HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 26671-01-2024Ordinance No. 26671-01-2024
AN ORDINANCE INCREASING ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND
APPROPRIATIONS IN THE GRANTS OPERATING OTHER, SUBJECT TO
RECEIPT OF THE GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT UP TO $51,287.30, FOR THE
PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE NEIGHBOR -TO -NEIGHBOR UTILITY
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
MAKING THIS ORDINANCE CUMULATIVE OF PRIOR ORDINANCES;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH,
TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
That in addition to those amounts allocated to the various City departments for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 in the
Budget of the City Manager, there shall also be increased estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants
Operating Other Fund, subject to the receipt of the grant, in the amount up to $51,287.30, for the purpose of
finding the Neighbor -to -Neighbor Utility Assistance Program.
SECTION 2.
That should any portion, section or part of a section of this ordinance be declared invalid, inoperative or void
for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision, opinion or judgment shall in no way impair
the remaining portions, sections, or parts of sections of this ordinance, which said remaining provisions shall
be and remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 3.
That this ordinance shall be cumulative of Ordinance 26453-09-2023 and all other ordinances and
appropriations amending the same except in those instances where the provisions of this ordinance are in
direct conflict with such other ordinances and appropriations, in which instance said conflicting provisions of
said prior ordinances and appropriations are hereby expressly repealed.
SECTION 4.
This ordinance shall take effect upon adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
OAssistant City Attorney
ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE: January 23, 2024
CITY SECRETARY
Jannette S. Goodall
City Secretary
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 01/23/24 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 24-0025
LOG NAME: 19NS DIRECT ENERGY NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR 2023
SUBJECT
(ALL) Ratify Extension of the 2017-2022 Grant Agreement with NRG Energy, dba Direct Energy LLC, and its Affiliates for their Neighbor to
Neighbor Program to Extend the Term to December 31, 2023, Approve Allocation of Interest Earned in the Amount of $1,287.30, Authorize
Acceptance of a Grant from NRG Energy, dba Direct Energy, LLC and their affiliates in an Amount Up to $50,000.00 for the Neighbor to Neighbor
Utility Assistance Program from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2029, and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance
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RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Ratify the extension of the 2017-2022 Grant Agreement with NRG Energy, dba Direct Energy LLC and its affiliates for their Neighbor -to -
Neighbor Utility Assistance Program to extend the term of the agreement to December 31, 2023;
2. Authorize the acceptance of a grant from NRG Energy, dba Direct Energy LLC and their affiliates in an amount up to $50,000.00 for the
Neighbor -to -Neighbor Utility Assistance Program;
3. Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any amendments, renewals and extensions in accordance with City policies and
regulations with NRG Energy, dba Direct Energy LLC and their affiliates for the grant funds; and
4. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Other Fund for (1) in
the amount up to $50,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant, and (2) in the amount of $1,287.30 for interest earned for a total of
$51,287.30 for the purpose of funding the Neighbor -to -Neighbor Utility Assistance Program.
DISCUSSION:
Direct Energy's Neighbor -to -Neighbor Utility Assistance Program was established in 2003. The goal of the program is to provide funding to social
service agencies to use for utility assistance for Direct Energy's low income customers. The program is funded by customer donations and a
company contribution. Eligible recipients of the program must be a Direct Energy or its affiliates customer with an active account; and recipients
may receive payments not to exceed $600.00 annually.
City of Fort Worth has been participating in this program since 2016. On February 13, 2018, the City Council authorized an agreement with Direct
Energy in an amount up to $25,000.00, which ended on December 31, 2022 (Mayor and Council Communication C-28581). The Neighbor -to -
Neighbor Utility Assistance Program has since been extended through December 31, 2023. Therefore, staff requests approval to extend the term
of the City's arrangement with Direct Energy to December 31, 2023 to coincide with the extended term of the program. To avoid untimely
agreement renewals, Neighborhood Services Department staff will monitor the terms in PeopleSoft's reporting module. Additionally, staff requests
authorization for the execution of a new contract with Direct Energy in the amount up to $50,000.00 for the program from January 1, 2024 through
December 31, 2029.The term of the agreement will begin on the date of execution of the agreement. The agreement will automatically renew on a
year-to-year basis until terminated.
The City will assist approximately 100 Fort Worth and Tarrant County families. The Neighborhood Services Department, Community Services
Division and Community Action Partners will administer the program, if awarded.
As of September 30, 2023, the City received $52,500.00 grant funds from Direct Energy LLC. There were 151 clients assisted in the amount of
$43,817.68. Investment income received during this period is $2,487.30 out of which $1,200.00 was previously appropriated through Mayor and
Council Communication C-28581 and the balance of investment income to be appropriated are $1,287.30.
The grant does not allow for indirect costs and no additional City funds will be used in the administration of this grant. No matching funds are
required.
This program serves ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS and remaining parts of Tarrant County.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with an electric utility: Direct Energy
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 Other 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 any
expenditures being incurred, Neighborhood Services Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. This is an advance
grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office W. Fernando Costa 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: Victor Turner 8187
Additional Information Contact: Sonia Singleton 5774
Benedict George 7339