Agenda Date: 07/02/2019
Subject:
Title
Resolution 32-2019: Authorizing approval of the 2018 Arapahoe County Community Development Block Grant Program Subgrantee Agreement for the Littleton Sidewalk Improvements Program
Body
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Prepared by: |
Keith Reester, Public Works Director |
PURPOSE:
Does city council support the 2018 Arapahoe County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Subgrantee Agreement for the Littleton Sidewalk Improvements Program?
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Keith Reester, Public Works Director
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
In 1992, the City of Littleton began participating with Arapahoe County in the Urban Counties Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. A summary is attached. The CDBG program provides “annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.” The program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. The city is required to utilize the funds within census tracts that meet certain average income thresholds, poverty, and housing needs.
Each year the city applies via Arapahoe County for pass through CDBG funds for the next federal fiscal year. The city population is not large enough to be an individual federal grantee. The grant year can be confusing with the federal fiscal offset to the city’s year.
In 2016, the City of Littleton’s annual set aside was reduced from $150,000 to $135,000.
The CDBG program requires 15% to be allocated to services county-wide. Over the past three years, the city has set aside funds for Doctor’s Care to support the Connection to Coverage and Health Care project providing emergency mental health services in the community in coordination with human services agencies. In 2017, that amount was $20,250.
Delays in the federal funding process pushed this 2018 Subgrantee Agreement completion to 2019.
The 2018 CDBG grant application is for $114,750 to install five-foot-wide sidewalks and curb ramps that meet ADA standards along West Shepperd Avenue from South Elati Street to South Gallup Street. The sidewalk program will improve the pedestrian infrastructure around Ketring Park. The sidewalk projects continue a multi-year plan in the census tract areas to enhance ADA and pedestrian facilities. The funds typically allow improvements in a one to two block area.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
The city has been participating in the CDBG Program since 1992 and many Littleton citizens have benefitted from this program.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
Approving the Subgrantee Agreement for CDBG funds allows the city to continue improving sidewalk conditions in lower income neighborhoods.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
Two of council’s Guiding Principles that will be met are the Connected and Active principles. The sidewalk improvements will improve the pedestrian infrastructure around Ketring Lake, thereby making the sidewalks safer to travel which will also support the residents’ efforts to be fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Fiscal Impacts
The 2019 Budget includes $114,750 for the CDBG program in the grant fund so no additional appropriation is needed.
Alternatives
If the city does not approve the Subgrantee Agreement, Littleton citizens may have to wait longer for sidewalks to be improved, and the future cost will increase for replacing the sidewalks.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this resolution to continue participating in the CDBG program.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution approving the 2018 Subgrantee Agreement for Arapahoe Community Development Block Grant funds for the Littleton Sidewalk Improvements Program.