CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS MINOR HOME REPAIR PROGRAM (Program Year 2017-2018) This program is in response to the City Council implementing the Property Maintenance Code and the desire to offer a program to primarily assist households that do not have the financial means to respond to code violations that exist. Completed applications will be accepted beginning Monday, November 6, 2017 for repairs to begin spring 2018. Applications will be accepted continuously until funding has been depleted or until June 30, 2018, whichever comes first. The emphasis of this program is on neighborhood conservation and only minor exterior home repairs are eligible. The program encourages a high level of maintenance among property owners in a neighborhood by providing grant funds to help cure the most visible home defects which may adversely affect the value of the home as well as surrounding properties. Only single-family owner-occupied residential units will be eligible for the program. Each property is limited to up to $5,000.00 in eligible repairs. Eligible repairs include the following: Window/Glass Repair Exterior Door Repair Minor Roof Repair Flashing or Gutter Repair Exterior Paint Minor Repair of Porch, Exterior Steps, and Railings Tuck Pointing of Mortar Foundation Repair of Broken Exterior Masonry Units on Foundation Repair of Exterior Walls or Trim Driveway (only in conjunction with other concrete work, such as porch repair) HVAC and water heater repair or replacement Accessibility improvements (exterior ramps, guardrails, grab-bars, and safe ingress/egress features) Only low-to-moderate income homeowners are eligible for grant funds based on the total household income (per HUD LMI Guidelines for Kansas City Metro Area, March 2017): Number of Persons in Household Maximum Income 1 $ 41,900 2 $ 47,900 3 $ 53,900 4 $ 59,850 5 $ 64,650 6 $ 69,450 7 $ 74,250 8 $ 79,050 For more information on the program or to apply contact: Matt Wright, Senior Planner at (816) 220-4504 / mwright@bluepsringsgov.com
Q: How long does the selection process take? Frequently Asked Questions A: Staff will begin reviewing applications for completeness as soon as they are submitted. Staff will notify applicants if they are determined to be ineligible. If determined to be eligible, staff will perform an initial inspection on the property and document requested repairs. Staff will prioritize applicants based on the following criteria: Safety: conditions of a structure which are deemed to be a potential hazard to the life, health, safety, or welfare of the occupants of public. Weather protection: conditions of a structure which do not adequately protect the occupants or structure from the elements (roof leak, broken windows, exterior walls allow water penetration, etc.). Leaking basements or foundations are not considered for this program. Overall neighborhood impact: the positive impact that the property and immediate neighborhood might realize should the requested repair activities be performed. Abatement of property maintenance violations: consideration shall be given towards eligible property owners who either have been cited or could be cited for property maintenance violations. Physical ability of the property owner to perform requested repairs: extent to which the property owner may be able to conduct requested repairs without the utilization of the Minor Home Repair Program. The internal review and approval process may take up to 90 days after the application has been received. This allows time for staff to review all applications, perform initial inspections, complete environmental reviews, and submit documentation and an approval request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to proceed (if applicable). Once HUD has approved the request, staff will notify the applicant of their approval and will proceed with executing an agreement for repairs. Q: My home was built before 1978, what is required for me to proceed with repairs through the program? A: All homes built before 1978 (construction date according to Jackson County tax records) are subject to Lead-based Paint (LBP) requirements. The applicant must have any painted surfaces to be disturbed tested for LBP, or presume the presence of LBP. If LBP is present, it is the homeowner s responsibility to have the LBP abated per federal regulations by a certified contractor prior to approval of grant funds. Otherwise, if the home is assumed to contain LBP, all repairs must be performed by a certified contractor and federally mandated Safe Work Practiced must be used by the contractors to perform the repairs. Applicants with homes built before 1978 must mention these requirements to each contractor prior to bid so that costs can be figured correctly. Q: Once my application has been approved and my grant agreement executed, can I begin repairs? A: Grant-funded work shall not begin until all bids have been reviewed and approved by staff and a Notice to Proceed has been issued to the applicant. Before you can begin repairs, you are required to receive a minimum of three (3) bids for each scope of work requested (i.e. if you are having both your windows and your roof repaired, you are required 3 separate bids for windows and 3 separate bids for the roof, unless you have a contractor who will perform both repairs). Bids must detail what work will be completed and the cost to complete the work. All bids must be submitted to staff for review. The applicant should let staff know which bid(s) they prefer. Staff will verify that the contractor has a current business license, and if applicable, is a certified LBP contractor. Once bids have been reviewed and approved, staff will send the applicant a Notice to Proceed. This will allow the applicant to proceed with scheduling repairs with the selected contractor. Again, grant-funded work shall not begin until all bids have been reviewed and approved by staff and a Notice to Proceed has been issued to the applicant. Any work that begins prior to the Notice to Proceed will not be eligible for grant funds.
Q: Can City staff assist me in finding and selecting a contractor? A: City staff is unable to provide a list of contractors for the program nor make any recommendations to applicants. Applicants are encouraged to begin searching for contractors as soon as they receive a letter notifying them that they have been approved for the program to avoid delays and to submit bids by the specified bid deadline date. Q: My contractor has requested that I pay a down payment before repairs begin. How will I be reimbursed? A: You are strongly encouraged to inform each contractor that you are utilizing grant funds to complete repairs. The City of Blue Springs will only provide a final payment to the approved contractor and NOT the applicant. A final payment will be made to the contractor upon a final inspection to ensure all work was completed and a final invoice has been submitted. Therefore, it is recommended that you select a contractor who will not require a down payment for services. All contractors are required to have a current City business license prior to the issuance of a Notice to Proceed for any grant-funded repairs. Q: Do my repairs require a building permit? A: Most eligible repairs do not require a building permit. However, any repairs made to porches/decks and railings that are over 30 above grade, HVAC systems, and water heaters will require a building permit. It is the approved contractor s responsibility to apply and be issued a building permit before repairs begin. Building permit fees do apply. Q: Why is a 3 year lien placed on my property? A: As part of the Minor Home Repair Program agreement, the applicant consents to the City of Blue Springs recording a lien on the property for three (3) years. The purpose of the lien is to ensure the applicant is utilizing the grant funds so that they can continue to live in the home. The 3 year lien begins after repairs have been completed on the date staff performs the final inspection. The applicant is responsible for repaying the grant if they move during the 3 year lien period.
CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS MINOR HOME REPAIR PROGRAM 2017-2018 APPLICATION Before you fill out the Minor Home Repair Program application, please review the eligibility checklist on page 2 and income restrictions to determine if you are eligible for the program. The following items must be submitted for the application to be considered complete. Your application will not be considered for the program until all required documentation has been submitted. Completed applications will be accepted beginning Monday, November 6, 2017 for repairs to begin spring 2018. Applications will be accepted continuously until funding has been depleted or until June 30, 2018, whichever comes first. All repairs must be completed by September 30, 2018. APPLICATION CHECKLIST The following items must be submitted for a complete application: Eligibility Checklist (page 2) Completed and signed application (pages 3-6) Proof of Ownership (copy of Missouri Warranty Deed for the property) Income documentation (see page 5) Affidavit for Public Benefit one for each applicant/home owner Blue Springs MHRP Application - Page 1 of 6
CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS MINOR HOME REPAIR PROGRAM 2017-2018 APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST The following checklist must be completed and submitted with the completed application packet. QUESTIONS YOUR ANSWERS ELIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS Do you own a single-family home Only persons living within the Blue Springs corporate city limits are eligible within Blue Springs corporate city limits? YES NO for this program. Only owner-occupied primary single-family structures qualify for this program. Is this single-family home your primary residence now? YES NO If you own multiple residential properties and the referenced property is not your primary residence, you are not eligible for this program. Do you meet the income restrictions for the program? YES NO Only those applicants that meet income restrictions will qualify for the program. If YES above, do you intend to remain the owner and occupant of this home for at least 3 years after repairs are completed? Are you able to keep up with your mortgage payments and will you be able to do so within the next 3 years? YES YES NO NO Are your requested repairs eligible for the program? YES NO Was your home built before 1978? YES NO Do you or any members of your household own or co-own any rental property anywhere in the US? Are you or any members of your household an owner or co-owner of a business (including an online business)? YES YES NO NO *Information above is not intended to be inclusive for eligibility determination. If repairs are made to this home using the program funds, a 3-year lien is placed on the property from the date repairs are completed. If NO, you are advised not to apply for the funds. If it is very likely that you may lose ownership of your home, it would be advisable to wait and apply when your finances are more stable. Only minor exterior home repairs qualify. If YES, your home is subject to Leadbased Paint regulation compliance, which means that a Lead-based Paint inspection will be required (at the program s expense) and Lead-based Paint abatement may be required. This normally translates to longer processing time and higher costs the program may or may not support. If YES, you are not eligible for the program. If you or any members of your household own or co-own a business, business income must be included in the household income for eligibility determination. Blue Springs MHRP Application - Page 2 of 6
CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS MINOR HOME REPAIR PROGRAM 2017-2018 APPLICATION GENERAL INFORMATION Applicant: _ Last First Middle Co-Applicant: _ Last First Middle Address: _ Street _ City State Zip Contact: Home: ( )- - / Cell: ( )- - / Work: ( )- - Email: Do you own this residential unit? Yes No (If No, you are not eligible for this program) Is this a single-family, detached unit? Yes No (If No, you are not eligible for this program) *Proof of Ownership is required: A copy of the Missouri Warranty Deed for the property must be attached and the application must be the owner of record. What year was your house built? Have you received Minor Home Repair services in the past? Yes No HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION A household is defined as all persons occupying the same housing unit, regardless of their relationship to each other. Household Size (Total Persons): Female Head of Household: Yes No Number of persons in household by age: Under 18: 18-61: 62 or older Racial Characteristics (You must select at least one): One Race Household: White Black/African American Asian American Indian/Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander Are you also Hispanic? Yes No Multi-racial Household: American Indian/Alaskan Native & White Asian & White Black/African American & White American Indian/Alaskan Native & Black/African American Other Multi-Racial Are you also Hispanic? Yes No Blue Springs MHRP Application - Page 3 of 6
INCOME INFORMATION List all incomes of all adult persons in the household 18 years of age and older. Name Age Income Sources Person #1 Employment: $ Name Age Income Sources Social Security: $ SSI Income: $ Pension: $ AFDC: $ Child Support: $ Other Income: $ Total Income for Person #1: $ Person #2 Employment: $ Name Age Income Sources Social Security: $ SSI Income: $ Pension: $ AFDC: $ Child Support: $ Other Income: $ Total Income for Person #2: $ Person #3 Employment: $ Social Security: $ SSI Income: $ Pension: $ AFDC: $ Child Support: $ Other Income: $ Total Income for Person #3: $ Blue Springs MHRP Application - Page 4 of 6
Total Annual Household Income (add total incomes for each person on page 4): $ The following documentation is required as proof of household income. At a minimum, a 2016 IRS Tax Return is required (2017 IRS Tax Return is required if applying after April 15, 2018): A signed IRS Tax Return (see note above) Proof of employment and/or income (any adult not employed must prepare a signed statement) Award letters for social security, SSI (supplemental security income), and AFDC (aid to families with dependent children) Pension Unemployment insurance, disability or workmen s compensation Child support Any other income received Indicate below any changes of income status as a result of circumstances such as marriage, divorce, death, etc. Documentation is required. REPAIRS REQUESTED Please select a maximum of 5 of the listed repairs needed to your property and number in order of importance: Window/Glass Repair Exterior Door Repair Minor Roof Repair Flashing or Gutter Repair Exterior Paint Minor Repair of Porch, Exterior Steps, and Railings Tuck Pointing of Mortar Foundation Repair of Broken Exterior Masonry Units on Foundation Repair of Exterior Walls or Trim Driveway (ONLY IF one of the above listed repairs is also completed) HVAC and water heater repair or replacement Accessibility improvements (ramps, guardrails, grab-bars, and safe ingress/egress) Project Narrative: Please describe the projects that are intended to be addressed under the program. Be specific about the deficiencies and describe the work needed to correct the problem. (Attach additional sheets if necessary). Blue Springs MHRP Application - Page 5 of 6
I hereby submit application to the City of Blue Springs, Missouri for the Minor Home Repair Program. I further certify that all occupancy information provided is true and correct, and that the income I stated above represents the total household income for the past year preceding this application including the income of all persons in the home. I hereby grant permission to the City of Blue Springs, Missouri Minor Home Repair Program supervisors, employees and contractors it may use to enter the above mentioned premises to perform work under the Minor Home Repair Program. I also hereby agree to sign the legal agreement as required by the City and further certify that I have legal authority to authorize the City to perform said services. The income information provided above is subject to verification by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Blue Springs, Missouri. I agree to submit to the City, upon request, copies of federal income tax returns, and I am aware that all of the employers may be contacted to verify income received as a result of employment. I, the undersigned, do hereby swear under penalty of perjury that all information contained on the application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Applicant s Signature: Date: Co-Applicant s Signature: Date: Blue Springs is an equal opportunity community and does not discriminate against any individual regardless of gender, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or sexual orientation. Blue Springs MHRP Application - Page 6 of 6
APPLICANT AFFIDAVIT FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT FROM THE CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS (a separate affidavit is required for each applicant) STATE OF MISSOURI ) )ss COUNTY OF JACKSON ) On this day of, 20, before me appeared the Affiant, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to this instrument, who being by me duly sworn by me, deposed as follows: My name is, and I am of sound mind, capable of making this affidavit, and I personally certify the facts herein stated, as required by Section 208.009, RSMo, for failure to provide affirmative proof of lawful presence in the United States of America in order to receive a public benefit from the City of Blue Springs: I am applying for a public benefit (grant, contract, and/or loan) administered or provided by the City of Blue Springs I am classified by the United States of America as: (check the applicable box) a United States citizen. an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. I am aware that Missouri law provides that any person who obtains any public benefit by means of a willfully false statement or representation, or by willful concealment or failure to report any fact or event required to be reported, or by other fraudulent device, shall be guilty of the crime of stealing pursuant to Section 570.030, RSMo, which is a Class C felony for stolen public benefits valued between $500 and $25,000 (punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 7 years and/or fine not more than $5,000 Sections 558.011 and 560.011, RSMo), and is a Class B felony for stolen public benefits valued at $25,000 or more (punishable by a term of imprisonment not less than 5 years and not to exceed 15 years Section 558.011, RSMo). I recognize that, upon proper submission of this sworn affidavit, I will only be eligible for temporary public benefits until such time as my lawful presence in the United States is determined, or as otherwise provided by Section 208.009, RSMo. I understand that Missouri law requires the City of Blue Springs to provide assistance in obtaining appropriate documentation to prove citizenship or lawful presence in the United States, and I agree to submit any requests for such assistance to the City of Blue Springs in writing. I acknowledge that I am signing this affidavit under oath and as a free act and deed and not under duress. Affiant Signature Affiant s Social Security Number or Applicable Federal Identification Number Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of, 20. My commission expires: Notary Public