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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Hearing - BOCCOpen Record Public Hearing Community Development Block Grant — Public Service Grant September 3, 2024 3:00 p.m. In Attendance: Cindy Carter, Chair Danny E. Stone, Vice Chair Caitlin E. Manell, Deputy Clerk of the Board Karrie Stockton, Grant Administrative Specialist Public: See Sign in Sheet The Commissioners held an Open Record Public Hearing to seek public comment on its intention to submit an application to the State of Washington Department of Commerce for the 2024 Comm -unity Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services Grant funding, and to prepare for closeout the 2022 Public Services Grant. Karrie Stockton, Grant Administrative Specialist, stated the purpose of the public hearing is to review community development and housing needs, inform citizens of the availability of funds and eligible uses of the state ,Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and receive comments on ro osed p p activities and funded activities that are nearing closeout, particularly from lower income persons residing in the Grant and Adams County areas. Present at the hearing was Antonia Medrano of the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Washington, who served as a Spanish interpreter, If needed, and Candi Jaeger. The purpose of the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce with federal funds is to improve the economic, social and physical environment of eligible, rural cities and counties to enhance the quality of life for low- and moderate - income residents, thereby strengthening the entire community. Information regarding Grant County's CDBG programs is available upon request throughout all phases of the project. Karrie stated that it is the County's intention to apply for 2024 CDBG Public Services Grant, funding estimated to be about $128,000 will also be received in addition to performance reporting and its closeout of the 2022 Public Services Grant No. 22-62210-005. The following handouts were available in both English and Spanish: The Department of Commerce's Community Development Block Grant Program Public Hearing Handout; (This outlines the purpose of CDBG grants) Letter to Public Hearing Attendees; (indicates the Citizen Participation Coordinator, Karrie Stockton, and Grant County's open-door policy) Grant County's CDBG Public Participation Plan with Grievance Procedure Form; Grant County has a high likelihood of applying for Community Development Block Grants in thefuture and., would welcome citizen participation. The plan outlines eligibility guidelines and steps Grant County will take to procure CDBG funding and community involvement. The grievance procedure form is included. Any input or grievances regarding CDBG grants can be forwarded to Karrie Stockton at the Grant County Commissioner's Office, PO Box 37, Ephrata, WA 98823. Updated version to be published soon; current plan is from 2018 to 2022. • The Federal Citizen Participation Requirements for, Local Government Applicants to the State CDBG Program. (Being updated as well; outlines requirements of the federal government to receive CDBG funds) It was stated that any individuals interested in or requiring technical assistance to become knowledgeable with the CDBG program or who desire to contribute ideas to solving some of the community's needs will be provided assistance upon request to the County's CDBG Citizen Participation Coordinator (Karrie Stockton). Grant County intends to apply for, and it is anticipated that CDBG funds of $128,000 will be made available in 2024. Candi Jaeger of the OIC of Washington, who administers the County's Public Services Grant, provided a report of program activities that were undertaken with 2022 funds and a report on the planned use of 2024 funds. Overview of funds spent last year For next year, Candi proposed to continue doing what they've been doing with housing, weatherization and energy assistance programs. D Stone — Asks does the report Candi just gave apply to 2023 or 2022? Candi responded that she was thinking they needed July 2023 to June 2024, but numbers are consistent over the last two years. D Stone — Asks about the finances available. The application is only for $128,000, but CDBG spent over one million dollars of assistance given out. Are there less CDBG funds available? Candi says no, these funds are most often used for staffing support. They receive federal funding for other projects and additional assistance for staffing support. A motion was made by Commissioner Stone, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to close the public comment portion of the hearing. The motion passed with two Commissioners in attendance. Commissioner Stone moved to approve: The County's submittal of an application to the Department of Commerce for 2024 CDBG Public Services Grant funds, i To accept closeout of the CDBG Public Services Grant No. 22-62210-005 The motion was seconded by Commissioner Carter. The motion passed with two Commissioners in attendance. The hearing adjourned.