with outreach teams, and closely coordinated with Public Works to ensure the integrity and safety of the area.
Key Actions Taken by Buena Park PD:
Increased Patrols & Presence: Officers have conducted frequent patrol checks in the flood channel area, maintaining a heightened law enforcement presence to deter unauthorized activity and enhance public safety.
Enhanced Collaboration with Outreach Teams: PD continues to work closely with the Homeless Outreach Team to address transient-related concerns, ensuring that individuals in need are connected with services while also preventing re-encampment.
Rapid Response to Public Concerns: Officers have responded to various incidents, including vandalism, suspicious activity, and disturbances, as reflected in the documented service calls.
Service Requests to OC Public Works: PD has actively identified and reported maintenance and security issues, ensuring swift action from OC Public Works to maintain the area's condition.
By maintaining strong collaboration with Public Works, PD ensures that environmental concerns, such as graffiti removal and other maintenance issues, are promptly addressed. These efforts reinforce the City's commitment to keeping the flood channel and surrounding areas secure, clean and accessible.
Incident Overview (January 2024 - January 2025):
The following incident data reflects law enforcement activity in the flood channel area:
Incident Type Number of Calls
Transient-Related Calls 18
Patrol Checks 8
Disruptive Subjects 4
Municipal Code Violation 2
Suspicious Activity 2
Other Incidents 13
Total Incidents 47
In July 2022, the City Council discussed adding a rose garden or other tree/flower variety to Beat Park to enhance the area. Additional ideas such as workout equipment, planting low-hanging fruit, and constructing pickleball courts were also added as options to consider. At the conclusion of the discussion, the City Council did not move forward with any of the proposed items and directed staff to integrate future improvements into the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Past park improvements include:
2011: Playground replacement
2024: ADA improvements to restrooms, walkways, benches, drinking fountains, replaced roof shingles on gazebo, and basketball court stripping
John Beat Park improvements have been identified as high priority in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The park has significant potential for modernization and beautification to create a safe, welcoming, and attractive community space. Park improvements to enhance usability, aesthetics, and security would be embraced by residents.
Staff is seeking City Council direction on next steps regarding the proposed renovations at John Beat Park.
BUDGET IMPACT
Should the City Council wish to proceed, staff will include a budget of $100,000 in FY 25-26 for conceptual design and community outreach. In addition, staff would budget $150,000 in FY 26-27 for design of the improvements.
Project construction would be budgeted following review of the improvements by the Council and agreement on the proposed scope.