ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
ITEM 5C
TITLE: Consider a Resolution authorizing the application for and implementation of project/activity applications for FY2018 Community Development Block Grant funding with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through Dallas County.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY: Every other year, the City applies for grants through the CDBG program and Dallas County to be applied to low-moderate income areas of the City (Attachment 2). Since 2001, this grant has been utilized for the funding of a code enforcement officer, and any remaining funds have been used to assist in funding water and sewer improvements, street improvements, and/or park improvements. The City was notified by Dallas County that funds in the amount of $236,270.00 are available for the FY2018 CDBG Program. This is the equivalent of two year’s funding, as we will not receive funding for the FY2019 program year.
Due to the late notice of available funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Dallas County will hold two public hearings for this program on the behalf of the participating cities. Hearings will be held on July 3 and August 7, 2018, at the Dallas County Commissioners Court for suggestions on how these funds could be used in the unincorporated areas of the County and the six participating cities. Comments and/or suggestions received for the City of Duncanville during the citizen comment period will be forwarded to HUD after these hearings.
Staff suggests a portion of these funds be allocated for the continued funding of a Code Enforcement Officer. Since 2001, this grant has funded a Registered Code Enforcement Officer whose assigned duty is to visually inspect low-moderate income area properties. The code officer is typically looking for high grass, junk motor vehicles, dilapidation of structures, illegal storage, and graffiti. If violations are found, the code officer takes the necessary steps to have the property owner mitigate the violations.
In addition to continued funding for the Code Enforcement Officer, staff is recommending a wastewater improvement project along Meadow Crest Lane in the River Oaks subdivision as part of the FY2018 Pipe bursting Program. This project would benefit 16 homes at a cost of about $28,192.00 to the City (Attachment 3). The proposed project involves replacement of approximately 1,277 linear feet of substandard 6-inch wastewater line with an 8-inch PVC line. The project limits are from Linkhaven Drive to Linkmeadow Drive along the west right-of-way of Meadow Crest Lane. The old line will be replaced by pipebursting. The old clay tile line is approximately 58 years old and in poor condition with broken joints and cracking and is a source of infiltration.
An alternative project would be to install new sidewalk and barrier-free ramps in the Fairmeadows North subdivision as part of the FY2018 Accessibility Program. This project would benefit 58 homes at a cost of about $63,630.00 to the city (Attachment 4). The proposed project involves installing approximately 2,825 linear feet of new 4-foot sidewalk and 33 barrier-free ramps. The project limits are from Golden Meadow Lane to Trail Ridge Drive (between Oriole Boulevard and Winding Trail). The new sidewalks and ramps will provide accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act where accessibility does not currently exist.
Staff is recommending the project along Meadow Crest Lane in the River Oaks subdivision since this reconstruction is a part of the FY18 Five-Year Utility Capital Improvements Projects plan.
POLICY EXPLANATION: CDBG funds are available for various projects or programs as long as non-code projects have a budget of at least $70,000 and the projects meet one of three national objectives:
1. eliminates blight,
2. eliminates a community-threatening condition, or
3. principally benefits low/moderate income people
These projects must be in defined areas where at least 51% of the population that directly benefit are of low/moderate income. In Duncanville, the population classified as low/moderate income in the 2010 Census is 44.0%. To qualify as low/moderate, the maximum household income must be between $41,100.00 and $77,500.00, depending on the size of the household.
By submitting a grant application and entering into an implementation agreement upon acceptance, the City is continuing its commitment to code enforcement activities, which is a key element in maintaining properties in good condition and appearance. Well-maintained properties will also help preserve property values in our residential housing stock.he code enforcement application provides CDBG FY18 funding of $115,900.00 for 100% of a code officer’s salary, benefits and expenses for the next two years. Expenses include uniform rental, cell phone, data connection charges, office supplies, and training.
After providing continued funding for a code enforcement officer, a balance of $120,370.00 remains to be applied to an improvement project:
Option 1: Wastewater Improvements – Meadow Crest Lane from $148,562.00 Linkhaven Drive to Linkmeadow Drive
Option 2: Accessibility Improvements – Fairmeadows North Subdivision $184,000.00
A resolution has been prepared for each option, depending on which project application the Council wishes to submit. Completed applications must be submitted to Dallas County no later than June 6, 2018.
FUNDING SOURCE: The City sets up a budget for this activity and submits reimbursement requests for the CDBG Program through Dallas County. The County then reimburses the City on a quarterly basis. $120,370.00 will be reimbursed by Dallas County Community Development Block Grant funds for either project. The remaining balance on the Wastewater Improvements projects is provided for in the FY19 Utility Capital Improvements Project fund.
Council previously approved $600,000.00 in the FY18 Traffic Safety and Improvement Fund for a citywide sidewalk improvements program. If Council selects Option 2 – Accessibility Improvements for CDBG funding, staff is proposing $184,000.00 from the city-wide sidewalk improvements program be transferred to the FY19 budget for this purpose.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of a resolution authorizing the application for and implementation of project/activity applications for FY2018 Community Development Block Grant funding with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through Dallas County.
Council Action:
Approved 6-1 majority vote funding for Code Enforcement officer and Option 2, Accessibility Improvements – Fairmeadows North Subdivision.
Patrick Harvey 