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HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 40727CITY SECRETARY CtNTRACT NO. AGREEMENT WITH FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY CONCERNING THE FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAMS This Agreement (Agreement") concerning the Fort Worth Housing Authority Homeownership Programs is between the City of Fort Worth ("Fort Worth"), a home rule municipal corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas, acting by and through its duly authorized Assistant City Manager, and the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Worth, d/b/a/ the Fort Worth Housing Authority ("FWHA"), a Texas municipal housing authority, acting by and through its duly authorized Executive Director. (Sometimes Fort Worth and FWHA are referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties"). RECITALS Fort Worth and FWHA agree that the following statements are true and correct and constitute the basis on which they have entered into this Agreement. WHEREAS, Section 555 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 ("QHWRA") which amended the United States Housing Act of 1937, 42 U.S.C. 1437f(y) permits the FWHA to create a homeownership option for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher ("HCV") recipients; WHEREAS, FWHA has created the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program ("HCVHP") to convert certain eligible HCV recipients into homeowners; WHEREAS, Section 32 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 ,as amended (42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.) permits FWHA to develop a homeownership plan to sell its Public Housing Scattered Sites rental properties ("Scattered Site Program"); WHEREAS, FWHA has developed a Section 32 Homeownership Plan to promote homeownership for qualified buyers ("Section 32 Program"); WHEREAS, the HCVHP and Section 32 Program (collectively, the "FWHAHP") require applicant families to attend and satisfactorily complete a pre -assistance homeownership training and housing counseling program; WHEREAS, Fort Worth offers homeownership training, pre -purchase and post -closing housing counseling and homebuyers' assistance programs which provide the types of service needed to fulfill the requirements of the HCVHP and Section 32 Program for pre -assistance counseling, including but not limited to assistance in outreach and marketing of the HCVHP and Section 32 Program to HCV recipients and clients participating in the Section 32 Program, client assessment, credit counseling, financial literacy counseling, homeownership training, participation in the Home Buyers Club, post -closing counseling, lender training, real estate agent training and down payment and/or closing cost assistance -for first time homebuyers; WHEREAS, an Applicant is defined as a person who is currently receiving rental assistance through the HCV program and has. __expressed an interest in participating in the HCVHP, or person who ha ; beee ast by the FWHA to participate in the Section 32 g Pro ram; O( MAL CITY SECRETARY gORIR TX :1U IN 08-20-1 0 Al 1 : IN FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM AGREEMENT 2010-2011 PAGE 1 Rev. 8-5-10 WHEREAS, an Eligible Family is defined as an Applicant who has met the eligibility requirements for the HCVHP or the Section 32 Program, completed all required counseling services and received FWHA approval to pursue homeownership with the HCV or the Section 32 Program, WHEREAS, FWHA Housing Assistance Payment (' HAP") is defined as the lesser of 1) the payment standard minus the total tenant payment, or 2) the family's monthly homeownership expenses minus the total tenant payment as determined by FWHA and only applies to the HCVHP; WHEREAS, increasing homeownership and providing affordable housing for all income groups are among Fort Worth's housing policy goals and are affirmed in Fort Worth's Comprehensive and Consolidated Plans. NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows: 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE. The purpose of this Agreement is to set forth the terms and conditions under which Fort Worth will provide FWHA with housing counseling and homebuyer assistance to Applicants and Eligible Families and related services to the FWHA. 2. TERM. This Agreement shall commence on May 11, 2010 and will expire May 10, 2011 unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement The Parties may renew this Agreement for up to twelve (12) months by mutual written agreement The Parties shall execute such renewals no later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the current term. In addition to termination foi default pursuant to Section 5, either Party may terminate this Agreement without cause upon sixty (60) days' written notice to the other Party, and neither Party shall have any further responsibility or liability hereunder except for services previously rendered and payment for the same. 3. DUTIES OF THE PARTIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED. 3.1. FWHA and Fort Worth will: a. Identify, recruit and establish a pool of mortgage lenders and real estate agents participating in the FWHAHP b. Maintain a marketing and training plan for mortgage lenders and real estate agents. c. Conduct orientation sessions with Applicants. 3.2 FWHA will: a. Administer the HCVHP and Section 32 Program. b. Develop and implement a marketing plan for HCV recipients, including FWHA's Family Self -Sufficiency (' FSS ') clients c. Revise written materials about the HCVHP and Section 32 Program as FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM AGREEMENT 2010-2011 PAGE 2 Rev. 8-5-10 needed. d. Determine each HCV recipient's eligibility to apply for HCVHP in accordance with FWHA's HCVHP Administrative Plan and each individual or family's eligibility to apply for the Section 32 Program in accordance with FWHA's Section 32 Implementation Agreement. e. Refer Applicants to Fort Worth for pre -homeownership counseling. f. Establish a Homebuyers Club for Applicants categorized as Long Term lender -ready. Conduct quarterly meetings of the Homebuyers Club. g. Issue HCVHP Certification of Eligibility and FWHA HAP voucher to an Applicant after completion of pre -homeownership counseling and after an Applicant is deemed lender —ready. Upon receipt of the HCVHP Certification of Eligibility and FWHA HAP voucher, an Applicant shall be deemed to be an Eligible Family. h. Review the sales contract for the house to be acquired by an hligible Family. Make FWHA HAP payments in the manner prescribed by a mortgage lender either directly to an Eligible Family, directly to a mortgage lender, or to a financial institution on which payments are drafted by a mortgage lender. j. Provide Fort Worth the following: • A copy of the relevant FWHA policies and procedures currently in place regarding the HCVHP and Section 32 Program and all future updates of such policies and procedures. • A copy of the current U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD) regulations pertaining to the HCVHP, as amended from time to time, including but not limited to those regulations found at 24 C.F.R 982.1 et seq. • A copy of the FWHA Administrative Plan for participation in the HCVHP, • A copy of all applicable federal regulations pertaining to the Section 32 Program. • A copy of the Implementation Agreement for the Section 32 Program. • A list of Applicants who are current FSS participants and the current balance of the participants' escrow accounts. k. For Section 32 Program Applicants: • Provide an assessment of each Applicant's qualification for the Section 32 Program based on credit worthiness, employment, income history and any compensating factors. Applicants will be categorized as follows: • Fast Track - lender ready • Short Term- lender ready in six (6) months or less • Long Term - lender -ready in more than six (6) months • Provide a copy of the assessment, including category designation, to City and Applicants. • Provide City and each Eligible Family's mortgage lender with a copy of the final sales contract entered into with a seller. FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM AGREEMENT 2010-2011 PAGE 3 Rev. 8-5-10 3.3. Fort Worth will: For HCVHP Clients a. Obtain credit reports for Applicants at the Applicant's or FWHA's cost, as the case may be b. Provide FWHA a copy of Fort Worth's Steps to Homeownership as amended from time to time. c. Provide each Applicant with an initial counseling session within two (2) weeks after an orientation session that describes the counseling process and the schedule of all necessary appointments. d. Provide an assessment of each Applicant's qualification for the HCVHP based on credit worthiness, employment, income history and any compensating factors. Applicants will be categorized as follows: • Fast Track - lender ready • Short Term- lender ready in six (6) months or less • Long Term - lender -ready in more than six (6) months e. Provide a copy of the assessment, including category designation, to FWHA and Applicants. f. Provide each Applicant categorized as Fast Track or Short Term with 20- 25 hours of pre -homeownership individual counseling, including an action plan, and homeownership, training. Training/counseling shall include the following activities/topics: • Credit counseling. • How to find a house to purchase, including information about home ownership opportunities, schools, and pubhc transportation in the City of Fort Worth. • Information on fair housing laws and regulations, including local fair housing agencies. • How to negotiate a purchase of a house. • Information about the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, state and federal truth -in -lending laws, and how to identify and avoid loans with unfavorable and predatory terms and conditions. • How to obtain homeownership financing and mortgage loan pre - approvals, including a description of types of financing that may be available and the advantages and disadvantages of different types of financing. • House maintenance (including care of the landscaping and energy. conservation). • Budgeting and money management • Financial literacy in conjunction with the FSS program. • FWHAP or other similar programs offered by other agencies. • Other information deemed appropriate by FWHA and Fort Worth. g. Refer Applicants categorized as Long Term to the Homebuyers Club. h. Conduct sessions for the Home Buyers Club. Obtain from the Applicant a Mutual Dissolution Letter and/or any other documentation from Applicant's landlord approving termination of Applicant's lease and furnish same to FWHA FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM AGREEMENT 2010-2011 PAGE 4 Rev. 8-5-10 j. Determine Applicant's readiness to apply for a mortgage loan. k. Certify Applicant's completion of pre -homeownership counseling and training. Submit a copy of certification to FWHA 1. Work with each Eligible Family in the selection of a mortgage lender and assist the Eligible Family in providing supporting documents requested by the mortgage lender. m. Work with each Eligible Family and its mortgage lender in resolving any credit issues. n. Assist Eligible Families in the selection of a real estate agent and in sales contract negotiations. Review sales contract with the Eligible Family. o. Provide FWHA and each Eligible Family's mortgage lender with a copy of the final sales contract entered into with a seller. p. Complete an HQS inspection for Eligible Families receiving closing cost and down payment assistance through FWHAP and counsel Eligible Families on HQS inspector's findings. q. Assist Eligible Families in the selection of a licensed residential real estate inspector and review the real estate inspector's findings with the Eligible Families. r. Provide continued assistance to Eligible Families through closing. s. Provide supporting documents for FWHA HAP payments to mortgage lenders. t. Review Eligible Family's closing documents for accuracy to ensure that any down payment and other requirements have been met 'and appropriate financing and information have been utilized by the mortgage lenders. u. Provide City HAP to Eligible Families if they qualify under City HAP guidelines. v. Attend closing with Eligible Families, if requested by the Eligible Families. w. Provide copies of counseling and loan closing files to FWHA. x. Conduct quarterly post -purchase counseling with Eligible Families for one (1) year after loan closing y. Provide delinquency or foreclosure prevention counseling to Eligible Families as needed. z. Provide FWHA with monthly reports on the activities of all Applicants and Eligible Families. For Section 32 Program Clients a. Obtain credit reports for Applicants at the Applicant's or FWHA's cost, as the case may be b. Provide each Applicant categorized as Fast Track or Short Term with 1 - 2 hours of pre -homeownership individual counseling, including an action plan, and 8 hours of homeownership, training. Training/counseling shall include the following activities/topics: Credit counseling. How to find a house to purchase, including information about home ownership opportunities, schools, and public transportation in the City of Fort Worth. Information on fair housing laws and regulations, including local FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM AGREEMENT 2010-2011 PAGE 5 Rev. 8-5-10 fair housing agencies. • How to negotiate a purchase of a house. • Information about the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, state and federal truth -in -lending laws, and how to identify and avoid loans with unfavorable and predatory terms and conditions. • How to obtain homeownership financing and mortgage loan pre - approvals, including a description of types of financing that may be available and the advantages and disadvantages of different types of financing. • House maintenance (including care of the landscaping and energy conservation). • Budgeting and money management. • Financial literacy in conjunction with the FSS program. • City HAP or other similar programs offered by other agencies. • Othei information deemed appropriate by FWHA and Fort Worth. c. Refer Applicants categorized as Long Term to the Homebuyers Club. d. Conduct sessions for the Home Buyers Club. e. Certify Applicant's completion of pre -homeownership counseling and training. Submit a copy of certification to FWHA. f. Work with each Eligible Family in the selection of a mortgage lender and assist the Eligible Family in providing supporting documents requested by the mortgage lender. g. Work with each Eligible Family and its mortgage lender in resolving any credit issues. h. Provide City HAP to Eligible Families if they qualify under City HAP guidelines. i. Complete an HQS inspection for Eligible Families receiving closing cost and down payment assistance through City HAP and counsel Eligible Families on HQS inspector's findings j. Conduct quarterly post -purchase counseling with Eligible Families for one (1) year after loan closing. k. Provide delinquency or foreclosure prevention counseling to Eligible Families as needed. 1. Conduct orientation and provide counseling services to individuals and families participating in the Section 32 Program. 4. CONSIDERATION. FWHA agrees to provide a grant up to, but not to exceed, $80,000 00 to Fort Worth and Fort Worth agrees to provide services to FWHA valued up to $80,000.00 for the costs of the operation of the pre -assistance and post -closing homeownership and housing counseling program for the FWHAHP FWHA shall pay its portion of the costs to Fort Worth, as follows $20,000.00 on May 31, 2010; $20,000.00 on August 31, 2010; $20,000.00 on November 30, 2010 and $20,000.00 on February 28, 2011. During any renewals of this Agreement, FWHA shall provide Fort Worth with funds in accordance with the terms of any such renewal agreement. FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM AGREEMENT 2010-2011 PAGE 6 Rev. 8-5-10 5. DEFAULT. If either FWHA or Fort Worth fails, for any reason, to perform any provision or condition of this Agreement, this Agreement may be terminated if the default continues for a period of thirty (30) days after the notifying Party notifies the defaulting Party in writing of the default and its intention to declare this Agreement terminated for cause. If the defaulting Party does not cure or correct such breach within the thirty (30) day -period, the notifying Party shall have the right to declare this Agreement immediately terminated, and neither Party shall have any further responsibility or liability hereunder except for services previously rendered and payment for the same. 6. GENERAL PROVISIONS. 6.1 Request for Information. FWHA and Fort Worth agree to provide each other any information on Applicants and Eligible Families within two (2) business days of the request. 6.2. No Waiver. The failure of either Party to insist upon the performance of any provision or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right granted herein shall not constitute a waiver of that Party s right to insist upon appropriate performance or to assert any, such right on any future occasion. 6.3. Separability. If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired. 6.4. Force Majeure. The Parties shall exercise their best efforts to meet their respective duties and obligations hereunder, but shall not be held liable for any delay in or omission of performance due to force majeure or other causes beyond their reasonable control including, but not limited to, compliance with any state or federal law or regulation, acts of God, fires, strikes lockouts, national disasters, wars, riots, material or labor restrictions, transportation problems or existing contractual obligations directly related to the subject matter of this Agreement. 6.5 Venue and Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. Venue for any action brought on the basis of this Agreement shall lie exclusively in state courts located in Tarrant County, Texas. In any such action, the prevailing party shall recover from the other all reasonable attorneys' fees, court costs and other reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the action. 6.6 Entirety of Agreement. This Agreement, including all Exhibits attached hereto and any documents incorporated herein by reference contains the entire understanding and agreement between Fort Worth and FWHA as to the work and services to be performed. Any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreement is hereby declared null and void to the extent in conflict with the provisions of this Agreement. FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM AGREEMENT 2010-2011 PAGE 7 Rev. 8-5-10 CITY SECRET CO� iCT NO. 6.7 Compliance with Laws, Ordinances Rules and Regulations. This Agreement is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, including but not limited to all provisions of Fort Worth's charter. 6.8 Independent Contractors. Fort Worth shall operate hereunder as an independent contractor and not as an officer agent, servant or employee of FWHA. FWHA shall operate hereunder as an independent contractor and not as an officer, agent, servant, or employee of Fort Worth. Fort Worth shall have the exclusive control of, and the exclusive right to control the work designated to be performed by Fort Worth under the terms of this Agreement, and of all persons performing the same and shall be solely responsible for the acts and omissions of its officers, members, agents and employees Neither Fort Worth nor FWHA shall be responsible under the Doctrine of Respondent Superior for the acts or omissions of its officers, members, agents, employees or officers of the other. No partnership or joint venture is intended or formed between Fort Worth and FWHA by this Agreement. 6.9 Immunity and Third Parties. It is expressly agreed that, in the execution and performance of this Agreement, neither Fort Worth nor FWHA waives, nor shall be deemed to -waive, any immunity or defense that would otherwise be available to it against claims arising in the exercise of their respective powers and functions Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to benefit any third party other than an employee or officer of Fort Worth or FWHA while in the performance of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be construed to expand the liability of Fort Worth or FWHA beyond the scope of Chapter 101 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated unless specifically stated herein 6.10 Amendment. No amendment, modification or alteration of this Agreement shall be binding unless the same is in writing, dated subsequent to the date hereof and executed by the Parties. 7. Notices. All notices required by this Agreement shall be addressed to the Parties at the following address, or at such other address as either Party designates in writing, by certified mail, postage prepaid or hand delivery: Fort Worth: Cynthia Garcia, Assistant Director Fort Worth Housing and Economic Development Department 1000 Throckmorton St. Fort Worth, TX 76102 FWHA• Barbara Holston, President and CEO Fort Worth Housing Authority 1201 E 136 Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 [SIGNATURES APPEAR ON NEXT PAGE.] FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM AGREEMENT 2010-2011 PAGE 8 Rev. 8-5-10 EXECUTED in multiple originals as of the last date indicated below: CITY OF FORT WORTH By: inn '•T.H. Higgins Assistant City Manager Date: A By: M & C: C-24260 Date: June 15, 2010 se Marty Hendri ' City Seer T 4% 0 woo Firma rise . ��p 0 FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY: By: Barbara Holston President and CEO Date: B -/I-/0 ATTEST: By. �� ��'tt olowtrt% Sel. rstean Mitchell 0000o00t Q 0,(> *Vice -President of Assisted Housing sot 0,4 o° 0 0 00 T'a n �'XA�.ogcr D AS TO FORM,. • � � 1 LeeATLITY: i111 aka Vicki S. Ganske Senior Assistant City Attorney OFFICIAL RED( RU CITYSECRETARY FT. WORTH TX FORT WORTH HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM AGREEMENT 2010-2011 PAGE 9 Rev. 8-5-10 City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 LOG NAME: 17FWHA2010 SUBJECT: Accept a Grant from the Fort Worth Housing Authority for $80,000.00 to Provide Housing Counseling and Homeownership Training and Related Services, Authorize Execution of Contract and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS) REFERENCE NO.: **C-24260 RECOMMENDATION. It is recommended that the City Council. 1. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant of $80,000.00 from the Fort Worth Housing Authority to provide housing counseling and homeownership training and related services to participants in its Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, 2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to enter into a contract with the Fort Worth Housing Authority for $80,000.00 to provide services to participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program for a term beginning May 11, 2010 and ending May 10, 2011, 3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to amend, extend, or renew the contract in accordance with City policies and regulations upon mutual agreement with the Fort Worth Housing Authority if necessary to meet project goals; and 4. Authorize the attached appropriation ordinance increasing the estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund by $80,000.00. DISCUSSION: The Fort Worth Housing Authority (FWHA) is authorized by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create a homeownership option for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher recipients under Section 555 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act. Under the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program (HCVHP), Section 8 Housing Vouchers may be used to help first-time homebuyers meet monthly mortgage and related housing payments and utility expenses. Housing counseling and homeownership and post -purchase training are critical elements of the HCVHP. The City's Housing and Economic Development Department is a HUD -certified counseling agency and has received other housing counseling grants from HUD in the last six years. This year the City received a $40,976.00 Comprehensive Housing Counseling grant from HUD. The Housing and Economic Development Department also administers a Homebuyers' Assistance Program that provides forgivable loans for closing cost/down payment assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers. These two city programs complement FWHA's HCVHP and the City s participation in the HCVHP in turn helps meet its housing counseling and homebuyers assistance program goals set forth in the City s Consolidated and Comprehensive Plans. Logname: 17FWHA2010 Page 1 of 2 On September 19, 2006, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a contract with the FWHA to provide the required counseling services and homeownership training for its HCVHP (M&C C- 21684). The City Council authorized the City Manager to renew the contract with the FWHA in 2007 (M&C C-22135), 2008 (M&C C-22840) and 2009 (M&C C-23454). The most recent contract expired on May 10, 2010. Staff recommends that the contract be renewed for a term of one-year beginning on May 11, 2010 and ending on May 10, 2011. The $80,000.00 will be paid by the FWHA to the City on a quarterly basis The HCVHP is available in ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS. FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION: The Financial Management Services Director certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, of the Grants Fund. FUND CENTERS: TO Fund/Account/Centers GR76 451343 017445451000 GR76 5(VARIOUS) 017445451XXX FROM Fund/Account/Centers $80,000.00 $80,000.00 CERTIFICATIONS: Submitted for City Managers Office by: Originating Department Head: Additional Information Contact: Thomas Higgins (6192) Jay Chapa (5804) Karen Meunier (8091) Cynthia Garcia (8187) ATTACHMENTS 1. 17FWHA2010 AO.doc (Public) Logname: 17FWHA2010 Page 2 of 2