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Staff Report bv: <br />Brian Carlson <br />Budget and Finance Director <br />Topic: <br />Consideration of ARPA Grant Award <br />Contract with Happy Feet Academy <br />Meeting <br />BOCC Regular Meeting <br />February 2I,2023 <br />Summary: <br />Background: <br />Analvsis: <br />Conclusion / Next Steps: <br />o lf approved, route to BOCC for full execution <br />a <br />o <br />a <br />a <br />a <br />The attached draft grant award contract memorializes a SSOOf award to Happy Feet Academy, using the <br />County's Federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant as source funds. <br />This document has been drafted by the Prosecutor's Office and is the product of numerous meetings and <br />correspondence with the recipient and county staff. <br />The attached version is submitted for BOCC approval, following verbal approval during budget meetings in <br />2022. <br />a <br />a <br />During multiple meetings and study sessions in 2022, BOCC brought forward potential ARPA funding <br />recipients for consideration. <br />Happy Feet Academy was discussed and unanimously approved for funding, for the purpose of expanded <br />childcare services via construction of a new facility, and dedication of 50% of available childcare slots to low- <br />income families. <br />The County's funds represent a partnership of multiple grantors and lenders, including the State of <br />Washington via a lengthy competitive award program, for the purpose of funding the recipient's construction <br />project in2O23. <br />The initial 2O22 County award was delayed while staff and recipient revised the award contract to ensure <br />protectionofthecounty'sstakeintheproposedproject. Theattacheddocumentistheproductofthese <br />revisions, and is approved as to form by both the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Auditor's Office. <br />The award will provide partial funding for construction of expanded facilities, and will be available on an <br />"advance" rather than "reimbursement" basis, so as to assist the recipient with its overall project cash-flow <br />profile. <br />The primary contract clause safeguarding the county's interest in the project is articulated in section 8, <br />wherein the county is to assume a lienholder position via deed of trust. This provision has a ten-year <br />duration, and mirrors a similar provision with the State of Washington, though is subordinate to the State's <br />position. <br />This clause reflects a standard practice of ensuring that a recipient of public funds continues to provide <br />services over time pursuant to the original award terms. <br />Remaining contract language articulates insurance requirements, and indemnifies the County from claims <br />arising from the recipient's day-to-day operations. <br />a <br />a <br />L