CC MEETING: April 19, 2016
DATE: April 7, 2016
TO: Leonard Martin, City Manager
FROM: Scott Hudson, Environmental Services Director
Title
Consider A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Single-Family Rehabilitation Grant Agreement With Richard Smith For 1808 Gravley Drive In An Amount Not To Exceed $1,205.65.
Body
BACKGROUND:
In November of 2014 City Council adopted the Single-Family Rehabilitation Grant Program to provide financial incentives to homeowners in Neighborhood Empowerment Zones. This program provides payment equivalent to abating a portion of an owner’s property tax, depending on the property value and rehabilitation project expense.
Mr. Richard Smith has applied for rehabilitation incentives to replace and upgrade the side and rear yard fence at his residence. The homeowner’s property is located within a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone and meets the eligibility requirements of the Program. This application was reviewed by the Re-Development Sub-Committee on April 5, 2016 and comes before the Council with the Sub-Committee’s support.
Mr. Smith is eligible for a 50% abatement of city ad valorem taxes on his property for a period of four years. The annual city tax assessment on Mr. Smith’s property is $602.82 (rounded calculation). As a result, Mr. Smith is eligible for an abatement of $301.41 (rounded calculation) per year for four years, for a total grant of $1,205.65 (rounded calculation). Since his property is in a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, all related construction permit fees will be waived.
During the Sub-Committee’s discussion it was noted that a small section of new fence will be added at the east end of the property. The current incentive policy limits grant eligibility to the repair and replacement of existing fences. Since the homeowner is adding a new section of fence adjacent to a neighbor’s older fence to screen the fence, the Sub-Committee recommended that the new fence be allowed, but that the policy be amended to clarify and allow for new fences under certain circumstances.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Under the incentive program, Mr. Smith is eligible for a grant not to exceed $1,205.65, which is available in the Neighborhood Partnership Fund.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY:
Rehabilitation projects such as this fence replacement and upgrade improve property values and the appearance of the neighborhood.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION/ACTION DESIRED:
Staff recommends City Council approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Single-Family Rehabilitation Grant Agreement with Richard Smith at 1808 Gravley Drive in an amount not to exceed $1,205.65.