HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 12 - Resolution B REVISED 20210216RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO PURSUE AND
ACCEPT A BLOCK GRANT FROM STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND
HOUSING AGENCY (BCSH) FOR AN EMERGENCY RENTAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE A STANDARD
AGREEMENT WITH BCSH FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
A STATE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
PURSUANT TO SENATE BILL 91, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR
WHEREAS, in January 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 virus, the World Health
Organization (“WHO”) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and the
United States Secretary of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency; and
WHEREAS, various states of emergency were declared by the United States (March 13,
2020), the State of California (March 4, 2020), the County of San Diego (February 19, 2020), and
the City of Chula Vista (March 17, 2020 pursuant to City Council Resolution No. 2020 -065)
because of the threat to public safety (to persons and property including both physical and
economic harm) as result of the COVID-19 virus; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of
Public Health, and the San Diego County Department of Public Health have all issued
recommendations and orders, including, but not limited to, social distancing, staying home if sick,
canceling or postponing large group events, working from home, and other precautions to protect
public health and prevent transmission of this communicable virus that continues to the present;
and
WHEREAS, the economic impact and financial hardship faced by low-income households
as a result of COVID-19 has affected their ability to pay for housing and basic needs, placing
them at risk of homelessness during this period where it is critical to self-quarantine, self-isolate,
or otherwise remain in their homes to reduce the transmission of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on December 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “Act”), more commonly known as the HR-133, which
authorizes $25 billion in emergency rental relief, and
WHEREAS, On January 5, 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”)
launched the $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) established by the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the ERAP assists low-income households that are unable to pay rent and
utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the Act provided $2.6 billion to the State of California and those local
municipalities with populations greater than 200,000 with the formula allocation based on the
number of Chula Vista residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Chula Vista received a direct allocation from Treasury Department
in the amount of $8,161,124 and authorized the City Manager to complete all documents required
to obtain the Emergency Rental Assistance Program Allocation; and authorized the appropriations
in fiscal year 20/21; and
WHEREAS, on January 29, 2021, the State of California passed Senate Bill 91(SB-91) that
established the State’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SERAP) to allow Cities and
Counties with populations over 200,000 to opt into one of three program models using the State’s
allocation of ERAP funds from the Treasury; and
WHEREAS, by accepting SERAP as a block grant (Option B) in the initial amount of
$8,719,349.60 and not to exceed $26,100,000 should additional funding become available, the
City shall take on the responsibilities set forth in SB-91, including Health and Safety Code 50897.1
(b)(1-3), and aligning its direct allocation with the State of California’s program requirements
known as “Confirming Rental Assistance Program;” and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista
that it (1) authorizes the acceptance of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 funding for an
Emergency Rental Assistance Program from the State of California Department of Business,
Consumer Services and Housing Agency using its direct allocation from the U.S. Department of
Treasury; (2) authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute in the name of the City of Chula
Vista the application, the Standard Agreement, and all other documents required by BCSH for
participation in the SERAP, and amendments thereto; and (3) acknowledges and ratifies the
submission of the terms and use of funds by the City Manager; and (4) authorizes the appropriation
of such funds in the City’s Housing Authority Fund in fiscal year 2020/2021 with expenditures
made in accordance with the State of California’s funding requirements and U.S. Treasury
Department’s funding requirements, using the most restrictive (presented as Attachment 1 to the
staff report for this item), subject to modifications that may be necessary or appropriate to assure
expenditure of all available funds in a qualified and timely manner.
Presented by Approved as to form by
Tiffany Allen Glen R. Googins
Director of Development Services City Attorney