Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

The City of Miami Gardens is an entitlement recipient of Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for which the City received $1,098,576.00 in Fiscal Year 2020-2021. The City has received an application for rehabilitation assistance from the following City employee who has been determined income eligible: Val Law.

The Federal Government's Code of Federal Regulations, 24 CFR Section 570.611 states: "(c) Conflicts Prohibited. The general rule is that no person described in paragraph (c) of this section who exercise or have exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to the CDBG activities assisted under this part, or who are in a position to participate in a decision making process or gain inside information with regard to such activities, may obtain a financial interest or benefit from a CDBG-assisted activity or have a financial interest in any contract, or agreement with respect to a CDBG-assisted activity either for themselves or those with whom they have business or immediate family ties, during their tenure or one year thereafter . . ." "(c) Persons Covered. The conflict of interest provisions of paragraph (b) of this section apply to any person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected official or appointed official of the participating jurisdiction, State recipient, or sub-recipients which are receiving funds under this part."

Exception

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may grant an exception to these provisions and allow residents to receive funds for the rehabilitation of a home, provided the City publicly disclose the nature of the potential conflict and an opinion from the City attorney that the interest for which we are seeking the exception is not in violation of State or Local law. The potential conflict in this case arises from the fact that the applicant is an employee of the City of Miami Gardens, and the City is a recipient of CDBG funding. Ms. Sonja K. Dickens, serving as City Attorney, will review all documentation and issue a legal opinion regarding the potential conflict of interest. She will determine whether the residents application violates 24 CFR 570.611 or any City administrative policy. 

Public Comment

Residents are encouraged to review the complete opinion and provide written comments. Copies of the opinion are available for review at the Community Services Department, located at 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Suite 151, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056 during regular business hours, Monday to Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the 15-day period to commence on (No date dates needed at this time). Comments may be submitted to the Community Services Department by mail, in person, or by e-mail to tanthony@miamigardens-fl.gov on or before the set deadline. 

 If you have any questions regarding this notice, please feel free to contact Ms. Tracey-Ann Anthony, Community Services Director at the Community Services Department (305) 622-8041.