Agenda

AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
City of Garland
Work Session Room, City Hall
William E. Dollar Municipal Building
200 North Fifth Street
Garland, Texas
March 20, 2018
5:30 p.m.

DEFINITIONS:

Written Briefing: Items that generally do not require a presentation or discussion by the staff or Council. On these items the staff is seeking direction from the Council or providing information in a written format.

Verbal Briefing: These items do not require written background information or are an update on items previously discussed by the Council.

Regular Item: These items generally require discussion between the Council and staff, boards, commissions, or consultants. These items are often accompanied by a formal presentation followed by discussion.

[Public comment will not be accepted during Work Session
unless Council determines otherwise.]

NOTICE: The City Council may recess from the open session and convene in a closed executive session if the discussion of any of the listed agenda items concerns one or more of the following matters:

(1) Pending/contemplated litigation, settlement offer(s), and matters concerning privileged and unprivileged client information deemed confidential by Rule 1.05 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Sec. 551.071, Tex. Gov't Code.

(2) The purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, if the deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third person. Sec. 551.072, Tex. Gov't Code.

(3) A contract for a prospective gift or donation to the City, if the deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third person. Sec. 551.073, Tex. Gov't Code.

(4) Personnel matters involving the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee or to hear a complaint against an officer or employee. Sec. 551.074, Tex. Gov't Code.

(5) The deployment, or specific occasions for implementation of security personnel or devices. Sec. 551.076, Tex. Gov't Code.

(6) Discussions or deliberations regarding commercial or financial information that the City has received from a business prospect that the City seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations; or to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect of the sort described in this provision. Sec. 551.087, Tex. Gov't Code.

(7) Discussions, deliberations, votes, or other final action on matters related to the City’s competitive activity, including information that would, if disclosed, give advantage to competitors or prospective competitors and is reasonably related to one or more of the following categories of information:

generation unit specific and portfolio fixed and variable costs, including forecasts of those costs, capital improvement plans for generation units, and generation unit operating characteristics and outage scheduling;
bidding and pricing information for purchased power, generation and fuel, and Electric Reliability Council of Texas bids, prices, offers, and related services and strategies;
effective fuel and purchased power agreements and fuel transportation arrangements and contracts;
risk management information, contracts, and strategies, including fuel hedging and storage;
plans, studies, proposals, and analyses for system improvements, additions, or sales, other than transmission and distribution system improvements inside the service area for which the public power utility is the sole certificated retail provider; and
customer billing, contract, and usage information, electric power pricing information, system load characteristics, and electric power marketing analyses and strategies. Sec. 551.086; Tex. Gov't Code; Sec. 552.133, Tex. Gov’t Code]


1.		Consider the Consent Agenda A member of the City Council may ask for discussion or further information on an item posted as a consent agenda item on the next Regular Meeting of the City Council. The Council Member may also ask that an item on the posted consent agenda be pulled from the consent agenda and considered for a vote separate from consent agenda items on the regular agenda. All discussions or deliberations on this portion of the work session agenda are limited to posted agenda items and may not include a new or unposted subject matter.

2.		Written Briefings:

	a.	Sale of Property 231 Glenfield Drive. Council is requested to consider an unsolicited offer from Florian Santiago Hernandez related to the purchase of City owned property obtained through a Sheriff’s Sale. This property is located at 231 Glenfield Drive.

	b.	Sale of the property at 705 E Oates Road Council is requested to consider the sale of property struck off to the City of Garland at the Dallas County Sheriff's Sale on May 5, 2009. In accordance with Section 34.05 of the Texas Property Tax Code, the Garland Independent School District and Dallas County have provided consent for the sale to proceed.

	c.	Sale of property located at 1710 Burke Drive The City of Garland has received an unsolicited offer from Celerina Ramirez related to the purchase of City owned property obtained through a Sheriff’s Sale. This property is located at 1710 Burke Drive. Mrs. Ramirez has presented an offer of $12,107 for the property.

	d.	Sale of Property s located at 260 E. Marguerita Drive Garland has received an unsolicited offer from Ruben De Luis related to the purchase of City owned property obtained through a Sheriff’s Sale. This property is located at 260 E. Marguerita Drive. Mr. Luis has presented an offer of $12,680 for the property.

	e.	Consider an application for the 2018 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) - Criminal Justice Division Grant The Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has made funds available to the State of Texas Office under the 2018 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program for the purpose of reducing crime and improving public safety. The Garland Police Department is eligible to apply to CJD for an estimated award of $59,737.48 under this grant program.

	f.	Update on the activities of the Community Relations Officer position in the Police Department Effective with the new budget year on October 1, 2017, the Garland City Council requested and approved a new Community Relations Officer position within the Police Department. This position’s primary responsibility was to focus on taking a proactive approach to address “homelessness issues” with the City.

	g.	Update and Recommendations from the Public Safety Committee Regarding the Safelight Program On February 5, 2018, the Public Safety Committee met to discuss the status of the Safelight Program. Nine recommendations were made for changes to the camera program.

3.		Verbal Briefings:

	a.	Review and discussion of Request for Residential Sub-lease near Windsurf Bay Park Presentation overview of the City's Interlocal Agreement with Dallas for park and open space access and recreational use by the general public, for park or recreation purposes as designated by Garland or by Dallas in the take area of Lake Ray Hubbard, the land owned by Dallas between the take line and the normal lake pool elevation of 435.5 mean sea level.

	b.	Review of Proposal Schedule and process for development of 2018-19 CDBG, HOME and ESG Budgets Information regarding applications, funding history, and available funds for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Infill Partnership Grant (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) budgets are provided for Council's information and review.

	c.	Sale of Property at 802 E. Walnut Council is requested to consider the disposition of the property located at 802 E. Walnut, which was struck-off in Trust, to the City of Garland during the October 2017 Dallas County Sheriff's Sale. In accordance with Section 34.05 (h-i) of the Texas Property Tax Code the City of Garland may sell the property via a private bid. The City may also sell the property via a second public sale with the written approval of the governing body. No-minimum bid requirements are required for the second public sale per Section 34.05 (c) of the Tax Code.

	d.	Consideration and discussion regarding a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Zone During a City Council retreat on Friday, December 15, 2017 the Council unanimously reaffirmed their support to create a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) zone in the area surrounding the Baylor Medical Center at Garland facility, despite the fact that the hospital announced that it would close on February 28, 2018.

4.		Discuss Appointments to Boards and Commissions

	a.	Council Member Robert Vera Doug Williams - Plan Commission Pamela Williams - Property Standards Board

5.		Announce Future Agenda Items A member of the City Council, with a second by another member, or the Mayor alone, may ask that an item be placed on a future agenda of the City Council or a committee of the City Council. No substantive discussion of that item will take place at this time.

6.		Adjourn

GARLAND POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 2.a.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	Sale of Property - 231 Glenfield Drive
Submitted By:	Corey Worsham, Tax Administrator
Council Goal:	Sustainable Quality Development and Redevelopment Financially Stable Government with Tax Base that Supports Community Needs

ISSUE
The City of Garland has received an unsolicited offer from Florian Santiago Hernandez related to the purchase of City owned property obtained through a Sheriff’s Sale. This property is located at 231 Glenfield Drive. Mr. Hernandez has presented an offer of $14,123.31 for the property. The purchaser has also agreed to pay the post-judgment taxes at closing. The post-judgment taxes are approximately $2,876.69 which will result in the total amount received at closing of approximately $17,000. The City of Garland will receive sale proceeds of $1,500 for maintenance, $491.61 in abatement liens and $1,932.27 in taxes (includes post-judgment taxes of $867.41).
OPTIONS
The City Council May: 1. Approve the sale of 231 Glenfield Drive to Mr. Florian Santiago Hernandez and provide an executed deed without warranty, or 2. Deny the offer presented by Mr. Hernandez.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the offer and sell the property to Mr. Hernandez. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the April 3, 2018 City Council Meeting.
BACKGROUND
The property was struck off to the City of Garland at the Dallas County Sheriff's Sale on May 3, 2011. In accordance with Section 34.05 of the Texas Property Tax Code, the Garland Independent School District and Dallas County have provided consent for the sale to proceed. If the sale is approved, the City of Garland will accept payment on behalf of all entities and disperse all sale proceeds.
CONSIDERATION
This property has been held by the City of Garland since 2011. Pursuant to Section 34.05 of the Texas Property Tax Code it may be resold to a private entity with the approval of the governing body. The sale of this property further supports a stable tax base and future development opportunities.

Attachments
231 Glenfield Drive - Resolution
231 Glenfield Drive - Offer
231 Glenfield Drive - Map and Pictures
231 Glenfield Drive - Deed
231 Glenfield Drive - GISD Consent
231 Glenfield Drive - County Consent

GARLAND POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 2.b.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	Sale of Property - 705 Oates
Submitted By:	Corey Worsham, Tax Administrator
Council Goal:	Sustainable Quality Development and Redevelopment Financially Stable Government with Tax Base that Supports Community Needs

ISSUE
The City of Garland has received an unsolicited offer from Caroline Whitlock related to the purchase of City owned property obtained through a Sheriff’s Sale. This property is located at 705 E Oates Road. Mrs. Whitlock has presented an offer of $45,000 for the property. The City of Garland will receive sale proceeds of $1,500 for maintenance, $14,797.25 in abatement liens and $4,670.14 in taxes.
OPTIONS
The City Council May: 1. Approve the sale of 705 Oates Road to Mrs. Whitlock and provide an executed deed without warranty, or 2. Deny the offer presented by Mrs. Whitlock.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the offer and sell the property to Mrs. Whitlock. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the April 3, 2018 City Council Meeting.
BACKGROUND
The property was struck off to the City of Garland at the Dallas County Sheriff's Sale on May 5, 2009. In accordance with Section 34.05 of the Texas Property Tax Code, the Garland Independent School District and Dallas County have provided consent for the sale to proceed. If the sale is approved, the City of Garland will accept payment on behalf of all entities and disperse all sale proceeds.
CONSIDERATION
This property has been held by the City of Garland since 2009. Pursuant to Section 34.05 of the Texas Property Tax Code it may be resold to a private entity with the approval of the governing body. The sale of this property further supports a stable tax base and future development opportunities.

Attachments
705 E Oates - Resolution
705 E Oates - Offer
705 E Oates - Deed
705 E Oates - Map and Picture
705 E Oates - County Consent
705 E Oates - GISD Consent

GARLAND POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 2.c.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	Sale of Property - 1710 Burke
Submitted By:	Corey Worsham, Tax Administrator
Council Goal:	Sustainable Quality Development and Redevelopment Financially Stable Government with Tax Base that Supports Community Needs

ISSUE
The City of Garland has received an unsolicited offer from Celerina Ramirez related to the purchase of City owned property obtained through a Sheriff’s Sale. This property is located at 1710 Burke Drive. Mrs. Ramirez has presented an offer of $12,107 for the property. The purchaser has also agreed to pay the post-judgment taxes at closing. The post-judgment taxes are approximately $452.07 which will result in the total amount received at closing of approximately $12,559.07. The City of Garland will receive sale proceeds of $1,500 for maintenance and $1,774.68 in taxes (includes post-judgment taxes of $124.45).
OPTIONS
The City Council May: 1. Approve the sale of 1710 Burke Drive to Mrs. Ramirez and provide an executed deed without warranty, or 2. Deny the offer presented by Mrs. Ramirez
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the offer and sell the property to Mrs. Ramirez. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the April 3, 2018 City Council Meeting.
BACKGROUND
The property was struck off to the City of Garland at the Dallas County Sheriff's Sale on October 1, 2013. If the sale is approved, the City of Garland will accept payment on behalf of all entities and disperse all sale proceeds.
CONSIDERATION
This property has been held by the City of Garland since 2013. Pursuant to Section 34.05 of the Texas Property Tax Code it may be resold to a private entity with the approval of the governing body. The sale of this property further supports a stable tax base and future development opportunities.

Attachments
1710 Burke - Resolution
1710 Burke - Offer
1710 Burke - Deed
1710 Burke - Map and Picture

GARLAND POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 2.d.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	Sale of Property - 260 E. Marguerita Drive
Submitted By:	Corey Worsham, Tax Administrator
Council Goal:	Sustainable Quality Development and Redevelopment Financially Stable Government with Tax Base that Supports Community Needs

ISSUE
The City of Garland has received an unsolicited offer from Ruben De Luis related to the purchase of City owned property obtained through a Sheriff’s Sale. This property is located at 260 E. Marguerita Drive. Mr. Luis has presented an offer of $12,680 for the property. The purchaser has also agreed to pay the post-judgment taxes at closing. The post-judgment taxes are approximately $685.38 which will result in the total amount received at closing of approximately $13,365.38. The City of Garland will receive sale proceeds of $1,500 for maintenance and $2,125.56 in taxes (includes post-judgment taxes of $188.61).
OPTIONS
The City Council May: 1. Approve the sale of 260 E. Marguerita Drive to Mr. Ruben De Luis and provide an executed deed without warranty, or 2. Deny the offer presented by Mr. Luis.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the offer and sell the property to Mr. Luis. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the April 3, 2018 City Council Meeting.
BACKGROUND
The property was struck off to the City of Garland at the Dallas County Sheriff's Sale on February 4, 2014. If the sale is approved, the City of Garland will accept payment on behalf of all entities and disperse all sale proceeds.
CONSIDERATION
This property has been held by the City of Garland since 2014. Pursuant to Section 34.05 of the Texas Property Tax Code it may be resold to a private entity with the approval of the governing body. The sale of this property further supports a stable tax base and future development opportunities.

Attachments
260 E. Marguerita - Resolution
260 E. Marguerita - Offer
260 E. Marguerita - Deed
260 E. Marguerita - Map and Picture

GARLAND POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 2.e.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	Consider an application for the 2018 Edward Byrne Memorial State Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Submitted By:	Mitch Bates, Chief of Police
Council Goal:	Safe, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

ISSUE
The Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has made funds available to the State of Texas Office of the Governor-Criminal Justice Division (CJD) under the 2018 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program for the purpose of reducing crime and improving public safety. The Garland Police Department is eligible to apply to CJD for an estimated award of $59,737.48 under this grant program. JAG does not require any matching funds or contributions.
OPTIONS
1. Authorize submission of the grant application, which if approved by the state government will pay an estimated $59,737.48. 2. Disapprove submission of the grant application.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council approve submission of the application by resolution to the Criminal Justice Division. This item is scheduled for formal consideration at the March 20, 2018 Regular Meeting.
BACKGROUND
This will be the eleventh year that the Garland Police Department has applied for funds under the JAG program, but the first year the department has applied directly to the State for the award. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has replaced the Edward J. Byrne Memorial State (Byrne Formula) and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) with the Justice Assistance Grant. The joining of the two grants allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and to improve the criminal justice system.
CONSIDERATION
Pending approval of the grant application, the Justice Assistance Grant should provide $59, 737.48 in funding. The grant will be for a 12-month period. At the conclusion of that time period, any unallocated funds must be returned to the state government. Funds must be used to supplement existing funds for program activities and cannot replace, or supplant, nonfederal funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose.

Attachments
Required Resolution-JAG 2018

GARLAND POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 2.f.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	Update on the activities of the Community Relations Officer Position for the Police Department
Submitted By:	Mitch Bates, Chief of Police
Council Goal:	Consistent Delivery of Reliable City Services Safe, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

ISSUE
Effective with the new budget year on October 1, 2017, the Garland City Council requested and approved a new Community Relations Officer position within the Police Department. This position’s primary responsibility was to focus on taking a proactive approach to address “homelessness issues” with the City. A veteran Police Officer, Wendy Sheriff (a former Neighborhood Police Officer, former School Resource Officer and former Domestic Violence Detective) was selected to fill this position. Officer Sheriff works with other city departments in addition to numerous community and civic organizations within Dallas County to help homeless individuals obtain the services they need. For the past several months, Officer Sheriff has made a positive impact within the homeless community and for the City as a whole.
OPTIONS
For Council discussion only.
CONSIDERATION
In less than 5 months, Officer Sheriff has assisted numerous homeless individuals, worked with many civic organizations, and coordinated the clean-up of many “homeless camps” that were hidden in wooded, abandoned buildings or other hidden areas throughout the entire City. To date, Officer Sheriff has: Initiated more than 100 contacts of homeless persons Coordinated the clean-up (with other City Departments) of 25 “homeless camps” Initiated more than 300 contacts within the community related to homeless issues (i.e. – residents, business owners, civic groups/organizations, church groups, etc.) Attended 14 community events to discuss how we can help the homeless within our community (and related issues)… resulting in more than 140 additional contacts within the community Initiated 7 contacts with Mental Health officials to assist with the homeless Numerous City Departments are involved and have assisted Officer Sheriff in the clean-up of Homeless Camps (for health and safety reasons): Code Enforcement Parks & Recreation EWS Street Department Storm Water City Contractors, etc. Officer Sheriffs works with numerous community partners including, but not limited to: Garland ISD Social Workers Dallas County Constables Adult Protective Services (State Agency) Mental Health (MHMR) officials

Attachments
Homeless Photo 1
Homeless Photo 2
Homeless Photo 3
Homeless Photo 4
Homeless Photo 5
Homeless Photo 6
Homeless Photo 7

GARLAND POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 2.g.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	Update and Recommendations from the Public Safety Committee Regarding the Safelight Program
Submitted By:	Mitch Bates, Chief of Police
Council Goal:	Fully Informed and Engaged Citizenry Safe, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

ISSUE
On February 5, 2018, the Public Safety Committee met to discuss the status of the Safelight Program. The Safelight Program is geared towards public safety by: keeping citation costs low, flexibility in citation issuance based on circumstances, proper enforcement of fines on public officials and city staff that receive citations, a process of continual fairness, analysis, and improvement, and audits that affirm appropriate program fund use.
OPTIONS
Nine recommendations were made to the Public Safety Committee: Allow for a civil trial by jury after an administrative hearing has been completed.Currently, the vendor reviews the citation twice, a Garland Police Officer once, and if necessary once more by the Administrative Hearing Officer. Because the city is accusing a citizen of wrongdoing, a jury trial should be an option for escalating a case beyond the administrative hearing. Require council review and approval for changes to business rules that are on-file with the camera vendor. Establish written policy that prohibits citations in improperly configured intersections, where stop bars are required to be crossed in order to make a safe right on red. Establish a yearly public safety review of the Business Rules that are in place with our vendor. Require council approval to modify these rules, and any change in monitoring including installation or removal of cameras. Establish a board/commission that meets on an ad-hoc basis for changes in the camera program, including once per year minimum to review all existing statistics and active locations. This board would have 9 members, appointed by the council and the mayor. Require that traffic studies be performed on all active and future locations. Make these studies available to the public on the city website. When reporting on program effectiveness, accidents should be reported as a percentage of total traffic volume for the intersection instead of just the number of accidents. Because we utilize an ‘All red’ delay in our intersection, extend the 0.1 second camera delay to 0.25 seconds in the business rules. The average reaction time for humans to visual stimulus is 0.25 seconds. Because of the high variability of reasons for red-light running, consider establishing “control” intersections. Gathering crash statistics on these unmonitored intersections would serve as comparisons against monitored intersections and improve our ability to determine the program usefulness.
RECOMMENDATION
For Council Discussion.
BACKGROUND
The City of Garland was the first city to utilize Automated Red Light Cameras in Texas. Our first cameras were installed in 2003. In late 2007, the State Legislature implemented Chapter 707 of the Transportation Code to regulate any new red light cameras that were installed. We currently have 12 intersection approaches that are capable of documenting red light violations with this technology and most were installed before this law was created. List of 12 Safelight Camera Locations: SB Jupiter at Kingsley NB Plano at Buckingham EB Forest at Jupiter NB Jupiter at Forest EB Beltline at Shiloh NB Broadway at Centerville WB Centerville at Northwest Highway SB First at Kingsley NB First at Avenue B NB Shiloh at SH 190 SB Broadway at I-30 W Centerville at I-635 Garland has always been at the vanguard of using this technology and as such, we have strived to be a model city for others by focusing on public safety. Chapter 707 requires revenue generated by the Safelight Program to only be used for traffic safety programs. Report and Analysis by Council Member Robert J. Smith: http://www.robertjsmithtx.com/redlightcams/Red_Light_Camera_Study.pdf

GARLAND CITY COUNCIL ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 3.a.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	Review and Discussion of a Request by an Adjacent Resident for Sublease of a Section of the Lake Ray Hubbard Take-Area within Windsurf Bay Park
Submitted By:	Jermel Stevenson, Managing Director

Summary of Request/Problem
Presentation overview of the City's Interlocal Agreement with Dallas for park and open space access and recreational use by the general public, for park or recreation purposes as designated by Garland or by Dallas in the take area of Lake Ray Hubbard, the land owned by Dallas between the take line and the normal lake pool elevation of 435.5 mean sea level. The update to the Lake Ray Hubbard license with Dallas, completed in 1999, provided the opportunity for Garland to identify areas along the lakeshore with unique characteristics, environmental and recreational, which were ideal to providing community parks and greenbelts, dispersed strategically along the lakeshore. The remaining areas which were not viable for a scenic or recreational resources were considered "impaired shorelands", located adjacent to single-family residential lots and impractical to access by the general public. These single-family residential lots were identified by the City for voluntary sublease by the adjacent single-family owner under the structure and guidelines outlined by Dallas, and developed and adopted by Garland. The lots were surveyed, mapped, and are found on the City's website along with the zoning, development requirements, lease term agreement, fees, and restrictions for sublease. Funding to implement the trail project has not been identified. Cost estimates to develop the project have not been completed and a funding source is not established to manage the current trail property. Discussion on recent requests by a single-family residential property owner for sublease of the adjacent Windsurf Bay Park Take Area. Entering subleases may limit the ability to implement a trail project should project funding become available, however, proeprty leases could be structured in a manner that the leasee must return the property to the City's control should a trail project recieve funding.
Recommendation/Action Requested and Justification
Council discussion.

GARLAND POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 3.b.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	2018-2019 CDBG, HOME and ESG Grant Allocations
Submitted By:	Mona Woodard, Neighborhood Services Administrator
Council Goal:	Sustainable Quality Development and Redevelopment

ISSUE
Information regarding applications, funding history, and available funds for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Infill Partnership Grant (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) budgets are provided for Council's information and review.
RECOMMENDATION
A public hearing will be held on March 20, 2018 during the regular meeting. This item will be brought back before Council at the April 2, 2018 Work Session for discussion of CDBG, HOME and ESG grant proposals. Final discussion on this item will be scheduled for the April 16, 2018 Work Session. Budget adoption is scheduled for April 17, 2018.
BACKGROUND
The City expects to receive the following funding for 2018-2019: CDBG: $1,872,146 HOME: $ 515,574 ESG: $ 168,777 The proposed budget for fiscal year 2018/2019 must be submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by August 15, 2018 for CDBG, HOME and ESG. To this point, there have been two public input meetings to solicit feedback on the proposed use of funds.
CONSIDERATION
Staff received CDBG applications requesting a total of $451,200 for public services, $3,313,946 for City sponsored projects, and $374,429 for administrative use for next fiscal year. There is a total of $7,159 in CDBG funding for reprogramming to other projects. HUD regulations limit CDBG monies used for grant planning and administration to no more than 20% of the entitlement funding available, and public services applications to a maximum of 15% of entitlement funding. Funds available in the public service category total $280,822, grant administration totals $374,429 and City sponsored projects total $1,224,054 available which includes reprogrammed funding. HOME Funds available total $515,574, requests total $515,574. HUD regulations allow up to 10% of grant funding to be used for administration and 15% of grant funding must be used by Community Housing Development Organizations. The balance of this funding will be used for City sponsored housing programs. Total funds available for the ESG program are $168,777. Housing and Community Services Department will use the maximum allowed funding for administration ($12,658) and data collection ($9,283). Other categories include Shelter Operations ($54,009), Homeless Prevention (50,633) and Rapid-Re-housing (42,194). Requests for funding exceeded the amount by $48,416.

Attachments
18-19 Grant Workbook

GARLAND POLICY REPORT

City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 3.c.
Meeting Date:	03/20/2018
Item Title:	Sale of Property - 802 E. Walnut
Submitted By:	Corey Worsham, Tax Administrator
Council Goal:	Sustainable Quality Development and Redevelopment Financially Stable Government with Tax Base that Supports Community Needs

ISSUE
The property located at 802 E. Walnut was struck-off in Trust, to the City of Garland during the October 2017 Dallas County Sheriff's Sale. Currently, the maintenance and security of the property is the responsibility of the City. The judgment amount is $597,269.83 which included delinquent taxes through the 2010 tax year. In addition, subsequent taxes have accrued on the property in the amount of $276,590.60. The property has a current value of $891,210 per the Dallas Central Appraisal District. In accordance with Section 34.05 (h-i) of the Texas Property Tax Code the City of Garland may sell the property via a private bid. The City may also sell the property via a second public sale with the written approval of the governing body. No-minimum bid requirements are required for the second public sale per Section 34.05 (c) of the Tax Code. The purchasing party will be responsible for the post judgment tax's of $276,590.60. An unsolicited private offer of $300,000 has been made by Mr. Luz Leija. Mr. Leija has also agreed to an expedient remediation of the properties exterior and to pay the post judgment taxes of approximately $276,590 at closing.
OPTIONS
The City Council May: 1. Accept a private offer from Mr. Leija and provide a non-warranty deed 2. Return the property to public sale with no-minimum bid requirement 3. Retain and remediate the property for private sale at a later date
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the acceptance of Mr. Leija's private offer. Unless otherwise directed by the Council, the item will be placed on a future agenda for Council consideration upon approval of the offer by the Garland Independent School District and Dallas County.
BACKGROUND
The property located at 802 E. Walnut consists of approximately 2 acres of land, 2 warehouses (17,700 sq. ft. & 5,200 sq. ft.) and an automotive service building (13,070 sq. ft.). The structures are rated in poor condition per DCAD records with an average physical depreciation of 64%. A substantial expense would likely be incurred in order to bring the property up to current City Code Compliance standards.
CONSIDERATION
Approximately 98% of the property's value is encumbered by tax debt. The proceeds received from the sale of this property (with or without a minimum bid) will be used to satisfy the judgment amount of $597,269.83. Post judgment taxes of approximately $276,590.60 will become the responsibility of the purchasing party after the sale. Retaining the property for private sale would likely require the immediate remediation of debris, abandoned vehicles, equipment and machinery. Retention of the property would substantially increase the City's future administrative costs.

Attachments
802 E Walnut - Presentation
802 E Walnut - Offer
802 E Walnut - Deed