Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY TO SUMMIT COUNTY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING OF BUS SHELTERS WITHIN THE CITY OF HUDSON.
Brief Description: The City Staff has spent the last several months meeting with Metro RTA, the Summit County Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), and determined the four (4) locations described below in Hudson for the installation of new Bus Shelters in Hudson in order to provide a safer environment for our Metro RTA transit riders within Hudson. The project cost is estimated at $70,000.00, of which 75% is eligible for CDBG reimbursement, and the remaining 25% would be funded by local business donations and the City.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
The City Staff has been working on this task for the past several months regarding adding bus shelters in Hudson at several of the more frequented ridership locations. Unfortunately, none of the bus stops in Hudson meet the minimum ridership criteria of 35 riders/stop/day for Metro RTA to consider the installation of a shelter. (See attached Map)
Therefore, the City staff researched grant opportunities that could help fund these types of shelters, provided the City would like to pursue this initiative. Our Staff also discussed with the local businesses near the highest ridership bus stops if they could offer any assistance, and one business responded.
The following is a brief agenda for discussion:
1. Metro RTA policy to consider paying for bus shelters: Minimum 35 riders/stop/day.
2. CDBG grant funding. 75% CDBG grant. 25% from other local funding.
3. Support of local business. We received 1 letter of support from Jo-Ann Stores.
4. Estimates and types of shelters. See attached.
5. Update: Metro RTA is working on a new Strategic Plan. Studying existing and new Hub locations. Reduce connections. Add New mobility options. There will be a public meeting for input this fall, and the study is expected to be completed in early 2022.
The CDBG Grant Information:
The Community Development Block Grant funding through Summit County could provide 75% of the cost of the bus shelters. The City and the partnering businesses would need to provide 25% of the funding. Projects need to be shovel ready at time of the application. The project would be funded through the Economic Development category and would provide enhanced services for low to moderate income residents in Hudson and Summit County. According to the County, the matching funds committed by the City of Hudson and the local businesses (if applicable) will be significant to the application. The grant is a rolling application, and therefore there is no deadline. Upon notice of award the project should begin immediately, and this will not be an issue based on these types of projects. The City would need to fund the project and be reimbursed by the CDBG fund, in accordance with program guidelines and policies.
The Local Business Support:
The City received support from Jo-Ann Stores Corporate Office for the installation of a shelter at their bus stop on Terex Road. (See the attached letter.)
The City met with several other large industrial businesses over the past few months that also have higher ridership in their areas, and they had no negative feedback toward the shelters, but were unable to commit to any support at this time.
Administration’s recommended locations for shelters based on safety, CDBG guidelines and ridership:
1. Hudson Crossing and State Route 303.
2. Jo-Ann Store’s Corporate Office on Terex Road.
3. Hudson-Industrial Parkway at Terex Road.
4. Little Tikes Receiving on Barlow Road Bus Stop.
Timing Considerations
If City Council decides to approve the application to CDBG for the bus shelters funding, the shelters could be installed within late 2021 prior to winter, provided the materials are available, considering recent pandemic delays.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
X Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account 430: $70,000 of which 75% is eligible for CDBG reimbursement and Jo-Ann Stores HQ commitment)
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends that Council approve this authorization for the City Manager to apply to the Summit County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for funding of bus shelters located in Hudson.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Thomas Sheridan, Assistant City Manager - Professional Services
James Stifler, Economic Development Director
Rhonda Kadish, Community Relations Manager