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Res 110-2009 8/18/2009 ., �, RESOLUTION NO.I1 - � Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A Contract With The NORTEX Regional Planning Commission To Operate A Homelessness Prevention And Rapid Re-Housing Program With Funds Received Pursuant To A Grant From The United States Department Of Housing And Urban Development In The Amount Of $583,425. WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls, through grant contract S-09-MY-48- 0014, has been awarded funding for homeless prevention, counseling, and services, and WHEREAS, this grant project will seek to improve housing, employment, and educational opportunities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT: The City Manager is authorized to execute a contract substantially in the form of the attached Contract with the NORTEX Regional Planning Commission for the operation of a Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, with changes to form as approved by the City Attorney. All operations shall be substantially as described in the grant application and in accordance with the rules of the granting agency. PASSED AND APPROVED this the 18 day of August, 2009. ��GG�I.��L��-- MAYOR ATTEST: �a Ci;y Clerk Contract Between NORTEX Regional Planning Commission And The City of Wichita Falls, Texas This contract made and entered into this the 15th day of July, 2009 by and between the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, hereinafter referred to as "City" or "Grantee" and NORTEX Regional Planning Commission, hereinafter referred to as "Subgrantee". Whereas, the City has applied for and received approval for a grant award pursuant to the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) as authorized under Title XII of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; and Whereas, it has been determined by the Wichita Falls City Council to be in the public interest to provide financial assistance and services for families and individuals who are homeless or to prevent homelessness to individuals and families at 50% or less of the area medium income (AMI) level, and has identified the need for such services in the Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan for the above referenced grant award; and Whereas, the City desires to Contract with the Subgrantee to provide financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized to NORTEX Regional Planning Commission at 4309 Jacksboro Highway, Wichita Falls, Texas. WITNESSETH: For and in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties do hereby agree as follows: l. Scope of Services. The Subgrantee agrees to perform the following in a satisfactory and proper manner as determined by the City: a. Provision of financial assistance and services primarily at and through the NORTEX Regional Planning Commission Office located 4309 Jacksboro Highway for a goal of serving an unduplicated number of eligible individuals and families, through the extent of the funding amount, from low-and-moderate income families whose income is at 50% or less of the AMI levels. b. The financial assistance and services provided by the Subgrantee and invoiced for services to the City shall exclusively benefit individuals and families from becoming homeless or those who are experiencing homelessness living within the city limits of Wichita Falls, whose gross annual household income does not exceed the income eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in effect at the time of application. c. Maintain client confidentiality as stipulated by HUD. d. Client Eligibility: There are two populations of persons facing housing instability that are eligible to receive funding under the HPRP: 1) Individuals and families who are currently in housing but are at risk of becoming homeless and need temporary rent or utility assistance to prevent them from becoming homeless or assistance to move to another unit (prevention), and 2) Individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness (residing in emergency or transitional shelters or on the street) and need temporary assistance in order to obtain housing and retain it (rapid re-housing) The eligibility criteria for all program participants are as follows: Homeless individuals and families, and individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless, must meet the following three criteria in order to receive HPRP financial assistance or services: 1) Household must be at or below 50 percent of Area Medium Income (AMI) as determined by HUD's income limits in effect at the time of application. 2) Household must meet both of the following circumstances: a. No appropriate subsequent housing options have been identified; AND b. The household lacks the financial resources and support networks needed to obtain immediate housing or remain in its existing housing. 3) Any individual or family receiving rental assistance must have at least an initial consultation with a case manager to determine need. Rapid Re-Housing Assistance is available for persons who are homeless according to HUD's definition as stated in the HPRP regulations. Individuals and families who meet one of the following criteria along with the minimum requirements established above are eligible under the rapid re-housing portion of the HPRP: 1) Sleeping in an emergency shelter; 2) Sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, abandoned buildings, streets/sidewalks; 3) Staying in a hospital or other institution for up to 180 days but was sleeping in an emergency shelter or other place not meant for human habitation immediately prior to entry into the hospital or institution; 4) Graduating from, or timing out of a transitional housing program; and 5) Victims of domestic violence The subgrantee will certify eligibility at least once every 3 months for all program participants receiving medium-term rental assistance. e. Eligible Categories of Activities under the HPRP: (Refer to HPRP Notice for more detail) 1) Financial assistance: Limited to the following activities: short- term rental assistance (may not exceed rental costs accrued over a period of 3 months); medium term rental assistance (may not exceed actual rental costs accrued over a period of 4 to 18 months), security deposits, utility deposits, utility payments (heat, electricity, water, sewer, and garbage collection), moving cost assistance, and motel and hotel vouchers. 2) Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services: Case management, outreach and engagement, housing search and placement, legal services, and credit repair. - 3) Data Collection and Evaluation: Costs related to data collection on HPRP clients in HMIS, costs associated with participating in HUD's evaluation of HPRP 4) Administrative Costs: No more than 5 percent of the total HPRP grant may be spent on administrative cost £ Ineligible Categories of Activities under the HPRP: (Refer to HPRP Notice for more detail) 1) Financial assistance or services to pay for expenses that are available through other Recovery Act programs, including child care and employment training 2) Mortgage Costs 3) Other Ineligible and Prohibited Activities include: credit card bills or other consumer debt, car repair or other transportation, travel costs, food, medical or dental care and medicines, clothing, grooming, home furnishings, pet care, entertainment activities, work or education related materials, and cash assistance to program participants. 4) While training for case managers and program administrators is an eligible administrative cost as long as it is directly related to HPRP program operations, HPRP funds may not be used to pay for certifications, licenses, and general training classes. g. Repayment: If funds are found to be expended for ineligible activities as determined by HUD, the subgrantee will be required to reimburse the City of Wichita Falls from non-federal funds for any such ineligible expense. h. Habitability Standards: When providing rental assistance with HPRP funds, the Subgrantee will be required to conduct initial and any appropriate follow-up inspections of housing units into which a program participant will be moving. Units should be inspected on an annual basis and upon a change of tenancy. The minimum habitability standards are listed in Appendix C Habitability Standards for HPRP (Docket No. FR- 5307-N-01). The Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.), as amended by the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. et seq.) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 35, subparts A, B, M, and R shall apply to housing occupied by HPRP families and individuals. i. Outreach/Collaboration with Local Agencies that can serve similar population: Once the subgrantee agreement has been signed between the City and the Subgrantee, a meeting inviting local agencies that serve individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless or those who are experiencing homelessness will be put together to ensure each agency is aware of services being provided by other local agencies. The Subgrantee will establish interagency agreements with members of the Homeward Bound Homeless Coalition in addition to other faith based and social service agencies who are not members to coordinate services to clients and avoid duplication of services. A copy of such agreements will be provided to the City. j. Marketing Materials will be developed and distributed to local agencies, churches, and local governments describing the assistance available for qualified clients thru the HPRP. k. Homeless Management Information System (HMIS): The Subgrantee will comply with HUD's standards for participation in a local Homeless Management Information System and the collection and reporting of client-level information. 1. Termination of Housing Assistance: The Subgrantee may terminate assistance to a program participant who violates program requirements. Subgrantee may resume assistance to program participant whose assistance was previously terminated. In terminating assistance to program participant, the subgrantee must provide a formal process that recognizes the rights of individuals receiving assistance due process of law. This process, at a minimum, must consist of: 1) Written notice to the program participant containing a clear statement of the reasons for termination; 2) A review of the decision, in which the program participant is given the opportunity to present written or oral objections before a person other than the person (or a subordinate of that person) who made or approved the termination decision and 3) Prompt written notice of the final decision to the program participant. m. Maintain operational and fiscal records as specified by HUD. 2. Term of Contract. The term of this agreement shall be for the period beginning July 15, 2009 and ending July 15, 2012, subject to satisfactory performance by the Subgrantee as outlined herein. 3. Compensation. The City agrees to pay to the Subgrantee a maximum amount of Five Hundred Eighty Three Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Four pollars ($583,424), which shall constitute full compensation for the Subgrantee's actual services and expenses incurred in the performance of services described under this contract. 4. Method of Payment. Payments will be made by the City to the Subgrantee based upon the Subgrantee's invoice reflecting actual periodic costs for financial assistance and services provided for eligible clients. Such semi-monthly invoices shall be submitted in a format prescribed by the City. Once the Neighborhood Resources and Finance Departments have reviewed and approved the invoices, a reimbursement will be made to Nortex Regional Planning Commission. 5. Grant Expenditure Requirements: At least 60 percent of the HPRP funds shall be drawn within the first 2 years of the date that funds become available to the City for obligation, July 15, 2011, and 100 percent of the funds by the end of the 3ra year, July 15, 2012. Any Subgrantee failing to meet the statutory requirement to expend at least 60 percent of the grant amount within 2 years of the date of obligation, will be notified by August 1, 2011 and given 21 days to submit information to HUD regarding additional eligible expenses for HPRP activities accrued within the 2 year period in order to bring the Subgrantee into compliance with the 60 percent requirement. 6. Bu� In performing the services called for under the provisions of this contract, the Subgrantee shall conform their expenditures to the approved HPRP budget. Said budget and any account, set out herein can be altered, amended or modified as mutually agreeable between the two parties hereto so that the full intent and purpose of this contract can be carried out. Upon request of the Subgrantee, line item changes may be made in the budget referred to herein without further City Council action if approved by the City Manager; provided, however, no such change may alter the intent of purpose of this contract without further approval by the City Council of the City. In no event shall the City be required to pay more than Five hundred eighty-three thousand four hundred twenty four dollars ($583,424) to the Subgrantee under the terms of this contract. The Subgrantee's Budget for provision of financial assistance and services is: NORTEX Regional Planning Commission Total l Year 2" Year 3 Year Project Project Project Project Costs Costs Costs Costs Salarv Costs: � Director of Housing Services $108,171 �$34,996 $36,046 $37,128 Housing Services Coordinator $80,595 ; $26,075 $26,857 $27,663 Receptionist/Switch Board $1,969 i $637 $656 $676 � Total Salary Costs: $190,735 ; $61,708 $63,560 $65,466 � Fringe Benefits @ 47.71% $90,999 � $29,441 $30,324 $31,234 � Total Personnel Costs: $281,734 � $91,149 $93,884 $96,700 Expenses: ; � Indirect Costs @ 9.16% $25,807 ; $8,349 $8,600 $8,858 Accounting Services - � - - - Audit Costs $450 ; $150 $150 $150 Staff Travel $10,500 '•. $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 Telephone, Outreach $4,200 ; $1,400 $1,400 $1,400 Postage, Freight $1,650 ; $550 $550 $550 Printing, Publications $3,000 � $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Office Rental $7,800 ; $2,600 $2,600 $2,600 Office Supplies $6,500 � $2,500 $2,000 $2,000 Office Equipment $6,822 ; $4,822 $1,000 $1,000 � Financial Assistance Services: � Short-term Rental $73,737 � $27,912 $27,912 $17,913 Assistance � Medium-term Rental $60,000 ; $25,000 $25,000 $10,000 Assistance i Security Deposits $20,000 ; $7,500 $7,500 $5,000 Utility Deposits $20,000 ; $7,500 $7,500 $5,000 Moving Cost Assistance $10,500 ; $4,000 $4,000 $2,500 Hotel/Motel Vouchers $10,500 � $4,000 $4,000 $2,500 HMIS Client Tracking System $14,724 ; $10,375 $2,175 $2,175 ; Subcontracts: ; Support Services - Credit $10,500 � $4,000 $4,000 $2,500 Counseling ; Support Services - Legal $15,000 � $6,000 $6,000 $3,000 Services � � Total Expenses: ; � Total Project Expenditure: 424 ��2� 2 2 771 �� 7. Sub�rantee's Contribution. In the event that the total sum to be paid by the City to the Subgrantee under the terms of this agreement is not sufficient for the Subgrantee to continue performance of his obligations hereunder until termination date hereof, the Subgrantee shall contribute sufficient funds for continued performance to fulfill terms of the contract. 8. Refund. At the termination date hereof, the Subgrantee shall pay to the City any sums paid to the Subgrantee by the City which have not been expended or committed as budgeted. 60 percent of grant funds shall be expended within the first 2 years (July 15, 2011) and 100 percent expended within 3 years (July 15, 2012). Funds will be recaptured by HUD and reallocated if not spent. 9. Financial Re�orts & Other Reportin� Requirements. A budget report, to contain such reasonable financial information and data required by HUD and as the City deems necessary, shall be submitted to the City by the Subgrantee at least monthly. Initial Performance Report, which will serve as the first Quarterly Performance Report, is due to HUD October 10, 2009. The Subrecipient will have all necessary documents as specified by the HPRP statute and HUD regulations to Neighborhood Resources by October 5, 2009. The report will include but is not limited to the following items: the total amount of Recovery Act Funds received from the City; the subgrantees and total amounts awarded to each; the amounts of HPRP funds allocated for the four eligible HPRP activities (Financial Assistance, Services, Data Collection and Evaluation, and Administrative Costs); the amount expended for each of the above categories; the estimated number of unduplicated individuals and families served; and the estimated number of new jobs created and j obs retained. Quarterly Performance Reports are due to the City 5 business days after the end of each quarter. The Subrecipient will have all necessary documents to Neighborhood Resources. Subgrantees will report on many of the same items as the Initial Performance Report including HPRP funds expended by activity type, the number of unduplicated individuals and families served, the number of new jobs created, the number of jobs retained, challenges to effective program operation, other data items, and current quarter and cumulative data. Annual Performance Reports are due to the City 30 days after the end of each federal fiscal year. The Subrecipient will have all necessary documents to Neighborhood Resources. Subgrantees will report on outputs, such as the number of persons served and the demographic characteristics of persons served, HPRP funds expended by activity type, and the number of jobs created and retained, as well as outcomes related to housing stability, to be specified by HUD. 9. Future Fundin�. The funding of this project in no way commits the City to future funding of this program beyond the current contract period. Any future funding is solely the responsibility of the Subgrantee. The Subgrantee understands and agrees that the assistance made available under this agreement is contingent upon the actual receipt of adequate federal funds to meet the City's liabilities under this contract. It is expressly understood that this agreement in no way obligates the General Fund or any other monies or credit of the City of Wichita Falls. 10. Termination of the Contract. This agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the expiration of the term set forth above. If either party fails to fulfill their obligations under this contract in a timely and proper manner, the other party shall have the right to terminate this contract for cause. Written notice stating the grounds for termination will be given the other party, not less than thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such termination. This contract shall at all times be subject to any corrective actions taken, or directives issued by HUD in relation to the City's HPRP Program. The Subgrantee shall comply with any and all such communications received by the City from HUD, including elimination of this contract, as if such communication were made a part hereof. If either party to the contract should desire to terminate the contract prior to the date of expiration, they may do so by giving written notice to the other party not less than sixty (60) days prior to the intended termination date. The Subgrantee shall be entitled to receive just and equitable compensation from the City for any eligible expense or services completed prior to the termination. The Subgrantee will refund any unearned funds advanced by or received from the City. Notwithstanding the above, the Subgrantee shall not be relieved of liability to the City for damages sustained by the City by virtue of any breach of the Subgrantee. The City may withhold any payments due the Subgrantee for the purposes of setoff until such time as the exact amount of damages due the City from the Subgrantee are determined. 11. Chan� This City may, from time to time, request changes in the Scope of Services of the Subgrantee as may be mutually agreed to be performed hereunder. Such changes, including any increase or decrease in the amount of the Subgrantee's compensation, which are mutually agreed upon by and between the City and the Subgrantee, shall be incorporated in written amendments to the contract. 12. Assi n�� The Subgrantee shall not assign any interest in this contract, and shall not transfer any interest in the same (whether by assignment or novation) without the prior written consent of the City; provided, however, that claims for money due or to become due to the Subgrantee from the City under this contract may be assigned to a bank, trust company, or other financial institution without such approval. Notice of any such assignment or transfer shall be furnished promptly to the City. 13. Records. a. Establishment and Maintenance of Records. The Subgrantee shall maintain, prepare and disseminate records and reports as required by the Neighborhood Resources Division and HUD. Subgrantee shall maintain documentation of client income and eligibility in accordance with HUD guidelines. Except as otherwise authorized by the City, the Subgrantee shall retain such records for a period of four years after receipt of the final payment under this contract or termination of this contract. b. Documentation of Cost. All costs shall be supported by properly executed payrolls, time records, invoices, contracts, vouchers, orders, and/or any other accounting documents. Any of the above related in whole or in part to this contract shall be clearly identified and readily accessible to the City and HUD. c. Reports and Information. The Subgrantee shall submit on a monthly basis, an enrollment report listing each person receiving assistance through the HPRP assistance indicating the person's name, address, ethnic group, age, sex, monthly gross family income, percentage of inedian income, household size, disability status and type(s) of service provided. A Program Performance Report shall also be submitted reflecting all eligible activities broken down by category, the number of clients receiving help, and any other data required by HUD. The Subgrantee is required to keep all documentation for clients at their office for a 5 year period of time. The City will review these documents during a quarterly monitoring of the program. HMIS data will adhere to HUD's guidelines and requirements. The Subgrantee at such time and in such forms as the City may require, shall furnish to the City such statements, records, reports, data, and information as the City may request pertaining to matters covered by this contract. All of the reports, information, data and other related materials, prepared or assembled by the Subgrantee under this contract are confidential and shall not be made available to anyone without the prior written approval of the City. Information restricted by law or Subgrantee policy and relating to personal, medical and financial data will be treated as confidential and will not be released by the City except as may be required pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 552 and any amendments thereto. d. Audits and Inspections. The Subgrantee shall at any time during normal business hours and as often as the City may deem necessary, make available to the City for examination all of its records and data with respect to all matters covered by this contract and shall permit the City or its designated authorized representative to audit and inspect all invoices, materials, payrolls, records of personnel conditions of employment and other data relating to all matters covered by this contract. The Subgrantee shall submit an audit report which is in compliance with the provisions of the Single Audit Act of 1984, as amended, and OMB Circular No 133. The audit shall be prepared by an independent Certified Public Accountant and shall include as supplemental information statements of compliance and internal control with respect to federal financial assistance provided to the Subgrantee by the City. The audit report shall be submitted no later than 180 days following the end of the federal fiscal year. If the Subgrantee expends less than $500,000 in federal funds in a given fiscal year, the Subgrantee is not required to submit an audit; however, the Subgrantee shall submit year-end financial reports and asset/liability reports. e. Accountin�. The Subgrantee shall establish and maintain on a current basis an adequate accounting system on an accrual or other accounting basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and standards. The Subgrantee will also have systems and internal controls in place to track and record recovery funds expenditure separately as required in Section 1512 of the Recovery Act. 14. Limitation on Compensation for Personal Services. Compensation for personal services includes, but is not limited to, wages, salaries, and supplementary compensation and benefits. Compensation for employees of the Subgrantee shall be reasonable and be comparable to that paid for similar work paid by the City. In cases where the kinds of personal services provided have no counterpart in local governmental agencies, compensation shall not exceed that paid for similar work in the labor market in which the Subgrantee competes for the kinds of personal services involved or the compensation level established by the Subgrantee's primary funding source. 15. Compliance with Local Laws. The Subgrantee shall comply with applicable laws, ordinances, and codes of the State and local governments and the Subgrantee shall save and hold harmless the City with respect to damages arising from any tort committed in performing any of the work embraced by this contract. 16. Compliance with Federal Laws. It is expressly understood by the Subgrantee that this assistance is made available as part of Homelessness and Rapid Re-housing Program, and as such, the activities undertaken must comply with all of the rules and regulations established by said program, including those assurances and conditions which are incorporated as Part II of this contract and hereby adopted for all purposes. Subgrantee agrees that the services provided by the Subgrantee under this agreement shall be devoted only to assist eligible low and moderate income households. 17. Political Activity Prohibited. None of the funds, materials, property or services provided directly or indirectly under this contract shall be used in the performance of this contract for any partisan political activity. 18. Lobbyin�prohibited. None of the funds provided under this contract shall be used for publicity or propaganda purposes designed to support or defeat legislation pending before any governmental entity. 19. Nondiscrimination and Equal Emplovment Opportunitv. During the performance of this contract, the Subgrantee agrees as follow: a. The Subgrantee will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Subgrantee will take affirmative action to insure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other terms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. The Subgrantee agrees to post in conspicuous places available to all employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause. b. The Subgrantee will, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the Subgrantee, state that all qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. c. The Subgrantee shall keep such records and submit such reports concerning the racial and ethnic origin of its employees as the City may require. d. The Subgrantee must make known that HPRP rental assistance and services are available to all on a nondiscriminatory basis and ensure that all citizens have equal access to information about HPRP and equal financial assistance and services provided under this program. Among other things, this means that reasonable steps will be taken to ensure meaningful access to programs to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP), pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 20. Personnel. a. The Subgrantee represents that he has, or will, secure all personnel required to perform the services under this contract. Such personnel shall not be employees of or have any contractual relationship with the City. b. All of the services, required hereunder, will be performed by the Subgrantee or under its supervision, and all personnel engaged in the work shall be fully qualified and shall be authorized under State and local laws to perform such services. c. The Subgrantee shall assign the following as key personnel to the HPRP Program: Staff Member Title General Program Duties Director of Housing Develop working relationships with private Services sector building manager, non-profit affordable housing providers, responsible for inspections prior to move-in and follow-up at least annually, case management, coordinating services for homeless individuals and families, reporting information as set forth in contract Housing Services Case management, coordinating services for Coordinator homeless individuals and families, establishing a network of service for client Any changes in key personnel or their general responsibilities under this project are subject to prior approval of the City. The Subgrantee will develop program guidelines as a hands-on guide for program delivery staff. 21. Rene�otiation. This contract may be renegotiated at the request of either party in the event alternate sources of funding become available during the term of the contractual agreement. The Subgrantee must notify the City of all occurrences where alternate funding becomes available. 22. Retention: The subrecipient shall retain all financial records, supporting documentation, statistical records, and all other records pertaining to the Agreement for a period of 5 years. The retention period begins on the date of the submission of the Grantee's final report to HUD in which the activities assisted under the Agreement are reported on for the final time. Notwithstanding the above, if there are audits, claims, or other actions that involve any of the records citied and that have started before the expiration of the 5 year period, then such records must be retained until completion of the actions and resolutions of all issues, or the expiration of the 5 year period, whichever occurs later. 23. Confidentialitv: The confidentiality of records pertaining to any individual provided with assistance; and that the address or location of any assisted housing will not be made public. 24. Drug Free Workplace: The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701, et seq.) and HUD's implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 21 apply to HPRP. 25. Compliance with Fair Housin� and Civil Rights Laws: Subgrantee must comply with all applicable fair housing and civil rights requirements in 24 CFR 5.105(a). 26. Monitorin�: The Subgrantee will be monitored by the City at least quarterly to ensure program requirements and any subsequent guidance is met. Monitoring may also be conducted by the local HUD office of Community Planning and Development, HUD's Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs, HUD's Office of Inspector General, HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, or any other federal agency to determine whether the Subgrantee complied with the requirements of this program. 27. Amendments: The City or Subgrantee may amend this Agreement at any time provided that such amendments make specific reference to this Agreement, and are executed in writing, signed by a duly authorized representative of each organization, and approved by Wichita Falls City Council. Such amendments shall not invalidate this Agreement, nor relieve or release the City or Subgrantee from its obligations under this Agreement. The City may, in its discretion, amend this Agreement to conform with Federal, state, or local governmental guidelines, policies and available funding amounts, or for other reasons. If such amendments results in a change in the funding, the scope of services, or schedule of activities to be undertaken as part of this Agreement, such modifications will be incorporated only by written amendment signed by both the City and the Subgrantee. This agreement adopted herein by reference, constitutes and expresses the entire agreement between the parties hereto and shall not be amended or modified except by written instrument signed by both parties. This agreement made and entered into the 15th day of July, 2009. CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS BY: Darron Leiker, City Manager ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Attorney NORTEX Regional Planning Commission By: Executive Director