Subject:
First Amendment to the Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus Response Program 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 First Amendment to the Specific Performance Agreement (Agreement) with Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. (Gulfcoast) for legal aid services to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
• This Amendment extends the term of the Agreement six months to June 30, 2021, to allow Gulfcoast to continue providing housing and financial legal services to low- and moderate-income households in Pinellas County.
• On August 11, 2020, the County provided $53,530.00 in CDBG-CV Response funds for operating costs of legal aid services.
• Gulfcoast’s 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 June 30, 2021 and is not to exceed $53,530.00 during the term of the Agreement.
• The County received $1,481,969.00 in CDBG-CV funds for activities that mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on low- and moderate-income residents. CDBG-CV funds must be expended by September 16, 2026.
• 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:
The First Amendment to the Specific Performance Agreement will extend the term of the agreement to allow Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. to continue providing housing and financial legal services to low-income households in the County. Gulfcoast has received several CARES Act related grants for housing and financial legal services which expire December 30, 2020. The agency expects to see a spike in demand for services after the moratoriums on evictions expire on December 31, 2020.
The total funding amount remains unchanged.
Background/Explanation
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. The 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. CDBG-CV funds must be expended within six (6) years from the date of the executed grant agreement with HUD.
On July 21, 2020, a Substantial Amendment to the 2019-2020 Action Plan was approved by the BCC in Resolution 20-68, to include CDBG-CV funds in order to carry out eligible activities that mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on low- and moderate-income residents.
On August 11, 2020, the County Administrator, executed Specific Performance Agreement CDCV19GLS, effective March 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
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 Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Revised Budget and Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Adopted 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:
Carol Stricklin, Director, Housing and Community Development
Partners:
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Attachments:
First Amendment to Specific Performance Agreement
Specific Performance Agreement, August 11, 2020
Project Location Map
Gulfcoast Extension Request
Funding Recommendations
Resolution 19-48
Resolution 20-68