FIRM BACKGROUND
RSG is a creatively charged counterpart to the State of California (“State”) public agencies. We work with the people responsible for creating vibrant places to accomplish their goals. The inspired leaders at RSG create stronger communities capable of achieving bolder futures by bringing four decades of native knowledge to each engagement. As diverse as the agencies we work with, our services span real estate, economic development, fiscal health, and housing initiatives.
RSG is a State-based, Subchapter “S” corporation. Founded in 1979, the firm provides a wide array of community development consulting services to local government organizations and private entities. The firm is managed by principals Jim Simon and Tara Matthews. RSG has offices located throughout the State in Irvine, Berkeley, and Vista. Our website is www.webrsg.com.
RSG’s federal taxpayer identification number is 95-343-5849 and state taxpayer identification number is 27600915. RSG is also a State certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE - 2006876 DGS).
Mission Statement
RSG creates solutions to enhance communities' physical, economic, and social future.
Core Values
Our core values define who we are as people and the standards by which we provide service to our clients. At RSG, we:
• Craft Sincere Relationships
• Only See Opportunities
• Are Driven by Determination
• Make Investments in Ourselves
• Value the Wisdom of Our Clients
Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
QUALIFICATIONS
At RSG, we believe housing is a basic human right and the foundation of a stable and successful community. We are passionate about creating opportunities for residents to live in housing they can afford, helping to provide the necessary platform to nurture and protect quality of life for all residents. RSG understands the critical role that housing and in particular, affordable housing, for all income levels plays. Affordable housing is the key to providing residents with the income to support other needs and stimulate economic development in their communities, allowing children a safe place to return to after school and a greater chance of attaining educational success, and allowing individuals a place to call home and recharge after work. Without an adequate supply of affordable housing, communities are deprived of the opportunity to thrive and issues like homelessness, overcrowding, and economic decline can take hold.
We see our role as technicians, advisors, and extensions of staff to local governments and developers, sharing a common vision of producing and maintaining healthy and affordable housing in communities. As practitioners, we know firsthand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to California’s housing crisis and are ready to dig in and help our clients find solutions that work best for them. RSG’s housing clients have included cities, counties, housing successor agencies, housing authorities, and developers. We have experience working in coastal communities, major cities, urban areas, Central Valley agricultural communities, islands, and rural areas from Southern to Northern California. We are adept at brainstorming and developing strategies and programs, implementing and overseeing affordable housing programs and developments, performing complex affordable housing underwriting, identifying gap financing resources, and ensuring compliance with State and Federal guidelines.
We are not only consultants in the field, but leaders in the industry as well. As active policy committee members of the San Diego Housing Federation and the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California, we give a voice to the challenges our clients and communities face in California by influencing legislative initiatives. We collaborate with industry leaders, other consulting firms, and community stakeholders throughout the state to share local success stories, build capacity and broader successes in the state, and remove impediments to communities’ ability to reach housing goals. Like you, we hope to solve the housing crisis in California and live in communities where all populations are adequately served and housed. We know there is a ton of work to do and here at RSG we are ready to rollup our sleeves up and get to it! Creating and Achieving Strategic Planning Goals
Affordable housing can uplift and transform a community not only through elevating residents’ quality of life, but also, increasing diversity, improving neighboring property values, and attracting more businesses and jobs. Understanding community needs and the role strategic planning plays is a key step in advancing the development of affordable housing. RSG evaluates community needs by understanding State and Federal housing goals and requirements, evaluating local housing element goals and RHNA requirements, evaluating local market opportunities and constraints, assessing local community demand and demographics, and understanding local politics and staffing resources.
RSG fully understands the nuances involved in developing both short- and long-term affordable housing strategies and market studies. We help our clients identify appropriate development programming alternatives, explore policy implementation, and identify available Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
financial and real property resources to help reach goals. We work closely with our clients to formulate precise, accurate, and project-specific solutions and analyses.
Affordable Housing Underwriting and Gap Financing Resources Developing affordable housing is more of an art than a science and each project comes with its own unique issues to ensure that gap financing is secured. We work behind the scenes to help our clients navigate through the complex task of developing affordable housing. RSG advises on crafting appropriate development programs, including funding assistance strategies that balance the developer and community’s interests. Development programming evaluations are performed to identify financially feasible opportunities and examine alternatives that will result in projects having long-term economic viability while fulfilling the community’s development goals and objectives. Based on our long-standing relationships with California’s community development field, we can identify and facilitate meetings with the affordable housing community to assist in project financing.
RSG has experience with single-family ownership, multifamily rental apartments, and mixeduse development projects that leverage multiple funding sources, including housing asset funds (LMIHAF), state and federal low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), and other local funding sources, such as HOME, CDBG, PHC, NSP, HOPE VI, MHP, AHP, and inclusionary housing in-lieu fees, as well as other resources. We guide our clients through the financing process to best leverage local public financial assistance.
Real Estate Development Programming and Transaction Structuring Nothing substitutes for knowledge, creativity, and experience when negotiating agreements for affordable housing transactions. In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including requirements under the Government Code and other state and federal real estate regulations, coupled with broad experience in preparing development agreements are essential to bringing a project to life. RSG has assisted clients in programming analyses, assembling sites, relocating residents, soliciting developer proposals, and negotiating and drafting disposition agreements. Our staff is well versed in navigating the landscape of real estate in the sphere of affordable housing and we possess the insight and expertise required to help our clients make informed decisions and execute transactions with certainty.
Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protection Program Design and Implementation As housing affordability continues to slip further away from many Californians, local jurisdictions are looking at ways to help protect their most vulnerable populations and ensure that renters remain housed without steep rental increases and unfair evictions. RSG helps our clients implement, evaluate, and revise ordinances for effective outcomes. We accomplish this through engaging the community, preparing informational materials, processing petitions and rent increase calculations, preparing reports for decision makers, conducting hearings, and evaluating the efficacy of existing ordinances.
We have hands-on experience in the administration of rent stabilization and tenant protection programs for all applicable rental units and mobile home parks. Each jurisdiction has specific nuances within their ordinances and RSG is skilled at navigating these to ensure smooth implementation. A key to successful implementation is ensuring neutrality in the process, building off of our in-depth experience in advising both residents and landlords.
Program Administration
Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
Affordable housing helps to support the physical, mental, and social well-being of residents and therefore, residents often look to their communities for local support to secure, maintain, and provide affordable housing. RSG is well versed in developing and facilitating affordable housing programs, having assisted many communities with establishing rehabilitation loan programs and first-time homebuyer programs. We work with our clients to tailor programs to the specific needs of the community and identify financial resources to fund such programs.
We monitor and track available funding sources that could be resources to local communities to ensure that we always keep a pulse on the industry. Our team is proficient in working with lenders to ensure homebuyer eligibility and working collaboratively to execute loan documents. Our services span from program design to program implementation. We work closely with our clients to help formulate programs and processes that best fit the overall housing needs of their communities.
State and Federal Regulatory Compliance
We understand that regulatory compliance and reporting is a critical aspect of a local government’s housing responsibilities. Our redevelopment agency roots have positioned our team well to address regulatory compliance and reporting needs. Understanding this work can be burdensome, time-consuming, and complex for some communities, RSG works closely with our clients to ensure that all annual reporting for Housing Successor Agencies, Housing Authorities, and Cities is completed each year. As the State legislature continues to tighten up on local government housing production and compliance with annual reporting and regulatory compliance, it is imperative that reports accurately reflect community progress towards meeting housing goals.
We have hands-on experience in the administration of public agencies’ affordable housing activities for multi-family rental projects and homebuyer assistance programs. RSG ensures that program and project operations are consistent with an applicable bond or other applicable financing provisions, including oversight of a project’s financial status, tenant income recertifications, and affordability requirements, together with annual compliance monitoring and regulatory reporting. We understand the importance of these reporting tools and assist our clients with getting into and maintaining compliance. We strive to have all of our clients audit-ready and off any state “naughty list”! RSG has been in the affordable housing arena for over 40 years and intimately understands what it takes to see a project come to fruition and maintain affordability. Aside from our indepth experience in multiple facets of affordable housing, we see providing housing services as an opportunity to embrace, inspire, and create the changes so desperately needed and deserved in communities all across the state. To put it simply, we are passionate about affordable housing!
Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
PROJECT TEAM
Tara Matthews will assume the role of Principal-in-Charge for this engagement. Ms. Matthews will be assisted by Dena Fuentes, Director, Cindy Blot, Senior Associate, Jessica Henderson, Associate, and additional RSG staff who will be assigned as needed. Staff resumes of key personnel may be found on the following pages.
TARA MATTHEWS
Principal & Vice President
714.316.2111
[email protected]
www.webrsg.com | 17872 Gillette Ave., Suite 350, Irvine CA 92614 | 714.541.4585
PROFILE
“I enjoy problem solving and
working with people who
make things happen to
improve their community.
Seeing a project that I worked
on come to fruition is very
exciting. I can say, “I helped
make that happen!”
OUT & ABOUT
San Diego Housing
Federation/Policy Committee
and Conference Speaker
The Kennedy Commission
California Association for
Local Economic Development
California Property Tax
Managers Association, Annual
Conference Speaker
California State Municipal
Finance Officers, Speaker
Non-Profit Housing
Association of Northern
California
SCANPH
Housing California
ABOUT TARA
Driven by the passion to improve the lives of all sectors of a community, Tara expertly navigates projects with a comprehensive knowledge of community development, affordable housing, and economic development. The complexity of her projects includes property acquisition and relocation services, development impact fee analyses, and the creation and monitoring of affordable housing projects. Tara is skilled at client collaboration, strategic planning, research and analysis, financial projections, report writing, and outreach.
EDUCATION
Tara joined RSG in 2004. She received a BS in Earth Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Certificate in Urban Planning and Development from the University of California, San Diego. Tara is an active member of the San Diego Housing Federation and serves on its Policy Committee. She shares her knowledge and proficiency in municipal finance, economic development policy analysis, and real estate to advance client and community objectives.
RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
Provided interim staffing services for the City of Carson, acting as the Interim Housing Program Manager for the City’s mobilehome rent control program.
Assisted City of El Monte staff and legal counsel in administering the City’s mobilehome rent control program by conducting the detailed analysis required to process fair return rent increase applications submitted by a mobilehome park owner.
Assisted with drafting a memorandum for the County of Orange on the technical requirements for the creation of an emergency rental assistance program funded by the CARES Act CDBG-CV3 and Federal Treasury.
Assisted the County of San Diego in developing a rental assistance program during the COVID-19 pandemic for residential landlords.
Assisted the County of San Diego with establishing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) subsidy program. Analysis included researching ADU subsidy programs in comparable jurisdictions and assessing demand in the County for ADU development.
DENA FUENTES
Director
714.316.2117
[email protected]
www.webrsg.com | 17872 Gillette Ave., Suite 350, Irvine CA 92614 | 714.541.4585
PROFILE
“Revitalizing communities to
bring equity, opportunity, and
hope for families, residents,
and businesses is the essence
of local government. Being a
collaborative facilitator and
problem solver to achieve the
community results inspires
who I am and what I am
about.”
OUT & ABOUT
Housing California
California Association of Local
Housing Finance Agencies
(Cal-ALHFA)
Non-Profit Housing
Association of Northern
California (NPH)
Southern California
Association of Non-Profit
Housing (SCANPH)
San Diego Housing Federation
(SDHF)
California Association of Local
Agency Formation
Commissions (CALAFCO)
ABOUT DENA
Dena has been blessed to have her vocation and avocation align for over 35 years working for the public sector. She is passionate about providing opportunity to all residents of the communities she works with by leading efforts to finance and build needed community resources. This includes creation of jobs, new public facilities, affordable housing opportunities, infrastructure, and addressing housing and services for homeless residents. Dena is an expert in project management, community engagement, and structuring of complex financing and layering of public resources.
EDUCATION
Dena has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. Dena’s educational experience combined with over 25 years of executive leadership at the municipal and county level provides a complimentary set of experiences and skills to guide and implement complex projects, programs, and policies. Dena was the Deputy Executive Officer (retired) of the Community Development and Housing Agency for San Bernardino County which included the oversight of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, the Office of Homeless Services, and the Community Development and Housing Department.
RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
Lead the effort to secure, design, and implement the San Bernardino County (County) and the Continuum of Care grants which included California Emergency Housing Solutions, Homeless Emergency Aid Program, Housing Assistance Program, Project RoomKey, Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Permanent Local Housing Assistance Program, and the State CV Emergency Solution Grants.
Implemented the Federal Housing and Urban Development entitlement grants including Community Development Block Grant, HOME, and Emergency Solutions Grant on behalf of the County and all consortium participants. This included the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act and American Rescue Plan Act special allocations.
Lead effort to finance over 1,000 affordable housing units located in the cities of 29 Palms, Loma Linda, Redlands, San Bernardino, Yucaipa, Fontana, Adelanto, Barstow, Victorville, and County unincorporated communities.
CINDY BLOT
Senior Associate
714.316.2118
[email protected]
www.webrsg.com | 17872 Gillette Ave., Suite 350, Irvine CA 92614 | 714.541.4585
PROFILE
“I am a creative problem
solver who enjoys getting
deeply connected with my
projects.”
OUT & ABOUT
Housing California
(The list below is related to
North Carolina.)
Chamber of Commerce
Rotary Club, Director
Habitat for Humanity
The Entrepreneur CenterGrant Writer/Organizer
SCORE, Counselor
Downtown Business
Development Council
ABOUT CINDY
Cindy’s background includes community and economic development, asset management, and finance for affordable housing, mixed-income multifamily, and commercial real estate developments. Having worked in commercial banking, Cindy developed strong skills financing complex residential and commercial projects utilizing a variety of funding sources and tax credits. Her community development experience resulted in municipalities being awarded millions of dollars in federal grant funds.
EDUCATION
Cindy joined RSG in October 2021 as a Senior Associate. She received a BS in Business Management and a master's degree in Public Administration, with an emphasis on Economic Development, from Eastern Carolina University. Cindy has worked with multiple municipalities throughout the country, focusing on affordable housing and economic development. Her affordable housing experience includes both 9% and 4% LIHTC transactions, HUD HOME and CDBG projects, and mixed income/mixed use public/private partnership developments.
Her economic development experience includes new market and historic tax credit projects and public/private partnership development.
RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
Assisted with the development and delivery of two renter protection ordinances for the City of Santa Ana; Rental Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction.
Coordinated grant writing efforts for an EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant for the City of South Gate.
Worked with the City of El Monte in delivering CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds to support affordable housing and economic development.
Evaluated responses to County of San Diego Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) and provided recommendations regarding whether to provide the funding requested by the applicants.
Assisted the City of Merced and City of Tulare with project review and selection for ARPA compliance and reporting.
JESSICA HENDERSON
Associate
714.316.2122
[email protected]
www.webrsg.com | 17872 Gillette Ave., Suite 350, Irvine CA 92614 | 714.541.4585
PROFILE
“I strive to facility strong
relationships with local
government and residents by
provided solutions for
affordable housing, economic
development and financial
stewardship. Trust and equity
should be a part of all
communities.”
OUT & ABOUT
Housing California
Southern California
Association of Non-Profit
Housing (SCANPH)
Non-Profit Housing
Association of Northern
California (NPH)
California Association of Local
Housing Finance Agencies
(Cal-ALHFA)
San Diego Housing Federation
(SDHF)
California Association of Local
Agency Formation
Commissions (CALAFCO)
Housing Innovation Partners,
Board Chairman
ABOUT JESSICA
Jessica joined RSG in 2022 bringing with her over 10 years of experience in the affordable housing industry. Her background includes development, affordable housing finance, compliance monitoring, resident services, and property management. She has extensive experience working with government agencies and is effective in building strong working relationships in both the public and private sector in order to find solutions.
EDUCATION
Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies Political Science from the University of California San Diego and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Jessica’s educational background combined with experience in the public and private sector position her to provide not only the best final product to RSG’s clients, but also exceptional costumer service.
RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
Provided analytical support and application evaluation for the City of Oceanside with their first Mobile home Park Rental Adjustment Application.
Assisted with information gathering, self-assessments, consensus building on plan objectives and program and operational prioritization to assist in the creation of a three-year strategic plan for the Rent Stabilization Program.
Conducted research related to rent stabilization ordinances in the City of San Jose to develop metrics to measure effectiveness.
Reviewed application for mobile home rent increase in the City of Oceanside and worked collaborative with the City and Owner to process net operating income space rent increase.
Conducted research related to options for Burbank Housing Corporation to restructure their Master Loan Agreement to optimize their financial capacity and abilities.
Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
SCOPE OF SERVICES
RSG understands that the City recently adopted the Mobilehome Rent Stabilization and Mobilehome Owner Protections Ordinance (“RSO”) on January 11, 2022 and is seeking a consultant to help administer the RSO. The Ordinance allows for an annual space rent increase of 75% of the percentage change in the average consumer price index over the preceding twelve months ending in January, not to exceed three percent (3%). As required by law, the City must also allow a mobilehome park owner an opportunity to submit a fair return application requesting a space rent increase that is greater than the restricted amount. RSG is experienced with the various aspects of administering a rent stabilization ordinance. RSG will perform the following Scope of Services:
Initial Implementation
RSG is available to assist the City in the announcement and launch of the City’s RSO program, and to respond to public inquiries as needed. It should be noted that RSG only has Spanish speakers on staff and would need to work with the City to identify other translation services needed. We would work closely with the contacts that the City already has should this service be needed.
• Content Creation – RSG can prepare RSO program information, forms, and applications for property owners and tenants, including:
• website content creation, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), • letters to property owners and residents,
• applications and forms as referenced in the RSO, and
• fliers and handouts.
RSG understands that City staff has drafted some of the materials and would like for RSG to review, edit, and streamline as needed. Any required mailings will be handled by the City.
• Workshops/Webinars – RSG can conduct two (2) online informational workshops. They will be recorded and made available on the City website for future reference. RSG will work with the City to provide translation for these workshop/webinars.
RSO Ongoing Administration
RSG is available to administer the City’s RSO program on an ongoing basis and respond to public inquiries as needed, including the following:
• CPI Rent Increase Calculations – RSG will calculate and distribute allowable rent increase amounts to affected property owners pursuant to the procedures detailed in the RSO. The allowable percentage by which a property owner/landlord is allowed to increase a tenant’s rent is based on the change in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). • Fair Return Petition Review – If a property owner/landlord believes the annual RSO rent increase does not allow for a sufficient fair return on investment, they may file a petition for a fair return increase that may allow for an adjustment above the 3% or CPI calculation. This process requires reviewing income and expense information and performing a maintenance of net operating income (“MNOI”) analysis. • Petition Review – RSG will review the Petition to ensure that it is complete and adheres to the RSO requirements. RSG will also confirm that all claimed expenses Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
are eligible operating expenses and verify property revenues. Petition Review also includes preparing correspondence to the applicant informing them if their Petition has been deemed complete or insufficient. If the Petition is incomplete, RSG will inform the applicant of any deficiencies with sufficient detail and provide them an opportunity to submit additional information. RSG anticipates that the City will be responsible for all mailings.
• Maintenance of Net Operating Income (“NOI”) Analysis – RSG will use a MNOI methodology to determine fair and reasonable rent. The MNOI method is a recognized and accepted practice used in other jurisdictions for evaluating fair return increases under rent stabilization. RSG will calculate a base year NOI for a property prior to adoption of the RSO using actual historical revenue and expenses for that property collected through the Petition process. RSG will provide the analysis to the City for review so the City Manager or designee can decide on the allowable rent increase amount. RSG will also evaluate all the other factors that may be considered by the City Manager as part of the rent increase. • Written Evaluation – RSG will prepare a written evaluation of the materials submitted by the applicant and residents. The written evaluation will include a description of the various rent increase factors and the proposed allowable rents under each method.
• Capital Improvement Application – RSG will work with the applicant to ensure that all capital improvements meet the definitions detailed in RSO. Determination of allowable capital improvement increases are based on amortization schedules and any relevant factors affecting amortization, such as the quality of the improvement and external factors that affect its longevity. The calculation of the allowable rent increase is based on the total improvement costs plus interest divided by amortization period (number of years) and then divided by 12 to reflect the monthly payment. • Application Review – RSG will review the Application to ensure that it is complete and adheres to the RSO requirements. RSG will also confirm that all claimed expenses are eligible capital expenses. Review also includes preparing correspondence to the applicant informing them if their Application has been deemed complete or insufficient. If the Application is incomplete, RSG will inform the applicant of any deficiencies with sufficient detail and provide them an opportunity to submit additional information. RSG anticipates that the City will be responsible for all mailings.
• Mobilehome Park Inspection – RSG will complete physical inspections of the completed work to ensure that improvements were made as stated in the application. In certain situations, RSG may ask a building inspector to join us on inspections to get additional insight on quality and cost of improvements.
• Written Evaluation – RSG will prepare a written evaluation of the materials submitted by the applicant and residents. The written evaluation will include a description of the capital improvements and the proposed pass-through amount. • Mobilehome Owner Application for Adjustment – A mobilehome owner may file an application with the City if they believe that they should receive an adjustment in their monthly obligations because the Park Owner is in violation of the RSO.
Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
• Review – RSG will review the Application to determine if an adjustment is warranted.
• Written Determination – RSG will prepare a written evaluation of the materials submitted by the mobilehome owners. The written evaluation will include a description of the various rent obligations under dispute and the City’s determination on any potential rental obligation reductions. • Park Owner and Mobilehome Owner Inquiries – RSG is available to respond to inquiries from park owners and mobilehome owners regarding the provisions of the RSO. We will also assist them with how to accurately submit applications and forms. • Enforcement – RSG will work as an extension of staff to take appropriate actions to enforce the RSO. Section 9.48.140 of the RSO details the administrative fines that both the park owner and mobilehome owner may be subject to for violations. RSG will prepare and issue violations in a form that the City typically uses and work with the appropriate City Departments to track and enforce compliance. It is anticipated that legal counsel will handle any remedies needed pursuant to Section 9.48.150 of the RSO. • Staff Training – RSG understands that all or a portion of the services will be on an interim basis until such time as City staff, or another designated party, is ready to assume responsibility for implementation. RSG is available to prepare training materials for use by City staff for program implementation when needed.
RSO Advisory Services
RSG understands that the City would like to continue to evaluate potential improvements to the RSO and general administration.
• Modifications to the RSO – RSG is available to conduct a review of the RSO and provide recommendations on implementation.
• Prepare Procedures and Guidelines – RSG can work with the City Attorney to prepare the procedures and guidelines as referenced in Section 9.48.110 of the RSO. It is envisioned that this document would be a tool used by staff and/or consultants in administering the RSO and would detail items such as the appeals process, capital improvements definitions and amortization schedules, and allowable operating expenses. It should be noted that administration of the RSO will evolve and be more clarified through the creation of the policies and procedures. • Rental Registry and Fee – RSG will work with staff to select a consultant to establish a rental registry operating system. Additionally, RSG will help staff determine an appropriate registry fee and coordinate with a consultant if a fee study is needed. • As-Needed Services – RSG is available to assist with other general services related to the implementation of the City’s RSO. RSG understands that the City will administer Section 9.48.160 of the RSO as it relates to park closures, conversions or changes in use.
Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
FEE PROPOSAL
RSG proposes to provide the services described in the Scope of Services on a time-andmaterials basis not-to-exceed $300,000. If the tasks under the Scope of Services section are substantially changed in the future, RSG will notify the City and request a fee adjustment. RSG will be on hand to provide “on call” services as needed and will bill for these additional services at an hourly rate based on our current compensation rates, as approved by the City.
Scope of Services
Mobilehome Rent Stabilization and Mobilehome Owner Protections Ordinance Administration Pico Rivera (2022)
Total
Principal Director Sr. Assoc Associate Analyst Res. Asst. Total Hrs Not to $ 275 $ 275 $ 200 $ 185 $ 135 $ 125 Exceed
Task 1 Initial Implementation 14 18 18 10 35 35 130 $ 23,350 Task 1.1 Content Creation 10 10 10 10 25 25 90 15,850
Task 1.2 Worshops/Webinars (2 meetings) 4 8 8 - 10 10 40 7,500 Task 2 Ongoing Administration 52 21 90 95 39 20 237 $ 100,046 Analyze actual and projected annual costs of implementing identified programs Task 2.1 CPI Rent Calculations - 1 - - 4 - 5 815
Task 2.2 Fair Return Petition Review (per application) 20 - 40 40 15 - 115 22,925 Task 2.3 Capital Improvement Application (per application) 10 - 25 25 10 10 - 14,975 Task 2.4 Mobilehome Owner Application (per application) 2 5 10 10 10 37 6,000 Task 2.5 Park Owner and Mobilehome Owner Inquiries 20 20 20 20 - - 80 18,700 Task 2.6 Enforcenment - - 30 - 18 48 8,430
Task 2.7 Staff Training 10 20 20 - - - 50 12,250
Task 2.8 Project Management 10 10 30 10 10 10 80 15,951 Task 3 Advisory Services 45 71 55 37 34 32 174 $ 61,335 Evaluate existing revenue sources; identify potential sources used by other communities Task 3.1 Modifications to Ordinance - 1 - 2 4 2 9 1,435 Task 3.2 Procedures and Guidelines 15 30 15 15 10 10 95 20,750 Task 3.3 Rental Registry and Fee 10 20 20 - - - 50 12,250 Task 3.4 As-Needed Services 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 26,900 GRAND TOTAL BUDGET 111 110 163 142 108 87 541 $ 184,731 GRAND TOTAL BUDGET (Assuming 3 Fair Return , 2 Capital Improvement, and 10 Mobilehome Owner Applications) $ 299,556 Year 1 Initial Activities
Task 1.1 Content Creation 10 10 10 10 25 25 90 $ 15,850 Task 1.2 Worshops/Webinars (2 meetings) 4 8 8 - 10 10 40 $ 7,500 Task 2.1 CPI Rent Calculations - 1 - - 4 - 5 $ 815
Task 2.5 Park Owner and Mobilehome Owner Inquiries 20 20 20 20 - - 80 $ 18,700 Task 2.6 Enforcenment - - 30 - 18 - 48 $ 8,430
Task 2.8 Project Management 10 10 30 10 10 10 80 $ 15,951 Task 3.1 Modifications to Ordinance - 1 - 2 4 2 9 $ 1,435 Task 3.2 Procedures and Guidelines 15 30 15 15 10 10 95 $ 20,750 Task 3.3 Rental Registry and Fee 10 20 20 - - - 50 $ 12,250 $ 89,431
Allocation for Other Ongoing Admininstration and Advisory Services Task 2.2 Fair Return Petition Review (per application) 20 - 40 40 15 - 115 22,925 Task 2.3 Capital Improvement Application (per application) 10 - 25 25 10 10 - 14,975 Task 2.4 Mobilehome Owner Application (per application) 2 - 5 10 10 10 37 6,000 Task 2.7 Staff Training 3 7 7 - - - 17 4,083
Task 3.4 As-Needed Services 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8,967
56,950
YEAR 1 SUBTOTAL 146,381
YEAR 2 SUBTOTAL 76,588
YEAR 3 SUBTOTAL 76,588
Task Hours & Billing Rate
Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
Our 2022 fee schedule is as follows:
Principal / Director $ 275
Senior Associate $ 200
Associate $ 185
Senior Analyst $ 150
Analyst $ 135
Research Assistant $ 125
Technician $ 80
Clerical $ 60
Reimbursable Expenses Cost plus 10%
RSG does not charge clients for travel or mileage (except direct costs related to field work/surveys), parking, standard telephone/fax expenses, general postage, or incidental copies. However, we do charge for messenger services, overnight shipping/express mail costs, and teleconferencing services. We also charge for copies of reports, documents, notices, and support material in excess of five (5) copies. These costs are charged back at the actual expense plus a 10% surcharge.
RSG issues monthly invoices payable upon receipt, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.
Invoices identify tasks completed to date, hours expended and the hourly rate.
Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
REFERENCES
The projects below demonstrate RSG’s experience providing services of a similar nature as those requested in the RFP. We encourage you to contact our references or follow up with additional questions.
City of Carson – Mobilehome Park Rent Control Program Audit and Administration In 2011, RSG conducted an audit of the City of Carson’s mobilehome rent control ordinance. The audit reviewed the City’s ordinance and procedures and analyzed historical data to recommend revised rent increase application process and procedures. The process resulted in the City adopting an automatic consumer price index annual rent adjustment.
Since 2017, RSG Principal Tara Matthews has served as the City’s Interim Housing Program Manager. In this role, she administers the City’s mobilehome park rent control program. The scope of services includes the following:
• Rent Increase Application Review and Processing – RSG reviews all applications submitted by park owners seeking either a capital improvement or a fair return rent increase. RSG ensures that each application is complete and adheres to the Program guidelines. This review includes closely evaluating each of the expenses submitted by the park owner to ensure that each reported expense is reasonable, accurate, and sufficiently documented. RSG’s work includes frequent communication with park owners and residents, as well as collaboration with the City’s legal counsel. • Resident Noticing – Once an application is deemed complete, RSG prepares required noticing for the park residents and is available to answer any questions that the park residents may have. RSG is available for on-site visits as needed to allow park residents an opportunity to review the application and ask in-person questions. • Park Inspections – The processing of each application requires an inspection of the mobilehome park which entails visually inspecting the condition of the park (for fair return rent increase applications) or verifying the completion and quality of improvements to the park (for capital improvement rent increase applications). The findings of the inspection are included in the staff report present to the Mobilehome Rental Review Board (“Board”). One of the City’s contract inspectors accompanies RSG at these inspections to provide expertise on the park conditions and improvements. • Public Hearing – RSG prepares the public hearing notices mailed to park residents. RSG also prepares the staff reports presented to the Board for consideration at the public hearings. Each staff report includes all material facts related to the application and outlines various rent increase options for the Board to consider. RSG attends all public hearings to present information to the Board and answer any questions posed by the Board.
• Point of Contact – RSG responds to general inquiries from park owners, park residents, and the general public regarding the City’s mobilehome park rent control program.
Contact: Saied Naaseh, Director of Community Development (310) 952-1770 / [email protected]
Alfonso Rodriguez
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
September 29, 2022
City of El Monte – Mobilehome Park Fair Return Rent Adjustment Petition Administrative Services
RSG assists the City of El Monte with administration of the City’s Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Program by providing services as it pertains to the El Rovia Trailer Village, LLC rent increase petition review and Maintenance of Net Operating Income (“MNOI”) analysis. The scope of services includes the following:
• Petition Review – RSG reviews the petition to ensure that it is complete and adheres with the Program guidelines and that all claimed expenses are eligible operating expenses. Additionally, RSG verifies park revenues. Petition review also includes preparing correspondence to the park owner informing them if their petition has been accepted or rejected. Should a petition be rejected, RSG will detail the reason for the rejection to inform the park owner of any deficiencies. • MNOI Analysis – RSG calculates the MNOI and the proposed MNOI Entitlement pursuant to Section 8.70.080 of the Municipal Code.
• Settlement Agreement Analysis – RSG evaluates the rent differences between the terms proposed in the settlement agreement versus the MNOI Analysis as needed.
Contact: Betty Donavanik, Director of Community and Economic Development (626) 580-2056 / [email protected]
City of Santa Ana – Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance Administration In 2021, Santa Ana became the first city in Orange County with a rent stabilization ordinance.
RSG helped announce and launch the City’s Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance by creating a press release, website content, letter to property owners, informational flyers, and public workshops. RSG collaborated with the City Attorney to create a form of written notice and fair return petition application that complies with local policies and State law. RSG currently provides interim staffing of the public counter and hotline five days a week to answer questions from the public. RSG also helps train new city staff hired to implement the program. RSG will provide ongoing support to prepare and distribute allowable rent increase amounts (the lesser of 3% per annum of 80% of the change in CPI), review fair return rent increase petitions, and respond to tenant complaints. Most recently, we helped the City prepare a long-term implementation strategy.
Contact: Judson Brown, Housing Division Manager
(714) 667-2241 / [email protected]
FEE SCHEDULE
RSG proposes to provide the services described in the Scope of Services on a time-andmaterials basis not-to-exceed $300,000. If the tasks under the Scope of Services section are substantially changed in the future, RSG will notify the City and request a fee adjustment.
RSG will be on hand to provide “on call” services as needed and will bill for these additional services at an hourly rate based on our current compensation rates, as approved by the City.
Scope of Services
Mobilehome Rent Stabilization and Mobilehome Owner Protections Ordinance Administration Pico Rivera (2022)
Total
Principal Director Sr. Assoc Associate Analyst Res. Asst. Total Hrs Not to $ 275 $ 275 $ 200 $ 185 $ 135 $ 125 Exceed
Task 1 Initial Implementation 14 18 18 10 35 35 130 $ 23,350 Task 1.1 Content Creation 10 10 10 10 25 25 90 15,850
Task 1.2 Worshops/Webinars (2 meetings) 4 8 8 - 10 10 40 7,500 Task 2 Ongoing Administration 52 21 90 95 39 20 237 $ 100,046 Analyze actual and projected annual costs of implementing identified programs Task 2.1 CPI Rent Calculations - 1 - - 4 - 5 815
Task 2.2 Fair Return Petition Review (per application) 20 - 40 40 15 - 115 22,925 Task 2.3 Capital Improvement Application (per application) 10 - 25 25 10 10 - 14,975 Task 2.4 Mobilehome Owner Application (per application) 2 5 10 10 10 37 6,000 Task 2.5 Park Owner and Mobilehome Owner Inquiries 20 20 20 20 - - 80 18,700 Task 2.6 Enforcenment - - 30 - 18 48 8,430
Task 2.7 Staff Training 10 20 20 - - - 50 12,250
Task 2.8 Project Management 10 10 30 10 10 10 80 15,951 Task 3 Advisory Services 45 71 55 37 34 32 174 $ 61,335 Evaluate existing revenue sources; identify potential sources used by other communities Task 3.1 Modifications to Ordinance - 1 - 2 4 2 9 1,435 Task 3.2 Procedures and Guidelines 15 30 15 15 10 10 95 20,750 Task 3.3 Rental Registry and Fee 10 20 20 - - - 50 12,250 Task 3.4 As-Needed Services 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 26,900 GRAND TOTAL BUDGET 111 110 163 142 108 87 541 $ 184,731 GRAND TOTAL BUDGET (Assuming 3 Fair Return , 2 Capital Improvement, and 10 Mobilehome Owner Applications) $ 299,556 Year 1 Initial Activities
Task 1.1 Content Creation 10 10 10 10 25 25 90 $ 15,850 Task 1.2 Worshops/Webinars (2 meetings) 4 8 8 - 10 10 40 $ 7,500 Task 2.1 CPI Rent Calculations - 1 - - 4 - 5 $ 815
Task 2.5 Park Owner and Mobilehome Owner Inquiries 20 20 20 20 - - 80 $ 18,700 Task 2.6 Enforcenment - - 30 - 18 - 48 $ 8,430
Task 2.8 Project Management 10 10 30 10 10 10 80 $ 15,951 Task 3.1 Modifications to Ordinance - 1 - 2 4 2 9 $ 1,435 Task 3.2 Procedures and Guidelines 15 30 15 15 10 10 95 $ 20,750 Task 3.3 Rental Registry and Fee 10 20 20 - - - 50 $ 12,250 $ 89,431
Allocation for Other Ongoing Admininstration and Advisory Services Task 2.2 Fair Return Petition Review (per application) 20 - 40 40 15 - 115 22,925 Task 2.3 Capital Improvement Application (per application) 10 - 25 25 10 10 - 14,975 Task 2.4 Mobilehome Owner Application (per application) 2 - 5 10 10 10 37 6,000 Task 2.7 Staff Training 3 7 7 - - - 17 4,083
Task 3.4 As-Needed Services 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8,967
56,950
YEAR 1 SUBTOTAL 146,381
YEAR 2 SUBTOTAL 76,588
YEAR 3 SUBTOTAL 76,588
Task Hours & Billing Rate
Exhibit B - Fee Schedule
17872 GILLETTE AVE.
SUITE 350
IRVINE, CA 92614
714 541 4585
[email protected]
WEBRSG.COM
September 29, 2022
City of Pico Rivera
Jane Guo
6615 Passons Boulevard
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Dear Ms. Guo,
Thank you for considering RSG, Inc. to provide you with Mobilehome Rent Stabilization and Mobilehome Owner Protections Ordinance (“RSO”) administration services. The administration services would include initial implementation, ongoing administration, and advisory services according to our proposal.
We will honor and offer the same contract price, terms, and conditions to the City of Pico Rivera as the City of Carson’s RSO administration services in which we were awarded the contract due to our participation in the RFP for City of Carson’s RSO administration services.
We are looking forward to supporting the City of Pico Rivera and providing the best services available while working on this project.
Sincerely,
Tara E. Matthews, Principal
Enclosure 2
4b
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Manager
Meeting Date: October 11, 2022
Subject: APPROVE THE PROPOSED EARLY RETIREMENT
INCENTIVE PROGRAM SIDE LETTER NO. 13 FOR A UNIT
MEMBER OF SERVICE EMPLOYEES’ INTERNATIONAL
UNION LOCAL 721
Recommendation:
1. Approve the proposed Side Letter No. 13 with the City employee group Service Employees’ International Union Local 721 (Full-Time Unit); and
2. Authorize payment of $47,000 in ERIP II incentive.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no Fiscal Impact to the General Fund. Savings will result from the ongoing vacancy of this position within the Public Works department. No additional appropriations needed at this time.
Discussion:
On August 10, 2021, a Second Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP II) was approved by the City Council. At the time of the ERIP II, three employees were identified as qualifying for said program, with one employee accepting this payment upon retirement.
Subsequent to the closing of the program, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) requested the ERIP II be reopened for one employee that previously qualified, due to extenuating circumstances experienced by this tenured member of the organization.
The ERIP II establishes a cash incentive for the eligible employee to retire from City employment. Based on the City’s calculation of the employee’s incentive, staff seeks City Council authorization to offer this eligible employee $47,000.
The goal of the ERIP is to reduce overall City payroll without impacting core services.
Savings will be generated by either: 1) eliminating the position, 2) holding the position 5 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT – MEETING OF OCTOBER 11, 2022
APPROVE THE PROPOSED EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM SIDE LETTER NO. 13 FOR A UNIT MEMBER OF SERVICE EMPLOYEES’ INTERNATIONAL UNION LOCAL 721
vacant for a period of time, or 3) hiring an employee who has reduced pension costs (CalPERS Tier 2 and PEPRA-eligible), reduced retiree health costs, and typically are hired into entry-level salary rates. In addition, the union acknowledges that the management team has the sole discretion to eliminate or hold vacant this position.
As Side Letter No. 13 states: “The City and the Union agree that this non-precedent side letter and is only applicable to the employee listed [in the side letter]”.
Conclusion:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Side Letter No. 13 with SEIU and authorize a payment not-to-exceed $47,000 to employee listed therein.
Steve Carmona
SC:sp
Enclosures: 1) SEIU Local 721 Full-Time MOU Side Letter No. 13 2) SEIU Local 721 Full-Time MOU Side Letter No. 7
006193.00028
37726601.1
SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT #13
BETWEEN
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
And
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
LOCAL 721, FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BARGAINING UNIT
WHEREAS, the City of Pico Rivera (“CITY”) and the Service Employees International Union Local 721 Full-Time Bargaining Unit (“SEIU”) were parties to a Side Letter dated July 7, 2021 regarding the Early Retirement Incentive Program.
NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
1. The City shall offer a one-time Early Retirement Incentive program to the following employee:
Roger Alvarado
2. The City and the Union agree that this non-precedent side letter and is only applicable to the employee listed above.
FOR THE CITY:
Steve Carmona, City Manager Date
Angelina Garcia, Assistant City Manager Date
FOR THE UNION:
Kristin Eldridge
Chief Negotiator
Date
Enclosure 1
5a
Enclosure 2
5b
COUNCIL
MEETING
DATE
COUNCIL
MEMBER REQUEST DETAIL DIRECTOR(S)
ACTION TAKEN: Memo; Staff
Report; Closed Session;
Presentation; Follow-up
Meeting; City Manager
Reports; Informal Action
DISCUSSION
ITEM
ACTION
ITEM DATE
STATUS:
Complete;
Pending;
On-going;
In-Progress
7/13/2021
Lara/Lutz Lobbying Ban
Set 10-year policy for banning
lobbying contracts to former
employees and City officials
A. Glasman
Discuss at retreat 4/30/22 8/10/2021 Pending
8/10/2021 Lutz/Lara Shopping Cart Ordinance Review ordinance M. Garcia Discussion 2/22/2022 8/24/2021 Pending 10/26/2021 Sanchez/Lara Protestors Develop an ordinance protecting against bullying A. Glasman
Pending
2/8/2022
Elias/Sanchez Heroes Recognition Recognize organizations for their work during the
pandemic
Staff to define list of honorees
to present at a Council meeting
6/28/2022 Pending
Lutz/Lara Senior Center Available office space for
Veterans Resource Center P. Yugar
Staff to follow-up and advise on
best facility to be utilized √
Pending
Lutz/Lara Buyers Incentive Discount to first responders who purchase homes in Pico
Rivera
M. Garcia
Discuss at retreat
√
4/30/2022 Pending
4/12/2022 Lara/Elias Districts Discuss voting districts within the city A. Glasman Discussion at a future meeting √ Pending Lutz/Elias Revenue Generation Explore revenue generation opportunities in the City A. Garcia
6/14/2022 Pending
Elias/Camacho Sports Presentation given by ERHS Athletic Director
Agendize presentation S. Castro Pending
GOOD OF THE ORDER
3/8/2022
5/10/2022
COUNCIL
MEETING
DATE
COUNCIL
MEMBER REQUEST DETAIL DIRECTOR(S)
ACTION TAKEN: Memo; Staff
Report; Closed Session;
Presentation; Follow-up
Meeting; City Manager
Reports; Informal Action
DISCUSSION
ITEM
ACTION
ITEM DATE
STATUS:
Complete;
Pending;
On-going;
In-Progress
GOOD OF THE ORDER
Lara/Camacho Resource School Officer Joint meeting with ERUSD to discuss funding of Resource
Officers
Ad Hoc Committee Pending
Lutz/Elias Monument Marker Look at cost of adding three flags to the monument on
Washington and Passons
Blvds.
T. Rodrigue
6/28/2022 Pending
6/28/2022
Lara/Camacho Battery Storage Funds Set aside $50,000 for Battery Storage for non-profits. S. Carmona
Pending
Sanchez/
Camacho
Outdoor dining Permit an outdoor dining
program
M. Garcia/T.
Rodrigue
Pending
Camacho/
Sanchez
Pickle Ball Look at Rio Hondo Park
facility for space P. Yugar Pending
9/13/2022
Camacho/Elias Training Facility Look into liabilities for a potential training facility at
the former US Marine Corps
Reserve Training
T. Rodrigue
9/27/2022
Lara/Camacho Youth Sports Fund Create a $10K youth sports fund to help pay for sport
registrations
Take to an Ad Hoc Committee
7/12/2022
6/14/2022