CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH

MEMORANDUM

DATE:             November 21, 2007

TO:                  D. Mike Good, City Manager

FROM:            Franklin L. Hileman, Manager of Intergovernmental Relations

SUBJECT:     Resolution Approving the City’s 34^th Year (FY 2008-2009) Community

                        Development Block Grant (CDBG)  Program

_____________________________________________________________________

Purpose:

To adopt a Resolution approving the submission of Community Development projects for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

Background:

The Broward County Community Development Division has announced the 34^th Year (FY 2008-2009) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application process with grant submittals due January 14, 2007.  Fifteen cities in Broward County with city populations under 50,000 have elected to participate in the process.  Cities with populations exceeding 50,000 may receive direct allocations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

Discussion:

Initiated during the 26th Year (FY2000-2001), cities participating in the Broward County CDBG program receive an allocation based on a HUD funding formula which takes into consideration community housing conditions, population and poverty indicators.  The allocation is automatic and non-competitive provided the allocation is for HUD CDBG eligible activities which may include capital, economic development, housing and public service projects.

There were some changes in the preparation of the applications as a result of Congress not passing a budget for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.  The federal government has been funded on a continuing joint resolution to fund existing programs at prior year levels, but no specific allocations. In the past, the amount to be allocated has been available prior to submitting the application. 

Because there has been no specific allocation from Congress, Hallandale Beach's 34th Year CDBG allocation has not been released by HUD. The City has been advised by the Broward County Housing and Community Development Division staff to anticipate no increases in the program and to use last year’s allocation as a guide for project planning.

The following two projects are recommended for consideration:

Public Works Improvements (drainage, regrading/sodding of swales and   $251,931

other related infrastructure improvements)

Friends of the Hepburn Center After School Tutorial Program                      $50,000

                                                                                                Total               $301,931

The Public Works portion will be a continuation of improvements in the Southwest Section.

Each of these projects was discussed at a public meeting at The Hepburn Center on November 14, 2007 and there was broad general support for both of these projects.  A second public meeting will be held at the Community Cultural Center on November 30, 2007. In addition, staff accepted surveys of recommendations from the residents that attended these meetings. 

Local matching funds for the CDBG allocation are not required.

If the actual allocation is less or more than the requested amount, it is requested that the City Manager have the authority to adjust the amounts for both projects to best meet the needs of the City.

Recommendation:

The City Commission:

1.         Approve a Resolution of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida Approving the

            Submission of Community Development Projects for the 34th Year (Fiscal Year

            2008-2009) Community Development Block Grant; and,

2.         Authorize the City Manager to adjust the funding amounts for the two projects

            based on the final allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

            Development.

Reviewed:

________________________

D. Mike Good, City Manager

_____Approved                       _______Denied                       ______Hold for Discussion

COMMENTS: