Agenda 08-14-2001 - 8i - Laserfiche WebLink

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r 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: August 14, 2001 Action Agenda Item No. $- SUBJECT: Signature Authority for Hurricane Floyd Grant Program Implementation DEPARTMENT: County Manager PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Resolution Rod Visser, ext 2300 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To approve a resolution authorizing staff to sign documents and financial instruments related to the grant agreement with the State of North Carolina for the potential acquisition or repair of Hurricane Floyd-damaged homes, and associated grant programs. BACKGROUND: In January 2001, the Board approved a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-approved hazard mitigation grant program (HMGP) agreement that would provide Federal and State funding for the acquisition and demolition of two flood damaged homes in the Heritage Hills subdivision. The damage stemmed from Hurricane Floyd and its aftereffects in September 1999. The Board also approved an agreement with PBS&J, a Raleigh consulting firm with expertise in FEMA program implementation, to administer and implement the program, which provides funds to pay the two homeowners for relinquishing their property. The structures on those properties would then be removed from the floodway (preferably through deconstruction, rather than demolition, if possible) and the grounds restored to a natural state, with the County retaining title to the lots. During the past six months, PBS&J has been making solid progress in working with the homeowners and the State to complete the voluntary acquisition of these properties. They have also handled the paperwork associated with a later application for repair and renovation grant funds for a home in Carrboro. Assuming the Heritage Hills homeowners decide to accept the buyout offers, they will also be eligible to receive certain other grant funds to help relocate them into comparable housing. In January, the Board authorized the County Manager to process and sign all documents related to implementation of the HMGP and all associated grant programs. Certain documents will require two County signatures to authorize disbursement of funds to eligible grant recipients. Accordingly, staff recommends that the Board approve the attached resolution, which would authorize the Assistant County Manager and the Finance Officer to sign grant program documents and/or financial instruments in addition to or in lieu of the County Manager.