AGENDA ITEM REPORT
TITLE:
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A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AMENDING THE NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES, ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF AS EXHIBIT “A.”
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Coconut Creek provides financial incentives for Neighborhood Associations, Homeowners Associations, Schools, and Non-Profit Organizations to promote a stronger, safer, and more sustainable community. The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant (NEG) Program is designed to stimulate and enhance neighborhood vitality by addressing the concerns and special needs of our neighborhoods. As a significant community program, the City funds the NEG Program on an annual basis. The NEG Program Guidelines have not been updated since 2012.
DISCUSSION:
The NEG Program is one of the most popular and impactful grant programs in the City. Updating the guidelines will increase the clarity of the application process and align the program’s purpose and goals with the direction from the City Commission. The changes will also serve to improve program efficiency.
Currently, the NEG Program Guidelines contain an outdated City Mission Statement, do not specifically identify Security/License Plate Reader Projects as an eligible project, and require City Commission approval for an extension request. This update will address these areas by:
1) Updating the City Mission Statement;
2) Updating the “Eligible Projects” Section to clarify the eligibility of Security and License Plate Reader Projects;
3) Updating the process for requesting an extension for previously awarded projects to provide authority for the City Manager, or designee, to grant extension requests; and
4) The guidelines have also been reorganized, and where appropriate, program terms have been further clarified.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A