The Houston Health Department (HHD) requests City Council approval of a grant contract amendment number four between the City and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the City's air monitoring stations. The contract term continues through August 31, 2022. Funding for the contract under Amendment Number 4 will be increased by $118,403.15 for FY2022 for a maximum contract amount to be reimbursed by TCEQ of $437,104.82. City matching funds are not required.
The original grant contract was processed and fully executed under Contract No. C77614 NCA (No Council Action) on May 14, 2018 because the amount of the FY19 award was $90,883.31 and therefore did not require council approval. The FY20 award was $98,740.48 and processed on May 28, 2019. FY20 & FY21 subsequent awards were $129,077.88 and processed on May 11, 2020. Pursuant to the updates AP 4-1 (updated on August 17, 2020) city council approval is now required for grants over $400,000 for the entire grant contract period. The FY22 award is $118,403.15 which will make the grant total $437,104.82 and, therefore, requires Council approval.
HHD also requests City Council to authorize the Mayor to execute all related contracts, agreements, amendments and documents with the approval as to form of the City Attorney in connection with the grant assistance program and to authorize the Director or his designee to act as the City's representative with the authority to apply for, to accept and expend subsequent supplemental awards, if any, and to extend the term and/or budget and project period not to exceed five years, if extended by TCEQ during the project period and if it does not require cash matching funds.
This contract requires the City to continue to operate and maintain two (2) air monitoring stations in Houston, Texas. The data collected is used specifically to measure the Particular Matter (PM) in the air. The Federal Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set air quality standards, including those for PM, to protect both public health and the public welfare. The work reports and invoices for cost reimbursement are forwarded to TCEQ monthly. The contract revenue is intended to reimburse the City for costs incurred in operating the monitoring stations and collecting air quality data.
Fiscal Note:
No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.
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Stephen L. Williams, M.Ed., M.P.A.
Director, Houston Health Department