SUBJECT: Authorization for NOVA to Apply to State of California for Additional $305,076 in National Emergency Grant Funds
REPORT IN BRIEF
The State of California has given NOVA the authority to apply for an additional $305,076 in high-tech National Emergency Grant funds to supplement NOVA’s existing grant of $4,000,000. It is recommended by staff that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the NOVA seven-city consortium, concur with the decision of the NOVA Workforce Board and authorize the submission of an application to the State of California for additional National Emergency Grant funds in the amount of $305,076.
BACKGROUND
NOVA was originally awarded $903,018 in National Emergency Grant funds to serve workers laid off from local high-tech companies. The grant was planned to end December 31, 2004. In July 2004, the Department of Labor approved the extension of the grant to March 31, 2005 and allowed more flexibility in the companies that were eligible to be served. NOVA submitted a revised plan for $4 million to serve 682 individuals. In October, the Department of Labor approved the State’s request to extend the enrollment period and grant term by six months. Therefore, we now have until March 31, 2005 to enroll participants and September 30, 2005 to complete the project. At its meeting of December 1, 2004, the NOVA Workforce Board approved the submission of an application for an additional $305,076 in grant funds.
EXISTING POLICY
The proposed activities are consistent with the City of Sunnyvale's Socio-Economic Goal 5.1F: Provide job training and employment services within constraints of operative, federal regulations and available federal funding, to address the locally-determined employment and training needs of economically disadvantaged residents and others with special needs.
DISCUSSION
Due to NOVA’s large number of eligible dislocated workers for this grant, current enrollment stands at 738 individuals, exceeding the plan of 682. NOVA cannot afford to serve these additional enrollments without additional funding. The Department of Labor and the State have agreed to provide an additional $305,076 in grant funding, bringing the total to $4,305,076.
Fiscal Impact
There will be no fiscal impact to the City because funds received will offset program expenditures.
CONCLUSION
The State of California has given NOVA the authority to apply for an additional $305,076 in high-tech National Emergency Grant funds to supplement NOVA’s existing grant of $4,000,000 in order to serve additional participants through the grant. Staff recommends that Council concurs with the decision of the NOVA Workforce Board and authorizes the submission of an application to the State of California for additional National Emergency Grant funds in the amount of $305,076.
PUBLIC CONTACT
1. Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page and the availability of the report in the Library and City Clerk's Office.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council authorizes the submission of an application to the State of California for additional National Emergency Grant funds in the amount of $305,076.
2. Council does not approve submission of an application.
3. Other action as determined by Council.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by staff that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the NOVA seven-city consortium, concur with the decision of the NOVA Workforce Board and adopt Alternative 1: Council authorizes the submission of an application to the State of California for additional National Emergency Grant funds in the amount of $305,076. It is further recommended that the City Manager or her designee be authorized to execute the necessary grant agreements relative to these funds.
Reviewed by:
Michael J. Curran, Director, Department of Employment Development
Prepared by: Jeanette Langdell, Employment Training Manager
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager