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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Authorizing the Mayor to sign the 2021 Home Investment Partnerships - American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Grant Agreement RESOLUTION NO. 21-542 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE 2021 HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS -AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (HOME-ARP) GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA WHEREAS, on March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP)Act into law, which provides over $1.9 trillion in relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and, WHEREAS,as part of this Act,Congress appropriated$5 billion to provide housing,services,and shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations across the country;and, WHEREAS,this supplemental funding is being allocated by formula to 651 jurisdictions, along with local governments that qualified for HOME Investment Partnership Program allocations for fiscal year 2021; and, WHEREAS,on April 8,2021,the City of Ames was notified that it would be receiving$1,269,248 of the HOME-ARP funding,and this funding is in addition to the City's regular 2021-22 HOME funding of$350,543; and, WHEREAS, HOME-ARP funding gives jurisdictions significant new resources to address their homeless assistance needs by creating affordable housing or non-congregate shelter units and providing tenant-based rental assistance or supportive services; and, WHEREAS, HOME-ARP funds must be used for individual or families from the following qualifying populations:homeless;at-risk of homelessness;fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; other populations where providing assistance would prevent the family's homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability;and veterans and families that include a veteran family members that meet one of the preceding criteria: - Including the production or preservation of affordable housing - Tenant-based rental assistance; supportive services - Including homeless prevention services and housing counseling services - Purchase or development of non-congregate shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness WHEREAS, HOME-ARP provides for up to 15 percent of the allocation for administrative and planning cost of the participating jurisdiction and for subrecipients administering all or a portion of the grant; and, WHEREAS, ARP can provide up to five percent of the Grant for operating cost of Community Housing Development Organizations and other non-profit organizations, including homeless providers; and, WHEREAS, on September 22, 2021,the City of Ames received its official notification from the Housing and Urban Development(HUD) along with the HOME-ARP Grant Agreement; and, WHEREAS,as a participating jurisdiction,the City may use up to five percent of its total award, approximately$63,462,for administrative and planning costs once the Grant Agreement has been signed and returned to the designated field office; and, WHEREAS, HUD had published very detailed and very restrictive program regulations and requirements,and to date staff has participated in four HOME-ARP Webinars to try and gain knowledge and expertise in the complexities of the program requirements, and in addition to these requirements,the City will be required to amend its 2021-2022 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan to include all activities to be implemented; and, WHEREAS,over the next several weeks staff will be meeting with its Legal,Finance,Purchasing, Inspections, Public Works, and other Departments to seek their support and assistance in the possible implementation of this program; and, WHEREAS, staff will also contact the ASSET Team and other community partners(not eligible for funding) for their possible assistance in developing an Allocation Plan; and, WHEREAS, due to the variety of potential eligible activities, it is likely that staff will need to create a competitive grant application process for these funds; and, WHEREAS,with approval of the Grant Agreement, the City is responsible for ensuring that all grant funds are used in accordance with all program requirements, and an executed Grant Agreement is a legally binding agreement between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Ames; and, WHEREAS, the City of Ames will have until September 30, 2030, to access these funds, any remaining funds will be returned to the US Treasury. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames,Iowa,that the Mayor is authorized to sign the 2021 HOME Investment Partnerships -American Rescue Plan(HOME- ARP) Grant Agreement in the amount of$1,269,248. ADOPTED THIS 12'h day of October, 2021. Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor Introduced by: Junck Seconded by: Corrieri Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin Voting nay: None Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 12'day of October, 2021.