TARRANT COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF & ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT (CARES ACT)
Kim Sylvester, Police Chief presented Resolution 547-21 regarding the City of Richland Hills participation in Tarrant County’s Community Development Block Grant program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) made $5 billion available in supplemental Community Development Block Grant funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 (CDBG-CV).
Tarrant County has recently announced the availability of supplemental funds for public facilities and infrastructure projects (minimum $75K to maximum $250K) and for public service projects (minimum $50K to maximum $400K) that serve low to moderate-income residents for the purposes of preventing, preparing for, and/or responding to COVID-19.
Staff recommends a project proposal under this program that will provide broadband infrastructure for greater internet access to Richland Hills’ residents and visitors in the qualifying HUD areas: Rosebud Park, Creek Trail Park and the City Hall Plaza area including surrounding City facilities, as well as incorporating security camera coverage in these same areas to enhance crime awareness and/or prevention. These projects are within the examples of eligible projects provided from Tarrant County, and if approved, will enhance the quality of life for residents in Richland Hills by providing readily available internet accessibility as well as increasing security awareness enhancements for public safety.
Upon completion of the public hearing, staff requests Council approve a resolution for participation in the Tarrant County CDBG-CV program. If approved, staff will move forward with the application and proposal as outlined.
Total costs for the project proposal are estimated to be $209,035 ($171,326 for broadband infrastructure and $37,709 for security cameras). The CDBG-CV grant funding maximum is $250,000. Any costs not covered by the CDBG-CV program could be paid for with the City’s disbursement of American Rescue Plan funds or included in the proposed FY 2023 Budget.
Motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
2022 Community Development Block Grant – Care’s Act (CDBG-CV) program
Approved Resolution No. 554-22 to participate in Round 3 of the 2022 Community Development Block Grant – Care’s Act (CDBG-CV) Program PUBLIC HEARING
Director of Parks and Recreation Jason Brown presented the item to the City Council and advised that Resolution No. 554-22 would approve the City’s participation in the 2022 Community Development Block Grant – Care’s Act (CDBG-CV) program. Tarrant County recently opened their third round of requests for proposals for CDBG-CV grant funds. Eligible projects included public facilities or infrastructure projects that serve low-to-moderate-income residents and prepare, prevent or respond to the Coronavirus. All projects and programs must be completed before May 31, 2023. The City of Richland Hills submitted a proposal to improve the restrooms and increase ADA accessibility at the library in the amount of $280,000 in grant funding. Specifically, the project proposed to transform the existing men’s and women’s restrooms into family-style facilities with one toilet instead of two for full accessibility to the sink, toilet and changing station. Improvements also included the addition of touchless faucets, soap dispensers and paper towel holders. The proposal also recommended replacement of the exterior ADA ramp for a seamless, fully accessible route to the Library front doors.
Mayor Lopez opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. and asked to hear from any proponents followed by opponents of the items.
Jason Butz, 2712 Willow Park Street, Richland Hills, inquired if Tarrant County pays any overages in cost due to inflation.
Mr. Brown advised that Tarrant County would pay overages in construction costs and the City would be responsible for any additional design features not initially included in the proposal.