Farmington Council Recap: Block Grant Funds Hearing Set

Farmington officials will hold a public hearing Oct. 17 on the distribution of $24,137 in federal block grant money received through Oakland County. But council members still want to keep the door open to apply for larger projects in the future.

Earlier this year, officials discussed the possibility of using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for downtown redevelopment projects. Doing so would require them to withdraw from the Oakland County program.

CDBG funds come through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Farmington is one of 51 communities that participate with the county, because they are not eligible for the funds on their own. In previous discussions, officials acknowledged no large projects that would qualify are on the horizon for the next two or three years.

The new agreement with Oakland County will commit the city to the program for three years. However, officials don't know the extent of that commitment.

"I think what concerns me is that we never answered that question," council member JoAnne McShane said.

Currently, the grant money is allocated toward senior services delivered through the city of Farmington Hills, city Treasurer Chris Weber said.

Council member David Wright asked how senior programs fit into the requirements for the use of CDBG funds, because not all seniors are low income. Weber said part of receiving the grant is a requirement that the program serve a certain percentage of low-income residents.

SMART credits approved 3-1

Officials approved the receipt of more than $21,500 in credits for the SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) transit system on a 3-1 vote.

The funds, distributed annually, are used for local transportation programs. In Farmington, they fund a Dial-A-Ride service administered by the City of Farmington Hills Senior Division. About 6,000 each year are provided door-to-door transportation to doctor's appointments, grocery stores and other destinations through local cab companies "essential to our citizens," Weber said. 

"Is it possible to get an accounting of how many are from Farmington and how many are from Farmington Hills?" Wright asked. He said in the past, officials found the amount of data SMART provided "disappointing."

Weber said while gathering rider-usage data on large routes is challenging, it may be easier to get a count on someone calling and requesting a ride. "My guess is they might have that data," he said.

Wright also wanted to know whether participants were required to make a contribution, and what happens if they can't afford to make it. Weber noted the questions and said he would follow up.

After the meeting, Wright said he voted against accepting the credits because of the lack of information. He added, "We have another vote coming up (to reauthorize participation in SMART), and I won't be on the council. Getting information early is important, and I sense they may have difficulty with getting specific information."

Beautification and Planning appointments

After conducting interviews at their Sept. 6 special council meeting, officials made two appointments Monday evening.

Emily Towlerton was the only applicant for the Beautification Committee seat; she was appointed for a term that expires on June 30, 2012.

Kenneth Chiara, who recently resigned from the Traffic and Safety Board, was appointed to the Planning Commission. His term expires June 30, 2013.