HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-14 - AGENDA REPORTS - DEVELOP HOUSING PGM GUIDELINES (2)AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item to be presented by:
Sarona VivancW
DATE: March 14, 1995
SUBJECT: Authorization to Enter into a Contract with GRC-Copenhaver, Inc. to
Develop Housing Programs and Guidelines
DEPARTMENT: Community Recovery Agency
BACKGROUND
On August 23, 1994, the City Council concurred with the need to procure specialized technical
consultant services to develop specific programs, guidelines, and procedures for addressing
Santa Clarita's residential earthquake repair needs. As a result, Requests for Proposals (RFP)
were solicited from professionals with demonstrated experience in developing and
implementing housing programs for local governments. Upon completion, these programs,
guidelines, and procedures will provide direction for both immediate housing rehabilitation
activities being undertaken by the City pursuant to federally funded earthquake rehabilitation
grants, and future housing programs funded from other sources.
The RFP was broad in its scope, specifying that the selected specialist would develop a
comprehensive housing organizational framework, strategy, and specific activity programs.
All of the above would be tailored to a specific needs assessment for the community of Santa
Clarita. The RFP sought a specialist with the ability to provide for immediate programs and
activities, funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Long term, the
efforts undertaken would provide a foundation and direction for other activities which might
be funded through redevelopment's funds or other sources of residential housing
improvement, including the community reinvestment act and assessment districts.
An essential aspect of the recommended housing programs development process would be
the incorporation of an effective citizen -based ad hoc committee which functions in a policy
advisory role to the City Council/Recovery Agency Board and/or Community Redevelopment
Commission during the early formation stages of each program. The definition of possible
future roles for groups such as Habitat for Humanity and other philanthropic organizations
would also be considered.
PROCESS
The announcement of the RFP was advertised in local papers, and in redevelopment and
APPROWED Agenda Item:
housing trade journals. Over a dozen firms contacted staff for copies of the RFP. Of these
firms, five submitted proposals, which were reviewed at the staff level. Reference checks
were made of the five firms, and four firms were asked to compete in the interview phase of
the selection process.
A panel was assembled to interview the most qualified firms. The panel consisted of Bart
Aikman of Transworld Bank, Brad Berens of the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, Diane
Newberry of the Santa Clarita Valley Association of Realtors, and City Councilmembers
Clyde Smythe and Jan Heidt. Don Duckworth, Community Recovery Agency Director, and
Sarona Becker, Administrative Analyst, observed the panel interviews. Panelmembers were
provided with copies of each proposal prior to the interviews, and were encouraged to ask
questions regarding any part of any proposal or presentation.
On December 1, 1994, the panel participated in a half-day interview process involving the
following four housing firms: Comprehensive Housing Services, Inc. of Fountain Valley;
GRC-Copenhaver Inc., in cooperation with Goldfarb & Lipman from Diamond Bar; Rosenow
Spevacek Group based in Santa Ana, and QUAD Consultants of Bakersfield and Visalia.
These firms were "short listed" based on their reputations and experience with similar
housing implementation and analysis -type projects.
The team of GRC-Copenhaver Inc. with Goldfarb & Lipman as a subcontractor was selected
by the panel to undertake the comprehensive housing strategy based on several factors. GRC-
Copenhaver has considerable experience in both the redevelopment and housing arenas,
specifically completing housing programs and projects in the Cities of Brea, Claremont,
Cypress, La Mirada, and Stanton. GRC-Copenhaver is currently assisting the Community
Recovery Agency with technical redevelopment assistance, which provides the firm with a
working knowledge of the unique housing and redevelopment issues facing the City. The
law firm of Goldfarb & Lipman project team for Santa Clarita includes the former Chief
Housing Attorney for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office in San
Francisco.
ANALYSIS
During the January 10, 1995 meeting, the City Council approved the final statement for the
CDBG Emergency Supplemental Appropriation. Community input supported use of these
funds for residential rehabilitation/reconstruction programs. Council approval at this time
on both items will assist in making these expenditures and thus, the sought after housing
improvements, as quickly and effectively possible. The direction provided with respect to
CDBG programs would also provide an early framework for the Redevelopment Agency's
residential earthquake repair program in that the two efforts should be complimentary.
Staff is recommending that the City Council authorize a contract for professional services with
GRC-Copenhaver Inc., at a cost not to exceed $53,100. The source of funds for this contract
will be $21,300 from the CDBG Emergency Supplemental Appropriation, account number 12-
5701-227, which is specially directed to earthquake recovery, and $30,000 from the CDBG
annual entitlement, account number 12-5503-227, which contains funds previously earmarked
for residential rehabilitation activities. Attached is a proposed contract and scope of work
which has been agreed upon by GRC-Copenhaver Inc.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize a contract with GRC-Copenhaver, Inc. to
develop housing programs and guidelines for an amount not to exceed $53,100.
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed contract for services - GRC-Copenhaver, Inc.
Scope of Work-"Exhibit A"
cdbg\ar031495.1