[RCAC] Comments re grant program

Dwayne, I have several comments which I will try to frame in a logical and understandable way regarding the Grant Program 1.Because the CAC territory includes ETJ areas beyond city limits I would like to see the grant program extend to these areas as well. My rationale is based on the fact that permit and development fees are paid to the city by the ETJ based citizens. All city regulations apply to the ETJ so why not engage these residents in a program sponsored by the city and federal government? 2. The requirement to have a tax ID and bank account is an impediment to the program and should be eliminated. 3. There should be a requirement for before and after pictures rather than just after pictures for physical improvements since there is no way to be certain projects selected were not already completed in an earlier time frame than the request for grant. I don't see anything that would prevent that from happening. 4. Page 3 Item 2 bullet: "At least (4) neighborhood organizational meetings must be held annually." Comment: We can hardly get people to attend the CAC meetings let alone additional neighborhood organizational meetings. Perhaps it would be sufficient to ensure that their group is represented and report at our CAC meetings once a quarter as their project proceeds. I think 2 people every month is burden and will be difficult for us to monitor. People don't always sign in at our meetings despite our best efforts and it will lead to conflict. So having them have an actual reason to attend once a quarter to give a report would be more practical to track and ensure they are attending. 5. Page 3 Item 3 states "Food may not be purchased...." I think that this should be allowed but no more than 10% of the funds used for that purpose. 6. Page 3 Item 4 : Rental of yard equipment should be allowed as long as receipts are provided as an alternative to purchasing and storing. 7. Page 3 Item 6 : There should be the ability to employ individuals and neighborhood businesses even if the city can provide the required service. Most activity for grants will likely take place on weekends and holidays so making it mandatory to use city staff is impractical. Hiring unemployed people is a good opportunity to help the community. City staff already have enough work to do. 8. Page 3 Item 7&8 seem at odds. Why would someone go to the trouble of giving an easement which has to be recorded and filed with the register of deeds without receiving compensation at least for the expenses associated with that process. I think if there are reasonable and justifiable expenses to obtain easements that grant money should be used for that purpose. It is a good means to an even better end. 9.Page 3 Item 10 line 3 typo for the word approved (approved ) 10. Page 4 Item 15 : If a project is to take a bunch of disadvantaged kids to Pullen Park why would it be wrong to provide money to purchase ride tickets? There are many public facilities and events that charge admission and fees that should be waived for a grant program activity or funds from the grant should be available. 11. Page 4 " Match Requirements": I would still like to see Community Services publish a grant application format that would satisfy the grant program request elements. Leaving it to each group to come up with their own letter and format seems inefficient for both parties. 12.Page 4: " Match Requirements 4th bullet, line 2 typo: from the vendor to substantiate (or substantiate). 13. Page 5: Item 3: Mailing address for EIN application is incorrect. Current address is Internal Revenue Service, Att: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 and according to the IRS takes 4 weeks to process. 14. Page 5 Item 4: Fax # is incorrect. Current # is 1-(859)-669-5760 and it takes 4 business days to acknowledge by return fax not 10 days Thanks for the opportunity to comment. Sorry for the delay. Paul Brant NECAC Chairman paulbrant(a)mindspring.com