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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0026) M&C 21-0714City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE: 09/21/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0714 LOG NAME: 19NSTDHCA-DOE2021 SUBJECT (ALL) Authorize Acceptance of 2021 United States Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program Grant Funds, a Federally Funded Program Sponsored by the United States 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 $500,000.00, Authorize Execution of Related Contracts, Waive Indirect Costs, and Adopt Attached Appropriation Ordinance RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Authorize the acceptance of United States Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program grant funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the 2021 Weatherization Assistance Program in an amount up to $500,000.00; 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, 2021 and ending on June 30, 2022; 3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund, subject to receipt of the grant, in the amount up to $500,000.00, for the purpose of funding the 2021 Weatherization Assistance Program; and 4. Waive indirect costs in the amount of $10,395.00. DISCUSSION: The City of Fort Worth (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 has provided approximately $844,261.00 in funding for the current program year. 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 68 houses with funding from this grant between June 2019 to July 2021 and will target the completion of 35 houses in 2021-2022. A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize program benefits. The 2021 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, in the Grants Operating Federal Fund. The Neighborhood Services Department (and Financial Management Services) 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. 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: Eric Vodicka 7583