Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: Administration
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
Pandemic Fund MOU Criteria Discussion
end
Suggested Action:
recommendation
Discussion Only
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Summary Background:
On May 4th, 2020, The Mayor and Council approved motion #HCC-344-F20, authorizing the City Administrator to execute agreements with, and transfer $300,000 to the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation; $100,000 to Employ Prince George's; and $100,000 to CASA de Maryland and to develop an application and ancillary communications materials to support the administration of a $500,000 grant program for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programs must begin accepting applications no later than June 1, 2020. During that same meeting, the Council requested the City Administrator provide an update on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) or grant agreements prior to execution of the MOU. This update is provided to highlight ongoing coordination with the grantees, and the criteria and processes being finalized for the business fund. Prior to the approval of the motion, the Council asked to ensure:
• Verification process to ensure that applicants are residents of the City;
• Reports to the City on expenditures from the fund on a monthly basis;
• Coordination among partners (CASA, Employ PG, and Hyattsville CDC) to minimize receipt of funds from multiple sources in the same month;
• Transparent application process including the procedure for appeal of rejected/unfunded application;
• Collection of demographic data of all applicants;
• Maintaining data on all applications funded or denied;
• A process to document the distribution of funds;
• Return of any unspent funds as of 9/30/20 to the City of Hyattsville's COVID-19 fund; and
• Review application form used (by the City of Hyattsville) and supporting review and distribution processes prior to accepting applications.
Upon legal review and approval, the MOUs will be finalized.
Next Steps:
City execute MOUs or grant agreements as directed, and launch of the business relief fund application NLT 1 June.
Fiscal Impact:
$1M
City Administrator Comments:
See summary above.
Community Engagement:
City staff will coordinate with Employ Prince George’s, CASA, and the Hyattsville CDC to support outreach on the grants. Additionally, communications have been planned to promote the City’s business relief fund and provide information on the application process.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 2 - Ensure the Long-Term Economic Viability of the City
Legal Review Required?
Pending