Item Description:
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Neg Amd 1 to Agmt A2311555 with MN Housing Finance Agency for the Home Accessibility Ramps Prgm, ext end date to 06/01/25, no change to other terms; neg Amd 2 to Agmt PR00004179 with Tree Trust to provide accessibility ramp construction, ext term to 06/01/25, incr NTE by $25,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate Amendment 1 to Agreement A2311555 with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to provide funding for the Home Accessibility Ramps Program, extending the contract period to June 1, 2025 with no change to the receivable amount of $197,400; that following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair be authorized to sign the amendment on behalf of the Authority, and that the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for the program by the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued commitment by the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for these programs if grant funds are no longer available; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate Amendment 2 to Agreement PR00004179 with Tree Trust to provide accessibility ramp construction for the Home Accessibility Ramps Program, extending the contract period to June 1, 2025 and increasing the not to exceed amount by $25,000 for a new total not to exceed amount of $288,212; that following review and approval by the County Attorney's Office, the Chair be authorized to sign the amendment on behalf of the Authority; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
In 2021, the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) released a competitive request for proposals for community-based partner(s) for the accessibility ramps/steps program. Tree Trust and Rebuilding Together Minnesota were selected (Resolution 22-HCHRA-0009). Two-year agreements were awarded to both parties.
In 2023, HCHRA applied for and received additional funding of $197,000 from Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to continue to construct approximately 24 accessibility ramps and/or low-rise, long-tread steps for low and moderate-income homeowners (Resolution 23-HCHRA-0007). Resolution 23-HCHRA-0007 also amended the agreement (PR0004179) with Tree Trust to extend the contract period to April 30, 2025 and increase the not to exceed amount from $65,812 to $263,212 to be inclusive of the newly awarded funds.
To date, 18 ramps/steps have been completed or underway, but additional time is needed to fully expend the Minnesota Housing funds. Tree Trust’s contract amendment will update the contract to align with the new end date with Minnesota Housing and add funds recovered from cost savings in other areas. There is no change to the goals or award amount from Minnesota Housing.
Current Request: This request seeks authorization to negotiate Amendment 1 to Agreement A2311555 with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the construction of accessibility ramps and steps extending the contract period to June 1, 2025, with no change to the receivable amount of $197,400. This request also seeks authorization to negotiate Amendment 2 to Agreement PR00004179 with Tree Trust for construction of accessibility ramps and steps extending the contract period to June 1, 2025, and increasing the not to exceed amount to $288,212.
Impact/Outcomes: Approval of this request will allow for the full spending of a funding award from Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for 24 accessibility ramps or step projects.
Housing Disparity Domain: Households of color are disproportionately housing cost burdened. This request provides a cost-effective way to enable persons with physical limiting disabilities to remain in their homes and for immediate health and safety repairs to be addressed.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval