Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Tara Williams
Department: Human Services Division: Housing Options Solutions and Supports
Information
Requested Action
title
A. MOTION TO APPROVE Amendment to the Continuum of Care Grant Agreement among the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), Broward County Housing Authority, and Broward County, effective upon execution through June 30, 2025, transferring the HUD grant project titled BCHA 100 Units S+C (the “Grant”) from Broward County Housing Authority to the County, including the remaining Grant funds in an estimated amount of $427,000; authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute same; and authorize the County Administrator to (i) execute any and all documents that may be required to implement the Grant and do not impose any additional financial obligations on the County beyond the required match, subject to review and approval for legal sufficiency by the County Attorney’s Office, (ii) renew the Grant from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, under substantially the same terms and conditions, subject to review and approval for legal sufficiency by the County Attorney’s Office, and (iii) take all necessary administrative and budgetary actions related to the Grant.
ACTION: (T-10:39 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice-Mayor Bogen was not present.
B. MOTION TO APPROVE waiver of conflict under Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes, for the following Broward County advisory board member holding an employment or contractual relationship with an entity receiving funds for the performance of services under this agenda item: Tiffany Garcia.
ACTION: (T-10:39 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice-Mayor Bogen was not present.
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Why Action is Necessary
A. Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Commission”) approval is required for agreements with external agencies and to authorize the County Administrator to implement and renew the HUD Grant.
B. A waiver of conflict arising under Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes, requires two-thirds approval by the Commission.
What Action Accomplishes
Approval of Motion A transfers the administration of the HUD Grant to Broward County, provides continued funding for rental assistance, housing, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Broward County, and provides for operational and administrative expenses.
Approval of Motion B waives the existence of any conflicts arising under Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes, as authorized under applicable law.
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Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING OPTIONS, SOLUTIONS, AND SUPPORTS DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTIONS.
These actions support the Commission’s value of “building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives” and the goal of “delivering accessible human services that holistically address the whole person collaboratively and compassionately.” Funding supports the provision of rental assistance, housing, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Broward County and provides for operational and administrative expenses.
In June 2024, HUD and Broward County Housing Authority (“BCHA”) renewed the grant project titled BCHA 100 Units S+C (the “Grant”), extending it through June 30, 2025 (Exhibit 2). In August 2024, BCHA requested to transfer the Grant to the County’s Housing Options, Solutions, and Supports Division because they could no longer afford to staff and support the program. On August 28, 2024, the Broward County Homeless Continuum of Care (“HCoC”) Board voted to approve the proposed transfer of the Grant. The HCoC Board has submitted a letter in support of the transfer (Exhibit 3). Broward County will assume the obligations under the Grant for the remainder of the term (Exhibit 1).
BCHA applied for the renewal of the BCHA 100 Units S+C project, effective July 1, 2025. Because the renewal will be a new grant award, HUD will require separate approval to transfer it to Broward County. This approval is necessary to continue funding rental assistance, housing, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Broward County and cover operational and administrative expenses without interruption.
The Amendment to the Continuum of Care Grant Agreement is in HUD’s format and was reviewed and approved as to form by the County Attorney’s Office.
Approval of this item would give rise to certain employment conflicts under Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes, which provides that “no public officer… shall have or hold any employment or contractual relationship with any business entity… which is… doing business with an agency of which he or she is an officer or employee.” In accordance with Section 112.313(12), Florida Statutes, Commission approval is required to waive any conflict of interest arising under Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes. An effective waiver requires two-thirds vote of the Commission after disclosure of the conflicting relations (Motion B) in accordance with Section 112.313(12), Florida Statutes. Form 4A, Disclosure of Business Transaction, Relationship, or Interest, is attached as Exhibit 4 and constitutes full disclosure of any existing conflicts.
Source of Additional Information
Patrice Paldino, Director, Housing Options, Solutions, and Supports Division
(954) 357-5686
Alex Morales, Assistant Director, Housing Options, Solutions, and Supports Division
(954) 357-5136
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The total appropriation is approximately $533,750, which includes approximately $427,000 in HUD funding and a $106,750 match (cash) from Broward County. Funds for the required cash match are included in the Housing Options, Solutions, and Supports Division’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget.