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A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) Between the Village of Oak Park and the Cook County Department of Public Health for Cooperation in the Implementation of the United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Grant
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Introduction
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This is a resolution to approve an IGA between the Village of Oak Park and the Cook County Department of Public Health for cooperation in the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant. This grant aims to reduce childhood lead poisoning by funding comprehensive lead identification and mitigation activities in eligible rental and owner-occupied housing.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On June 6, 2021, the Village Board passed a resolution (RES 21-155) approving a memorandum of understanding with Cook County regarding the previous HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant.
Background
The purpose of the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction (LHR) Grant Program is to maximize the number of children under the age of six protected from lead poisoning. If this item is approved, eligible housing units within the Village will be allowed to receive services offered by the LHR. The services consist of:
• Lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments
• Interim or full abatement of lead hazards
• Resident temporary relocation during remediation, if needed
• Clearance testing to confirm lead hazard removal
Eligibility requirements for the LHR Grant Program include:
• The housing unit must be built before 1978
• Applicants must meet income requirements; 80% AMI
• Children under six years old must live or spend significant time in the unit; or a pregnant woman must reside in the unit
The Oak Park Health Department’s responsibility, outlined within the IGA, is to conduct education and outreach activities in order to identify residents that qualify for the grant. The Cook County Department of Public Health is responsible for managing all aspects of lead risk assessments, subsequent lead-based paint hazard remediation, and clearances.
Historically, funding to help offset the cost of lead mitigation activities within Oak Park has come from several different sources:
1) Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG)
• CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have been used for the Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation program. This program provides loans to low- and very low-income owners/occupants of single-family properties to correct documented or potential code violations, address deficiencies, and make general property repairs. The program offers two loan products:
o A deferred-payment loan program that provides no-interest loans of up to $25,000, deferred for repayment for 20 years
o An emergency loan program that provides no-interest loans of up to $5,000 per unit, deferred for repayment for 5 years
• As of January 10, 2002, lead hazard reduction activities are required on any federally funded housing rehabilitation project. Three levels of lead hazard procedures exist:
o For projects under $5,000, the contractor must not create any hazards, including the creation of lead dust.
o For projects between $5,001 and $25,000, all deteriorated surfaces containing lead in the affected areas must be stabilized with no new hazards created.
o For projects over $25,001, lead hazards in the affected areas must be removed.
• Since the Village's maximum loan amount is $25,000, only interim controls are required to alleviate deteriorated lead-based paint surfaces. The Village contracts with an independent lead inspector to perform a lead risk assessment for each property and identify all lead-based paint surfaces. The contracted lead inspector also provides the Village with a list of deteriorated surfaces that must be controlled. Using the Lead Inspection Report, staff develops specifications for the lead hazard reduction work that are incorporated into the scope of work.
2) Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Grant from Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH)
• Oak Park began receiving the Lead Poisoning Prevention Grant from CCDPH in 2016. Funding for this grant comes from the Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund (the “County Lead Fund”), which was approved by the Cook County Board. The County Lead Fund is supported by county resources and HUD federal grants (excluding CDBG). The original grant was for $160,000 for 2 years.
• The grant was renewed in 2018 (RES 18-832) in the amount of $240,000 for 3 years.
o In 2021, this grant was amended (RES 21-47) to extend the contract end date to 11/30/2021 and increase the amount awarded by $80,000, which brings the new total amount awarded to $320,000
3) Memorandum of Understanding with CCDPH regarding the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program
• In 2021, CCDPH successfully applied for the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and was awarded over $3.5 million for lead removal activities. The grant term was for 42 months.
• The Village Board approved an MOU with CCDPH (RES 21-155) regarding cooperation in the implementation of the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant.
CCDPH has successfully reapplied for the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and has been awarded $7 million for lead hazard and health homes assessment and remediation. CCDPH is again requesting the Village’s participation in the grant program.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Financial Impact
All costs associated with the items mentioned above are 100% paid for by the LHR grant. Funding is not required from the applicant or the Village of Oak Park.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
The high cost of lead remediation remains a major barrier to removing sources of lead from a residence. Cases of childhood lead poisoning are more prevalent among low-income families who often cannot afford the remediation costs. The HUD grant pays for 100% of the cost associated with the lead inspection and remediation. This will directly benefit low-income households by creating a healthy living environment.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Advantages:
• Eligible households will have lead remediation completed at no cost.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can reject the Resolution.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this alternative.
Disadvantages:
• The high cost of lead remediation will remain a barrier for homeowners to proactively remove lead from their residence.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Greg Olsen, Public Health Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. IGA