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AHA - 2023/11/28ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 28, 2023 The Anaheim Housing Authority regular meeting of November 28, 2023 was called to order at 5:43 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. in joint session with the Anaheim Public Financing Authority, Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority, and the Anaheim City Council. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on November 22, 2023. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Ashleigh E. Aitken and Authority Members Natalie Rubalcava, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and Secretary Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS fall agenda items): Paul Hyek reported that termite control and medical assistance are needed at homeless shelters. He noted a lady passed away at the studio and no one had performed a welfare check on her. No electronic public comments were received related to the Housing Authority agenda. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz thanked City employee Nick Gomez for organizing the Veterans Day Ceremony and displayed photographs of all the veterans who attended the event. She highlighted two Vietnam War veterans including her husband and thanked all Vietnam War veterans. She congratulated the 33 graduates of the CIELO Entrepreneurship program. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz thanked Anaheim Public Utilities for hosting the Holiday Lights Drive-Thru. She shared that she attended the Anaheim Ballet Nutcracker performance with Anaheim Elementary School District students and stated that all the kids enjoyed the performance. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz requested that the meeting adjourn in memory of former Assembly Member and District 4 resident Jim Morrissey. Authority Member/Council Member Faessel requested the meeting adjourn in memory of long- time District 5 resident Margarita Priego and Navy veteran Bob Brunette. He shared that the Anaheim High School boys and girls volleyball teams were in need of volleyballs, and he was able to arrange a donation from the Orange County Sports Commission. He along with Chairperson/Mayor Aitken and Authority Member/Council Member Meeks attended a Business Assistance meeting for Districts 5 and 6 held at Brewery X. Several departments provided information and resources for businesses in attendance. Authority Member/Council Member Faessel congratulated Chrysalis on their 5th Anniversary and noted that they have been a great civic partner. He joined the City Manager at a recent Anaheim Police Department promotion ceremony. He shared that he attended the Eli Home Christmas Ball and Tree Lighting and shared that they received a $5 million grant from CalOptima. He attended the We Give Thanks Thanksgiving meal event at the Honda Center. He thanked Reborn Cabinets for their Baths for Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 28, 2023 Page 2 of 8 the Brave program and remodeling Coast Guard veteran Harry Takeno's bathroom. Lastly, he along with Chairperson/Mayor Aitken attended the Anaheim White House Christmas Tree Lighting event. Authority Member/Council Member Diaz highlighted and shared photographs of El Muelle de San Bias restaurant based on a beautiful love story from a seaside town in Mexico. They serve seafood, churros, ice cream and will soon be serving beer. The food, prices, and service are excellent. He encouraged everyone to visit the restaurant located at 2607 W. Lincoln Avenue, B. Authority Member/Council Member Leon shared that his office partnered with Abrazar and Mercy Health for a free COVID and flu shot vaccine clinic on Saturday, December 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church. He invited everyone to the West Anaheim Christmas tree lighting at Twila Reid Park at 6:00 p.m. He shared that the UPS store off of Brookhurst Street in District 2 is partnering with the Anaheim Police Department for a crime prevention community event on Saturday, December 2"d from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Police Department will teach crime prevention tips to protect oneself from fraud and scams. There will also be a document shredding opportunity. He thanked Starbucks located at Euclid and Katella for hosting the Coffee with a Veteran event. Authority Member/Council Member Leon thanked Frank Garcia and the hundreds of volunteers who participated in the We Give Thanks dinner. He also thanked Anaheim Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee and Utilities Yard Working Supervisor Brian Cruz for delivering water on Thanksgiving Day. Authority Member/Council Member Leon highlighted and displayed photographs of Big Wheel Bicycles the November business of the month. It is a family owned business that has been around for over 30 years in West Anaheim. They have a wide array of bike selections and provide custom orders and repairs as well. He encouraged everyone to stop by the shop if they are looking for a new bike or Christmas gift. Authority Member/Council Member Leon also highlighted and displayed photographs of Country Family Cafe, the November restaurant of the month. It is a family owned small business. Blanca and her husband opened the restaurant over 20 years ago and quickly became a must -go to in West Anaheim. He encouraged everyone to stop by and try out their breakfast. He requested that the meeting adjourn in memory of Ed Prange who was a long-time coach and teacher at Loara High School. Mr. Prange recently passed away and on behalf of District 2, he sent thoughts and prayers to the Prange family. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava thanked all the public comment speakers and everyone who participated in the process. She congratulated and thanked veterans for their sacrifice for our country. Anaheim's Veterans Day Ceremony took place at Anaheim's veterans' monument near Muzeo. She was grateful to all the Veterans who attended. She thanked City staff for making the event possible in particular Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster and his team and Public Utilities for giving away free green light bulbs which represent Operation Green Light for supporting and helping veterans transition back into civilian life. She also welcomed the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army who visited the VFW in Anaheim. She along with Chairperson/Mayor Aitken also attended the Veterans Day Commemoration at Heroes Hall Museum and Education Center. She thanked District 3 residents for their service. Vice- Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava shared that she has served on the Chrysalis Advisory Council for the past five years and she congratulated them for helping transform thousands of lives by breaking barriers and providing transitional work, job readiness, and employment placement to those able and willing to work. In District 3, post -Thanksgiving she participated in a local cleanup sponsored by Green Bird at Radiant Brewery located off Lincoln Avenue. She highlighted the owners of Radiant Brewery and noted they provided a welcoming environment. They picked up approximately 40 bags of trash. Green Bird does not receive funding from other sources, and they gather monthly or quarterly to pick up trash. She noted Green Bird will be Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 28, 2023 Page 3 of 8 celebrating 10 years in Anaheim soon. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava shared that she was a guest on Cleste's Interest$ podcast which focuses on life, business, and growth through the lens of a 12-year old. Celeste is currently recording season 5 and has recorded close to 100 episodes and has featured entrepreneurs, public figures, and community organizers. She has over 3,000 streams with listeners in over 15 countries. Vice- Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava thanked Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster and Video Production Coordinator Ron Roberson for making the experience professional and memorable. She noted that since she was elected last November, one of her priorities has been to go into the neighborhoods to address issues. At her first District meeting last year, they successfully obtained a stop sign in the area. On Lemon Street, there were several concerns with drivers speeding and unhoused individuals creating quality of life and safety issues. The new Community Police Team, Public Utilities, and Public Works were there to answer questions and provide resources. City departments also attended a meeting held on Dickel Street to address safety issues regarding loud parties and parking challenges. She requested that the meeting adjourn in memory of life-long District 3 resident and family friend Bertha Adelmaria Munoa. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava requested support for the 15th Annual K&A Community Holiday Brunch free breakfast event. The owners of K&A feed over 1,000 families who come to their restaurant on December 24'. They are also accepting toy donations for the event and are requesting volunteers to help wrap gifts. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava shared that the District 3 Newsletter is up and running for those interested in subscribing. Lastly, she wished her dad Ricky Rubalcava a Happy Birthday and noted that he is a 40 year retired City of Anaheim Public Utilities employee. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken thanked the wonderful team at the Anaheim White House for the White House Christmas Tree Lighting honoring community leaders. On Thanksgiving Day she joined first responders and City staff at the We Give Thanks event at the Honda Center. She thanked the community sponsors including the Disneyland Resort and the volunteers who helped make this event happen. She along with the City Manager and Authority Member/Council Member Faessel attended the National League of Cities in Atlanta, Georgia which provides local leaders with the tools and connections to help build a brighter future for cities, towns, and villages. She along with Authority Member/Council Member Faessel visited the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta and offered condolences on the loss this week of the former First Lady Eleanor Rosalynn Carter. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken shared that the Anaheim White House is accepting donations until 10:00 p.m. for the 13t" Annual KFI PastaThon benefiting Caterina's Club. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: City Manager Vanderpool shared that for the past few months, the communications team in the City Manager's Office has been looking at different ways of providing captioning for City Council meetings and other broadcasts. This effort includes the September launch of an Anaheim City Council Meetings YouTube channel where meetings are streamed live. With YouTube, viewers can turn on captions and see live English subtitles to follow along or to aid those who may be hearing impaired. With YouTube, Spanish subtitles are an option playing back a meeting later, but not live. To address live Spanish captioning, he shared that the City is evaluating the purchase of additional broadcast equipment within the City's Manager's authority. The equipment would allow for live Spanish subtitles for Council meetings as well as for all broadcasts on Anaheim TV. Before moving forward, he stated that staff is evaluating if the equipment is an effective way to reach those who may prefer Spanish subtitles. Staff are currently looking to implement in early 2024 and look forward to sharing updates of the progress. Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 28, 2023 Page 4 of 8 In its 371h year, the 'We Give Thanks' event continued its tradition of providing Thanksgiving meals to the Anaheim community. The Anaheim Convention Center and Aramark collaborated to prepare a feast that included 288 turkeys, 2500 pounds of mashed potatoes, 2500 pounds of vegetables, and more. The meal preparation effort was supported by 160 volunteers over two days. City Manager Vanderpool invited everyone to experience the spirit of a traditional Victorian Christmas at historic Founders' Park located at 400 N. West Street. It will take place on December 2nd, 91h and January 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Founders' Park will feature Yuletide decorations in the Mother Colony and Woelke-Stoffel Houses, and docents dressed in period garb sharing the holiday traditions popularized during the Victorian era. Visitors to the Carriage House will learn how to size and wrap oranges, just as the packing house workers prepared Valencia oranges for shipping to the east coast for Christmas. Families and other groups are encouraged to participate in the Victorian Christmas Scavenger Hunt! This event is free and open to the public. The Community Services Department, in collaboration with the Nutcracker Committee, and the Downtown Anaheim Association, are hosting the 291h Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration and Holiday Village on Sunday, December 3rd from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Center Street Promenade will be transformed into a "Holiday Village" featuring family fun activities that will include children's crafts booths, kids train rides, holiday crafters, festive entertainment, and a visit from Santa himself! New this year, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be hosted on the steps in front of City Hall beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the tree lighting program featuring performances by the Anaheim Ballet, Anaheim High School Choir, and a holiday reading by Santa. He stated he looks forward to seeing everyone in attendance at this cherished community event. At 8:02 p.m., Chairperson Aitken recessed the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda and reconvened at 8:04 p.m. CONSENT CALENDAR: At 8:04 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered with Authority Member Leon pulling Item No. 7 and Authority Member Kurtz pulling Item No. 8 for separate discussion and consideration. MOTION: Authority Member Faessel moved to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each Authority Member and as listed on the Consent Calendar, seconded by Authority Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. 9. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2023-009 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING AGR-14046.0.2 BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY approving an Amended and Restated Preliminary Award Letter, substantially in the form attached herewith between the Anaheim Housing Authority and Linc Housing Corporation; authorizing the Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority, or her designee, to execute and administer the Amended and Restated Preliminary Award Letter on behalf of the Anaheim Housing Authority; authorizing the Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority, or her designee, to enter into subsequent agreements necessary to Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 28, 2023 Page 5 of 8 implement the Project, provided that such agreements do not materially increase or extend the assistance provided by the Anaheim Housing Authority under the Amended and Restated Preliminary Funding Award Letter [North Harbor Anaheim Permanent Supportive Housing Project previously known as the Studio 6 Motel Interim Housing Project, 1251 N. Harbor Blvd.]. R100 10. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2023-010 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2023 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHA-2023-006 (rescheduling the meeting of December 19 to December 12, 2023). R100 11. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2023-011 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY establishing the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2024 calendar year. AHA177 12. Approve minutes of the Housing Authority meeting of October 24, 2023. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR: 7. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Orange County Health AGR-14443 Authority dba CalOptima Health and Orange County Housing Authority, Garden Grove Housing Authority, and Santa Ana Housing Authority to establish a framework that will facilitate referrals of Housing Choice Voucher applicants and participants to the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CaIAIM) program for enhanced case management and community support services and authorize the Executive Director to execute and administer the MOU on behalf of the Housing Authority. Executive Director of Anaheim Housing Authority Grace Ruiz-Stepter reported that the item is to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Orange County Health Authority doing business as CalOptima Health and the Orange County Housing Authority, the Garden Grove Housing Authority, Santa Ana Housing Authority, and the Anaheim Housing Authority (Authority). She explained that the MOU establishes a framework that will facilitate referrals of Housing Choice Voucher applicants and participants to the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CaIAIM) program for Enhanced Case Management and Community Support Services and authorize the Executive Director to execute and administer the Agreement on behalf of the Housing Authority. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter explained that the Authority, under the Housing and Community Development Department, is tasked with addressing the housing needs of low-income people in the City. She noted that the largest housing program under the Authority is the federally funded Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program which assists over 6,700 households with rental subsidies. She explained that the Authority continues to apply for and secure new funding to expand local Special Purpose Voucher (SPV) programs. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter explained that the traditional role of a housing authority was to ensure program eligibility, issue monthly payments to landlords, and review property standards through housing quality choice voucher inspections. She noted the HCV program has had to evolve to become more person -centric due to the population largely served are exiting homelessness. She noted the California Department of Health and Services developed a framework, the CaIAIM program, within the health care system as a tool to address challenges for those Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 28, 2023 Page 6 of 8 experiencing homelessness and behavioral health issues. She advised that the MOU establishes a partnership between CalOptima and the Housing Authority so that key recipients of housing programs can take advantage of CaIAIM. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported the MOU took one year to come to fruition because it dealt with five entities with governing structures and legal requirements to agree on how to share data. She noted this does not require any participants to enroll in CalAIM but allows the Authority to seamlessly refer voucher holders to CalAIM services at no cost to the agency or the City thus leveraging the resources of the Housing Authority and CalOptima for better and more efficient outcomes. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter explained that the reason the CalAIM program is a significant resource for housing authorities is because those funds allow for housing navigation services that had not previously been available under the HCV except under very limited circumstances. She noted that it also allows enhanced case management and makes the difference between whether somebody can use a voucher or whether it must be returned to the housing authority. She reiterated that participation in the CalAIM program is voluntary. She closed by saying that this is an innovation for Orange County which brings together multiple housing authorities to utilize medical dollars for housing services. She encouraged the City Council to support the MOU. DISCUSSION: Authority Member Leon thanked staff for their work and inquired if the different housing authorities could refer a non-resident to a program in their city. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter explained the relationship is for housing authorities to be able to refer those who are either applicants to the City's program or already in the program to use the resources of the medical CalAIM program and is not intended as a cross -referral to other housing authorities. She further explained that this allows each housing authority to access funds that CalOptima designated for enhanced case management and housing navigation. She explained the MOU allows for a structure that is unified, avoids confusion, and ensures everyone in a housing program in Orange County has equitable and equal access to services. In response to Authority Member Leon, Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter directed residents to the Anaheim Housing Authority website for additional information on housing programs. She noted residents can also contact CalAIM and CalOptima directly regarding the CalAIM program. Vice -Chairperson Rubalcava thanked staff for working with housing authorities across the county. She noted that collaboration is instrumental. She inquired if the CalAIM initiative was developed to help disperse funds the County had for these programs. Executive Director Ruiz- Stepter explained that the initiative comes from the Department of Health Services using MediCal funds in the housing arena to determine if using Medical funds produces better health outcomes or results in cost savings for the health plan. Vice -Chairperson Rubalcava inquired if the City's Housing Commission reviewed the MOU. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter explained that standard practice is for the Commission to review the MOU, however, due to a lack of quorum at the last meeting, it needed to be presented to the Authority first. Vice -Chairperson Rubalcava expressed concern that the MOU was not reviewed by the Housing Commission because it adds an extra layer of oversight. She expressed appreciation for the work that CalAIM is doing but she is concerned that it takes away from the primary objective of housing. She recommended that items such as the item presented be vetted by the Housing Commission before coming to the City Council/Authority. Executive Director Ruiz- Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 28, 2023 Page 7 of 8 Stepter agreed and noted it is only on the rare occasion of lack of quorum or when items have specific deadlines that they are presented to the City Council/Authority first. MOTION: Authority Member Kurtz moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Orange County Health Authority dba CalOptima Health and Orange County Housing Authority, Garden Grove Housing Authority, and Santa Ana Housing Authority to establish a framework that will facilitate referrals of Housing Choice Voucher applicants and participants to the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CaIAIM) program for enhanced case management and community support services and authorize the Executive Director to execute and administer the MOU on behalf of the Housing Authority, seconded by Authority Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. 8. Approve to ratify the submission of the CalOptima Health Capital Grant application and 4GR-14444 authorize the Housing Authority Executive Director, or designee, to submit the grant application; approve a grant agreement, in substantial form, with Orange County Health Authority dba CalOptima Health, in an amount of $3,878,420, authorizing the Anaheim Housing Authority to use these funds for the rehabilitation of the North Harbor Apartments for affordable housing; authorize the Housing Authority Executive Director, or designee, to execute all documents and agreements required to receive and administer the grant and related activities; and increase the Housing and Community Development Department's Fiscal Year 2023/24 revenue and expenditures budget by $3,878,420 [1251 N. Harbor Blvd.]. DISCUSSION: Authority Member Kurtz congratulated staff for applying for and receiving the grant. She noted that CalOptima concluding without housing, residents do not have good mental and physical health. She inquired about when the rehabilitation work on the North Habor apartments will begin. Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development Sandra Lozeau thanked the grants team and affordable housing for doing a remarkable job with the City's applications to CalOptima. She reported that the North Habor apartments were purchased through a State Homekey grant and are currently serving as interim shelters. She noted the project was now transitioning to permanent supportive housing with the target population being unsheltered individuals and couples. She advised that the project completion date is September 2025. Authority Member Kurtz inquired about what would happen with the individuals who currently reside at the location. Deputy Director Lozeau explained that residents will remain in interim housing until the project is complete and confirmed they will priority to return to that location. MOTION: Authority Member Kurtz moved to ratify the submission of the CalOptima Health Capital Grant application and authorize the Housing Authority Executive Director, or designee, to submit the grant application; approve a grant agreement, in substantial form, with Orange County Health Authority dba CalOptima Health, in an amount of $3,878,420, authorizing the Anaheim Housing Authority to use these funds for the rehabilitation of the North Harbor Apartments for affordable housing; authorize the Housing Authority Executive Director, or designee, to execute all documents and agreements required to receive and administer the grant and related activities; and increase the Housing and Community Development Department's Fiscal Year 2023/24 revenue and expenditures budget by $3,878,420 [1251 N. Harbor Blvd.], seconded by Authority Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 28, 2023 Page 8 of 8 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the meeting of the Anaheim Housing Authority at 8:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Theresa Bass, CMC Secretary, Anaheim Housing Authority