Ellsworth council approves CDBG housing board, demolition and housing plans as grant clears review

Keegan Begley, the city’s housing program manager, told the council the city has completed its environmental review for the CDBG 25‑HR‑02 housing grant and is awaiting a 15‑day clearance from the Kansas Department of Commerce that is scheduled to end Jan. 15. Begley cautioned that a "release of funds" from Commerce clears the project to move forward but does not mean grant money is already in the city’s bank account; funds must still be drawn down through normal procedures.

Council voted to approve Ordinance No. 3179 to establish a Housing Rehabilitation and Citizens Advisory Board. Begley said the three‑person board -- modeled on prior grant practice -- will review bid documents, manage contractor complaints and provide a layer of review before projects return to council. The ordinance was moved and passed by voice vote.

Council then approved the CDBG demolition plan and the housing rehabilitation plan for the 25‑HR‑02 program. Begley described the plans as standard templates used in other communities and said the plans set program standards staff will follow. The council also approved a contract amendment from the Kansas Department of Commerce that standardizes grant contract language; staff said the amendment was issued to many grantees and clears legal language for the grant award.

Begley said staff will schedule a public application launch once the Commerce clearance is final and will return with a presentation on program rules, applicant responsibilities and timelines.