Agenda Item
City Council
Item #: 3.8. 7/12/2022 File #: 22-0400
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Rob Houston, City Manager
FROM: Susan Galvan, Interim Community Development Director
1. SUBJECT
Agreement with Michael Baker International for Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and general grant management consulting services.
2. SUMMARY
The Agreement with Michael Baker International will provide continued support for the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and state and federal grants administered and managed by the Community Development Department.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the agreement with Michael Baker International in the amount of $120,000 for Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and general grant management consulting services; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
The total expenditure for this amendment is $120,000 and will be funded through Community Development Block Grant (310), HOME (317), SB-2 Building Homes and Jobs Act (312), Reimbursable Capital Projects (550), and General Fund (100).
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 2: Be a fiscally healthy community
a: Expend fiscal resources responsibly.
Goal 4: Provide outstanding public service
b: Provide facilities and services to meet customer expectations.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
CDBG and HOME Grants
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides grants to states, cities, and counties on an annual basis to provide housing support and uplift communities. One of the grants received by the City is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) used to provide suitable environments through economic opportunities for low and moderate income persons.
Another grant is the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) used to implement housing strategies designed to increase homeownership and affordable housing.
Due to the stringent requirements for the use of CDBG and HOME funds, Michael Baker City of Orange Printed on 7/7/2022Page 1 of 2
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Item #: 3.8. 7/12/2022 File #: 22-0400
Due to the stringent requirements for the use of CDBG and HOME funds, Michael Baker International, Inc. (MBI) was retained last year to assist in the reporting, monitoring, and compliance of HUD rules during the re-positioning of the Housing Division within the Community Development Department. While staff will be assuming many of the functions that MBI assisted with in the past fiscal year, this agreement will extend MBI’ssupport of reporting, monitoring and compliance in the new fiscal year as a resource to ensure that all HUD rules continue to be followed and to keep staff informed of changes in program regulations and funding opportunities.
In addition, the agreement covers services for the development of specialized documents and studies required for the use of HOME funding by prospective applicants looking to develop affordable housing projects in the City, and special training required by planning and administration staff.
Special Grant Assistance
MBI is also assisting staff with the reporting and compliance requirements for special purpose grants received from HUD, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) grant received for the preparation, prevention, and response to coronavirus. CARES funds to date have been used for business assistance and activities addressing homelessness.
In addition, MBI is assisting with reporting and consulting on grants received from the California Department of Housing and Urban Development (HCD). Grants received from HCD include:
· SB2 Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) used to address homelessness; · Planning Grant Program (PGP) used for planning ordinance updates; · City Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) used for planning ordinance and specific plan updates.
Furthermore, MBI has experienced staff familiar with Successor Agency processes and activities related to housing. As such, MBI is providing consulting and training as needed to ensure that reporting and compliance is accurate and timely.
Staff recommends approving the agreement with MBI to assist with the reporting, monitoring, and compliance of any HUD and HCD grants received, as well as advise on general grant administration as grants become available. In addition, this agreement will cover the cost of staff training and extra consultant hours required for prospective users of HOME funding that will be brought to Council at a later date for consideration.
7. ATTACHMENTS
· Professional Services Agreement
City of Orange Printed on 7/7/2022Page 2 of 2
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