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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Jeff McLaughlin, Neighborhood Redevelopment Manager
DATE: March 4, 2015
SUBJECT:
Resolution Authorizing an Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment (2015 - #1) to Reflect Funding Allocations for the Community Development Block Grant Program - Downtown Façade Improvement Project and Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry Vehicular/Pedestrian Safety Project
PURPOSE:
Staff requests authorization of an Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment (2015 - #1) to provide grant funding for the projects listed below. The Block Grant Working Committee (BGWC) met on March 4, 2015 and made the following recommendations for funding allocation:
CDBG PROJECT |
Funding Source |
Comments |
Amount |
Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry - On site Parking Lot Vehicular and Pedestrian Safety Improvements |
City of Aurora 2014 - Unallocated Funds |
Unallocated Entitlement |
$150,000 |
City of Aurora - Neighborhood Revitalization Strategic Planning Area (NRSA) Façade Improvement Grant Program |
City of Aurora 2014 - Unallocated Funds |
Unallocated Entitlement |
$ 4,596 |
|
2014 CDBG-Boy Scouts LaSalle Community Center/ Aurora Youth Leadership Academy |
Reallocation of Unexpended funds |
$ 95,404 |
Total CDBG: |
$250,000 |
The BGWC chose the above items for funding as they represent new initiatives to offer small business support and beautification in the City's Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA). Further, the BGWC approved a project to provide on-site parking, lighting, and pedestrian safety features for the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry to alleviate substantial congestion problems that occur on food distribution days. The BGWC will hold a Public Hearing on the recommendations on Monday March 23, 2015, at 5:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers.
BACKGROUND:
For the 2015 Program Year, HUD has allocated approximately $1.4 million in CDBG and funds. By federal law, the City must allocate CDBG funds to eligible projects in order to insure the funds are spent in a timely and efficient manner. Both of the projects listed above meet the City's Consolidated Plan objectives to provide community facilities improvements for the City's non-profit partners and to provide economic development, particularly in the NRSA.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Aurora receives an annual CDBG entitlement allocation. Funding that is not expended during the grant period is reallocated to other program(s) or project(s) in order to make use of the federal funding investment in the community. Funding for the Boy Scouts of America - LaSalle Street Community Center/ Aurora Youth Leadership Academy is being reprogrammed because the Boy Scouts elected not to use federal funding for this 2014 project (however, the Boy Scouts may reapply for CDBG funds in 2016).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
No additional staff or equipment resources will be required for this request.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of a Resolution authorizing an Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment (2015 - #1) to reflect funding allocations for the Community Development Block Grant programs and authorize the City's Neighborhood Redevelopment Manager to sign contracts and documents associated with Substantial Amendment #2015-1.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing an Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment (2015 - #1) to Reflect Funding Allocations for the Community Development Block Grant Program - Downtown Façade Improvement Project and Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry Vehicular/Pedestrian Safety Project
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has initiated numerous community development and
housing activities through funding by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan which
have been adopted by the City Council and which have defined priorities for CDBG funding; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora's Block Grant Working Committee recommended
adoption of the Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment # 2015-1 to reflect CDBG funding reallocations at its March 4, 2015 meeting; and
WHEREAS, funding will be available in the 2015 City Budget, CDBG program account 221-1330-801-43-02, for the Downtown Façade Improvement Project ($100,000) and Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry Vehicular/Pedestrian Safety Project ($150,000).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Approves a Resolution authorizing an Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment (2015 - #1) to reflect funding allocations for the Community Development Block Grant programs and authorizes the City's Neighborhood Redevelopment Manager to sign contracts and documents associated with Substantial Amendment #2015-1, and that all other aspects of the City's Annual Action Plan remain in full force and effect.