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Citrus Heights Messenger

Council Identifies Priorities and Makes Plans for ARPA Funding

Jun 01, 2022 12:00AM ● By Story by Shaunna Boyd

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - At the May 26 meeting of the Citrus Heights City Council, City Manager Ashley Feeney presented priorities and needs recently identified through outreach to citizens and community groups. These priorities were organized into four Focus Area Strategic Objectives that support the City’s established Three-Year Goals"'and which can be implemented within the next six months. The four focus areas are Community Image, Economic Development, Community Connection, and Infrastructure Maintenance.  

The focus areas can be used as a work plan to help guide the allocation of the City’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Feeney said the ARPA funding gives the City an “opportunity to fund some one-time investments that could really pay dividends in the future.” By investing now, the City could see “meaningful, immediate results and really turn the tide” on some challenges within the community, said Feeney.

Residents are concerned about Community Image, with homeless encampments and blight identified as major concerns. The City plans to seek greater enforcement jurisdiction to address blight and crime on private property, as well as applying for crime prevention grants to bolster their efforts.

A beautification crew could be implemented within the city, which would be dedicated to removing illegal encampments on public property and clearing debris and obstructions from public right of ways. Feeney said these actions will increase public safety and create an aesthetic benefit that will improve quality of life in Citrus Heights.

The City is also looking into pursuing legal avenues, such as conservatorships to compel chronic nuisance offenders to seek necessary mental health or drug treatment.

Another aspect of the Community Image is ensuring a clean and welcoming city. Feeney said new signage and marketing to reinforce shared goals of community pride and cleanliness could help residents remember that they must also do their part to maintain their properties and avoid littering on city streets.

To increase Economic Development opportunities, Feeney said the City could consider funding a Business Attraction Grant Program as well as establishing a fund designated for low-interest loans for existing businesses. As the City looks at the revitalization of the Sunrise Mall, finding ways to bring down the financial risk would attract businesses to the area and incentivize the redevelopment.

After the isolation and disconnection of the pandemic lockdowns, many residents are looking for Community Connection. Feeney said that encouraging public participation in events and activities will strengthen the city. The City can facilitate more participation in Council meetings as well as support neighborhood projects and community block parties.

Infrastructure Maintenance will involve improvements and modernization along the city’s roadways, such as refreshing vegetation and replacing old signage. The City can also pursue infrastructure grants and use ARPA funds for the matching funds.

Feeney said the City is committed to transparent reporting of all programs and projects, to show residents and businesses how the money is being spent and how effective the programs are. He asked the Council to approve a resolution adopting the Focus Area Strategic Planning Objectives to “clarify the mission.”

Councilmember Jeannie Bruins commended Feeney for the comprehensive report. She said she would support the resolution “to focus and move forward our agenda. I think some of the creative ideas that have come out of this are going to be really well received by the public.”

Councilmember Bret Daniels expressed his excitement, stating that Citrus Heights is “taking a turn.” He said that while the issues “won’t be fixed overnight,” Citrus Heights is “about to make a dramatic change. … We have a different path now. … It’s going to be a different city.”

The resolution passed unanimously.

The Council also discussed some more specific ARPA funding recommendations to support those focus areas. The City was awarded a total of $15.6 million, with $5.3 million already allocated to restore Citrus Heights Police Department staffing positions and $320,000 allocated to the Small Business Recovery Grant Program"'but those total allocations have not yet been expended and some of that funding remains available. In total, the City has just over $10 million left to allocate, which must be completed by December 31, 2024, and must be fully spent by the end of 2026.

Feeney explained that some ARPA funding can be quickly allocated to begin addressing the Strategic Objectives.

The Beautification Crew, which would preserve and enhance public safety, could be funded with approximately $875,000. That would cover the cost of a two-person crew, a truck outfitted with supplies, and operational expenses. They would address homeless camps, clean up illegal dumps, collect and return abandoned shopping carts, and perform trash removal from open spaces and public right of ways, as well as weed abatement and debris removal along sidewalks and roadways. These would be limited-term positions, funded just during the ARPA spending window, and then the City can revisit if the program is still needed and if any new funding sources are available.

For the estimated cost of $50,000, a block party trailer could be fully outfitted with tables, chairs, audio, games, and coolers. The trailer would provide the essentials to host neighborhood parties and it would be available for community groups to rent.

Feeney said the CHPD needs vehicle replacements, estimated at $1.4 million, and $600,000 could be allocated to modernize the CHPD dispatch center.

Councilmember Daniels said they are moving in the right direction with these priorities by addressing important issues in the community.

Councilmember Steve Miller agreed that these suggestions are a good use of the ARPA funds.

Vice Mayor Tim Schaefer said that as the City takes steps to lead the way on beautification, he encourages residents to step in as well and help “rebuild” the vibrancy of the city.

Specific details on these ARPA funding recommendations will come before the Council as an action item at the June 23 meeting, and they will consider approval of these items at that time.