HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0035) M&C 20-0585City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 08/25/20 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0585
LOG NAME: 17UNTHSC BAC FY21
SUBJECT
(CD 8) Authorize Execution of Agreement with the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth to Accept a Grant in the Amount
of $450,000.00 from the State of Texas for Operations of the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center as Well as Renovations and Upkeep of
Buildings on the Guinn Elementary School Campus, Authorize Use of Interest in the Amount Up to $5,000.00 and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the execution of an agreement with the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth to accept and receive grant
funds from the State of Texas in the amount of $450,000.00 during the State's Fiscal Year 2020-2021 for operation of the Fort Worth Business
Assistance Center as well as renovations and upkeep of buildings on the Guinn Elementary School Campus;
2. Authorize the use of interest earnings in an amount up to $5,000.00 for the purpose of the award; and
3. Adopt attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating State fund for a total amount
of $455,000.00.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is to execute an agreement with the University of North Texas Health Science
Center at Fort Worth (UNTHSC) to accept and receive grant funds from the State of Texas in the amount of $450,000.00 from the FY2020-2021
fiscal year as well as interest earnings in an amount up to $5,000.00 for a total amount of $455,000.00 to be appropriated in the Grants Operating
State fund for operation of the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center as well as renovations and upkeep of buildings on the Guinn Elementary
School Campus.
Beginning with the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas (2005), the State's Biennial General Appropriations Act has appropriated the amount of
$3.1 million to the UNTHSC forjoint economic development and technology commercialization activities of UNTHSC, TECH Fort Worth and the
City of Fort Worth for renovations at the Guinn School Campus and Business Assistance Center operations.
In the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas during its regular session as part of Senate Bill (S.B.) 1 (General Appropriations Act for the 2020-2021
Biennium), the State approved grant funding in the amount of $3,069,000.00 for the partnership between the City and UNTHSC for the two years
beginning September 1, 2019. Of this grant, the amount of $2,619,000.00 has been appropriated to UNTHSC and TECH Fort Worth and the
remaining amount of $900,000.00 is allocated to the City during this biennium to be received in two installments. During the biennium the City will
receive $450,000.00 during Fiscal Year 2020 and $450,000.00 in Fiscal Year 2021. While indirect costs were not addressed at the time the grant
application was submitted, the Department is reviewing regulations and will comply with City policy on indirect costs to the extent allowed by the
program guidelines.
These funds will be used to administer the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center (BAC) Program, and fund the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 contract
with the BAC Education Foundation for the Idea Works Business Incubator housed in the elementary building at the historic James E. Guinn
Campus.
The Guinn School property is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 8.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education:
University of North Texas Health Science Center
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 State fund. The Economic Development
Department (and Financial Management Services) will be responsible for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. Prior to an
expenditure being incurred, the Economic Development Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. This is an advance
grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Jay Chapa 5804
Originating Business Unit Head: Robert Sturns 2663
Additional Information Contact: Robert Sturns 2663