CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Members March 15, 2021 Nikuyah Walker, Mayor Sena Magill, Vice Mayor Heather D. Hill Michael K. Payne J. Lloyd Snook, III 5:30 p.m. Closed session as provided by Sections 2.2-3711 and 2.2-3712 of the Virginia Code (Boards and Commissions) Virtual/electronic meeting 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Register at www.charlottesville.gov/zoom. Virtual/electronic meeting in accordance with the local ordinance amended and re-enacted February 16, 2021, to ensure continuity of government and prevent the spread of disease. NOTE: Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate in the public meeting may call the ADA Coordinator at (434) 970-3182 or submit a request via email to ada@charlottesville.gov. The City of Charlottesville requests that you provide a 48 hour notice so that proper arrangements may be made. CALL TO ORDER MOMENT OF SILENCE ROLL CALL AGENDA APPROVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS CONSENT AGENDA* 1. Minutes: February 1, 2021 closed and regular meetings 2. Appropriation: Additional State Funding for Adoption Assistance - $600,000 (2nd reading) 3. Appropriation: Virginia Transit Association (VTA) Free Transit Fare for Working Families Grant – $180,750 (2nd reading) 4. Appropriation: COVID Homelessness Emergency Response Program (CHERP) – Homelessness Management Information System Grant Award - $29,786 (1st of 2 readings) 5. Appropriation: COVID Homelessness Emergency Response Program (CHERP) Grant Award - $806,594 (1st of 2 readings) 6. Resolution: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Improvement Project Recommendations (1 reading) 7. Resolution*: FY2020-2021 Minor Action Plan Amendment - Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) 2020-2021 Habitat for Humanity Contingency Plan (1 reading) CITY MANAGER RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY MATTERS (FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS) COMMUNITY MATTERS Public comment for up to 16 speakers (limit 3 minutes per speaker). Preregistration available for first 8 spaces; speakers announced by Noon on meeting day (9:00 a.m. sign-up deadline). Additional public comment at end of meeting. Public comment will be conducted through electronic participation while City Hall is closed to the public. Participants can register in advance at www.charlottesville.gov/zoom. Page 1 of 78 ACTION ITEMS 8. Public Hearing: Proposed Real Estate Tax Rate for FY2022 9. Public Hearing: City Manager’s Proposed Budget for FY2022 (formal public hearing April 5) GENERAL BUSINESS 10. Report: City Assessor property assessment presentation OTHER BUSINESS MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC *Action Needed Page 2 of 78 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 1, 2021 Virtual/electronic meeting via Zoom 5:30 PM CLOSED MEETING The Charlottesville City Council met in an electronic meeting on Monday, February 1, 2021, in accordance with local ordinance #O-20-154a, adopted December 10, 2020, to ensure continuity of government and prevent the spread of disease during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Nikuyah Walker called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor Nikuyah Walker, Vice Mayor Sena Magill, and Councilors Heather Hill, Michael Payne and Lloyd Snook. On motion by Councilor Hill, seconded by Councilor Snook, Council voted 5-0 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook, Walker; Noes: none) to convene in closed session as authorized by Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3711 and 2.2- 3712, specifically: - Section 2.2-3711(A)(1), for discussion or consideration of one or more prospective candidates for appointment to City boards or commissions. On motion by Councilor Hill, seconded by Councilor Snook, Council certified by the following vote: 5-0 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook, Walker; Noes: none.), that to the best of each Council member’s knowledge only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and identified in the Motion convening the closed session were heard, discussed or considered in the closed session. The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m. BY Order of City Council BY Kyna Thomas, Clerk of Council 6:30 PM REGULAR MEETING The Charlottesville City Council met in an electronic meeting on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, in accordance with local ordinance #O-20-154a, adopted December 10, 2020, to ensure continuity of government and prevent the spread of disease during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Nikuyah Walker called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor Nikuyah Walker, Vice Mayor Sena Magill, and Councilors Heather Hill, Michael Payne and Lloyd Snook. City Council observed a moment of silence. On motion by Councilor Hill, seconded by Councilor Snook, Council unanimously Page 3 of 78 approved the meeting agenda. ANNOUNCEMENTS Vice Mayor Magill read an announcement about Community Development Block Grant/AHIP funds available for home repairs. She shared contact information for those interested in learning more about qualifications: 434-817-2447, x26 or cory@ahipva.org. Councilor Hill highlighted the annual Harambee calendar of cultural events presented by Mr. Alex-Zan. Dr. Denise Bonds, Director for the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD), presented a report on Covid-19 and on vaccination developments. She answered Council questions and shared contact information for the BRHD Hotline: 434-972-6261. CONSENT AGENDA* Clerk of Council Kyna Thomas read the following Consent Agenda items into the record: 1. MINUTES: November 10 Joint Council-Planning Commission Work Session; November 12 Budget Work Session; November 16 Special, Closed and Regular Meetings; November 20 Special Meeting; December 7 Regular Meeting; December 10 Budget Work Session; December 21 Special Meeting; January 6 Emergency Meeting 1; January 6 Emergency Meeting 2; January 8 Emergency Meeting; January 11 Emergency Meeting 2. APPROPRIATION: Virginia Department of Social Services One-Time Funding for Benefits Programs - $16,877.19 (2nd reading) APPROPRIATION Virginia Department of Social Services One-Time Funding for Benefits Programs $16,877.19 WHEREAS, The Charlottesville Department of Social Services has received Federal and State funding in the amount of $16,877.19 to be used for benefits programs staffing and operations. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $16,877.19 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Page 4 of 78 Revenue – $16,877.19 Fund: 212 Cost Center: 9900000000 G/L Account: 430080 Expenditures - $16,877.19 Fund: 212 Cost Center: 3301005000 G/L Account: 510030 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $16,877.19 from the Virginia Department of Social Services. 3. APPROPRIATION: Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant - $3,498,300.00 (2nd reading) APPROPRIATION Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program $3,498,300.00 WHEREAS, the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded a grant to the Fire Department, through the City of Charlottesville, specifically for firefighter hiring; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that a total of $3,498,300.00 be appropriated in the following manner: Revenues - $3,498,300 $3,498,300 Fund: 211 I/O: 3201005100 G/L Account: 431110 Expenditures - $3,498,300 $3,498,300 Fund: 211 I/O: 3201005100 G/L Account: 519999 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the continual reimbursement for hours worked during the period of performance and shall be considered a continuing appropriation unless further altered by Council. 4. APPROPRIATION: COVID-19 Municipal Utility Relief Program to Assist Customers - Page 5 of 78 $182,801.59 (2nd reading) APPROPRIATION CARES Act Funding for Utility Customer Bill Arrearage Assistance $182,801.59 WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has received award approval for $182,801.59 from the CARES Act from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department Housing and Development to use to assist utility customer bill arrearages owed between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $182,801.59 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenue-$182,801.59 Fund 208 I/O: 1900394 G/L Account: 430127 Expenditures-$182,801.59 Fund 208 I/O: 1900394 G/L Account: 599999 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that while these funds are being appropriated as a lump sum, the funds will be allocated to the gas, water and wastewater funds as deemed appropriate once specific accounts and assistance has been awarded. 5. APPROPRIATION: Charlottesville City Schools Budget Amendment – Grant Funding - $2,787,563 (2nd reading) APPROPRATION Charlottesville City Schools Budget Amendment – Grant Funding $2,787,563 WHEREAS, the Charlottesville City Schools has received grant funds to help offset the costs associated with its COVID response during the 2020-21 school year; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the Charlottesville City Schools budget be amended by Page 6 of 78 $2,787,563 as follows: Budget General Fund Special Revenue Total Appropriated $ 74,452,362 $ 14,440,726 $ 88,893,088 Amendment ‐ 2,787,563 2,787,563 Total Amended Budget $ 74,452,362 $ 17,228,289 $ 91,680,651 6. APPROPRIATION: Interest Accrual on Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funds - $7,000.00 (2nd reading) APPROPRIATION Interest Accrued on Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Act (CARES) Funds $7,000.00 WHEREAS, the City has accrued interest income in the amount of approximately $7,000.00 on Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds allocated to the City address the COVID-19 pandemic; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the following amount of accrued interest (or the actual amount earned as of December 30, 2020) is hereby appropriated in the following manner which conform with the conditions and guidance established by the Commonwealth, U.S. Treasury, and the City: Revenue $7,000.00 Fund: 208 Cost Center: 9900000000 G/L Account: 450010 Expenditures $7,000.00 Fund: 208 Order: 1900353 G/L Account: 599999 7. APPROPRIATION: Appropriation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)/ HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Budget Allocations for FY 2020- 2021 and Minor Amendment for Action Plan 2020-2021 a. APPROPRIATION: Appropriation of funds for the 2020-2021 Community Development Block Grant - $419,303.00 (2nd reading) Page 7 of 78 APPROPRIATION City of Charlottesville 2020-2021 Community Development Block Grant $419,303 WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has been advised of the approval by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the 2020-2021 fiscal year in the total amount of $432,691 that includes the new entitlement from HUD, dated February 18, 2020, amounting to $419,367, and previous entitlement made available through reprogramming of $13,324; WHEREAS, City Council has received recommendations for the expenditure of funds from the CDBG/HOME Taskforce, the SAT; and has conducted a public hearing thereon as provided by law; WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has been notified of the formula calculation error of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program stemming from HUD field offices, dated October 22, 2020, with the corrected entitlement of $419,303; BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sums hereinafter set forth are hereby appropriated from funds received from the aforesaid grant to the following individual expenditure accounts in the Community Development Block Grant Funds for the respective purposes set forth; provided, however, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to transfer funds between among such individual accounts as circumstances may require, to the extent permitted by applicable federal grant regulations. Priority Neighborhood Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood $201,884.12 Economic Development Community Investment Collaborative Scholarships $14,997.71 Public Service Programs (15% EN) TJACH- Coordinated Entry Systems $53,346.44 Housing Projects AHIP-Homeowner Rehab $78,538.13 Administration and Planning (20% EN) Admin & Planning $83,860.60 New Entitlement Amount $419,303 Reprogramming $13,324 Grand Total $432,627.00 Page 8 of 78 Expenditures Program Amount Fund Internal G/L Account order/Cost center Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood $201,884.12 218 1900361 530670 Community Investment $14,997.71 218 1900362 530670 Collaborative TJACH $53,346.44 218 1900363 530670 AHIP Homeowner Rehab $78,538.13 218 1900364 530670 Admin & Planning $83,860.60 218 3914004000 530670 Revenue Program Amount Fund WBS Element G/L Account Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood $201,884.12 218 P-0001 HUD 431110 IDIS Drawdown Community Investment $14,997.71 218 P-0001 HUD 431110 Collaborative IDIS Drawdown TJACH $53,346.44 218 P-0001 HUD 431110 IDIS Drawdown AHIP Homeowner Rehab $78,538.13 218 P-0001 HUD 431110 IDIS Drawdown Admin & Planning $83,860.60 218 P-0001 HUD 431110 IDIS Drawdown BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amounts so appropriated as grants to other public agencies and private non-profit, charitable organizations (subrecipients) are for the sole purpose stated. The City Manager is authorized to enter into agreements with those agencies and organizations as he may deem advisable to ensure that the grants are expended for the intended purposes, and in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations; and The City Manager, the Directors of Finance or Neighborhood Development Services, and staff are authorized to establish administrative procedures and provide for mutual assistance in the execution of the programs. b. APPROPRIATION: Appropriation of funds for the 2020-2021 HOME funds - $121,186.97 (2nd reading) Page 9 of 78 APPROPRIATION City of Charlottesville 2020-2021 HOME Funds- $121,186.97 WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has been advised of the approval by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development of HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funding for the 2020-2021 fiscal year; WHEREAS, it is a requirement of this grant that projects funded with HOME initiatives money be matched with local funding in varying degrees; WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has been notified of the formula calculation error of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) stemming from HUD field offices, dated October 22, 2020, with the corrected entitlement of $80,575.13; BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the local match for the above listed programs will be covered by the a surplus of match from previous appropriations from the Charlottesville Housing Fund (account CP-0084 in SAP system) in the amount of $20,143.78. Project totals also include previous entitlement made available through program income of $20,468.06. The total of the HUD money, program income, and the local match, equals $121,186.97 and will be distributed as shown below. PROJECTS HOME EN PI MATCH TOTAL AHIP-Homeowner Rehab $33,498.40 $13,234.03 $10,071.89 $56,804.32 Habitat for Humanity-DPA $47,076.73 $7,234.03 $10,071.89 $64,382.65 Total $80,575.13 $20,468.06 $20,143.78 $121,186.97 * includes Program Income which does not require local match. Expenditures Program Amount Fund Internal G/L Account Order/Cost Center AHIP – Homeowner Rehab $56,804.32 210 1900365 530670 Habitat for Humanity - DPA $64,382.65 210 1900366 530670 Revenue Program Amount Fund Internal Order G/L Account Thomas Jefferson Planning District $33,498.40 210 1900365 432170 Thomas Jefferson Planning District $47,076.73 210 1900366 432170 City Match $20,143.78 210 CP-0084 498010 Program Income $26,468.06 210 1900280 451070 Page 10 of 78 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the amounts so appropriated as grants to other public agencies and private non-profit, charitable organizations (subrecipients) are for the sole purpose stated. The City Manager is authorized to enter into agreements with those agencies and organizations as he may deem advisable to ensure that the grants are expended for the intended purposes, and in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations; and The City Manager, the Directors of Finance or Neighborhood Development Services, and staff are authorized to establish administrative procedures and provide for mutual assistance in the execution of the programs. 8. APPROPRIATION: Appropriation of funds for the 2020-2021 CDBG 10th and Page Priority Neighborhood (2nd reading) APPROPRIATION of Funds for City of Charlottesville 2020-2021 CDBG 10th and Page Priority Neighborhood WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has been advised of the approval by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the 2020-2021 fiscal year in the total amount of $432,303 that includes the new entitlement from HUD, dated October 22, 2020; WHEREAS, City Council has received recommendations for the expenditure of funds from the 10th and Page Priority Neighborhood Taskforce, CDBG/HOME Taskforce, the SAT; and has conducted a public hearing thereon as provided by law; WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville must carry out its program in a timely manner, as measured by the rate of expenditure of funds from the grantee’s line of credit (LOC) in accordance to 24 CFR 570.902(a); BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sums hereinafter set forth are hereby appropriated from funds received from the aforesaid grant to the following individual expenditure accounts in the Community Development Block Grant Funds for the respective purposes set forth; provided, however, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to transfer funds between among such individual accounts as circumstances may require, to the extent permitted by applicable federal grant regulations. Priority Neighborhood Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood $85,830.95 Priority Neighborhood 10th and Page Priority Neighborhood $116,053.17 Program Income Page 11 of 78 CDBG Program Income $17,952.83 Expenditures Program Amount Fund Internal G/L Account order/Cost center Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood $85,830.95 218 1900361 530670 10th and Page Priority $134,006 218 P-0001-05-19 530670 Neighborhood Revenue Program Amount Fund WBS Element G/L Account Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood $85,830.95 218 P-0001 HUD 431110 IDIS Drawdown 10th and Page Priority $116,053.17 218 P-0001 HUD 431110 Neighborhood IDIS Drawdown CDBG Program Income $17,952.83 218 P-0001-05-19 451070 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amounts so appropriated as grants to other public agencies and private non-profit, charitable organizations (subrecipients) are for the sole purpose stated. The City Manager is authorized to enter into agreements with those agencies and organizations as he may deem advisable to ensure that the grants are expended for the intended purposes, and in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations; and The City Manager, the Directors of Finance or Neighborhood Development Services, and staff are authorized to establish administrative procedures and provide for mutual assistance in the execution of the programs. 9. ORDINANCE: Eagle franchise agreement renewal (2nd reading) AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A 5-YEAR FRANCHISE TO EAGLE REAL ESTATE, LLC, TO USE THE STREETS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES OF THE CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA, TO INSTALL POLES, WIRES, CONDUITS, CABLES AND FIXTURES WITHIN PUBLIC STREET RIGHTS OF WAY 10. RESOLUTION: Letter of Endorsement for House Bill (HB) 1965 regarding No/Low Emission Vehicles RESOLUTION Endorsing Correspondence Supporting HB1965 Page 12 of 78 WHEREAS, Delegate Lamont Bagby has introduced HB 1965 in the Virginia House of Delegates to increase the availability of low and zero emissions vehicles; and WHEREAS, a group of localities is endorsing a letter urging the Virginia General Assembly to enact legislation similar to HB 1965. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia hereby agrees to add its endorsement of the letter attached to this Resolution. “January 4, 2021 RE: Supporting policy which expands access to low and zero emissions vehicles Dear Members of the Virginia General Assembly, As a community of Virginia municipalities, we urge lawmakers to empower our localities and businesses to usher in a clean economy, reduce air pollution, and improve public health by supporting policy which expands access to low and zero emissions vehicles. Fossil fuel based transportation threatens our air quality and significantly increases community healthcare costs. A recent study from Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action (VCCA) found that the health impacts attributable to Virginia-specific transportation emissions are valued at $750 million annually.1 Moreover, air pollution and the associated costs disproportionately impact low- income and minority communities, where respiratory illness is correlated with higher exposure to emissions from fossil fuel vehicles. The VCCA study found that Virginia could significantly reduce healthcare costs by implementing low and zero emissions vehicle standards. Climate change also poses a significant risk to the health, livelihood, and economic stability of our communities. Recognizing these risks, our communities are making ambitious commitments and taking action to improve energy efficiency, adopt clean energy, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Transportation is responsible for 48% of climate emissions statewide2 and is a significant contributor to each of our community-wide emissions as well. Vehicle electrification is essential to our ability to reduce emissions at the community level. Despite the significant health and climate benefits of vehicle electrification, unfortunately, auto manufacturers do not provide Virginia automotive dealers with many low and zero emission vehicles, leaving our citizens with little from which to choose. Sixteen states have already passed standards requiring manufacturers to increase the availability of low-emission and zero- emission vehicles. Combining these standards with tax incentives for purchase of these vehicles will accelerate transportation electrification, improve public health, and support Virginia’s continued leadership on climate change. Page 13 of 78 We ask the General Assembly to pass legislation which increases the availability of low and zero emissions vehicles in Virginia and provides consumers financial incentives to choose them. Our localities want to ensure that all Virginians can enjoy a thriving economy, a clean environment, and healthy communities for the many generations to come. We hope that the General Assembly will partner with us to turn this vision into reality. Sincerely, 1 https://www.virginiaclinicians.org/transportation 2 U.S. Energy Information Administration [Names of Local Governments]” 11. RESOLUTION: Resolution in Recognition of Lives Lost to Covid-19 RESOLUTION OF REMEMBERANCE FOR THOSE LOST TO COVID-19 WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States on January 21, 2020; and WHEREAS, COVID-19 has taken the lives of 385,000 Americans since January 21, 2020; and WHEREAS, COVID-19 has taken the lives of over 30 Charlottesville residents since January 21, 2020; and WHEREAS, President-elect Joe Biden has asked the nation to come together on January 19, 2021 in a nationwide public moment of recognition of lives lost to COVID-19. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that it hereby honors the memory of all the lives lost to the COVID-19 global pandemic and recognized January 19, 2021 as a citywide Day of Remembrance in honor of those who have perished since the pandemic began. Mayor Walker opened the floor for comment from the public on the Consent Agenda. - Peter Krebs, city resident, spoke in support of Item #8. - Susan Kruse, Exec Dir of Community Climate Collaborative (C3), spoke in support of Item #10. - Emily Little, city resident, spoke in support of Item #10. Page 14 of 78 On motion by Councilor Hill, seconded by Vice Mayor Magill, Council by a vote of 5-0 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook, Walker; Noes: none) APPROVED the Consent Agenda, with the exception of December 21, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes, and Item #7, pulled by Mayor Walker for separate votes. On motion by Councilor Hill, seconded by Vice Mayor Magill, Council by a vote of 4-0-1 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook; Noes: none; Abstained: Walker) APPROVED the December 21, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes. On motion by Councilor Hill, seconded by Vice Mayor Magill, Council by a vote of 4-1 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook; Noes: Walker) APPROVED Item #7: Appropriation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)/ HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Budget Allocations for FY 2020- 2021 and Minor Amendment for Action Plan 2020-2021. CITY MANAGER RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY MATTERS (FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS) Acting City Manager John Blair shared an update on the following community matters: 1. Social Services Director Diane Kuknyo and Communications Director Brian Wheeler will work on a plan to better communicate programs related to SNAP and other benefit programs. Ms. Kuknyo suggested waiting initially on federal administration changes with the Biden Administration assuming office on January 20, 2021, to see if there would be any immediate short-term changes. 2. A joint meeting with City Council and the Charlottesville City School Board scheduled for Thursday, January 28. COMMUNITY MATTERS Mayor Walker opened the floor for public comment. 1. Marta Keane, CEO of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), shared an update on services such as home delivered meals, senior helpline, counseling, adult day services, weekly calls, and efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. 2. Gloria Beard, city resident, asked about the newly appointed City Manager, affordable housing, reports of Charlottesville being a top destination for retirees, and play areas for children. 3. Tanesha Hudson spoke about Council relations, race relations and accountability. 4. Walt Heinecke, city resident, spoke about transparency with the City Manager process. He also spoke about the Human Rights Commission proposed ordinance updates and shared revision suggestions. Page 15 of 78 5. Robin Hoffman spoke about Covid-19 vaccinations and the need to improve air quality. She asked about measures being put in place for Inauguration Day. 6. Peter Krebs, Piedmont Environmental Council, spoke about a virtual book club for those interested in safer streets. He advised that more information was available at pecva.org.. He also spoke in support of the agenda item for acquisition of land at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. 7. Don Gathers encouraged everyone to stay safe. He shared his opinion that the City Manager appointment process was rushed. He wished Mr. Blair well in his future endeavors and wished the incoming City Manager well. He shared concern of hearing no security report for Inauguration Day. 8. Abby Guskind shared disappointment about a lack of transparency and community outreach in the City Manager appointment process. She wished Mr. Blair well as he moves forward with another locality. 9. Elizabeth Stark, city resident, spoke about the City Budget. She encouraged the funding of city priority needs such as education, hunger, mental and physical health, addressing the unhoused, and alternatives to policing. 10. Katrena Cooper, city resident, asked about cameras that were put up in the South First Street area without notification to residents. Councilor Payne responded to public comments and implored everyone to take accountability for moving the city forward to a healthier place. Mayor Walker spoke about the process for hiring the new City Manager and about work being done that often goes unrecognized. She asked that people think about the type of city that they want. The meeting recessed at 8:10 p.m. and reconvened at 8:25 p.m. ACTION ITEMS PUBLIC HEARING/APPROPRIATION: Public Hearing of the FY2020-2021 Substantial Action Plan Amendment, Budget Appropriation and Approval of the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus 3 (CDBG-CV3) Budget Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator, presented the report. After clarifying questions from Council, Mayor Walker opened the public hearing. o Brandon Collins, organizer for the Charlottesville Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR), encouraged Council to approve the request to help Page 16 of 78 eviction prevention. With no other speakers coming forward, Mayor Walker closed the public hearing. a. FY2020-2021 Substantial Action Plan Amendment On motion by Councilor Hill, seconded by Vice Mayor Magill, Council by the following vote APPROVED the resolution: 5-0 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook, Walker; Noes: none). RESOLUTION Approval of FY 2020-2021 Substantial Action Plan Amendment BE IT RESOLVED, that the Charlottesville City Council hereby approves the FY 2020- 2021 Substantial Action Plan Amendment of the 2018-2022 Consolidated Plan as presented at the May 4, 2020 City Council Meeting. All CDBG-CV3 projects shall be included into City of Charlottesville CDBG/HOME 2020-2021 Program. b. Substantial Action Plan CDBG-CV3 Budget (carried) Council agreed to carry this item forward to the February 1 Consent Agenda. APPROPRIATION: Approval and Appropriation of CDBG and HOME Budget Allocations for FY2021-2022 Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator, presented the request. She shared funding recommendations from the Task Force. Council asked clarifying questions, commended the detailed work done by the CDBG Task Force, and agreed to move both appropriations forward to the February 1 Consent Agenda. a. APPROPRIATION: CDBG 2021-2022 budget allocations (carried) b. APPROPRIATION: HOME 2021-2022 budget allocations (carried) ORDINANCE: Human Rights Commission Ordinance Recommended Amendments (carried) Mary Bauer, Human Rights Commission (HRC) Chair, presented the proposed ordinance changes. She shared that the HRC would like to provide more frequent updates, and that recent changes from the General Assembly prompted some of the amendments presented. She shared concerns about the need to hire an Executive Director for the HRC. Page 17 of 78 Ms. Bauer reviewed changes to the Virginia Human Rights Act created by passage of the Virginia Values Act. Council asked clarifying questions related to correspondence received from the public. Mayor Walker shared a concern about the residency requirement for HRC members and voiced that the seats should be held by city residents. Todd Niemeier, Office of Human Rights, helped to answer questions. Mr. Blair also shared information about enabling legislation for establishing Human Rights Commissions in localities, in response to questions regarding the possibility of an agreement with the surrounding county. Council agreed to carry this item forward to the February 1 Consent Agenda. RESOLUTION*: Acquisition of Land at Ragged Mountain Reservoir - $65,000 Chris Gensic, Parks and Trails Planner, presented the request. He shared information about community contributions and support for the acquisition. On motion by Councilor Hill, seconded by Councilor Snook, Council by the following vote APPROVED the resolution: 5-0 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook, Walker; Noes: none). RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ACQUISTION OF LAND AT RAGGED MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR (5.0 ACRES – TMP 75, PARCEL 47A) WHEREAS, Stanislaw J. Makielski and Valerie Jean Conner, Trustees of the Stanislaw J. Makielski and Valerie Jean Conner Family Trust (“Owners”) are the owners of land designated on Albemarle County, Virginia Real Estate Tax Map 75 as Parcel 47A, and have indicated a willingness to convey a portion of the subject land to the City of Charlottesville for creation of parkland; and WHEREAS, the land to be conveyed, hereinafter the “Property”, is described as follows: All that certain tract or parcel of land situate in the County of Albemarle, Virginia containing approximately 5.00 acres, and described “The Makielski Property” on that certain plat entitled “Plat Showing Boundary Survey of Tax Map 75 Parcel 47A”, prepared by P. Timothy Stanley, Jr., dated June 19, 2018, attached hereto and recorded in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office of Albemarle County, Virginia, simultaneously herewith. Page 18 of 78 WHEREAS, Owner has agreed to convey to the City the Property for the purchase price of $95,000.00; and WHEREAS, funds are available for the purchase of the Property from a grant award from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in the amount of $65,000.00; grant award funding from USDA in the amount of $31,039.00, and approved USDA surplus grant funding to cover the remaining balance. WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation seeks the endorsement of City Council to proceed with the purchase of above-described Property at a purchase price of $95,000.00 with the funding supplied through the above-described grant funding sources; and WHEREAS, the Warranty Deed of Sale which contains Exhibit A, Notice of Grant Agreement, for the conveyance of said land has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney’s Office; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Charlottesville that it hereby authorizes the purchase of the above-described Property for creation of parkland. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute the above-referenced Exhibit A, Notice of Grant Agreement attached to the Warranty Deed of Sale, and the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the Warranty Deed of Sale, both in form approved by the City Attorney or her designee. The City Attorney’s Office shall take whatever actions are necessary to effect the acquisition of the above-described Property. GENERAL BUSINESS REPORT: Update on the Climate Action Plan Development Process Susan Elliott, Climate Protection Program Manager, began the report presentation. She advised that the process would need to move forward on an expedited timeline, noting key areas of focus for emissions reduction: Residential, Commercial and Transportation. She provided an update on actions taken related to direction given by Council in a 2019 resolution. Kristel Riddervold, Environmental Sustainability and Facilities Development Division Manager, shared work plan updates through March 2021 and advised of the timeline for milestone targets and City process alignment. She shared that information and documentation related to the climate plan would be accessible at: www.charlottesville.gov/climateplan. Page 19 of 78 Council shared feedback and discussed ways to help move efforts forward. OTHER BUSINESS There were no other business items for consideration. MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Tanesha Hudson spoke about City Council's role in making Charlottesville a healthier place. Walt Heinecke, city resident, spoke of disappointment with the conversation about the Human Rights Commission ordinance earlier in the meeting. Ang Conn, city resident, spoke about the hiring of new police officers and suggested putting a hiring freeze on police and implementing a first responder team instead. Marcia Geyer thanked Council for working to the best of their abilities. She added that the public should be more supportive. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. BY Order of City Council BY Kyna Thomas, Clerk of Council Page 20 of 78 CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: March 1, 2021 Action Required: Approve appropriation Presenter: Sue Moffett, Assistant Director of Social Services Staff Contacts: Jenny Jones, Chief of Family Services Laura Morris, Chief of Administration Title: Additional State Funding for Adoption Assistance - $600,000 Background: The Charlottesville Department of Social Services (CDSS) has received $600,000 in additional funding from the Virginia Department of Social Services to provide assistance to adoptive families. Discussion: The purpose of adoption assistance is to facilitate adoptive placements and ensure permanency for children. Maintenance payments provide support and services for the child and to strengthen the adoptive family. The department has seen a steady increase in adoptive placements. In Fiscal year 2019, the department served 149 adoptive children and finalized 37 adoptions. In FY2020, the department served 176 children and finalized 32 adoptions. 167 adoptive children have received assistance in FY21 through February 12th. Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan: Approval of this agenda item aligns with the City’s mission to provide services that promote equity and an excellent quality of life in our community. It is consistent with Strategic Plan Goal 2: A Healthy and Safe City, Objective 2.2, Meet the safety needs of victims and reduce the risk of re-occurrence/re-victimization. Community Engagement: Adoption staff work directly with families and providers to provide needed services and serve as resources to other department staff and community partners. Page 21 of 78 Budgetary Impact: No additional City funds are required or being requested for this program in FY 2021. The additional funding for this program is entirely State dollars and does not require a local match. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval and appropriation of these funds. Alternatives: If the appropriation is not approved, CDSS will require general funds to cover the May and June maintenance payments to adoptive families. These payments are negotiated as part of the adoption agreement and are legally binding. Attachments: Appropriation Page 22 of 78 APPROPRATION Additional Funding for Adoption Assistance $600,000 WHEREAS, the Charlottesville Department of Social Services has received $600,000 from the Virginia Department of Social Services to provide assistance to adoptive families. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $600,000 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenue-$600,000 Fund 212 Cost Center: 9900000000 G/L Account: 430080 $600,000 Expenditures-$600,000 Fund 212 Cost Center: 3311007000 G/L Account: 540060 $600,000 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $600,000 from the Virginia Department of Social Services. Page 23 of 78 CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: March 1, 2021 Action Required: Appropriation of Grant Funds Presenter: Hollie Lee, Chief of Workforce Development Strategies Staff Contacts: Hollie Lee, Chief of Workforce Development Strategies Title: Virginia Transit Association (V.T.A.) Free Transit Fare for Working Families Grant – $180,750 Background: In August 2020, the City of Charlottesville, through the Office of Economic Development (O.E.D.), received an award from the Virginia Transit Association (V.T.A.) in the amount of $180,750 for the Free Transit Fare for Working Families Grant Program. The funding will be used to provide transportation for employment purposes to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (T.A.N.F.) eligible persons and/or individuals with a dependent child whose income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level from July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Transportation will be provided in the form of bus rides through Charlottesville Area Transit (C.A.T.) and/or on-demand transportation provided by Jaunt, Inc. (Please note that C.A.T. is currently not charging for bus passes, so it is anticipated that most of the funding will go towards on- demand transportation.) Transportation for employment purposes include, but are not limited to: interviews, job search, employment, training, and childcare for dependent children. The entire Charlottesville region is covered by the grant, including: the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. The Downtown Job Center, which will administer the program, will document and verify T.A.N.F. and income eligibility with the assistance of C.D.S.S. Quarterly status reports will be submitted to V.T.A. and Virginia’s Department of Social Services, and full and accurate project records will be maintained for the duration of the grant program. This grant will be executed in partnership with the Charlottesville Department of Social Services (C.D.S.S.), Network2Work @ Piedmont Virginia Community College, and Jaunt, Inc. There have also been letters of support from multiple employer partners outside of existing City bus lines, including the Walmart Distribution Center, Crutchfield Corporation, and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (Monticello and the Distribution Center at Ivy). The V.T.A. grant does not require a local match. All funding is designated for direct transportation services for clients. Discussion: In July 2013, the City’s Strategic Action Team on Workforce Development (SAT) issued a report to City Council entitled, Growing Opportunity: A Path to Self-Sufficiency. The report, which was Page 24 of 78 subsequently endorsed by Council, examines the barriers to employment for low-income City residents and makes recommendations on how to address these barriers. One of these barriers includes transportation and the impact it has on residents being able to get to and from work and mid-skilled jobs that pay a self-sufficient wage. The O.E.D. has attempted to mitigate the increasing inaccessibility to appropriate employment opportunities by developing and executing programs through partnerships with other public and private sector agencies. One such initiative is the GO Ride program wherein individuals in an active job search or starting at a new job are eligible for short term free bussing through C.A.T. Bus passes are available for City residents who can provide proof of residence and actively work with Downtown Job Center staff to meet their employment needs. The program is for those who rely on public transportation to commute and cannot afford to purchase passes or have had circumstances that make commuting to work difficult. Those who are in an active job search and work with staff to submit applications, prepare resumes and other employment-centric tasks are eligible for a 7-day pass, with the idea that it will help with getting people to and from appointments, interviews, and in dropping off completed applications. Anyone who has recently found employment is eligible for one 30-day pass, with the idea being acute transportation needs can be addressed during that period as the person starts earning income. In support of a new on-demand transportation service and an expansion of OED's existing GO Ride program, the V.T.A. grant funding will allow City residents without reliable transportation the opportunity to obtain employment with employers located beyond the City bus lines in outlying counties. Alignment with Council Vision Areas and Strategic Plan: This effort supports City Council’s “Economic Sustainability” vision and aligns directly with the SAT’s Growing Opportunity report that was approved by City Council in 2013. It also contributes to the following goals and objectives in the City’s Strategic Plan: Goal 4: A Strong, Creative and Diversified Economy • Objective 4.1: Develop a quality workforce Goal 1: An Inclusive Community of Self-sufficient Residents • Objective 1.2: Prepare residents for the workforce It aligns with Chapter 3 on Economic Sustainability in the Comprehensive Plan, and more specifically Goal 6, which focuses on workforce development and being an effective partner in creating a well‐prepared and successful workforce. Community Engagement: Like practically all of the City’s workforce development efforts, the GO Ride on-demand transportation program is supported by numerous community agencies and organizations. This includes: the City of Charlottesville Department of Social Services (C.D.S.S.), Network2Work @ Piedmont Virginia Community College, and Jaunt, Inc. There have also been letters of support from multiple employer partners outside of existing City bus lines, including the Walmart Distribution Center, Crutchfield Corporation, and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (Monticello and the Distribution Center at Ivy). Page 25 of 78 Budgetary Impact: There is no budget impact for the City of Charlottesville as no local match is required. This grant will be entirely State, and Federal pass-through funds. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval and appropriation of grant funds. Alternatives: If grant funds are not appropriated, City residents without access to reliable transportation will not have access to potential job opportunities beyond City bus lines. Attachments: • V.T.A. Free Fare Grant Proposal • V.T.A. Free Fare Grant Agreement – Fully Executed Page 26 of 78 APPROPRIATION Virginia Transit Association (V.T.A) Free Transit Fare for Working Families Grant $180,750 WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has received grant funds from the Virginia Transit Association in the amount of $180,750; and WHEREAS, the funds will be administered by the Office of Economic Development through the Downtown Job Center and used to support transportation for program participants for employment purposes; and WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period from July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $180,750 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenue – $180,750 $180,750 Fund: 210 IO: 1900392 G/L: 430120 State/Fed pass thru Expenditures - $180,750 $180,750 Fund: 210 IO: 1900392 G/L: 599999 Lump Sum BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $180,750 from the Virginia Transit Association. Page 27 of 78 Free Transit Fare for Working Families Program Grant Application Form Application Instructions Applications for the Free Transit Fare for Working Families (Free Transit Fare) grant program will be accepted from June 22 to July 10, 2020. To apply, please complete the following application form in its entirety and enclose the following supplemental supporting documents: a) Cover letter on organizational letterhead certifying the proposed project and outcome reporting can commence in September 2020. b) Letter of support from the identified transit service provider(s) acknowledging the proposed project and certifying that ridership data can be provided as described. c) Project budget form completed utilizing the template provided. The application narrative is limited to the space provided in Section C. Application Form A. Sub-Recipient Information Sub-Recipient Name: City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development Entity Type: Municipality ✔ Other If “other”, please describe: Nonprofit Transit Provider Point of Contact: Name: Hollie Lee Title: Chief of Workforce Development Strategies Phone: 434-970-3117 E-mail: leeh@charlottesville.gov Address: 610 E. Market St. Charlottesville, VA 22902 Page 1 of 8 Page 28 of 78 TANF Free Transit Fare Program B. Project Information Project Title: GO Ride Expansion and Regional On-Demand Transit Coalition Total Project Cost: Transit Passes: $ 30,000 (based on completed On Demand Bus Trips: $ 150,750 project budget form) Public Vanpools: $0 Ridership Tracking (if applicable): $0 Miscellaneous Program Expenses: $0 Administrative Expenses $0 Total Project Cost: $ 180,750 (This is your grant request) Number of TANF Persons to be Served Monthly from September 2020-June 2021: 97 Number of TANF Persons to be Served from September 2020-June 2021: (unduplicated) 149 Description of Primary Charlottesville City, Albemarle County, Fluvanna County, Louisa County Service Area: (counties/cities of TANF eligible persons) Transit Agency(ies): Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) and JAUNT, Inc. Proposed Transit Service to be Provided: Fixed Route Bus: ✔ (check all that apply) On Demand Bus: ✔ Public Vanpool: Other: Anticipated Primary From the urban ring of the City of Charlottesville to employer partner locations in Albemarle, Fluvanna and Louisa Counties and returning to the Destinations: Charlottesville urban ring. Page 2 of 8 Page 29 of 78 TANF Free Transit Fare Program C. Project Narrative 1. Project Description Please provide an overview of the proposed project and the transit services to be funded with Free Transit Fare program funds. Please detail the project overview, purpose and need, and project approach. The City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development (OED) plans to utilize grant funds in two phases. The first is to expand the existing GO Ride program to further benefit job seekers and those recently employed. While the current program allows for one 30-day pass per client, transportation needs are often more complicated and farther-reaching. Participants will now be eligible for up to three, 30-days passes while currently employed and working with the OED's Downtown Job Center (DJC) or Home to Hope staff to address those more persistent barriers. Extrapolating from current usage of bus passes, the City has invested $8,382 since the beginning of FY2019. An expansion of this program through OED and Network2Work @ PVCC would result in program expenditures of $30,000 over the ten-month grant period from September 2020 through June 2021. The second initiative undertaken with grant funding will be a new offering of on-demand transportation service through City partner JAUNT, Inc. This service will be made available to workers and employer partners to facilitate rides to and from employment locations beyond the existing limits of City transit. This will positively impact the ability of job seekers to find appropriate employment based on their skill level and drive more applicants to fill open positions with employers who struggle with recruitment and retention. At this time, JAUNT provides paratransit service to City residents with disabilities who are unable to use the local fixed route system through a sub-recipient arrangement with CAT and the City of Charlottesville. Due to this arrangement, JAUNT can only provide ADA services within the City of Charlottesville and not on-demand services. City residents who are not disabled are not currently eligible for on-demand services. These individuals must rely on CAT’s fixed routes (limited geographic locations and route frequencies) and private transportation (e.g., taxi cabs, Uber, Lyft, etc.), which is often too costly for low-income City residents. With this grant funding however, JAUNT will be able to offer on-demand service to anyone (including non-disabled City residents) who need it, thus opening up the opportunity for more direct route transportation to employment. In support of a new on-demand transportation service and an expansion of OED's existing GO Ride program, grant funding will also be utilized to support TANF and TANF-eligible families in transporting dependents to and from childcare. Access to affordable childcare is a significant barrier for working families. According to the 2017 Childcare Aware of America Report, more than 60% of children under age 6 have two parents in the workforce. Working parents need safe and affordable child care options to earn a steady income and increase future earning potential. Childcare deficiencies lead to absenteeism and decreased productivity in the workplace, costing companies and ultimately the consumer money. In the Charlottesville region today, over 12,000 families (19%), do not earn enough income to meet their basic needs, including costs associated with working like childcare and transportation. These families are disproportionately minority, with 39% of black families making less than $35,000, compared to just 16% of white families. There is a substantial disconnect in Charlottesville between low-income residents receiving or eligible to receive TANF and accessibility to employment opportunities. The economy of the City itself revolves around the service industry (restaurants, retail and hospitality) and the City’s anchor institutions – the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia Health System. This has led to a dearth of manufacturing and production jobs in areas serviced by local transit. In their treatise on causes of inner-city poverty, Teitz and Chapple identify “structural economic shifts that have eroded the competitive position of the central cities in the industrial sectors that historically provided employment Page 3 of for the 8 working poor, especially minorities.” (1998) This hypothesis reaches the conclusion that modern urban communities emphasize a more educated labor force over blue-collar and entry level workers, a phenomenon borne out in Charlottesville. The end result is a concentrated workforce with less access to consistently reliable forms of transportation in a community where the most appropriate career Page 30 of 78 opportunities lie beyond the reach of this workforce. TANF Free Transit Fare Program 2. Accessibility and Mobility Benefits Please discuss the existing mobility challenges that the TANF eligible persons to be served by this project have and discuss how the proposed project will improve access to employment and/or job training. For the purpose of this proposal, the OED conducted a survey of stakeholders to gauge attitudes regarding the capacity of fixed route public transportation in Charlottesville to access employment and assess interest in alternatives such as on-demand service. A total of 80 surveys were returned with the following statistics: • 54% indicate Charlottesville Area Transit meets their current transportation needs • 66% say the frequency of buses is either inconvenient or somewhat inconvenient • 30% specify that CAT does not go to their place of employment or if buses do reach their employer, it is not often enough to be convenient • 33% say they don't apply for jobs outside of transit range • 34% have turned down jobs outside transit borders • 88% would be interested in on-demand services Polling of Charlottesville and Albemarle County residents in regard to attitudes toward existing transportation options revealed that 42% of job seekers do not look for work outside of existing transit service and one in three have turned down jobs because it was not on the bus line. Given these percentages, and the percentage of job seekers served at the Downtown Job Center and Network2Work who have expressed similar barriers, it is estimated that roughly half of all job seekers serviced would benefit from having the option to seek work beyond current transit limits. Frequent employer partners often face critical staff shortages stemming in part from inaccessibility of available workforce. Examples of such employers include: Walmart Distribution Center, AG Dillard, Crutchfield Corporation, Farmington Country Club, Boar's Head Resort, and Monticello. Attached to this application are letters of support from multiple employer partners, as well as the Directors of Charlottesville Area Transit and JAUNT, Inc. and Louisa County's Economic Development Director. In fact, Louisa County has approached the City over the past five years for assistance with solving recruitment issues experienced by its largest area employer, Walmart Distribution Center, that are caused by a lack of transportation to and from the area. With greater accessibility to employers beyond current transportation limits, the OED would seek to expand its GO programs in partnership with other regional employers, similar to GO Tech. New potential GO programs exist within the production sector with Tri-Dim Filter Corp, Klockner-Pentaplast, and Walmart Distribution Center (Louisa County), construction with A.G. Dillard (Fluvanna County), and within the service industry at Boar's Head Resort and Farmington Country Club (Albemarle County). Given funding, four new GO programs could be offered with between six and eight students in each class. Based on historical data, approximately 75% of those participants would benefit from on-demand transit service to these employer partners. In addition to targeted workforce training, more accessibility would allow for specific recruitment events for employer partners now within OED's scope of service. An example would be Monticello's gift shop distribution center. They have expressed a need for 10 or more employees to work through the 2020 holiday season. On-demand transit would allow OED to fill this need for Monticello and the need for workers to get back and forth to the job site. Barbara Hutchinson, vice president of community impact with Charlottesville’s United Way, estimates childcare for infants at $13,500 annually and $11,000 for toddlers and preschoolers. For TANF recipients, this represents a considerable challenge to self-sufficiency. Many families rely on relatives or friends to overcome this obstacle. Any pressure relieved by assisting in child transportation will greatly benefit this constituency. JAUNT estimates for on-demand service are $13 per day to employers in and around Charlottesville and $17.50 per day for outer areas such as Louisa and Fluvanna Counties. It is anticipated that approximately half of the recipients of this on-demand service will utilize Page 4 of 8childcare transportation. Page 31 of 78 TANF Free Transit Fare Program 3. TANF Eligibility Reporting Please describe the subrecipient’s existing programming for TANF eligible persons and the ability to identify, assist, and track TANF eligible persons for purposes of this grant. As an agency of the City of Charlottesville, the Office of Economic Development works closely with the Charlottesville Department of Social Services to provide workforce development/employment services to TANF participants and many other active clients who are TANF eligible. Attached to this application is a letter of support from CDSS for this initiative. Additionally, the OED is the subrecipient of three TANF employment grants from the Virginia Department of Social Services totaling approximately $260,000. Our partner in this grant submission, Network2Work @ Piedmont Virginia Community College, brings together three key networks: employers, social service organizations, and a creative system of job seeker recruitment. Its Job Seeker Network uses a political style ground game of over 250 well-connected individuals in low-income neighborhoods to recruit jobseekers, many of whom would not otherwise find family-sustaining employment. These connectors use a custom built, award-winning software on their smartphones to inject job and resource information directly into struggling neighborhoods. Network2Work then collaborates with the over 34 service providers in its Resource Network to make sure job seekers have the training and supports they need (e.g., childcare and transportation), to secure and excel in the jobs they seek. Network2Work will use its technology platform to recruit TANF-eligible job-seekers, and then will match those job-seekers to the bus passes and on-demand transit services they need in order to get to training and work. 4. 2014, In Outcome the OEDReporting began an innovative program to address directed training for the workforce needs of Charlottesville Estimate projectemployers. area outcomes as The Growing defined Opportunities in Section 3-C of (GO) programguidelines the program has established a pattern and describe the of success in a variety of economic and workforce development programs implemented since its subrecipient’s inception, proposedprogram with the flagship approach to track being GO and report Driver project (which trainsoutcomes. low-income City residents to become Required bus drivers for CAT). Over the past six years, the OED has conducted 29 GO training programs using Housing and and The number Urban Development amount of transit(HUD) federal income fare provided thresholds (e.g., number as a mainvalue); and monetary criteria for participation in the programs. To date, there have been 202 graduates from GO programs, with a  The number of persons served; and better than 90% employment placement rate upon successful completion of the program. Those enrolled in GO programs The typealso of service provided have access (e.g.,Ride to GO fixed route bus vs onduring passes demand). the training process and during theDesired initial phase of their employment post-graduation.  Ridership data to include boardings and qualitative information regarding Through the many successes of GO workforce development training, there have also been challenges. One of the more destinations; and ambitious programs was in partnership with Crutchfield to train individuals to work in their call center as Whether technicalindividuals are using the support specialists. provided This program transit service to travel was christened to employment GO Tech. The training aspect of GO Tech was a considerable success, but locations, job training programs, or both. issues arose when graduates began to be placed into employment. The Crutchfield Corporate office is located north of Charlottesville near the Regional If there Airport, is a strategic approximately 10partnership miles north with of theone or more farthest bustransit organizations, line. Of please describe. the five graduates, only one was able Subrecipients are encouraged to be specific with how outcome data and to consistently make it to work based on their transportation issues. One dedicated participantridership will be tracked. worked with the DJC to take the bus line to its terminus and then take a cab from that point to get to work. Unfortunately, this arrangement did not work out long term and the individual had to leave the job. This The drove Free the Transit point homeFarethat for Working Families Charlottesville Granttowill needed have staff seriously dedicated reimagine to tracking processes and reporting to help employees on all data to be related to the successfully execution placed of grant in positions programming. outside City limitsThis and will include employer to expand total numbers served for partnerships to both the GO place reliably Ride and on-demand job seekers whotransit initiatives. As can consistently these attend workprograms on time.are strictly employment based, we will be able to continue the OED's practice of capturing jobs obtained for the GO Ride program and account In Novemberfor total numbers 2019, the DJC of trips used via integrated on-demand an intensive peertransit. support program for individuals returning to Charlottesville after release from incarceration. The Home to Hope program provides intensive case The estimatesservices management for the required and assistsreporting parameters participants are as follows: in overcoming those barriers that are consistent with effective reentry. To this end, Home to Hope also utilizes the GO Ride bus pass system so that Each 30-day navigating bus pass services, through Charlottesville appointments and employmentArea Transit needs are hasmitigated a $22 value. The OED and as obstacles. All of the Network2Work participants in the anticipate Home to serving 93 total clients Hope program through this are low-income program (well below based 50% Areaoff ofMedian historical usage Income with (AMI).290 bus passes in total distributed. On-demand estimates include 30 monthly clients for Page 5 of 8 Network2Work's service to and from Louisa County, with 10 children transported to childcare. The OED's estimates are 6 job seekers and 2 children monthly to and from Louisa County. Further, the OED will serve clients to Fluvanna and outer Albemarle Counties at estimates of 6 adults and 2 children for the Fluvanna market and 15 adults and 6 children for Albemarle, respectively. In total, our Page 32 of 78 partnership expects to serve 97 TANF or TANF eligible clients per month for the duration of the grant, TANF Free Transit Fare Program Page 6 of 8 Page 33 of 78 TANF Free Transit Fare Program 5. Start-up Capacity Given the compressed performance period for the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 program, describe how quickly the project can begin after the anticipated September 15, 2020 notice to proceed. The blueprint for initiatives to offer on-demand transportation service and expand existing support service for those inside transit limits has existed for years. This grant opportunity allows for OED and its partner network to fully realize and execute this blueprint for the benefit of the entire economic community in Central Virginia. Given funding, these two programs will be deliverable in full by the date of the notice to proceed with full backing from community infrastructure, governmental and employer partners. Processes are already in place to offer the services. The bus pass program is an expansion of the GO Ride program, so it’s a matter of purchasing more bus passes than usual. Jaunt is already offering on-demand service for City residents with disabilities and individuals in other counties. They already have the vehicles, equipment, scheduling software, and staff in place. For this project, the City of Charlottesville will just be expanding the services to provide on-demand transportation to all City residents beyond the bus line and expanding beyond Jaunt’s typical boundaries (mainly to Louisa County). 6. Project Cost Please describe the grant request and the estimated project costs as outline in the budget form once completed. The OED is seeking $30,000 to expand its existing GO Ride bus pass program in conjunction with partner Network2Work. 30-day bus passes cost $22 each from CAT. Since the beginning of FY2019 the Downtown Job Center has averaged serving 18 job seekers per month with 30-day bus passes. Maintaining that number for the grant period would mean 180 TANF or TANF-eligible job seekers served. Expanding from one 30-day pass to three for each client would result in an expenditure of $11,880. A similar expansion of Network2Work's bus pass program results in expenses of $8,000. We would use further funding toward marketing the program. The OED is seeking $150,750 to initiate an on-demand transit service with partner JAUNT, Inc. This number is derived from the proposed number of TANF and TANF-eligible clients served multiplied by $17.50 fare per hour to Louisa and Fluvanna Counties and $13.00 per hour for Albemarle County. Trips to daycare for children are factored at a slightly lower rate on average due to facilities being closer to in-town. In addition to job seekers, childcare transportation costs are added to the estimate, bringing the final totals to: Network2Work On-Demand service to Louisa County: $58,800 OED On-Demand service to Louisa County: $32,000 OED On-Demand service to Fluvanna County: $32,000 OED On-Demand service to Outer Albemarle County: $27,950 _______________________________________________ Total: $150,750 Page 7 of 8 Page 34 of 78 TANF Free Transit Fare Program Submission Completed applications must be submitted by email to VTA by 4:00 PM on Friday, July 10, 2020. This application form, along with the required supplemental documents, should be emailed to: Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director Virginia Transit Association Email: TANFgrant@vatransit.com Page 8 of 8 Page 35 of 78 Page 36 of 78 Page 37 of 78 Page 38 of 78 Page 39 of 78 CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: March 15, 2021 Action Required: Approval and Appropriation Presenter: Kaki Dimock, Director, Human Services Staff Contacts: Kaki Dimock, Director, Human Services Title: COVID Homelessness Emergency Response Program (C.H.E.R.P.) – H.M.I.S. Grant Award ($29,786) Background: A C.O.V.I.D. Homelessness Emergency Response Program grant of $29,786 has been awarded for the expenses associated with the maintenance and use of the datakeeping system called the Homelessness Management Information System (H.M.I.S.) required by both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless plans, designs and coordinates the local homelessness continuum of care and is the provider of record for data collection. Discussion: The City of Charlottesville has staff from the departments of Human Services and Social Services taking leadership roles in the governance of T.J.A.C.H. This grant supports the additional costs associated with maintaining the required data associated with the C.O.V.I.D. global pandemic. Community Engagement: This grant and plan are the product of extensive engagement of the service provider community for persons experiencing homelessness. This partnership is reflective of the new governance model for T.J.A.C.H. and the priority requests of the Interfaith Movement Promoting Action by Congregations Together (IMPACT). Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan: This grant advances the City of Charlottesville’s Strategic Plan Goal #1 of an inclusive community of self-sufficient residents. Specifically, it will facilitate the objective of increasing affordable housing options. Budgetary Impact: This grant will be entirely Federal pass-through funds. No local match is required. There is no Page 40 of 78 budget impact for the City of Charlottesville. All funds will be distributed to sub-recipients for service provision. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval and appropriation of grant funds. Alternatives: Council may elect to not accept the funds and the community will not have the capacity to administer the following services to persons experiencing a housing crisis:. Emergemcy low- barrier shelter, coordinated assessment, rapid rehousing, H.M.I.S., coalition coordination and administration. Attachments: Appropriation Page 41 of 78 APPROPRIATION COVID Homelessness Emergency Response Program (C.H.E.R.P.) H.M.I.S. Grant Amendment $29,786 WHEREAS, The City of Charlottesville, through the Department of Human Services, has received the C.H.E.R.P. Grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $29,786. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville,Virginia that the sum of $29,786 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenues $29,786 Fund: 209 IO: 1900402 G/L: 430120 Federal Pass Thru Expenditures $29,786 Fund: 209 IO: 1900402 G/L: 530550 Contracted Services BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon receipt of $29,786 in funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Page 42 of 78 Page 43 of 78 Page 44 of 78 Page 45 of 78 Page 46 of 78 Page 47 of 78 Page 48 of 78 Page 49 of 78 Page 50 of 78 CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: March 15, 2021 Action Required: Approval and Appropriation Presenter: Kaki Dimock, Director, Human Services Staff Contacts: Kaki Dimock, Director, Human Services Title: COVID Homelessness Emergency Response Program (C.H.E.R.P.) Grant Award ($806,594) Background: The Department of Human Services in coordination with the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless (T.J.A.C.H.) and the Service Provider Council (S.P.C.), applied for and received a grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The orginial COVID Supplement for the Virginia Housing Solutions Program award of $283,742 was granted and then amended to a total of $806,594 and the contract period extended to September 20, 2022. Discussion: The City of Charlottesville has staff from the departments of Human Services and Social Services taking leadership roles in the governance of T.J.A.C.H. The grant provides services in several points along the local continuum of services: $628,783 for emergency shelter services $133,000 for rapid re-housing services $44,811 for administrative expenses Community Engagement: This grant and plan are the product of extensive engagement of the service provider community for persons experiencing homelessness. This partnership is reflective of the new governance model for T.J.A.C.H. and the priority requests of the Interfaith Movement Promoting Action by Congregations Together (IMPACT). Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan: This grant advances the City of Charlottesville’s Strategic Plan Goal #1 of an inclusive community of self-sufficient residents. Specifically, it will facilitate the objective of increasing affordable housing options. Page 51 of 78 Budgetary Impact: This grant will be entirely Federal pass-through funds. No local match is required. There is no budget impact for the City of Charlottesville. All funds will be distributed to sub-recipients for service provision. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval and appropriation of grant funds. Alternatives: Council may elect to not accept the funds and the community will not have the capacity to administer the following services to persons experiencing a housing crisis:. Emergemcy low- barrier shelter, rapid rehousing, coordination and administration. Attachments: Appropriation & Contract Documents Page 52 of 78 APPROPRIATION C.H.E.R.P. Grant Amendment $806,594 WHEREAS, The City of Charlottesville, through the Department of Human Services, has received the C.H.E.R.P. Grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $806,594. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville,Virginia that the sum of $806,594 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenues $806,594 Fund: 209 IO: 1900401 G/L: 430120 Federal Pass Thru Expenditures $806,594 Fund: 209 IO: 1900401 G/L: 530550 Contracted Services BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon receipt of $806,594 in funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Page 53 of 78 Page 54 of 78 Page 55 of 78 Page 56 of 78 Page 57 of 78 Page 58 of 78 Page 59 of 78 Page 60 of 78 Page 61 of 78 Page 62 of 78 Page 63 of 78 CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: March 15, 2021 Action Required: Resolution Presenter: Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator Staff Contacts: Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator Brennen Duncan, Traffic Engineer Title: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Improvement Projects Background: The City of Charlottesville is an entitlement community for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Each year a process occurs to allocate funds to eligible projects throughout the community. As part of that process, Council designates a priority neighborhood to receive an allocation of funding. A Priority Neighborhood committee is established to prioritize eligible projects to receive funding. The Ridge Street Neighborhood is the CDBG Priority Neighborhood for FY 20-21, FY 21-22 and FY 22-23 as approved by City Council on September 16, 2019. According to the 2018-2022 CDBG Consolidated Plan, CDBG Priority Neighborhoods are neighborhoods in the City in which CDBG funds target persons living in low to moderate income areas. The goal is to enhance and improve access to neighborhood amenities. “Neighborhood” corresponds to the eligible census tract that encompasses the Ridge Street area. Discussion: The Council appointed Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce identified priorities to address blight within the Ridge Street community. A neighborhood survey was developed and administered, and a series of public Taskforce meetings were held to gather feedback within the neighborhood. Survey results can be accessed here. Additionally, the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce conducted a walkthrough of the community area to conduct outreach with neighborhood members, discuss concerns directly with the community, and identify problem areas that could potentially be addressed through CDBG funds. The Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce identified priorities included maintenance concerns, traffic/pedestrian safety, housing, transit, and issues relating to installation and repair of sidewalks. Similar findings from the 1996 Ridge Street Neighborhood Study and the 1998 Ridge Street Taskforce report also highlight the same identified problems in the Ridge Street neighborhood concerning sidewalk improvements and the need for traffic control and safety. After reviewing the survey data and consulting with City Staff on project feasibilities, the Taskforce has identified several projects for CDBG funding recommendation, including traffic signage and projects for sidewalk improvement. As a result of this work, the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce identified the following projects for City Council CDBG funding recommendation: Page 64 of 78 1. Traffic Calming Project Recommendations (Estimated $25,000) a. Adding Speed Limit Sign at Ridge St before Lankford Ave b. Adding Speed Limit Sign between Hartman’s Mill and Raymond Rd. c. Adding Speed Limit Sign between 900-1000 block of Ridge St. d. Adding a flashing Speed limit sign between 700-850 block of Ridge Street e. Adding a flashing crosswalk sign for the South First and Elliot Ave Intersection f. Adding a flashing pedestrian crosswalk for Old Ridge St and 5th St crossing 2. Sidewalk Project Recommendations (Estimated $220,000). a. East side of Brookwood Dr and Ridge Intersection: Adding sidewalk and retaining wall to fill missing gaps b. North Side of Baylor Lane and Raymond Rd Intersection: Adding Sidewalk c. East Side 6th St SE: Adding sidewalk Community Engagement: Since September 2020, City staff has engaged the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce in a series of public meetings. The Taskforce identified the need for CDBG Priority Neighborhood funds to address neighborhood issues related to blight (maintenance concerns, traffic/pedestrian safety, and installation and repair of sidewalks). The following reports the number of times the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce met throughout the community engagement processes. For all public community/neighborhood meetings, the virtual zoom registrations was made available through the City website. Several mailings were sent to Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) staff, Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR) staff, and Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHA) staff to encourage all residents to join virtually to voice any and all concerns at the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce meetings.  September 23, 2020: Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce met virtually to brainstorm ideas for improving the Ridge Street neighborhood area and discuss opportunities for community engagement.  October 23, 2020: City Staff, neighborhood members, and nonprofit organization groups discuss Ridge Street neighborhood priorities at neighborhood resident home and conduct Ridge Street walkthrough.  October 28, 2020: Staff presented community survey feedback received to date with the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce.  November 5, 2020: Staff met with Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) Redevelopment Committee virtually and provided a brief presentation about the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce priorities which included information about the upcoming Taskforce meeting.  November 13, 2020: Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce met in person to walkthrough the Ridge Street neighborhood to identify areas of concern in person and conduct outreach with neighborhood members.  November 18, 2020: Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce met to brainstorm ideas for improving the community. Taskforce narrows down project priorities.  December 16, 2020: City Staff present cost estimates and reports to Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce.  January 27, 2021: City Staff present cost estimates and reports to Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce.  February 24, 2021: Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce recommends traffic signage Page 65 of 78 and sidewalks for City Council approval. Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan: Approval of this agenda item aligns directly with Council’s vision for Charlottesville to have a Green City and Quality Housing Opportunities for All. It contributes to a variety of Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives including: Goal 2: A Healthy and Safe City; and Goal 3: A Beautiful and Sustainable Natural and Built Environment. Budgetary Impact: There is no impact to the General Fund. Funds are currently appropriated for this project through CDBG. Grant funding is also appropriated for all aspects of design and construction. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the resolution. Alternatives: If the resolution is not approved, the City will not be able to expend the amount of funds within the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood allocations and would put the City at further-risk for expending funds on a timely basis due to the fact that a large amount of CDBG funding is held for this project. Professional services including environmental review records, and engineering services have begun preliminary background work to expedite timeliness processes. Non-approval of this item would delay the CDBG spending schedule. Attachments: Resolution Approving Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce Project Recommendations Page 66 of 78 RESOLUTION RIDGE STREET PRIORITY NEIGHBORHOOD FUNDS WHEREAS, on September 16, 2019 and May 4, 2019 City Council of the City of Charlottesville recommended Ridge Street as the priority neighborhood for FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022, and FY2022-2023; WHEREAS, the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce recommends the following projects for City Council approval: 1. Traffic Calming Project Recommendations (Estimated $25,000) a. Adding Speed Limit Sign at Ridge St before Lankford Ave b. Adding Speed Limit Sign between Hartman’s Mill and Raymond Rd. c. Adding Speed Limit Sign between 900-1000 block of Ridge St. d. Adding a flashing Speed limit sign between 700-850 block of Ridge Street e. Adding a flashing crosswalk sign for the South First and Elliot Ave Intersection f. Adding a flashing pedestrian crosswalk for Old Ridge St and 5th St crossing 2. Sidewalk Project Recommendations (Estimated $220,000). a. East side of Brookwood Dr and Ridge Intersection: Adding sidewalk and retaining wall to fill missing gaps b. North Side of Baylor Lane and Raymond Rd Intersection: Adding Sidewalk c. East Side 6th St SE: Adding sidewalk BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the Community Development Block Grant funds for FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022, and FY2022-2023 be allocated for the Ridge Street Priority Neighborhood Taskforce project recommendations as presented on March 15, 2021. Approved by Council March 15, 2021 Kyna Thomas, CMC Clerk of Council Page 67 of 78 CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: March 15, 2021 Action Required: Resolution: Minor Amendment 2020-2021 Action Plan Presenter: Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator Staff Contacts: Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator Title: HOME 2020-2021 Habitat for Humanity Contingency Plan Background: This agenda item includes a resolution for the FY2020-2021 minor action plan amendment HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds to be received by the City of Charlottesville from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Fall 2019, the City of Charlottesville advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) based on the priorities set by Council on September 16, 2019. The priorities were for affordable housing (priority for persons who are 0-50 percent AMI, including but not limited to low income housing redevelopment), support for the homelessness and those at risk of homelessness, workforce development (including but not limited to efforts to bolster section 3 training opportunities and partnerships with the City’s GO programs, support for programs that aid in self-sufficiency, including but not limited to quality childcare), microenterprise assistance, and mental health and substance abuse services. In February and March 2020, the CDBG/HOME Task Force reviewed and recommended housing and public service projects for funding and the Strategic Action Team reviewed and recommended economic development projects for funding. On May 4th, 2020, City Council reviewed and approved the CDBG and HOME budget for the 2020-2021 HUD Annual Action plan submittal. Discussion: On May 18, 2020, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville (Habitat) was awarded $47,086.16 HOME FY2020-2021 funds for providing 14 homebuyers earning 25-60% AMI down payment assistance within the City of Charlottesville. On March 2, 2021, Habitat requested to enact the contingency plan to spend their balance of $47,086.16 of HOME funding on eleven down payment assistance projects in the City of Charlottesville. Habitat states that due to delays from construction and COVID, the original program experienced setbacks affecting program timeliness. The original scope of work proposed funding the following: - Four down payment assistance to Nassau Street homes, - Five down payment assistance to Lochlyn Hill homes and, - Five at Piedmont Avenue. With this request, Habitat proposes to provide down payment assistance to the same four Nassau 1 Page 68 of 78 Street homes, and four new homebuyers, and homebuyers of three homes that have been rehabilitated, instead of the Lochlyn and Piedmont homes. The change of scope of work will assist Habitat and the City meet HUD CDBG and HOME timeliness deadlines. All CDBG and HOME applicants are required to provide reasonable assurances regarding the achievement of objectives in three categories: 1) Effectiveness and efficiency of operations; 2) Reliability of reporting for internal and external use; and 3) Compliance with applicable laws and regulations. All non-federal entities must submit internal controls documents to comply with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the CDBG/HOME federal award. Internal controls are a process effected by an entity’s oversight body, management, and other personnel that provides reasonable assurance that the objectives of an entity will be achieved. These objectives and risks can be classified by operations, reporting, and compliance. To assist with HOME timeliness requirements, HUD 24 CFR 570.902(a), CDBG and HOME subrecipients may request to enact the contingency plan from the submitted internal controls checklist. Community Engagement: In accordance with the CDBG/HOME Citizen Participation Plan, during the request for proposal process City staff discussed home timeliness with Habitat staff. The original Habitat approval was part of the Action Plan that was advertised for a thirty-day comment period (March 26th – April 26th 2020) before being sent to HUD for approval. The Action Plan was also sent to Charlottesville Neighborhood community members and Housing Directors Council for public comment. Comments received were incorporated into the Action Plan. HUD approved the Action Plan on August 14, 2020. If council approves the request, then an approval will be submitted to HUD as a minor Action Plan Amendment for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The full action plan can be viewed on the City Website through the following link. Minor Action Plan Amendments do not require a public hearing. Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan: Approval of this agenda item aligns directly with Council’s vision for Charlottesville to have Economic Sustainability, A Center for Lifelong Learning, Quality Housing Opportunities for All, and A Connected Community. It contributes to variety of Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives including: Goal 1: Inclusive, Self-sufficient Community; Goal 3: Beautiful Environment; Goal 4: Strong, Diversified Economy; and Goal 5: Responsive Organization. Budgetary Impact: None Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of Habitat’s HOME FY2020-2021 change of scope of work to assist with HOME program compliance, HUD 24 CFR 570.902(a). Alternatives: City Council can deny the request, which in turn will cause the balance of $47,086.16 HOME funds to be included into the FY21-22 budget reprogramming. HUD’s “Keeping your CDBG Funds Moving” suggests reprogramming grant funding (CDBG and HOME funds) to the next fiscal year as part of the new program budget. All old grant funds would 2 Page 69 of 78 be used first before any new grant funds could be expended. The balance of $47,086.16 would be placed in a new round of request for proposals for new funding applications. This can also help with program timeliness, HUD 24 CFR 570.902(a). Attachments: Habitat request dated March 2, 2021 Resolution for Minor 2020-2021 Action Plan Amendment 3 Page 70 of 78 Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville To: Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator City of Charlottesville From: Ruth Stone, Chief Advancement Officer Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity Date: March 2, 2021 Re: Modification Request for Habitat 2020/2021 HOME Funding for Down Payment Assistance Project Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity requests a partial modification of the properties and homebuyers receiving down payment assistance under the City’s 2020/2021 HOME Funding Award. The original agreement anticipated providing down payment assistance to the 14 buyers of the following Habitat homes being constructed in the City of Charlottesville: Nassau Street – 4 homes Lochlyn Hill – 5 homes Piedmont Ave. – 5 homes At this point in time, Habitat anticipates the four Nassau Street will close by the June 30, 2021 deadline. However, although site work is underway on each project and foundations are being installed, the five homes at Lochlyn Hill and the five homes on Piedmont Avenue will not be completed by June 30, 2021. Despite COVID, however, we have been able to maintain progress on a number of other homeownership opportunity builds in the City and therefore are seeking to transfer the allotted down payment assistance to other low-income families purchasing homes at the other City sites. Lochlyn Hill Habitat’s anticipated purchase of the five lots at Lochlyn Hill III was delayed because the owner/land developer engaged in extended negotiations with the City regarding plat adjustments, and because – presumably due to COVID -- of the length of time it took the City to enter those adjustments in the appropriate City records. As a result, Habitat was not able to formally acquire title until May 11, 2020. By that time, COVID had caused Habitat to temporarily shut down all construction projects. When we reopened, in order to operate safely, we did so with limited staff and no volunteers. As a result, many our timelines were delayed, subbed labor was scarce and we needed to focus our building operations into other builds that were already underway. This allowed us to expedite the completion of homes for families that were sheltering in place in unsafe or unhealth conditions. This COVID-related pivot allowed us to Page 71 of 78 quickly finish all of the remaining homes in the Harmony Ridge neighborhood while making it impossible to complete construction and close on the Lochlyn homes by the June 30, 2021 deadline in order to provide down payment assistance to those specific five Habitat homebuyers. Piedmont Ave. As we pursued site plan approval for the Piedmont Ave. lots, it became clear that the City would require waterline upgrades to benefit other neighborhood properties. We worked closely with City staff to develop a Cost Share Agreement for Waterline Upgrades. Working through the specifics of that agreement as well as the engineering and procurement necessary to carry it out delayed the beginning of the project considerably. The agreement was executed by Habitat and the City of Charlottesville on October 2, 2020 allowing construction to begin. Our contractor has worked expediently to install the infrastructure upgrades and prepare the lots. Although we now are working on foundations, we will not be able to complete construction and close on the homes by the June 30, 2021 deadline in order to provide down payment assistance to those specific five Habitat homebuyers. Proposed Modification Despite the approval and COVID-related delays in beginning the projects at Lochlyn Hill and Piedmont Avenue, we were able to move resources to other builds in the City. As a result, Habitat requests the following properties be included in the 2020/2021 HOME Funding Award, and that Lochlyn Hill and Piedmont Avenue homes be removed: Nassau Street – 4 homes Nassau Street – 1 home (rehab) Huntley Avenue – 2 homes 12th Street – 2 homes Paton Street – 1 home (rehab) Camelia Drive – 1 home (rehab) A Revised Workplan is attached. 2 Page 72 of 78 Attachment 1: Revised Workplan Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity HOME Funding 2020-21 Down Payment Assistance Project Amount and Use of Funds: Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity will use $47,086.16 in HOME funding to provide down payment assistance for 11 families, earning between 25% and 60% of area median income in the City of Charlottesville. The down payment assistance will be approximately $4,280.56 per family. Project Type: Down payment assistance for single-family homeownership dwellings in Charlottesville Number of Homebuyers Receiving Assistance: 11 Habitat follows federal Fair Housing guidelines and provides affordable homeownership opportunities to all families who meet our income requirements, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, familial status or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Prospective families must show proof of income such as bank statements, pay stubs, and W-2 forms in order to qualify for Habitat’s program. Once accepted into the program, Habitat homebuyers participate in an intensive, yet supportive, program that prepares them for homeownership and long-term financial self-sufficiency. Habitat families benefit from financial coaching and homeowner education, maintenance and repair training, financial coaching, and “sweat-equity” hours—where families build their homes and those of their neighbors in partnership with volunteers. Once families have saved for their down payment and completed all requirements, they purchase high-quality, energy-efficient homes using down payment assistance provided by HOME funds. Timeline of Tasks to be Completed: Quarter 1 (July 1-October 15) Activity: • 4 Nassau Street homes under construction • 2 Huntley Avenue homes – site work • 2 12th Street homes – site work • 1 Camelia Drive home – rehab begins • Financial Coaching & Homebuyer Education for 11 families Beneficiaries Served: 11 families Funds Expended: $ 0 3 Page 73 of 78 Quarter 2 (October 16-January 15) Activity: • 4 Nassau Street homes under construction • 2 Huntley Avenue homes – under construction • 2 12th Street homes- under construction • 1 Camelia Drive home – rehab underway • Financial Coaching & Homebuyer Education for 11 families Beneficiaries Served: 11 Families Funding Expended: $0 Quarter 3 (January 16- March 15) Activity: • 4 Nassau Street homes complete • 1 Nassau Street home rehabilitation underway • 2 Huntley Avenue homes under construction • 2 12th Street homes under construction • 1 Paton Street home rehab underway • 1 Camelia Drive home rehab underway • Financial Coaching & Homebuyer Education for 11 families Beneficiaries Served: 11 Families Funding Expended: $0 Quarter 4 (March 16-June 30) Activity: • 4 Nassau Street homes completed & closed • 1 Nassau Street home completed & closed • 2 Huntley Avenue homes completed & closed • 2 12th Street homes completed & closed • 1 Paton Street home complete & closed • 1 Camelia Drive home complete & closed • Financial Coaching & Homebuyer Education for 11 families Beneficiaries Served: 11 Families Funding Expended: $ 47,086.16 4 Page 74 of 78 RESOLUTION Approval of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville Contingency Plan and Approval of FY 2020-2021 Minor Annual Action Plan Amendment BE IT RESOLVED, that the Charlottesville City Council hereby approves the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville Contingency Plan and the FY 2020 - 2021 Minor Action Plan Amendment of the 2018-2022 Consolidated Plan. This will assist the City and the subrecipient meet CDBG and HOME timeliness goals. All HOME funds are to be expended by the June 30, 2021 program deadline. Approved by Council March 15, 2021 Kyna Thomas, CMC Clerk of Council 4 Page 75 of 78 CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: March 15, 2021 Action Required: None Presenter: Chip Boyles, City Manager Staff Contacts: Chip Boyles, City Manager Ryan Davidson, Sr. Budget and Management Analyst Khristina Hammill, Sr. Budget and Management Analyst Title: Public Hearings 1. FY 2021 Real Estate Tax Rate 3. City Manager’s Proposed FY 2022 Budget Background: The Council meeting on March 15, 2021 marks the first two public hearings of the FY 2022 budget process. The first public hearing is held for the proposed real estate tax rate and the second the FY 2022 City Manager’s Proposed Budget which will be formally held on April 5, 2021. The City Manager will give a very quick overview of the budget prior to the public hearing. A legal ad was published, as required, in the Daily Progress on February 12, 2021 for the real estate tax levy and one will be posted no later than March 28, 2021 for the formal public hearing on the proposed budget which will be held on April 5, 2021. Discussion: The Real Estate Tax rate was published at $.95/$100 assessed value and the FY 2022 proposed budget is balanced with the revenue that the rate would generate. The total General Fund Budget for FY 2022 is proposed to be $190,689,839, a 0.3% increase over FY 2021. The proposed budget also includes a $27.9 million Capital Improvement Program budget in FY 2022. Community Engagement: There are several remaining opportunities for the community to provide input into the budget. In addition, a few minutes are reserved at the end of each Budget Worksession for public comment and input: Page 76 of 78 Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan: This proposed budget aligns with Council’s Vision and FY 2018 – 2020 Strategic Plan that has been extended to FY 2022 and is detailed in the budget document. Budgetary Impact: N/A Recommendation: N/A Alternatives: N/A Attachments: The proposed budget document and materials for the budget worksessions are posted at www.charlottesville.gov/budget. Page 77 of 78 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA March 15, 2021 REPORT PLACEHOLDER City Assessor Property Assessment Presentation [presentation documents to be uploaded to the public meeting portal following the meeting] Page 78 of 78