Title
Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on the CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Financially Sound Government
(4A: Provide funding and organizational framework to ensure continual economic improvements)
MEETING DATE: December 17, 2019
DEPARTMENT: Housing and Community Development
CONTACT: Shirletta Best, Community Services Administrator
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on the City’s performance report of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) prior to submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for review and final approval.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The city’s fiscal year and reporting period begins October 1 - September 30. CDBG regulations require grantees to submit a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to HUD within 90 days of the close of each grant year. The report includes the following information into HUD systems:
• The assessment of program goals, objectives, and funding activities;
• Discussion of city action and activities on affirmatively furthering fair housing;
• Continuum of Care actions under the city and the Collin County area on homelessness and prevention;
• Public Housing initiatives and activities;
• Examples of compliance with program and planning requirements; and
• Self-evaluation regarding barriers, schedules, and grant management for use of funds.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The CAPER is a year-end report detailing performance and activities under the CDBG Annual Action plan during the period of October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019. The City provides the annual Action Plan at the start of the program year and the CAPER concludes program activity. The Action Plan is shared with the public prior to the start of each year and the CAPER is shared at the end of the year.
o Funds and activities as required, were predominately used to meet the CDBG national objectives of benefiting low-to-moderate income persons, areas and households. The public had opportunity to participate in the process through the application process, public hearings, focus groups, and community forums, including a public comment period.
o Year-round citizen engagement also included public education through community meetings and fair housing workshops. Program funding was used to assist eligible homeowners with housing rehabilitation repairs; expand economic development opportunities, provide case management services to assist homeless shelter residents and families; academic and life skills assistance to elementary school-aged at-risk youth under Communities in Schools; and other public services including senior Meals on Wheels; Wellness counseling and assistance for seniors, and emergency rental and utility assistance to assist residents toward homeless prevention.
o The CAPER is under public comment from December 1, 2019 - December 16, 2019 where written comments may be forwarded to the Community Services Administrator. The Community Grants Advisory Commission discussed the report at their November 21st regular meeting. The McKinney City Council will conduct a public hearing at their December 17th meeting; comments received may be included in the final draft. The report will be submitted to HUD no later than December 29, 2019. The city anticipates review and approval of the CAPER by HUD in February 2020 and the review will be presented to the City Manager.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• The FY 2018-2019 program awarded allocation during the reporting period was $ 758,765. Available CDBG funds carried over and approved for use from previous program years were also expended. The city’s CDBG program expended a total of $708,587.76 during the program year. Annually, HUD monitors the city’s timely use of funds on August 2 and requirements were met and exceeded.
o As required, all activities must meet the overall requirement of using at minimum 70% or greater of all funds to benefit low-to-moderate income (LMI) persons. The CDBG program used its funds to impact eligible LMI persons and households. The city did not exceed any statutory cap requirements under grant administration and public service activities. Funds unspent from previous grant years are not lost, but reallocated back into the program, to be used for Housing Rehabilitation, as approved under the FY 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan.