HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020.05.11 Council Remote Special Meeting PacketRemote Special Meeting
AGENDA
PASCO CITY COUNCIL
7:00 p.m.
May 11, 2020
Page
1. REMOTE MEETING INSTRUCTIONS: To best comply with Governor
Inslee’s Emergency Proclamation regarding the Open Public Meetings Act, the
City asks all members of the public that would like to comment regarding
items on the agenda to fill out a form via the City’s website
(www.pascowa.gov/publiccomment) to obtain access information to comment.
Requests to comment in meetings must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the day of
each meeting.
To attend the Pasco City Council Regular Meeting in "listen only" mode
register at GoToWebinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation
email containing information about joining the webinar.
Call-in information for "listen-only" mode is:
(213) 929-4232 Access Code: 554-263-915
2. CALL TO ORDER:
3. ROLL CALL:
(a) Pledge of Allegiance
4. HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS RELATING THERETO:
3 - 20 (a) 2019/2020 Annual Action Plan Amendment for Use of HOME and
CDBG-CV Funds and Citizen Participation Plan for COVID-19
Response (BGAP2020-006)
CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION NO. 1: I move to approve Resolution No. 3958, rescinding
Resolution No. 3912 and approving federal HOME Investment Partnerships
Program Year 2020 and Prior Years Annual Work Plan and Allocation
Amendment;
MOTION NO. 2: I move to approve Resolution No. 3959, amending the
CDBG Program Year 2019 Annual Action Plan for CDBG -CV
Supplemental Funding in response to COVID-19; and
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Remote Special Meeting May 11, 2020
MOTION NO. 3: I move to approve Resolution No. 3960, adopting
updated and amended Citizen Participation Plan for COVID-19.
5. ADJOURNMENT:
(a) (RC) Roll Call Vote Required
* Item not previously discussed
Q Quasi-Judicial Matter
MF# “Master File #....”
(b)
REMINDERS:
• Thursday, MAY 14, 7:00 PM: Ben Franklin Transit Board
Meeting – Virtual Meeting via ZOOM (COUNCILMEMBER
RUBEN ALVARADO, Rep.; COUNCILMEMBER ZAHRA
ROACH, Alt.)
• Friday, MAY 15, 11:30 PM: Benton-Franklin Council of
Governments Board Meeting – Virtual Meeting
(COUNCILMEMBER RUBEN ALVARADO, Rep., MAYOR PRO
TEM BLANCHE BARAJAS, Alt.)
This meeting is broadcast live on PSC-TV Channel 191 on
Spectrum/Charter Cable in Pasco and Richland and streamed at
www.pasco-wa.gov/psctvlive.
Audio equipment available for the hearing impaired; contact the Clerk for
assistance.
Servicio de intérprete puede estar disponible con aviso. Por favor
avisa la Secretaria Municipal dos días antes para garantizar la
disponibilidad. (Spanish language interpreter service may be
provided upon request. Please provide two business day's notice to
the City Clerk to ensure availability.)
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AGENDA REPORT
FOR: City Council May 6, 2020
TO: Dave Zabell, City Manager
Rick White, Director
Community & Economic Development
Remote Special Meeting :
5/11/20
FROM: Angie Pitman, Urban Development
Coordinator
Community & Economic Development
SUBJECT: 2019/2020 Annual Action Plan Amendment for Use of HOME and CDBG-CV
Funds and Citizen Participation Plan for COVID-19 Response (BGAP2020-
006)
I. REFERENCE(S):
Proposed Resolutions
Exhibit A - Amended Citizen Participation Plan
White Paper HOME/CDBG-CV 2019-2020 COVID-19 Amendments
II. ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL / STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
CONDUCT A PUBIC HEARING
MOTION NO. 1: I move to approve Resolution No. ____, rescinding Resolution No.
3912 and approving federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program Year 2020 and
Prior Years Annual Work Plan and Allocation Amendment;
MOTION NO. 2: I move to approve Resolution No. ____, amending the CDBG
Program Year 2019 Annual Action Plan for CDBG-CV Supplemental Funding in
response to COVID-19; and
MOTION NO. 3: I move to approve Resolution No. ____, adopting updated and
amended Citizen Participation Plan for COVID-19.
III. FISCAL IMPACT:
HOME Entitlement Reallocation for 2020 and Prior Years, $576,552
CDBG-CV Supplemental Funding, $434,166
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IV. HISTORY AND FACTS BRIEF:
In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) notified the City of Pasco that it will receive
an allocation of $434,166 to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the
COVID-19 crisis. This allocation was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act (CARES Act). HOME funds in the amount of $576,552 from
2020 and prior years entitlement are also available for reallocation.
In accordance with federal regulations, citizen participation requirements may be
waived Apcase. this in those to available made been have waivers plicable
requirements through the CARES Act and the City of Pasco is making an amendment
to the Citizen Participation Plan and 2019/2020 Annual Action Plans available to the
public through notice of public hearing published in the Tri-City Herald on April 23,
2020 and posted on the City website under Public Notices.
The amendments must be made available for a minimum 5-day public review and
comment period (May 3, 2020 to May 11, 2020). Citizens may submit written
comments or provide comment during the Public Hearing at the Remote Special
Council meeting on May 11, 2020.
V. DISCUSSION:
The Cities of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland have all received CDBG-CV funds for
use in the respective jurisdictions. Guidance from HUD cautions all grantees to use
community partners that are already familiar with the use of CDBG/HOME funds to
avoid training or qualifying new subrecipients. Although establishing new programs is
not recommended, program guidelines are now available through the Washington State
Department of Commerce CDBG program.
CDBG-CV funds in the amount of $434,166 is available through the CARES Act and
may be used to provide rent and utility assistance to small business and microenterprise
to help them stay in business and retain employees.
CDBG-CV provides up 20% of the grant for administration and planning activities,
which may be used to purchase a cloud based program for an online portal for
application intake and screening. The program would eliminate applications that do not
meet the COVID-19 criteria. Partnering with a local qualified non-profit and using
WADOC program guidelines, the qualified applicants would then be processed and
underwritten for Pasco business assistance.
Accumulated HOME funds in all three Cities has increased significantly in the last
several years and may be used to provide tenant based rental and utility assistance
administered through a local qualified non-profit for Pasco residents. Pasco currently
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has an accumulated fund balance of $576,552. It is recommended this program be used
to provide that assistance, be evaluated in December and continued into 2021 as
needed, subject to funds available. This program would provide approximately $1.5M
for rent and utility assistance (Tri-Cities total) for low-moderate income households.
Pasco staff recommends that the City of Pasco use HOME and CDBG-CV funds to
provide grants/loans through a subrecipient to provide emergency rent and utility
assistance through the end of the year to help meet both residential and commercial
needs.
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Resolution –Rescinding Resolution No. 3912- 1
RESOLUTION NO. ______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 3912
AND APPROVING FEDERAL HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM
YEAR 2020 AND PRIOR YEARS ANNUAL WORK PLAN AND ALLOCATION
AMENDMENT.
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco together with Kennewick and Richland renewed a cooperative
agreement in 2019 continuing participation through 2022 in the Consortium originally formed in 1996
under the Home Investments Partnership (HOME) Program; and
WHEREAS, the Consortium allows the three cities to be eligible for federal HOME funds; and
WHEREAS, the CARES Act has provided flexibilities and waivers to reallocate funds to be used
to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19); and
WHEREAS, the City has $163,419 available from 2020 entitlement funds, plus $209,385 in
program income, and $294,452 from Prior Year, available for Pasco HOME projects in program year 2020,
to be reallocated for that purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PASCO, WASHINGTON:
Section 1. That the 2020 and prior year HOME funds received by the City of Pasco shall be
reallocated, as authorized by the CARES Act, as follows, and;
PY 2020 Proposed Activities Budget Units
2020 Restricted for HOME Administration $ 10,000
2020 Down Payment Assistance $115,722 12
2020 Tenant Based Rental Assistance $541,534 24
TOTAL $667,256 36
Section 2. That the City Manager or his delegate is hereby authorized to sign all agreements in
accordance with the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, and Annual Action Plan Supplements previously approved
by Council.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington this 11th day of May, 2020.
Saul Martinez
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Debra Barham, CMC Kerr Ferguson Law, PLLC
City Clerk City Attorney
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Resolution –Amending 2019 CDBG Work Plan- 1
RESOLUTION NO. _________
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO AMENDING THE PROGRAM
YEAR 2019 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
ALLOCATIONS AND ANNUAL WORK PLAN FOR CDBG-CV.
WHEREAS, Council Resolution No. 3854 has approved the Program Year 2019 Annual
Work Plan for activities totaling $704,340 from entitlement funds; and
WHEREAS, the CARES Act has provided additional funds in the amount of $434,166 to
be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PASCO, WASHINGTON:
Section 1. That the Pasco City Council hereby amends the 2019 Annual Work Plan as
follows:
Activity Funding
CDBG-CV Program Administration $ 86,833.00
**Contingency: CDBG-CV Public Service
CDBG-CV Small Business/Microenterprise Assistance Program $ 347,333.00
TOTAL $ 434,166.00
Section 2. That the Pasco City Council hereby approves unfunded and partially funded
projects above as contingencies in the annual action plan; and
Section 3. That the City Manager or his delegate is authorized to sign all agreements in
accordance with the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan Supplements previously
approved by Council.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington this 11th day of May, 2020.
Saul Martinez
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Debra Barham, CMC Kerr Ferguson Law, PLLC
City Clerk City Attorney
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Resolution –Amending Citizen Participation Plan- 1
RESOLUTION NO. _______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO ADOPTING UPDATED AND
AMENDED CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR COVID-19.
WHEREAS, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) made
available supplemental Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding grants to prevent, prepare
for, and respond to coronavirus (CDBG-CV) grants; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco received an allocation of $434,166 CDBG-CV for immediate use;
and
WHEREAS, the CARES Act has provided flexibilities and waivers to reallocate funds to be used
to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19); and
WHEREAS, to expedite use of CDBG-CV funds, the Citizen Participation Plan was
updated and amended to reflect expedited procedures to draft, propose, or amend the Consolidated
Plan and Annual Action Plan, including notice and reasonable opportunity to comment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PASCO, WASHINGTON:
That the City Council approves the updated and amended Citizen Participation Plan as
presented in Exhibit A, attached hereto.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington this 11th day of May, 2020.
Saul Martinez
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Debra Barham, CMC Kerr Ferguson Law, PLLC
City Clerk City Attorney
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CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
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Tri-Cities HOME Consortium
Citizen Participation Plan-Amended (4/1/2020)
Page 1 of 2
Tri-Cities HOME Consortium Citizen Participation Plan
Community Development Block Grant and HOME Programs
Amendments to Existing Plans
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Tri-Cities HOME Consortium is amending its Citizen
Participation Plan, to promote and support “social distancing” while continuing to offer the public an
opportunity to provide valuable citizen inp ut and insight into the policies and procedures of the
Consortium, particularly as it relates to the administration and implementation of its federal
programs with the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment
Partnerships Program (HOME). The following process will be used to solicit citizen participation and
input into any programmatic amendments necessary to quickly and effectively administer federal
funding made available as a result of the COVID- 19 Pandemic.
Effective April 1, 2020, consistent with the Mega-waiver issued by HUD on March 31, 2020, and
for a period ending program year December 31, 2020, community input prior to drafting a
substantial amendment to any plan will be waived, including but no t limited to an approved
consolidated plan or annual action plan concerning the proposed uses of CDBG and HOME
funds.
Staff will prepare an amendment to any respective plan, where applicable, and the amendment
shall include a discussion of the amount of funds the respective City expects to receive, the range
of activities it will undertake with the funds, and, to the extent possible, the benefit to low and
moderate income people of these proposed activities.
The Amendment will be posted in a prominent place on the respective City’s website, along with
a notice identifying the availability of the amendment. The Notice will include the opportunity
to provide comments via email for a period of not less than five days and information on
participation in a “virtual public hearing”. As part of the Notice, the respective City will provide
information on how citizens who have special needs may obtain the Amendment in a form that
is accessible to them.
Such Notice will be published in the Tri-City Herald, the newspaper of record, no fewer than
seven (7) days prior to a public hearing. Notice will also be made available to one bilingual
publication.
Copies of the Notice will be emailed to interested community stakeholders that are signed up to
receive email notifications from the respective city.
Any comments received, either at the virtual public hearing or during the public comment
period will be considered by the respective City before the final amended plan is submitted to
HUD. A summary of the comments and the City's responses will be an attachment to the final
amended plan.
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Tri-Cities HOME Consortium
Citizen Participation Plan-Amended (4/1/2020)
Page 2 of 2
The procedures and actions discussed above will constitute the Consortiums citizen
participation plan for any substantial amendments, which may need to be made in the course
of the program year. A "substantial amendment” to the plan is when the original purpose of
the project is changed to a new eligible category, or modification of a project to address a
different CDBG national objective or when a change in the allocation exceeds twenty-five
percent of the individual City’s current year’s CDBG or HOME allocation, including program
income.
This amended citizen participation plan will itself be made available to the public for a five-day
public comment period prior to implementation, and any interest groups may review and
comment accordingly.
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Tri-Cities HOME Consortium
Citizen Participation Plan-Updated (10/1/2019)
Page 1 of 7
Tri-Cities HOME Consortium Citizen Participation Plan
Community Development Block Grant and HOME Programs
Introduction
The purpose of this Citizen Participation Plan is to provide a framework to guide the Tri-Cities HOME
Consortium (Consortium) and its members (the Cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, as Lead) in their
efforts to encourage citizen participation in the planning, implementation and assessment in the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs. Specifically,
in the Assessment of Fair Housing, Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
This Citizen Participation Plan is prepared and implemented in accordance with the guidance provided in
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regulations 24 CFR Part 91.105.
Prior to implementation, the Citizen Participation Plan will be available for a period of 30 days for public
comment. Any amendment to the Plan will be made available for a period of 30 days advising citizens of
an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment. A summary of the comments or views and a
summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reasons why it was not accepted will be attached
to the plan submitted to HUD for final approval.
Citizen Advisory Committee
Each city has established individual citizen advisory committees to serve as a link between the public, city
staff and City Council, and to aid in the development of the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plans, CAPER
review, and assist in the administration and utilization of HUD grants. Each advisory position is selected
based upon providing a balance of specific community interests or expertise to the committee. Low and
moderate-income persons are encouraged to participate when a position becomes vacant. This i s
accomplished through public solicitations as well as direct communication with residents and participants
in various social service organizations.
Each advisory committee will meet as necessary to review and make decisions regarding CDBG and
HOME. These meetings are open to the public. The advisory committees review written funding requests,
attend oral presentations by applicants, and make funding recommendations to the respective City Council
to aid in the development of the Annual Action Plan.
Encouraging Public Participation
It is the intent of Tri-Cities HOME Consortium to encourage and facilitate the participation of all citizens in
the development of the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH), Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, any
substantial amendments to the plans and the performance report through public hearings and meetings.
Additionally, the Consortium encourages involvement of protected classes, low - and moderate-income
persons, particularly neighborhoods where 51 percent, or an amount det ermined by HUD as an exception
criteria service area, where federal funding is proposed to be used. The Consortium also welcomes the
participation of minority populations, non-English speaking persons and persons with disabilities.
Consultations, with direct mailings/emails and other contact will be made with local and regional
organizations and through other publications that serve those in protected classes, or that provide assisted
housing, health services, and social services, including those focusing on services to children, elderly
persons, persons with disabilities and their families, and homeless persons.
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Tri-Cities HOME Consortium
Citizen Participation Plan-Updated (10/1/2019)
Page 2 of 7
The Consolidated Plan (CP)
The development of the CP is a cooperative effort between the cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland
as members of a Consortium, businesses, developers, nonprofit organization, philanthropic organizations,
and community-based and faith-based organizations that serve low and moderate-income persons. This
document provides the planning framework, strategies, goals and performance benchmarks to be achieved
over a five-year period by the CDBG and HOME Programs. HUD will evaluate the per formance of each
City and the Tri-Cities HOME Consortium through the accomplishments of community development and
housing program goals established in the CP.
At least two public hearing will be held by the Consortium throughout the development of the CP to allow
participation from the public on this planning document. At least one of the public hearings will be held
before the Consolidated Plan is published for comment. The draft CP Plan will be made available for public
review and comment for a minimum of 30 days to allow for interested persons and organizations to
comment prior to completion and submission of the final plan to HUD. A summary of the comments or views
and a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reasons why it was not accepted will be
included in the final plan submitted to HUD for final approval.
Assessment of Fair Housing Plan
If applicable, the Tri-Cities HOME Consortium and the two local housing authorities, Kennewick Public
Housing Authority (KHA) and City of Pasco & Franklin Consortium Housing Authority (HACPFC) operating
within Consortium jurisdiction will enter into a Joint Agreement to align their consolidated planning cycle(s)
in accordance with the regulations at 24 CFR Part 91 for consolidated plan progr am participants, and 24
CFR part 903, for Public Housing Authorities. PHAs agree to collaborate with the Tri-Cities HOME
Consortium to prepare the Assessment of Fair Housing.
Furthermore, the Tri-Cities HOME Consortium and the Kennewick and Pasco Housing Authorities will work
together by establishing comprehensive community development goals and ensure strategies and actions
are taken to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing. Moreover, local and regional fair housing organizations and
enforcement agencies will be consulted with. The Consortium members will report progress on those goals
to HUD through the consolidated annual performance reports (CAPER) that are posted on each Cities
website and in a HUD database.
HUD set out the following four clear fair housing goals for all communities to ensure greater opportunities
for all Americans:
1. Reduce segregation, and build on the nation’s increasing racial, geographic and economic
diversity.
2. Eliminate racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty
3. Reduce disparities in access to important community assets such as quality schools, job
centers, and transit
4. Narrow the gaps that leave families with children, people with disabilities, and people of
different races, colors and national origins with more severe h ousing problems
(disproportionate housing needs)
The Public, residents, public agencies and other interested parties will have access to any HUD provided
data and other supplemental information the HOME Consortium plans to incorporate into its Assessment
of Fair Housing (AFH) at the start of the public participation process or as soon as feasible after. The HOME
Consortium may make HUD provided data available to the public by cross-referencing to the data on the
HUD website.
Consortium staff will hold at least one public hearing and meet with community groups, reviews HUD data
tables and HUD maps to develop the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) Plan goals. Through collaboration
with the Housing Authorities of Kennewick and Pasco, staff will consult with HA Resident Boards in
accordance with procedures described in 24 CFR 903.13, 903.15, 903.17 and 903.19 in the process of
conducting the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH), obtaining Resident Advisory Board and community
feedback, and addressing complaints.
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Tri-Cities HOME Consortium
Citizen Participation Plan-Updated (10/1/2019)
Page 3 of 7
The draft AFH Plan will be made available for public review and comment for a minimum of 30 days as a
Consortium plan. Otherwise, teaming with the local PHAs will require a minimum of 45-day review and comment period.
A summary of the comments or views and a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the
reasons why it was not accepted will be included in the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) Plan, submitted
to HUD for final approval.
Annual Action Plan (AAP)
The AAP is a document that serves as the application for annual funding to HUD under the CDBG and
HOME Programs and identifies federal and other funding resources that are expected to be used to address
the needs identified in the CP. This plan represents programs and activities that will be undertaken from
January 1 through December 31 of each program year. It identifies the amount of grant funds and program
income each city anticipates receiving each year, gives a specific description of the programs and activities
that will be used to address the priority needs established in the Consolidated Plan, and provides
benchmarks and goals to benefit low and moderate-income persons in which to measure program
performance.
At least two public hearings will be held by each individual City each year at separate stages of development
of the plan. The draft AAP Plan will be made available public review and comment for a minimum of 30
days to allow for interested persons and organizations to comment prior to completion and submission of
the final plan to HUD. A summary of the comments or views and a summary of any comments or views not
accepted and the reasons why it was not accepted will be included in the final plan. The Annual Action Plan
is submitted to HUD once grant formula allocations have been announced each program year.
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program
The Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 provides for a loan guarantee
component specific to the CDBG Program. If applicable, and a member Grantee (Kennewick, Pasco or
Richland) moves forward with a program application to HUD the Grantee will comply with requirements in
24 CFR 570.704(a)(2). In addition, the following would apply:
Prior to submission of an application for loan guarantee assistance to HUD the Grantee must publish
the proposed application community wide to allow the public to examine the application and to
provide comments on the proposed application.
The public will be given timely notification of public hearings, reasonable and timely access to local
meetings, information, and records relating to the proposed and actual use of guaranteed loan funds,
including, but not limited to the amount of funds expected to be made available, including anticipated
program income generated from activities carried out with guaranteed loan funds, range of eligible
activities to be undertaken, proposed low-moderate beneficiaries, etc. Technical assistance may be
provided to representative groups at the discretion of the Grantee.
The public will be provided reasonable advance notice of, and opportunity to comment on, proposed
activities not previously included in the application and activities, which are proposed to be deleted
or substantially changed in terms of purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries in accordance with
requirement for a significant amendment.
Grantee policies and procedures will provide for timely written answers to written complaints and
grievances within 15 working days of the receipt of the complaint, where practicable.
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Tri-Cities HOME Consortium
Citizen Participation Plan-Updated (10/1/2019)
Page 4 of 7
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
This report describes the accomplishments of each activity undertaken during the previous year, identifies
how funds were actually used versus how the funds were proposed to be used, what impacts the activity
realized, and to what extent the funds benefited low and moderate-income persons.
The draft CAPER will be made available public review and comment for a minimum of 15 days to allow for
interested persons and organizations to comment prior to completion. A summary of the comments or views
and a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reasons why it was not accepted will be
included in the final plan submitted to HUD for final approval. The CAPER is due no later than 90 days
following the end of the program year, or by March 31 of each year.
Public Hearing Notice
Public hearings, meetings will be published as a display ad in the non-legal section of the newspaper of
record, the Tri-City Herald and at respective member city’s website at least 14 days prior to the hearing.
Public hearing notices will also be made available to one bilingual publication. The notice will include some
or all of the following information as appropriate to the particular event:
The date, time and place.
Estimated amount of funds that will be available for distribution, and the amount that will benefit
low and moderate-income persons.
Topic(s) to be discussed including, but not limited to, housing and community development needs,
development of proposed activities, and review of program performance.
Proposed strategies and actions for AFH.
Basic information about the program(s).
Timing and procedures followed in the development and approval of the CP, Annual Action Plan,
Substantial Amendments, or CAPER.
Contact name and phone number for requesting additional information or special accommodations.
Public hearings and meetings will be held at times and in locations convenient to potential or actual
beneficiaries, and that are easily accessible to persons with disabilities. All comments and views of
residents of the community in writing or orally during a public hearing or meeting will be considered
and attached to the plan.
Public Comment Period
The draft or substantial amendments to the Citizen Participation Plan, Assessment of Fair Housing,
Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan or CAPER will be made available for public comment for the
minimum 15, 30 or 45 days, as required. A notice of the public comment period, the locations where the
plan is available for review, and a summary of the plan will be published in the Tri-City Herald, one bilingual
publication and in other places frequented by the public, especially low- and moderate-income persons and
persons benefiting from or affected by proposed CDBG/HOME activities. The notice of the public comment
period, as well as the draft, will be posted on the respective City’s website. Additionally, direct outreach to
local and regional organizations that serve those in protected classes, assisted housing providers, public
housing agencies, social service agencies, and advocacy groups, as well as their beneficiaries, will be
utilized to broaden the efforts to notify all. All comments and views of residents of the community in writing
during a public comment period will be considered and attached to the plan.
A reasonable number of free copies of the draft plan will be available upon request by calling or
visiting the respective City’s Office during regular business hours. The draft plan may be made
available in an alternative format with a three-day notice for a request to the respective city member.
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Tri-Cities HOME Consortium
Citizen Participation Plan-Updated (10/1/2019)
Page 5 of 7
Non-English Speakers
The Consortium has elected to address the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) need as a reasonable
accommodation. Language assistance will be given to ensure meaningful access to participation by non -
English speaking residents of the community. Given reasonable notice, during regular business hours , the
following accommodation may be requested:
1. Interpretation services for clients, at no cost to the clients,
2. Documents may be translated for clients who do not communicate in English,
3. A TTY telephone shall be provided for clients,
4. Consortium members shall provide printed materials in alternate formats for clients, or
5. Consortium members shall make whatever reasonable accommodations are needed to improve
accessibility to programs, activities and services.
Request assistance by contacting the respective Member City:
City of Richland, Community and Development Services Office, (509)942-7580
City of Kennewick, Management Services Office, (509)585-4432
City of Pasco, Community and Economic Development Office, (509)545-3441
Reasonable Accommodation
Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, within reason, any
individual with an impairment or disability who requires reasonable accommodation to attend or participate
in a meeting or public hearing may request assistance. Assistance may be requested 48 hours prior to
meeting, during regular business hours.
Request assistance by contacting the respective Member City:
City of Richland, Development Services Office, (509)942-7580
City of Kennewick, Management Services Office, (509)585-4432
City of Pasco, Community and Economic Development Office, (509)545-3441
Plan Approval
The Citizen Participation Plan recognizes Kennewick, Pasco and Richland City Councils, as the elected
governing body for each City. The draft Assessment of Fair Housing, Consolidated Plan and/or Annual
Action Plan as well as Substantial Amendments to the Plans will be presented to the respective member
City Council for approval before submitting to HUD. These are regularly scheduled Council meetings that
are open public meetings and broadcast live.
Amendments or Substantial Amendments to the Plan
An “amendment” to the approved plan will occur when a revision is made to the priority needs, a change is
made in the method of distribution of funds, when an activity not previously identified in the plan is added,
or when the purpose, scope, location or beneficiaries of an activity are changed.
A “substantial amendment” to the approved he AFH Plan will occur when fair housing contributing factors,
priorities and or goals in the Assessment of Fair Housing Plan no longer reflect actual circumstances. A
“substantial amendment” to an approved Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan will occur with any of the
following conditions:
1. Increasing or decreasing funding levels of twenty-five (25) percent of the City’s current years CDBG or
HOME allocation, including program income.
2. Modification of a project to address a different CDBG national objective, or
3. Changes in the use of CDBG funds from one eligibility category to another, in accordance with 24 CFR
91.105(c).
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Tri-Cities HOME Consortium
Citizen Participation Plan-Updated (10/1/2019)
Page 6 of 7
A substantial amendment to a plan will be forwarded to the respective City’s advisory committee; a display
ad will be placed in the Tri-City Herald and in one available publication, and will be available for a period
stated below for public review and comments. Upon expiration of the review and comment period, and
approval by the individual City’s Council, the proposed change will be signed by the authorized official of
the jurisdiction and submitted in the Integrated Disbursement Information System (IDIS) for HUD approval.
Plan Comment Period
5-year AFH Plan Consortium
only
30-Day
5-year AFH Plan team with PHA 45-Day
5 year Consolidated Plan 30-Day
Annual Action Plan 30-Day
Responding to Complaints
Each City will consider written complaints from the public regarding the citizen participation process, the
Consolidated Plan, the Assessment of Fair Housing Plan, the Annual Action Plan, any amendments and
the CAPER. Where practicable. A written response will be made within 15 working days. Where not
practicable, written responses will be made as quickly as possible. If the complainant is unable to file a
complaint due to disability, alternative filing methods will be allowed by contacting the respective City.
Access to Records
Each city will be responsible for providing citizens, public agencies and other interested parties within five
days of request, access to information and records relating to the City’s Consolidated Plan and the use of
assistance under the CDBG and HOME programs covered during the preceding five -year period. Such
access shall be consistent with applicable State and local laws, subject to privacy and obligations of
confidentiality.
Staff Support and Technical Assistance
Staff from each city will be responsible and will make every reasonable effort to provide access and
technical assistance to citizens, and agencies representing low and moderate-income persons, in order
that they may participate in planning and assessing projects. Staff from each city will also respond to those
who request assistance in developing proposals for CDBG or HOME funding, and will provide technical
assistance to assist in the implementation of the project.
Relocation and Displacement Policy
The Cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland intend to minimize to the greatest extent possible, the
permanent displacement of any low and moderate-income persons that might result from the use of CDBG
or HOME funds. This will be achieved through the design and evaluation of each project for potential
displacement, by measuring and comparing such potential among alternative proposals and designs, and
by considering alternatives when selecting projects for funding, prio r to a final commitment of funds.
While there is no intent to directly displace individuals, families, businesses, or nonprofit organizations
because of projects, the respective City will assist any individual, family, business, or nonprofit organization
displaced by projects funded with CDBG or HOME funds as authorized under the Uniform Relocation
Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, or under Section 104(d) of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The Cities reserve the right to reject a project, or require
that any sub-recipient provide non-federal financial relocation assistance to persons or organizations
affected by the project, if the project causes permanent displacement.
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Tri-Cities HOME Consortium
Citizen Participation Plan-Updated (10/1/2019)
Page 7 of 7
Availability of Documents
Citizens are encouraged to review draft plans on the respective City’s website and at the following locations:
Richland
https://www.ci.richland.wa.us/CDBG
City of Richland, Development Services Office, 625 Swift Blvd.
Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr.
Kennewick
https://www.go2kennewick.com/620/Community-Development-Block-Grant
City of Kennewick, Management Services Office, 210 W. 6th Ave.
Mid-Columbia Library, 1620 S. Union
Kennewick Housing Authority, 1915 W. 4th Pl.
Pasco
https://www.pasco-wa.gov/188/Five-Year-Consolidated-Plan
City of Pasco, Community and Economic Development Office, 525 N. 3rd Ave.
Pasco Public Library, 1320 W. Hopkins St.
Pasco and Franklin County Housing Authority, 2505 W. Lewis St.
Approved plans will be available on respective City’s website and at member City offices.
Given reasonable advanced notice, individual, electronic or copies in a format accessible to non -
English speaking persons and persons with disabilities will be made available by calling or visiting
the respective Member City’s Office during regular business hours.
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:April 30, 2020
TO:Rick White, Community & Economic Development Department
FROM:Angela R. Pitman, Block Grant Administrator
SUBJECT: 2019/2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENTS FOR USE OF HOME AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG-CV) FUNDS FOR
COVID19 RESPONSE (MF# BGAP2020-006)
Funds Available
In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development Community Development Block Grant has notified the City of Pasco that it will receive an
allocation of $434,166 to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
This allocation was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act),
Public Law 116-136, which was signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020, to respond to the
growing effects of this historic public health crisis. HOME funds in the amount of $541,534 are also
available for reallocation.
Waiver
In accordance with 24 CFR 91.05(c)(2) and subpart B of the federal regulations citizen participation
requirements may be waived. Applicable waivers have been made available to those requirements through
the CARES Act, and the City of Pasco is making an amendment to the 2019/2020 Annual Action Plans
available to the public through this notice.
Public Comment Period and Process
The amendment above must be available for a minimum 5-day public review and comment period (May
3, 2020 to May 11, 2020). Citizens wishing to submit written comments during the public review and
comment period may mail them, postmarked no later than May 11, 2020 to Angie Pitman, Block Grant
Administrator, 525 N Third Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301 or emailed to pitmana@pasco-wa.gov or provide
comment at the Special Council meeting scheduled for May 11th.
Public Service Cap
HUD regulations state that the amount of CDBG Funds obligated within a program year to support public
service activities may not exceed 15% of the combined total of the entitlement plus the prior year’s
program income. The CARES Act Flexibilities for CDBG Funds eliminates the 15% cap.
Reimbursement of Pre-Award Costs
Grantees may use CDBG-CV grant funds to cover or reimburse costs incurred to prevent, prepare for and
respond to coronavirus COVID19, regardless of the date on which costs were incurred as long as they
comply with CDBG requirement under 24 CFR 570.200(h).
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Eligible Activities
Eligibility depends on the funding source. CDBG-CV is the most flexible and may be used for any CDBG
eligible activity cost that is incurred to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus COVID19.
Eligible activities are defined in the CDBG Common Rule (24 CFR 501.201). HOME funds may be used
to provide tenant based rental and utility assistance.
Discussion
The cities of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland have all received CDBG-CV funds for use in our
jurisdictions. Guidance from HUD cautions all grantees to use community partners that are already
familiar with the use of CDBG/HOME funds to avoid training or qualifying new subrecipients. New
programs are not recommended.
Richland proposes to use reprogrammed CDBG funds and CDBG-CV funds to provide business
stabilization grants via $10,000 forgivable loans to retain/create jobs, provide Senior Life Resources
public service assistance, and proposes reprogrammed HOME funds to provide emergency rental
assistance through the end of the year.
Kennewick is considering the use of CDBG-CV funds through a subrecipient to provide business
stabilization grants; public service assistance to Senior Life Resources and Kennewick Housing
Authority, as well as reprogrammed HOME funds to provide emergency rental assistance through the end
of the year.
Pasco staff recommends that we follow suit with Richland and Kennewick and use our CDBG-CV funds
to provide business stabilization grants/loans through a subrecipient, public service assistance for Senior
Life Resources, and reprogrammed HOME funds to provide emergency rent and utility assistance through
the end of the year.
Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance
Accumulated HOME funds in all three cities has increased significantly in the last year due to housing
prices exceeding HUD purchase limits. Staff recommends underused Pasco HOME funds in the amount
of $567,552 be reallocated for emergency rent and utilities assistance to be administered through a local
qualified non-profit for Pasco residents. It is recommended this program be evaluated in December and
continued into 2021 as needed subject to funds available. This program would provide approximately
$1.5M for rent and utility assistance (Tri-Cities total) for low-moderate income households.
Small Business/Microenterprise Rent and Utility Assistance
CDBG-CV funds in the amount of $434,155 is available through the CARES Act and may be used to
provide rent and utility assistance to small business and microenterprise to help them stay in business and
retain employees.
Conclusion
Although establishing new programs is not recommended, program guidelines are now available through
the Washington State Department of Commerce CDBG program. CDBG-CV provides up 20% of the
grant for administration and planning activities which may be used to purchase a cloud based program for
an online portal for application intake and screening. The program would eliminate applications that do
not meet the COVID19 criteria. Partnering with a local qualified non-profit and using WADOC program
guidelines, the qualified applicants would then be processed and underwritten for Pasco business
assistance.
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