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Committee hears progress on housing rehab, lead abatement contractors and public-safety camera reimbursements
Summary
City staff reported 37 housing rehabilitation projects citywide, progress onboarding lead-certified contractors, multiple programs funded by CDBG and ARPA, and that demolition and roof-repair contracts are in process. The committee was also told the private security camera reimbursement fund has $2,138.38 remaining.
City staff reported on Sept. 2 that the Community Development Department has 37 housing-rehabilitation projects underway and is making progress on several related programs, including lead abatement, Healthy Homes, rental rehab funded by ARPA and a private security camera reimbursement program.
At the meeting, staff said there are 11 lead-abatement projects in process and that the department has onboarded one new lead-certified contractor with two more moving through paperwork. "We have been held up on the lead certified contractors... we have onboarded 1 new contractor and the second 1 is on his way," a staff member reported, adding that new contractors should help move projects toward completion.
Staff reported 14 projects in the Healthy Homes program (with four lead-abatement projects completed in that program since May) and six projects in the CDBG housing-rehabilitation program. The "Mira" rental-rehab program, funded by ARPA, has three projects in progress; staff said that program tends to move more slowly because residents contribute to costs and select materials.
On demolition and capital maintenance, staff said a demolition contract for Fifth Avenue properties is on the City Council agenda for approval, and that roof-repair contracts for Fire Stations 4 and 6 have been awarded to Langloy pending return of required SAM.gov information before final payments can be processed.
On public-safety incentives, staff reported the private security camera and lighting reimbursement program processed nine applications in the past month and has a remaining balance of $2,138.38; staff said they will discuss with administration whether to request additional funds.
Outreach and events: staff outlined upcoming community events including a KCC resource fair at the Farmers Market on Sept. 27 and a neighborhood cookout at Kankakee First Church. Staff also said the Healthy Homes program is scheduled to end in October and that rental-rehab work will take on some remaining Healthy Homes activities thereafter.
The report drew questions from aldermen about local contractor participation in the demolition project and about timing for economic development disbursements; staff said the demolition contract went to the lowest bidder and that the first tranche of a separate economic-development payment will be released by the comptroller when contractual occupancy conditions are met.
