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October 8, 2024
ITEM TITLE
American Rescue Plan Act: Approve an Agreement with SBCS Corporation for the Domestic Violence Program and Appropriate Funds
Report Number: 24-0249
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Housing and Homeless Services
G.C. § 84308: Yes
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required. Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the activity is exempt pursuant to Title 24, Part 58.34(a)(2) & (3) of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution: 1) Approving a subrecipient agreement with the SBCS Corporation for Domestic Violence Services; and 2) Authorizing and appropriating $50,000 in interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act funds. (4/5 Vote Required)
SUMMARY
On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”), to provide $350 billion in emergency funding for eligible stat e, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide substantial flexibility for each jurisdiction to meet local needs—including support for households, small businesses, impacted industries, essential workers, and the communities hardest-hit by the crisis.
The City received a total of $57.5 million, which was appropriated by the City Council through various actions.
The interest earned on ARPA funds is available to be spent by the City on eligible pr ograms. This action proposes to allocate $50,000 ARPA interest funds to the SBCS Corporation (SBCS) Domestic Violence Program. Furthermore, this item authorizes a Subrecipient Agreement with SBCS.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical ch ange in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Under NEPA, the activity is exempt pursuant to Title 24, Part 58.34(a)(2)& (3) of the Code of Federal Regulations and pursuant to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Environmental Guidelines. Thus, no further environmental review is necessary at this time.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide substantial flexibility for each jurisdiction to meet local needs —including support for households, small businesses, impacted industries, essential workers, and the communities harde st-hit by the crisis. This action will continue to assist the following program and provide services impacted by increased need, due to the pandemic.
The SBCS Domestic Violence Program provides therapeutic counseling and crisis intervention services to adult and children victims of family violence (“DV”). The Family Violence Treatment Program provides therapeutic counseling and crisis intervention services to adult and children victims of family violence which include the following activities:
Domestic Violence Response Team (“DVRT”) for emergency responses, 24-hour hotline assistance for DV victims, and 24-hour access to emergency shelter;
Strengths-based Assessments and Safety Planning for DV victims and their children; Individual counseling and group/family counseling;
Unique therapeutic pre-school, Mi Escuelita, for child victims of family violence; and On-going case management and support for victims.
All clients also have access to any of SBCS’ other programs including emergency and transition al housing, financial self-sufficiency services, and/or job development. All Family Violence Treatment Program services are ongoing, and ARPA funds will assist SBCS to maintain/increase the number of calls responded to through the DVRT – the entry point for many victims to get the assistance they need to rebuild safe, stable and healthy lives for themselves and their children.
This program also provides training for Chula Vista police officers in the Family Protection Unit. These training topics cover DV ba sics including power and control, the dominant aggressor, and crime scene investigation. As needs arise, additional training is provided.
Staff is recommending appropriating American Rescue Plan Act interest earnings totaling $50,000 for this effort, as allowed under the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Final Rule (31 CFR Part 35), which are not subject to the requirement of the Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury’s implementing regulations at 31 CFR Part 205 to remit interest to T reasury, are not subject to the P a g e | 3
requirements of 2 CFR 200.305(b)(8) and (9) to maintain funds in an interest -bearing account and remit interest earned above $500 to Treasury, and are not subject to program restrictions.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the resolution authorizes the use of up to $ 50,000 in funds from American Rescue Plan Act interest earnings.
Staff recommend the following appropriations to fully fund this project:
Fund ARPA Category Other Expenses Total Expense
American Rescue Plan Act 2021 ECO ARPA 2021 Admin $50,000 $50,000 Total Other Funds $50,000 $50,000
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund as a result of this action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Subrecipient Agreement - SBCS Corporation Domestic Violence Program Staff Contact: Stacey Kurz, Director, Housing and Homeless Services Dania Gonzalez, Principal Management Analyst