In its second meeting of the year, Santa Clarita City Council members are expected to receive the results of the latest annual community needs assessment survey, as well as discuss a project that would install nine electric vehicle charging stations at various locations.
Last summer, residents had the opportunity to weigh in on the city’s high- and low-priority issues via a survey as it prepares for a new five-year strategic plan. Identifying needs help guide city leaders to best use federal funding.
Santa Clarita receives Community Development Block Grant money annually, about $1.1 million, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to benefit lower-income communities. Funds could go toward housing, infrastructure and public services.
After the survey, which was available from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, “the results are consistent with those from prior years,” according to the city agenda report.
In the city’s 2018 Annual Action Plan, which outlines the specific ways the current year’s allocation of funds will be spent, affordable housing, infrastructure improvements and expansion, equal housing opportunities and providing supportive human services were among those listed.
The agenda report attached a brief summary of the latest results, where affordable rental housing and human services reappeared. Also highlighted on the list were permanent housing for the homeless, street and alley improvements and mental health services.
On Tuesday, one of two public hearings will be held for the 2019-20 CDBG program.
Charging stations
The City Council also will discuss awarding a nearly $195,000 contract to Servitek Solutions Inc. to design and install nine charging stations citywide.
Residents may soon find these stations at Valencia Heritage Park, Valencia Glen Park, Central Park, Canyon Country Park, The Centre, Old Town Newhall Parking Structure and City Hall, according to the proposal.
The city has indicated ChargePoint as the chosen charging network provider, which would include both hardware and software equipment. The industry leader already has more than 3,500 users within the Santa Clarita Valley, according to the city agenda.
To offset the costs of energy consumption and operation of the charging stations, users could be charged between 15 cents and 40 cents per kWh to account for both peak and non-peak hours.
