SHELBY — Joe Gies can’t recall a time during his tenure when the City of Shelby was without CHIP funds.
The Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) Program partners with communities to preserve and improve Ohio’s housing stock through various housing-related initiatives, according to the Ohio Department of Development.
Efforts may include home renovations and repairs, as well as rental assistance, among others.
During Monday’s Shelby City Council meeting, Gies said he received an email last week announcing the city’s CHIP grant application had been approved.
Back in May, council passed a resolution to enter into a partnership with Richland County Commissioners for the 2024 CHIP program year. Lawmakers also authorized the Ohio Regional Development Corporation to submit the application on the city’s behalf.
Gies said Monday the award was for $700,000.
“That distributes throughout all of Richland County, so Ohio Regional Development will administer that (grant),” he said.
“As long as I’ve worked here (Shelby) we’ve had a CHIP grant, so that’s good for the citizens.”
Who qualifies for projects using CHIP funds?
The city’s current CHIP grant expires at the end of this year. New funds will go toward projects in 2025 and 2026.
In May, Gies said the city commonly uses awarded funds for home repairs and renovations.
Any household in the City of Shelby whose total income of all wage earners —18 years or older — falls at or below the income guidelines for the program are eligible to apply.
According to the city’s website, the program does not guarantee funding to all applicants.
The city determines funding priority using program guidelines — which includes household income, the priority rating of a resident’s home, housing needs and the availability of funds.
Visit the city’s website for more information about CHIP eligibility and how to apply.
Several appointments confirmed Monday
City Council confirmed the appointments of four people to several boards and commissions Monday evening.
Geoffrey Allen was appointed to the Board of Park Commissioners. Dustin Vousden was designated to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Furthermore, Ted Clabaugh’s appointment to the Civil Service Commission was confirmed, as was Steve Lifer’s appointment to the Shade Tree Commission.
“These (people) are all veterans on these different bodies, which I’m glad to see them coming back,” Schag said.
In other action Monday, City Council:
— approved updates to food service/retail food establishment license fees.
— amended Chapter 452 (Parking Generally) of the city’s codified ordinances to provide more efficient enforcement and application of parking and traffic ordinances.
— amended the city’s annual appropriations to increase expenditures within two line items; policemen and firemen pension fund and utility payments.
— transferred appropriations for the year 2024.
— entered into a contract with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18-S Unit A.
— established wages for department heads and other non-certified employees effective Jan. 1, 2025.
— created temporary appropriations for the year 2025 to provide funding for the operation of the city government prior to the passage of the final appropriations.
— approved weed assessments as issued by the director of public service.
— declared the city’s intent to sell property no longer needed for municipal purposes through an internet auction/sale for the calendar year 2025.
— declared the city’s intent to vacate an alley running parallel to East Main Street, located behind the area of 19 Mansfield Ave.
— authorized the rehiring of John Ensman to the position of director of utilities/deputy director of public service effective Jan. 3, 2025.