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February 19, 2007 (Regular Meeting) Page 271 efforts in the form of comments, complaints or inquiries submitted directly to the Program Administrator or the consultant who is administering the program. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION Citizen participation in program implementation will occur primarily through consultation with the Advisory Committee. They will be asked to review and comment on specific guidelines for approved projects. They will also meet to review any program amendments, budget revisions and other program modifications. All such changes will be discussed and their comments considered prior to action being taken. These meetings will be held on an as- needed basis. If program amendments require DOC approval, a public hearing will be held on the amendment. Citizens may also be involved in implementation of projects requiring citizen participation. PROGRAM ASSESSMENT Program assessment activities by citizens will occur in a variety of ways. A performance hearing will be held thirty (30) to sixty (60) days prior to the start of planning for the next program year. The Advisory Committee will be asked to provide citizen commentary for the Grantee Performance Report and to review that report prior to its submission. As part of the orientation to the program offered at the public hearing, citizens -will be invited to submit comments on all aspects of program performance through the program year. Complaints should be submitted in writing to the CDBG Administrator, P.O. Box 707, Concord, NC 28026. A response will be given within ten (10) calendar days. If the response is unsatisfactory and the citizen is still dissatisfied, he/she should write to the Department of Commerce, Division of Community Assistance, P.O. Box 12600, Raleigh, N.C. 27605-2600 requesting an investigation of tha= problem. Program staff will also be available during normal business horns to respond to citizen inquiries. The Citizen Participation Plan will be subject to annual review and proposed revisions by the Advisory Committee to occur in the period between the performance hearing and the first public hearing on the subsequent year's application. Technical assistance will be provided to citizen organizations and groups of low/moderate income persons or target area residents upon request. Such assistance will support citizen efforts to develop proposals, define policy and organize for the implementation of the program. It is expected that such assistance will be provided directly to the Advisory Committee in response to their request. Assistance could be provided in the form of local expert presentations, information handouts, research of a specific issueor other short-term efforts. Public Information: A public information effort will be undertaken to promote citizen participation. These efforts will include: - Public Notice of all public hearings will be published in the non-legal section of the newspaper at least ten (10) days before the hearing. These notices will indicate the date, time, location and topic to be considered. The notices will also be made available in the form of press releases as a public service announcement to local radio stations and will be provided to churches within the target area for distribution. - Orientation information will be provided at the first public hearing. The Program Administrator will make a presentation in each participating community covering the total CDBG funds available and the competitive basis for award; the range of eligible activities; the planning process and the schedule of meetings and hearings; the role of the citizens in the program; and a summary of other program requirements such as environmental, fair housing and contracting procedures. - A public file containing program documentation will be available for review at the Cabarrus County Government Center, 65 Church Street S., Concord, NC 28026 during normal business hours. Included will be copies of the Application, Environmental Review Record, the Citizen Participation Plan and Annual Performance Reports. Other program documents are also available for citizen review or request consistent with applicable state and local laws regarding personal privacy and obligations of confidentiality. - In the case of public hearings where a significant number of non-English speaking residents are expected to participate, a bilingual interpreter will be provided.