Lodi Improvement Committee
Regular MeetingLodi, NJ · September 8, 2020
Agenda
REGULAR SESSION
LODI IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TUESDAY,
Teleconference Meeting SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
Streaming Link: https://www.facebook.com/CityofLodi/ @ 6:00 PM
SPECIAL NOTICE
Effective immediately and while social distancing measures are imposed, Council chambers will be
closed to the public during meetings of the Lodi Improvement Committee. All Committee Members will
appear telephonically or via Zoom.
The following alternatives are available to members of the public to watch Lodi Improvement Committee
meetings and provide comments on agenda and non-agenda items before and during the meetings.
Viewing:
Members of the public may view and listen to the meeting at: https://www.facebook.com/CityofLodi/
or
Please click the link below to join the meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/99607128322?pwd=ZFpHc1hkWitDUG9uWGY1Zm5La09JUT09
Password: 653743
Or iPhone one-tap: Us: +16699009128,,99607128322
Or Telephone: Dial: Us: +1 669 900 9128; Webinar ID: 996 0712 8322
Public Comment:
As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Lodi Improvement Committee prior to the
meeting by emailing LICcomments@lodi.gov. These emails will be provided to the members of the Lodi
Improvement Committee and will become part of the official record of the meeting.
Members of the public who wish to verbally address the Lodi Improvement Committee during the meeting should
email those comments to LICcomments@lodi.gov. Comments must be received before the Chair announces that
the time for public comment is closed. Staff will read five minutes of each email into the public record.
IMPORTANT: identify the Agenda Item Number or description in the subject line of your email. Example: Public
Comment for Agenda Item Number 5.A.a. Committee to review 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan (AAP) process.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Executive Order N-29-20, if you need special
assistance to provide public comment in this meeting, please contact the Office of the Community Development
Department at (209) 333-6711 or LICcomments@lodi.gov at least 48hours prior to the meeting in order for the
City to make reasonable alternative arrangements for you to communicate your comments. If you need special
assistance in this meeting for purposes other than providing public comment, please contact the Office of the
Community Development Department at (209) 333-6711 or LICcomments@lodi.gov at least 48 hours prior to the
meeting to enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR
35.160 (b) (1)).
Viewing:
Members of the public may view and listen to the meeting at: https://www.facebook.com/CityofLodi/
Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20:
The Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953, contains special requirements that apply when members of a
legislative body participate in a public meeting by telephone. Certain of these requirements have been suspended
by Paragraph 3 of Executive Order N-29-20, executed by the Governor of California on March 17, 2020 to mitigate
the spread of the coronavirus known as COVID-19. In particular, the Executive Order suspends that provision of
the Brown Act that requires noticing, posting of agendas, and public access to each location where a member will
be participating telephonically, as well as provisions that require physical presence of members of the legislative
body or the public for purposes of a quorum or to hold a meeting. Executive Order N-29-20 allows an agency to
conduct a teleconference meeting that provides members of the public telephonic or other electronic participation
in place of making a physical location for the public to observe the meeting and provide public comment,
consistent with other provisions of the Brown Act.
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Lodi Improvement Committee Agenda
September 8, 2020
For information regarding this agenda please contact:
Kari Chadwick @ (209) 333-6711
Community Development Secretary
1. Roll Call
2. Approve Minutes
None
3. Comments by the Public on Non-Agenda Items (5 minute limit per speaker)
If you wish to address the Commission, please refer to the Special Teleconference Notice at
the beginning of this agenda. Individuals are limited to one appearance during this section.
4. Annual Goals
A. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
a. Staff update on 2021-2022 AAP schedule
b. Staff update on CDBG-CV funding process
B. Update on LIC 2019-20 Goals from Members and Staff
1. Support ABCD: Love Your Block program
2. Implement City’s CDBG Consolidated Plan
3. Reduce homelessness and increase homeownership
4. Encourage beautification and community service leaders
5. Support visionary community development projects
6. Promote these goals in the City
7. Promote civic engagement and greater interest in this committee
C. Update on Status of Drafting Revised Committee By-Laws
5. Regular Business
A. Member vacancy update
B. Determine topics for upcoming meetings
a. September – TBD
b. October – Training and Annual Goal Setting
6. Comments from Board members and Staff on Non-Agenda Items (5 minute limit per
speaker)
7. Announcements
8. Adjournment
Pursuant to Section 54954.2(a) of the Government Code of the State of California, this agenda was posted at least 72 hours in advance of the regularly
scheduled meeting (or 24 hours in advance of a special meeting) at a public place freely accessible to the public 24 hours a day.
Patrice Clemons
CDBG Program Specialist
Page 2 of 2
MEMORANDUM, City of Lodi, Community Development Department
To: Lodi Improvement Committee
From: Patrice Clemons, CDBG Program Specialist/City Staff Liaison
Date: September 8, 2020
Subject: Staff Report on Updates to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program, Draft Revisions to the By-Laws, and Annual Goals.
Purpose: Lodi Improvement Committee 1) supports Staff in implementation of the City’s five-year
Consolidated Plan including conducting outreach, providing feedback on program processes, and making
recommendations to the City Council on funding and project priorities; 2) has its purpose of maintaining and
improving the quality of life and appearance of Lodi by the coordinated efforts of a broad spectrum of the
community; 3) creates and takes action to implement annual goals.
Action: Lodi Improvement Committee will 1) receive report from Staff on status of CDBG program and will
provide feedback; 2) review draft by-law revisions and provide feedback; 3) receive updates and provide
direction on annual goals.
Background:
Staff update on 2019-2020 CAPER
After the conclusion of the program year, the City prepares a year-end report called the Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The draft CAPER for program year 2019-20 is available for public
review and comment; and will be presented to the City Council for approval on September 16, 2020. The draft
report can be found online on the City’s CDBG webpage: https://www.lodi.gov/183/Community-Development-
Block-Grant-Progra . In Summary, the program accomplishments met six of the ten five-year consolidated plan
goals including: 1) promote safer neighborhoods; 2) improve community parks and green space; 3)
infrastructure and facility improvements; 3) support public service programs for priority populations; 4)
affirmatively further fair housing; and 5) create and promote housing for homeless populations. The City
intends to address the other four strategic plan goals in future program years. For details on the specific
project/programs, please see the report.
Staff update on 2021-2022 AAP schedule
The 2021-2022 AAP is due to HUD by May 15, 2021. In recent years, HUD has announced deadline extensions
due to federal funding delays and, most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic. HUD will likely make its
announcement for funding and deadlines in Spring of 2021.
The following process is planned for the 2021-22 AAP cycle:
- Early November – community outreach meeting on community needs
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- Late November – published notice for upcoming release of funding availability
- Early December – published notice of funding availability (NOFA), and application presentation and
community outreach meeting at regular LIC meeting
- Mid December – attended community outreach event
- January – potential applicants provide presentations or answer questions at regular LIC meeting
- January/Feb - begin consultations
- March – vote on final scores and allocations at regularly scheduled LIC meeting
- Mid March – draft AAP released to public for 30 day public review
- Mid April – presented draft AAP to City Council
- May – presented final AAP to City Council for approval
Staff update on CDBG-CV funding process
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has recently allocated additional funds to
jurisdictions across the Country in an effort to help better respond to immediate needs resulting from the
COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the City of Lodi could receive $380,000 in additional Community Development
Block Grant – Covid Response (CDBG-CV) funds. Funds can be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
Coronavirus impact. For a current summary of eligible activities, see this online HUD brochure:
https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/CPD/documents/DOB-TA-CDBG-summary-table-Notes-06232020-
Attachment.pdf .
The City is currently evaluating potential projects, including consideration of a homeless shelter and services.
To obtain HUD approval for any project, the City is required to follow CDBG procures for updating its
consolidated, annual, and citizen participation plans. HUD requires the City to follow typical processes, except
for reduced public engagement requirements in order to expedite the use of funds.
For the most up to date information on CDBG-CV requirements, please see HUD’s resource
page: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg/disease/
Updates on Annual Goals
Please see the Committee’s attached Annual Goals for review and updates by Staff and members.
Review of Draft By-Law Revisions
In January 2020, the LIC presented its annual accomplishments to the City Council and requested feedback on
revisions to its by-laws. City Council directed LIC to prepare revisions for them to consider at a future date; and
to maintain a balance between goals for enforcement of laws and goals focused on prevention and
empowerment. Staff and members will review preliminary revisions and provide feedback for additional edits.
Fiscal Impact:
HUD’s annual allocation for CDBG funds will be announced in Spring 2021; the City estimates receiving
$600,000. HUD announced $380,000 in potential CDBG-CV funds for City of Lodi.
Attachments:
1. LIC Annual Goals
2. Draft Revision to By-Laws
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2019-20 Committee Goals
*Updates are in Red
Vision
The Lodi Improvement Committee is organized and created for the purposes of
maintaining and improving the quality of life and appearance of Lodi by the coordinated
efforts of a broad spectrum of the community.
Goal Objective
Identify a big-picture goal. Identify at least one objective for each goal. This an activity and
This described what describes “how” we are going to achieve our goal.
change/outcome we want
to see to support our vision.
1. Empower and support a. Provide support to the ABCD program through mentoring project
residents to become leaders leaders, participating in monthly meetings, supporting workshops,
for transforming their promoting events, and providing resources/connections.
community, through the
City’s partnership program Timeline: Year-long
Lead: Kathryn
Asset-Based Community
Member support: Kathryn
Develop (ABCD): Love Your Resources: City funds ABCD program coordinator position and ABCD
Block. leaders facilitate and create the program
Status: In progress
Update: 3 are done, 1 more pending, meeting later in Oct.
b. Recognize ABCD Cycle 3 projects through an LIC award.
Timeline: Fall/Winter 2019
Lead: David
Member support: David
Resources: Create award criteria and type of recognition
Status: In progress
Update: January tentatively
2. Develop viable urban a. Conduct community outreach on priority needs and goals for the
communities as directed by annual CDBG application cycle.
the Community
Development Block Grant Timeline: October 2019 – May 2020
Lead: David
(CDBG) program and further
Member support: David, Doug
implemented in the City’s Resources:
Consolidated Plan. Status: In process- On going
Lodi Improvement Committee GOALS WORKSHEET Page 1 of 3
b. Score applications and recommend projects and funding to the City
Council.
Timeline: November 2019 – May 2020
Lead: All Committee members
Member support: All members
Resources: Staff liaison to provide program requirements and facilitate
annual action plan process
Status: In process- on going
3. Reduce homelessness a. Support Lodi Committee on Homelessness (LCOH) by attending
and increase affordable monthly meetings (1st Thursday), and reporting back to the LIC.
homeownership.
Timeline: Year-long
Lead: Kathryn
Member support: Kathryn
Resources: Information provided by LCOH
Status: In-process
b._Research land trust options for creating affordable housing options
for people experiencing homelessness.
Timeline: Year long
Lead: Doug
Member support: Doug
Resources: Scheduled for January 23rd, 2018.
Status: in process
c. Research homebuyer programs and sources of funding.
Timeline: TBD
Lead: Kathryn
Member support: Kathryn
Resources: Reached out to City Council
Status: in process
4. Encourage beautification a. Identify and award properties, buildings, projects, and individuals that
and improvements in Lodi have helped improved Lodi.
by recognizing properties
and community service Timeline: Year-long
Lead: David
leaders.
Member support: David
Resources: Neighbhorhood Services/ Parks-Rec, Public Works, Building,
Social Media to identify, community organizations
Status: Nominations Pending
b. Collaborate with other Lodi groups who are already doing this (e.g.
Tree Lodi).
Timeline: TBD
Lead: David
Member support: David
Lodi Improvement Committee GOALS WORKSHEET Page 2 of 3
Resources:
Status: TBD
5. Support visionary a. Research project information; solicit feedback from the community,
community development staff, experts, and other stakeholders to determine feasibility; identify
projects funding opportunities; present to committees and City Council; and
create sub-committees for long-term implementation. Current visionary
projects include:
a. Greenline project
b. Shade tree design standards
c. Public garden
d. Parking space reductions.
Timeline: Year long
Lead: Doug
Member support: Doug
Resources: Coordinate with Public Works, Parks, and other City
departments
Status: In process
6. Promote LIC’s goals in the a. Present LIC activities to City Council twice a year.
City.
Timeline: October and April
Lead: David
Member support: David
Resources:
Status: In progress-
b._Meet with community leaders and attend a community event/fair
where information is provided about the LIC and its goals .
Timeline: Year Long
Lead: Rehana
Member support: Rehana, Kathryn
Resources:
Status: Pending
7. Promote civic a. Hold at least one LIC meeting in an alternative location.
engagement and greater
interest in LIC. Timeline: Year Long
Lead: Rehana
Member support: Rehana, Kathryn
Resources:
Status: Pending/ CA Human development as part of AAP
Lodi Improvement Committee GOALS WORKSHEET Page 3 of 3
LODI IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE BY-LAWS
Current Proposed Draft
SECTION I. GENERAL PURPOSE SECTION 1. GENERAL PURPOSE
The Lodi Improvement Committee is organized and (No change proposed.)
created for the purposes of maintaining and improving the
quality of life and appearance of Lodi by the coordinated
efforts of a broad spectrum of the community.
SECTION 2. SPECIFIC GOALS/ PURPOSES SECTION 2. SPECIFIC GOALS
The Committee is organized and created to: The Committee will:
(Removed redundancy.)
A) To combat illegal drugs, prostitution, and other crimes A) Promote safer neighborhoods through the support and
by such measures as cooperation with or establishment of encouragement of new and existing programs that do the
groups such as Crime Stoppers and Neighborhood Watch. same,
(This focuses on the positive aspects of community building, and
providing support, rather than using negative words like
“combat” and tasking the committee with responsibilities that
we are not equipped to handle (drugs, prostitution).
B) To eliminate blight and encourage the maintenance, B) Promote a sustainable Lodi with regards to food,
improvement, or rehabilitation of properties throughout housing, transportation, energy, jobs, and other vital
Lodi, with the cooperation of residents, property owners, aspects of a thriving community,
business, and government.
(Reworded to be positive and broader in scope.)
C) To act as an advocate for residents in issues dealing with C) Advocate for underrepresented groups in our
the upgrade, improvement and maintenance of all community, including the underprivileged and those
infrastructure, including streets, alleys, water, sewer and experiencing homelessness,
storm drainage systems.
(Refocused on those who most need a voice and with less of a
specific focus on public works issues.)
D) To encourage compliance with building, housing, fire, (Removed.)
and other health and safety laws, and local property
maintenance ordinances by property owners, residents,
and businesses.
E) To coordinate with churches, civic and community I) Be transparent to the community about these goals and
Current Proposed Draft
groups, and other community based organizations to our progress towards them.
educate and inform the public on ways of achieving these
(Shortened and repositioned to the end.)
goals, and to keep the public informed of the efforts.
F) To work with business community to encourage a D) Build relationships throughout the community to
healthy business climate. enable and maintain a flourishing, inclusive city,
(Refocused to the community rather than just the business
community which is the focus of the Lodi Chamber of
Commerce.)
G) Provide acknowledgement to properties and businesses E) Encourage the community to improve their properties
throughout the City that show marked improvements in and support new and existing programs that do the same,
service and appearance that contributes to the image and
(Reworded for positivity and brevity.)
quality of the community.
F) Support the CDBG process and the City’s efforts to fairly
review and distribute CDBG funding,
(Added, as we have already been doing this.)
G) Identify potential resources that support these goals,
and others that foster community development, and
present them to the community,
(Added, as we have already been doing this.)
H) Promote participatory government throughout the
community regarding awareness, advocacy, and policy,
particularly towards the programs and activities of this
committee,
(Added.)
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