Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contracts with Rebuilding Together Central Ohio, Lifecare Alliance, and the Economic and Community Development Institute to support the operation of the City’s Chores Program. The total amount of these contracts is $300,000 from the Community Development Block Grant Fund (CDBG) 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 2015-2019 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, Lifecare Alliance and the Economic and Community Development Institute will be the program providers to neighborhoods within the corporate limits of Columbus. This program will help about 300 households.
Emergency action is requested to allow program services to continue without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for this expenditure are allocated from the 2017 Community Development Block Grant Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contracts with Rebuilding Together Central Ohio, Lifecare Alliance, and the Economic and Community Development Institute for the implementation of the Chores Program; to authorize the expenditure of $300,000.00 from the Community Development Block Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($300,000.00)
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, Lifecare Alliance, and the Economic and Community Development Institute, are non-profit organizations with the capacity to provide Chores program services; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contracts with the Rebuilding Together Central Ohio, Lifecare Alliance, and the Economic and Community Development Institute 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, Lifecare Alliance, and the Economic and Community Development Institute for the purpose of implementing the Chores basic home maintenance and repair program.
SECTION 2. That these contracts are awarded pursuant to the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating not-for-profit service contracts.
SECTION 3. That for the purpose as stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $300,000.00 or so much thereof as necessary, be and is hereby authorized in Fund 2248 Community Development Act, Subfund 224804 2017 CDBG in Object Class 03 Contractual Services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. 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 5. 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.