HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0082) M&C 21-0969City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 12/14/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0969
LOG NAME: 19NS TDHCA-LIHEAP 2022
SUBJECT
(ALL) Authorize Acceptance of a Grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the 2022 Low -Income Housing Energy
Assistance Program, a Federally Funded Program Sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Designed to
Provide Assistance for Low to Moderate Income Residents to Lower Home Energy Costs, in an Amount Up to $1,200,000.00, Waiving Indirect
Costs of $44,955.00, Authorize Execution of Related Contracts and Adopt Attached Appropriation Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the acceptance of grant funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in an amount up to $1,200,000.00 for
the 2022 Low -Income Housing Energy Assistance Program;
2. Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any renewals, amendments and extensions, with the Texas Department of Housing and
Community Affairs for the grant funds;
3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in the
amount up to $1,200,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant; and
4. Waive indirect costs of $44,955.00.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication is to approve acceptance of grant funds that will be used to assist with weatherization and
energy efficiency efforts in the homes of low-income individuals in the City of Fort Worth (City) and Tarrant County. A contract for services between
the City and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) will be executed upon receipt of the contract from TDHCA in
Janurary, 2022.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has been operated by the City since 1982. The bulk of the funding for the program comes from
the TDHCA through the Low -Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which also administers grant funds from the United States
Department of Energy and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Additional funds are supplied by the Texas Association
of Community Action Agencies (TACAA), which administers monies allocated by Oncor Electric Delivery (Oncor) to provide a Low -Income
Weatherization Program that complements the federally funded WAP and provides assistance to Oncor's low-income customers for energy
efficiency measures.
The WAP will utilize LIHEAP grant funding to serve low-income residents in Tarrant County with household incomes at or below 150% of Federal
Poverty Income Guidelines. WAP will assist these residents by weatherizing their homes and making them more energy -efficient. TDHCA's
LIHEAP will be administered within existing WAP standards and guidelines, and through various contracts with subcontractors. Weatherization
measures include attic insulation, weather-stripping, caulking, repair and/or replacement of windows and doors, and other minor repairs. All
subcontractors performing any eligible services for the City will not be paid until work is inspected and approved by Neighborhood Services
Department staff. Administrative costs are restricted to seven percent of the LIHEAP grant based on the total allowable expenditures for the
LIHEAP. All Weatherization Assistance Program funding will allow for up to 200 homes to be weatherized through the 2022 grant cycle.
A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize program benefits. The LIHEAP grant provides funding for four full-time positions with estimated
direct salaries of $240,016.00. The addition of indirect costs would result in the reduction of staff and services. The estimated indirect costs that
are being asked to be waived is $44,955.00.
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, and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinances, funds
will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, in the Grants Operating Federal Fund. Neighborhood Services (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: James Armstrong 7380
Eric Vodicka 7583