Report Prepared by: Scott McBride, Director of Development Services
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Agreeing to the Increase in Costs for the Multijurisdictional Housing Element
REPORT IN BRIEF
Authorizes the increase in cost by $22,000 for more robust community engagement services from the consultant for the Multijurisdictional Housing Element (MJHE).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2023-27, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, agreeing to the Increase in Cost for the Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute any related documents necessary for the increase in cost of the MJHE.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Sections 200, 405, and 1105.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Adopted Goals and Priorities, Housing & Homelessness.
DISCUSSION
California Housing Element law requires every jurisdiction to prepare and adopt a Housing Element as part of its General Plan. State Housing Element requirements are framed in Government Code, Sections 65580 through 65589, Chapter 1143, Article 10.6. The law requires the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to administer the law by reviewing housing elements for compliance with state law and by reporting its written findings to the local jurisdiction. State housing element law mandates that housing elements be updated every eight years. Additionally, a certified housing element is a key requirement to qualify for numerous state grants and funding.
The City of Merced last adopted and submitted a housing element in May 2016, which is in compliance with HCD. The sixth cycle housing elements will cover the planning period of January 31, 2024, through January 31, 2032, and must be adopted and submitted to HCD for certification by February 18, 2024.
Legislative changes have increased the cost and complexity of the housing element since the fifth cycle. On December 5, 2002, City Council adopted a motion to participate in the Merced County, MJHE. Furthermore, Council agreed to participate in a cost sharing agreement with the other member agencies. The total cost for the MJHE was originally $1,030,743 with the City’s portion being $132,267.
The preliminary scope of work with the consultant, Rincon, includes:
• TASK 1. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
o Project Management
o Working Group
• TASK 2. DATA GATHERING AND ASSESSMENT
• TASK 3. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
o Draft and Final Community Engagement Plan
o Because a SB 244 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Identification and Infrastructure assessment in not a relevant topic to all jurisdictions; at this time, Rincon will work to incorporate this into other community engagement opportunities.
o Materials provided for one study session with the City of Merced
o One community workshop in Merced facilitated by the consultant with staff assisting
o 3- Multi-Jurisdiction - Stakeholder Focus Group meetings
o On-line Survey
o Website development and maintenance
• TASK 4. MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HOUSING ELEMENT PREPARATION
o Countywide Housing Element Components
o Jurisdiction-Specific Housing Element Components
• TASK 5: DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENTS AND REVIEW
• TASK 6: ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
• TASK 7: FINAL DOCUMENTS AND ADOPTION
Council desires robust community engagement for this important element of the General Plan. Additionally public participation and comments have been made at council meetings and via a letter (Attachment 1) to request more outreach for the MJHE. Staff is proposing the following additions: consultant presentations at all public meetings, an additional Study Session, a Community Workshop, and an extra public presentation at City Council. These proposed actions would cost $22,000. There are additional options for more outreach per your direction. Attached is Rincon’s full menu of community engagement services and cost for each item (Attachment 2).
Merced County Association of Government (MCAG) is acting as the fiscal agent and contract administrator for the MJHE, so any increase in work or costs associated would be billed by MCAG and paid to them. MCAG is coordinating with City Staff to update the scope to better meet the City’s needs and will need a resolution agreeing to the additional costs associated with the extra community engagement to take to its governing board to execute the changes in the contract with Rincon.
City Council Action
Staff is requesting City Council provide direction on whether any additional community engagement is desired as per Rincon’s Community Engagement Menu at Attachment 2 and adopt the Resolution at Attachment 3.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The Housing Element is part of the General Plan; therefore, funding is available within the Planning Budget for General Plan update.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Comment Letter to MCAG
2. Rincon Consultants Community Engagement Services
3. Resolution 2023-27