Title
Hearing to consider adoption of Resolution approving submittal of a Community Development Block Grant, General Allocation Planning and Technical Assistance application for up to $35,000, under the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to the California Department of Housing and Community Development to complete a housing conditions study; committing $1,750 in budgeted general funds for in-kind staff support to meet cash match requirement; and authorize the Chairman to sign the Statement of Assurances; and if awarded, authorize the Director of Human Services, or successor, to execute the grant agreement and subsequent amendments thereto that do not affect the dollar amount or the term, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, and to sign other grant-related documents. (Est. Time: 5-10 Min)
FUNDING: Application for $35,000 in Federal CDBG Grant Funds with County match of $1,750 from the Department's General Fund appropriations.
Resolution 234-2009
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: There is no cost associated with the application process beyond the staff time associated with preparation of the application. County match requirement for this application is $1,750 which is 5% of the grant amount. It is proposed to utilize the Department's currently budgeted County General Fund Housing Element Implementation dollars for staff time to meet the cash match if the application is funded.
Background:
In 1993 the County was awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning and Technical Assistance (PTA) allocation to obtain a consultant to perform a housing conditions survey in the unincorporated areas of the County and develop guidelines and procedures for the implementation of a Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. The housing conditions study revealed that approximately 30% of the housing units in the study area were substandard.
The current Housing Element of the County's General Plan was adopted on April 21, 2009 and provides a framework for the County's plan for addressing the housing needs of residents in the unincorporated areas of the County through 2013. The policies under Goal HO-2 of the Housing Element concentrate on maintaining community character and preserving housing stock through the continuation of County programs, effective code enforcement and investigation of new funding sources. The policies under Goal HO-3 of the Housing Element focus on preserving the affordable housing stock through continued maintenance, preservation, and rehabilitation of the existing affordable housing. Additionally, the Housing Element Implementation Measure HO-35 directs the County to apply for CDBG assistance in funding an updated exterior housing conditions survey for residential units in the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County.
To assist the County in meeting the goals of the Housing Element, an updated housing conditions study can identify the current needs, which can then be addressed through the future submittal of applications to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) under the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Programs.
Reason for Recommendation:
On August 6, 2008, the Board approved a 2008-09 CDBG PTA application for submittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development to hire a consultant to complete a housing conditions study. At the time the application was submitted, the funding allocation was oversubscribed and no additional funding became available. On June 30, 2009 the Board gave conceptual approval for the submittal of a minimum of two applications under Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) for the Fiscal Year 2009-10 Community Development Block Grant Planning and Technical Assistance (PTA) Allocations from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to provide grants of up to $35,000 per activity under the General and Economic Development allocations.
It is now necessary to expedite and obtain approval for submittal of the 2009-10 grant application prior to the NOFA release that is anticipated in November 2009 to ensure that the County can compete in the upcoming funding opportunity. Approval and adoption of an authorizing resolution are requested to again submit a CDBG PTA General Allocation grant application to hire a consultant to conduct a housing conditions study. It is anticipated that the application may require minor modifications based on the release of the 2009-10 NOFA and application format, but the purpose and funding amount will remain the same. A copy of the FY 2008-09 NOFA and Application Package has been included for reference pending receipt of the FY 2009-10 NOFA and Application Package.
The proposed grant budget for a 30-month CDBG funded Planning and Technical Assistance grant is outlined below. Activities funded under this allocation would be funded by the $35,000 grant and a proposed local leverage commitment made by Board Resolution in the amount of $1,750, which consists of in-kind staff services already budgeted under the DHS General Fund. There are no additional County costs anticipated during the grant period.
Proposed CDBG PTA Grant Budget
General Administrative Costs during Grant Term:
CDBG PTA Funding - General Administration $ 1,750
County of El Dorado - Local Leverage/In-Kind Staff Time 1,750
Total General Administrative Costs during Grant Term: $ 3,500
Client Services during Grant Term:
CDBG PTA Funding Study Consultant $ 33,250
Total Study Expenditures during Grant Term: $ 33,250
Total Costs during Grant Term: $ 36,750
The County allocates the cost of staff wages and benefits to the grant based on actual time worked. Other administrative costs to support the activities conducted under this grant, such as postage, office supplies and space costs are eligible grant expenditures and are included in the above proposed budget. Financial accomplishments and study activities conducted under the guidelines of this grant program are monitored by staff and reported to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
At the conclusion of the grant term, study results would be presented to the Board of Supervisors in a publicly noticed meeting to inform the Board and the community of the results of the study and provide an opportunity for input.
Existing staff would be utilized to administer the activities under this grant. The level of environmental review required under the grant activities would be determined and completed as a part of the grant set up conditions as required by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and would be overseen by County staff.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
Board Clerk to provide Human Services with:
· One (1) Resolution signed by the Chairman and one (1) certified copy of the Resolution.
· Three (3) Statements of Assurances signed by the Chairman - Retain one (1) executed Statement of Assurances.
Contact: Daniel Nielson, 642-7275
Concurrences: County Counsel and Risk Management have approved the Resolution.