Minutes 11/13/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 13, 2018 There were no speakers. Motion by Ms. Psimas, and seconded by Mr. Clark, to concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission that CA-18-03 be approved on first reading, and was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Clark, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Smith, Rowe Nays: None - City Manager’s Report - 18 - 425 - Adoption of an ordinance reducing the Community and Regional Organizations Grant Program funding awarded to the Portsmouth Area Resources Coalition (PARC) under the FY 2019 Budget from $83,625 to $0 and reallocating said funds within the Program as follows: $62,718 to Help and Emergency Response, Inc. (H.E.R. Shelter) for management and operation of an emergency shelter and $20,907 to a miscellaneous reserve for future award to nonprofit organizations providing services for Portsmouth citizens during FY 2019. Background:  The City of Portsmouth recognizes that nonprofit organizations fill an important role in improving the quality of life for the community. The city developed a systematic, impartial, and informed process through which nonprofit organizations may request funding from the city.  The Community and Regional Organizations Grant is funded for the purpose of awarding incentive grants to qualified nonprofit agencies and organizations that provide services that are easily accessible to Portsmouth’s residents and support City Council’s Vision Principles. Discussion:  As part of the FY 2019 Budget, City Council awarded $83,625 to Portsmouth Area Resources Coalition, Inc. (PARC) through the Community and Regional Organizations Grant Program for the purpose of operating an emergency shelter.  On May 20, 2018, PARC suspended services at the emergency shelter and provided temporary hotel accommodations to families.  In August 2018, the state realigned its FY 2019 allocation to PARC for homeless and sheltering activities to Help and Emergency Response, Inc. (H.E.R. Shelter) due to PARC’s ineligibility to meet various deadlines related to the state funding.  H.E.R. Shelter took possession of the emergency shelter on September 1, 2018 and covered all expenses for the first quarter. Since PARC is no longer operating the shelter, staff is recommending that the city follow the state and reallocate $62,718 of its FY 2019 grant awarded to PARC to the H.E.R. Shelter. This will create the needed stability in providing homeless and shelter activities in Portsmouth. The remaining amount of $20,907 will be held for future award to nonprofit organizations for services that affect the welfare and improve the quality of life of Portsmouth citizens in FY 2019.  The H.E.R. Shelter is currently awarded $40,000 through the Community and Regional Organizations Grant Program, bringing the new award to $102,718. Financial Impact:  The realignment of these funds will allow services at the emergency shelter to continue for those in need.  The realignment of funds will increase the grant award to H.E.R. Shelter by said amount. Recommended Action:  Adoption of an ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Finance Department will make the necessary budget adjustment.