ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Community Development Director with a Request from the Advisory Commission on Human Resources (HRC) to APPROVE the 2018 CDBG PUBLIC SERVICE APPLICATION.
Body
BACKGROUND:
On an annual basis, the City of Peoria receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A maximum of 15% of the overall CDBG allocation is designated for public service activities. The Advisory Commission on Human Resources (HRC) is the City Commission that reviews all the applications and makes funding recommendations regarding Public Service activities to City Council for final approval.
At the July 21, 2017 Commission meeting, the Commissioners voted to recommend six (6) funding priorities for the 2017 application. Attached is a memorandum from the HRC Chairperson, Jessica Zobac, regarding the process of the Commission in making this request for the approval of the application that incorporates these priorities. Also attached is the Public Service Matrix Code Definitions which includes the description of all the possible funding areas allowed by HUD that can be selected by Council.
Each Commissioner voted for his or her top 10 priorities and the voting scores were combined. The top six priorities, ranked highest to lowest, included:
1) Youth Services (13 to 19)
2) Employment Training
3) Services for Abused and Neglected Children
4) Child Care Services (Under 13)
5) Mental Health Services
6) Senior Services
Independent from the selection of the funding priorities, the HRC thoroughly reviewed and modified the application, timeline, and materials for clarity and content. The Commission requests City Council approval of the 2018 application that incorporates the recommended priorities.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: It is estimated that approximately $225,000 in CDBG public service funds will be available in fiscal year 2018.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Public hearings and public comment period are held per HUD grant requirements each year and HRC meetings are open to the public for comment. No public comment related to the funding priorities and application process, timeline and materials were received.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The HRC will be able to proceed with their responsibility to receive, review and recommend to the City Council the use of CDBG funds for needed public service programs in fiscal year 2018.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The HRC will not be able to proceed with their responsibility to receive, review and recommend to the City Council the use of CDBG funds for needed public service programs in fiscal year 2018 and an alternative will need to be identified.
ALTERNATIVES: None identified at this time.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: All awarded public service subrecipients will be required to have valid EEO numbers.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
2. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
2. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development