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CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION, REJECTION, AND/OR POSTPONEMENT OF RESOLUTION R-2021-131: A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR APPLICATION AND ASSOCIATED CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR THE NORMAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM TO APPLY FOR THE CDBG-CV2 CORONA VIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.
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BACKGROUND: To assist in addressing the current financial impact associated with the COVID-19 crisis to households in Norman, the CARES Act included funding to be distributed utilizing the existing CDBG formula to all Entitlement Communities and States. The City of Norman was awarded a total of $1,241,015 with the CDBG CV1 and CDBG CV3 allocations. These funds were distributed directly to CDBG Entitlement Jurisdictions by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The allocation of the CDBG CV2 funds are being distributed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC). The formula allocation provided to the City of Norman is $1,009,648.02.
DISCUSSION: A Resolution of Support which is required component of the Application is attached. If the City of Norman is awarded funding from the CDBG CV2 program, the associated contract and appropriation of funds will be considered by council at a later date.
The ODOC CDBG Program requires that each grantee adopt and follow a Citizen Participation Plan for the proposal and implementation of the activities to be funded by this award. The attached Citizen Participation Plan is very similar to the Citizen Participation Plan currently approved for the CDBG Entitlement Program. A Special Public Hearing will be held on June 24, 2021 at 6:30 in the Multi-Purpose Room of City Hall to further discuss the proposal and allow for community input.
Eligible Activities must primarily benefit low and moderate income households (less than 80% median family income) within the City of Norman. The composition of the application categories has not been determined at this time. Eligible activities may include up to three of the following categories:
• Utility Assistance- (up to six months of assistance)
• Mortgage/Rental Assistance- (up to six months of assistance)
• Medical Assistance
o Personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect employees or the general public from further spreading/contracting Coronavirus in hospitals, mental health facilities, and public transportation vehicles;
o Equipment and chemicals for sanitation of facilities; and
o Coronavirus testing kits for LMI individuals.
• Mental Health Assistance
o Mental Health Assistance includes supplies and services for mental health in relation to the rise in number of mental health cases, as well as a need to maintain social distancing. This assistance will support activities that expand mental health services that have experienced an upward trend in mental health needs since January 21, 2020, as well as offer mental health services at a distance. Activities may include:
§ PPE for mental health workers;
§ Equipment and chemicals for sanitation of facilities;
§ Electronics configured to serve only as a form of mental health service and to adhere to social distancing guidelines that will be provided to LMI individuals; and
§ Data plans (2-year max) for electronic equipment for socially distanced mental health services.
• Nutrition Assistance
o Nutrition Assistance includes supplies and equipment necessary to support LMI individuals affected by the economic hardships due to the Coronavirus outbreak and the safer-at-home policy enacted by Governor Stitt on March 24th, 2020.
o Perishable and non-perishable foods, PPE, and necessary equipment to serve food to LMI individuals while maintaining social distancing for programs such as: Food banks; Drive- thru food pickups; and Direct home food delivery
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of R-2021-131 Resolution of Support and the CDBG CV2 Citizen Participation Plan.