REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MICHAEL CARBAJAL, Director
Department of Public Utilities
MARK STANDRIFF, Beautify Fresno Director
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the award of a Vendor Agreement with Neighborhood Industries, Inc.,:
1. Affirm the City Manager’s determination that Neighborhood Industries is uniquely qualified to perform litter abatement and alley way maintenance services employing individuals living in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty
2. Approve a Vendor Agreement with Neighborhood Industries, Inc., for a total amount of $125,000 to provide litter abatement and alley way maintenance services in the Tower District Neighborhood (Council District 1)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council affirm the City Manager’s determination that Neighborhood Industries is uniquely qualified to perform litter abatement and alley way maintenance services employing individuals living in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty; approve a Vendor Agreement with Neighborhood Industries, Inc., to operate a litter abatement and alley way maintenance program in the Tower District Neighborhood; and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno (City).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is seeking to partner with Neighborhood Industries for a twelve-month litter abatement and alley way maintenance program in the Tower District Neighborhood. Neighborhood Industries will remove litter, conduct routine pressure washing of sidewalks, and provide a bi-annual alley way maintenance to all alleys between Blackstone Avenue and Weber Avenue, and Mckinley Avenue and Belmont Avenue. Additionally, Neighborhood Industries will provide employment opportunities within the program for individuals experiencing homelessness, the precariously housed, and people living in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty.
BACKGROUND
The City is grappling with a growing problem related to the illegal dumping of trash, furniture, appliances, and construction debris on public streets, vacant lots, and alleys. Illegal dumping creates health and safety issues, spreads blight, and the cost of removal is a financial burden on the City and local taxpayers. The City currently utilizes a complaint based approach to cleaning up illegal dumping sites, as well as implementing a citywide “Operation Clean-Up” program where City crews go to neighborhoods once a year to collect bulky items, trash, and green waste. Despite the City’s efforts, illegal dumping persists, and has been increasing in recent years.
To address this problem, the DPU is looking to expand services by partnering with Neighborhood Industries to operate a twelve-month litter abatement and alley way maintenance program in the Tower District Neighborhood. Neighborhood Industries will remove litter and conduct routine pressure washing of sidewalks along Olive Avenue, Van Ness Avenue, Wishon Avenue, and Fulton Street. The alley way maintenance program will include bi-annual removal of litter and vegetation to all alleys bounded by Blackstone Avenue, Weber Avenue, McKinley Avenue, and Belmont Avenue. Additionally, Neighborhood Industries will provide employment opportunities within the program for individuals experiencing homelessness, the precariously housed, and people living in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved as to form the Vendor Agreement. Upon approval by the City Council, the Agreement will be executed by the Director of Public Utilities, or designee.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This item is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was implemented with the selection of Neighborhood Industries which is a local business headquartered within the City of Fresno at 353 East Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728.
FISCAL IMPACT
This project is located in Council District 1. Funding for this Project is included in the City’s Fiscal Year 2022 General Fund budget (10101).
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Uniquely Qualified Memo
Attachment 1 - Vendor Agreement