SUBJECT
title
Ratifying a resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas authorizing the City Manager to submit and accept a grant program application to AEP Texas for the AEP Texas Targeted Low-Income Program in the amount of $50,000.00, and authorizing the city manager to execute all necessary documents. The program will provide for the replacement of complete central air conditioning and heating units for an estimated five (5) single family dwellings from the Municipal Housing homes. Funding is under Municipal Housing Funds.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 4.1:
“Ensure that all Laredo residents have access to safe, quality, and affordable housing.”
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4-3)
Relevance:
The proposed grant will fund the replacement of complete central air conditioning and heating units in twelve (12) single-family dwellings under the Noise Abatement and Municipal Housing programs. By improving HVAC systems, the City enhances housing quality, safety, and livability for low-income residents, directly advancing access to safe and quality housing.
Policy 4.1.2:
“Promote the rehabilitation and preservation of existing housing stock to maintain safe and decent living conditions.”
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4-5)
Relevance:
The replacement of aging or inefficient HVAC systems constitutes rehabilitation of existing housing stock. This action preserves municipal housing assets while ensuring safe and decent living conditions for qualifying low-income households.
Policy 9.3.1:
“Encourage energy efficiency and conservation practices in residential, commercial, and public facilities.”
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 9-12)
Relevance:
The AEP Texas Targeted Low-Income Program specifically funds energy efficiency improvements through the replacement of central air conditioning and heating systems. This aligns directly with the Plan’s policy to encourage energy efficiency in residential properties, particularly within publicly managed housing.
Summary of alignment:
The proposed resolution authorizes submission of a grant application to fund HVAC replacements in low-income Noise Abatement and Municipal Housing properties. This action directly advances Goal 4.1 by improving access to safe, quality, and affordable housing. It fulfills Policy 4.1.2 through the rehabilitation and preservation of existing housing stock and supports Policy 9.3.1 by implementing energy-efficient upgrades in residential units.
The agenda item demonstrates a clear and direct implementation of housing quality, sustainability, and energy conservation objectives identified in the Comprehensive Plan. It also intersects with broader planning themes of public health (through improved indoor air quality and thermal comfort), equity (targeting low-income households), sustainability (energy efficiency improvements), and long-term municipal asset stewardship.
Based on the direct correspondence between the action and verbatim housing and energy policies, the level of alignment is appropriately classified as Strong.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
N/A
BACKGROUND
AEP Texas, through its consulting firm Frontier Energy, Inc., administers the AEP Texas Targeted Low-Income Program, which provides funding assistance for energy efficiency improvements benefiting qualifying residential properties including the replacement of complete central air conditioning and heating systems.
The Municipal Housing Division (MH) manages numerous single-family dwellings under the Noise Abatement Program and Municipal Housing properties. Through prior participation in the program, MH has successfully completed HVAC replacement projects that improved energy efficiency and overall housing conditions at Noise Abatement and Municipal Housing properties.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the approval of this resolution.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: AEP, Texas
Account #: 555-3910
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available under Municipal Housing fund 555-3910.