CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
January 23, 2023
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: James Makshanoff, City Manager
Submitted By: Benita DeFrank, Neighborhood Services Director SUBJECT: Public Hearing Amending the Consolidated Plan, the Fiscal year (FY) 2022-23 Annual Action Plan, the FY 2022-23 City Operating Budget TO REALLOCATE $200,000 IN Community Development Block Grant Corona Virus (CDBG-CV) Funds for bROADBAND access AT parks RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-17 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2022-23 CITY OPERATING BUDGET TO REALLOCATE $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant Corona Virus (CDBG-CV) Funds for BROADBAND access AT parks EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Annually, the Housing Services Division administers and implements over 15 different grants, totaling over $30 million in program funds. As FY 2021-22 came to a close, staff identified $200,000 in unexpended CDBG-CV funds in FY 2021-22 that were appropriated in FY 2022-23 for food delivery program. It has been determined that State grant funds will pay for that program and staff is requesting council to reallocate these funds to broadband access at parks program.
The City may amend its Consolidated Plan and the FY 2022-23 Annual Action Plan by holding a public hearing giving citizens the opportunity to comment on proposed budget changes.
FISCAL IMPACT: The adoption of Resolution No. 2023-17 (Attachment No. 1) will reallocate the FY 2022-23 Operating Budget by transferring revenue estimates and appropriations within the same fund. The changes to the Operating Budget are as follows:
FUNDING SOURCE
PROJECT
REVENUE ACCT #
INCREASE/DECREASE TO REVENUES ($)
EXPENDITURE
ACCT #
APPROPRIATE ($)
CDBG-CV
Food Delivery
194-1798-40848-65333
-$200,000
Controllable Contract Services
(194-1798-52285-65333)
-$200,000
Broadband Access at Parks
194-1798-40848-65340
(new project)
+$200,000
Controllable Contract Services
(194-1798-52285-65340) (new project)
+$200,000
PUBLIC NOTICING REQUIREMENTS: – A combined Notice of Public Hearing and 5-Day Comment Period for the Amendment of the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan was published on January 17, 2023 in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Attachment No. 2).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL RELATED ACTION: On June 6, 2022, the City Council adopted the FY 2022-23 City Operating Budget and the FY 2022-23 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Pomona currently receives Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds must be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to the effects of Corona virus. At the close of FY 2021-22, the Food Delivery CDBG-CV funded activity had a fund balance of $200,000 due to receipt of other State grant funds for that purpose. This $200,000 was carried over and staff is requesting the funds to be reallocated for the following eligible activity:
Broadband Access at Parks - This is a new project where funds will be used for broadband access/infrastructure and services to the community in need due to coronavirus. Broadband access includes high-speed internet connectivity and needed equipment.
Broadband connectivity provides access to a wide variety of resources, services and products. It closes the gap in education, services and employment opportunities that exists in many low-income communities. Significant gaps in internet connectivity and speed continue to exist for persons with income and education disparities. The increase in work at home options due to Corona virus requires enhanced broadband infrastructure, equipment, and access. Many households lack the resources needed to access the equipment and broadband services needed. For example, lower income children may not have internet access to a computer at home. This was a necessity during the height of the pandemic. The lack of connectivity prevents students from conducting research, completing classwork, or communicating with teachers, other students, and friends. Additionally, seniors and other medically vulnerable populations who lack adequate equipment or broadband access are isolated from family, friends, and social activities. Broadband access in parks can help mitigate some of the negative impacts brought on by the Corona virus.
Broadband Access in parks must meet federal eligibility requirements. As such, infrastructure and equipment must be installed in parks that fall within HUD-Designated CDBG-Eligible Areas. Currently, all parks with community centers are eligible, with the exception of Palomares Park.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS: This supports the FY 2019/20 City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal C: Obtain additional grant funding and other revenues to help achieve City goals.
Prepared by:
Beverly Johnson
Housing Services Manager
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment No. 1 – Resolution No. 2023-17
Attachment No. 2 – Public Notice
Amendments to the Consolidated Plan, 2022-23 Annual Action Plan, and 2022-23 City Operating Budget to Reallocate CDBG-CV Funds