HomeMy Public PortalAboutResolution No. 574-23 04-24-2023 RESOLUTION NO. 574-23
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHLAND
HILLS, TEXAS, TO STATE THE PRIMARY INTENDED USES OF THE
CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS' SECOND DISTRIBUTION OF LOCAL
FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS THROUGH THE AMERICAN RESCUE
PLAN ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Richland Hills is a home rule city acting under its charter
adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5, of the Texas Constitution and
Chapter 9 of the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2021 , the United States Congress passed the American
Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which provides fiscal relief funds to state and local
governments, and other program areas aimed at mitigating the continuing effects of the
COVID-19 Pandemic; and
WHEREAS, ARPA is intended to provide support to local governments in
responding to the impact of COVID-19 and in their efforts to contain COVID-19 in their
communities, residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, ARPA includes state and local fiscal recovery funds to support urgent
COVID response efforts to decrease the spread of the virus; to replace lost public
sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services; to support immediate
economic stabilization for households and businesses; and to address systemic public
health and economic challenges that have contributed to unequal impacts of the pandemic
on certain populations; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Treasury has adopted the Interim
Final Rule as guidance regarding the use of ARPA funds; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richland Hills has received $1,972,588.93 in ARPA funds
through two separate tranches; and
WHEREAS, that as a recipient, the City of Richland Hills accepts the award of
Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocation up to the maximum allowed by the
terms and conditions of the ARPA; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 549-22 was approved and adopted by the Richland Hills
City Council on January 24, 2022 allocating the first tranche of ARPA Funds; and
WHEREAS, this Resolution is a statement of intent of the City Council to expend
the City's second tranche of ARPA funds in accordance with federal law and guidance,
for the current critical needs and priorities for which there is consensus as set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1.
Subject to the provisions of Section 6 below, the City Manager is authorized to
apply for, obtain, or otherwise assure authorization of the receipt or use of ARPA funds
as set forth in this Resolution.
SECTION 2.
The City Council expresses its intent to expend the second tranche of funds, up to
the amount received of $987,268.13, for eligible, immediate needs within the categories
below as set out in the Interim Final Rule:
A. Support public health expenditures;
B. Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health
emergency;
C. Replace lost public sector revenue;
D. Provide premium pay for essential workers; or
E. Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.
SECTION 3.
PROVIDE PREMIUM PAY FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS
It is the intent of the City Council that funds from the second tranche of the ARPA
be prioritized and expended to provide premium pay for essential workers at a flat rate of
$2.00 per hour worked between April 1, 2020 and April 1 , 2021. Essential workers will
receive half of the premium pay from the first tranche of ARPA funds and half from the
second tranche.
SECTION 4.
EXPENDITURES FOR WATER & WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
It is the intent of the City Council that funds from the second tranche of the ARPA
be prioritized and expended for water system improvements including the addition of
auxiliary power for a pump at 7636 Evergreen Road, 3100 Wesley Way and 6801 Airport
Freeway.
The first tranche of ARPA funds was previously allocated for additional water
system improvements including the addition of auxiliary power for a well and pump at
6700 Rena Drive and 7100 Booth Calloway Road; the addition of auxiliary power for a
well and pump and replacement of the well house at 2920 Spruce Park Drive; the addition
of transfer switch gear at 3600 London Lane and 3700 Scruggs Drive; and engineering
and design fees.
Resolution No. 574-23, Page 2 of 4
SECTION 5.
EXPENDITURES FOR BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
It is the intent of the City Council that funds from the second tranche of the ARPA
be prioritized and expended for broadband infrastructure at City parks and facilities
including Rosebud Park, Creek Trail Park, Kate Baker Park, Animal Services Center and
the City Plaza.
SECTION 6.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE ARPA
The City will ensure compliance with prevailing federal guidance at the time the
funds are committed for expenditure.
SECTION 7.
Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed as taking the place of any action
otherwise required by the City Council to authorize the City Manager to enter into requisite
contracts associated with expenditures outlined above.
SECTION 8.
SEVERABILITY
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases,
clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this Resolution are severable, and if any
phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section shall be declared unconstitutional by the
valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality
shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and
sections of this Resolution, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council
without the incorporation in this Resolution of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 9.
This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage.
Resolution No. 574-23, Page 3 of 4
APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Richland Hills City
Council on April 24, 2023, by a vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, and J abstentions.
APPROVED:
TH H O ABLE EDWAR OPEZ/11 AAYOR
gND
EST:
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SAY LtNSON, CITY SECRETARY
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Resolution No. 574-23, Page 4 of 4