Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City to apply for CDBG funds on behalf of Alpenglow 1 to replace heat pumps; public hearing planned
Summary
City staff said Homeward asked the city to apply for a CDBG grant of $250,000 to replace underperforming heat pumps at the Alpenglow 1 affordable housing complex; the city plans public hearings and would act as a pass-through if awarded.
The city manager said on Aug. 18 the nonprofit Homeward asked the City of Whitefish to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to replace heat pumps at Alpenglow 1, a 38-unit affordable housing complex, because the originally installed heat pumps are not adequate for local winter conditions. Dana said Homeward requested the city serve as applicant and pass-through for a $250,000 CDBG grant. "They would prepare all the documents. They will present at the public hearings, and then, we would simply be a pass through entity where we would sign a contract with them," Dana said. She said staff planned a public hearing on Sept. 2 (a Tuesday because of the Labor Day holiday) and another hearing on Sept. 15; the grant application deadline is Sept. 17. Councilors asked whether this was a warranty or construction-defect issue. Dana said she understood the problem to be a performance issue with the heating system rather than a warranty claim and that Homeward chose to seek grant funding rather than pursue other remedies. Councilor Frank said he wanted more information but supported pursuing available grant funds. If the city proceeds with the application and the grant is awarded, the city would execute a contract with Homeward to use CDBG funds to replace the heat pumps. Staff requested any council concerns before submitting the application; none were raised on Aug. 18.
