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Council approves $1.72 million amendment for Strobel House; public raises concerns about invoice language
Summary
The Metropolitan Council approved an amendment to a DePaul USA contract to fund property management and support services at Strobel House; a public commenter and at least one council member questioned language allowing invoices for services provided before a contract's effective date.
The Metropolitan Council approved RS2026-2044, a $1,718,603 appropriation and contract amendment to Depaul USA Inc. to provide property management, on-site support and case management at Strobel House permanent supportive housing.
The item drew a public comment and questions from members about contract language. "Parties understand the recipient has provided services prior to the effective date of this grant contract, and that it will be allowed to submit invoices and and to be paid for services rendered beginning July 1st, 2026," said Steve Rodder during the public-comment period, urging the council to adopt a date-certain clause and to avoid repeating what he described as previous contract problems. Rodder also said he did not want "anything tarnish [Charlie Strobel's] legacy," and asked council to ensure proper management of the property.
Councilmembers then asked the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) to explain the clause that allows payment for services provided before a contract's formal start. Allison Canales of OHS said timing and differing contract lengths explain the language: earlier contracts included a 24-month term, this amendment is for one year, and staff sometimes include billing language to avoid leaving providers unpaid while a new package is routed to Council. "We just didn't want to leave Depaul in a position where they're... continuing to provide services and wouldn't be paid," Canales said.
After the explanation and brief questioning, the council took a voice vote and the chair announced the item passed. The transcript does not include a roll-call tally for this vote.
The item funds continued on-site management and case management at Strobel House; the amendment and funding were presented by the Office of Homeless Services. The council did not change the invoice language on the record during the meeting. Further procedural follow-up or any changes to contract language were not stated in the transcript.
Next steps: the resolution was approved and OHS remains the implementing office; the council record indicates the amendment will proceed under the terms read into the record.
