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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 9800 (Head Start Program)RESOLUTION NO. 9 8 0 0 RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL BY PELL DEVELOPMENT TO UNDERWRITE A HEAD START PROGRAM TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PRIORITY PROJECTS PROCEDURE. WHEREAS, Pell Development was granted "priority status" in the 1996 round of the Priority Projects Procedure based on a proposal to meet neighborhood needs by helping to provide child care facilities at the Regency II office site; and, WHEREAS, changed circumstances, including new information on soils conditions and the unavailability of alternate sites, now make it unfeasible to provide affordable child care in the configuration originally proposed; and, WHEREAS, Pell Development has proposed to meet its commitment by partially underwriting a program in partnership with Marin Head Start and the First Congregational Church. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby accepts in concept Pell Development's proposal subject to approval of a Use Permit for the Head Start program at the First Congregational Church site, and subject to the terms and conditions described in the attached letter from Cecilia Bridges dated February 10, 1997. I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of said City held on Tuesday, the 18th day of February, 1997, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None Wanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk 3iVNUlE4A'[ 450 CEcmu B. BRIDGES ATTORNEY AT LAW MEDIATOR A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION PETALUMA MARINA BUSINESS CENTER 765 BAYWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 337 PETALUMA, CA 94954 (707) 762-3024 FAX: (707) 762-2930 February 10, 1997 REAL ESTATE LAND USE ENVIRONMENTAL Mayor Al Boro and Members of the San Rafael City Council P. O. Box 151560 San Rafael, CA 94915-1560 RE: Pell Development, Regency H Office PPP, Proposal for Child Care Program at First Congregational Church, San Pedro Road Dear Members of the City Council: This requests that the City Council approve the outlined plan proposed by Pell Development to fulfill the PPP conditions which were originally approved by the City Council in 1991 and clarified and detailed in PPP95-3 Regency II, approved in May, 1996 (See Exhibit A). This proposal is made by Pell Development in conjunction with the First Congregational Church and the well-known and highly respected, Marin Head Start - Family Development Program. The congregation of First Congregational Church, located in San Rafael at 8 North San Pedro Road, has for lease a facility for 28 preschool children. The facility requires improvement to enable it to meet the requirements of a state -licensed child care facility (See Exhibit B). Marin Head Start needs a facility for its Family Development Program in San Rafael. The match is an ideal one to provide affordable child care to north San Rafael! The proposal by Pell Development to provide affordable child care and fulfill the PPP intent has three parts: 1. Pell Development Makes Improvements to the First Congregational Church Owned Facility to Accommodate a State -Licensed Child Care Facility 2. Pell Development Leases the Child Care Facility and Provides it at No -Cost to the Child Care Operator for a Minimum of 5 Years and a Maximum of 10 Years, Depending on Timing of the Construction of Improvements to the Smith Ranch Rd./Lucas Valley Interchange 3. Pell Development Funds $100,000 to the Mann Child Care Council to be Used to Address Affordable Child Care Needs Over a 10 Year Period. Mayor Al Boro and Membet s of the San Rafael City Council February 10, 1997 Page 2 Pell Development Improves and Leases Facilitv and Establishes Fund for Affordability 1. Pell Development Makes Improvements to the First Congregational Church Owned Facility to Accommodate a State -Licensed Child Care Facility. Pell Development will make improvements to the Church's building and outdoor recreation area resulting in a child care facility, meeting state and local requirements. TWM's estimate is that the facility can be improved to enable a child care facility for 28 preschool children. The improvements to the facility will be the property of the Church in perpetuity. 2. Pell Development Leases the Child Care Facility and Provides it at No -Cost to the Child Care Operator for a Minimum of 5 Years and a Maximum of 10 Years, Depending on Timing of the Construction of Improvements to the Smith Ranch Rd./Lucas Valley Interchange. Pell Development will lease the improved facility from the Church for an initial term of five (5) years with options to enable leasing for another 5 years. The term of the child care facility lease obligation shall be equal to the term of the limited capacity of the Smith Ranch/Lucas Valley interchange, but not to exceed a term of ten (10) years from the date of the completion of Regency II. Proposed language of the facility lease would provide: "if after the initial term of the Lease, the expected Smith Ranch/ Lucas Valley interchange improvement is not completed, the term of the Lease shall be extended in one year increments, at the sole discretion of Pell, for a period not to exceed a total of five (5) additional years." 3. Pell Development Funds $100,000 to the Marin Child Care Council to be Used to Address Affordable Child Care Needs Over a 10 Year Period. In order to assure that this proposal is "equivalent" to the original PPP resolution approval of providing a building for 60 children plus scholarships to cover 10% of the cost of each of 6 of those children, Pell Development generously proposes funding an amount of $10,000 annually for a period of 10 years, or a total fund of $100,000 to address affordable child care needs. The details would be as follows: 1. The child care funding portion of the Regency II obligation would be fulfilled by Pell Development funding a total of $10,000 annually for a term of 10 years to be used to make child care affordable to those who need it. 2. Payment would be made by Pell Development to the Marin Child Care Council. 3. The money must be used by Marin Child Care Council for child care for residents of San Rafael. The annual amount will be disbursed by Marin Child Care Council to enable affordable child care. 4. Pell Development may elect at their sole discretion whether to pay the $10,000 annual amount on a single year basis or in any lump sum. If Pell Development elects to pay any Mayor Al Boro and Memberb of the San Rafael City Council February 10, 1997 Page 3 of the amount in a lump sum, Marin Child Care Council would earn any income on the amount held. In addition to the above, Pell Development will make application, if necessary, for a Use Permit and Trip Permit authorizing the use of the First Congregational Church site for a child care facility. First Conereeational Church, in Coniunction with Pilgrim Park, Oversees Operation The attached letters from Pastor David Ray, for First Congregational Church, and Robert De Haan, for Pilgrim Park Apartments, explain the role of the Church and the enthusiasm and energy which the Church has given to make this proposal possible (See Exhibits C and D). Marin Head Start Will Onerate Preschool Program With Pell Development providing improvements to the facility and leasing it from the Church, Marin Head Start proposes to use their expertise and experience to provide a preschool program for San Rafael families and children in particular need of affordable child care. The details of the Marin Head Start program philosophy, services, and client population are given in a Marin Head Start Proposal for the Site at the First Congregational Church. San Rafael, (See Exhibit E). The proposal also outlines possible future program changes to extend the school year, the number of hours per day, or other possible changes to benefit the families and children. Conclusion This requests the Council approval of this proposal in fulfillment of the Regency II condition, PPP95-3. Members of the proposal team will be available for your review and questions at the February 18 City Council meeting. Thank you for your sincere consideration. Sincerely, CECILIA B. BRIDGES ATTORNEY AT LAW -MEDIATOR Representing, Pell Development cc: Rod Gould Bob Pendoley Sharon McNamee Joe Pell Pastor David Ray Robert De Haan, Pres. Board of Trustees, Pilgrim Park Apartments Cynthia Klock, Director, Marin Head Start Kathy Ferron, Marin Child Care Council PPP95-2 Oakvie �raffic. The number ci. PM peak :rips generated by this project X279) is greater than the amount allocated to the site in the City's General Plan (1/Whileshort erm, the project does not cause traffic levels of service to beither Freitas/101 or Lucas Valley/101 interchange, it is unknowhether it ould cause levels of service to be exceeded in the Ion need to be detpmined through project environmental review. Oualifier: The prod t is in the early /aaste Ian and may change through the environme al review prsect as currently described does not qualify as an affordab housing ose to serve area residents through child care. The proje t propland for a needed future interchange improvement, which rommunity benefit in that it does not obstruct the interchange projey , owever, the reservation does not facilitate timely implementation of the/terchang\n that purchase costs are unknown and unfunded. If the reserve a were offered dedication, this would rate as an excellent community nefit and needed neigh hood serving facility provided by the project; this is of currently known. /eighborhood e-Oakview project is recommended for denim itnout prejudice in that it ely: PPP approvals reserve traffic capacity for a ; it is unlikely that ould be under construction within a year; and details the and community -serving benefits are not yet sufficiently i tified. PPP95-3 Regency H. Traffic. The number of PM peak trips generated by this project (273) is within the amount allocated to the site in the General Plan (331). The project does not cause traffic levels of service to be exceeded at either the Freitas/ 101 or Lucas Valley/101 interchange. Oualifier: The project qualifies as a high priority project in that it will provide a child care facility for 60-75 children for 5-10 years, and $4,248/year in child care scholarships for 10 years, which is determined by the City Council to provide a EXHIBITAI PGOP_2 _ 3 F 4 W needed neighborhood serving use—or its equivalent as discussed during the April 15, 1996 Council meeting, and as agreed to by Pell Development Company in the attached letter of agreement. Findings: The Regency H project is recommended for approval, and qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that it will provide a needed neighborhood service in the form of a child care facility for 60-75 children for 5-10 years from the date of occupancy of the office building, and $4,248/year for 10 years in -child care scholarships, or its equivalent as discussed during the April 15, 1996 Council meeting, and as agreed to by Pell Development Company in the attached letter of agreement. The need for child care and affordable child care in North San Rafael has been demonstrated by 1990 citywide child care task force reports, and limited vacancies at area child care facilities. I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify.that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of said City held on Monday, the 6`s day of May, 1996, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips and Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None EXNIBrr� PG �OF�PGs JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San EXNIBrr� PG �OF�PGs DIRECTIONS: a 0 8 North San Pedro Road San Rafael, California 9 r tD 0 Traffic Marin Civic Center Light a m c f- n 'D . N- o N. San Pedro Road MI W 0 0. First Congregational church n� 0? From From iiwy 101 coming from the north: Exit at N. San Pedro Road; go left on Merrydale Road. At the traffic light, go right onto N. San Pedro Road. Proceed 1/2 block; turn left into driveway. From Hwy 101 coming from the south: Exit at N. San Pedro Road, proceeding straight ahead (west), taking "cloverleaf" around to N. San Pedro Road and under freeway overpass. Proceed 1/2 block past traffic light; turn left into driveway. EXHIBIT rt M N O F- 9 r tD 0 Traffic Marin Civic Center Light a m c f- n 'D . N- o N. San Pedro Road MI W 0 0. First Congregational church n� 0? From From iiwy 101 coming from the north: Exit at N. San Pedro Road; go left on Merrydale Road. At the traffic light, go right onto N. San Pedro Road. Proceed 1/2 block; turn left into driveway. From Hwy 101 coming from the south: Exit at N. San Pedro Road, proceeding straight ahead (west), taking "cloverleaf" around to N. San Pedro Road and under freeway overpass. Proceed 1/2 block past traffic light; turn left into driveway. EXHIBIT 02/10/1997 14:45 415499924a Bcmawim I�A._ PALE 01 First Congregational Church of San Rafael, Ynited Churdi of Christ Dr. David Rap, Pastor + 8 North S= Pedro Road, San Rafael, Califomia 94909 t (415)479-2747 February 4,1997 Mayor Al Boro P. 0. Box 151560 San Rafael, CA 94915-1560 Dear Mayor Boro: RE: Child Care Facility Condition—Regency Center U Here are the reasons we feel the city of San Rafael should ratify the plan to use the Pell Development company money to fund a Head Start program at the First Congregational Church. The issue for us is not income for the church. (We can certainly find another renter.) Rather the main issues are more philosophical and imperative. There are three. First, North San Rafael needs a Head Start program. Head Start Ls -)n extraordinary program that has a long and proven track record of tvarking intensively with the most at risk children and families to stabilize fartilief, and equip children to function at their best in school Ld society. The issue for you is accomplishing the greater good versus serving the greater number. Our and the Marin Child Care Council's research shows there is already sufficient child care in Marin County for families that can afford it. There is not sufficient child care and intervention for children at risk and for poor families. Second, the setting at First Congregational Church is ideal Adjacent to us is Pilgrim Park_ Surrounding us are several apartment houses with many children. Our downstairs housed a child care program several years ago, and once remodeled and made both accessible and child friendly, it can provide the kind of warn, attractive,.and usable environment in which children thrive. The use of this space -for this purpose also fits the documented mission of our church. We are here to serve. We've been doing that effectively for twenty-five -.,ears with Pilgrim Perk and in many other ways. Our people are eager to work with Head Start in this new venture. EXHIBITe PG-__LOF&::. ,PGS U." I LU l z7 ( L �4; u e 41747'y7144 bt1M&VJJM PAGE 61 But the third issue is the most important. The federal government is shifting the social program burden to state and local'government. Our governmental resources are already stretched to the danger point. We're all anxious about the impact of the welfare reform law on local services and the poor. San Rafael's social needs will be best met if government, the private sector, social services, and non-profit voluntary programs work cooperatively. There is an increasingly acute need for effective intervention, on behalf of at risk families and children. And there is an increasingly acute need for all sectors of our community and society to collaborate for the common good. Our proposal that is before you is an effective and innovative model that meets these needs and therefore it should be implemented and replicated. Under our proposal the City of San Rafael plays its part through its agreement with the Pell company and by sanctioning our arrangement. Pell Development plays a critical role through their money and planning expertise. The Marin Child Care Council is playing an important role through their research and match -making services. Head. Start matches its remarkably effective program with families at great risk. First Congregational Church is making its building available and is ready to channel its gifted people into voluntary roles. And the famiUes themselves will be active participants in meeting their un -met pressing needs. And it will cost the city nothing! The other program you're considering does not involve this kind of collaboration. It does not address the pressing needs that our program will. And it will be a continuing cost to the taxpayers of San Rafael. We've been working hard and in good faith on this project for three months. We need your endorsement to put this exciting plan into action. Thank you. Sincerely, 1 David Ray, pastor cc: Rod Gould and City Council members EXHIBIT L pG g..::. of 2,ns ;V=� 96 PILGRIM WAY - SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903 - PHONE (415) 479-4091 February 3, 1997 Mayor and Members of the City Council City of San Rafael c/o Rod Gould, City Manager P. O. Box 151560 San Rafael, CA 94915-1560 Gentlemen: RE -- Child Care Facility Condition -- Regency Center II I urge you to approve the proposal to put a Head Start program in the Congregational Church in North San Rafael to satisfy this condition of Regency Center II. There is a tremendous amount of energy, excitement and community benefit potential developing around this project. Marin Head Start has long wanted a facility in North San Rafael. They have satisfactorily proposed to locate their program in the church facilities. Most of the families they would serve now live in the North San Rafael area. And, they are enthusiastic about expanding their program to better serve the child care needs of their families. For example, both Head Start and Pilgrim Park on site management are enthusiastic about coordinating/combining a summer recreation program for Pilgrim Park children and Head Start children. Pilgrim Park now has a summer program, which has always been open to other children from the community. Head Start wants to start a summer program. The Congregational Church is beginning to look for a local mission project around which members' energy and money might be focused. Although the congregation has not decided on a project, it is conceivable that the mission project could be built around the Head Start program. Many church members have experience with the Head Start program and are enthusiastic about sponsoring it in church facilities. EXHIBIT -T PG I LF,�..._PGS In summary, the team from the church, from Marin Head Start, from the Marin Child Care Council and from the Pell organization have worked hard and well to make this important, additional community outreach program happen in North San Rafael. This is exactly the kind of community help program San Rafael needs more of as our Federal and State governments downsize welfare programs. Very truly yours, Pilgrim Park Apartments by Robert De Haan President of the Board of Trustees of Pilgrim Park; Church Member; and member of the Head Start team cc: Rod Gould, City Manager Bob Pendoley, Planning Dept. bcc: Cecilia B. Bridges, Attorney at Law EXHIBIT P PG 2 OF_LPOS MARIN HEAD START Family Development Program Marin Head Start Proposal for the Site at the First Congregational Church, San Rafael Marin Head Start is interested in providing preschool services to San Rafael families at the First Congregational Church in San Rafael. We understand that we would receive free rent and utilities for at least five years. We would like to outline some of the services that families would receive and our qualifications to operate this program. Program Description Marin Head Start has been in existence since 1966, making us one of the earliest pioneers in the provision of preschool services to children and their families. Head Start has op6rated as the nation's model program and has enjoyed broad support from Congress, schools, social service and health programs and, most importantly, from parents. One of the reasons that Head Start has been so successful is the requirement that the program have a 25% local match for its funding. Each Head Start program is designed with input from parents and local collaborators to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the families in that community. The recognition that there needs to be local partnerships to solve complex social problems goes back to the very first days of Head Start and is even more true today. Our program receives the bulk of its funding from the Federal government, with Congress making annual allocations. Continued funding is based on the program's ability to meet Federal Performance Standards. Every three years a program audit is conducted. A federal review team consisting of professionals in the education, health, mental health, dental; nutrition and social service fields will visit the program for one-week. During this week they visit all of the classrooms to observe the teachers work, inspect the records and assess the environment in the centers. They also interview parents and community members and conduct an administrative and fiscal audit. Marin Head Start has consistently been rated as an excellent. program. EXHIBIT"„ 1.049G PG—LOF�-_T PGS6 �Izak'sII 81-A DIG TAL DRIVE • N 'ATO • CA 9494 (415) 883-6058 > FAX (415) 883-60 Staff Qualifications The staff who work at Marin Head Start are dedicated and committed to the mission of the program. In addition, they are well educated and have a great deal of experience to bring to the families. Below are the qualifications of the key personnel: Name/position Education Years at HS Cynthia Klock (Director) Kay Wernert (Education Manager) Blanche Donaldson (Fam. Svc. Manager) Marge Brinkmann (Health Manager) Sheryl Morgan (Mental Health Consultant) Christine Berman (Nutrition Consultant) RN, BS Nursing, MBA 9 BA, MEd. Special Ed. 17 BA Social Work 12 BA Health Education 6 BA, MA, MFCC, PhD 2 BS, MS, RD Nutrition 10 Each classroom has a Head Teacher, Assistant Teacher, site assistant and a parent/community volunteer for 18-20 children. The teaching staff and home visitors have at a minimum, a California Children's Center Permit and many have a bachelors or masters degree as well. The staff/student ratios and educational preparation of the staff greatly exceed that which is found in most child development programs. Client Population Marin Head Start enrolls families who have a preschool child, reside in Marin and earn less than the Office of Management and Budget's poverty level. This rate is currently $15,600 per year for a family of four. The families often have multiple risk factors in addition to poverty These include domestic violence, children with special needs, developmental delays, and behavioral problems, children and parents with literacy issues, families dealing with drug and alcohol problems, cultural barriers, social isolation and physical health problems. EXHIBIT_ PG 2 OF PGS The program serves around 225 families each year across Marin County. Currently, about 45% of the enrolled families reside in San Rafael, with the vast majority of the families living in the Canal area. Locating at the First Congregational Church would allow us to serve more San Rafael families and to have a presence with families from the Santa Venitia area. This area has been hard to serve since we could not provide busing and so few families have transportation. Bus routes could be redesigned to accommodate these families if they did not have to be transported all the way to Novato as we have had to do in the past. Program Philosophy Marin Head Start works with the whole family to address the various risk factors in their lives. We help them assess their strengths and develop goals for themselves and their children. Parents are included in every level of the program, including program governance. The Policy Council is made up of elected representatives from each classroom/home base group. The Policy Council has approval/disapproval power over all personnel decisions, budget and policy decisions and grant applications. We operate with the belief that parents know what is best for themselves and their children and our job is to help them create a vision for themselves and guide them to the resources that are available. Program Services Classroom Curriculum - Children attend classes Monday -Thursday for five hours. They are transported from their home to the school and back at the end of the day. During the day the children follow an approved developmentally appropriate curriculum. Every child is thoroughly assessed three times during the school year using a standardized educational assessment tool. The teacher shares with the parents in their home to talk about the unique skills and attributes of their child and how they can help their child learn in their own home and community setting. Special Education - The children who need special education services are able to receive these services at our centers with parental consent. We work closely with the Marin County Office of Education to ensure that each child has an individualized plan to address their needs. Each year about 30% of the Head Start children qualify for special education. Health Assessment - The children are also able to receive comprehensive health exams including a complete.physical exam, dental exams, social -emotional screenings, growth and developmental screenings and any needed follow-up treatments. Two complete meals are prepared and served for the children and tooth brushing takes place. The program also ensures that the children are EXHIBIT.,._, PG 3 MJF 5 PGS exposed to cultural activities by providing field trips and bringing community artists into the classroom. Transition planning is done with the San Rafael City School district to guarantee that each child arrives in kindergarten ready to learn. The district administration and kindergarten teachers have been in discussions with us for the last year to find a location in San Rafael so Head Start can provide additional services. Parent Program - Parents are assisted in their role as their child's primary teacher by the social services staff. The staff visit them in their home, provide twice a month Parent Clubs where the parents can meet in small groups and learn about parenting skills, self-esteem issues, child growth and development, health and nutrition topics, domestic violence and many other issues. Parents are assisted in enrolling in education programs or job training programs or we help them to find employment based on their own skills and goals. Many parents are already working part-time when they enroll in Head Start and they are assisted to plan for their future. We see our case management role increasing as parents will need to adjust to the new welfare requirements. All children and parents who enroll at the First Congregational Church site would have access to the full range of Head Start services. Contribution of Marin Head Start to the First Congregational Site Marin Head Start anticipates some extra expenses if we are able to move to the new location. Chief among these expenses would be the moving of our playground equipment. We have already received bids which are in the range of $10,000-15,000. We would also have some additional costs in moving phone lines, the actual costs of hiring movers, site enhancements, new signs, etc. There may also be programmatic increases resulting from having a site move from Novato to San Rafael such as increased costs for bussing, staff mileage, insurance increases and perhaps others costs. We have not had time to do a thorough cost study but it appears that it would take us at least a year to recover the cost of the site subsidy, estimating that the benefit of the free rent and utilities for a year are approximately $24,000. Future Program Changes We would propose that there would not be any program changes until we have recovered our cost to set up the new site (year one). Discussions with the Policy Council, parent groups, community groups and others would begin upon notification of agreement to occupy the site to establish how we could use the rent/utility savings to enhance the services to the children and families in the San Rafael area. A number of options should be explored including extending services for the children by lengthening the school year, lengthening the number of days of service and or the number of hours per day. We could also look at 57 EXHIBIT PO_J�_OF7PG, which families would qualify for the increased services since this would not be available to all families who are enrolled in the program if services were limited just to the new site. Another option is to increase our social services staff to assist families who are moving from welfare -to -work. Families need services in addition to child care to make this difficult transition. Many families find the Head Start hours meet their needs now and other families are supported in finding child care with wrap around arrangements. There are other options which could be explored as well such as collaborating with other programs or providers to arrange wrap around child care for parents who need longer or non- traditional hours of care. We expect that the option that will best meet the needs of the children and parents has not even been thought of yet and that future discussions with parents, staff and the community will yield the most creative and useful direction for the future program services offered by Marin Head Start at the First Congregational Church. We are excited by the vision of what could be created with this collaboration and the many benefits that will result for the entire community. IXHIBIT _9� PO fl� PGS