HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0038) M&C 19-0345City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 12/03/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0345
LOG NAME: 19NSTDHCA-DOE2020
SUBJECT
Authorize Acceptance of 2020 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 Execution of Related Contracts, Waive Indirect Costs, and 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 2020 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, 2020 and
ending on June 30, 2021;
3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal 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 2020-2021. 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 2020 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 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. The Neighborhood Services Department will be responsible for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. Prior to
expenditures being incurred, Neighborhood Services has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Fernando Costa 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: Sonia Singleton 5774
Additional Information Contact: Monique Hill 5775