Forest Park launches phase two of home repair program, expands eligibility and proposes 60-day contractor-selection requirement

City staff told the Forest Park mayor and council that the city has launched phase two of an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded home repair program that will provide up to $10,000 per qualifying household for eligible health-and-safety repairs, and that the second phase is open to homeowners ages 18 through 61.

Background and previous round: Planning staff said the program's first phase targeted legacy residents age 62 and older, was announced in late December the prior year, and was funded with an ARPA allocation. Staff reported that 276 households applied in phase one; staff said that 76 applicants met eligibility criteria and later summarized participation numbers showing 66 residents in an outcomes slide. Eligible repairs include plumbing, HVAC work, flooring, roofing and similar health- and-safety items, with a $10,000 threshold per household. Staff told council that 33 contractors initially registered for the procurement process, which later yielded 10 qualified contractors and was expanded to 16; one general contractor later withdrew, leaving 15 contractors listed at the time of the meeting.

Phase two details and administration: Staff said phase two opened the previous Friday to coincide with a Black Friday publicity effort and will accept applications online through Dec. 31, 2024. The same eligible repair types and the $10,000 cap apply. Staff emphasized residency and income verification tied to HUD income limits and stated that former program participants from phase one are not eligible for phase two.

Program management change proposal: Staff asked the governing body to consider a program rule limiting participants to 60 days from notice to proceed to finalize a selected contractor and move to construction. Staff said the measure intends to reduce the number of applications stalled in the contractor-selection —"funnel—" and free spots for other eligible households if contractors or applicants do not move forward. Staff clarified that the 60-day period would begin when staff issues notice to proceed to a selected contractor.

Questions and concerns: Council members asked clarifying questions about when the 60 days would begin (staff said at notice to proceed) and whether the city could revert eligibility to include legacy residents; staff warned that funding availability drives eligibility and that funds remain only while the allocated ARPA balance lasts.

Ending: Staff asked for dialogue on the 60-day selection requirement and recognition that phase two targets younger homeowners who were ineligible for phase one. No formal council motion on the 60-day requirement was recorded in the transcript; staff indicated implementation details would be settled administratively if the governing body concurs.