HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-4.1. Approve Grant Agreement with SGVMWD for COVID-19 Low Income COVID Assistance GrantCONSENT CALENDAR
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY
BOARD
FROM: MANNY ROBLEDO, DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES
DATE: APRIL 26, 2021
SUBJECT: APPROVE GRANT AGREEMENT WITH SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT FOR LOW-INCOME COVID ASSISTANCE
GRANT PROGRAM
BACKGROUND:
The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (SGVMWD) has authorized a grant not-to-
exceed $100,000 to be disbursed to the City of Azusa for the purpose of providing assistance to
low-income water customers that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposed action will approve the Grant Agreement and allow for funds to be received by
Azusa Light & Water for this program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Utility Board take the following action:
1) Approve the Grant Agreement with the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
in the amount of $100,000 for the low-income COVID Assistance Grant Program;
and
2) Authorize the Director of Utilities to execute the Grant Agreement, in a form
acceptable to the City Attorney.
ANALYSIS:
The City of Azusa is one of four cities that established the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water
District. SGVMWD is one of twenty nine (29) state water contractors, whose mission is to
provide supplemental state project water to its member agencies. At the March 8, 2021 board
meeting, the SGVMWD Board of Directors authorized the disbursement of a grant not-to-exceed
E-4Approved
Utility Board
4/26/21
Approve SGVMWD Grant
July 20, 2020
Page 2
$100,000 to Azusa Light & Water, to provide assistance to low-income water customers that
have been financially impacted by the pandemic.
In response to the economic hardship that many water utility residents have suffered as a result
of the COVID-19 pandemic, SGMVWD has designated funds to member cities to provide
financial relief.
The Azusa Light & Water Consumer Service Division has created the COVID-19 Water Bill
Assistance Relief Program that will provide a one-time bill credit in the amount of $100 to
customers that have been financially impacted by the pandemic. These funds will enable the
utility to provide assistance to up to 1,000 low-income water customers through October 31,
2021. There are currently over 800 water accounts with a 60 day or greater arrears balance. The
average arrears balance on these accounts is $150.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of accepting this grant is up to $100,000 revenue to the Neighborhood
Assistance Program Fund (50-00-000-621-2719) for assistance that will be disbursed through the
low-income COVID Assistance Grant Program.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Alicia Holmes Manny Robledo
Assistant Director of Utilities - Customer Care & Solutions Director of Utilities
Reviewed and Approved:
Sergio Gonzalez
City Manager
Attachment:
1) SGVMWD Grant Agreement