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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2000 0315 CC REG ITEM 09BMOORPARK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT rrEM 1 - S, Ci I Y OF NMORP1RK, C.UJFORNIA Cv�y Council fleeting of 14/c1 rc'I t l5, d &V ACI tt»: 4 nnr,., V?il sr� f„ rf6 BY: To: Honorable City Council From: Nancy Burns, Senior Management Analyst Date: March 3 2000 (CC Meeting of March 15I 2000) Subject: CONSIDER INPUT FROM THE CITY OF MOORPARK TO THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR THE COUNTY OF VENTURA BACKGROUND The Consolidated Plan is a planning document required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from any jurisdiction applying for funding under any of the Community Planning and Development formula grant programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME) Program. The Consolidated Plan is intended to identify a jurisdiction's unmet needs for affordable and supportive housing, community development programs and social service programs, and economic development opportunities for low income residents. The Plan outlines a five -year Strategic Plan and an annual Action Plan to address those needs. DISCUSSION CDBG- funded programs for the coming five -year period are expected to address the unmet needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. For this reason, it is important that all unmet needs for Moorpark's low income residents be discussed in the Plan. Each year, an Action Plan is developed which identifies the specific needs identified in the Consolidated Plan that will be addressed by the CDBG programs the City has chosen to fund. O0 000( i Honorable City Council Date 03/08/00 Page 2 Although a new Plan is required at this time, much of the data available to quantify conditions of poverty, housing problems, economic dislocation, and other areas of need are derived from 1990 Census data. As one of five cities participating with the County in the Ventura County CDBG Entitlement Area, Moorpark's challenge is to provide local information on existing needs and trends likely to create conditions of need. The 1995 Consolidated Plan is available at the Council desk for review. Attached is the Table of Contents from that document. The draft text of Moorpark's input to the new Plan is provided under separate cover. Upon Council approval, this text will be provided to County staff for incorporation into the County -wide 2000 Consolidated Plan. RECOMMENDATION Approve input to Ventura County 2000 Consolidated Plan. Attachments: "A" Table of Contents from 1995 Consolidated Plan 000005 ATTACHMENT 'A' �0�ci PyC.r,Sol;c�a -�P- 4" P I Q-*-, TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction Summary of the Consolidated Plan 1 -1 Summary of the Action Plan 1 -3 County Entitlement Area 1 -9 II. Community Description and Population Profile A. County Overview II -1 Population Growth and Trends II -3 Age Distribution II -5 Race /Ethnic Composition II -7 Income and Poverty II -11 Poverty Level Income 11 -14 Educational Attainment II -17 EmploymentlJobs /Unemployment 11 -21 Economic Summary II -27 Northridge Earthquake 11 -30 Effects of the Earthquake on Southern II -31 California Economy B. Focus on Cities II -34 Fillmore 11 -35 Moorpark II-40 Ojai II-44 Port Hueneme II-48 Santa Paula II -52 Unincorporated Area II -56 Ventura 11-59 000006 Page III. General Housing Profile A. County Housing Market Analysis III -1 B. Focus on Cities and Unincorporated Area Fillmore III -10 Moorpark III -13 Ojai III -17 Port Hueneme III -20 Santa Paula III -23 Unincorporated Area III -27 Ventura III -35 C. Public Housing Area Housing Authority III -39 Port Hueneme Housing Authority III -54 Santa Paula Housing Authority III -61 Ventura Housing Authority III-64 D. Inventory of Facilities and Services for Homeless 111 -70 Persons and Persons Threatened with Homelessness E. Barriers to Affordable Housing III -80 IV. Needs Assessment A. General Housing Needs IV -1 Owner or Renter Occupied IV -3 Median Income and Affordability IV -7 Overcrowding IV -9 Elderly Households IV -12 Small Family Households IV -16 Large Family Households IV -17 Cost Burden and Severe Cost Burden IV -18 Substandard Housing IV -19 Disproportionate need of Minority Households IV -19 B. Focus on Needs of the Cities and the Unincorporated Area Fillmore IV -21 Moorpark IV -22 00000' Ojai IV -25 Port Hueneme IV -26 Santa Paula IV -33 Unincorporated Area IV -38 Ventura IV-42 C. Nature and Extent of Homelessness IV-46 HUD Table 1 - Homeless Populations & Subpopulations IV-48 Emergency Food and Shelter Program IV-54 Specific Needs of and Program for Homeless IV-56 Individuals and Families in the City of Ventura as a result of the January, 1995 Floods IV -95 Needs of Homeless Persons and Families IV -59 Current Services and Gaps that Exist IV-65 Subpopulations of Homeless Individuals IV-69 Needs of Homeless Alcohol and Drug Abusers IV -72 Needs of Homeless Victims of Domestic Violence IV -74 Needs of Homeless Runaway and Abandoned Youth IV -76 Needs of Homeless Individuals with HIV /AIDS IV -79 or Related Diseases Needs of Any Other Categories of Homeless Individuals IV-81 Needs of Individuals and Families Who are At Risk IV-82 of Residing in Shelters or Being Unsheltered D. Characteristics of and Housing Needs for IV-87 Other Special Need Populations Persons with Mental Disabilities IV-87 Characteristics and Needs of Persons with IV -93 Developmental Disabilities Characteristics and Needs of Individuals with Physical IV -95 Disabilities Characteristics and Housing Needs of Persons IV -95 With HIV /AIDS Characteristics and Housing Needs of Persons with IV -100 Drug and Alcohol Related Problems Characteristics and Housing Needs of Other IVA 05 Special Needs Groups E. Non - Housing Community Development Needs IV -107 Public Facility Needs IVA 07 Infrastructure Needs IVA 13 Removal of Architectural Barriers IVA 21 00000 0' V. Historic Preservation IVA 23 Economic Development IVA 25 Other Community Development Needs IVA 33 Lead -Based Paint IVA 34 Planning IVA 37 F. Supportive Needs for Special Groups IV -139 Public Service Senior Services IVA 39 Handicapped Services IVA 43 Youth Services IVA 44 Transportation IVA 46 Substance Abuse IV -150 Employment Training IVA 52 Crime Awareness IVA 54 Fair Housing and Tenant/Landlord Counseling IVA 57 Child Care Services IVA 59 Health Services IVA 62 Other Public Service Needs IVA 63 Strategic Plan V -1 A. Strategic Plan to Address Affordable Housing V -2 Fillmore V -5 Moorpark V -7 Ojai V -9 Port Hueneme V -10 Santa Paula V -12 Unincorporated Area V -13 Ventura V -18 HUD Table 2, Part 1, Ventura County V -21 HUD Table 2, Part 1, City of Ventura V -22 B. Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness V -23 Outreach and Assessment V -24 Emergency Shelter V -25 Transitional Housing - General V -25 Permanent Housing V -26 Obstacles to the Continuum of Care V -26 Ventura County Homeless and Housing Coalition V -27 000005 C. Strategic Plan to Address Housing V -31 Needs for Other Special Need Populations D. Strategic Plan for Non - Housing V -34 Community Development Public Facilities V -36 Infrastructure Improvements V-41 Removal of Architectural Barriers V-45 Historic Preservation V-46 Economic Development V-47 Other Community Development Strategies V -55 Planning V -56 HUD Table 2, Part 2, Ventura County V -57 HUD Table 2, Part 2, City of Ventura V -59 E. Strategic Plan for Public Service V -61 Senior Services V-61 Handicapped Services V -62 Youth Services V-62 Transportation V-63 Substance Abuse V-64 Employment Training V-64 Crime Awareness V-65 Fair Housing and Tenant/Landlord Counseling V-66 Child Care Services V-67 Health Services V-67 Other Public Service Needs V-67 F. Other Issues in the Strategic Plan V -70 Reductions to Barriers V -70 Fillmore V -77 Moorpark V -77 Ojai V -77 Port Hueneme V -77 Santa Paula V -77 Unincorporated Area V -78 Ventura V-80 Lead -Based Paint V-88 Anti- Poverty Strategy V -90 Institutional Structure V -96 Coordination of Resources V -99 Public Housing Resident Initiatives V -102 000010 VI. Action Plan VI -1 General Discussion VIA General Distribution of Funds and Project Selection Criteria VI -2 A. Strategy Implementation VI -6 Priorities for Affordable Housing VI-6 Priorities to Address Homelessness VIA 7 Priorities for Housing for Special Needs Groups VIA 9 Priorities to Address Non - Housing Community VI -21 Development Needs Priorities to Address Public Service Needs VI -24 B. Other Actions VI -26 Public Policies VI -26 Institutional Structure VI -27 Public Housing Improvements VI -27 Public Housing Resident Initiatives VI -28 Lead -Based Paint Hazard Reduction VI -29 Monitoring Plan VI -30 Citizen Participation Plan VI -31 C. Anti - Poverty Strategy VI -33 Employment Training Programs VI -33 Economic Development Activities VI -34 Housing and Family Services VI -34 D. Coordination Efforts VI -36 E. City of Ventura VI -38 F. Funding Resources VI -59 Funding Sources and Program Income VI-65 City of Ventura VI-66 Support of Applications by Other Entities VI-69 G. Projects and Maps VI -70 Projects VI -71 Project Maps VIA 16 000011 c � / i &--ln F. I? - MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable City Council FROM: Nancy Burns, Senior Management Analyst DATE: March 10, 2000 SUBJECT: Draft Input to 2000 Consolidated Plan The attached represents Moorpark's draft input to the Ventura County 2000 Consolidated Plan. This item is presented as Public Hearing Item 913 for your consideration at your March 15, 2000, regular meeting. cc: Steve Kueny, City Manager C: \M \NLB\ H. Other Submission Requirements VIA 22 VII. Appendix A. Form SF 424 (CDBG, HOME, ESG) VII -1 B. Certifications C. Public Comments VII-4 VII -15 000012 DRAFT Ventura County 2000 Consolidated Plan Moorpark Input Part II: Community Description and Population Profile (page 11 -40) Moorpark was notable originally for serving the needs of the surrounding farming community. However, with regional growth trends and Moorpark's proximity to employment centers in the Los Angeles vicinity, the demand for development resulted in the urbanization of former agricultural lands. Moorpark's location at the intersection of State highways 118 and 23 provide the City's commuters with freeway access to the San Fernando Valley or beyond. The 118 freeway, in particular, provides a transport route for east/west goods movement through the City. Approximately 25,000 vehicles per day use this route through Moorpark. The Metrolink commuter train accounts for approximately 223 boarding from Moorpark daily; only the Simi Valley station has higher average daily boardings on the line from Oxnard to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. A combined Amtrak/Metrolink station in located in the City's historic downtown area. The growth in the 1980s was primarily residential. Official State estimates showed Moorpark's population in January 1999 as 29,589, a 15% increase over the 1990 population. The population is projected to grow to 44,500 by 2020, a 50% increase in 20 years. In general, Moorpark's residential growth has consisted of low- density housing which is situated among rolling hills and takes advantage of broad vistas of surrounding countryside. Concern about diminishing agricultural lands and maintaining a semi -rural quality of life throughout Ventura County fostered a growth limitation movement which resulted in County -wide voter passage of the Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources (SOAR) initiative in November 1998. Moorpark passed its own SOAR initiative in January 1999. This initiative limits growth to existing City limits, unless a 213 vote of the residents approves annexation of land beyond existing City boundaries. Litigation continues regarding this matter. According to the Statistical Abstract of Ventura County, Moorpark's median age is 29. Sixty -four percent of the City's population is white; the Hispanic population, at 27 %, represents the second largest population group, with Asians representing 8% of the population and blacks 1 %. Moorpark has experienced growth in its business community, and an increasing number of "high- tech" firms are re- locating to the City. In addition to firms re- locating to Moorpark from the San Fernando Valley, a recently observed trend is of businesses re- locating from the Conejo Valley. (in some cases, these firms first had moved from the San Fernando Valley, then re- located to Moorpark.) Growth also has been noted in out - of- state firms who want to expand their Southern California presence in Moorpark. Over Page 1 of 16 1 million square feet of industrial land is in various stages of the approval process. The unemployment rate in Moorpark was the second lowest in the County in mid -1998, at 4.3 %, according to the Ventura County Statistical Abstract. The attractiveness of Moorpark as a work place as well as the opportunity for relatively convenient commuting distance is expected to maintain the demand for housing. Income levels of Moorpark residents are considerably higher than those of the Entitlement Area in general. The Ventura County Statistical Abstract reports 1999 median income for Moorpark as $81,984. The 1990 Census identified one block group with at least 51% low income residents (Tract 76.01, Block Group 5). Since that time, service levels of a non - profit public service program serving the City's low income residents indicate that Tract 76.02, Block Group 2 has more than 51 % Low Income residents, as well. Part III: General Housing Profile: Conditions, Supply /Demand (OccupiedNacant), Income and Housing Costs (p. III -13) Moorpark is estimated to have 9,132 dwelling units, with approximately 3.71% of these units vacant (Ventura County Statistical Abstract). This is among the lowest vacancy rates in the County, indicating a continuing demand for housing of all types. Seventy - three percent of the dwelling units in the City are single family detached, 9% are condominiums, 14% are multi - family units, and 3% are mobile homes. Eighty percent of Moorpark households are homeowners. Seven percent of Moorpark's households experience overcrowding, and 48% experience overpayment (Southern California Association of Governments). Sixty -two percent of the renters and 21 % of home owners experiencing overcrowding earn 80% of median income or less. Ninety -one Moorpark households are Section 8 participants. (Seven of these are elderly and seven are disabled). The median home sales price in Moorpark in January 2000 was $227,250, down 1.2% from that of January 1999 (California Association of Realtors). According to a November 1997 report published in the Los Angeles Times, only 39% of Ventura County households would be able to afford this median sales price (down from 45% the prior year). Recognizing the impact of this trend on low income households and the increased need for assistance to low income buyers in Moorpark, the City established a Down Payment Assistance Program in 1998 to provide up to $20,000 per transaction. Before the program became fully operational, property values escalated to the extent that no applications for the program have been received. The average sales price of a mobilehome during 1999 in Villa del Arroyo, the City's largest mobilehome park, was $58,864. Market rate apartment rents at Le Club range from $1,060 to $1,475 for 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom units, respectively. Le Club, at 370 units, represents 29% of all multi - family units in the City. The Le Club Apartments, a multi - family housing bond project, provides 37 units that are price - restricted to be Page 2 of 16 affordable to Very Low households and reserves 37 additional units to be available for Low Income households. Tafoya Terrace, the City's only rent subsidized senior housing facility, is managed by the Area Housing Authority, which maintains a 2-6 year waiting list for the 30 units. Moorpark has 2 mobilehome parks: Villa del Arroyo with 240 units and Moorpark Mobilehome Park with 28 units. Both parks are fully occupied. The City's Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Program allows tenants claiming an economic hardship due to a proposed rent increase to request assistance. Approved requests enable City funds or Redevelopment Housing Setaside funds to be used for the space rent increase. Currently, 7 residents are receiving this assistance. Housing costs for some low income residents in the City's mobilehome parks exceed 50% of their total income. This program to provide assistance by the City or Redevelopment Agency is for one year only. Residents of Villa del Arroyo Mobilehome Park are anticipating a buyout of the park ownership by a non -profit organization, pending the issuance of bonds by the City, which will provide loan funds to the non - profit for this purpose. Issuance of the bonds is anticipated later in 2000. A 1994 needs assessment survey of the housing stock in Moorpark's Redevelopment Project Area identified 310 single family units as needing repairs, out of a total of 941 single family residences. One hundred sixty -three of the units were owner - occupied and 147 were rentals. These 310 units were determined to be deficient (no major structural defects, but may show signs of deferred maintenance), deteriorated (showing signs of structural deterioration and unsafe conditions), or dilapidated (structurally unsound and maintenance nonexistent). The dilapidated units were considered to be candidates for demolition. Fourteen dilapidated units were rental properties and 2 were owner occupied. Forty -seven percent of the 310 units in the Redevelopment Project Area that were identified as needing repairs were rentals, and the more seriously deteriorated units were more likely to be rentals than owner - occupied. Since 65% of all renters with a housing problem in Moorpark earn 80% of median income or less, measures are needed to address the inadequacy of existing rental stock. Nine units were demolished from the time of the needs assessment through 1998; 8 substandard units are currently being processed for demolition. Several units that have illegally housed multiple families will be reconfigured in order to meet Code, causing an additional loss in the number of dwelling units. Some of the units that have been demolished were not among those identified as "dilapidated" in the 1994 needs assessment. A housing rehabilitation loan and grant program was developed to address housing conditions that were identified by the needs assessment in the Redevelopment Project Area. Initially, grants of $5,000 and loans of up to $10,000 were available to Low and Page 3 of 16 Very Low Income homeowners. Following the establishment of that program, a similar housing rehabilitation program was initiated to provide loans only (no grants) outside the Project Area, using Housing Trust funds. Recognizing the need to make limited funds available as loans to the greatest number of eligible low income residents, the Moorpark Redevelopment Agency eliminated the grant portion of its original Housing Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program. At the same time, the Agency recognized the importance of providing sufficient funds per project to ensure the correction of all Code violations, so the maximum loan amount was increased to $20,000 per project. The same loan limit was established for housing rehabilitation projects City -wide. Twenty -four homes within the Project Area and 3 outside the Project Area have been rehabilitated through these programs. In addition, the City established a rehabilitation program for mobilehomes; repairs to 3 mobilehomes have been completed. Of the 30 residents that have received assistance in the completion of needed repairs to their homes, 25 have been Very Low Income and 5 have been Low Income households. The City has recognized the need to augment the rehabilitation effort and has added a contract Construction Manager for this purpose. Increased code enforcement efforts in the downtown area have been identified as a priority. One Census block group in the downtown area was identified in the 1990 Census as having at least 51 % low income residents (Tract 76.01, block group 5). Since that time, it appears that Tract 76.02, block group 2, also in the downtown area, is more than 51 % low income, as well. Seventy -four units affordable to low income and 25 units affordable to very low income were constructed from 1989 through 1998. During this time 414 units affordable to moderate income households and 907 units for high income households were constructed. Seven percent of all housing constructed during this time period was affordable to low and very low income households. No units were constructed during 1999. As of March 2000, 247 market rate units are under construction. Fifteen hundred ninety -one more units have been approved, but are not yet under construction, with 132 of these to be affordable units (103 low and 29 very low). Seventy units will be for sale and 62 will be rentals. The need for additional housing units in the low and very low income categories is 399 units (146 low and 253 very low), as identified by the RHNA. This leaves a deficit of 267 affordable units needed over the next 5 years, with this need concentrated primarily in the very low income sector. The City has obtained Development Agreements securing $3,240,600 in fees in lieu of constructing additional very low income units. These funds are anticipated to support the construction of 54 very low income units. The City has acquired 1 tax - defaulted property and is considering acquisition of other properties in the downtown area, in order to develop infill affordable housing. Page 4 of 16 Part IV: Needs Assessment: Housing Needs. Needs of Homeless Population (p. IV -22) Population and Housing Conditions Estimates. Population 29,589 Occupied Household units 8,758 Overcrowding 7% Overpayment 48% Fifty per cent of Moorpark's households experience overcrowding or overpayment of household costs, or both. The percentage of households in the lower income ranges who experience overcrowding and /or overpayment is even higher: Eighty -two per cent of households earning up to 80% of median family income (MFI) experience either overcrowding or overpayment of household costs, or both, compared with 44% of households with incomes above 80% of MFI who experience these conditions. Overpayment of household costs affects nearly half of Moorpark's total households. (48 %), with most of the households suffering from overpayment being owners (83 %). More than half the households in Moorpark that are experiencing overcrowding are owners (56 %), with most of these owners (72 %) earning more than 95% of median income. Sixty -two per cent of the renters experiencing overcrowding earn 80% of median income or less; 72% of owners experiencing overcrowding_earn more than 95% of median income. Six per cent of Moorpark's home owners have incomes of 50% of MFI or less, approximately the same percentage of Very Low Income home owners as 5 years. ago. Seven per cent of Moorpark's home owners have incomes between 50% and 80°x6 MFI. This combined group, representing 13% of the City's homeowners, constitutes 58% of the low and very low income Moorpark households. Seventy -six percent of the City's households earning above 80% MFI are homeowners. The information discussed above is based on California State Department of Finance data and 1990 Census data, projected for household growth. Tabulations were made by the Southern California Association of Governments. Additional housing product is needed to address the housing needs of many sectors of Moorpark's population. To this end, the City has been requiring affordable units to be constructed in new housing projects in the Redevelopment Project Area and in all new Specific Plan projects. To the extent that homeowners are generally believed to make a community strong, to be vested in the community and to provide for economic benefit to the community at Page 5 of 16 large as well as to themselves by their roles as homeowners, the City has identified Affordable Housing as a priority. Increasing the affordable housing stock in Moorpark is one of the priorities identified in the City's Goals and Objectives and CDBG funds have been allocated for this purpose. A First -time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program using HOME funds was adopted, but before the program became fully operational, property values escalated to the extent that no applications for the program have been received. To ensure a supply of dwelling units for sale at affordable prices to low income households, the City of Moorpark has negotiated agreements with housing developers to construct 70 affordable for sale units (66 low and 4 very low income) within 5 market rate projects. These approved residential developments are expected to be under way within the next 2 years. The affordable units to be constructed represent between 10% and 25% the total units in these developments. Included in these projects is Mountain View Homes, formerly known as Gisler Field, and developed by Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), in which 25% of the units will be affordable to Low and Very Low income households. The only developer currently maintaining a list of individuals interested in its affordable for sale units, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) has a list of 98 names of persons interested in purchasing in Moorpark. More units will need to be constructed to adequately address the need for purchase opportunities for low income households. Funding needs to be identified to make these otherwise market rate units affordable. The need for quality Home Buyer Education is critical to this process. In the near future, Fannie Mae may restrict its purchase of loans on the secondary market to those where the borrower has completed Home Buyer Education that has been certified by American Homeowner Education and Counseling Institute (AHECI). CEDC has conducted First time Home Buyer Workshops in Moorpark, with the City acting as co- sponsor. One hundred fifty -one individuals have attended these workshops in Moorpark since 1998. The sessions offered in Spanish are particularly well attended. Post - workshop counseling has been provided to those needing personal guidance in matters such as credit repair, budgeting, etc. Most of the participants have indicated a willingness to wait for the new affordable units to be constructed, as they have been unable to locate affordable resales in Moorpark. Apartment rents have increased substantially during the last few years. Market rate rents currently range between $1,060 and $1,475 for 2- bedroom and 3- bedroom units, respectively, at Le Club, the City's largest apartment complex. These rents do not include utilities. Affordable rentals in Moorpark are in short supply. Le Club's 37 price - restricted units for very low income households have a waiting list of 1 -2 years. Archstone Communities, a 312 -unit apartment complex which is expected to be under construction in 2000, will produce a total of 62 affordable rental units, 37 for low income and 25 for very low income households. Page 6of16 Tafoya Terrace, the City's only senior housing facility, is managed by the Area Housing Authority, which maintains a 2-6 year waiting list for the 30 available units. More senior housing is required to alleviate this need. Needed dwelling units per RHNA numbers, units committed, and remaining needed units are shown as follows: Income Category Needed Units Committed Units Unfilled Need For Sale Rental Above Moderate 422 Market expected to fill need Moderate 360 Market expected to fill need Low 146 66 137 43 Very Low 253 4 19+6 224 Totals 1,181 70 162 267 The Moorpark Redevelopment Agency established a Housing Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program to address the identified needs of the owner - occupied housing in the Redevelopment Project Area. Subsequently, a Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program was established in 1996 for owner - occupied properties outside the Redevelopment Project Area. To date, 24 units within the Project Area and 3 units in other areas of the City have been rehabilitated. In addition, a Mobilehome Rehabilitation Loan Program was established in 1998; repairs have been made to 3 mobilehomes. In order to conserve resources and ensure a continuing revolving loan fund from which to provide future loans, the grant portion of the initial loan program was discontinued. The maximum loan amount was increased from $15,000 to $20,000, to ensure that repairs could be made to eliminate unsafe and unhealthful conditions. A part-time Construction Manager was recently hired to assist in expediting these projects. Code enforcement activities have resulted in a steady decrease in the number of complaints of overcrowding in the last several years. During 1999, 28 cases involving overcrowding were processed. Mutual cooperation between the City's Code enforcement staff and police personnel is credited for this reduction. Citations may be lower due to fewer observable violations, such as number of vehicles, number of people coming and going from residence, etc. The Campus Park area of the City is now experiencing an increase in Code violations. Code enforcement staff anticipates ongoing enforcement activities in that area, as the housing stock there ages. Due to the time that has passed since the housing survey was conducted in 1994, an update is needed to show current conditions of the City's housing stock. Rental properties in the Redevelopment Project Area in 1994 accounted for 47% of the dwelling units that needed repairs (from relatively minor to structurally unsound), according to the survey that year of the housing stock in the Project Area. The more seriously deteriorated units then were more likely to be rentals than owner - occupied. In Page 7 of 16 the tight rental market of 2000, there is less economic incentive for owners to make investments in repairs and maintenance of their properties than if the market was more competitive. Increased rehabilitation of rental properties still may be needed to correct Code deficiencies, maintain the rental housing stock and improve neighborhoods. In a task force meeting in October 1999 which included various service providers throughout the County, the need for housing was identified as a primary priority for nearly every category of special needs population and the homeless population. The service populations whose needs were under discussion include developmentally and /or physically disabled, victims of domestic violence, persons with substance addiction(s), youth, farm workers, persons living with HIV /AIDS, mentally ill, veterans, the homeless, and elderly. The needed housing includes some special housing, emergency and transitional housing, and safe, sanitary affordable housing. The number of individuals in Moorpark with special needs is unknown at this time. It is hoped that the 2000 Census will provide accurate information to aid in identifying and quantifying the unmet needs of these populations. Part IV - E - Non - Housing Community Development Needs Public Facility Needs (page IV -108) Youth Center: Moorpark currently has no Teen Center. As 37% of Moorpark's population is below the age of 20, the City has assigned a priority to exploring a drop -in type of center at one or more schools which would provide various services to youth. Some of the services recommended by the City's Teen Council for future consideration, such as academic tutoring and drug counseling, might be provided conveniently in an on- campus Student Union type of center at the City's middle schools. Reducing the potential for juvenile crime through prevention and intervention is one of the City's goals. Moorpark Unified School District has established some space for related services at the high school, Flory School and other locations, so that younger children and teens are able to have separate areas with age- appropriate activities. Boys & Girls Club: The interior of the Boys & Girls Club, formerly the high school gym which was constructed in 1938, was renovated 4 years ago. A re- stucco project to update and renovate the exterior will be completed in 2000, using CDBG funds from the City. Other exterior improvements still are needed. Parks and Recreation Facilities: Poindexter Park was completed in 1995 to provide recreation facilities in the downtown area of the City. Police Facility: A police facility was established in 1999 next to Flory School. Administrative staff and volunteers are located at this site, but the City's patrol units still begin and end their shifts at the East Valley Sheriffs Station, due to space constraints. (Catholic Charities also has temporarily re- located to the school district site, following a fire to their facility in May 1999.) Page 8of16 City Hall: A space needs study was conducted in 1999 to identify short-term and longer term options to alleviate crowded conditions in City Hall. The short-term recommendation is the addition of a second modular unit to provide additional offices and rest rooms. That unit would be connected to the existing modular unit. Re- configuring some work areas in City Hall to provide wheelchair accessibility is also planned. The City is pursuing a more permanent solution to its space needs by considering construction of a new City Hall within approximately 5 years. A location in the downtown area that would support revitalization efforts there is anticipated. Day Laborers: The development of a site to serve job seekers and day laborers continues to be considered for Moorpark's downtown area. A resolution has long been sought for some of the problems caused by day laborers congregating at one business in the downtown area which does not have adequate services (rest rooms, parking, etc.) for the number of day laborers awaiting work. An ad hoc committee, working with the police department and City's Code Enforcement staff, has identified services needed to address the immediate concerns in the neighborhood and longer term solutions to solve the problems. These include short range assistance, such as job placement, and longer range assistance, such as literacy training, tax preparation assistance (a seasonal need), and job skills development. Supportive services have also been identified such as child care and health services. Infrastructure Needs (page IV -114) Many needed improvements to streets and curbs, sidewalks, gutters, and storm drains have been completed in Moorpark's downtown area and funded by CDBG. Potential projects previously identified but not yet initiated include the realignment of East Los Angeles Avenue near Avenida Colonia and the improvement and possible extension of High Street west of Moorpark Avenue. The High Street project will be defined once development plans are identified for the property owned by the Moorpark Unified School District. Plans for the reconstruction of Wicks Road are not being considered at this time, as proposed development to the northeast will not connect with Wicks Road. If changes are made to these plans, the need for this reconstruction project will be revisited. The widening of the Los Angeles Avenue Bridge over the Arroyo Simi (near Science Drive) is out to bid (Spring 2000). Additional projects that have been identified in the City's Master Plan for infrastructure improvements include storm drain projects for Shasta Avenue and Millard Street, and the Fremont Drain. Removal of Architectural Barriers (page IV -122) Moorpark has made ADA improvements to provide access to playground equipment as funds have become available. Five of the City's 12 park playgrounds are ADA accessible; 2 additional ADA improvement projects are planned to be completed by June 2000. Estimated costs per project vary between $20,000 and $60,000. Page 9 of 16 The City is completing a project in April 2000 to expand the Senior Center and make ADA improvements. Re- configuring some work stations in City Hall to make them accessible to wheelchairs is planned for FY 2000/2001. Historic Preservation (page IV -124) In 1998, the City adopted a Specific Plan for the Downtown Area. A key element of the Specific Plan is to maintain the Downtown Area's traditional ambiance. Many of the buildings along High Street exceed 50 years of age and may be considered to have historical significance. The City has conducted a market feasibility study for the area and currently is soliciting developer interest for new development on High Street, the main street of Moorpark's historic downtown. The goal is to reestablish High Street as a destination point for residents, to create jobs, and to remove blight and blighting conditions from the area. The City plans to preserve the historic integrity and economic vitality of the Downtown Area by financially assisting businesses to rehabilitate existing buildings and to facilitate the development of vacant and underutilized parcels. After considerable delays due to funding requirements, the reconstruction and expansion of earthquake damaged Mayflower Market on High Street is under way. Completion is expected in Summer 2000. Economic Development (page IV -127) The demand for office and industrial space in Moorpark is strong. Five new buildings on Science Drive that provide between 12,000 and 25,000 square feet each of industrial space were leased upon completion. At the same time, the City lost one of its employers, Mail Marketing, Inc., due to technological changes in the direct mail advertising industry. This closure resulted in the vacancy of 400,000 square feet of warehouse space and the layoff of 150 employees. The Carlsberg project, at the southwest comer of Science Drive and Los Angeles Avenue (near Highway 23) is expected to provide 33 acres of high end industrial space. Job opportunities for low income residents are anticipated and a need is expected for specialized training (such as equipment operations) to support the new tenants. A strong need for employee training is evident in Moorpark. The current business environment demands individuals that are highly trained and that can adapt to the introduction of new technologies. Through its outreach efforts, the City will identify existing businesses that require employee training to remain competitive and will help coordinate job training opportunities for existing employees. There is also a need to train the unemployed and underemployed population. Efforts are being discussed to create a facility for day laborers to receive basic job skills. Those individuals categorized as "working poor" may also need additional training to increase their opportunities for upward mobility. Training opportunities for this segment of the workforce will be identified through business outreach efforts. In this regard, the Page 10 of 16 City will explore partnerships with service organizations and agencies such as the Adult Literacy Program. Several capital improvement projects are needed to serve a growing commercial/ industrial sector in Moorpark. These include the widening of (Old) Los Angeles Avenue, near Virginia Colony; the New Los Angeles Avenue Bridge over the arroyo, near Science Drive; and infrastructure to support the development of 500,000 square feet of industrial space north of Los Angeles Avenue, west of Gabbert Road. The City has developed a loan program to assist businesses impacted by construction of Capital Improvement Projects. Following the development of the Downtown Specific Plan, the City conducted a market feasibility study and is currently soliciting developer interest in certain properties along High Street. As the main street through Moorpark's historic downtown, High Street represents a link to the City's past and to its potential for specialized future economic activity. It is located within the City's only low income Census area (Tract 76.01, Block Group 5) and just north of a Block Group the City believes to be at least 51 % low income now (Tract 76.02, Block Group 2). Since relocation of Highway 118 after the City's incorporation, economic activity on High Street has declined. Some new businesses have located on High Street; approximately five (5) at the northeastern portion of the downtown area have tenure of several years. However, frequent turnover has plagued much of the area. Approximately 10 small businesses have ceased operations on High Street within the last 2 -3 years. In some cases, they have been replaced once or twice by other small businesses; in other cases, the spaces they once occupied remain vacant. In Spring 2000, the Moorpark Melodrama closed and the building is for sale. However, some signs of economic confidence include the relocation of a bike shop to High Street, the reopening of the Gas Station clothing store, and the fact that other properties are fully occupied. The reconstruction and expansion of earthquake - damaged Mayflower Market is under way, with completion anticipated during 2000. Rents on High Street are comparable to those on Los Angeles Avenue. Never - the -less, the area is considered under - utilized, and many of the businesses are marginal. Only 5% of the City's sales tax revenue is produced on High Street. For the most part, the area serves local residents; it has minimal foot traffic and is not a destination shopping experience. Last year (1999), the City enjoyed a substantial increase in filming projects: 11 compared with 3 the year before. During 4 days of filming (2 projects), film companies spent $12,000 with local businesses (property and equipment rental, food, etc.) Moorpark participates in the regional marketing campaigns orchestrated by the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County (EDC -VC). The EDC -VC was instrumental in securing the financing for Mayflower Market's reconstruction and expansion. The City also works with brokers representing industrial sites and is active in efforts to attract retailers to the Carlsberg development. Moorpark estimates that $1 Page 11 of 16 million in sales tax leakage occurs annually, due to insufficient local retail opportunities to meet demand. In partnership with the State Employment Development Department (EDD), Moorpark identifies businesses that need employee training in such areas as English literacy and machine operations and provides an ongoing liaison relationship through this process to ensure that the training needs are met. In its aggressive activities to retain existing. businesses, the City initiates personal contact with major sales tax generators and employers to offer assistance and the willingness to participate in developing solutions that make sense. That may include employee training or help in finding a more suitable location elsewhere in the City. If the needs of the business cannot be met in Moorpark, the City will help the business find a location in a neighbor city or elsewhere in the County. Other Community Development Needs: Code Enforcement (page IV -133) Over the last few years, Moorpark has experienced a decrease in the number of overcrowding cases. Part of the decrease in complaints of overcrowding may be due to increased resident awareness of the conditions likely to trigger complaints, i.e., parking on lawns, excessive rubbish, etc. and subsequent mitigation of these problems. Code Enforcement efforts continue to be generally reactive rather than preventive, or proactive. The City anticipates the addition of another Code Enforcement Officer to City staff. Half of this Officer's time will be directed to problems within the downtown area, in the one Census tract identified in the 1990 Census as 51% or more low income and another Census tract which the City believes to be 51 % or more low income, based on service records of an organization providing social services to low income in Moorpark. Linking this increased Code Enforcement effort in the downtown area to the existing housing rehabilitation program will enable the City to move to a preventive or proactive posture. The housing rehabilitation program is available to owner - occupants only. Since 62% of renters in the City who are experiencing overcrowding are in the low income categories, improvement of the rental housing stock is also needed. Lead -Based Paint (new section for Moorpark) Moorpark has initiated a procedure to test for lead -based paint in housing rehabilitation projects where children are present in the home. Page 12 of 16 Planning (page IV -138) Additional planning activities are needed for specific projects or programs such as commercial development in the Downtown Area and the establishment of job training, placement and other supportive services for day laborers, as discussed in previous sections. F. Supportive Needs for Special Groups - Public Service Senior Services (page IV -140) The City has undertaken several projects and on -going programs to address the needs for seniors including the expansion and ADA improvements to the Senior Center; ADA improvements to the Community Center restrooms and doors; fixed route and curb -to- curb transportation services; congregate and home delivered meals; and staffing for an active senior program which provides social activities and lifestyle information and support services. Most of the participants in the housing and mobilehome rehabilitation programs have been seniors. Handicapped Services (page IV -143) The October 1999 Special Needs Task Force community meeting identified priorities for developmentally /physically disabled persons. Those identified priorities are low income housing, special needs housing, interpreters, improved accessibility, transportation and programs to assist with skills development and employment. Moorpark has identified support for affordable housing as a priority and has made ADA improvements to City parks and the Senior Center, as well as ramps for wheelchair accessibility to sidewalks throughout most of the downtown area. The City has recognized the need for basic job skills training for its day labor population, unemployed and underemployed residents. In addition, the City recently has partnered with the County Superintendent of Schools, through the Adult Community Center for Educational Support Services (ACCESS) Program, to provide a training opportunity at City Hall for developmentally disabled individuals. Youth Services (page IV -144) Thirty -seven per cent of Moorpark's population is under the age of 20, and the City continues to strive to identify programs and services for its youth. A Teen Council meets twice a month to discuss and make recommendations on programs and services. The City developed a "skatepark" and holds regular skate contests to provide its youth with a constructive outlet for skateboarding and roller blading. Other programs and events sponsored by the City include band jams, dances, and special trips and classes. The Teen Council has identified youth employment, after school activities, academic tutoring and drug counseling as services that are needed. Page 13 of 16 To support the efforts of providing services to young people, particularly those from low income households, the City has funded a re- stucco project for the Boys & Girls Club. That project will be completed in Spring 2000. Other capital improvements, such as new windows, still are needed at the Boys & Girls Club. Several organizations in Moorpark have identified the problem of latch -key children as a priority and are working to address this matter jointly. The Moorpark Unified School District has played an active role in providing space for sites and staff to coordinate and guide the efforts to identify at -risk young people and develop interventions. A High School Resource Officer is located on campus at the high school. Other organizations, in addition to the Police Department, include the Optimist Club, Project PRIDE, and the Boys & Girls Club. The concept is for after school groups to be available at several sites on campuses and provide snacks, tutoring, counseling, etc., at no charge. The Moorpark Unified School District's new community service requirement for graduation may provide an opportunity and incentive for developing leadership skills among high school youth. Transportation (page IV -149) The City's bus serves an average of 90 riders per day. There is little demand for expansion of service at this time. The City also provides paratransit service to eligible certified disabled persons. The Senior Survivalmobile operates to provide medical transportation to those in need. This service is the only transportation resource that does not charge a fee and will take riders to other cities, including destinations outside of Ventura County. Metrolink has an average of 223 daily boardings, second only in number of boardings to Simi Valley, on the route from Oxnard to Union Station in Los Angeles. Substance Abuse (page IV -151) Moorpark's Teen Council has identified drug counseling as a needed service for the City's youth. The establishment of Teen Centers at middle schools is being explored, in order to provide programs which focus on the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. In the past, the City has provided some funding for the PDAP Youth Substance Abuse Program. Employment Training (page IVA 52) Moorpark's unemployment rate in June 1999 was 3.4 %, next to the lowest rate reported in the County (Ventura County Statistical Abstract 2000). Never - the -less, the City recognizes the need to support training opportunities for many of its low income residents to improve their prospects for upward mobility and to ensure the availability of a trained work force that can adapt to new technologies. More information on this topic is found in the Moorpark section on Economic Development. Page 14 of 16 Crime Awareness (page IV -156) Maintaining safe neighborhoods is a priority in Moorpark, and keeping the distinction as one of the County's safest cities. Youth violence continues to be a concern. Gang activity is on the rise, with attendant increases in vandalism, petty theft, graffiti, and vehicle break -ins. Timely intervention activities are expected to offer the best method for re- directing young people who exhibit early warning signs of difficulty at school and possible influence of gangs. As part of the City's community policing strategy, a full - time High School Resource Officer has been assigned to Moorpark High School. The cooperative efforts of the Moorpark Unified School District, Police Department, Project PRIDE, and the Boys & Girls Club are discussed more fully under Youth Services. Increasingly sophisticated criminal activities present new challenges to law enforcement. These include forgery and crimes involving use of the Internet. Fair Housing & TenantlLandlord Counseling (new section for Moorpark) Through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the County, Moorpark participated with other cities in the Entitlement Area in receiving services from the Fair Housing Institute. Callers with complaints involving possible discrimination in housing, disputes between tenants and landlords, and related matters were referred to the Fair Housing Institute. In addition, Channel Counties Legal Services provides a paralegal at the recently relocated Catholic Charities facility 1 morning a week. This service often aids in resolving landlord /tenant disputes. In FY 1998/99, discrimination complaints received by the Fair Housing Institute accounted for 8% of the discrimination complaints the Institute received County -wide. Moorpark's landlord/ tenant calls comprised 4% of the total landlord /tenant calls the Institute received from Ventura County. With information provided by the Institute on qualifying practices in the rental of units to individuals with Section 8 vouchers, the City required changes to the Le Club Apartments' procedures in qualifying potential tenants who had Section 8 vouchers. The City is participating with other cities in the Entitlement Area in the update of the County -wide Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing that was prepared in 1996. Child Care Services (page IV -160) Moorpark has 48 child care providers, including 12 centers and 36 providers of family day care which combined provide 1,108 spaces for child care, according to Child Development Resources of Ventura County. The number of spaces currently provided has increased 66% since the 1994 Community Profile of Health and Human Services in Ventura County, but the need for child care, especially for infants and toddlers, Page 15 of 16 continues to outpace the number of spaces available. State requirements for staffing ratios (no more than 1 care provider per 4 infants /toddlers) and the limitation of 4 children under the age of 2'/ in a family day care facility effectively cap the potential income of licensed day care providers. There may be a number of unlicensed providers. Child Development Resources coordinates available subsidies provided by several funding sources. Children of Cal Works participants have priority in subsidized placement. Funds are limited, and County -wide, approximately 200 children await child care placement. Several organizations in Moorpark have identified the problem of latch -key children as a priority and are working to address this matter jointly. This is discussed under Youth Services. Health Services (page IV -162) Moorpark has limited health services. Fire department paramedics respond to 911 emergency calls and 1 private ambulance company operates in town. Other Public Service Needs (page IV -163) Moorpark has supported the Adult Literacy Program at the public library and sees a continuing need for this type of program. The link between literacy and gainful employment has been discussed in the section on Economic Development. Page 16 of 16