In Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, the Council approved the Community Development Block Grant 2021 Annual Action Plan's use of $654,791 for various social services throughout the City.
Community Services Director Al Davis explained what the CDBG 2021 Annual Action Plan consists of and what exactly the recommendations for funding uses were. In 2021, the City received $654,791 in funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the 2021 Annual Action Plan is how the City plans to spend those funds.
“We have traditionally always had a CDBG program where we fund a multitude of different activities that benefit low-[moderate] individuals and families," Davis said. "So, we have continued that with the 2021 plan… We will stretch them out and provide support to a lot of agencies.”
Davis explained that the funds will be split between projects and agencies in the City such as improving and expanding affordable housing, rehab projects, rental assistance and youth and senior services. They also will allocate funds to new agencies such as Esperanza House, which provides services to Auburn’s Hispanic population, and Twin Cedars Child Advocacy Center.
The Council unanimously approved the CDBG 2021 Annual Action Plan.
During the Committee of the Whole, the Council appointed Terry Jenkins to serve a second term on the City’s Board of Education. During the last Council meeting on April 6, Council approved to suspend the rules in the case of Jenkins, disregarding other applicants to grant him his second term. Ward 2 Council member Kelley Griswold, who disapproved of the request on April 6, reiterated his disapproval.
“I would like to reiterate my objection to the suspension of the rules for this appointment,” Griswold said. “I suggest that a letter of apology be sent to the other applicants.”
Council approved Jenkin’s for a second term at a 8-1 vote with Ward 1 Council member Connie Fitch-Taylor voting no.
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