City of Sacramento
City Council - 5PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2022-02202 3/14/2023 Consent Item 1.
Extension of Outreach and Engagement Center Operations [Published for 10-Day Review on 03/02/2023]
File ID: 2022-02202
Location: District 2, Represented by Councilmember Loloee Recommendation: Pass a Resolution: 1) Confirming exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act; 1) Transferring $1,205,986 (Measure U Fund, Fund 2401) from the expenditure budget of the Community Response MYOP (I23000100) to the expenditure budget of the Respite Centers Program MYOP (I23002000); and 2) authorizing the City Manager or the City Manager’s designee to execute Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to City Agreement No. 2022-0026 with TLCS Inc., dba Hope Cooperative for continued Outreach and Engagement Center operations in an amount not to exceed $1,760,007, for a new total not to exceed amount of $5,086,664.
Contact: Nick Golling, Homeless Services Manager, 916-808-7816, Department of Community Response
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Resolution
3-Outreach and Engagement Center Supplemental Agreement 4-CEQA Review: 3615 Auburn Blvd.
5-Notice of Exemption
Additional Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: In January 2022, Council voted to open the Outreach and Engagement Center, operated by TLCS Inc., dba Hope Cooperative. The Outreach and Engagement Center, previously known as the Science Center, offers overnight respite and daytime engagement/triage for up to 50 people.
Services at the Outreach and Engagement Center (OEC) were delayed throughout the Spring. In
File ID: 2022-02202 3/14/2023 Consent Item 1.
March 2022, Council passed Motion No. 2022-0073, establishing weather criteria for the Outreach and Engagement Center. In late July 2022, Council voted to allow the OEC to be opened 7-days a week, 23-hours per day, for up to 50 individuals in the surrounding area, that are experiencing homelessness. The OEC opened for a total of 20 days during this period.
In late September 2022, the OEC opened to serve up to 50 people. Between this time and February 2023, the OEC has served a total of 314 people. This includes 22 veterans, 23 families, 36 children, and 159 chronically homeless individuals. The average age of individuals who receive respite at the OEC is between 35-54 years of age.
The OEC has proven to be a successful tool in its ability to be flexible during inclement weather conditions. During the severe weather storms earlier this year, the OEC was able to accommodate nearly 100 individuals. Due to the size of the site itself, DCR and Hope Cooperative will increase capacity from 50 individuals to up to 100 individuals per day. The OEC will continue to operate 7-days a week, up to 23-hours per day.
Due to a significant amount of savings from the initial agreement, the amount needed to continue operations and increase capacity to 100 individuals, for one full year, is $1,760,007.
Policy Considerations: Recommendations in this report are consistent with Resolution No. 2021- 0058 to allow the operation of year-round triage shelters as part of the City’s shelter system.
Pursuant to Sacramento City Code section 3.56.090, any agreement for non-professional services that is for $250,000 or more requires City Council approval.
The Sacramento City Code Section 4.04.020 and Council Rules of Procedure (Chapter 7, Section E.2.d) mandate that unless waived by a 2/3 vote of the City Council, all labor agreements and all agreements greater than $1,000,000 shall be made available to the public at least ten (10) days prior to council action. This item was published for 10-day review on March 2, 2023, in compliance with the City Code.
Economic Impacts: None.
Environmental Considerations: The City reviewed the original project and determined it was exempt from CEQA review because it could be seen with certainty that no significant effects could occur as a result of project implementation. The City filed a Notice of Exemption on February 16, 2022. No substantial changes are proposed in the project. The project is exempt from CEQA review.
CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
Sustainability: None.
File ID: 2022-02202 3/14/2023 Consent Item 1.
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: Services provided under this agreement address the ongoing need for supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness in the City.
Time is of the essence as the Agreement for the Outreach and Engagement Center expired December 31, 2022.
Financial Considerations: Sufficient funding in the amount of $1,205,986 (Measure U, Fund 2401) is available in the Community Response MYOP (I23000100) to transfer to the Respite Centers Program MYOP (I23002000). Upon completion of the recommended budgetary transfer, there will be sufficient funding in the Respite Centers MYOP (I23002000) to execute Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to City Agreement No. 2022-0026 with TLCS Inc., dba Hope Cooperative in an amount not to exceed $1,760,007.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): TLCS Inc., DBA Hope Cooperative is a non-profit local to the Sacramento area.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023 - XXXX
Adopted by the Sacramento City Council
March 14, 2023
Transfer Funding from Community Response Multi-Year Operating Project (MYOP) (I23000100) to Respite Centers MYOP (I23002000)
BACKGROUND
A. In January 2022, Council voted to open the Outreach and Engagement Center as a daytime triage and overnight respite center, providing services for up to 50 individuals.
B. The Outreach and Engagement Center did not open to full capacity until late September 2022, resulting in significant contract savings.
C. Funding for the Outreach and Engagement Center is in two different Multi Year Operating Projects (MYOP), staff seeks approval to move funding from the Community Response MYOP to the Respite Centers MYOP, where the current contract resides.
D. Funding for the Outreach and Engagement Center will continue to provide daytime triage and overnight respite services with an increased capacity of up to 100 people per day, 7 days a week. The contract is through December 31, 2023.
BASED ON THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE BACKGROUND, THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The project is exempt from CEQA review. CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
Section 2. The City Manager or the City Manager’s designee is authorized to transfer $1,205,986 (Measure U Fund, Fund 2401) from the Community Response MYOP (I23000100) to the Respite Centers MYOP (I23002000).
Section 3. The City Manager or the City Manager’s designee is authorized to execute Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to City Agreement No. 2022-0026 with TLCS Inc., dba Hope Cooperative in an amount not to exceed $1,760,007, for a new total not to exceed amount of $5,086,664.
SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT
(Rev. 11-1-19)
Approval Recommended By: Approved As To Form By: City Attorney Approved By: Attest: ____________________________________ City Clerk Approved By:
Outreach and Engagement Center Attachment 2 to Exhibit AAmended Scope of ServicesTLCS Inc., DBA Hope Cooperative (“Hope”) shall continue to provide respite resources at the Outreach and Engagement Center, located at 3615 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95821. Services include providing a safe space to stay overnight, introduce them to the Continuum of Care, and assist with the enrollment into mainstream services and triage into appropriate shelter and housing programs in the community. Client Supports Upon entrance to the Outreach and Engagement Center and enrollment into the program, Hope Cooperative will provide individuals with supportive items, such as clothing or personal care items, as needed. Hope will provide snacks for guests, including one hot meal per day. Hope will also provide continued maintenance of accessible restroom service. Access In accordance with the Outreach and Engagement Center Operational Overview, overnight respite and daytime engagement/triage services shall be provided for up to 100 guests. Admittance to the program shall take place by referral from DCR, Sacramento County Department of Human Services (DHS), or Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF). Hope Cooperative will be expected to participate in the Coordinated Access System (CAS). Staffing Continue to hire, train and onboard the following staff positions: # of FTE Position 0.5Program Director 2Program Manager Field Training- Single-Program 29Respite Staff 0.15 Director of Program Services5Shift Supervisors 1Case Manager0.5 Training Manger 1Administrative Personnel A. Hope shall be responsible for all daily Program operations in accordance with the originalOutreach and Engagement Center Operational Overview (Attachment 1 to Agreement 2022-0026). B. Administering Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VISPDAT) assessments using the local Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to ensure referral to the Continuum of Care’s Coordinated Entry System. C. Encouraging the proper storage of personal belongings and the proper disposal of trash. D. Providing guest centered services, this can include the following: Case management Linking to resources that address physical health, behavioral health, housing, employment, and other basic needs Facilitating referrals to other community-based supports and appropriate social services E. Encouraging entry into available emergency shelter beds. F. Deescalating individuals in mental health crises using evidence-based practices. G. Agree to an open information exchange between Hope Cooperative and DCR to best assist persons in obtaining services and engaging with local resources. H. Engage with Forensiclean to minimize neighborhood trash impact. The City agrees to provide the necessary staff with office space at 3615 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95821. Reporting Requirements Hope Cooperative shall enter all individuals into HMIS. MonitoringIn addition to the monthly reporting requirement, Hope Cooperative shall permit the City to conduct at least one desk audit and/or onsite monitoring visit during the one-year term. During the desk audit and/or onsite monitoring visit, the City shall request to see documentation corroborating expenses claimed including but not limited to timesheets, payroll summaries, travel mileage reports, and receipts.
Attachment 2 to Exhibit B One Year Budget Expenses Total Salaries$ 2,001,318 Administrative Salaries$ 41,392 Programmatic Salaries$ 1,959,926 Total Taxes & Benefits$ 512,119 Payroll Taxes$ 153,101 Health Benefits$ 260,739 Retirement $ 60,040 Workers Compensation$ 24,572 Unemployment Insurance Expense$ 13,668 Total Personnel Expenses$ 2,513,438 Total Occupancy Expenses $ 42,200 Equipment Purchases $ 2,500 Furniture Purchases $ 2,500 Janitorial/Carpet Cleaning$ 34,800 Pest Control$ 2,400 Total Office Expenses $ 8,000 Office Supplies$ 2,000 Employee Food / Beverage $ 2,000 Employee Recognition $ 2,000 Printing & Photocopying$ 2,000 Total Communication Expense $ 8,500 Mobile Phone$ 8,000 Cable $ 500 Total Information Technology $ 31,000 IT Support/Maintenance$ 30,000 IT Hardware$ 1,000 Total Insurance$ 5,000 General Liability & D&O Insurance $ 5,000 Total Staff Travel$ 1,000 Staff Travel$ 1,000 Total Staff Development$ 5,000 Staff Development $ 5,000 Total Client Supports $ 175,000 Client Transportation Expense$ 20,000 Client Needs - Misc$ 30,000 Client Sustenance / Food$ 125,000 Total Other Program Operations$ 181,804 Program Supplies $ 181,804 Total Operating Expenses$ 457,504 Total Direct Expenses $ 2,970,942 Indirect Administration$ 356,513 Total Program Expense $ 3,327,455 2022 Budget $ 3,326,657 Balance Available December 2022$ 1,567,448 Jan 2023 - Dec 2023 Budget $ 3,327,455 Need to Continue Operations for 1 Year$ 1,760,007 Payment Method The City will issue reimbursement for expenses on a monthly basis. As part of the reimbursement package, Hope Cooperative must submit an invoice summarizing all staff time and expenses charged to the program, as well as payroll and supporting documentation, as requested by DCR. 1 City of Sacramento
Department of Public Works and Department of Community
Development
Comprehensive Siting Plan Site CEQA Review: 3615 Auburn Boulevard
Date: February 1, 2022
Name of site: 3615 Auburn Boulevard
Site Address and/or Assessor Parcel Number (APN): 3615 Auburn Boulevard; APN 240- 0342-011
2035 General Plan and Zoning: General Plan Land Use = Parks and Recreation; Zoning = R-1 (Standard Single Family)
Size of site: Southern portion of an approximately 13.9-acre parcel Proposed use: Overnight Respite/Daytime Engagement & Triage Services Setting (use of nearby properties and infrastructure features):
North South East West
Arcade Creek; Park
Road; single-family
residential; Interstate
80 Auburn Boulevard;
multi-family
residential;
commercial
Bridge Road; Harry
Renfree Field; Del
Paso Regional Park
Children’s Receiving
Home of
Sacramento; Watt
Avenue; Interstate 80
Site Background Overview: The project site was historically used as the Sacramento Discovery Museum Science and Space Center (Museum), which was a non-profit organization aimed at educating and inspiring young children in science. The Museum was located on-site from 1976 until 2021, when it was relocated to 400 Jibboom Street, and rebranded as the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity. The existing building on-site is now vacant, and the site is unused. The majority of the project site has remained undeveloped, with the Museum building and parking lot located in the southern portion of the site.
Prior CEQA review: The City has not conducted previous review of the site or on-site activities pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, (CEQA).
Review of the Proposed Project
The following section describes the existing site conditions and provides a review of the proposed operations and the potential for operation to result in impacts to the physical environment.
Site Location and Existing Condition
The project site is located at 3615 Auburn Boulevard in the City of Sacramento (see Figure 1).
The parcel on which the project site is located is largely undeveloped, with the vacant Sacramento Discovery Museum Science and Space Center located in the southern portion of the site. 2 Figure 1
Project Site Boundaries Map
*Project Site boundaries are approximate.
Single-Family
Residential
Multi-Family
Residential
Commercial
Multi-Family
Residential
Harry
Renfree Field
Del Paso
Regional Park
Project Site
Legend
Project Parcel
Project Site
(Vacant Discovery
Museum)
Project
Parcel
3 Arcade Creek flows east to west across the northern edge of the project site parcel. Access to the project site is from Auburn Boulevard is by way of an existing asphalt driveway.
The project site is substantially surrounded by urban uses, including Park Road, single-family residences, and Interstate 80 (I-80) to the north; Auburn Boulevard, multi-family residential, and commercial uses to the south; Bridge Road, Harry Renfree Field, and Del Paso Regional Park to the east; and Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento, Watt Avenue, and I-80 to the west.
Operation
The proposed project would use the former Sacramento Discovery Museum Science and Space Center building to provide space for administrative offices and emergency respite and services.
Respite and daytime engagement/triage services consist of a safe space to stay overnight, and assistance with enrollment into mainstream services and triage into appropriate shelter and housing programs in the community.
Admittance to the program would be through referral from the Department of Community Response (DCR), local Park Rangers, and the Department of Human Services. The referral groups would target unsheltered persons already staying in close proximity to the project site, as there is camping that now occurs in the neighborhood. An intake director would work directly with the referral providers to develop a daily roster and control census.
The proposed project would include minor improvements to the existing Museum site. On-site improvements would include either the removal or fencing of a dilapidated shed located behind the main building, and installation of a fence around the perimeter of the Museum site to enclose the area permitted to be used by guests. In addition, interior improvements to the vacant Museum building would include the replacement of upstairs carpet and a wifi/camera set up. Portable restrooms and dog kennels would be provided on-site. The proposed project would not include the construction of any additional structures, or other on- or off-site improvements.
Respite entry hours would occur seven days a week between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and the project would be operational from 4:00 PM to 7:00 AM nightly to provide respite services. During intake, guests would be provided an opportunity to join comprehensive shelter and housing programs in the community. On-site follow-up appointments for guests who elect to join such programs would be scheduled between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM the following day (five days a week) to complete a Comprehensive Needs Assessment where the project operator would find necessary resources, as well as work with providers in the community to enroll guests into 24- hour comprehensive programs. The proposed project would be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a third-party operator.
Good Neighbor Policies
The following is a list of site-specific Good Neighbor Policies that would be implemented for 3615 Auburn Boulevard prior to the site’s operation as an Overnight Respite/Daytime Engagement and Triage Services site:
A. Program Operation.
1. Contractor will be responsible for daily Program operations.
2. The Program will be locked to limit access to only approved guests.
3. Guests will be screened for 290 status and registered sex offenders will not be allowed access.
4. Guests will pass through a metal detector upon entrance to search for weapons. 4 5. Lockers will be provided for guests and all belongings must be securely locked away.
6. Guests will not be permitted to leave the property after nightly intake is completed unless there are mitigating circumstances approved by the contractor. If guests insist on leaving, they will not be permitted back in the center until being referred back the following day.
7. Services will be guest-centered. They include case management, linking to financial and non-financial resources, medical and behavioral health, alcohol and other drug treatment, employment and others.
8. The site is limited to guests, service providers and staff; no visitors.
9. Drug use and sales are not allowed on or around the Program site.
B. Noise.
1. No amplified sound is allowed on the site.
2. All noise from outside activities would be consistent with normal activities in the neighborhood and would not have a significant impact on the neighborhood.
C. Cleanliness.
1. The area around the Program shall be kept clean, with no visible negative impact to the neighborhood. “The area around the program” is defined as all public property 25 feet surrounding the Program.
2. Guests can only smoke in designated smoking areas and must properly dispose of all cigarette butts.
D. Site Staff.
1. The Program will be staffed by the Contractor 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
2. Staff will be experienced in working with vulnerable populations, including those suffering from mental health issues, understand cultural competencies, and be knowledgeable in de-escalating crises as necessary.
3. Staff will be trained in areas such Harm Reduction principles, cultural competencies, de- escalation, and trauma-informed care.
E. Site Security.
1. Due to the size and layout of the property, there will be 2 Security Guards on the property at all times to provide a safe environment for guests and staff. Security Guards will also be trained in areas such as Harm Reduction principles, cultural competencies, de- escalation, and trauma-informed care.
2. Any guest threatening the safety of the Program staff or the public will be discharged from the program, and the appropriate first response action taken.
3. The Program will be enclosed by a fence with one primary entrance and exit which shall be monitored by staff.
4. Guests’ belongings will be searched before they are allowed to enter.
5. Loitering, camping, and informal food and clothing distribution around the Program will not be allowed.
6. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies will be utilized to identify and remedy areas that are dark or secluded or otherwise places of vulnerability.
5 CEQA Review
The project qualifies for the exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3):
A project is exempt from CEQA if:… The activity is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
The discussion below identifies the analysis of the City in its CEQA review of the proposal.
General plan and zoning
The 2035 General Plan designation for the project site is Parks and Recreation. The 2035 General Plan indicates that the Parks and Recreation designation provides for public and private recreational opportunities to surrounding neighborhoods, communities, and the region including parks (community and regional parks), greenways and trails, golf courses and commercial recreation facilities with an emphasis on outdoor, and compatible public, quasi-public, and selected special uses.
The general plan recognizes the importance of responding to the human service needs of persons experiencing homeless:
Facilities Location. The City shall work with the County on identifying adequate sites for health and human services facilities within the city to ensure that such facilities are easily accessible, distributed equitably throughout the city in a manner that makes the best use of existing facilities, and are compatible with adjoining uses. (PHS 5.1.1)
The City is implementing a program to respond to the needs of the community, both persons who are experiencing homelessness and established communities. The project would establish decent and accessible facilities; the City program has, as a goal, the equitable distribution of facilities throughout the community.
Homeless Population. The City shall work with public and private social service agencies to site facilities to address the human service needs of the city’s homeless populations. (PHS 5.1.4)
In addition to the general plan support for addressing homelessness, the City adopted a Comprehensive Siting Plan to Address Homelessness (“Siting Plan”). The proposed project is consistent with the goals of the Siting Plan to address the urgent homeless crisis in a sustained and successful way.
Identifying the causes of homelessness and crafting meaningful programs has proven to be a difficult task for local communities, and the City of Sacramento is no exception. The general plan includes many policies that relate to the issue at hand, including housing policies, respect for neighborhoods and legitimate concerns of the residents of the City at large. The City’s Housing Element seeks to identify and implement policies supporting community-wide housing needs, and the City’s success in achieving a healthy housing balance in the community is related to the needs of persons experiencing homelessness. Chapter H-9 of the Housing Element, entitled 6 “Sustainable, Stable and Integrated Communities,” for example, identifies many of the policies intended to support community-wide housing needs. The proposed project is consistent with general plan goals, as well as the intent of the Siting Plan.
The project site is located within the R-1 zone of the City of Sacramento. Section 17.204.200 of the City Code identifies the purpose of the R-1 zone, to accommodate low-density residential uses composed of single-unit detached residences and duplex dwellings on corner lots. Permitted uses for the R-1 zone are set forth in Section 17.204.210. The proposed temporary overnight Respite center is an allowed use on-site, and would enable the City to use a vacant, city-owned building to help address the homeless crisis in the City, and in particular, the immediate environs.
Site and project characteristics
The parcel on which the project site is located is largely undeveloped; the project site consists entirely of the vacant Sacramento Discovery Museum Science and Space Center located in the southern portion of the site. While the undeveloped portions of the site, including Arcade Creek, contain natural habitats that could support rare, threatened or endangered species, the proposed project would not result in any additional development or disturbance on-site beyond what is currently present. As discussed above, fencing would be installed around the project site to enclose the area permitted to be used by guests. Therefore, natural habitats that could support rare, threatened or endangered species would not be disturbed as a result of the proposed project.
The proposed project would not include the removal of any on-site trees.
Access to the project site is by way of existing roadways that have adequate capacity to accommodate the relatively limited trips that would be generated by the proposed project. As most of the daily guests are anticipated to come from the homeless population in the immediate area, vehicle trips to and from the site would be primarily limited to those associated with staff.
The nearest noise-sensitive receptors to the project site consist of the residences located directly to the west of the project site. Activities that would generate loud noise would not occur; amplified sound would not be used or permitted. Given that building power would be provided by existing connections to the grid, noise from emergency generators would not occur on-site.
As discussed above, admittance to the program would be through referral and would target unsheltered persons staying within 0.125-mile of the project site, and, thus, the reasonable assumption can be made that the majority of guests traveling to and from the proposed project would do so through alternative transportation means such as walking and biking. As such, air quality emissions from project operations would be primarily limited to employee vehicles traveling to and from the site. Given the small scale of the proposed project, the resultant emissions would be considered negligible and below the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District’s thresholds of significance.
Development of the proposed project would consist of minor improvements to the existing Museum site such as the removal or fencing of a dilapidated shed and the installation of a fence to enclose the area where guests are permitted. As such, the proposed project would not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area. On-site runoff would flow into the City’s existing storm drainage system, similar to the current conditions of the project site, and adverse effects to water quality would not occur.
Demand for City services could include law enforcement and fire protection. The City has substantial capacity to provide such services; and ongoing monitoring and enforcement of on-site activities by a third-party operator would reduce demand for law enforcement and fire protection services. More specifically, as discussed above, there will be two Security Guards on the property 7 at all times to provide a safe environment for guests and staff. In addition, loitering, camping, and informal food and clothing distribution around the Program will not be allowed. These robust safety measures will minimize the need for additional law enforcement services at the site and ensure the safety of nearby residents, including those at the adjacent Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento.
The existing building is currently connected to the City’s water and sewer systems, and has adequate capacity to be used by on-site staff and guests. In addition, sufficient portable restrooms and hand wash stations would be brought on-site for use by project occupants. The restrooms would be serviced by a third-party at regular intervals. All garbage and food waste must be deposited in covered receptacles that are emptied when filled and the contents disposed of in a sanitary manner.
Cumulative Impact
The project site is located within a residential area, which is mostly developed. The nearest Priority Site to the project site is Site 2A (Roseville Road RT Parking Lot), which is located approximately
1.18 miles from the project site. The nearest Priority Site is not located in close enough proximity to the project site such that the homeless populations would be overconcentrated in any one area, thereby having the potential to create combined cumulative effects.
Hazardous Waste Sites
The California Environmental Protection Agency provides a list of data resources that provide information regarding the facilities or sites identified as meeting the “Cortese List” requirements, pursuant to Government Code 65962.5. According to the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) EnviroStor database, the project site is not located on any list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code. The proposed project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment in regard to being located on a hazardous waste site.
Conclusion
This Memorandum demonstrates that the proposed project can be considered exempt from CEQA under Section 15601(b)(3). The City has determined that it can be seen with certainty that the proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment.