Saco council confirms Economic Development Commission as CDBG advisory body and accepts $100,000 grant for manufacturing jobs
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Summary
The City Council on Jan. 6 appointed the Economic Development Commission to serve as the Community Development Block Grant advisory committee, adopted required CDBG Phase 2 exhibits, and approved a resolution accepting $100,000 for a manufacturing equipment purchase tied to 20 full‑time jobs.
Councilor Johnston moved that the City Council confirm the mayor's appointment of the Economic Development Commission to serve as the Community Development Advisory Committee for the Community Development Block Grant program and adopt the Phase 2 materials required by the grant program. The motion passed on roll call, 7-0.
The action clears required procedural steps so the city may accept a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award for an economic development project. Councilor Johnston said the grant was submitted on behalf of Tambark Molded Fiber Products to buy equipment intended to create 20 full‑time jobs. "Before receiving funds, the city must complete phase 2 of the grant process," Johnston said when introducing the agenda items.
Why it matters: The CDBG process requires a local advisory committee, a public hearing, and adoption of program exhibits (standards of conduct, fair housing resolution, Section 504 self‑evaluation and transition plan, a residential anti‑displacement plan and an equal employment opportunity statement) before federal funds may be accepted and expended.
Economic development director Tracey Desjardins told the council the city completed Phase 1 and that Phase 2 is a routine, required step by state and federal reviewers. "This is basically we went through phase 1 ... This is phase 2. Part of phase 2, everything that you have is a requirement through this through the State at the Federal side as well," Desjardins said.
The council opened and then closed a public hearing on the resolution; no members of the public asked to speak. Councilor Johnston then moved adoption of the resolution to accept the $100,000 CDBG award on behalf of Tambark Molded Fiber Products; the motion passed on roll call, 7-0.
Next steps: With the council resolution adopted and the advisory committee confirmed, the city will proceed with the grant requirements and, if all federal and state conditions are met, receive and administer the $100,000 award for the equipment purchase tied to the job‑creation commitment. The council packet materials list the Phase 2 exhibits adopted by the body as part of the action.