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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Chris Ragona, Community Development Manager
DATE: January 17, 2022
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Approving of the 2022 Quality of Life in the Amount of $888,000
PURPOSE:
To approve the 2022 Quality of Life Grants by resolution. This approval is necessary in order to award and process 2022 grants.
BACKGROUND:
The Quality of Life Grant (QOL) application process opened on October 15, 2021 and closed on November 15, 2021 with thirty-eight (38) applications requesting a total of $1.7 million dollars. City staff reviewed each application to focus on the following criteria:
-Completeness and quality of the application
-Budget including sources and uses
-Grant management experience
-Ability to operate or carry on project with a reduced amount of funds
-Performance metrics
-Duplication of services
-Ability to serve Aurora residents
After a review of each application, City staff organized projects by the requested amount, funding available, and quality of applications. A total of thirty-five applications is recommended for 2022 Quality of Life funding with two projects recommended for a small sponsorship. Although not recommended for Quality of Life funding, two of the three remaining applications were recommended COVID-relief funding (CDBG-CV and local account funds), and the remaining application has been recommended for denial due to its activity ineligibility which was contingent upon its receipt of 2022 Quality of Life and CDBG funds. A brief summary of each application received, the funding requested, and funding recommendations has been attached (Attachment A). Information related to each applicant's agency background together with their project proposal description has also been included (Attachment B). Each funded agency, with the exception of sponsorships, will be required to submit quarterly reports and sign a contract in order to receive payments. Failure to submit quarterly reports and a demonstration of direct services to Aurora clients will result in a reduction or denial of reimbursement requests.
DISCUSSION:
The 2022 QOL Grant program continues to evolve. City staff is continuing to automate the application and reporting process for Quality of Life. In late 2021 and early 2022, success stories have been submitted to City staff to prepare an overview of the accomplishments completed in the 2021 calendar year.
In 2022, site visits will remain a priority to complete basic monitoring and tour the programs and facilities funded in 2022 when feasible. With an increase in positive cases for COVID-19, project set-up meetings may be completed virtually with additional discussion taking place on how agencies can make adjustments if necessary due to the ongoing pandemic to maximize the impact of funding received The results of set-up meetings, as well as quarterly progress reports can be further utilized to increase partnerships and reduce the duplication of services.
Account numbers where funds have been requested for 2022 budget:
215-1302-419.53-25: $315,000
215-1302-419.50-50: $3,000
215-1370-440.50-30: $290,000
215-1360-450.53-26: $165,000
255-3536-421.50-05: $115,000
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The 2022 Quality of Life Grants will support thirty-five agencies. These grants will support a wide variety of agencies and fund programs such as youth services, senior programs, job training, literacy programs, museums, persons with special needs care, and other programs benefitting the residents of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends adoption of this resolution authorizing the funding of the 2022 Quality of Life Grants.
cc: Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Approving the 2022 Quality of Life Grants in the amount of $888,000
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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's Quality of Life Grant program has supported dozens local non-profits since 2008, and
WHEREAS, the Quality of Life Grant program has helped serve thousands of people, and
WHEREAS, the financial support of local non-profit partners is critical to continue to provide a wide range of programs and services, and
WHERAS, the Quality of Life Committee has reviewed the 2022 QOL applications and made recommendations for funding for 2022, and
WHEREAS, funds are requested in the 2022 budget in the following accounts: 215-1302-419.53-25: $315,000 215-1302-419.50-50: $3,000, 215-1370-440.50-30: $290,000, 215-1360-450.53-26: $165,000 and 255-3536-421.50-05: $115,000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: subject to the approval of this item in the 2022 budget, the 2022 Quality of Life Grants are approved and incorporated as part of the 2022 City of Aurora Annual Budget.