Subject:
Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus Response Specific Performance Agreement with Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc., for legal aid services to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Specific Performance Agreement (Agreement) with Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc, for legal aid services to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
• Pinellas County received $1,481,969.00 in Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) funds for activities that mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on low- and moderate-income residents.
• This Agreement provides funding for costs associated with providing critical housing and financial legal aid services.
• Gulfcoast Legal Services’ CDBG-CV funding will be used for legal aid services to address eviction, foreclosure, consumer issues, and changes in financial stability in order to ensure stable housing for approximately 50 low- and moderate-income households.
• The Agreement is effective from March 27, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and is not to exceed $53,530.00 during the term of the Agreement.
• Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
Summary:
One of the projects to be carried out under the Substantial Amendment to the County’s Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) is the funding of Gulfcoast Legal Services to respond to COVID-19. This Agreement will provide funding for the provision of legal aid services to address eviction, foreclosure, consumer issues, and the changes in financial stability in order to ensure stable housing, benefitting 50 low- and moderate-income households.
The Agreement is effective for nine (9) months, from March 27, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
Background/Explanation
In accordance with the adopted Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, it is necessary to enter into a Specific Performance Agreements with qualified agencies to allow for certain activities stated in the Annual Action Plan to be contractually delegated and specify the obligation of the agencies receiving funds in meeting Federal, State and County requirements.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136, was signed providing funds to respond to the growing effects of COVID-19. Pinellas County received $1,481,969.00 in CDBG-CV funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
The CDBG-CV Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and application cycle was posted on the Community Development website, emailed to nonprofit agencies and local municipalities, and a press release was issued by the Marketing and Communications Department. The press release was also posted on the County’s COVID-19 website.
The competitive application process began on May 11, 2020, with applications being due May 22, 2020. Applications were reviewed for funding eligibility and scored by Community Development Division staff. Funding recommendations are based on staff ranking of eligible activities and eligible expenses.
Fiscal Impact:
The total amount of funding for this agreement is not to exceed $53,530.00 during the term of the Agreement. Funding for this Agreement is included in the County’s FY20 Revised Budget and FY21 Proposed Budget for CDBG-CV funds.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a) (1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, Interim Director, Housing and Community Development
Partners:
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Attachments:
Specific Performance Agreement
Project Location Map
CDBG-CV and ESG-CV Funding Recommendations
Resolution 19-48
Resolution 20-45