HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0039) M&C 20-0469City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 06/23/20 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0469
LOG NAME: 19NS CARES ACT CEAPFUNDS
SUBJECT
Authorize Acceptance of Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program Funds in an Amount Up to $5,000,000.00 from the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affairs, a Federally Funded Program Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Serices Designed to
Provide Utility Payment Assistance and Energy Conservation Education for Low to Moderate Income Residents Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,
and Economic Security Act, Authorize Execution of Related Contracts and Adopt Attached Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council:
1. Authorize acceptance of Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program funds in an amount up to $5,000,000.00 from the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affaiars under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act;
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute related contracts, including any renewals, amendments and extensions with the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs; and
3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in the
amount of $5,000,000.00, subject to the receipt of the grant.
DISCUSSION:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, published on March 27, 2020, is a law meant to address the economic fallout
of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The CARES Act includes provisions to help local governments prevent, prepare for and respond to the
coronavirus pandemic, including providing for additional allocations of formula grant funds under the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program
(CEAP). The City was notified on June 2, 2020 as an eligible entity for a possible award up to $5,000,000.00.
The Community Action Partners will administer the funds to assist coronavirus-related clients with:
1. Household Energy Crisis - repair of HVAC systems and/or purchase of window units and other energy -related assistance;
2. Utility Assistance - assistance to eligible households with priority given to household composition of elderly and/or disabled members or a child
5 and under; and
3. Education - providing information about energy conservation measures.
All households at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines will have access to the program. Applicants will need to provide
backup documentation of their income, utility bills and the impact of the coronavirus relating to their inability to pay.
Indirect costs are not being charged to this grant as the Neighborhood Services Department Indirect Cost Rate was zero in the City's most recent
Cost Allocation Plan.
This program is available in 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 and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds
will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, in the Grants Operating Federal Fund. 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 Department
has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. This is a reimbursement grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Fernando Costa 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: Victor Turner 8187
Additional Information Contact: Sonia Singleton 5774