HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-17 e-packet@4:00Thursday, December 17, 2020
4:00 PM
City of South San Francisco
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
TELECONFERENCE MEETING
Community Development Block Grant Standing
Committee of the City Council
Special Meeting Agenda
December 17, 2020Community Development Block
Grant Standing Committee of the
City Council
Special Meeting Agenda
TELECONFERENCE MEETING NOTICE
THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS N-29-20 AND N-63-20 ALLOWING FOR DEVIATION
OF TELECONFERENCE RULES REQUIRED BY THE BROWN ACT & PURSUANT TO THE
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER OF SAN MATEO COUNTY DATED MARCH 31, 2020 AS
THIS MEETING IS NECESSARY SO THAT THE CITY CAN CONDUCT NECESSARY
BUSINESS AND IS PERMITTED UNDER THE ORDER AS AN ESSENTIAL
GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION.
The purpose of conducting the meeting as described in this notice is to provide the safest environment for staff
and the public while allowing for public participation.
Councilmembers Nicolas and Coleman and essential City staff will participate via Teleconference.
PURSUANT TO RALPH M. BROWN ACT, GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953, ALL VOTES
SHALL BE BY ROLL CALL DUE TO COUNCIL MEMBERS PARTICIPATING BY
TELECONFERENCE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY VIEW A VIDEO BROADCAST OF THE MEETING BY:
Via Zoom:
Please click on the link below to register for the session:
https://ssf-net.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Jf-dRfhNSCWO--_TmatDlw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please note that dialing in will only allow you to listen in on the meeting. To make a public comment during the
Zoom meeting follow the instructions listed under Remote Public Comments.
Page 2 City of South San Francisco Printed on 4/12/2021
December 17, 2020Community Development Block
Grant Standing Committee of the
City Council
Special Meeting Agenda
Call To Order.
Roll Call.
Agenda Review.
Remote Public Comments - comments are limited to items on the Special Meeting Agenda.
Speakers are allowed to speak on items on the agenda for up to three minutes. If there appears to be a large
number of speakers, speaking time may be reduced subject to the Mayor ’s discretion to limit the total amount
of time for public comments (Gov. Code sec. 54954.3.(b)(1).). Comments that are not in compliance with the
City Council's rules of decorum may be summarized for the record if they are in writing or muted if they are
made live.
Members of the public wishing to participate are encouraged to submit public comments in writing in advance of
the meeting to e-mail: [email protected] by 1:00 p.m. on the meeting date. Emails received by the deadline will be
forwarded to the Committee and read into the record by the City Clerk. Emails received after 1:00 p.m. will not
be read during the meeting but will be entered into the record for the meeting. Approximately 300 words total
can be read in three minutes.
Oral Comments: Speakers are asked to register in advance by 1:00 p.m. on the meeting date via the Zoom
platform, meeting information listed on the agenda. You will be asked to enter a name, an email address, and
the Agenda item about which you wish to speak. Your email address will not be disclosed to the public. After
registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to connect to the meeting. When the City Clerk
announces the item on which you wish to speak, your name will be called and you will be unmuted.
No more than three minutes will be allocated to read each email comment, and oral comments will also be
limited to no more than three minutes.
State law prevents the Committee from taking action on any matter not on the agenda; your comments may be
referred to staff for follow up.
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Motion to approve the Minutes for the meeting of March 2, 2020.1.
Study session regarding programing $574,525 in Community Development Block
Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds and allocation of $140,000 of 2019-2020
CDBG entitlement funding. (Julie Barnard, Economic Development Coordinator, and
Heather Ruiz, Acting Community Development Coordinator)
2.
Adjournment.
Page 3 City of South San Francisco Printed on 4/12/2021
City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:20-996 Agenda Date:12/17/2020
Version:1 Item #:1.
Motion to approve the Minutes for the meeting of March 2, 2020.
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Call to Order. Time: 3:31 p.m.
Roll Call. PRESENT: Mayor Garbarino and
Councilmember Nicolas
AGENDA REVIEW
None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
1. Motion to approve the Minutes from the meeting of February 18, 2020.
Motion - Councilmember Nicolas / Second –Mayor Garbarino: to approve the minutes. The motion
carried unanimously.
2. Study session regarding the Community Development Block Grant Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget
Allocation. (Kris Romasanta, Community Development Coordinator)
Coordinator Romasanta stated that the purpose of this study session was to receive feedback from the
Community Development Block Grant Standing Committee of the City Council (CDBG Standing
Committee) regarding the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan (Action Plan) and Budget. On
February 18, 2020, the CDBG Standing Committee made preliminary funding allocations to public
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT STANDING
COMMITTEE
OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, California 94083
Meeting held at:
CITY HALL
CITY MANAGER’S CONFERENCE ROOM
400 GRAND AVENUE
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020
3:30 p.m.
CDBG STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 2, 2020
MINUTES PAGE 2
service sub-recipients and capital improvement projects based on budget estimates from the previous
year.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) required local jurisdictions to
prepare an Action Plan in order to receive funds through the CDBG Program. The City began to develop
its FY 2020-2021 Action Plan. As part of this process, the City was required to hold two public hearings.
The first public hearing was held at a Regular City Council meeting on February 26, 2020 to assess the
needs of the community. The second and final public hearing to hear public comments on the draft Action
Plan is scheduled for April 22, 2020.
Coordinator Romasanta recommended Life Moves, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, HIP
Housing and United Way of the Bay Area be moved into the Housing Fund. She stated Health Mobile and
Renaissance Entrepreneurship would not receive funding at this time.
Mayor Garbarino encouraged Renaissance Entrepreneurship to establish a presence is South San
Francisco and submit a completed application before presenting to the CDBG Standing Committee.
Councilmember Nicolas inquired whether CID could request an increase of funds next year if they were
able to assist additional residents. Coordinator Romasanta confirmed they would be able to request more
money for the next cycle if that were the case.
Coordinator Romasanta recommended that the Habitat for Humanity not receive any funding at this time.
She advised representatives from the City of South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department were
available to go over what they would do with the additional $60,000 for the Irish Town Green.
Park’s Manager Richardson stated the additional funding would go towards building a pathway to the
existing field from the airport side of the park where the parking lot and bus stop are located. Park’s
Manager Richardson advised it would also help fund additional fencing to help designate use space
between the sports field and opposite side of the field.
Councilmember Nicolas inquired when the City anticipated completion of the project. Park’s Manager
Richardson estimated completion would be around 6 months upon receiving of the funds, towards the end
of 2020.
CDBG Standing Committee recommendations:
CDBG Category 1: Public Service Grants
CORA $10,000
Ombudsman $20,000
Rape Trauma Services Center $15,000
IEP Collaborative $5,053
Life Moves Housing Fund
Legal Aid Society Housing Fund
HIP Housing Housing Fund
Samaritan House $16,000
StarVista $11,000
United Way of the Bay Area Housing Fund
Friends for Youth $5,000
CDBG STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 2, 2020
MINUTES PAGE 3
Health Mobile None
Renaissance Entrepreneurship None
CDBG Category 2: Minor Home Repair Programs
CID $10,000
El Concilio of San Mateo County $27,000
Rebuilding Together Peninsula (National Rebuilding Day) $15,750
Rebuilding Together Peninsula (Safe at Home) $55,000
CDBG Category 3: Capital Improvements/Public Facilities
City of South San Francisco (Irish Town Green) $190,000
Habitat for Humanity None
City of South San Francisco (City-Sponsored Housing Rehab Program) $97,000
CDBG Category 4: Administration
City of South San Francisco (CDBG Administration) $104,715
Home Funds Category 5: Fair Housing Activities
Project Sentinel $12,000
Coordinator Romasanta advised that she would finalize the recommendations and incorporate them into
an Action Plan and present them for Council’s approval on April 22, 2020.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business, Mayor Garbarino adjourned the meeting at 3:53 p.m.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Gabriel Rodriguez, Deputy City Clerk Flor Nicolas, Councilmember
City of South San Francisco City of South San Francisco
Approved by the CDBG Standing Committee: / /
City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:20-937 Agenda Date:12/17/2020
Version:1 Item #:2.
Study session regarding programing $574,525 in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-
CV)funds and allocation of $140,000 of 2019-2020 CDBG entitlement funding.(Julie Barnard,Economic
Development Coordinator, and Heather Ruiz, Acting Community Development Coordinator)
CONTENTS
1.BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION 1
2.PROJECTS/PROGRAM OPTIONS 2
A.)Bridging the Digital Divide 2
1.Long-term access to free public Wi-Fi 3
2.Immediate Access to Wi-Fi and Digital Device 3
B.)Public Services 6
1.Meals on Wheels 7
2.Renaissance 7
C.)City Public Improvement Projects and Medical Needs 7
D.)Alternative Projects Eligible for CV3 Funding 8
1.Small Business Assistance 8
2.Renter Assistance 9
3.Medical Air Purifiers 9
3.UNPROGRAMMED CDBG ENTITLEMENT FUNDS 9
4.NEXT STEPS 10
1.BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Coronavirus Aid,Relief,and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”),Public Law I16-136,was signed by President Trump on
March 27, 2020, to respond to the growing effects of this historic public health crisis.
The CARES Act made available $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (“CDBG-CV”)funds,to be used to
prevent,prepare for,and respond to the coronavirus (“COVID-19”).Of this amount,the Department immediately allocated $2 billion
of CDBG-CV funds in the first round of CDBG-CV funds (referred to as “CV1”).This was based on the Fiscal Year 2020-2021
(“FY2020”) CDBG formula. The City of South San Francisco received $290,353 in CV1 funding.
The second round of funds ($1 billion) was allocated to states only.
Finally,the remaining $2 billion in CDBG-CV funds was required by the Act to be allocated to both states and local governments at
the discretion of the Secretary on a rolling basis;the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”)accomplished this on
September 11, 2020, and this constituted the third round of CDBG-CV funds (“CV3”).
Accordingly,the City of South San Francisco’s (“City”)allocation for the third round is $574,525.Cumulatively,with CV1 and CV3
the City’s allocation round was $864,878.
In addition to the CDBG-CV funding,the City’s CDBG program has $140,000 of un-programmed,un-spent entitlement funding that
needs to be allocated by amending the FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan (“AAP”).Staff’s recommendation for allocating this
funding is discussed later in this report.
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2.PROJECTS/PROGRAM OPTIONS
As previously mentioned,the CDBG-CV funds must be used to prevent,prepare for,and respond to the coronavirus.The funds are
predominantly still restricted and subject to the CDBG regulations,with a few exceptions.Staff has explored various potential
projects and have provided recommendations that cover a range of the City’s diverse needs, including:
·Bridging the digital divide;
·Public services for seniors;
·Meeting new health needs; and
·City public improvement projects that respond to social distancing needs.
A list of potential projects, and associated budgets, are outlined in Attachment 1 and summarized below:
Possible Project Staff Recommended Budget
Digital Divide $340,000
Public Facilities Upgrades $54,000
Public Services $65,000
Medical Supplies $1,500
Sub-total $460,500
20% Administrative Expense $114,000
TOTAL $574,500
A.)Bridging the Digital Divide
Recently,the federal CDBG program has shifted its focus to prioritizing and addressing the digital divide.The City similarly has a
goal to provide free Wi-Fi across the whole City.Early next year,the City’s IT Department will work on a plan to implement citywide
Wi-Fi, prioritizing areas of greatest need (those with high concentrations of households without internet access).
Economic Development and Housing (“EDH”)staff have worked with the IT and Library Departments to understand the City’s
digital needs.Generally,people require access to a device (ideally a computer)and access to internet service.In terms of providing
devices, staff recommend doing a laptop giveaway, discussed later. For Wi-Fi , staff considered two approaches:
1.Long-term access to free public Wi-Fi and
2.Immediate Access to Wi-Fi via hotspots or utility assistance.
Attachment 2,provides an outline of households that do not have access to the internet in South San Francisco.There are roughly 300
households in the Downtown and Linden Avenue Corridor districts that do not have access to the internet.
Staff recommend that the Subcommittee recommend that Council commit $340,000 in CDBG-CV3 funding to bridging the digital
divide,which will allow the City the flexibility to explore various projects and programs over the next three years.In the short term,
staff have explored and propose some projects that are outlined below.
1.Long-term access to free public Wi-Fi
One option that the IT Department have been exploring is to install public Wi-Fi to the 12,000 people living in a half square mile,in
the City’s lowest income areas.Attachment 3 outlines the areas of the City that are defined by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (“HUD”)as Low/Moderate (“Low/Mod”)Census Tracts.Low/Mod Census Tracts mean that 51%or more of the
households in that Census tract earn less than 80%of the County’s Area Median Income (“AMI”).Qualified Census Tracts (“QCT”)
mean that 51%or more of the households in that Census tract earn less than 50%of the County’s AMI.The IT Department focused
their investigations regarding where to pilot the free public Wi-Fi by combining the areas of greatest need regarding access to the
internet and the Low/Mod Census Tracts.
The benefit of this project is that it would provide long-term free public Wi-Fi in the residential areas of greatest need.The project
involves installing the necessary Wi-Fi equipment on City Poles,City luminaires at PG&E poles and may require trenching to connect
city fiber optic cables to necessary end points.However,at this time,the City cannot guarantee Wi-Fi connection inside the home due
to service and infrastructural challenges.Although some would have it,the City could only guarantee access to the street.Attachment
4, outlines the approximate infrastructure and related costs which total $1,770,000 for the Downtown and Linden Avenue corridors.
The City could use a combination of CDBG-CV and CDBG entitlement funding,as well as other sources of funding to accomplish
this project.However,given the level of uncertainty relating to whether or not households would have access to the internet,the
cost/benefit of this initiative is not worthwhile on a large scale, until service to within homes is more certain.
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2.Immediate Access to Wi-Fi and Digital Device
In order to address the City’s immediate device and Wi-Fi needs staff has explored options that could best use CDBG funding to
provide access to the internet for those in need.This may be achieved through a combination of the projects outlined below.
Attachment 5,outlines these immediate needs.Some of these projects are eligible for CDBG-CV funding and others would be a better
fit for CDBG entitlement funding. To summarize the City’s digital needs the following projects and programs have been identified:
1.Laptop and hotspots giveaway to low income households -$186,000
2.Expand Internet service at City Facilities -$154,000
3.Mobile HotSpots in the Learning Wheels Van -$4,500
4.Broadband utilities assistance -$150,000
5.Main Library Outdoor Wi-Fi -$3,000
6.Funding to install fiber optic cables in new City conduit -$180,000
i.Laptop and hotspot donations
The most basic need is providing a device for internet access.Staff have explored the possibility of 1)Library laptops that could be
checked out by members of the public and 2)giving laptops away to qualified lower income households.A program that would give
away laptops to households in need would be the highest and best use of staff time,and since we have the ability in this case to verify
household income,also ensure that laptops reach households who need them most.This would also provide a longer-lasting benefit to
the receiving household.Attachment 6,outlines the income limits that would be applicable.In this case,the Very Low category (or
50%Area Median Income and below)would be used to determine eligibility.In addition to low income households,HUD identify the
following groups as those who qualify for presumed public service benefits:
·abused children,
·elderly,
·homeless persons,
·battered spouses,
·severely disabled,
·illiterate adults,
·persons living with AIDS, and
·migrant farm workers.
Chromebooks are approximately $400 each with refurbished laptops costing $450.The SSFUSD has been providing Chromebooks
because they are cost effective and there is free software available to users,however,they have limitations in terms of prohibiting
windows application installations.The SSF IT Department has had feedback from SSFUSD that they prefer laptops since they have
greater flexibility installing school applications and that Microsoft programs are free to students.
Staff propose purchasing a minimum of 200 devices.This would cost $80,000 ($82,000 with a small contingency)for Chromebooks
or $90,000 for refurbished laptops.
As outlined above,many households lack access to the internet,therefore the CDBG Subcommittee (“Subcommittee”)should
consider including a mobile hotspot and a one-year internet service contract.The cost of a Wi-Fi hotspot is $480 per year for each
service contract, and $96,000 for all 200 devices.
With the refurbished laptops,staff’s recommended program would cost $182,000 to bridge the digital divide for 200 households,or
300 to 400 people served.
Digital device and hotspot budget options:
Recommended Option:
200 refurbished laptops:$90,000
200 hotspots (1 year):$96,000
Total:$186,000
Alternate Option:
200 Chromebooks:$80,000
200 hotspots (1 year):$96,000
Total:$134,000
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The Subcommittee may consider a combination of the above,i.e.more hotspots for families who have devices but do not have
internet access or a two-year hotspot connection, with recipients having to ‘reapply’ in the second year.
EDH will partner with the Library and Learning Center staff who will make referrals for qualified
households.The program will also be advertised in the City’s newsletter and email blasts.Staff propose implementing priority for
those who live in the Downtown and Linden Avenue Corridor neighborhoods,but will make the program available to all who qualify
based on income.
ii.Expand Internet service at City parks
The City may also consider installing and/or expanding free Wi-Fi in City parks.The benefit of these projects is that it would provide
access to free Wi-Fi for any member of the public,and the projects are the easiest to achieve.It is likely that users would access the
internet from laptops or devices while sitting in their cars or sitting outside.This would probably be uncomfortable or difficult for
distance learning but may be useful for those seeking employment.
There are four parks that are within the low-come area where the City does not provide internet service.The average cost to provide a
public Wi-Fi is $58,000 per park (or $232,000 for all four parks in low income areas)for the first year with an ongoing annual cost of
$3,600:
·Gardiner Park
·Paradise Valley Park
·Cypress and Pine Playlot and
·Centennial Trail
Other parks that are not in low-income areas are also eligible for Wi-Fi upgrades. These include: Avalon Park, Alta Loma, Buri Buri
and Sellick park.
Areas where the City could expand existing Wi-Fi (mostly to reach parking lots) include:
Orange Park picnic area, playground and parking lot $55,000
Orange Pool parking lots $15,000
The Dog Park $40,000
Terra Bay parking lots and tennis courts $20,000
TOTAL:$130,000
Expanding Wi-Fi to reach parking lots would be a better use of funding,since it does provide the option for someone to sit in their car
and use the internet.Providing access to a playground or park that does not provide comfortable seating (which is problematic with
social distancing measures and the upcoming rainy season) would likely serve fewer people.
Staff recommend exploring these further and utilizing some of the $340,000 staff recommends to allocate for bridging the digital
divide to fund Wi-Fi upgrades if it is deemed feasible.
Recently the City installed Public Wi-Fi at Westborough Park covering the playgrounds,picnic area and parking lot.From November
1 through December 10,2020 there were 111 connections.In additional,during that same time period the City downtown public Wi-
Fi on Grand Ave between Spruce Ave and Airport Blvd had 4,891 connections.This is indicative to the need for free public Wi-Fi in
public areas.
iii.Mobile HotSpots in the Learning Wheels Van
Another approach to providing Wi-Fi would be to install Wireless routers in buses or city vehicles to drive to low income areas of the
City.The routers will be equipped with carrier LTE sim cards to provide cellular data service.Each vehicle will be equipped with two
routers and can support 14 users at a time.There will be administrative costs to support this program since it would require hiring
staff to drive and occupy the vehicle as well as provide basic internet troubleshooting. Outfitting one van would cost $4,500.
iv.Broadband utilities assistance
CDBG-CV could pay for household utilities.Some carriers,like ATT,Comcast,and WAVE already have programs that offer 10MB of
broadband for $10 per month for low-income households.The City could pay the $10 for the qualified residents using CDBG
funding.
The benefit of this program is that it would provide internet access to those in need at an affordable cost;however,the payments must
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The benefit of this program is that it would provide internet access to those in need at an affordable cost;however,the payments must
be made directly to the carriers and not to the residents as a rebate.This would likely require City staff to pay each invoice
individually every month,but staff is reaching out to internet providers to understand if there is a more streamlined way to handle
bulk billing.
The Subcommittee may consider setting up a program with $50,000 (serving roughly 400 households)in funding and request
residents (subject to qualification)to sign up for the carrier low-income programs,and using CDBG money the City will pay the $10
per month.Although this is a cost effective solution to providing internet service,the administrative burden on both the residents and
City staff may likely outweigh the budget and benefits.
v.Grand Avenue Library Outdoor Wi-Fi
EDH and Library staff have partnered to provide upgraded Wi-Fi service at the Grand Avenue Library.Library staff has found that
some users have been sitting on the steps around the Library,while accessing the Wi-Fi (which does not provide a good connection
further than the immediate building).The Wi-Fi range will now extend through the City Hall parking lot,which will allow for users to
stay in their cars or sit in the park and use the Wi-Fi.
vi.Funding to install fiber optic cables in new City conduit
At the October 28,2020 City Council meeting Public Works and IT presented a project to install over 77,000 feet of underground
conduit throughout the City,which was approved.Once the conduit is installed,the City will need to install fiber optic cables in the
new conduit to expand the City’s network and to provide Citywide Wi-Fi.The City could use CDBG funding to install this fiber,
specifically in the Linden Avenue Corridor and Downtown neighborhoods at a cost of $180,000.
This would be a good use of CDBG funds,however,staff recommend considering using FY2021-2022 CDBG entitlement funding,
rather than CV funding.Staff will return to the CDBG Subcommittee in early next year to discuss the use of the upcoming year’s
CDBG entitlement.
B.)Public Services
Economic Development and Housing (“EDH”) staff have explored options that consider the needs of the City’s elderly population.
1.Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels (“MoW”)currently delivers meals to 57 Aging &Adult clients in South San Francisco.Those 57 meal recipients
receive 1,237 meals a month. These are homebound individuals who meet the following criteria:
·over the age of 60,
·predominantly homebound,
·unable to shop and cook for themselves, and
·lack caregiver assistance with these tasks.
Many have several chronic conditions,and all are nutritionally at risk.Clients on this program are not required to pay,but are asked
for a voluntary contribution of $4.75/meal.Client donations average $1/meal.MoW charges $15 per meal,which is not fully funded
by San Mateo County.San Mateo County,with funds from the Older Americans Act,pays approximately $8/meal.That,plus the
client contribution means MoW has a funding gap of approximately $6 per meal.
Additionally,MoW has a lot of SSF residents currently on their waitlist.With the impacts of social distancing measures,MoW have
seen an increased demand for their services. They have stated that they could accommodate 10 new SSF clients for $40,000 per year.
2.Renaissance
With locations in San Francisco,East Palo Alto,and Richmond,Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center’s mission is to empower and
increase the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse women and men,strengthening communities through the
creation of sustainable new businesses,new jobs,and the promotion of financial self-sufficiency.Renaissance responded to the last
notice of funding availability for CDBG funding,but was not ultimately funded due to limits on program budget,and because the City
had not identified economic development as a CDBG program goal in its last Consolidated Plan.Since then,the City has amended its
Consolidated Plan (to allow for the City’s small business loan program using CDBG funds)and reengaged Renaissance in
conversation.
Included as Attachment 7 to this report is a proposal from Renaissance to serve 30 South San Francisco small businesses with targeted
support to respond to the coronavirus and ensure longer-term sustainability.Staff recommend a $25,000 grant to Renaissance to
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provide this support to our local business community, augmenting the City’s business loan program and business support efforts.
C.)City Public Improvement Projects and Medical Needs
Staff recommend allocating some funding for public improvement projects and other medical related activities.Projects do not need
to immediately be identified but would include projects like:
·Improved HVAC
·Plexiglass screens
·Temperature check stations at City facilities
·Safety barriers in the streets for outdoor dining
·Testing events
·Future vaccine events
·Other projects not yet identified
Staff recommend allocating $55,000 for public improvement projects and medical needs,which is the maximum budget not requiring
an Action Plan amendment if the City decides to reprogram this funding.
D.)Alternative Projects Eligible for CV3 Funding
It is likely that another stimulus package will be issued in the near future,at that time,the City may receive further CDBG-CV
funding and staff will return to the subcommittee with further recommendations that may include economic and workforce
development and renter assistance funding opportunities.Staff feel that workforce development may be appropriate at a later time,
however providing computers to the population is a priority since it would provide a means for training and job hunting opportunities.
1.Small Business Assistance
To help bridge the funding gap that many small businesses faced during the early stages of the pandemic the City created a COVID-
19 Economic Development Assistance Program for Small Businesses.The Assistance Program provided forgivable loans of $10,000
to $15,000 to small businesses in South San Francisco.If the business was able to retain one to two full-time,lower income
employees for at least 90 days,the loan would be converted to a grant.Businesses needed to meet strict reporting requirements in
order to qualify and accept the funding.
Using CDBG entitlement funding (from FY2019 and FY2020),CV1 funding and CARES Act funding through the State,$840,000
was allocated to the Small Business Loan Program.Of the $840,000,$60,000 was set aside for administrative costs.Therefore,there
was $780,000 in business loans budgeted for the program.
The City determined that businesses would be selected through a lottery program.Businesses began applying in May 2020,and the
application period was re-opened for each round throughout the year,and the City received 235 applications to create an interest list.
Using this interest list the City has held four lotteries on May 15th,June 4th,June 18th,and July 15th of this year.The number of
businesses awarded and loans completed are outlined below:
Selected Awarded
Lottery #1:10 9 (90%)
Lottery #2:16 12 (75%)
Lottery #3:20 17 (85%)
Lottery #4:20 11 (55%)
The City has spent $605,000 in completed loans and has $175,000 in budget remaining.This will allow approximately twelve more
loans to be awarded.
The City has seen a decreasing level of interest in the businesses accepting the loans.As the economy has started to settle businesses
have started to adapt and the extreme reporting requirements have deterred businesses from accepting the loans.Some businesses
have already closed and therefore do not require the loans.Further,businesses who do require funding have opted to use other
government loans or credit unions since they have less documentation requirements.Alternatively,businesses have furloughed or laid
off staff, and they are afraid they will have to repay the loan since they cannot retain the low-income employee(s).
The program provided financial assistance to businesses at a time of greatest need when there was a gap in funding for small
businesses,however due to evolving market conditions economic development assistance of this nature is less in demand than some
other programs requiring funding. Therefore staff do not recommend adding further funding to the program.
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2.Renter Assistance
In April 2020,City Council appropriated $250,000 for renter assistance,which was fully spent by the end of the fiscal year.In June
2020,City Council appropriated an additional $250,000 for Fiscal Year 2020-2021,of which roughly $180,000 remains.City Council
has also planned to dedicate the City’s first two installments of Permanent Local Housing Allocation from the State ($215,000 each
year)to renter assistance.This leaves approximately $400,000 for renter assistance in the last six months of this fiscal year,and
another $215,000 next year.
From April 1 to November 1,2020,98 households were served with the City’s funding for renter assistance through the local YMCA
on Huntington Avenue.Additionally,roughly three times as many South San Francisco households were served by the YMCA using
funding sources other than the City’s,such as County funds.YMCA reports on households served on the 14th of each month;staff
will have the November 2020 report on December 14th and can share with the Subcommittee an additional update then.
Although other jurisdictions in our County are using CDBG funds for renter assistance,there are limitations to doing so,which the
City avoids by using local housing funds for this important activity.Specifically,CDBG funds are limited to a one-time crisis,
meaning a household needing assistance in March cannot then seek assistance with the same funding source in June.Given the
inconsistent reopening our region has experienced,complying with regulations like this would make administration overly
burdensome and seeking assistance quite restrictive. The City’s local housing funds are more flexible and thus faster to administer.
3.Medical Air Purifiers
Staff are investigating the feasibility and eligibility of purchasing HEPA Air Purifiers for low-income households who have members
that are considered “at-risk”.Staff have reached out to HUD to establish whether air purifiers would qualify for CDBG-CV funding
for individual households.
Staff estimate that a medical-grade air purifier costs $180 to cover 500 square feet.Therefore,a budget for 50 air purifiers is $9,000.
Further, it is not yet established whether or not the City could procure a bulk order of air purifiers for donations.
3.UNPROGRAMMED CDBG ENTITLEMENT FUNDS
As stated earlier in this report,the City has an additional $140,000 of un-programmed and unspent CDBG entitlement funding that
must be allocated in FY 2020-2021.Staff recommends allocating this funding to Digital Divide Infrastructure Improvements.
Specifically,staff recommend piloting the free public Wi-Fi network on Linden Ave targeting businesses and residents on Linden Ave
and is not guaranteed to extend into the neighorhoods.The public Wi-Fi network will provide residents in the area with a public Wi-Fi
network to use outdoors, and, in some cases, potentially extend to indoor service too.
Below are the estimated costs for the implementation of the project:
Wireless Network equipment:$30,000
Wi-Fi Equipment:$45,000
Electrical Remediation:$10,000
Design and Installation costs:$30,000
TOTAL:$115,000
Annual cost:
Internet Circuit:$4,000
Maintenance Cost:$6,000
TOTAL:$10,000
The total cost of the pilot program for 1 year is $125,000. Additionally, staff recommend a contingency of $15,000.
4.NEXT STEPS
In summary, staff recommend the following budget for allocating the CDBG-CV3 funds and the un-programmed entitlement funds:
Project Staff Recommended Budget
Digital Divide (laptops & hotspots)$340,000
Public Facilities Upgrades $54,000
Public Services (Meals on Wheels, Renaissance)$65,000
Medical Supplies $1,500
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20% Administrative Expense $114,000
CDBG-CV3 subtotal $574,500
Digital Divide Infrastructure Improvements $140,000
Un-programmed entitlement subtotal $140,000
TOTAL $714,500
With the feedback provided by the Subcommittee,staff will further investigate/conduct due diligence on projects and either return to
the Subcommittee with additional feedback and recommendations or present the final recommendation in a FY 2019-2020 Annual
Action Plan Amendment to City Council in early 2021.
Attachments:
1.CDBG Budget Recommendations
2.City of SSF - Internet Service Needs
3.CDBG: HUD Low/Mod Census Tracts
4.Cost and Free Wi-Fi Downtown & Linden Avenue Corridor Project Scope
5.City of SSF - Digital Needs Projects
6.San Mateo County Income Limits
7.Renaissance Proposal
8.Powerpoint
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Attachment 1: Proposed Projects Budget
Item Possible Project Staff Rec.Budget
CDBG
Recommendation
1 Digital Divide $ 340,000
2 200 Laptops $ 90,000 $ 90,000
3 200 Hotspots $ 96,000 $ 96,000
4 200 laptops and hotspots $ 186,000
5 City Facilities Wi-Fi installation & expansion $ 154,000 $ 200,000
6 Wi-Fi in the Uptown & Downtown - pilot - $ 1,800,000
7 500 x utility payments (broadband) - $ 155,000
8 Mobile hotspot on learning wheels van - $ 4,500
9 Public Facilities upgrades $ 53,000
10 SSF Temperature check stations (x2) $ 5,000 $ 5,000
11
Public Facilities upgrades (HVAC/COVID
screens etc) $ 48,000 $ 55,000
12 Public Services $ 65,000
13 Renaissance $ 25,000 $ 25,000
15 Meals on Wheels $ 40,000 $ 40,000
17 Medical $ 1,500
18 COVID-19 testing sites supplies $ 500 $ 300
19 Future SSF PPE $ 1,000 $ 1,000
20 Other
21 Workforce Development -
22 YMCA (Renter Assistance)-
23 Business assistance (small and micro)-
24 PROJECT TOTAL $ 459,500
25 Admin $ 114,000
26 BUDGET $ 573,500
43
1
4
1
7
3
14
1
4
26
46
24
11
14 37
36
100
33
Areas of Low And Middle Income Concentration
Legend
Students lacking Wifi
Block Groups with 51% or more low or middle income residents
SSF City Limit¯0 0.5 10.25 Mile
6023
6001
6020
6024
6018
6026
6017
6025
6022
6019.02
6019.01
6021
SSF: HUD Low Mod Census Tracts
Low/Mod Census Tract (under 80% AMI)Qualified Census Tract (under 50% AMI)¯0 0.5 10.25 Mile
Information Technology Department
Digital Divide Options:
1 | Page
1. Cost to provide free public Wi‐Fi in Uptown and Downtown area:
Below are the costs and assumptions to install public Wi‐Fi in a .5 square mile. This based on Oakland
Wi‐Fi project.
Pros: Long term Free Public Wi‐Fi in residential areas
Always available
Uses City assets
Con: Cannot guarantee Wi‐Fi connection inside the home
Assumptions:
1. Each zone is approximate .1 square mi and includes 80‐100 radios with 4‐5 fiber access points.
2. Existing City internet connection assumed to be used for Public Wi‐Fi Access. Fiber network
assumed to include separate firewall and City Hall fiber switches for public Wi‐Fi use
3. City will coordinate with PG&E for permission to install Wi‐Fi equipment on City luminaires at
PG&E poles. City or contractor to install power and outlet for equipment
4. No trenching is required to install in conduit and fiber optic cables
** County of San Mateo provides free public Wi‐Fi on Grand Ave, between Spruce and Airport Blvd.
Zone1
Zone2
Information Technology Department
Digital Divide Options:
2 | Page
2. Laptop Give Away ‐
Below are two options.
Average cost of new Chromebooks: $400
Cost of refurbished Windows laptops: $450
3. County Public Wi‐Fi project:
San Mateo County worked with the SSF School District to identify areas where students are without
Internet service. Below are the areas and buildings to install Wi‐Fi equipment and provide Internet
service. This is fully funded by SMC with CARES Act Funding.
**City is still trying to have SMC install public Wi‐Fi on Linden Ave.
Attachment 5 - CDBG Projects - Bridging the Digital Divide Draft Project Proposals
Information Technology and Library Department
1. Mobile HotSpots in school buses, Learning Wheels Van – 1 Year.
Install Wireless routers in buses or city vehicles to drive to low income areas of the city. The
routers will be equipped with carrier LTE sim cards to provide cellular data service. Each vehicle
will be equipped with 2 routers and can support 14 users at a time. There will be
administrative costs to support this program
One time - Two (2) Cradlepoint Routers per vehicle: $1200
(2) Verizon unlimited Data @$40 per month: $1100 / w tax etc, on-going
Total: $2,300 per vehicle
On-Going: $1,100 annual per vehicle
2 year Project Cost: $4,500
2. Expand Internet service at City parks
Expand public Wi-Fi to local parks which can be used for remote learning hotspots
**Park must have ability to install carrier internet service
Park Locations:
Gardiner Park
Paradise Valley Park
Centennial Trail
Wi-Fi Expansion – Internet service not required
Expand Wi-Fi at Orange Park to the picnic area, playground and parking lot - $55K
Expand Wi-Fi to Orange Pool parking lots - $15k
Expand Wi-Fi to Dog Park - $40k
Expand Wi-Fi at Terra Bay to the parking lots and tennis courts - $20k
Average cost per park:
One time Labor, equipment and installation costs: $50,000
Electrical Installation: $8000
Internet service 100Mb down, 5 Mb up=$3,600
Labor, Electrical and Wi-Fi equipment: $58,000
On-Going Internet cost: $3,600 annual
3. Library Checkout for Chromebook and Hotspots 1yr
Ensure residents have equitable access to online resources and services by providing the ability
for patrons to check out Chromebooks and hotspots to from the library using their library card.
This will enable residents without access to home internet, a computer or who have multiple
people in a home but only one device to more easily manage in an environment that has
become heavily reliant on being able to access work, school, health, government and social
resources online. :
1 Year:
150 Chromebooks @ 270= $45K
150 Hotspots @$40/per month, annually= $72k
First Year purchase = $16k
Cases for Chromebooks & hotspots= $6k
Absolute security software for Chromebooks 3yr license= $2393
10% Lost or broken equipment = $6,700
Attachment 5 - CDBG Projects - Bridging the Digital Divide Draft Project Proposals
Information Technology and Library Department
Total: $149,000 first year, $78,700 annually
2 year Project cost: $306,400
4. Leverage Comcast, ATT and WAVE low-Income program for residence.
Setup a program with minimum of $75K in funding and request residents (subject to
qualification) to sign up for the carrier low income programs. Each carrier program offers 10Mb
for $9.99/mo. If resident qualifies for the low income program, resident will register the billing
information in their name and address and, if possible, request annual bill. The resident will
need to bring the bill to the City. (Department to be determined). The City will pay the bill,
preferably annual bill, on their behalf. City will need to assist residents to sign up for service if
necessary. Timeline: ASAP
Each carrier program can provide computer equipment for $160/ one-time fee
Estimates for 500 residents for 1 year
Budget Required: $75K, with other fees
Equipment for 500: $80K
One Year cost for 500 Residents with Equipment: $155,000
5. Main Library Outdoor Wi-Fi
Addition of outdoor Wi-Fi to support community internet access, including distance learning,
during limited library service. Staff will like to start ASAP.
Programming and network support from PLAN: $800
Cabling: $2500
Outdoor Access Point: $850
Total: $4,150
6. Funding to install fiber optic cables in new City conduit
At the Oct 28 City Council meeting Public Works and IT will be presenting a project to install over
77,000 feet of underground conduit throughout the City. Once the conduit is installed, the City
will need to install fiber optic cables in the new conduit to expand the City’s network and to
provide Citywide Wi-Fi. Based on the low income map provided to IT the new conduit will pass
through some of the low income areas. This project would install fiber from the Corpyard to
Chestnut. Contractor estimated timeline to install the conduit is end 2021.
Below you will find the estimated costs:
Estimated cost of fiber installation is $14/ft.
The length from the Corpyard to Chestnut is 7000ft.
7000ft *$14/ft = $98K
Fiber Optic Cable Cost: $20K
Cabinets: Qty (4) $8k/ea = $32K
Consultant fees: $30K
Total: $180K
Attachment 5 - CDBG Projects - Bridging the Digital Divide Draft Project Proposals
Information Technology and Library Department
City Owned Conduit
revised 06/30/2020
For HUD-funded programs, use the Federal Income Schedule. For State or locally-funded programs, you may use
the State Income Schedule. For programs funded with both federal and state funds, use the more stringent income levels.
Please verify the income and rent figures in use for specific programs.
San Mateo County Income Limits (based on Federal Income Limits for SMC)
Effective 4/30/2020 - Area median Income $143,100 (based on household of 4)
Income Category 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Extremely Low (30% AMI) *36,540$ 41,760$ 46,980$ 52,200$ 56,400$ 60,570$ 64,740$ 68,910$
Very Low (50% AMI) *60,900$ 69,600$ 78,300$ 87,000$ 94,000$ 100,950$ 107,900$ 114,850$
Low (80% AMI) *97,600$ 111,550$ 125,500$ 139,400$ 150,600$ 161,750$ 172,900$ 184,050$
Median (100% AMI)100,150$ 114,500$ 128,800$ 143,100$ 154,550$ 166,000$ 177,450$ 188,900$
Moderate (120% AMI)120,200$ 137,350$ 154,550$ 171,700$ 185,450$ 199,150$ 212,900$ 226,650$
NOTES
*2020 State Income limits provided by State of California Department of Housing and Community Development
2020 San Mateo County Income Limits
as determined by HUD - effective June 28, 2019
Income Limits by Family Size ($)
South San Francisco Small Business COVID Services
The outbreak of COVID-19 and the necessary “shelter in place” directives are having a
devastating impact on Bay Area small businesses and the people they employ.
Renaissance Mid-Peninsula clients, lower-income English- and Spanish-speaking
women and men who have overcome significant obstacles to start and grow their own
businesses, are among the hardest hit.
Just one week after ‘shelter in place” began, Renaissance conducted a survey
with 242 clients: 58% reported a 75% loss of revenue; 82% reported needing
immediate financial assistance; and 84% indicated they needed help navigating
and understanding the resources available to them. Respondents also emphasized
the need to temporarily close or reduce hours, and businesses reported they have been
forced to lay off staff. Tragically as the epidemic continues, the situation for small
businesses is worsening.
Renaissance is urgently responding to the needs of our clients and small businesses
throughout the Bay Area by keeping our virtual doors open and building and
strengthening our digital platform to deliver all services by phone and online. These
include delivering new workshops that address the challenges businesses are
immediately facing; increasing consulting services to assist small businesses in
accessing capital, navigating the new resources available and mitigating the economic
impact on their businesses; and supporting clients to enhance their e-commerce
capabilities and on-line presence. We are also continuing to provide our intensive
classes that are helping lower-income women and men to develop technical and “soft”
business skills, confidence, and supportive networks of like-minded entrepreneurs
which are needed to rebuild local economic prosperity.
Through the efforts of our staff and consultants, Renaissance has been able to help
small businesses obtain over $12M in economic relief assistance.
Program Support Services and Grant Request
Dedicated support from the City of South San Francisco will enable Renaissance to
provide direct services to South San Francisco small businesses that are struggling to
survive during this unprecedented time. Our primary activities will include:
● Outreach to South San Francisco small businesses - Renaissance will contact
South San Francisco businesses by phone and email using our internal data;
social media using Facebook & LinkedIn Pages; “In-Person” posting of
information on key locations throughout South San Francisco, including City Hall,
Churches and the South San Francisco list of licensed businesses (if available).
● Connecting Small Businesses to Support Services - Renaissance will connect
businesses directly with expert business consultants, online trainings provided by
Renaissance and others, and available resources.
● Access to Capital: Renaissance will provide technical assistance and loan
packaging to help clients secure capital from:
o Government Economic Disaster Relief Grant Programs
o County of San Mateo County Strong Funding
o Corporate Small Business Resiliency Grants (Facebook, Verizon/LISC,
Salesforce, etc.)
o Other programs as they become available
● Enhancing Small Business Technology: As the majority of current small business
revenues are being generated through online sales, Renaissance will help South
San Francisco businesses to increase their online capacities through enhanced
website development, e-commerce and online visibility.
● Business Resiliency: We will also help businesses pivot their business models
and operations to adapt to shelter in place requirements (for example, bringing
services online, providing new delivery options, accessing online payment
systems, etc.)
Impact
With the support of $25,000 from the City of South San Francisco, Renaissance will
serve 30 small businesses. With increased support, Renaissance would be able to
serve additional businesses. We will provide a report of services delivered to the City of
San Francisco on a quarterly basis.
Thank you very much. Program Contacts: Tim Russell Program Director, 650- 321-
2193 ext 1102 [email protected] or Sharon Miller, CEO [email protected]
415-348-6243.
CDBG-CV & FY20-21 entitlement
funding study session
December 17, 2020
CDBG Subcommittee Meeting
Attachment 8
Funding to be Programmed
•CDBG-CV3 (CARES Act):$574,525
•FY2020-2021 Entitlement: $140,000
Eligible Projects
›CDBG-CV funds must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
the coronavirus.
›Projects considered relate to:
•Bridging the digital divide,
•Public services for seniors,
•City public improvement projects that respond to social distancing needs, and
•Meeting new health needs
CDBG-CV3 Funding
CV3 Projects Staff Recommended Budget
Digital Divide $340,000
Public Services $65,000
Public Facilities Upgrades $54,000
Medical Supplies $1,500
Sub-total $460,500
20% Administrative Expense $114,000
TOTAL $574,500
Recommended CDBG-CV3 Projects
Digital Divide
Goal to provide free Wi-Fi citywide, prioritizing internet and access to
internet to households who need it most.
OPTIONS CONSIDERED:
1.Free Wi-Fi in Downtown and
Uptown
2.Laptop and hotspot giveaway
3.Expand Wi-Fi at City facilities
4.Mobile hotspots in Learning
Wheels Van
5.Broadband utilities assistance
6.Main Library outdoor Wi-Fi
7.Funding to install fiber optic
cables in new City conduit
Households without access to internet
Public Services & Facilities
Public Services
Goal to provide basic supportive services to those in greatest need.
1.Meals on Wheels –homebound seniors
2.Renaissance –assistance to small businesses
Public Facilities
Goal to prevent spread of COVID-19 at City facilities.•Temperature check stations•General upgrades•Medical Health needs
Alternative Projects›Small Business Assistance›Renter Assistance›Medical Air Purifiers
FY2020-2021 Entitlement Funding
Eligible Projects
›Public Services›Public Facilities or Improvements in Low-Mod
neighborhoods›Minor Home Repairs›Economic Development Assistance
FY2020-21 Entitlement Projects Staff Recommended Budget
Digital Divide Infrastructure Improvements $140,000