SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve clarifications to the North Greenwood Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program Guidelines related to grant fund disbursement procedures and eligible recipients of grant payments.
Body
SUMMARY:
Staff is requesting approval of clarifications to the North Greenwood Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program Guidelines to provide additional transparency, flexibility, and clarify grant fund disbursement procedures and eligible recipients of grant payments. Staff worked in coordination with the City Attorney's Office to develop the clarifications and ensure consistency.
The proposed clarifications do not alter the intent, purpose, eligibility requirements, funding limits, or overall structure of the existing program.
The proposed clarifications include:
• Section 3, PG# 2-3: Clarifies the grant disbursement process by allowing payments to be made directly to the applicant, an approved licensed contractor, or vendor, as approved by the CRA Director. It also clarifies that up to 50% of the approved grant award may be advanced, with no more than one payment every 30 days.
• Section 4, PG# 5: Adds mailboxes as an eligible improvement under the program.
• Section 6, PG# 7-8: Clarifies reimbursement procedures, documentation requirements, phased payments, and confirms that complete reimbursement requests will be processed within 30 days.
• Section 9, PG# 13: Adds an acknowledgment to the application informing applicants that grant funds are considered taxable income and that a 1099 will be issued for any grant funds disbursed.
The North Greenwood Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program was established to assist homeowners with eligible residential improvements that enhance neighborhood appearance, preserve existing housing, improve property conditions, and further the redevelopment goals of the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.4 Support equitable housing programs that promote household stability and reduce the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.
3.2 Preserve community livability through responsible development standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
