Minutes 07/27/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 27, 2021  The program is intended to provide support to state and local governments in responding to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19, and to aid local government efforts to address impacts on their communities, residents, and businesses.  Localities have substantial discretion to use the ARPA funds in the ways that best suit the needs of the community, including without limitation: directly responding to COVID-19 public health requirements; addressing the negative economic impacts of COVID-19; addressing general governmental revenue loss due to COVID-19; performing necessary and eligible infrastructure improvements (e.g. water and sewer infrastructure); and performing broadband projects for underserved households and businesses.  On June 24, 2021 the city received its first allocation of ARPA funds in the amount of $28,421,282.  The City is expected to receive a second ARPA allocation of $28,421,282 in June of 2022. Discussion:  As a preliminary step, it is necessary to appropriate the city’s initial ARPA allocation ($28,421,282) to the Grants Fund. That is the purpose of the ordinance presented for City Council consideration.  To plan the expenditure of the ARPA funding, staff has established an ARPA team consisting of the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, CFO, Procurement Administrator, Director of Human Resource Management, Department Heads and various Community Stakeholders.  The ARPA team is tasked with: (1) determining Council’s vision for use of the ARPA funds; (2) evaluating the city’s program and project needs; (3) prioritizing the available funds needed for backlogged projects; (4) identifying the immediate needs of the city for which ARPA funds may be expended under applicable guidance; and (5) assessing the additional needs that can be satisfied by the second ARPA allocation. Financial impact:  The Ordinance will appropriate $28,421,282 for city use. No local match is required as a condition of the funding. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action :  The ARPA Team will consult with City Council and determine the purposes for which the ARPA funds will be expended. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Lucas-Burke, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,421,282 AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT IN THE FY 2022 GRANTS FUND FOR USE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ACT.” Ayes: Barnes, Battle, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Woodard, Glover Nays: None 21 - 229 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting a Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant in the amount of $109,000 from the Office of Emergency Medical Services and appropriating said amount in the FY 2022 Grants Fund for use by the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services. Background:  The Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) administers the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) Grants Program, which is a multi-million dollar matching grant program for Virginia governmental, volunteer and no-profit EMS agencies and organizations providing financial assistance based on a demonstrated need.