Subject:
Community Development Block Grant Program Memorandum of Understanding between the Pinellas County Housing and Community Development Department and the Pinellas County Department of Administrative Services for renovations at the County-owned Omni Center.
Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Housing and Community Development and Administrative Services Department Directors for the expenditure of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for renovations at the County-owned Omni Center.
• The purpose of the MOU is to ensure each department is aware of the pertinent regulations associated with the approved use of CDBG funds for the renovation project.
• Renovations at the Omni Center include upgrades to and replacement of game field lighting and electrical systems with a LED system, benefitting approximately 3,235 residents in the Greater Ridgecrest Area.
• The total amount of funding for the field lighting improvements is not to exceed $199,000.00.
• The Omni Center, located at 1801-119th Street, Largo, is a locally designated low- and moderate-income target area.
• The YMCA of the Suncoast’s Greater Ridgecrest Branch provides comprehensive recreational programming and youth development services at the Omni Center facility.
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:
This action will memorialize an awareness between the Housing and Community Development and Administrative Services Departments of the pertinent regulations associated with the approved use of CDBG funds.
Background/Explanation
The County receives CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) to provide housing, public services, community development and other assistance to eligible beneficiaries, in accordance with Part 570 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The CDBG Program is administered by the HCD Department.
On July 21, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) executed Resolution 20-69 approving the County’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 (FY21) Action Plan. As part of the Action Plan, the Board approved CDBG funding for the YMCA of the Suncoast Greater Ridgecrest Facility Rehabilitation, specifically for upgrades to and replacement of game field lighting and electrical systems with a LED system. The YMCA of the Suncoast’s Greater Ridgecrest Branch provides comprehensive recreational programming and youth development services at the County-owned Omni Center facility for residents of the Greater Ridgecrest Area.
The County received $2,519,210.00 in CDBG funding for FY21. Funding is to be used to improve neighborhoods, provide decent housing, and create new economic opportunities, with a special focus on serving low- and moderate-income persons. CDBG funds must be expended within six (6) years from the date of HUD’s execution of the grant agreement. CDBG funds will be the sole source of funding for payment under this MOU.
The CDBG Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and application cycle was advertised in the Tampa Bay Times, The Weekly Challenger, La Gaceta and Tre Magazine, posted on the Community Development website, and emailed to nonprofit agencies and local municipalities.
The competitive application process began on January 13, 2020, with applications being due February 14, 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 the upgrades to and replacement of game field lighting and electrical systems with a LED system is not to exceed $199,000.00. Funding for this Agreement is included in the County’s Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Adopted Budget for CDBG funds.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this MOU is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(1)
Staff Member Responsible:
Carol Stricklin, Director, Housing and Community Development
Joe Lauro, Director, Administrative Services Department
Partners:
YMCA of the Suncoast. Inc.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Attachments:
Community Development Block Grant Program Memorandum of Understanding
Project Location Map
Resolution No. 20-69