Minutes 12/10/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 10, 2019 Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Finance Department will make the appropriate budget adjustments. Motion by Ms. Lucas-Burke, and seconded by Ms. Psimas, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING FUNDING FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000 AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT IN THE FY 2020 SOCIAL SERVICES FUND FOR THE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP MEETING INCENTIVE PROGRAM.” Ayes: Battle, Clark, Glover, Lucas-Burke, Psimas, Rowe Nays: None 19 - 458 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting an Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program Grant in the amount of $12,400 from the Department of Homeland Security and appropriating said sum in the FY 2020 Grants Fund for use by the Department of Social Services to assist eligible Portsmouth citizens who have emergency food, shelter or utility needs. Background:  The EFSP was established on March 24, 1983, with the signing of the “Jobs Stimulus Bill,” Public Law 98-8. That legislation created a National Board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that consisted of representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, the Jewish Federation of North America, The Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide.  The EFSP is a restricted federal grant. EFSP funding is awarded through the Department of Homeland Security. The National Board encourages Local Boards, or decision-making local bodies, to place special emphasis on identification of and assistance to the elderly, families with children, Native Americans, and veterans.  EFSP is governed by a National Board that selects jurisdictions for funding. Local Boards are convened in those qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need and best use of funds and to select Local Recipient Organizations (LROs) that will provide emergency food and shelter services. Each year, needs are to be assessed in an effort to respond to changes in the community.  The Portsmouth Department of Social Services (PDSS) has been selected as a Local Recipient Organization to participate in Phase 36 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Discussion:  The total grant amount allocated to PDSS for Phase 36 is $12,400.  Individuals must meet established program criteria and have income that does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Financial Impact  There is no financial impact on the city because the program is funded 100% by the grant. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  Finance will complete the necessary budget adjustment. 1. Donna Sayegh, 3104 Garland Drive, spoke in opposition to this item.