CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
May 20, 2024
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager’s Office
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE UPDATE ON THE COVID -19 COMMUNITY
RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTS FOR THE
2023 CALENDAR YEAR ACTIVITIES
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the C OVID-19 Community Recovery Grant performance reports for the activities during the 2023 calendar year (Attachments A through I, pages 5-23)
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated $15,325,294 to the City of Simi Valley. Subsequently, on May 9, 2022, the City Council approved the distribution of the ARPA funds to various projects as identified in the Project List in compliance with the ARPA “Final Rule.” The ARPA Final Rule allow cities to claim ARPA funds to offset revenue losses; which funds are the n transferred to the City’s General Fund and used for various purposes. The City claimed the full allocation ( $15.3 million) in ARPA funds as revenue loss, and set aside $5.3 million for the funding of the COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program (CCRGP).
In calendar year 2023, sta ff awarded various CCRGP awards per the City Council approved Project List, which identified both local non-profits and various agencies that serve Simi Valley residents and businesses, who continue to recover from the impacts of COVID -19. All recipients are required to subm it annual performance reports identifying progress on the approved scopes of work. Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant performance reports for the activities during the 2023 calendar year.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
Staff has reviewed the reports covering activities completed during the 2023 calendar year from nine grant recipients (Attachments A - I). All organizations’ reports have been found to be responsive in detailing the accomplishments of their respective scopes of work to date, and all are on track to complete their projects by the end of their proposed expenditure period.
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Consent (5)
With respect to the City’s Business Loan Program, the current economic environment is creating challenges finding qualified business applicants that can demonstrate sufficient cash flow to meet debt requirements. As such, the Economic Development Collaborative – Ventura County (EDC-VC) was only able to fund one loan during this time frame. Going forward, the EDC -VC will be providing more technical assistance to help the City’s applicant pool develop a comprehensive financial plan and improve cash flow forecasting.
This will ensure greater success in loan funding to the City’s business community.
R
ecipient Award
Amount Contract
Term
2023 Grant
Expenditures
Unspent
Balance
Estimated
Completion
Date
City of Simi Valley
(Cybersecurity) $400,000 N/A $70,458 $329,542 Jun 30, 2026 City of Simi Valley
(Water Line
Replacement)
$300,000 N/A $0.00 $300,000 Oct 31, 2024
City of Simi Valley
(Air filters) $60,294 N/A $60,294 $0.00 Ongoing
EDC-VC* $1,025,000 Ongoing $275,000 $750,000 Ongoing
Free Clinic of Simi
Valley $105,795 1 year $105,795 $0.00 Completed
Interface $250,555 2 year $212,413 $38,142 Dec 31, 2024 Samaritan
Center** $475.000 3 year $144,192 $330,808 Dec 31, 2025 SEWA $125,000 2 year $26,000 $99,000 Dec 31, 2025
Shepherd of the
Valley Lutheran
Church
$10,000 1 year $6,345 $3,655 Jun 30, 2024
Simi at the Garden $15,000 1 year $10,027 $4,973 Jun 30, 2024 Simi Valley
Cultural Arts
Center
$200,000 3 year $90,444 $109,556 Dec 31, 2025
Simi Valley Senior
Center $15,000 N/A $13,251 $1,749 N/A
Southeast Ventura
County YMCA $50,000 1 year $50,000 $0.00 Jun 30, 2024
*Contract terms specify four installments of $250,000 to establish loan funds and an administrative f
ee of $25,000.
**C ity Council was provided with the Samaritan Center’s performance report o n October 23, 2023.
Addi
tional grant awards of $1.1 million were approved by City Council and disbursed to local non-profits and agencies in 2024. Recipients included the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District for the rehabilitation o f the community pool located at 1765 Royal Avenue and an allocation to the Boys & Girls Club for scholarship assistance to families who utilize the Simi Valley location.
2 To date, the COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program has an available balance of $1.17 million for additional grant awards. This includes $400,000 originally allocated to Temporary Staff assistance, which may not be necessary to carry out this Program, and $400,000 set aside for Household Home Repair and Assistance, which the City has been unable to identify a vendor to run this project. Staff will return at a later date for the City Council to consider a reallocation of these funds to other projects. Additionally, Staff will return in the next calendar year to provide City Council with updated performance reports.
For future reporting, staff has created a standard annual performance template for grant recipients to complete for their next performance report. This should expedite the process and allow staff to report back to the City Council in a more-timely manner.
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. Receive and file the COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program performance reports;
2. Request additional information associated with the C OVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program pe rformance reports for the activities during the 2023 calendar year;
3. Provide staff with alternate direction.
Staff recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I move to receive and file the COVID -19 Community Recovery Program Grant Program performance reports for the activities completed during the 2023 calendar year.
SUMMARY
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated $15,325,294 to the City of Simi Valley.
Subsequently, on May 9, 2022, the City Council approved the distribution of the ARPA funds to various projects as identified in the Project List in compliance with the ARPA “Final Rule.” The ARPA Final Rule allow cities to claim ARPA funds to offset revenue losses; which funds are then transferred to the City’s General Fund and used for various purposes. The City claimed the full allocation ($15.3 million) in ARPA funds as revenue loss, and set aside $5.3 million for the funding of the COVID -19 Community Recovery Grant Program (CCRGP).
In calendar year 2023, staff awarded various CCRGP awards per the City Council approved Project List, which identified both local non- profits and various agencies that serve Simi Valley residents and businesses, who continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Recipients have submitted their annual performance reports identifying progress on the approved scope of work.
________________________
Linda Swan
Assistant City Manager
3 INDEX Page
A
ttachment A – City of Simi Valley
COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program Annual Report ...................... 5 Attachment B – Economic Development Collaborative – Ventura County COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program Annual Report ...................... 6 Attachment C – Free Clinic of Simi Valley
COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program Annual Report ...................... 8 Attachment D – Interface
COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program Annual Report .................... 11 Attachment E – SEWA
COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program Annual Report .................... 15 Attachment F – Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program Annual Report ................... 19 Attachment G – Simi at the Garden
COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program Annual Report……………...20 Attachment H – Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center
COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program Annual Report .................. 21 Atta
chment I – Southeast Ventura County YMCA
COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program Annual Report .................. 23 4 CITY OF SIMI \ALLEY
Home of The Ronald Reagan Presidentiol Library
covlD-19 community Recovery Grant Program Performance Report City of Simi Valley
1t1t2023 - 12t31t2024
Cvbersecuritv
Several projects related to the acquisition and installation of upgraded cybersecurity measures for the City's computer systems have been completed and include th6 following: the requirement of two factor authentication for Police Department systems that contain sensitive information; implementation of a cloud based software that is designed to secure employee user names and passwords that will help eliminate unauthorized access to the City's computer systems and networks; installation of antivirus software that prevents and responds to cybersecurity threats; and the installation of next-generation firewalls that will enhance security across the City's networks. A total of $7b,458 has been spent in the calendar year. Moving forward in 2024, the lnformation Services Division will utilize the remaining funds for a cybersecurity assessment, resilience planning, and a cybersecurity remediation strategy for all of the City's critical systems to ensure compliance and reduce risks.
Water Line Replacement
The Ventura County Watenruorks District 8 Board of Directors awarded a contract to Gutierrez Pipeline, lnc. in March 2024, to replace 740feetof an 8-inch water line servicing Roan Street, which is located in a Qualified Census Tract. The replacement project ii slated for completion by the end of the September 2024. The transfer of $300,000 from the COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program to the Roan Water Line Capital lmprovement project occurred shortly after contract approval.
Air Filters
The City acquired specialized Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) filters for the City's HVAC systems to prevent the spread of COVID-19. High rated MERV filters have been proven to capture the COVID-19 virus pafticles, help reduce the spread of COVID- 19 indoors and filter out several contaminants. The allocation of $60,294 from the COVID- 19 Community Recovery Grant Program to the Facilities budget has provided sufficient f_unding for the Public Works Department to purchase and install MERV filters throughout City facilities for an additional two years,
Simi Vallev Senior Center
The Simi Valley Senior Center utilized funding in the amount of $13,250.58 for the purchase of a warming table for congregate meals, and the replacement of a refrigerator and freezer due to increased use during the food distribution and delivery program offered during the pandemic, The remaining funds of $1,749 will be spent on nutrition program related purchases in calendar year 2024.
Fred D. Thomas. Mayor Rocky Rhodes, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Judge, Council Member Dee Dee Cavanaugh, Council Member Elaine P. Litster, Council Member 2929TopoConyonRoad,SimiValley,CA 93063-2199 805.583.6700 wwwsimivalley.org
ATTACHMENT A
5 Economic Development Collaborative – Ventura County
SIMI VALLEY LOAN FUND
MONTHLY REPORT
12-31-2023
NO. PROJECTED ACTIVITIES AND
SERVICES
PROGRESS UPDATE
1 Pipeline Overview Mrs. Tiffany Hunsberger, the EDC Loan Relationship Specialist, oversees outreach
efforts. Since January 1, 2023, the EDC has
made contact with 87 small businesses
located in Simi Valley.
Presently, there are 1 1 businesses in the
pipeline, and the EDC has provided each of
them with an application.
2 Conduct risk-assessment of loan
applicants and proposed projects.
Thus far the EDC has received 7 applications.
3 Loans Approved 1 loan approved for $100K to 3D Lettering. 4 Loans Declined 3 applications were declined owing to p oor credit and or cash flow.
6 Manage and monitor the use and
repayment of loans, ensure compliance,
forecast repayment challenges, and
mitigate risks.
Continuing loan payment collection, follow -up
and compliance with loan recipient.
7 Outreach to other partners, private
commercial, public and community-based
lending institutions
The EDC has been actively engaged in the
monthly Simi Valley Chamber Meeting.
Additionally, on July 12, 2023, Mrs. Tiffany
Hunsberger delivered a presentation at the
Simi Valley Business Forum.
The EDC plans to maintain its consistent
presence at the monthly Chamber meeting.
Furthermore, the EDC has cultivated a strong
rapport with Bank of America in Simi Valley. A
former EDC client, who is now a Business
Specialist at Bank of America, is referring un-
bankable clie nts to the Simi Valley Loan
Program.
Narrative Information:
1. List obstacles, if any that limit program operations and how those issues will be addressed with the anticipated timeline
We have identified some challenges in our current applicant pool, particularly related to the qualifications of certain applicants. Given the more challenging economic environment, some of these businesses lack sufficient cash flow to meet the debt requirements we are requesting. To address this issue, we have implemented a solution involving the provision of technical assistance to these businesses, helping them develop a comprehensive financial plan.
ATTACHMENT B
6 SIMI VALLEY LOAN FUND
December 31, 2023
Additionally, as we anticipate the economic climate may become even more challenging in the coming months, our strategy will evolve starting in December. On a case-by-case basis, to address potential weaker cash flow, we will require clients to create a financial solicitation plan. This plan will not only highlight existing challenges but also outline strategies to improve cash flow forecasting over a 90 -day period. Regular schedule reviews with SBDC Advisors will be conducted to monitor progress.
Moreover, Mr. Marvin Boateng, our Director of Lending, will establish close working relationships with local banks to receive referrals. So far, we have built a positive relationship with Bank of America.
7 ATTACHMENT C
8 9
10 INTERFACE
CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
City of Simi - CCRGP FY22/23
1st Progress Report
Mental Health & Trauma Treatment (MH&TT)
Domestic Violence Safe House
Award balance = $250,555.00
Funds used:
• MH&TT $25,340.91
• DV Safe House $112,000.00
Award Balance Remaining= $113,214.09
Mental Health & Trauma Treatment
For the period - February 1, 2023- February 28, 2023
The contract was fully executed, and staff were identified to dedicate services to the community of Simi Valley.
Thirteen (13) youth and their family are actively receiving services. Two therapists are assigned to provide treatment services with a total of 13 available hours for service provision. Services are provided via telehealth and in person at the Thousand Oaks location. Steps are being taken to lease an office in Simi Valley. The first client enrolled in services February 5th_ Four parents are currently receiving the Positive Parenting Program, and ten youth are receiving individual and family therapy.
N=13
3.5 3
2.5 1.5
1 0.5
0 •4
•7
!'.' 9
10 • 12
• is
•32
II I I
• 33
•39
a45
English Spanish (blank)
Strengthening children, families, individuals, and communities to be safe, healthy, and thriving through comprehensive social services Domestic Violence & Child Abuse Prevention· Human Trafficking Prevention & Intervention· Justice Services Mental Health & Trauma Treatment· Youth Crisis & Homeless Services· 211 Information & Assistance 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Suite I· Camarillo, CA 93012-5121 · www.icfs.org • 805.485.6114 Tax ID 95-2944459
ATTACHMENT D
11 12
13 INTERFACE
CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
City of Simi-CCRGP FY23/24
Mental Health & Trauma Treatment
2nd Progress Report
For the period February 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Award
balance = $113,214.09
Funds used= $75,071.78
Award Balance Remaining= $38,142.31
The following is th e 2nd progress report on the implementation of the Sim i Valley mental health & tr
auma treatment services project in collab oration with City of Simi.
The program has served 177 individuals dur ing this reporting period. Thirty individuals received individual and/or f
amily mental health treatment of which 80% were children. In addition to the child receiving services, family members also participated in therapy. 311 hou rs of treatment were provided in 52 weeks. Service modalities included Individual and family therapy utilizing Tra uma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Sand Tray, Art The rapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 147 parents participated in Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) an evidence-based parenting model. 14 Sewa – Kaashi Food Pantry
Each day, we encounter individuals and families courageously confronting a stark reality – the escalating cost of food. It's a challenge that's becoming increasingly common, yet it's one no one should navigate alone.
We're on a mission to rewrite these stories. From tales of solitude and strain to stories of empowerment and community support, we believe in fostering a narrative of resilience and unity. With your continued support, we can ensure that no one in Simi Valley faces this challenge in isolation.
ATTACHMENT E
15 Sewa – Kaashi Food Pantry
Growth in service in 2023
35%
283,581
visits by families in need
Through the City of Simi Valley's COVID-19 Community
Recovery Grant, SEWA received $75K of the $125K grant award in 2023 and was able to install new double-doors at our brick and mortar storefront (approx $10K), purchased three
shipments of household items ($15K), and obtained
miscellaneous food (about $1,000).
Our food pantry has made a significant impact, serving 9,327 households, with 3,866 senior households. We currently have $49K remaining of the 2023 grant funds that will be utilized in the next calendar year for pantry maintenance, food and personal care, and other miscellaneous items.
16 Sewa – Kaashi Food Pantry
was spent since the grant
was awarded
$ 25,091
$ 125,000
COVID-19
Community
Recovery Grant
SEWA welcomed over 906 new families into our community last year. To ensure accessibility, our pantry is open 4 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM providing ample opportunities for everyone to benefit from our services.
On average, these families are saving approximately $220 each month on groceries and related expenses. These savings are vital, allowing them to address other critical needs such as rent, gas, and medical expenses. With the help of our partners and programs, we keep a remarkably low cost of acquisition of $13 per family/ month.
17 Sewa – Kaashi Food Pantry
SEWA GOALS in 2024:
$ 50,000 – To keep up with the demand for service, we will need to move to a larger facility
$ 85,000 – Hire 2 employees to expand service hours and reach more families
$ 25,000 – Purchase pickup truck to participate in the food recovery program which comes from SB 1383 and further reduce cost of food acquisition
18 ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4191 Cochran St. Simi Valley, CA. 93063 * 805-526-7577 * www.svlcsimi.com * [email protected] Seek the Lord, Study God’s Word, Serve the World
Dear Heidi DiNardo,
Below you will find the grant performance report for Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.
Grant Fund Expenditures Through December 31, 2023
• Food: $1602.20
• Commercial Refrigerator: $2836.43
• Cooler Chests & Carts: $429.04
• Fuel (Billy): $200.00
• Gloves & Supplies: $518.00
• Trash Services (5 months): $760.00
Total Expenses 12/31/2023 $6345.67
Balance of Grant $3654.33
Jared Shapiro
Treasurer
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Chruch
ATTACHMENT F
19 SIMI AT THE GARDEN
SUMMARY OF SERVICES – COVID-19 COMMUNITY RECOVERY
GRANT PROGRAM
CALENDAR YEAR 2023
Purs
uant to your request, below is a summary of services provided up to and including the present, by Simi at The Garden in accordance with the Covid 19 Recovery Act Grant received in June, 2023 in the amount of $15,000.00. • We h
ave completely reconfigured our Sharity Garden, making berms wider, covering them, and thus allowing to begin to provide more fresh organic produce to the Samaritan Center and neighboring church pantries.
This has enabled us to give approximately 40 lbs. of weekly produce for the food insecurity people of Simi Valley.
• Our F
ree Farmers Market, held monthly, has already provided 307 families with fresh produce, representing a monthly average of 80-85 families made up of 288-320 persons under the age of 62, with an additional 89-100 seniors.
• Ther
e is also an average of 35-50 lbs. of excess produce from the Free Farmers Market every month, which we take to the Samaritan Center for their use in preparing nutritious breakfasts every day and passing out produce to their client families every Thursday.
• In a
ddition, we have made improvements to the garden proper by purchasing new hand tools, building 10 10x10 plots and by developing our orchard.
Thus
far, we have spent $10,027.00 of the grant monies and plan to spend the balance by completing the berm enclosures in Sharity I, completing the orchard and providing shade structures in the Wellness Garden.
ATTACHMENT G
20 SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
3050 East Los Angeles Avenue • Simi Valley, California • 93065 February 1, 2024
City of Simi Valley
ATN: Heidi DiNardo
2929 Tapo Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063
RE: COVID-19 COMMUNITY RECOVERY GRANT REPORT
Dear Ms. DiNardo,
On behalf of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center (CAC), we would like to thank the City of Simi Valley for providing critical funding for our community based programs that help
to support and enrich access to the arts and arts education in the Simi Valley community.
A total of $200,000 was granted to the Cultural Arts Center and was split between five primary categories: Performing Arts Recovery Grant ($100,000), Young Artists Playground Youth Arts Education Program ($50,000), Downstage Developmental Support ($25,000), Gallery Developmental Support ($12,500) and our Access the Arts Initiative ($12,500).
Funds expended through December 31, 2023 total $90,444 including the following:
• $43,000 for the CAC's Performing Arts Recovery Grant fund to support local artists and arts and cultural organizations impacted by COVID-19 by subsidizing the rental fees associated with producing their artistic performances and events at the CAC. In 2023, the CAC's Performing Arts Grant distributed 14 grants varying from $1,000 - $15,000.
• $25,659 for the CAC's newly established Young Artists Playground (YAP) Youth Arts Education Program which provides training and arts (both performing and visual) experiences to youth ages 5 - 14 including summer camps, Saturday morning arts workshops, and family arts workshops. In 2023, YAP was able to expand their programs to include several 10 week sessions of a Monday after school arts camp. All YAP staff and workshop instructors are professional working artists.
• $11,300 for Downstage Development Support funding for our newly renovated 80 seat multi-use Downstage Cabaret performance space. The development and programming of the Downstage Cabaret Theater allows the Cultural Arts Center to expand weekday facility use as well as expanded performance opportunities for (805) 583-7905 • Box Office (805) 583-7900 • Fax (805) 583-7904 • www.simi-arts.org • e-mail: [email protected]
ATTACHMENT H
21 22
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY – COMMUNITY RECOVERY GRANT
2023 Grant Report
Grant Summary
In 2023, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA provided academic, enrichment and summer camp activities to nearly 700 children during the summer and 600 students during the academic school year. Children participated in small-group instruction focused on the current grade-level assignments. They also practiced STEAM through hands-on activities such as coding, robotics, science experiments, engineering, cooking, bubbles and making slime. This past year, the children were particularly excited for swimming at the Y and on-site shows.
Participating in the Ys summer camp and afterschool programs have allowed children to not only grow intellectually, but also enhance their self-confidence, expand their interests and build stronger relationships with their peers, families and YMCA leaders. By exciting children about their learning, we are opening their minds to new career opportunities, building their social-emotional skills and potentially impacting the trajectory of their lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on families. Many families are still recovering or still struggling financially. The YMCA afterschool and summer camp program is essential for these families as they provide a safe and nurturing environment for children while parents or guardians go to work. Unfortunately, the cost of these services can be prohibitive.
Results & Impact
The Simi Valley Community Recovery grant of $50,000 allowed the Y to impact the lives through scholarships of almost 90 youth and their families in our Simi Valley community! Testimonials:
I love the Y and summer camp. Everyone was so nice and I made lots of friends. My favorite part was swimming because now I am a good swimmer thanks to the Y. My counselor was the best. ~ Camper, Simi Valley YMCA
My son was so, so lucky to go to the YMCA this past summer. This program helped my son socially and educational and I want to make sure he has this opportunity again next year. Thank you, YMCA, for creating an amazing program. ~ Mom, Simi Valley YMCA Afterschool Program
ATTACHMENT I
23