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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-95-14 RESOLUTION NO. ~ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY~ FLORIDA, ADOPTING VARIOUS POLICIES AND PLANS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN ~ S . CONMUNiTY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAH AND LISTED HEREIN AS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLIC~ (EXHIBIT "A"); POLICY FOR NON- FIOLENT CIVIL RIGHTS DEMONSTRATIONS (EXHIBIT "B"); ANTIDISPLACEMENT AND RELOCATION PLAN (EXHIBIT "C"); PROCUREMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (EXHIBIT "D"); ACQUISITION PLAN FOR PROGRAMS AND PRO~ECTS (EXHIBIT "E"); AND SECTION $ 04 COMPLIANCE POLICY (EXHIBIT "F");PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF RESOLUTIONS OR PA~TS OF RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Conu~unity Development· Block Grant progra: requires adoption of .certain policies and plans; and WHEREAS, ..the City Council of the City of Sebastian is desirou. of complying with the requirements of the Community Developmen' Block Grant program; and' WHEREAS, in compliance with the appropriate rules an, regulations of the Community Development Block Grant requirements the proposed policies require formal adoption. NOW, TI~EREFORE, be it resolved by the Cit~ Cott~cll o: Sebastian, Florida, as follows: 'SECTION 1. .FORMAL ADOPTION OF POLICIES' AND PLANS. The cit[ Council of the City of Sebastian, in compliance with the City. o: Sebastian Community Development Block Grant applioati'on, hereb] formally adopts the plans and policies outlined within thi~ document and attached hereto as follows: Affirmative Action Polic'. (EXHIBIT "A"); ~olicy for Non-violent Civil Rights Demonstration~ (EXHIBIT "B"); Anti-Displacement and Relocation Plan (EXHIBIT "C") Procurement Policies and Procedures (EXHIBIT "D");' Acquisition Plan for Programs and Projects (EXHIBIT "E"); and Section 504 Compliance Policy (EXHIBIT "F").' SECTION Z. CONFLICT. Ail Resolutions or ~arts thereof in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, superseded and repealed. SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.  he foregoing Resolution was moved for adoption by Councllmember ~ ~;~ . The motion was 'seconded by _ Councllmember ~ and, upon being 9ut to a vote', the vote was as follows: Mayor Arthur L. Firtion Vice Mayor Carolyn Corum Councilmember Louise Cartwright Councilmember Norma Damp Councilmember Raymond HallOran The Mayor thereupon declared this Resolution duly passed and adopted this ~~.day of ~athryn~Mi 0 ~allorah, CMC/AAE City Clerk ~""~ , 1995. Arthur L. F'irtion Mayor Approved as to Form and Content: Clifford A. McClelland, Jr. City Attorney EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF ,SEBASTIAN SECTION 3 AND AFFIRHATIVE ACTION POLICY 'Th~ City of Sebastian is committed to eliminating dis~rim:i.~ation based upon race, color, religion, sex, national or-igin, .age, familial status or handicap. This local government will'compiy, with the requirements of all applicable state and federal .equal opportunity .laws,. regulation's and executive orders. in federa,-t or state funded projects this may include: Florida smatl..:~an~.' Minority Business Act, Title VI of the federal Civil Rights..'.Aot of 19'64, es amended, Title VIII of the federal Civil R. ightS:'Act of 1968, as amended, Executive Order 1255.9, the federal Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 109 of the Housin. g and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, ~Executive Order 11063, Executive Order 11246, Executive Order il.375 ..and 12'086, Section 3 of the Housing and Community 'Development Action of 1968, and others. '-' Notice of the p61icy will be placed in plain sight on job locat'ion .for the benefit of interested parties .and all contra=tots and sub-contractors so notified.. All Equal' · Opporttmity Posters will be displayed as' required. ~'TmOlementatlon The Director of Human Resources is appointed as Equal oppor, tuni.ty..Officer. -Duties-include-.coordinating local efforts '~n recruiting employees and soliciting bids, resolving complaints, and submitting required reports. This 1coat government will encourage the employment of local residents and those who are female and/or cfa minority racial/ethnic classification. This will be accomplished through .'the foi.~owing procedures. 1) Current employees will be encouraged to improve their job ski.lis and qualification through training and education. Such improvements are to be considered for employee promotion. .Alt employment opportunities will be publicly advertised, in=luding the equal opportunity employer designation. This · is to provide an adequate opportunity for qualified 'individuals to apply for employment and to assure an adequate pool of qualified applicants (including minorities) 'from which to hire. 4) Whem appropriate, noti.fication of employment opportunities .Will be issued to organizations such as local schools, employment services, minority organizations, and social service agencies who may refer qualified individuals for employment consideration. Recruitment practices, including those described i~ paragraphs 2 and 3, will be conducted in an effort to in=lude qualifi~ed minorities, and females in all levels of responsibility and departments of .government., in percentage in the population and/or available workforce. When applicants are equally qualified, preference will' be given to hiring minorities and females in furtherance of the goal expressed in. paragraph 4. Establishment of Ouantifiable Goals The City of Sebastian will utilize the most recent available 'census data as the basis of establishing a goal for minority employment. Currently -the 1990 census lists a community minority · percentage of 4.08. statistically it may be difficult for the local government .·wOrk force to totally mirror the census percentage due to unique or specific needs, sample size differences, and other similar contributing factors. However, the City of Sebastian is committed to establishment of specific goals and , further, to make. a sincere attempt to attain those goals within the bounds of local government control. goals for minority employment are hereby established as follows and are based on the number of full-time personnel in the local government's work force: Less than thirty (.30) employees ±2% of the census percentage More than thirty (30) employees ±1% of the census percentage If a stated goal has been attained and one employee leaves the City of Sebastian's employ either voluntarily or involuntarily, the City of Sebastian is not obligated to select another candidate of the same minority/majority status if that candidate is not the most qualified. In such an event, the stated goals would automatically be waived in the best interest of the City of Sebastian and the effort to attain goals would be renewed 'with the next available vacancy. .:.-Goals and procedures established herein may be waived or amended by official vote of the full city Council with results duly recorded in'the City Council Meeting minutes. Procurement of Goods and Servic~ This.'.local government will encourage the utilization of local, minorit~- and female-owned, and small businesses. This will be a'ccompI'ished through the following procedures. l) Quotes for small purchases will be solicited from local businesses, when the required goods and/or services can be obtained economically from local sources. Lists of local minority and female-owned businesses will be maintained for use' in soliciting quotes and bids. State or other direct.orles of minority and female-owned businesses wil~ be utilized in seeking bids when local competition is inadequate. 3) Requests for bids and proposals for services or goods will · be .advertised locally, although it may .also be necessary to advertise some projects over a broader geographic area in or,er to obtain adequate competition. 4) Where applicable, federal equal opportunity affirmative action language will be included in contracts and requests for bids. Contractors will be informed of equal opportunity affirmative action obligation requirements to insure their compliance. Ado~ged ?'.in regular session of the City Council Attest Mayor clerk EXHIBIT "B" CITY OF SEBASTIAN POLICY FOR NON-VIOLENT CIVIL RIGHTS DEMONSTRATIONS EXCESSIVE FORCE POLICY Acceptance of federal monies in the form of Commudty Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds requires the City of Sebastian's certification that it has adopted and is enforcing a policy which: Prohibits the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction against any individuals engaging in non-violent civil rights demonstrations; and Enforces applicable Sate and local laws against physically barfing entxm~,,e to or ex. it ~rom a Pacih'~y or location which is the subject of such non-violent civil fights demonstrations withi~ its jm:isdicfion. This requirement is based on Section 516 of Public Law 101-140 more specificany known as "The 1990 HUD Appropriation Act" and h~ known as "The Act" which mandates that each local unit of govm'nnmnt receiving CDBG funds must comply with certain provisions of "The Act", among, those provim'ons being thos~ aforestated in the above paragraph. The City of Sebastian is fully committed to protecting the safety, wdfare and civil rights'of all residents of the jurisdiction and wishes to comply with the terms and conditions of "The Act" as required by the assurances of its CDBG Award Agreement. Local hw ~nforcement personnel shall abide by this policy and ensure the enfo~ement of State and local laws with regard to non-violent civil rights demonstrations. Th~ use of. excessive force against individuals engaged in these demonstrations is prob/bit~l. Agencies task~ with law enforcement functions shall ensure that all personnel, regulax or auxiliary, full-time or part-time, ale made awal~ of this commitment. ,Additionally, law enforcement agencies shall ensure that pre-planning occurs in conjunction with any scheduled or predicted civil rights demonstration so that the prevention of the use of excessive force is ensured in maint2/ning the non-violet nature o£ such demonstrations. Included in this pre- pl~nnlug will be methodology to enforce appl/cable Stare and local hws against physical barrier of entrances or exits from such demonstrations. This poIicy shall be inehded as an integral portion of all applicable hw enforcement operations manuals/handbooks and will be included in training and courses ,of instruction for hw enforcement EXCESSIVE i~ORCB POLICY Page 2 Any d~,iation fi'om or violation of this policy shall be reported in writing and shall result in ffu~ immediate suspension ,of the offending officer(s) until a review of the ckcumstancea has been conducted and the necessity for such deviation/violation has either b~n dcaied or upheld.. ~ozr~ o~ ~,~~ . ls,~ n,T n~t~x~ szssxo~ o~ T~'cn~ COUSC~. / A~T: SIGNAl, CiTY CLBRK SIGNAT[YRE, MAYOR EXHIBIT "e" CDBG ANTIDISPLACEKENT AND RELOCATION PLAN FOR CITY OF SEBASTIAN TABLE OF CONT~TS Displacement Avoidance Policy Definitions A. Standard 'Condition B. Substandard Condition Suitable for Rehabilitation Displacement Policy and Procedures III. Permanent, Involuntary Displacement A. Provisions for One-on-One Replacement B. Provisions for Relocat£on Assistant for Residential Displacement C. Provisions forNon-Residential Relocation iV. Temporary, Voluntary Displacement and Relocation Permanent, voluntary Displacement and Relocation Tenant Assistance Policy/Rental Rehabilitation VII. Displacement of Homowners VIii. Appeals/Counseling 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 10 11 13 1 CDBG ANTIDI~PL~CEMENT ~ RELOCATION PLaN I. Displacement Avoidance Policy The local government is committed to a policy to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that activities ~ndertaken through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds will not cause unnecessary displacement or relocation. The CDBG pro ,~ram will be administered in such a manner that careful consideration is given during the planning phase with regard to avoiding displacement. The local government will also provide information to and keep citizens involved in the process regarding pending zoning and rezoning actions that threaten the preservation of residential areas. InVoluntary displacement shall be reserved as a last resort action necessitated only when no 'other alternative is available and when the activity is determined necessary in order to carry out a specific goal or objective that is of benefit to the public. In this case, community development and housing programs will be pl.anned in a manner which avoids displacement of households or businesses. However, voluntary temporary or permanent displacement may be necessary in order to achieve a benefit to a household or business (such as rehabilitation or replacement of the building). Such benefits shall be identified and requested by the displacee. Voluntary displacement may also' occur when a property owner voluntarily offers his home or business property for sale to the local government. In these cases, the seller may be required to waive rights as a condition of sale of the property, and the Uniform Relocation Act provisions will govern actions' of ~he local government and/or its representative. 24 'CFR Part 5?0 is a governing document on displacement and is incorporated b~ reference. 49 CFR Part 24 provides Uniform Relocation Act information and is incorporated by reference. II. Definitions of "Stander4" an4 "Non-Standar~. Suitable for Rehabilitation" Dwelling Unit Condition In the absence of federal and state provided definitions, the following is provided to establisha frame of reference and context when dealing with matters of displacement and/or relocation as defined in 24 CFR Part 5?0 and 49 CFR Part 24. A. S.tandard Condition A dwelling unit is considered standard if it has no major defects or only slight defects which are correctable through the course of regular maintenance. It must be in total compliance with applicable local housing and occupancy codes; be Structurally sound, watertight and in good repair; be adequate in size with respect to number of rooms and area of living space and contain the following: 1. A safe electrical wiring system adequate for lighting and other normal electrical devices, 3 2. A heating system capable of sustaining a healthful temperature (consistent with normal, year round,climatic conditions), 3. A separate, well-lighted and ventilated bathroom that provides user privacy and contains a sink, commode, and bathtub or shower stall, 4. .An appropriate, sanitary and approved source of hot and cold.potable.water, 5. An appropriate, sanitary and approved sewage drainage system, 6. A fully Usable sink in the kitchen, 7. Adequate space and service connections for a refrigerator, 8. An unobstructed egress to a safe, open area at ground level, and 9. Be free of any harriers which would preclude ingress or egress if the occupant is handicapped. Failure to meet any of these criteria automatically causes a dwelling to not be considered "standard." B. Substandard Condition Suitable for Rehabilitation A dwelling unit is considered substandard if it does not fully comply with the standard criteria, or has minor-defects which require' a certain amount of correction but can still provide safe and adequate shelter or has major defects requiring a great deal of correction and will be safe and adequate once repairs are made. To be suitable for rehabilitation., a trained housing specialist must carefully inspect the dwelling and prepare a work write-up of repairs necessary to bring it up to standard 4 condition. A cost estimate of repairs will be prepared based on the needs identified in the work write-up. If these costs are equal to or less than 65% of the value of a comparable replacement unit as obtained from more than one licensed contractor, the dwelling will be considered suitable for rehabilitation, if the predicted cost exceeds 65%, the unit will be deemed unsuitable. This criteria is arbitrary, however, and the local governing body may authorize deviations based on the unique aspects of each dwelling, owner, tenant, etc. on a case by case basis. Each deviation so approved must .be thoroughiy documented. Displacement Policy and Procedures III. Permanent, Involuntaz~ Displacement The local government will provide reasonable relocation assistance tO persons (families, individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, or farms) displaced (moved ~ .and involuntarily) as a result of the use of CDBG assistance to acquire or substantially rehabilitate property. Assistance to displaced persons may include: a. Payment for actual moving and relocation expenses documented by receipts and/or vouchers from service providers and utility companies. The documents shall be submitted prior to the disbursement of payment; 5 b. Advisory services necessary to help in relocating; c. Financial assistance sufficient to enable the displaced person to lease and occupy a suitable, decent, safe and sanitary replacement dwelling where the cost of rent and utilities does not exceed 30 percent of the household gross income of a family earning 80 percent of the median income for the jurisdiction. Ae Provisions for One-for-One Replacement The local government will replace all occupied and vacant occupiable iow/moderate-income dwelling units demolished or converted to a use other than as low/moderate-income housing as a direct result of activities assisted with funds provided under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and as described in 24 CFR Part 570. Replacement low/moderate-income units may include public housing or existing housing receiving Section 8 project based-assistance. All replacement housing will be provided within three years of the commencement of the demolition or rehabilitation relating' to conversion and will meet the following requirements. 1. The units will be located within the local jurisdiction. 2. The units will meet all applicable local housing, building, and zoning ordinances and will be in standard, or better, condition. 3. The units will be designed to remain iow/moderate- income dwelling units for at least 10 years from the date of initial occupancy (applies to initial tenant only). 4. The units will be sufficient in size and number (functionally equivalent) to house at least the number of occupants who could have been housed in the units that are demolished or converted. 6 Before obligating or expending CDBG funds that will directly result in such demolition or conversion, the local government will make public and submit to the Florida Department of Community Affairs the following information in writing: 1. A description of the proposed assisted activity; 2. The general location on an area map including approximate number of dwelling units by size (number of bedrooms) that will be demolished or converted to a use other than low/moderate income dwelling units; 3. A time Schedule for commencement and completion of the demolition or conversion; 4. The general location on a service area map and approximate number of dwelling units by size (number of bedrooms) that will be provided as replacement units; 5. Identification of the source of funding at the time of submittal and the time frame, location and source for the replacement dwelling unit. 6. The basis for concluding that each replacement dwelling unit will be designed to remain .a iow/moderate- income dwelling unit for at least 10 years from the date of initial occupancy. 7. Information demonstrating that any proposed replacement of a unit with a smaller unit is consistent with the housing needs of LMI persons in the jurisdiction. B. provisions for Relocatlon Assistance for Residential Displacement The local government .will provide relocation assistance, as described in 24 CFR Part 570, to each low/moderate-income household involuntarily displaced by the demolition of housing or by the conversion of a iow/moderate-income dwelling to another use as a direct result of CDBG-assisted activities. Persons that are relocated are entitled to: 1. A choice between actual reasonable moving expenses or a fixed expense and dislocation allowance, Advisory services, 3. ReimburSement for reasonable and necessary security deposits and credit checks, 4. Interim living costs; and 5, Replacement housing assistance which may include a section 8 housing voucher/certificate and referral to assisted units; cash rental assistance to reduce the rent and utility cost or lump sum payment, equal tothe present value of rental assistance installments to be used toward purchasing an interest in a housing cooperative or mutual housing association for a period up to 6'0 months (5 years). C. Provisions for Non,Residential RelOcatiOn Businesses, non-profit organizations, farms, etc., shall not be relocated unless the move is voluntary, essential to the project from the public view, and the owner waives his/her rights under the Uniform Act except for the following relocation assistance: 1. Actual moving and reasonable 'reestablishment expenses not less than $1,000 nor more than $20,000 equal to a prorata share for the period of interruption of operations of the average annual net earnings. Average annual net earnings are one half of the entity's net earnings before taxes during the two taxable years immediately prior to the taxable year it was displaced. 2. No other benefits will be provided and a signed waiver acknowledging this fact will be required. 8 ~V. Temporary, Voluntar~ Displacement an~ 2elCca~ion A. Persons occupying housing which is to be rehabilitated using CDBG funds must voluntarily agree to inclusion in the program and shall vacate the housing at the direction of the local government (or its CDBG Administrator), in order to facilitate the safe, timely and economical rehabilitation process. B. A moving allowance of $300 will be.provided each fam$1y unit so displaced,. This allowance will be provided in two payments of $150 each on move out and move back in. C. The local government may provide a safe, decent and sanitary housingunit for use as temporary relocation housing. The unit shall be available free of charge to temporarily displaced households .for the time period authorized by the CDBG Administrator, generally for the period of rehabilitation construction. Households who occupy the unit shall have a $75 refundable deposit withheld from their initial moving allowance payment. This deposit shall be refunded in full immediately after the relocation unit is vacated in a clean and undamaged condition. The deposit refund shall he denied in full or in part for payment of damages to the owner/lessee due to the occupants' (a) failure to properly clean or maintain the unit, (b) physical damage to the unit, (c) loss 9 of keys to the unit, or (d) need for any special condition such as fumigation. A $25 per day penalty may also be assessed for the household's failure to properly vacate the relocation unit when directed to do so by the CDBG Administrator. D. A storage allowance of up to $150 will be provided each family unit displaced if storage is necessary and essential to the move. E. Insurance cost of up to $100 for the replacement value .of the household property in connection with the 'mowe will be provided each family unit displaced if storage is necessary. and essential to the move. v. Permanent, voluntary Displacement and Relocation If it is determined by the.local government that occupants of a dwelling should be permanently relocated, and the occupants voluntarily consent, the government will assist in the relocation to a decent, safe and sanitary dwelling unit. Benefits, if provided, will be limited to increases in monthly housing costs incurred by the occupant in an amount equal to the lesser, of 60 times the increase or 30 percent of the person's annual income. 24 CFR Part 570 must be consulted to determine specific limitations. 10 VI. Tenant Assistance Poli=~/Rent&l Rehabilitation A. It is not the local, government's policy to displace families in rental units. Participating landlords will be required to warrant that the proposed rehabilitation will not cause any tenant to be permanently displaced unless the owner will be able to relocate the tenant displaced in accordance with HUD relocation criteria. Rental Rehab funds will not be used to rehabilitate the structUres if the rehabilitation will cause the displacement Of LMI families. B. If it becomes necessary for an owner to move a tenant from a unit as a direct result of rehabilitation assisted through rental rehabilitation funds, the owners will assure that the tenant is offered a decent, safe and sanitary dwelling Unit at an affordable rate as described in the applicable regulations. No tenant will be considered displaced if the owner has offered the tenant a decent, safe, sanitary and affordable unit and the tenant has deciined the offer. C. Should displacement become.necessary for a LMI family as a result of the rental rehabilitation assistance, the owner will assUre that tenants are provided the necessary financial assistance, information, counseling, referrals and housing location options regarding Federal Fair Housing rights, and 11 other relocation services as needed without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, age, handicap or national origin, so as to enable the family to obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing at an affordablerent. D. Compensation to obtain .replacement housing shall not exceed $6,000 unless approved otherwise by the local governing body. Should the amoUnt the tenant is entitled is expected to exceed this threshold, consideration shall be given to not performing the demolition which would cause the displacement. VII. Disp-lacement of Homeowners Homeowners will haVe their homes demolished with CDBG funds only as a volUntary action, when rehabilitation of the dwelling is not feasible or cost effective. Although homeowners have a right to assistance as previously discussed, CDBG funds available for relocation assistance are limited. Therefore, financial assistance shall not exceed that described in the following paragraphs. A. Homeowners 'who meet CDBG income limits will receive a replacement housing payment not to exceed $28,000 (Unless approved otherwise by the local governing body). The amount will be based upon the difference between the dwelling replacement price and the owner's ability to contribute to the 12 replacement purchase price. Ability to contribute shall mean the household's borrowing capacity (determined by lending agencies, including FmHA) and liquid assets above $5,000 in value. B. To the extent feasible, replacement units will be of comparable size and type as original units. ~ shall mean single family detached, mobile home, or attached, tf the ~nit is attached (duplex, triplex) and the displaced owner-also owns the other unit(s) as rental property, up to $10,000 per unit shall be granted for constrUction of attached replacement units, provided that zoning and other applicable regulations allow construction of an attached unit(s) which' will be rented for a period of five years to CDBG income eligible households at affordable rent levels. ~ shall mean the average monthly cost for rent and utility charges (water, sewer, electricity, gas) and shall not .exceed 30% .of. the tenant household's gross monthly income. c. Homeowners will be encouraged to relocate onto 'the property from which they were displaced or onto other property which they own, in order to reduce the cost of the replacement unit. Land shall be included as an eligible replacement unit cost only when the existing site is unsuitable due to inadequate size (based upon zoning or other applicable regulations) or location in a wetland or 100 year floodplain. 13 Existing housing that is in standard condition may also be approved as replacement housing. Payment shall be disbursed only upon the CDBG administrator's approval of the replacement unit. D. If space is offered temporary provided by the available, displaced homeowners will be replacement housing in one of the units CDBG program for housing rehabilitation displacees. Moving and storage allowances will be provided as annotated in section V. 'E. If a homeowner chooses to not purchase a replacement dwelling, compensation shall be'determined in the same manner as for renters, compensation shall not be less than $2,000. Viii. Appe&ls/Counsellnq A. If a 'claim for assistance is denied by the local governing body,' the claimant may appeal to the State and the decision 'of the State shall be final unless a court determines the decision was arbitrary and capricious. B. Counseling will be provided to displacees in the areas of household finance, fair housing rights, real estate transactions, and locating and evaluating replacement housing options. Counseling shall be provided by the CDBG 14 Administrator to permanently displaced households to ensure that: No person is discriminated against based upon age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or presence of children in the household. Displacees receive information concerning the full range of housing opportunities within the local .housing market. Approved .by the city~ Council the ~.~ day .of Clerk Mayor 15 EXHIBIT "D" CITY OF SEBASTIAN PROCUREMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR COMMDNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS TABLE OF CONTENTS I. General Policy ........ Am Applicability ............. 2 Procurement Law and Regulations ....... 2 II. Procurement Standards .............. 3 General Standards .............. 3 Competition ............... 3 III. Procurement Administration,. . . . . . . . . . . 4 Am B. C. D. E. Efficiency Review ........... 4 Performance Review ............ 5 Records .............. 5 Written,Agreements ............... 5 Authorizations ............... 6 IV. Procurement Classifications ........... 6 Aw Classifications .............. 6 Simple ............... 7 Intermediate ................ 7 'Formal ................ 8 V. Solicitation andAward ........... 9 A. Invitation for Bids ....... 9 B. Request for Proposal ........... 9 C. Advertising ............. 10 D. Evaluation ........... 11 E. Multiple Service Awards . . .. . . . 13 VI. EXceptions ................ 14 'VII. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity .... 15 VIII Contracts · IX. Code of Conduct ...... . . 17 X. Protests Appendix A . . . Appendix B ........... I. GENERAL POLIC~ A. APPLICABILITY These procurement policies establish procedures and guidelines that shall be used for the purchase or procurement of personal property, supplies, equipment, and services. Ail procurement shall be accomplished in compliance with applicable state and federal law. The purpose of these procedures is to facilitate the determination of the most efficient and economical means of securing commodities and services without sacrificing necessary control and.good purchasing practice.. B. PROCUREMENT LAW AND REGULATIONS Laws relative' to the procurement process, in general, may be found in chapter '287, Fla. Stat. The provisions of these procurement procedures shall not be construed to conflict' with or supersede the requirements of S. 287.055, Fla. ~J~, 24 Code of Federal Reoulations (CFR) Section 85.36, or any other applicable state or federal laws or rmgulations. In regard to procurement of conunodities or services in connection with Community Development Block Grants, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HI/D) grant administration regulations relating to procurement are promulgated in Handbook 1300.17. This Handbook reprints the Office of Fianagement .and Budget (OP~B) Circular A-102, Attachment O, which pertains to procurement standards and is hereby incorporated by reference. Future state or federal regulations applicable to procurement under the CDBG Program shall supersede and/or supplement this policy. II. PROCUREMENT STANDARDS A. GENERAL STANDARDS Except as otherwise provided by law, procurement awards shall be made only on the basis of requirements and evaluation factors that are directly related to the price, quantity, or quality of the commodities or services or the ability of the prospective supplier or contractor to perform under the agreement. Procurement procedures prohibit the dividing of the procurement of a goodor service into a number of smaller groups in order to avoid the more stringent requirements of a higher dollar category (refer to s. 287.057(4), F_L~_~$_~A~..(1989)). However, this provision is not to conflict with the provision of 24 C.F.R. s. 85.36(e) that the subgrantee take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority firms, women's business enterprises and labor surplus area firms are offered the opportunity to participate to the maximum practicable extent. B. COMPETITION Ail procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with standards of Section 85.36 of the ~. Some of the situations considered to be restrictive of competition include but are not limited to: 1. placing unreasonable requirements on firms in order for them to qualify to do business, 2. requiring unnecessary experience and excessive bonding, 3. noncompetitive pricing practices between firms or between affiliated companies, 4. noncompetitive awards to consultants that are on retainer contracts, 5. organizational conflicts of interest, 6. specifying only a "brand name" product instead of allowing "an equal" product to be offered, and 7. any arbitrary action in the procurement process. The inability to obtain more than one bid, price quote or proposal shall not prohibit the approval of a purchase if Other prospective vendors or contractors have been given adequate notice of the procurement and an opportunity to participate, and have declined to s~bmit bids, proposals, or price quotes. The declination to submit need not be in writing. iii. A. PROCUREMENT ADMINISTRATION EFFICIENCY REVIEW The City Manager, Clerk, other authorized representative or employee who approves each purchase shall review the proposed procurement to avoid unnecessary or duplicative items. In order to obtain a more economical, efficient or effective purchase, consideration shall be given to: a) b) c) d) e) f.) breaking out or consolidating purchases, lease versus purchase alternatives, interlocal agreements for purchases or use of common goods, use of federal or state surplus propert~y, value engineering reviews, use of state or federal contracts for materials and/or services. B. PERFORMANCE REVIEW Contracts shall specify a contract manager, appointed by the. local governing body, to ensure that the contractor performs in accordance with the terms, conditions a~d specifications of their contract or purchase order. C. RECORDS Appropriate arrangements shall be made for the generation and maintenance of all files, records, and doc~Lmentation necessary to evidence the compliance with all requirements as delineated in this document. Ail procurement shall comply with good purchasing practices and with applicable local, state and federal regulations, in a manner consistent with this document. A complete set of records shall be maintained' by the entity responsible for-the procurement for a minimum of 3 years. applicable laws and regulations. D. WRITTEN AGREEMENTS See section IB for Any procurement of commodities or services costing $600 or municipal'ity .appropriate more shall be evidenced by a written solicitation embodying all provisions and conditions of the procurement. This requirement for written documentation may be met through preparation of a .letter on or vendor letterhead, signed by the vendor and elected and/or appointed official, stating such conditions andterms as price, number of units of purchase .(e.g.: ea., cs., bx., etC.) or product, delivery date, or when service is to begin, point of delivery,, specifications, etc. Any price quotes, warranties, guaranties,' certifications or contracts shall be attached and filed. E. AUTHORIZATIONS Purchase orders or contracts shall be issued for all purchases and must be signed by either the City Manager or the department' head approving the purchase. The local governing .body must authorize all purchases in excess of $2001. IV. PROCUREMENT CLASSIFICATIONS A. 'The following classifications are established: PROCUREMENT PROCUREMENT CLASS RANGE DESCP. IPTION · PROCUREMENT ME TI{OD 1. $ 1- e00 simple procurement price checks/ simple purchase 2. $ 601-2000 intermediate procurement informal compe ti tion, written agreement 3. $ Over 2001 formal procurement formal competition (bids or proposals) / contract B. SIMPLE PROCUREMENT (NOT MORE THAN $600) Procurement is accomplished through simple purchase. Simple procurement procedures are. those relatively simple and informal procurement methods that are sound and appropriate for a procurement of supplies or other property, or services. Items or services under $250 do not ~equire written price quotes Or documented price checks. Appropriate notation of oral price quotes should be made for costs ranging from $250-$600. A reasonable and adequate number of price checks or quotes should be made by phone, personal inspection, discussions with vendors, etc., to ensure the highest quality product or service is obtained for the least cost to the procuring entity. C. INTERMEDIATE PROCUREMENT ($601 - $2,000) Procurement is accomplished by obtaining three written price quotes, when possible, or through informal negotiation if the item or service is expected to cost less than $2,000. If the actual cost exceeds $2,00O, then the procurement must go to formal procurement, as outlined in section D below. Files shall contain documentation of competition. No advertising is' required but all procurement .shall be evidenced by a written agreement embodying all provisions and conditions of the procurement.. This requirement for written agreement may be met through preparation of a letter on municipality or vendor letterhead, signed by the vendor or appropriate elected and/or appointed official or representative, stating such Conditions and terms as price, number of units or purchase (e.g.: ea., cs., bx., etc.) or product, delivery date or when service is to begin, point of delivery, specifications, etc. Any price quotes warranties, guaranties, certifications or contracts shall be attached and filed. D. FORMAL P~OCUREMENT (REQUIRED OVE~ .$2,0'01) Formal Procurement includes the acquisition of commodities or securing services that are expected to cost $2,001 or more, and requires formal advertising and submission of competitive sealed bids, sealed proposals, or competitive negotiation. Sealed bids are publicly solicited and a firm-fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsive bidder who conforms to or exceeds all material requirements, terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, and presents the lowest ~u%D~%h!~price that meets requirements and needs. Sealed Bidding shall be used unless the municipality City Manager or chief financial officer certifies in writing that sealed bidding is not practicable or advantageous, in which case procurement shall be based on sealed proposals, or on competitive negotiation when required bY Florida Statute's. The technique of competitive negotiation is normally conducted with more than one source submitting a proposal for services with either a fixed-price or cost-reimbursement type contract awarded. It is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids or proposals indicating fees. Florida Statutes shall determine the manner in which such negotiations are performed and the types of contractual services which are to be procured in this manner. 8 Noncompetitive negotiation shall be used when other types of procurement are infeasible (see paragraph VI). V. SOLI¢ITATION ANDAWARD A. INVITATIONS FOR .BIDS 1. The invitation to bid is used when the procuring entity is capable of defining the scope of work for which a contractual service is required or when the procuring entity is capable of. establishing precise specifications defining the actual commodity or group of commodities"required. 2. Invitation to bid shall be 'a written solicitation for sealed competitive bids with the' title, date, and hour of the public bid opening designated and which specifically defines the commodity, group of commodities, or services for which bids are sought. It includes instructions describing all conditions for bidding and shall be distributed (or available) to all prospective bidders simultaneously. 3. Sealed bids' are required to be received at a specified place not later than a specified time and. date. Failure to comply with any instructions pertinent to the delivery of such bids may result in their being rejected. B. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) A request for proposals (RFP) shall be a written solicitation for sealed Proposals with the title, date, and hour of the public opening designated. The request for proposals is used when (a) the procuring entity is incapable of specifically defining the scope of work for which the commodity, group of commodities, or contractual service is required and when it requests that a qualified offeror propose 'a contmodityi group of commodities, or contractual service to meet the specifications of the solicitation doctunent, or (b) when quality of performance is to be the primary factor for selection. With respect to competitive negotiations, a qualified offeror s.hall refer to the provisions of s.287.055, (1989). A request for proposals includes, but is not limited to, general information, applicable, laws and rules, functional or general specifications, statement of work, proposal instructions, and evaluation criteria. Requests for proposals shall state the relative importance of price and any other evaluation criteria. C. ADVERTISING The advertisement must be written in a clear, concise manner and in a way. which would invite competitive bidding. The advertisement shall contain at least the following minimum information: 1. time, date and location for receiving and opening bids or proposals (the date shall not be less than five (5) days after the final advertisement is published), 2. general description of the commodity or item being requested, 3. where and how detailed specifications and bid forms (if applicable) may be obtained, lO 4. terms and conditions of the contract to be awarded, 5. criteria for selection of the vendor or contractor, including the relative weight to be given to the different factors, (See Appendix A).. 6. other information relevant to evaluation and award (refer to s. 287.057(3), ~.~_~Jj~. (1989) and 24 C.F.R. s. 85.36(a) (3) (i)). The request shall be advertised in a newspaper circulated locally. If there are known local vendors of the desired product or service, only a local newspaper is required. If vendors are not local, a region newspaper shall be utilized. The advertisements shall, as a minimum, allow one week for response, with two weeks preferable. Those local newspapers targeting a minority audience, and associations of women- or minority-based populations will be contacted (if they are known) for distribution of the request. Sealed bids or sealed proposals will be received at any time during normal working hours prior to. the time and date as specified. Each proposal shall be annotated with the time and date received.' The bids or proposals shall be placed in the applicable file and publicly opened and read at the time designated for the bid opening. D. EVALUATION The contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder or proposer whose bid or proposal most completely meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the invitation for bids or request for proposals. The term "responsible bidder or proposer" refers to the capability of a vendor or contractor to perform fully all aspects of the contract. Financial capability, integrity, and reliability of the bidder or proposer, ail of wkich tend to ensure good faith performance, shall be a criteria in evaluation of responsibleness. The term "~ bidder or proposer" means a bidder who has submitted a bid or proposals which materially conforms to all provisions of the specifications and the invitation to bid or request for proposal. Evaluationcriteria .and requirements for bids set forth in t~e invitation for bids shall be used to determine the most responsible and responsive bidder. A technical review shall be performed on proposals in the following manner. A subjective ranking of bids or proposals by a majority of the elected officials, or by persons selected by the body to act on their behalf, shall be utilized as a method-of selection (See Appendix A). Award shall be made to the responsible individual firm whose proposal is considered most advantageous to the program, with price and other factors considered. In procuring services for grant administration, evaluations of vendors or service suppliers shall include a proven track record and sound reputation; adequate financial strength; high ethical standards; and a record of adhering to specifications, of maintaining shipping or service delivery schedules, and of giving a full measure of service. Consideration may also include the prospective contractor's records of past performance under CDBG grants. This factor is not meant to exclude consideration of new firms, but rather, to include past performance and experience as a potential criterion.'~. All bidders will be notified that they were or were not selected for award of contract as soon as possible following the evaluation and decision process. E. MULTIPLE SERVICE AWARDS Vendors or service suppliers will be considered for multiple sources of supply or multiple services when it can be demonstrated that such vendors or services suppliers either are sole sources of the services or are the responsive p~oposer whose proposal is determined in writing as a result of a .competitive process to be the most advantageous to local government. For each service listed in s. 290.047(5), ~. '1989, when included in a multiple service contract, written detelnination of. the need for a multiple service contract and the supporting documentation shall, be maintained on file with the sub-grantee (See Appendix B). Any or all bids or proposals may be rejected where there'are sound documented business reasons which .are in the best interest of the procurer. Records of all proceedings for selection, and/or rejection shall be maintained. VI. EXCEPTIONS The non-competitive negotiation method of procurement is solicitation of a 'proposal from only one source; or after solicitation of a number of sources (documented), competition is determined' inadequate (Refer to 24 C.F.R.S. 85.36 (d)(4)). It may be 'used only: 1. When procurement or award of contract is infeasible under simple or intermediate procurement or thorough formal (sealed bid) competition; and 2. Under one of the following circumstances: a. The item is available only from a single source; or b. Public exigency or emergency exists such that the urgency for the requirement will not permit a delay incident to competitive bidding; or c. In the case where grant funds are being used, the federal or state (whichever is more stringent) grantor' agency authorizes non-competitive negotiations; or d. After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate (See Appendix B); or e. The contract item is available under a State of Florida Contract. Emergency purchases of up to $2,000 shall be authorized by the City Manager or designated alternate when, based on his/her decision, the delay incurred by following the normal procurement requirements would be detrimental to the best interests of the ~4 community. VII. AFFIBMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY The City is committed to eliminating discrimination based upon race, color, sex, national origin, familial status, age, or physical handicap. In grant' programs, the City will comply with requirements of Section 3 (Use of the project area),. Equal Employment Opportunity on Federally Assisted Construction' Contracts, and Executive Order 11625 (Minority Business). Notice of the policy will be placed in plain sight on job location for the benefits of interested' parties and all contractors and sub- contractors so notified. Equal Opportunity posters will be displayed as required. The Director of Human Resources is hereby appointed as the Equal Opportunity Officer. Dutteswii1 include coordinating local efforts in recruiting employees and soliciting bids, resolving complaints, and submitting required reports. The procuring entity will encourage the employment of local residents, especially those who ha=e low to moderate income, and those who are female and/or of a minority racial/ethnic classification. This will be accomplished through the following methods for employment and hiring: 1. Ail employment opportunities will be publicly advertised, including the "equal opportunity employer" designation unless an internal promotion or upward mobility situation exists. 15 2. When appropriate, notification of employment opportunities will be issued to organizations such as the local schools, employment centers, minority organizations and social service agencies who may refer qualified applicants. 3. Recruitment practices, including those described 'in paragraphs one and two, will be conducted in such a way as to include qualified .minorities and females in all levels of responsibility and departments, in percentage to the general population and/or available work force, to the maximum practical extent. 4. When applicants are equally qualified in ait other areas, preference will be given to hiring minorities and females in furtherance of the goals expressed above. In 'accordance with the 1989 State Fair Housing Act (Fla. Stat. S760.20), the municipality and any contractors hired with CDBG funds shall not discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of*services or' facilities in connection therewith, because of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, familial status, age, or religion. (See Section X on Protests for Complaint Procedure). VIII. CONTRA~TS Ail contracts procured with state or federal funds shall contain applicable provisions as required by Fla. (specifically s.287.058), Florida administrative rule, federal law, regulation or executive order. Provisions shall include, but not be limited to, such requirements as bonding, equal employment opportunity, contract termination, record retention, public access to records, reporting, remedies for breach, conflict of interest, labor standards compliance, pre- and post-audit requirements, .and compliance with environmental laws. IX. CODE OF CONDUCT No employee, officer or agent of the procuring entity shall participate in the selection, award or procurement of an application, administration, engineering or construction contract if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. SUch· a conflict would arise when (a) the employee, officer or agent, (b) any member of his immediate family, (c) his or her partner, or (d) an organization which employs, or is about to employ, any of the above, will receive a financial or other direct benefit of CDBG funds from the contract award. In any of these cases, the employee, officer or agent will abstain from voting on the award. Officers, employees and agents of the procuring entity will neither solicit gratuities, favor or anything of monetary value, nor accept any unsolicited gratuity, favor or gift valued above $25, from contractors or potential contractors, or parties to subagreements. Violation of this policy shall be subject to penalties, sanctions or other disciplinary action as permitted by state or local law. Upon conviction in a State Court of competent authority, a violator may be found guilty of a first degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided in Fla. Stat. s.775.082 or s.775.083. X. PROTESTS Objection to procurement shall be issued, in writing, to the City Manager within 5 working days of purchase or selection to purchase under contract. A response shall be issued to the objecting party within 5 working days. An objection shall be considered valid only if it discloses a violation of this policy. For employment discrimination, contact: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 2401 E. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C., 20507 1-800-872-3362 18 For housing discrimination, contact: Florida Commission on Human Relations 325 John Knox Road, Bldg. F, Suite 240 Tallahassee, Florida 32303 1-800-342-8170 This policy has been approved and adopted this 11,1 f1.AJ1L, 19 15. ( ;2:l~ day of ~~~ Mayor Attest: otfd7l11 vi. Clerk 19 Appendix A* Criteria and Relative Weight for Proposal Ranking/Selection ¢IT~ OF SF~ASTiAN PLANNING AND A~pLzCATION SERVICES. I~OPO~ALS INDIAN RIVER COURT~ Proposer A: Proposer Proposer C: PrOposer D: Evaluation Successful Florida Small Cities CDBG experience. Manag~nent and staffing: experience, capacity and availability. Approach to needs, tasks ~o be performed .(thorough, services ma~ch needs). Successful similar experience with Florida Small Ci~ies and Counties Familiarity or ability to quickly, become familiar with local conditions. (This does not require previous employment or 'contractual experience with the City.) Fee Ratings: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor PROPOSER A PROPOSHR B P~OPOSBR C P~OPOS~R D Evalua~ by: Date: . 2O Proposer'A: Proposer Proposer C: Proposer D: Evaluation successful Florida .Small Cities CDBG experience. Management and staffing: experience, capacity and availability. Approach to needs, tasks to be performed (thorough, services match needs). Successful similar experience with Florida Small Cities and Counties Familiarity or ability to quickly become familiar with local conditions. (This does not require Previous employment or contractual eXPerience with the City.) Fee RatiDg~: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor PROPOS~A -PROPOS~RB P~OPO~ER C PROPOSER D Date: #4__ 21 c~'~z OFS~UtS~ZAN ENGZIqF..ERZNG SER.V':I:CES PROPOSALS Proposer A: Proposer Proposer Proposer D: .~ Evaluation Successful Florida Small Cities CDBG experience. Management and staffing: experience, capacity and availability. ~proach to needs, tasks to be performed (thorough., services match needs). Successful similar experience with Florida Small Cities and Counties Familiarity or ability to quickly become familiar with local conditions. {This does not 'require previous employment or contractual experience with the City.) Ratings: Exce!!.ent, ~¢)d, ..Fair, Poor PROPOS~ A PROP0$~'B P~OPOSER C PROPOS~RD -.valuated Date 22 Appendix B (Letterhead) Date Procurement of CDBG Consu~tant Services I hereby certify that bidding of CDBG consultant services for application administration, and/or engineering is not advantageous, practicable and/or legal, and that sealed proposals were solicited. The procedure is in compliance with the local CDBG procurement policy adopted , 19____ which is in compliance with existing agency, state and federal regulations. A~ evaluation determined that one fir.m capable of providing all requested services is most advantageous for our needs and that this selection does not constitute sole source solicitation. Chief Elected Official Attest: Clerk 23 EXHIBIT "E" ACQUISITION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS FOR CITY OF SEBASTIAN i. VOLUNTARY ACQUISITION POLICY A voluntary acquisition occurs when real propert~ is acquired from an owner who has sLfumitted a proposal to the recipient for purchase of their property in response to a public invitation or solicitatio, n of offers. The local governing body is committed to this mode of acquisition to the maximum practicable extent. Voluntar~ acguisition shall be. permitted only if the property being acquired is not site specific and at least two properties 'in.' the o~,,unit~ meet the' criteria established by the local government for usage, location and/or interest to be acquired. All voluntary acquisitions must be approved in principle by the elected governing body prior to publication of a public notice or attendence' of any local government representative at a property auction. A public notice must be published property owners. This notice must: A. inviting offers from accurately describe the type, size and approximate location of the property it wishes to acquire; describe the' purpose of the purchase; specify all terms and conditions of sale, including maximum price; indicate whether or not an owne=-occupant must waive relocation benefits as a condition of sale; announce a time and place for offers .to be accepted; and announce that local powers of condemnation .shall not be invoked to acquire any property offered for which a mutually agreed to sale price can not be reached. Property may also be. acquired at auction. The Uniform Relocation Act does not apply to voluntary acquisitions. In each voluntary acquisition, a public solicitation shall occur. Offers shall be sealed and opened at the same time, in the same place, b~a responsible official. Records of offers shall be kept. Appraisals are not required for purchases less than $2500 if a mutuall¥ agreed to sales price ca.n be reached. Clear title must be present.'in every transaction. The local governing body must decide at the time of approving the acquisition whether or not appraisals and review appraisals will 'be necessary and what the maximumpermissible sales price will be. The decision to acquire will rest with the governing body which can reject or accept any and all offers. Written records shall be maintained documenting decisions and rationale for selected coursed of action. 2 ii. NON-vOLUNTARY ACQUISITION PLAN Acquisition of property (including easements and right of way) using federal funds Shall occur in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970 (as amended) and with any State and Federal regulations which may applY. Fundamental steps which will occur in each purchase may vary case by case. However, in general terms, the following should take place: (1) .source 'of funds and authorit~ to acquire confirmed, (2) property/site identified and des cripti on/survey/preliminary title suitable, ($) legal search' performed (services procured as necessary), (4) notice of intent to a~/uire sent owner., (5) appraisal and review appraisal services solicited and appraiser retained, (6) appraisal received and sent for review, .(7) title companies solicited and retained after review received '(title insurance amount and necessity ~etermined in achrance), (S) offer to purchase and notice of just compensation sent owner, (9) owner contacted by attorney or other representative and contract formalized, (10) settlement costs calculated and closing date set, (11) closing conducted with funds changing hands and, (.I2). records of proceedings retained. The Uni fo rm Rel o ca ti on Act requi re s certain spe ci fi c procedures such as some letters sent being sent certified. The CDBG Implementation Manual provides a checklist which may be . utilized in following each transaction to successful conclusion. III. TIMING/pLANNING 'ProPerties necessary for easements or acquisition shall be identified as early in the planning stage as is practicable. Every attempt shall be made to effect a design which is not wholly site dependent, that is, where two or more sites are suitable for the project. however, a emphasized. It is recognized this 'may not always be possible, policy of minimizing single site alternatiVes is In general terms, the voluntar~ acquisition process shall be utilized to identify possible sites early in the project. Sites shall be evaluated for'suitability prior to the final design phase t° the maximum practicable extent. As soon as alternative sites are identified and evaluated, applicable acquisition procedures should commence. Projects shall not normally be sent out for bids unless properties to be acquired or utilized for easements have been formally acquired, or a coa~nitment exits which is sufficiently firm and binding to be considered safe for the project to proceed with 4 start up. The elected body shall make the determination as to whether or not bidding, award and start up may proceed prior to closing on the property. In those cases where need for easements and/or acguisition is .not identified until after the project is underway, procedures Shall be expedited to the maximum practicable eXtent and utilization of funds, the ~alue of which.would be unrecoverable if the.transaction did not occur., minimized. This policy shall be applicable to 'all acquisitions of property involving CDBG funds and has been approved and adopted this ~ ~a¥ of ........ ~ Mayor EXHIBIT "Fn CITY OF SEBASTIAN SECTION 504 COMPLIANCE POLICY, EVALUATION PLAN, TRANSITION PLAN, AND GRIEVANCE/COMPLAINT PROCEDURES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS T~XBLE 01;' CONTENTS I. General Policy .................... 2 Applicability ........... - --- - - - 2 Definitions ................... 3 II. CommunicatiOns A. Auxiliary Aids .................. 5 III. Employment ......... ............. 6 Ae General Prohibitions ............... 6 Reasonable Accommodation ............. 6 Employment criteria · 7 IV Prograxa Accessibility · 7 A. General Requirements .............. 7 B Non-Housing Facilities ~ 7 V Enforoement ' 10 Am Assurances 10' Self-E.valuatmon ................· 10 Desi~nation of ResponaiDle Employee. . . . . . o 11 VI. Grievance Procedures/Complaint Resolution ....... 11 Am¸ B. C. D. E. F. General Provisions 11 No ice ...................... Grievance Procedures ........ ' ...... 12 Compl%a~ce ~nformati0~ .... . ........: 14 DiscriminatIon ComplaInts/Grievances. . . . . . '14 Complaint/Grievance Resolution .......... 15 Attachments Cm Self Evaluation Plan Format . . . 17 Participating Parties .............. 2 0 Transition Plan ................. 21 i. GENERAL POLICY A. APPLICABILITY This Section 504 Compliance Policy establishes procedures and guidelines that shall be used to effectuate compliance with nondiscrimination based on handicap to the end that no otherwise qualified individual with handicaps in the United States shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance fr,om the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HI/D). Compliance with Section 504 does not assure compliance with requirements for access.ibility by physically- handicapped persons imposed under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968. Ail HUD Federally financed activities shall be accomplished in compliance with applicable.state and federal laws. B. SECTION 504 LAW AND REGULATIONS Laws relative to nondiscrimination based on handicap in federally assisted programs of HUD, in general, may be found in section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended)., section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (as amended), and 24 CFR, Part 8. The provisions of these nondiscriminatory procedures shall not be construed to conflict with or supersede the requirements of any other applicable state or federal laws or regulations, in regard to programs or activities in connection with Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant administration regulations relating to nondiscriminatory practices are promulgated in the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). This document, which sets standards for facility accessibility by physically handicapped persons for federally funded facilities, programs, and/or activities, is hereby incorporated by reference. Future state or federal regUlations applicable to nondiscriminatory practices under the CDBG Program shall supersede and/or supplement this policy. C, DEFINITIONS 1. "AD~_~~," when used with respect to the design, construction~ or alteration of a facility or a portion of a facility other than an individual dwelling unit, means that the facility or portion of the facility when designed, constructed or altered, can be approached, entered, and usedby individuals with physical handicaps. 2. ,,~," when .used with respect to the design., construction, or alteration of an individual dwelling unit, means that the unit is located on an accessible route and when designed, constructed, altered, or adapted can be approached, .entered, and used by individuals with physical handicaps. 3. ,,Accessible route" means a continuous unobstructed path connecting accessible elements and spaces in a building or facility that complies with the space and reach requirements of applicable standards prescribed by 24 CFR, Part 8, section 8.32. 4. ,,~daptabilitv" means the ability of certain elements of a dwelling unit, such as kitchen counters, sinks, and grab bars, to be added to, raised,, lowered, or otherwise altered, to accommodate the needs of persons with or without handicaps, or to accommodate the needs of persons with different types or degrees of disability. 5. "Auxilla~ aids" means services or devices that enable persons with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills to have an' equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, programs or' activities receiving Federal financial assistance (i.e., readers, Brailled communication devices etc.). 6. "Individual with materials, audio for deaf persons recordings, telephone (TDD's)., interpreters, handicaps" means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment. 7. "Oualifled individual with handicaps" means: (a) with respect to employment, an individual with handicaps who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question; and (b) with respect to any non-employment program, an individual .with handicaps who meets the essential eligibility' requirements, and who can achieve the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the City of Sebastian can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in its nature; or (c) with respect to any other non-employment program or activity, an individual with handicaps who meets the essential 4 eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity. 8. "Undue hardship" means financial or administrative burdens~ which would be imposed on the operation of the City of Sebastian's program. Factors to be considered include: (a) the overall size of the City of Sebastian's program with respect to number of employees, number and type of facilities, and size of budget; (b) the type of the City of Sebastian's operation, including the composition and structure of the City's workforce; and (c) the nature and cost of the accommodation needed. II. COMM~NICATI O~$ A. AUXILIARY AIDS The City of Sebastian shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to .afford an individual with handicaps an 'equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The City is not required to provide individually prescribed devices or other devices of a personal nature. Where the City communicates with applicants and beneficiaries via telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD's) shall be used. The telephone number to utilize the TDD is (800} 955-8771. This is not a dedicated circuit, however, employees who normally answer this line are familiar with TDD tones and will immediately switch the line to TDD receive mode. The City of Sebastian shall adopt and implement procedures to ensure that interested persons (including persons 5 with impaired vision or hearing) can obtain information concerning the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities. Mobility impaired persons in wheelchairs should call ahead for assistance, blind individuals should call ahead for escorts, and deaf persons should call ahead for an interpreter (person schooled in sign language). In brief, if the disabled person calls City Hall prior to the event and communicates to a city employee the particular problem which he Or she has, assistance will be provided accordingly. However, Section 504 does not require the city to take any action that the City can demonstratewould result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. III. EMPLOYMENT A. GENERAL PROHIBITIONS No qualified individual with handicaps shall, solely on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity that receives Federal financial. assistance from HUD. B. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The City of Sebastian shall make reasonable accommodation t° the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant with handicaps or employee with handicaps, unless the City can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of its program. The City may not deny any employment opportunity to a qualified handicapped employee or 6 applicant if the basis for the denial is the need to make reasonable accommodation to the physical or mental limitations of the employee or applicant. C. EMPLO~T CRITERIA The City of Sebastian will not use any employment test or other selection criterion that screens out individuals with handicaps nor make any pre-employment inquiry of an .applicant to determine whether the applicant is an individual with handicaps or to the nature or severity of a handicap. The city may,. however, make pre-employment inquiry into an applicant's ability to perform' job-related functions. I~. PROGRAM~CCESSIBILITY A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS No qualified individual with handicaps shall, because the city of Sebastian's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by individuals with handicaps, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity .that receives Federal financial assistance.. B. NON-HOUSING FACILITIES New non-housing facilities shall-be designed and constructed to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. Alterations to existing non-housing facilities shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be made to make them more readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. The City shall operate each non-housing program or. activity receiving Federal financial assistance so that the program or activity, when viewed in its entirety; is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. (1) Methods The City of Sebastian maY comply with the requirements of this section through such means as location of programs or services to ensure accessible facilities or accessible portions of facilities, assignment of aides to beneficiaries, home visits, the addition or redesign of equipment, changes in management policies or procedures, acquisition or oonstruction of additional' facilities, or alterations.' to existing facilities. The City is not required, to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are. effective in achieving compliance with this section. (2) Historic Preservation Programs or Activities In meeting Section 504 requirements in historic preservation programs or act~v~=~e the City of sebastian shall give priority to methods that provide physical access to individuals with handicaps. However, .in cases where a 'C physical alteration to an h~stor~ property would substantially impair the ,,significant. historic features" of the property or result in undue financial and a~m~n~stratlve burdens, the structural modifications need not be made. In unique cases where this occurs, the precise alterations, impact and reasons for noncompliance shall be completely doc%~mented. (3) Time Period for Compliance 8 The City shall comply with the obligations established under this section immediately, except that where structural changes in facilities are undertaken, such changes shall be made within the transition plan. facilities will time frames established by the attached If structural changes to non-housing be undertaken to achieve program accessibility, the City shall develop a transition plan setting forth the steps necessary to complete such changes. The plan shall be developed with the assistance 'of interested persons, includingindividuals with handicaps'or organizations representing those individuals. A copy of the plan shall be aVailable for public inspection, and at a minimum, shall: (a) identify Physical obstacles in the City of Sebastian,s facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to individuals with handicaps; (b) describe in detail the methods 'that will be Used to make the facilities accessible; (c) specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary, to achieve compliance with this section and identify steps that will be taken d~Lring each year of the transition period; (d) indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan; and (e) identify the Persons or groups with whose assistance the plan was Prepared. 9 V. E~FORCEMENT A. ASSURANCES An applicant for Federal financial assistance for a program or activity to which Section 504 applies shall submit an assurance to HUD on.a form specified by the responsible civil rights official that t~he progra~ or activity will be operated in compliance with Section 504. In the case of Federal financial assistance extended in the form of real property or to provide real property or structures on the property, the assurance will obligate the City of Sebastian for the period during which the real property or structures are used for the purpose for which Federal financial assistance is extended. In the case of Federal financial assistance extended to provide personal property, the assurance will obligate the City for the period during which it retains ownership or possession of the property. In all other cases, the assurance will obligate the City for the period during which Federal financial assistance is extended. B. SELF-EVALUATION The City of Sebastian shall, as expeditiously as'possible, and after consultation with interested persons, including individuals with handicaps or with organizations representing those individuals: (a) evaluate its current policies and practicsstO determine whether they do not or may not meet the requirements of Section 504; 10 (b) requirements of Section 504; and (c) take" appropriate corrective discrimination. modify any policies and practices that do not meet the steps to remedy the The attached Self-Evaluation Plan will be utilized to review each public facility for accessibility and compliance. The results of this evaluation are to be utilized in preparing the Transition Plan. A recipient that employs fifteen or more persons shall, for at least three years following completion of the evaluation, maintain on file, make available for public inspection, and provide to the responsible civil rights official, upon request: a list of the interested persons consulted,'a description of areas examined and any problems identified, and a description of any modifications made and or any remedial steps taken. C. DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBLE'EMPLOYEE A recipient that employs fifteen or more persons shall designate at 'least one person tocoordinate its efforts to comply with Section 504. The responsible person designated is the Director of Human Resources and can be reached at telephone number (407) 589-5330. VI. GRIEVANCE PROOEDIF~ES/OOM~LAI~ RESOLUTION A. GENERAL PROVISIONS A recipient that employs fifteen or more persons shall adopt grievance procedures that incorporate appropriate due process standards and that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution 11 of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504. B. NOTICE A recipient that employs fifteen or ~ore persons shall take appropriate initial and continuing steps to notify participants, beneficiaries, applicants, and employees, including those with hearing and vision impairments, and unions and professional organizations that it does not discriminate on the basis of handicap. The notification shall state that the recipient does not discriminate in regards to its federally assisted programs. The notification shall also include an identification of the responsible employee designated to coordinate with Section '504 (See Section V, Paragraph D above). The initial notification shall be made as soon as possible but within 90 days of Policy adoption. Methods of notification may include the posting of notices or publication in newspapers. Any such notice must include all of the information discussed in this paragraph. The recipient must also ensure that members 'of the population likely to be affected directly by a federally assisted program who have visual or hearing impairments are provided with the information necessary to understand and participate in the program. '' C. GRIEVANCE PROCEDUI~ES Any person or any representative of such a person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against should first contact, in writing, the person identified as Coordinator on page 11 of this policy. The grievance must be filed within 30 days of the alleged discriminatory act and must give the following: 12 (1) name and addaress of the complainant; (2) name and address of the alleged offending party; (3) specific details, ~n a near chronological .order, of the events leading to the alleged action; (4) the alleged discrimination; ($) names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses or other persons having knowledge of the circUmstances; and (6) any other relevant information. The 'Coordinator will attempt to satisfactorily resolve the issue, informally, by contacting the involved parties within 20 days of receipt. Documentation of all phone calls, contacts and information received or disseminated must be carefully kept. Additionally, the members of the elected government must be kept informed and up-to-date regarding the grievance and the progress in resolution. This information flow will occur via written progress · reports, no less frequently than monthly, and discussions, as necessary, at each regularly scheduled meeting of the elected body. The. Citizens Advisory Task Force (CATF) will be called into session to advise the coordinator and to fashion a plan for resolution should initial resolution attempts fail.' This group will function in an advisory capacity as specified in the document which establishes their existence. Records of proceedings will be maintained and forwarded to the elected body. The CATF may call both parties together in an attempt to reach an amicable solution. The Coordinator will act as the intermediary between the CATF and the electorate and will ensure the same information flow as described above. Should informal resolution be unsuccessful, the grievance will be elevated to the formal stage. All'communications will Occur only in written form, via certified mail. The local government's attorney will become the lead official, acting on behalf of and with the consent of the local governing body. Maximum effort will be given to achievement of a mutually agreeable resolution with all proceedings and. communications thoroughly and precisely documented. If the preceding attempts remain unsuccessful, the matter shall be officially, brought to the attention of the applicable State or Federal agency and their guidance solicited and followed. Information in the sections which follow expand further on grievance/complaints which have exhausted local capability. D. COMPLIANCE INFORMATION Each recipient shall keep such records and s~bmit to the responsible civil rights official complete and accurate compliance reports upon request. The .records shall indicate the extent to which individuals with handicaps are beneficiaries of federally assisted programs. Each recipient shall permit access to these records by the responsible civil rights official and the general public during normal business ho=rs. E. DISCRIMINATION COHPLAINTS/GRIEVANCES Any person, or any representative of such a person, who believes that he or she has been discriminated against may file a confidential complaint with HUD's office of-Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 14 Washinqton, D.C. 20410. The writ~en complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. The complaint must give the name and address of the alleged complainant, the name and address of the offending party, and the details of the events leading to the charge of discriminatiOn.. The responsible civil rights official will notify both the complainant and the recipient of the agency's receipt of the complaint within ten calendar days. F. COMPLAINT/GRiEVANCE RESOLUTION HUD's civil rights official will review the case for acceptance, rejection, or referral within twenty days of acknowledgement of receipt of the complaint. The mecipient of federal monies is then notified of the complaint and is given a chance to respond in ~-riting within thirty days of receiving it. HUD officials then attempt to resolve'the complaint informally. If informal resolution is not possible, an investigation is conducted resulting in either a dismissal of the complaint or a letter of findings against the recipient which must be issued within 180 days of receipt of the complaint. via certified mail, return complainant andthe recipient. The letter of findings is then sent receipt requested, to both the Within ten days of notification of noncompliance, the recipient may volunteer to comply with the regulation. Otherwise, compliance may be effected by the suspension or termination of, or refusal to grant or continue federal financial assistance. This last measure is the end result of a process which goes 15 through many channels: (1) the recipient is notified of its failure to comply, (2) a finding of noncompliance is formally 'recOrded after the recipient has been given the opportunity for a hearing, (3) the Secretary of HUD approves the action, and (4) thirty days expire after the Secretary has filed a report with the 'oo=mittees of the House and Senate having legislative jurisdiction over the program or activity involved. Intimidatory or retaliatory acts by the recipient or the offended party is prohibited. No intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against a~ny person for having participated in this investigation is permitted. The identity of complainants shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the intent of this policy. This policy has been approved and adopted this ~~ day of Chief Elected Official 16 ATTACHHENT & SELF-EFALUATIO~ PLAN .Parking: (e) (a) handicapped designated parking spaces provided (b) spaces closest to accessible entrance and on accessible route (c) spaces minimum of 96" in width (d) access aisle adjacent to parking space and minimum of 60" in width slope of space and access aisle is maximum of 1:50 spaces marked with universal access codes Accessible Route: (a) unobstructed path (b) minimumwidth of 36" (c) minimum passing space of 60" at 200' intervals .. (d) minimum head room of 80" (e) surface texture of firm, stable, non-slip material (f) slope not to exceed 1:20 (g) if slope exceeds .5", install ramp (see Section 5) (h) gratings of maximum .5" width in direction of route Outside Paths and Walks: (a) minimum of one accessible route in boundary of site from public transportation stops, parking, passenger loading zones, streets or sidewalks. Curb Ramps: (a) provided where an accessible route crosses a curb (b) maximum slope of 1:12 (c)' minimum width of 36~! (d) firm, stable, non-slip surface (e) maximum slope of flared sides of 1:10 if no hand or guard rails provided Ramps: (a) provided on any part of an accessible route with a slope exceeding 1:20 (b) maximum slope of 1:12 (c) maximum cross slope of 1:50 (d) firm, stable, non-slip surface (e) 30" to 34" high handrails extending 1' beyond top and bottom or ramp provided is ramp rise exceeds 6" and run exceeds 72" (f) edge protection to prevent slipping off ramps 17 (g) level landing same width as ramp and minimum of 60" in length at top and bottom of ramp and at turn of ramp Building Entrance: (a) minimum of one principle entrance (b) on an'accessible route (c) level entry or sloped with a 32" non-revolving door (d) minimum of 32" width (e) entryway clear of obstacles (f) hardware maximum height of 48" and push/pull type or lever operated (g) maximhLm of 8.5 lbf exterior hinged door, 5 lbf interior hinged, sliding or folding (h) maximum of .5" height With leveled edge and maximum slope of 1:2 Elevators: (a) minimum of one serving each level on an accessible route -in a multi-story facility wherelevels are not connected by ramps (b) self-leveling with reopening devices (c) doors remain open for 3 seconds (d) minimum side opening of 51" x 58" and minimum front opening of 51" x 80" (e) centered maximum of 42" from floor and lighted (f) control panel maximum of. 48" from floor with buttons minimum of 3/4" and marked with raised characters Lifts: (a) may be used in lieu of elevator (b) minimkL~ of 30" x 48" (c) control panel maximum of 48" parallel approach (d) one hand operable front approach and 54" Toilets: (a) on accessible route (b) entrance door minimum of 32" with lever handle or push/pull type hardware (c) door closer 5 lbf maximum effort to open (d) unobstructed space (e) doors on stalls minimum of 32" and stalls minimum of 36" (f) grab bars 33-36" high at back and side of co~mode, 1.25- 1.5" diameter, and 1.5" clear of wall (g) co. ode seat 17-19" height (h) toilet paper dispenser 19" minimum above floor (i) lavatory maximum 34" height, drain and hot water pipes insulated, and minimum 29" clearance below apron 18 (j) mirror bottom 40" maximum above floor (k) urinal basin opening maximum 17" from floor (1) towel dispenser and disposal unit height 40" maximun above floor (m) faucet handles extended 10. Drinking Fountains= (a) 50% of water fountains must be accessible on each floor; if only one is available, it must be accessible (b) on an accessible route (.c). spout mounted 36" above floor (d) controls mus= be operable with one hand without grasping or twisting (e) wall mounted.bottom of apron to floor 27" minimum; 'built in 30" x 48" minimum in front of fountain 11. Warning Signals: (a) If warning systems are provide~, both visual and audible should be provided (b) signals must be perceptible above prevailing sounds (c) signals must be visual--flashing exit signs 12. Meeting Rooms and Conference Areas: (a) are all rooms handicapped accessible (b) minimum of three wheelchair locations in lieu of seats (c) wheelchair locations must be on an accessible route (d) wheelchair locations forward access must be a minimum of 48" long x 33" wide and side access must be a minimum of 60" long x 33" wide (e) performing areas must be on an accessible route (f) listening systems must be audio looped and radio frequency acceptable 13. Public Telephones: (a) minimumof one per floor if phones are installed ~.' (b) on an accessible route with clear floor space 30" x 48" (c) highest operable control 48" for front approach and 54" for parallel approach (d) control must be pushbuttons (e) at least one phone shall generate a magnetic field and at least one shall have a volume control for the hearing- impaired Defi~ition: Handicapped means wheelchair bound, mobility impaired, hearing-impaired, deaf, and/or blind. 19 ATTACHMENT B SELF EVALUATION PLAN & TRANSITION PLAN PREPARATION PARTICIPATING PARTIES The below' listed individuals, bodies, organization, firms., or individuals have participated in the preparation of the 'Transition Plan based on results obtained from analysis of the completed Self Evaluation Plan for each public facility. Review of each facility deficiencies identified in the Self Evaluation format was conducted with goals established for correction to the maximum extent of the local government's capability. Factors considered in assigning implementation time fraumes include, but are not limited to, the number of know~ handicapped individuals currently residing in the jurisdiction, an assessment of potential for future residence of 'handicapped individuals, age and material condition of the facility, intended use of the facility, potential for future use by handicapped persons, type of changes necessary to achieve compliance, estimated cost of achieving compliance, resource availability of the local government to fund compliance .changes, techniques available to obtain funding if not available, time frame estimates and/or projections based on current need and funding or on projected need and funding and any.other unique non-quantifible factors which may enter the decision process. It is herein emphasized that the goal of attaining full compliance has been set and has been.the guiding criteria of the participants listed. Participating Parties: City Manager Grant Consultants from Clark, Roumelis and Associates, Inc. 2O ATTACHHENT'C TRANSITION PLAN SECTION 504 COXPLIANCE 1. Facility: C~e? Mall name/location Bathrooms 9(a)Sel~ ilJuly 1997 City Council Evaluatl°9 ~ity 2 (a) self I July 1997 city council Clerk's Evaluation Counter Plan (Hei~) 21