Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board authorize the Chair to execute a letter for submittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development authorizing the Director, or successor, to execute all National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) documents associated with HOME Standard Agreement 10-HOME-6850.
FUNDING: There is no cost associated with this request.
Body
Background:
The Department of Human Services (DHS, now a division of the County of El Dorado Health & Human Services Agency) received approval from the Board of Supervisors on August 24, 2010 to apply for a HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) grant to continue the County’s First-Time Homebuyer Acquisition with Minor Rehabilitation Loan Program. Pursuant to Resolution 138-2010 (attached), “The Director of Human Services, or successor, is hereby authorized and directed to execute this application, including all required documents, and act on the County’s behalf in all matters pertaining to this application,” and “If the application is approved, the Director of Human Services, or successor, is authorized to sign Drawdown Requests and other required documents and reporting forms required for administration of the grant.”
Reason for Recommendation:
The County was awarded the HOME grant and the DHS received the executed Standard Agreement on April 19, 2011. DHS has submitted documentation to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to meet the set-up conditions of the grant in order to receive the Authority to Use Grant Funds from the State. As a final condition for that authority, the State now requires a separate letter of authorization, signed by the Board Chair, to specifically authorize the Director, or successor, to execute all National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) documents associated with the HOME Standard Agreement 10-HOME-6850.
The County published the Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds for public comment on September 14, 2011, to satisfy the environmental review requirements for the First-Time Homebuyer Acquisition with Minor Rehabilitation Loan Program. The notice specified the program activities are categorically excluded from NEPA requirements per 24 CFR Section 5835(a). No public comments were received in response to the Notice.
The Health & Human Services Agency requests the Board of Supervisors authorize the Board Chair execute the attached letter on County letterhead and for submittal to the State for completion of the County’s Standard Agreement set-up conditions.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
Board Clerk to obtain signature from the Board Chair.
Health & Human Services Agency to submit letter to the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
Contact: Daniel Nielson, 642-7275