Authorize City Manager to apply for/receive FEMA funds for COVID-19 costs; designate applicant agents
Passed6–0 · unanimous · Moved by Julie Mayfield, seconded by Gwen Wisler
All members present voted yes. Absent: Sheneika Smith.
Staff report summary
Fire Chief Scott Burnette said that this is the consideration of adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to designate the applicant agents for the City of Asheville to apply for and receive reimbursement funds from FEMA Public Assistance. Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic began to affect the City of Asheville on March 13, 2020.
- The City of Asheville has incurred and will continue to incur expenses as a result of this event.
- FEMA has streamlined the Public Assistance project application process.
- Applicants are served on a first-come/first-served basis, so there is a sense of urgency.
- The first step in the application process is the designation of two applicant agents.
- The Primary’s role (and Secondary’s role in the Primary’s absence) is to execute and file applications for federal and/or state assistance on behalf of the Organization for the purpose of obtaining certain state and federal financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief & Emergency Assistance Act, (Public Law 93-288 as amended) or as otherwise available.
- Additionally, the agents are authorized to represent and act for the Organization in all dealings with the State of North Carolina and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for all matters pertaining to such disaster assistance required by the grant agreements.
Vendor Outreach Efforts:
- N/A Committee(s):
- None Pro(s):
- Allows for potential recovery of costs associated with the COVID-19 declared disaster Con(s):
None Fiscal Impact:
- Funds received will be reimbursed for costs incurred responding to and in support of the COVID 19 pandemic. In response to Councilwoman Mayfield, Chief Burnette said that the City will be able to apply for any COVID-19 related, actual out-of-pocket expenses. We may know the result of our application in a matter of weeks. In response to Vice-Mayor Wisler, Chief Burnette said that we will continue to make applications for specific time periods and projects. When Mayor Manheimer asked for public comments, none were received. Mayor Manheimer said that members of Council have been previously furnished with a copy of the resolution and it would not be read.