10-28-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Eligible uses of the funds are as follows: •Medical Expenses •Public Health Expenses •Payroll Expense •Public Health Measures •Economic Support •Other Public Safety The Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Guidance dated September 2nd indicates that local governments “may presume that payroll costs for the public health and public safety employees are payments for services substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency, unless the chief executive (or equivalent) of the relevant government determines that specific circumstances indicate otherwise.” On September 21st, the Department of the Treasury, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released new guidance regarding documentation required for using CARES Act Funds to cover payroll costs for public health and safety employees. Per the new OIG guidance, governments can presume that all payroll costs for public health and public safety employees are payments for services sustainably dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This guidance was reviewed during a Council workshop on October 14th. It was the consensus during this workshop to use CARES Act Funds for public safety expenditures. Little Canada Fire Department Little Canada Fire Department (LCFD) is requesting reimbursement of personal protection equipment purchased due to their COVID-19 response. These costs are reimbursable to the LCFD under a sub- grantee reimbursement agreement. The proposed agreement is attached. The City has received proper documentation from LCFD for the $3,376.27 reimbursement request. Small Business Relief Grant Program During the workshop on October 14th, Council authorized staff to move forward with the Relief Grant Program using up to $100,000 of the CARES Act Funds. The application for this program is located on the City’s website and applications are due by 4:30 pm on October 30th. Reporting Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) is responsible for overseeing the use of the funds by Minnesota local governments and requires monthly reports be submitted. The August Report and September Reports have been approved by Council and submitted to MMB. The October Report is attached for approval. The October report contains payroll costs for public safety expenses from March 1st through October 31st. 2