Title
Adopting a resolution approving the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan for Program Year 2015.
Summary
The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled communities 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 City of Pflugerville became an entitlement community in 2013 and developed the first 5-year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan in 2014. The Consolidated Plan serves as the application to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for CDBG funding. The Consolidated Plan is designed to aid local jurisdictions in assessing their housing and community development needs and priorities. The priorities established by the Consolidated Plan are carried out through actions and activities each year as established in the Annual Action Plan. Potential activities include, but are not limited to, sidewalk installation or repair, streetlights, parks, parks improvements and recreation programs for low- to moderate-income citizens and/or areas.
The allocated funding available for actions and activities for this second cycle is $247,840. Proposed projects to be included in the 2015 Action Plan are:
1) Accessible improvements to the Senior Center
2) Windermere Park pavillion
3) Parkway Drive parkland acquisition
4) Parkway Drive parkland amenities
5) Foothill Farms sidewalk
6) Youth Recreation scholarship program
The requested action is to approve the resolution describing the 2015 Action Plan and authorizing the City Manager to submit the plan to HUD.
The Planning and Zoning Commission serves as the CDBG Advisory Committee. On July 20, 2015 the Advisory Committee recommended approval of the CDBG Program Year 2015 Action Plan as proposed.
Prior City Council Action
On June 23, 2015 City Council held the first of two required public hearings regarding feedback on the CDBG Consolidated Plan and Action Plan.
On July 28, 2014 City Council held the second of two required public hearings regarding feedback on the CDBG Consolidated Plan and Action Plan.
Deadline for City Council Action
In order to meet submittal requirements established by HUD, action by the City Council is requested no later than August 11, 2015.
Fiscal Impact
There is no direct financial impact to the City’s operating budget for participating in the CDBG program. At this time the City has not opted to utilize the administrative allowance offered by HUD, which is a maximum of twenty percent of the overall allocation. Staff resources will remain unchanged in the general fund and all of the CDBG allocated funding will be used on projects.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval.
Drafter
Emily M. Barron, AICP
Planning Director