Report Prepared by: Laura Ivancich, Housing Program Specialist and Kimberly Nutt, Housing Program Supervisor, Housing Division/Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Allocation of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program Resources and Approval of Associated Subrecipient Agreement with Symple Equazion for the Program Approved with the Adopted 2021 Annual Action Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing the execution of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreement with Symple Equazion ($61,310)
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the agreement for the program identified in the 2021 HUD Annual Action Plan using Fiscal Year 2021-22 CDBG funds with Symple Equazion in the amount of $61,310 for their “Symple Soul Employment Readiness Program”; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or the Deputy City Manager to execute, and if necessary, direct staff to make minor modifications to the agreements described above and as attached, and all associated documents and exhibits; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to City staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Section 200 of the City of Merced Charter, City of Merced 2021 HUD Annual Action Plan, and Title 24 of the U.S Code of Federal Regulations, Part 570 (the HUD regulations concerning the governance and use of CDBG funds, including Subpart K of these regulations).
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As approved by the City Council on July 6, 2021 and budgeted with Fiscal Year 2021-22 CDBG Program Funds. The project associated with the agreement being presented for approval aligns with both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Council Goals and Priorities, in support of programs to prevent homelessness by preparing youth for future employment opportunities.
DISCUSSION
Symple Equazion is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization whose mission is to foster healthy communities through personal development to restore safe homes, schools, streets, and workplaces. Their “Symple Soul Employment Readiness Program” benefits low - to moderate - income residents within the City of Merced.
Symple Equazion applied for 2021-22 Program Year CDBG funding assistance to be utilized for costs associated with classroom, and “on-the-job” training. As part of their non-profit organization’s overall mission, Symple Equazion operates a food truck with which they provide “on-the-job” training to area youth. Classroom instruction also supplements this training with a variety of critical thinking, cognitive, and financial literacy skills needed to attain suitable employment. The hands-on training prepares participants for jobs or careers in the food preparation/food service field.
As required, Housing staff has completed the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) environmental review necessary to allow Federal funds to be spent on the project.
Staff is requesting that Council authorize execution of this subrecipient agreement for the use of CDBG funding approved with the 2021 HUD Annual Action Plan. HUD approved the project within the Annual Action Plan on October 27, 2021.
This is the last prior year public service program agreement needing to be executed after cumulative years of coronavirus related delays that overlapped into the 2021 and 2022 Program Years.
Following the execution of this agreement, the organization can then begin submitting invoices for payment of eligible costs.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
This agreement does not require any expenditures from the General Fund. This is a subgrant allocated in the prior year budget (Fiscal Year 2021-22) and funds are available within the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget in account 018-1301-552-29.00 (Other Materials Supplies).
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft 2021-22 Program Year Agreement with Symple Equazion