Authorize Execution of a Contract with United Community Centers, Inc., in the Amount of $600,000.00 to Finish-Out the Construction of the Bethlehem Community Center Located at 951 Evans Avenue (COUNCIL DISTRICT 8)

It is recommended that the City Council:

1.  Authorize a Substantial Amendment to the City's 2010-2011 Action Plan.

2.  Authorize a change in use and expenditure of $600,000.00 in federal Economic Development Initiative grant funds and Section 108 Loan funds to United Community Centers, Inc., in the form of a grant for eligible costs associated with the finish-out of the construction of the community facility commonly known as Bethlehem Community Center located at 951 Evans Avenue;

3.  Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract and any related documents with United Community Centers, Inc., for the project for a six-month term beginning on the date of execution of the contract;

4.  Authorize the City Manager or his designee to extend or renew the contract for an additional six months, if United Community Centers, Inc., requests an extension; and,

5.  Authorize the City Manager or his designee to amend the contract if necessary to achieve project goals provided that the amendment is within the scope of the project and in compliance with City policies and applicable laws and regulations governing the use of federal grant funds.

On December 13, 2011, the City Council authorized a change in use and expenditure of $4,965,947.92 in federal Economic Development Initiative grant funds and Section 108 Loan funds for the construction of a new community facility to be located at the corner of Evans Avenue and East Humbolt Street in the Evans-Rosedale Business and Cultural District and authorized a lease of the facility to United Community Centers, Inc. (UCC) (M&C C-25368).  UCC, a non-profit agency founded in 1909, provides social services including child care primarily to low and moderate income households and individuals.  The additional federal funds will pay the eligible costs of the finish-out of the facility such as playground equipment, picnic tables, a canopy cover and permanently installed kitchen equipment which will allow for increased functional use by UCC, especially for child care and enhance the longevity of the facility during the 30-year term.  Currently, UCC is soliciting bids from qualified contractors to complete the finish-out of the facility.

The project is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 8, Mapsco 77K.