Minutes 07/11/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 11, 2017 Discussion:  The Department of Social Services (PDSS) was awarded $122,269 to assist in addressing barriers that would hinder our citizens in obtaining viable employment. PDSS intends to concentrate efforts in the areas of client skills building, job placement and transportation support.  The program will ensure participants are connected to resources designed to improve low education levels as well as to provide onsite support for basic reading, writing and math skills. The program will consist of an intensive job readiness component, to include soft skills training, and job placement. The goal of the program is to increase longevity of employment in jobs with wages that are above the minimum wage.  The stipulations of this grant prohibit local departments of Social Services (LDSS) from providing any direct services; therefore, PDSS will need to contract with an outside service provider. Financial Impact:  The grant requires a cash/in-kind match totaling $40,756.56. PDSS is providing an in-kind match of $28,467.60 and a cash match of $12,288.96. The cash match is budgeted as part of the FY 2018 PDSS Budget. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  Finance will make the appropriate budget adjustments. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Lucas-Burke, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AN EMPLOYMENT FOR TANF PARTICIPANTS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $122,269 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS IN THE FY 2018 SOCIAL SERVICES FUND FOR USE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO FUND EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAMS.” Ayes: Cherry, Clark, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Whitaker, Rowe Nays: None 17 - 295 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting a grant in the amount of $109,650 from the Port of Virginia Aid to Local Ports Program and appropriating said amount in the municipal facilities category of the FY 2018 Capital Improvement Fund for the Portside project. Background:  The Port of Virginia provides $1,000,000 in grants annually to Virginia localities to upgrade their local ports and waterfront parks, repair and maintain local maritime assets and spur waterfront development.  The approved FY2018 Capital Improvement Budget includes an appropriation for the new Portside project adjacent to Bill Deal Drive at the North Inlet. Discussion:  The new Portside in Downtown Portsmouth will bring back a popular gathering place for residents and visitors, and fulfills a City Council vision for the use of its waterfront.  Portsmouth was awarded a $109,650 grant from the Port through the Aid to Local Ports Program for the new Portside project.  The funds from this grant will go towards the design and construction of the new Portside.