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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0051) M&C 19-0055City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE: 08/20/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0055 LOG NAME: 19NS TDHCA-DOE 2019 SUBJECT Authorize Acceptance of 2019 U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program Grant Funds, a Federally Funded Program Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Designed to Provide Assistance for Low to Moderate Income Residents to Perform Home Modifications to Reduce Overall Energy Costs from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in an Amount Up to $400,000.00, Authorize and Waive Indirect Costs Execution of Related Contracts. Adopt Appropriation Ordinance. (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS) RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Authorize the acceptance of U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program grant funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the 2019 Weatherization Assistance Program in an amount up to $400,000.00; 2. Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any amendments, extensions and renewals, in accordance with City policies and regulations, with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the grant funds for the program year beginning on July 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2020; 3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund in the amount of $400,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant; and 4. Waive indirect costs in the amount of $10,395.00. DISCUSSION: The City has operated the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) with grant funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) since 1982. This funding is in addition to the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program funds provided by TDHCA, which funds approximately $1,200,000.00 on an annual basis. The program provides weatherization services for low-income residents in Tarrant County. Weatherization measures include attic insulation, weather stripping, caulking, repair and replacement of windows and doors and other minor repairs. Administrative costs are restricted to 10 percent based on the total allowable expenditures for the WAP. The City has weatherized approximately 32 houses with funding from this grant between July 2018 and June 2019 and will target completing 35 houses in 2019-2020. Overall, the WAP has completed 143 units during this same period in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize program benefits. The 2019 United States Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program grant provides for 1.25 full time positions with estimated direct salaries of $63,000.00. The addition of indirect costs would result in reduction of services and staff. The estimated indirect cost to be waived is $10,395.00. This program services ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS. A Form 1295 is not required for this contract because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION: The Director of Finance certifies that, upon approval of the above recommendations, receipt of the grant and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, of the Grants Operating Federal Fund. This is a reimbursement grant. Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Fernando Costa 6122 Originating Business Unit Head: Sonia Singleton 8187 Additional Information Contact: Benny George 7339