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Council approves two FEMA buyout policies; staff outlines timeline, homeowner outreach and green‑space outcome
Summary
The University City council unanimously approved two resolutions adopting flood-buyout policies under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant. Council discussed implementation timing, homeowner communications and converting acquired properties to green space.
The University City City Council on March 10 approved two related resolutions to adopt policies for federally funded flood‑buyouts under FEMA programs.
Resolution 2025-03, adopting a flood buyout policy for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), passed on a motion by Council member Timon, seconded by Council member McMahon. Resolution 2025-04, adopting a flood buyout policy for FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant, passed on a motion by Council member Clay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Smotherson. Both votes were recorded as “the ayes have it.”
During discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Smotherson asked for a time frame for implementation; a city staff member said the grants are technically 22-month awards but that the city expects to move faster where possible. Staff said the grant period began on Dec. 18 when the city signed agreements and that staff are processing resident paperwork. The city expects to have a clearer idea “by the middle of summer” about when formal offers will be presented to homeowners and when assessments will be completed.
Staff explained that buyouts include demolition of affected homes and conversion of the parcels to green space; the city will work with residents on paperwork and the grant’s budgeted offer amounts. Staff told council several homeowners have been contacted and that city staff have been emailing required documents and will continue direct outreach.
Council member Smotherson urged the city to be proactive in planning reuse of acquired parcels, particularly a site in the Third Ward near the former Royal Bankside Court apartment and Westgate/Westover apartments, so the land does not sit idle.
City staff said if official federal or state actions change funding or eligibility, they will inform the mayor and council and seek direction. Both resolutions passed without recorded opposing votes.
