Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $75,000.00 from the Community Development Block Grant Fund (CDBG) for CDBG-eligible relocation activities administered through the Department of Development’s Housing Division. The Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (the Uniform Relocation Act aka URA) contains the guidelines that must be followed when federal funds are used in the acquisition, rehabilitation or demolition of real property and when there is a relocation of occupants or personal/business property.
The Housing Division’s Acquisition and Relocation Compliance Services provides assistance with the implementation of the Uniform Relocation Act when federal funds are used in a project and for the relocation of occupants when Code Enforcement issues an emergency vacate order under the Optional Relocation Program.
Emergency action is requested so that the monies can be utilized immediately for relocation activities thereby avoiding an interruption of vital program services.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for this activity are allocated from the 2015 Community Development Block Grant Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to expend Community Development Block Grant Funds for HUD-eligible relocation activities; to authorize the expenditure of $75,000.00 from the Community Development Block Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($75,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $75,000.00 to provide funding for CDBG-eligible relocation activities; and
WHEREAS, the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (the Uniform Relocation Act aka URA) contains the guidelines that must be followed when federal funds are used in the acquisition, rehabilitation or demolition of real property and when there is a relocation of occupants or personal/business property; and
WHEREAS, the Housing Division’s Acquisition and Relocation Compliance Services provides assistance with the implementation of the Uniform Relocation Act when federal funds are used in a project and for the relocation of occupants when Code Enforcement issues an emergency vacate order under the Optional Relocation Program; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the expenditure of these funds to avoid an interruption of vital program services, thereby preserving 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 expend Community Development Block Grant Funds for HUD-eligible relocation activities as determined by the Housing Division for eligible households in accordance with HUD guidelines.
SECTION 2. That for the purpose stated in Section 1 the expenditure of $75,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized from the Department of Development, Division 44-10, Fund 248, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3525, OCA Code 441243.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble thereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this Ordinance is 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.