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Disclosure of the Conflict of Interest- CDBG Program ParticipationCopyrighted April 7, 2025 City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 7. City Council ITEM TITLE: Disclosure of the Conflict of Interest- CDBG Program Participation SUMMARY: City Manager transmitting information to formally disclose a conflict of interest concerning Dale Campbell, a member of the Community Development Advisory Commission, in relation to his application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded microenterprise grant administered by the City's Economic Development Department and Fountain of Youth. SUGGUESTED Receive and File DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: 1. MVM Memo 2. Staff Memo Page 121 of 386 THE CITY OF Dubuque DuBE uFA�a9a av Masterpiece on the Mississippi rP PP zoo�•*o 13 2017202019 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Disclosure of the Conflict of Interest- CDBG Program Participation DATE: April 2, 2025 Housing & Community Development Director Alexis Steger is transmitting information to formally disclose a conflict of interest concerning Dale Campbell, a member of the Community Development Advisory Commission, in relation to his application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded microenterprise grant administered by the City's Economic Development Department and Fountain of Youth. Dale Campbell, an appointed Commissioner of the Community Development Advisory Commission, applied for and was deemed eligible for the CDBG microenterprise program, which provides up to $5,000 in funding for business -related expenses. While the Commission did not participate in reviewing or approving individual applications, it was responsible for approving the microenterprise program's allocation. To maintain transparency, this conflict has been publicly disclosed through City Council Consent Agenda items and official correspondence. The City awaits HUD's determination on the exception request and will comply with all further recommendations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Y Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:sv Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Alexis Steger, Housing & Community Development Director Page 122 of 386 THE CITY OF Dubuque DUB El MI-Ame„do Cip ��-1, 1 Masterpiece on the Mississippi rP PP 20o2.2o 13 zo17*��zoi9 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Alexis M. Steger, Housing and Community Development Director SUBJECT: Disclosure of the Conflict of Interest- CDBG Program Participation DATE: March 31, 2025 Introduction This memorandum transmits information to formally disclose a conflict of interest concerning Dale Campbell, a member of the Community Development Advisory Commission, in relation to his application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded microenterprise grant administered by the City's Economic Development Department and Fountain of Youth. Discussion Dale Campbell, an appointed Commissioner of the Community Development Advisory Commission, applied for and was deemed eligible for the CDBG microenterprise program, which provides up to $5,000 in funding for business -related expenses. While the Commission did not participate in reviewing or approving individual applications, it was responsible for approving the microenterprise program's allocation. In compliance with 24 CFR 570.611, an exception to the conflict of interest provisions will be requested from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This request is based on the following factors: • Public Benefit: The grant will support a low- and moderate -income microenterprise owner, aligning with the CDBG program's economic development goals. • No Unfair Advantage: The application process was conducted impartially by the Economic Development Department, which was unaware of Mr. Campbell's Commission role at the time of review. • Community Development Participation: The Commission has two vacant seats, and denying the exception could discourage engagement from business owners who could benefit from such programs. • Safeguards and Compliance: Oversight mechanisms, including compliance monitoring by the Community Development Specialist, will ensure proper administration and adherence to regulations. Page 123 of 386 To maintain transparency, this conflict has been publicly disclosed through City Council Consent Agenda items and official correspondence. The City awaits HUD's determination on the exception request and will comply with all further recommendations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Recommendation I respectfully submit this memo as informational only. Prepared by: Mary Bridget Corken-Deutsch, Community Development Specialist Page 124 of 386