REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: PHIL SKEI, Assistant Director
Planning and Development
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to using the Ambassador Inn located at 1804 W. Olive Avenue, Fresno 93728, as an interim low-barrier homeless shelter:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines; and
2. Affirm the City Manager's finding that RH Community Builders LP, is uniquely qualified; and
3. Approve a Repair Services Agreement with the RH Community Builders LP not to exceed $5,981,700 (District 3)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a Repair Services Agreement with RH Community Builders LP to rehabilitate Ambassador Inn using Homekey 2 funds to serve as an interim low-barrier emergency homeless shelter as part of Project Homekey; and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno (City) recently purchased the Ambassador Inn, located at 1804 W. Olive Avenue, Fresno 93728 to serve as an interim low-barrier emergency homeless shelter as part of Project Homekey. Since receiving a Homekey 2 award agreement on August 4, 2022, in order to meet the State of California's deadlines, rehabilitation must commence as soon as possible. RH Community Builders LP has agreed to serve as the City's Developer for this Homekey 2 project. This action will enable the City to comply with accessibility requirements, building and safety requirements, and make improvements that will enhance the experience of residents at this shelter. This vendor is uniquely qualified as one of only two vendors with experience rehabilitating motels for shelter operations and who also have Homekey 2 experience.
BACKGROUND
On December 9, 2021 City Council adopted Resolution 2021-316 authorizing staff to submit applications to the California Department of Housing and Community Developme...
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