 |
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Meeting Date: July 14, 2008
From: Ken Thomas, Director of Housing and Economic Development
Subject: Resolution authorizing submission of a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization application
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application in the Neighborhood Revitalization category with the intent to obtain funding for neighborhood improvements.
Analysis:
The City of Leesburg is eligible to receive up to $750,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding in the 2008 funding cycle. The purpose of the first public hearing is to select the appropriate grant category or categories in which the City wishes to apply for funding and agree with the recommended project from the Citizen Advisory Task Force (CATF). The four grant categories are described as follows:
Housing
This grant category provides financial assistance to repair or replace existing homes. The occupants of each housing unit must meet maximum household income limits to qualify for assistance. Several years ago the City received two housing grants assisting approximately 60 households.
Neighborhood Revitalization
Funding from this grant category can be used to install or replace infrastructure in residential neighborhoods such as Kristen Court. The City’s most recent grant was for infrastructure improvements in Heritage Estates and Carver Heights. Infrastructure can include water lines, wastewater lines, stormwater and street paving. The majority of the households serviced by the infrastructure to be constructed within the residential neighborhood must meet the low to moderate income requirements.
Commercial Revitalization
This grant category provides funds for streetscape improvements, under-grounding of electric utilities and parking facilities. The City could utilize these funds to expand the streetscaping already started by the City, or create an entryway feature at U. S. 27. The parking garage was funded from this grant. The residential structures within ½ mile of any proposed project and the residents within all Community Redevelopment Areas must have household incomes within the prescribed grant limits.
Economic Development
This funding category is designed to provide funding to create new jobs. The funds can be used for construction of private business facilities or for the installation of public utilities necessary for the job creating business. Note: This funding category is not subject to the funding cycle deadline and funds are available throughout the year.
Upon the selection of the grant category or categories by the City Commission, staff will work with the grant writing consultant to develop grant applications. The projects will be reviewed at a second public hearing prior to submission to the grant agency. Additionally, the Citizen Advisory Task Force, appointed by the City Commission will also review the proposed projects and provide a recommendation to the City Commission.
Staff recommends that the City apply for funding in the neighborhood and commercial revitalization categories. The neighborhood grant could be used for infrastructure improvements in Kristen Court, and the commercial revitalization funds could be used for continued streetscaping along Main Street to the east and west boundaries of the Greater Leesburg CRA. While the City can make application in two categories, the City can only receive funding for one grant. Staff recommends that the neighborhood grant be the priority project.
Options:
1. Submit application in the Neighborhood and Commercial Revitalization grant categories;
2. Submit only one application in either the Neighborhood, Housing or Commercial Revitalization grant categories; or
3. Such action as the Commission deems appropriate.
Fiscal Impact:
The City can potentially receive up to $750,000 in grant funding. In order for the grant application to be competitive, matching funds of $250,000 are required. Funding of $427,500 to be obtained from Lake County can be used as matching funds.
Submission Date and Time: 7/9/2008 3:09 PM____
|
Department: ______________________ Prepared by: ______________________ Attachments: Yes____ No ______ Advertised: ____Not Required ______ Dates: __________________________ Attorney Review : Yes___ No ____
_________________________________ Revised 6/10/04 |
Reviewed by: Dept. Head ________
Finance Dept. _______JB___________
Deputy C.M. ___________________ Submitted by: City Manager ___________________ |
Account No. _________________
Project No. ___________________
WF No. ______________________
Budget ______________________
Available _____________________ |
RESOLUTION NO._______________
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LEESBURG, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A SMALL CITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION APPLICATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THAT the City Manager is hereby authorized to submit a Small Cities Community Development Grant application for $750,000 for funding of a Neighborhood Project.
THAT this resolution shall become effective immediately.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission of the City of Leesburg, Florida, at a regular meeting held the _14th____ day of _July___ 2008.
__________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
City Clerk