Minutes 12-02-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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a. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program — Economic Recovery Program The Board conducted a public hearing to receive public comments prior to official close-out of the County's FY 2010 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Recovery Program and authorize execution of the Certificate of Completion by the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. Tara Fikes said the purpose of this meeting tonight is to conduct a public hearing to receive public comments prior to official close-out of the County's FY 2010 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Recovery Program and authorize execution of the Certificate of Completion by the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. Tara Fikes said in February 2011, Orange County was officially awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the N.C. Department of Commerce for an Economic Recovery Program. Funds from this grant were intended to be used to repair eight (8) deteriorated housing units, reconstruct one (1) dwelling unit and provide urgent repair assistance for an additional 15 dwelling units in the County. She said all CDBG activities have now been completed; eight (8) homes were substantially rehabilitated; and 15 dwelling units received urgent repair assistance. The targeted home for reconstruction activity was not completed due to the owner's reluctance to participate in the program. A summary of the program beneficiaries is in their agenda packet. In order to complete the grant close-out process, the N.C. Department of Commerce requires that a public hearing be held prior to the official closeout of the Economic Recovery Program to assess the performance of the County in administering the grant program. In addition, the County is required to execute the Certificate of Completion form. Tara Fikes said this grant provided $500,000 to the community for this program. She said a total of $484,000 was expended, leaving $16,000 that was associated with clearance and relocation costs for the home that withdrew from the program. Thus, $16,000 from this program will be retained by the State Community Development Program. Commissioner Pelissier referred to the listing of targeted homes for reconstruction that did not participate and asked if there was a list of back up homes. Tara Fikes said there were backup homes and the funding was used to repair another home. She said they were not able to re-program the other funds. Commissioner Dorosin said in the future he would like to see if staff could list all properties that were rehabilitated, as well as the homes that are listed for urgent repairs. Commissioner Dorosin said that the house that chose not to participate in the program was slated for reconstruction. He asked what would happen to that house now. Tara Fikes said a family lives there now, and they have been working with some church groups that are trying to help with some of the most urgent needs and repairs. Commissioner Dorosin asked how the eight homes listed were chosen. Tara Fikes said at the time of the state application process staff had to list the homes in need, and there were 8 homes, plus an alternate list of about 6 other homes. She said there is a waiting list of about 20 homes that are in need of repair, and her department normally maintains a list. NO PUBLIC COMMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich to authorize execution of the Certificate of Completion by the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Jacobs said it is a shame to see $65,000 left on the table. He suggested the possibility of additional projects to take advantage of allocated monies. Tara Fikes said she has requested this money be reprogrammed.