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financially liable for expenses that are financially burdensome; therefore, renters <br /> must shoulder the expenses of these repairs. Eligible repairs under an <br /> accessibility grant for a qualified renter could include installation of wheelchair <br /> ramps, grab bars, and other accessibility upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms. <br /> 2. Eliminate the requirement for homeowner's insurance for homeowners applying <br /> for grants. Whether a homeowner is applying for a grant or loan, the Housing Rehab <br /> Program requires proof of current homeowner's insurance policy. There are many low <br /> income applicants who cannot afford homeowner's insurance, and this requirement is <br /> deterring interested applicants from applying for the program. This new policy would <br /> eliminate the requirement only for grant applicants to provide homeowner's insurance <br /> documentation (even if there is property loss, the City was not expecting to be repaid <br /> for the grant). On the other hand, homeowner's insurance will still be required from <br /> loan applicants in order for the City to secure these loans (as loans are expected to be <br /> repaid, and if a home suffers significant damage, lenders do obtain part of the <br /> insurance proceeds of the owner who does not repair or rebuild). <br /> HOUSING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION <br /> The Housing Commission discussed this issue at its meetings on June 20th, 2019 and <br /> on September 19th, 2019. Please refer to the attached excerpt of the minutes from these <br /> meetings. The Commission supported the proposed modifications to the Housing <br /> Rehabilitation Program. <br /> FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM <br /> The proposed modifications to the City's Housing Rehabilitation Program would require <br /> the City to allocate more funding to support the program. The Program is largely funded <br /> with the Lower Income Housing Fund (LIHF), and the proposed modifications would <br /> result in more LIHF funds being expended annually. The amount available for the <br /> program would be determined as part of the annual budget discussions. <br /> RECOMMENDATION <br /> Staff concurs with the Housing Commission's recommendations and recommends that <br /> the City Council review and approve the proposed modifications to the City's Housing <br /> Rehabilitation Program. <br /> Submitted by: Fiscal Review: Approve )by: <br /> /77 <br /> Brian Dolan d Tina Olson Nelson Fialho <br /> Assistant City Manager Director of Finance City Manager <br /> Attachments: <br /> 1 . Excerpt of Minutes of June 20th and September 19th Housing Commission <br /> meetings <br /> Page 4 of 4 <br />