$2.5 Million Grant for ADUs on Monday’s Consent Calendar

As part of Monday’s consent calendar, the City Council could adopt a resolution approving the application submission to the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) CalHome program for a $2.5 million grant to provide financing for the rehabilitation and construction of accessory dwelling units

“The purpose of the CalHome program is to support existing homeownership programs aimed at very low-, low-, and moderate-income households,” according to a city staff report. “The goal is to increase homeownership, encourage neighborhood revitalization and sustainable development, and maximize the use of the existing housing stock through various activities.”

One of those activities is assisting single-family homeowners to construct or rehabilitate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs).

HCD is accepting applications through a notice of funding availability (NOFA) for its CalHome program, granting up to $5 million per application.

Last year, the city’s housing department launched the 2nd Unit ADU Program.

The pilot program offered homeowners comprehensive assistance to finance, design, permit, and construct new accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Through the program, homeowners applied for a loan of up to $150,000 to construct a new ADU in their backyard or convert their garage, with a requirement to rent the unit to a Pasadena rental assistance client for seven years. Low-income homeowners also applied for a $75,000 loan to bring an illegal garage conversion up to code. During a 30-day application period, the City received 35 applications. Due to the program’s limited funding, only five applicants were selected.

Those projects are currently in the design phase. The recommended resolution would enable the city to submit an application to the CalHome program for $2.52 million in grant funding.

lf awarded, the funds will allow the expansion of the 2nd Unit ADU program to create as many as 21 new ADUs.

As part of the consent calendar the City Council also could approve the following items with a sweep motion:

• Modification of the recommendation for the purchase order contract with Haaker Equipment Company (Haaker) for an additional $221,147 to upgrade one sewer truck model purchase, increasing the total not to exceed amount from $700,269 to $921,416. On September 27, the City Council authorized a purchase order contract with Haaker for an amount not to exceed $700,269 to purchase two identical Vactor Ramjet jet rodder sewer jetter trucks to replace two vehicles. This upgraded combination sewer truck model not only clears sewer blockages but also suctions water and debris. This is especially crucial as the field crew perform essential and expanded task of efficiently providing sewer-related services to the community especially during incidents involving sewage spillage, sewer main breakage, lift pump failure at various lift stations, or any road or site spills that necessitates simultaneous flushing, containment and clean-up of hazardous liquids, thereby, preventing any contaminated matter from entering the storm drain system.

• A $175,000 contract with Elecnor Belco Electric for pedestrian crossing enhancements program for an amount not to exceed $175,000.This project will reduce the potential safety risks for pedestrians attempting to cross at uncontrolled marked crosswalks. The project consists of furnishing and installation of pedestrian video detection systems, pedestrian warning signs, wireless rectangular rapid flashing beacons, standard signal poles, and striping at  Raymond Avenue and Bellevue Drive  and  Marengo Avenue and Bellevue Drive

• An affirmative sweep motion could also allow City Manager Steve Mermell to enter into an agreement with The Huntington Library & Art Gallery for the city to operate public transit services between the Sierra Madre Villa Gold Line and The Huntington Library from January 2 to June 26. The Huntington will provide service reimbursements in an amount not to exceed $87,943, which includes a 10% contingency of $7,995.