AGENDA #4i

MEMORANDUM

TO:	Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager
FROM:	Tina Vaughn, Director, Department of Housing Glenn Davis, Operations and Special Projects Coordinator
SUBJECT:	Recommended 2008-2009 Capital Fund Program for Public Housing Renovations and Resident Services
DATE:	April 14, 2008

The purpose of this memorandum is to recommend the adoption of the proposed 2008-2009 plan for use of funds we expect to receive from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Capital Fund Program.

SUMMARY

• We have not yet received notification from HUD of the amount of the 2008-2009 Capital Fund grant. However, we have developed a preliminary plan based on the 2007-2008 grant amount of $582,700.
• We expect to receive notification of the 2008-2009 grant by July 31, 2008.
• The proposed plan includes renovation work in 9 of 17 apartments and site work in the housing neighborhoods where these apartments are located to conform and comply with Section 504 and the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) to provide handicap accessibility throughout our public housing neighborhoods as required by HUD.
• The deadline for submitting the plan for the 2008-2009 Capital Fund Program to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is April 17, 2008. 

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates modernization funds for renovation of public housing and support of resident services to localities that manage at least 250 public housing apartments.  Funds are allocated under a formula basis rather than through a competitive application process.

Federal regulations require that the Town give priority to completing renovation work related to statutory or other requirements such as asbestos testing and abatement, and renovation work necessary to meet the special needs of disabled persons.

Citizen Participation Process

On January 30 and March 26, 2008, the Council held public forums to receive citizens’ comments on the use of the 2008-2009 Capital Fund grant.  No comments were received.

Housing staff held a meeting with the residents of public housing on February 19, 2008 to receive comments and suggestions on the use of the Capital Fund grant.  Seven residents attended the meeting.  Comments and suggestions received from residents of public housing include:

• Need to upgrade landscaping, plant new trees and shrubs, and reseed lawns throughout the public housing neighborhoods.
• Need to replace or repair screens, windows and doors.
• Need to install playground equipment or improve the existing recreational area.
• Need to replace kitchen sinks, cabinets and shelving.
• Need to provide major repairs or replacement of deteriorated floors.
• Need to provide training or counseling on becoming a homeowner.

Comments received from residents of public housing were considered in developing the proposed Capital Fund Program activities.

DISCUSSION

We have not received notification from HUD of the amount of the 2008-2009 grant.  Therefore, we have developed a preliminary plan for 2008-2009 in the amount of $582,700, the amount of the 2007-2008 grant.  Also, the plan includes $200,000 that we recommend the Council allocate for public housing renovations under the 2008-2009 Community Development Block Grant Program.  The total amount of the funds that would then be available for public housing renovations and resident services in 2008-2009 is $782,700.

PROPOSED 2008-2009 CAPITAL FUND PROGRAM

Proposed Sources of Funds

Capital Fund Program                                                                           $582,700

Community Development Program                                                        $200,000

TOTAL $782,700

Proposed Use of Funds

Renovation of UFAS Accessible Apartments and Sites                          $627,315

Town Operations Center                                                                      $ 72,115

Section 504 compliance                                                                        $ 8,000

Administrative Costs                                                                             $ 75,270

TOTAL                                                                       $782,700

The proposed plan for the 2008-2009 Capital Fund Program includes the following activities:

1. Renovations to Comply with Section 504 and  UFAS Accessibility Standards          $627,315

Based on the results of a HUD review, we are required to renovate 17 of the 336 public housing apartments to comply with Section 504 and the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS).   We are also required to renovate our administration and maintenance facilities, community spaces, and common areas throughout all 13 public housing neighborhoods.

Currently, Housing staff is in the process of completing renovation work in 7 of the 17 apartments. We estimated that $627,315 of the total amount of funds we expect to be available in 2008-2009 for public housing renovation would complete renovation work in the remaining 9 apartments with single floor or a full bath downstairs and also, renovations in the administration and maintenance facilities, community spaces and common areas   throughout the 13 public housing neighborhoods. 

Proposed renovation work would include, but would not be limited to, modifications  to  bathrooms to include roll-in showers or bathtubs with grab bars and in-tub seats, lowered medicine cabinets, handicap accessible commodes, shower spray units and bathroom fixtures; modifications to kitchens to include handicap accessible appliances, sinks, range hoods and cabinets; installing visual alarm systems; widening doorways and corridors to provide accessible routes and  clearance; and lowering thermostat controls, electrical switches, clothes rods in closets and shelves and mirrors.

Site improvements will include installing ramps; providing accessible routes to units’ entrances, mailboxes, clothes lines, and dumpsters; and installing accessible parking spaces, signs and curb cuts.

2. Town Operations Center                                                                                        $ 72,115

This activity includes paying the Department of Housing portion of the cost for debt service on the construction of the new Town Operations Center.

3. Section 504 Compliance                                                                                         $ 8,000

We propose to hire an intern to assistant with the preparation of quarterly reports to be submitted to HUD; review and update Housing policies to conform to Section 504 regulations; and assist with the processing of residents’ requests for reasonable accommodations as required by HUD. 

4. Administrative Cost                                                                                                $ 75,270

This activity includes the administrative cost for coordinating and implementing the Capital Fund activities and training of maintenance staff.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Public Housing Program Advisory Board’s Recommendation:  The Public Housing Program Advisory Board reviewed the proposal plan for use of the 2008-2009 Capital Fund grant on March 25, 2008.  The members of the Board voted 4 to 0 to recommend that the Capital Fund Program be approved as proposed.

Recommendation:  That the Council adopt the attached resolution.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Proposed Annual Statement for 2008-2009 Capital Fund Program (p.6)
   (The Annual Statement provides a summary of proposed Capital Fund Program activities and cost estimates.)
2. Summary of Five-Year Plan for Public Housing Renovations and Resident Services (p.7)
   (This attachment provides a summary of the proposed expenditures that is expected to be available for public housing renovations and resident services over the next five years.)