Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contracts with various non-profit organizations to support the operation of the City's Chores Program. The total amount of these contracts is $150,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund through the Housing Division's Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund (AHOF).
The AHOF represents the City's commitment to the preservation and production of housing units affordable to very-low, low and moderate-income individuals. Funds are used to meet the housing needs identified in the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. Programs provide housing rehabilitation assistance, lead paint hazard control, home maintenance repairs for elderly and disabled households, and accessibility modifications.
The Chores Program provides minor home maintenance and repair services to low and low/moderate-income elderly and disabled homeowner-occupants in the City of Columbus. Examples of program services include replacement or repair of leaking faucets and commodes, faulty light fixtures and switches, loose or missing sections of porch decking or steps and installation of handrails, smoke detectors and deadbolt locks. Eligible homeowners receive home repair services (materials and labor) free of charge. Rebuilding Together Central Ohio, Economic and Community Development Institute, and Lifecare Alliance will be the program providers to neighborhoods within the corporate limits of Columbus. This program will help about 200 households.
Emergency action is requested to allow program services to continue without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for this expenditure are allocated from the 2011 Community Development Block Grant Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contracts with various non-profit organizations for the implementation of the Chores Program; to authorize the expenditure of $150,000.00 from the Community Development Block Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($150,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Development desires to enter into contracts with various non-profit organizations to implement the Chores Program; and
WHEREAS, the Chores Program will provide minor home maintenance and repair services to low and low/moderate-income elderly and disabled homeowner-occupants in the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, Rebuilding Together Central Ohio, Economic and Community Development Institute, and Lifecare Alliance are non-profit organizations with the capacity to provide Chores program services; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City in that it is immediately necessary to enter into contracts with the Rebuilding Together Central Ohio, Economic and Community Development Institute, and Lifecare Alliance so that necessary services will not be interrupted, all for the preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized to enter into contracts with Rebuilding Together Central Ohio, Economic and Community Development Institute, and Lifecare Alliance for the purpose of implementing the Chores basic home maintenance and repair program.
Section 2. That these contracts are awarded pursuant to Section 329.15 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, as amended.
Section 3. That for the purpose as stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $150,000.00 or so much thereof as necessary, be and is hereby authorized to be expended from the Department of Development, Department No. 44-10, Fund 248, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3336, OCA 440236 as follows:
AGENCY AMOUNT
Rebuilding Together Central Ohio $50,000
Economic and Community Development Institute $50,000
Lifecare Alliance $50,000
Total Allocation $150,000
Section 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.