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11-01-21 BB ARPA 2nd draft min CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH Department ofEconomic Development and Strategy American Rescue Plan Act Public Input Meeting � Monday, November 1, 2O21 6:00 p.m. City Hall Commission Chambers 1OOEast Ocean Avenue Virtual Attendance Option L Opening and Introductions The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. The attendees were welcomed and housekeeping items for virtual attendance were reviewed. David Scott, Director of Economic Development and Strategy, noted this is the third public ARPA meeting but tonight's meeting is specifically for nonprofits. He emphasized the importance of input from the nonprofits. He welcomes all questions and feedback. He confirmed all information and input shared tonight, along with input from the public surveys, will be shared with the City Commission on December 7, 2021 for consideration. The City Commission will behosting aworkshop that day from 3:3O- 5:OOp.rn. Carisse LeJeune, Interim Facilities Director, welcomed attendees and stressed how this is a team effort. |LPower Point Presentation Ms. Le]eune presented information about the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The ARPAvvas signed into law on March 11, 2021. The U.S. Treasury Department established four objectives to make funds available.The funding objectives were to support urgent COVID-19 response(vaccine programs, cost of staffing and equipment, supplies, and information technology); replace lost revenue for eligible state, local, territorial, and tribal governments; immediate economic stabilization for businesses and households; and address the systematic public health and economic challenges created by the pandemic. ARPA provides $350 billion in funding for states, counties, municipalities, and tribes and territories. Boynton Beach is an entitlement city through HUD based on qualified Census tracks. The U.S. Treasury allocated $13.6 million in funding tothe City of Boynton Beach in two parts. The first amount allocated was $6,823,952 and was received on May 19, 2021. The second deposit will be received by May 2022. The Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Department issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR), outlining the rules and regulations for spending the funds. There are five specific but broad categories that make up the spending framework: Support public health expenditures for C(]V|D-19; address the negative economic impact caused by the public health emergency; provide aid to communities and populations hardest hit by the crisis; replace the lost public sector revenue; Premium Pay for essential workers; and invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. The City will distribute the funds based on the categories and identified needs and negative impacts. The City has been referring to these categories as the five buckets. Ms. LeJeune stated the City will determine the funding amounts in each category based on projects and services that are identified with the greatest needs. There is no definitive amount allocated for each of the buckets. Funding can be used to support revenue loss, which will address the impact of the City's ability to provide vital public services such as Police, Fire, EMS, and Sewer and Water. She noted in order to continue to provide these vital public services at a pre-COVID level, the City needs to replenish the lost funds. In orderto support public health expenditures, funding can be used forCOVID-19 mitigation and containment services including vaccinations, testing, contract tracing, and prevention in key settings (churches, schools, local businesses, etc.) Additionally, the funds can be used to meet behavioral health, including mental health and substance abuse needs. Funding can also be used to cover staffing, provided they worked on the COVID-19 response. To address negative economic impact, the ARPA funding can provide assistance with food, housing, utilities, internet access, job training, and other needs for households and small businesses. She noted the recent career fair was a success and eight people were immediately employed. The U.S. Treasury identified some of the most impacted industries were entertainment, restaurants, and hotels. For tourism, travel, and hospitality, the City can help with local economic conditions in order to re-open and take COVID-19 precautions. The City wants to provide equity-focused services and will be taking into consideration populations that have been disproportionately affected, specifically those in qualified Census tracks. For workers and families, the City can assist with job training, food assistance, housing, utilities, and other financial needs. The City can also utilize the funding to invest in infrastructure to deliver clean water and broadband internet. She clarified any activities under the water and sewer infrastructure need to eligible under the federal Water Pollution Control Act or the Safe Drinking Water Act. She noted the funding could be used to construct, improve, and repair wastewater treatment plants, improve drinking water infrastructure, and control non-point sources of pollution. Ms. LeJeune stated the funding can also be used for the City's cybersecurity needs. Broadband infrastructure funding is designed to provide service to the unserved and underserved households and businesses. The infrastructure would reliably meet or exceed symmetrical upload and download speeds of 100 mbps, achieve last mile connections, and offer affordability options. Ms. LeJeune outlined Premium Pay as the last of the five buckets, which is providing enhanced compensation to essential City workers. The IFR has defined an essential worker as someone in critical infrastructure sectors who regularly perform in-person work, interact with others, or physically handle items that have been handled by others. Premium Pay can also be provided retroactively for essential work performed during the pandemic. Mara Frederiksen, Director of Finance, provided an update on the funds received to date. She reiterated that approximately $6.8 million in funding was received in May 2021 and the remaining $6.8 million will be received in May 2022. She reviewed a few projects that have been funded. The first project was a housing study that was conducted for approximately $29,600. The second project was a two-week tutoring program for 4t" graders, and it cost approximately $28,000. She noted $67,000 was spent on a wellness program for Police and Fire, which included mental health and wellness support. She mentioned the City anticipated spending $500,000 on a partnership effort with the CRA to purchase some lots, but ultimately did not. She explained the next items are indicated in red on the presentation and have been either discussed at Commission or approved by the Commission, but the amounts have not been finalized. The numbers are estimated. There was approximately $60,000 spent on a vaccine gift card incentive for the public. Each gift was $100 for anyone who got vaccinated during the two-day promotional period. She explained there were also revenue losses of$1.95 million from March 2020 -September 2020. The City partnered with the County to provide rental assistance and allocated approximately $75,000 to fund a position through Pathways to Prosperity. The position will help administer the rental assistance. Additionally, there is a Fire, Police, and General Employee vaccine incentive totaling $400,000. She noted that is dependent on which employees decide to get vaccinated before November 15, 2021. After that date, final expenditures will be finalized. She also shared the anticipated revenue losses of approximately $3 million from October 2020 — September 2021 but she has not calculated final numbers. Once finalized, it will be included in the FY23 City budget. Ms. Frederiksen noted $2 million for Wells Landing, which is a 124-unit affordable housing project, but it has not come before the Commission yet. The Board has approved Premium Pay of $1,000 this year and $1,000 next year for every employee. She also described the WiFi in the parks project for $600,000. That amount would be expended $200,000 a year over the next three years. Project and administrative costs to administer that program would total approximately $150,000. Ms. Frederiksen stated approximately $3.6 million remains of the $13 million funding. Ms. LeJeune reiterated the IFR includes nonprofits as well in its broad definition of households and small businesses. She explained it includes, but is not limited to, loans or grants to mitigate the financial hardship. It can support payroll and benefit costs, costs to retain employees, mortgage, rent, or utility costs, and other operating costs. She also shared the funding can be used for COVID-19 mitigation tactics including physical plant changes, enhance cleaning efforts, and vaccination and contract tracing or testing programs. Funding can be used for technical assistance, counseling, and other business planning needs. Ms. LeJeune affirmed ARPA recipients can also fund nonprofits to provide evidence-based interventions that respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. She explained the citizen survey has been out for a month and Florida International University is also conducting a survey in order to identify the greatest negative impacts. From that, she stated, programs and projects will be developed and brough to the City Commission Workshop on December 7 for prioritization. Ms. LeJeune noted there is no need to reinvent the wheel and it is more valuable to partner with nonprofits who can provide evidence-based interventions on behalf on the City. The City can provide the funding to enhance or expand those services. Ms. LeJeune clarified what is meant by evidence based. She explained strong evidence means the evidence it can be supported by causal conclusions for specific programs proposed by applicant. Moderate evidence means that there is a reasonably developed evidence base that can support the causal conclusions. The evidence base consists of one or more quasi-experimental studies with positive findings on one or more intended outcomes, or two or more non-experimental studies with positive findings on one or more intended outcomes. To simplify, she described an example of a mental health program. Ms. LeJeune reiterated the City Commission will determine priorities and what grants and loans will be available to nonprofits. Ms. LeJeune stressed how public input is a requirement of the ARPA, which is why the City is taking so effort to assess whether programs and services respond to the COVID-10 health emergency. She explained the first step is to identify the need or negative impact, which is what the City has been doing for the last month and a half with the citizen survey and the survey from FIU. The next step is to identify how the program, service, or intervention addresses that identified need or impact. The final step is to focus on opportunities to partner with other agencies and nonprofits to create those programs and services to address identified needs. Ms. LeJeune showed an example of the community survey in the presentation and encourages everyone to complete the survey. The citizens, businesses, and nonprofits have the opportunity to provide greater insight of the negative impacts and needs within the community. Ms. LeJeune noted the survey can be accessed on the City website, Facebook, Instagram, or via the QR code. Hard copies of the survey can also be found at the meeting, as well as at the Library and staff are available to help any person complete it. Ms. LeJeune explained this is the third and final public meeting. After the information is compiled, it will be brought to a City Commission workshop in December. The City has also been conducting outreached through PSAs in English, Haitian, and Spanish radio, through newsletters, and all social media outlets. III. Public Comments & Questions Mr. Scott opened the meeting up to public comment. He explained the in-person public comment will be heard first, followed by anyone attending virtually. He reiterated all comments, suggestions, and information is being compiled and will be presented to the City Commission at their December 7 workshop. Ms. LeJeune explained John Durgan, Economic Development Manager, will be keeping time and everyone has a three-minute time limit to comment. Ernest Mignoli, 710 NE 7t" Street, commented on the lack of public participation at the meetings. He expressed his frustration with the usual City topics when there are housing and food insecurity issues. He is concerned about developers and special interests from other towns. He disagreed with City staff receiving the extra $1,000 when there are children in the City who do not have food or a safe place to live. He suggested families in need should receive gift cards or funding in a discreet way and not have to show up in a public manner to receive assistance. He also questioned why the funding has not been dispersed in the six months since the first deposit has been received. Mr. Scott expressed appreciation of Mr. Mignoli's comments. Annette Gray, founder GBDC Entrepreneurship Institute (soon to be Center for Entrepreneurship Workforce Development & STEAM). She noted one of the largest populations impacted were children. She shared the largest growth in homelessness in families with children ages 13-15 years old. Ms. Gray suggested the impact on COVID-19 on this population includes homelessness, potentially losing a track to college, and a potential loss of gainful employment. She also noted the largest growing population of domestic violence offenders is young men between the ages 16-23 years old. She emphasized focusing on these target populations. Keturah Joseph, Boynton Beach Faith-Based Community Development Corporation, introduced herself as a housing advocate. She inquired how much the City anticipates allocating for the nonprofits. Mr. Scott answered it could possibly be $3 million but that would be determined by the Commission on December 7. She noted the line item of $2 million for Wells Landing and expressed confusion about that funding since she believes the land was given to them by the CRA. In her opinion, she would like to see funding set aside for senior housing. She noted there is a both a senior housing crisis and affordable housing crisis in the community. She explained there are other housing needs aside from Wells Landing. Mr. Scott thanked Ms. Joseph for her comments. Sheila Schwartz, from the Upland Medical Group, provided public comment. She explained the Upland Medical Group is a group of doctors who provide homecare services, including vaccines for schools, homebound seniors, and ongoing counseling, and medical treatment. They are looking to partner with nonprofits and the City to have their doctors go to people's home and deliver services. Kelly Drum, gallery owner, artist, and member of the Boynton Beach Public Arts Advisory Board, provided public comment. She is the founder of The Arts Advocacy, whose mission is to empower the creativity of communities through art supplies. She described the benefits of art therapy. She noted The Arts Advocacy is committed to providing art supplies to schools, rehabilitation centers, and other organizations who assist at-risk populations. She noted the data is limited in support of their current grant because they are just starting out but there is research to confirm and support access to art supplies. She requested financial assistance from ARPA. Mr. Scott thanked Ms. Drum for her comments. Sheila Jo Gaines, from Trinity Counseling Centers (TCC), provided public comment. She shared Trinity Counseling Centers provides timely and effective mental and behavioral health. They offer outpatient mental healthcare to underserved communities. She said TCC started in October 2020, and they now provide mobile crisis services. They are currently offering a four-part training series on the Sequential Intercept Model. She expressed interest in partnering with the City. Mr. Scott thanked Ms. Gaines for her comments and asked Mr. Durgan if anyone had comments virtually. Mr. Durgan indicated there was one person waiting to comment and one additional hand raised online. He read the online question from Julen Blankenship about who to contact after the meeting to provide additional comments. Mr. Dugan confirmed he is the contact, and his direct number is 561-742-6014 or via email atr ..« V-g Mr. Durgan invited comment from Rae Whitely, but he was experiencing technical difficulties. Ms. Frederiksen responded to Ms. Joseph's comment about the potential $2 million funding for Wells Landing. She explained one of the reasons it has not been brought to the Commission yet is because they are looking for additional funding besides ARPA. Ms. Gray asked whether the nonprofits should wait until the December 7 meeting before they submit a proposal. Mr. Scott reminded attendees to email any additional thoughts or comments to the email Mr. Durgan provided. He mentioned they will accept ideas up and through the Commission Workshop and will likely leave the portal open for some time for additional ideas. He encouraged anyone who has a proposal to submit them to staff now. The proposals may help staff develop recommendations for buckets of allocated funding. Mr. Mignoli asked whether there is a place online to see how many surveys have been received. He also inquired how they are being compiled, whether they are anonymous, and how many have been received before the December 7 meeting. Mr. Scott answered they are using Survey Monkey and hard copies are also available at City Hall and the Library. He confirmed they can be submitted anonymously, and they are still working on how to display total count to date of surveys received on their website. Mr. Durgan noted there are some additional online questions. Sherry Johnson provided public comment on the arts on and mental health. She expressed interest in working with the City to create a memorial to celebrate the lives lost. She shared the memorial event could be in conjunction with health providers, religious organizations, and performing arts. Reverend Rae Whitely mentioned the clergy is coming together with social service providers in District 2 and how to continue championing those efforts. He agreed the issues around mental health and substance abuse is significant and funding should be going towards those efforts. He acknowledged all the entities who are doing the work in the community, including the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition, Harm Reduction Center, and the Premiere Medical Center. He stressed removing stigma from the pulpit to advocate and help the community. Mr. Scott agreed there are good nonprofit partners in the City. Anita Cocoves provided public comment on drug and alcohol abuse problems. She noted the grief and depression people are going through. She shared the greatest predictor for people to maintain sobriety is having housing. She mentioned historically underserved communities dot not often seek out services. Mr. Scott reminded attendees to send ideas and proposals to them as soon as possible. He reiterated the Commission Workshop will be held on December 7, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. He expressed appreciation to the nonprofits for the work they do for the Boynton Beach citizens. IV. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. [Minutes prepared by T. Baclawski, Prototype, Inc.]