Council accepts completion notices for neighborhood beautification projects funded by $260,000 program

City staff reported that $260,000 was allocated to a neighborhood-beautification/home-improvement program that selected 13 properties for exterior repairs intended to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners. BRAC Construction was contracted to perform the work; most projects came in under the $20,000 cap, with staff noting one project required special consideration when it exceeded that amount.

Staff presented before-and-after images and described projects including new roofs, stucco repairs, new windows, fencing and landscaping. Homeowners — including Rita Gilmartin (1332 Larchwood), Nora Tallman (115 Monterey) and Cindy Melvin (207 Monterey) — gave testimony describing restored roofs, new garage doors and improved safety and livability. Rita Gilmartin said the work "would not have been affordable" without the program and thanked staff and contractors.

Council moved to accept the notice of completion for work performed by Ibrock Construction on several addresses and authorized recording the notice with the San Bernardino County Recorder. The motion carried on a roll-call vote. Staff said remaining projects were being closed out and that the city seeks additional funding to expand the program in the future.

Next steps: staff to close out remaining projects, report on total spending and pursue additional grant funding for expanded rehabilitation efforts.