Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Villages of Oak Park and River Forest and the Townships of Oak Park and River Forest to Create a Home Repair Program and Authorizing its Execution
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Overview
Overview
On December 8, 2020, the Aging in Place Commission received a presentation from Pamela Mahn from the Oak Park Township asking for the Commission to recommend supporting a joint Oak Park and River Forest Home Repair Program administered by the Northwest Housing Partnership. The Aging In Place Commission presented the intiative in its 2021 work plan that was approved by the Village Board on March 15, 2021.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Resolution.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Resolution.
Fiscal Impact
The Village’s portion of the joint effort would be $1,750 from the Citizen Commission account. GL# 1001.41020.101.530662.
Background
For many decades, the Village has had a Single Family Rehabilitation Loan and Grant program that is funded by the Village’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The Single Family loan and grant program provides up to $25,000 in a no-interest loan due upon title transfer and a grant for qualified lead based paint work. Designed to improve the Village's housing stock, the loans are intended to bring structures into compliance with housing and building codes and to eliminate health and safety hazards. Funds also may be used for weatherization and to provide accessibility for the disabled. Eligibility for the loans is determined by income limits set for the Chicago area by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (see attached income limits).
The Aging in Place Commission has received public comments that older residents have a need for assistance for smaller projects such as adding grab bars or installing window blinds that would be addressed by the new program created by this Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). Homeowners would also pay a sliding scale based on income. For a full list of repairs see attached flyer which will be updated with the Village’s logo if approved. Additionally, a chart showing the income levels and associated charges is also attached.
North West Housing Partnership is a well established agency with an extensive history of providing handyman services such as proposed by the IGA. They currently provide service in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mt. Prospect, Palatine and Rolling Meadows. Additionally, North West Housing Partners also submitted an application to the Village for a CDBG grant to provide the same handyman services as provided for in the IGA. However, due to timing issues related to the CDBG Program Year, that contract will not start until October 1, 2021. Therefore, staff is recommending that Village enter into the attached IGA in order to start the program for Oak Park residents. Staff recommends that future funding requests be part of the CDBG process going forward and not part of a separate IGA funded with General Revenue Funds.
Alternatives
Request additional information or delay the start of the Village participation until October 1, 2021.
Previous Board Action
On the June 7, 2021 Agenda, the Board is releasing the Program Year 2021 CDBG Annual Action Plan which includes funding in the amount of $6,125 for the North West Housing Partners Handymay Program.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
The Community Development Citizen Advisory Commission reviewed the Program Year 2021 Funding recommendations this spring.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
In the Fall, staff will present a CDBG Funding Agreement with the North West Housing Partners with a start date of October 1, 2021.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
On October 27, 2020, the Oak Park Township Board approved the IGA.
On November 11, 2020, the River Forest Township Board approved the IGA.
On January 11, 2020, the Village of River Forest Approved the IGA.