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03/17/1998 (2) . . '~ ." ' " \; e'i .' 'I.' ,.:. , ., ., .~. ,: .:c. '. .. '," ~\:""-:"t'":-i.. " ' , 'oj, "", l,' 't". ' ' . . , 0 I,.. :~e'~.e _l,e~,,,;,, ,,-~!.': ' ~ j'" ~" :..~: '< II . . ~. .. ( , ,> \' ' , ' " l: 'j, ,{: , . . , , , ':'j: ~ " ," I . ' . . .' .,... . e.), . " .' I;, . ,'.< : ' ' , . ; , '. NAHAS 1 +r ~ .,. . .. . .. ::'.:' 'J i . 1\" . ',' . " " .', . . 'Neighborhood & Affordable H.ousing Ad.visory Board MINUTES' '.)< . '\"'''" .,... :'l i" ' :i,' ',' : .).., :":~: Ie ; , " .... ,,~.'. r. ' ' ,'. >' " ,. ~ ' < . ;. '."> ' , , J~ : '.,' I ( ~;(,< ,': '... ;:::-, " H .' :.<';,;,>, . , ,. '. .: , h' , ~' ,,~ ' , ,.',', <.: " . .:1 , .J . :~ 'I e ' .'.Date Ma.r~h' 'rz19Q B '1 I .\ 1 I , ! , " ,: ~.!. i, ' ~ : ::>."..', ..,' ,." I d. . " '", .' ,. /, . I' ,I,' J- " , '. .\. , " l " , . ' " . , , " ;- ~. , , . ',1" , ' , 'I '. \ .; , i !, ' " . , '. ' ,I ' , , ....' , , J . ; },.' .' " ~ <., . g!o& ~~~?~~~,~:.. ,':, ~:;, , : ~' ~-: ~.' ,.~,.......e. ~~~..- ~.'.~ .'.~ ":' ~ 3 ,. ;,'~I ,/;. (~'i~ . < ,> < , ; .' <; ; .".... :: J::. ~~J..:..~t..9. : ":~,:,,t..,.. ~.'~': ,; ;~'T< i)';:' , '~h,~i i ;:;':...~, :'..... . ~.>> ......: .!.,e. .:'<7.': :I~'.i_;. :~~;l~"<~~~ '.lo.F...R...e .. , " ~ , ....-.. : '1 ~'.............. . J NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 17, 1998 Present: Mary Myhill Howard. Groth Milly Joplin Mayme W. Hodges William Turner, Sr. Bertha Kelley Warren Hunt Vacant Seat Alan J. Ferri Michael Holmes Patricia O. Sullivan Chair Vice~Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Housing & Urban Development Director Housing & Urban Development Assistant Director Board Reporter Absent: Rev. William Graham Board Member The Chair called the meeting to, order at 6:35 p.m. at Ross Norton Park. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #2 . Aooroval of the Minutes Member Joplin moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 17, 1998, as recorded and submitted ;n written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 . Citizens to be Heard Lawrence uDuke" Tieman, with South Clearwater Citizens for Progressive Action, said his organization has worked in partnership with CSF (Community Services Foundation) to develop the vacant property at South Greenwood Avenue and Woodlawn Street for a family center and Police Department substation. Housing & Urban Development Director Alan Ferri stated the Phase II environmental review of the property is in process. The City has several liens on the property, which has been vacant a long time. Jerrv Soilatr9, CSF Executive Director, said the project is funded in part by a $224,527 USHUD (U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development) Safe Neighborhood Grant to be used for Police Department fixtures, a Police Officer position, $75,000 for 2 years of overtime pay, and cell phones for neighborhood watch participants. Grants were limited to affordable housing providers. The CSF is partnering with 10 organizations on this project which is designed to reduce area crime. In response to a question, Mr. Spilatro said the family center will share the 6,OOO.square foot facility with a 1 ,500-square foot Police Department substation. The project also is funded by a $192,825 CDBG (Community Development Block Grant). mna0398 03/17/98 1 ~". '. I' . .... . . . '.'] ,." .... '.' '. ". ; '.'- .~ : ':;1. ". .. :. . r' t.. ~ ,,'. . i~: '. . '~:;.~ r"" ~:'~:r "~ ~, .. ~Ji~"{J~;-'\'~~;:" _~..~" F, " " ITEM #4 ~ Agencv Presentation ~ None. ITEM #6 . Member Suboranteo Monitorina Reoorts Member Groth reported on Tampa Bay COC (Community Development Corporation), which had been awarded $175,000 in COBG funds for FY (fiscal year) 1997/98. He said $15,000 was earmarked for the agency's Homebuyer's Club. The agency has expended 64% of its COBG award and is on target for the year with their disbursements for down payments, rehabilitation, and home ownership counseling. Mr. Ferri reminded members that subgrantee monitoring visits must be completed before April 3, 1998. Reports have not been received for the Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club, Homeless Emergency Project, and Girls, Inc. ITEM #6 - Old Business a) Review of Application and Evaluation forms Mr. Ferri reported he had not received any comments or recommended changes regarding the application and evaluation forms from NAHAS (Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board) or TRC (Technical Review Committee) members. Some language clarification did net result in substantial change. He requested immediate response should members wish to provide further input. b) Funding Policy Changes Mr. Ferri reviewed the motion approved by NAHAB on February 17, 1998, that recommended the City Commission change the funding policy whereby the City would set aside a City-wide pool for housing and economic development needs for which pre. qualified agencies could submit projects that meet funding criteria, that an agency's capacity be based on a performance indicator that limits funding to 10% more than the agency's average annual production during the previous 3 years, and that approval of new agencies be based on proven track records. Mr. Spilatro expressed concerns the proposed policy punishes expanding programs. Mr. Ferri said public facility funds will not be affected. It was noted the recommendation is a result of agencies that did not use the significant funding they had secured. It was felt successful agencies should not be punished. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said a 3- year window provides a clear picture of an agency's ability to deliver promised services. Discussion ensued regarding modifications to the policy including limiting increases to 10% greater than the most recent year, limiting the new policy to agencies that met 80% or less of their goals, etc. It was noted CNHS (Clearwator Neighborhood Housing Services) should not be judged harshly due to conditions beyond its control. It was recommended the issue be tabled to provide the board time for careful consideration. Assistant Housing & Urban Development Director Mi~e Holmes said mna0398 2 03/17/98 .l'l.'.. : ..... 'j- ;" .,. '".~.) ."- ~ changes should be instituted prior to April 3, 1998, when the NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) is scheduled for distribution. This policy was recommended to moat USHUD restrictions that will punish the City for rolled over funds. A model of how the policy would have impacted the FY 1997/98 funds was requested. Concern was expressed present policy returns unspent funds to the City's HUD department which can spend the money without NAHAS oversight. Mr. Ferri said the department is responsible for spending the money to deliver services as prescribed by federal law in a timely and accurate manner. In rasponse to a question, Mr. Ferri said he has the authority to extend an agency's contract for 6 months if sufficient proof indicates the agency was not at fault for the resulting delay. Beginning in August 19981 USHUD can recapture unspent funds in excess of 150% of the City's annual award. Jonathon Wade, President of the North Greenwood Association, expressed concern NAHAS meetings scheduled in the community had not been advertised. It was noted NAHAS meets monthly with its meetings listed on all City calendars. Concern was expressed a'n alternative solution to the recommended funding policy would take time to consider. Member Groth moved to table Item #6b until April 21, 1998. The motion was duly seconded. Mr. Holmes recommended the policy be in place before applications are distributed to local agencies. Mr. Ferri said notice can be sent to all applicants following April 21, 1998. He noted changes will affect many applicants. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. c) Annual Report to Commission Mr. Ferri reported the Consolidated Plan will be presented to the July 16, 1998, City Commission meeting that starts at 6:00 p.m. He welcomed NAHAS members to participate in the presentation. It was recommended preparation for this event be agendaed for June 1 7, 1998. d) Vacancy due to resignation of Shirley Moran, Provider of Affordable Housing Mr. Ferri said no applications had been received for the vacant seat for a Provider of Affordable Housing. He requested members who were contacted regarding reappointment to telephone the City Clerk Department and indicate if they wish to be reappointed. Mr. Ferri will discuss with the City Clerk his recommendation to appoint Vice-Chair Groth, who is Chair of CHA (Clearwater Housing Authority), to complete the remainder of Ms. Moran's term and to appoint a new member to represent East Clearwater and complete Vice-Chair Groth's current term. It will be less difficult to find an East mna0398 03/17/98 3 ~ \',1 >'-..--' '-'~ Clearwater representative than one who provides affordable housing but has no conflicts. It was noted many citizens do not know how to participate in City government The vacancy has been broadcast on C-View TV's bulletin board. It was suggested this vacancy be advertised in utility bills and that homeowners associations be contacted. e) Consolidated Plan Time Table Mr. Ferri reviewed the FY 1998/99 Consolidated Plan Process Schedule: 1) April 3, 1998 - NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability); 2) Apr'i1 8, 1998 - Technical Assistance Meeting; 3) April 14, 1998 - Housing Public Meeting; 4) April 16, 1998 - Homeless Public Meeting; 5) April 21, 1998 - Economic Development Public Meeting; 6) April 23, 1998 - Special Needs Population Public Meeting; 7) May 8, 1998 - Application Due Date; 8) May 21, 1998 - Site Visits; 9) May 26, 1998 - Subgrantee Public Presentation; 10) May 27, 199B - NAHAS Evaluations; 11) May 29, 1998 - TRC Evaluations; 12) June 12, 1998 - Publish Consolidated Plan; 13) June 13, 1998 - Public Comment Period Begins; 14) JUly 13, 19!38 - Public Comment Period Ends; 15) July 16, 1998 - City Commission Presentation & Public Hearing; and 16) August 15, 1998 - Submission to HUD. A updated copy will be forwarded to board members. ITEM #7 - New Business C-Vlew TV It was stated broadcasting NAHAS meetings on C-View TV should be continued. NAHAS discusses and makes decisions regarding the distribution of a large amount of taxpayer money. It was felt citizens should be able to view this important work. It was suggested C-View TV accompany NAHAB members on subgrantee visits to highlight individual agencies and educate the public regarding needs and the types of services offered. It was felt all agencies in Clearwater should be showcased, not just those which receive CDSG funds. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said broadcasting NAHAS and other board meetings was discontinued due to limited resources. It was felt NAHAS meetings provide important information to citizens. It was stated C-View has too many reruns of some programs. Lois Cormier, longtime South Greenwood resident, reported several boards had written letters to the City Commission in protest of broadcasting cutbacks. Isay Gulley! CNHS Executive Director, noted not all citizens are able to attend NAHAS meetings. Member Groth moved for the Chair to write a letter to the Mayor, with copies to the City Commission, City Manager, and Information Management Director Jeff Harper, protesting the cancellation of C-View TV's airing of NAHAS meetings and a request for an explanation of City management's position regarding the issue. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. .' Notices for PubHc Meetings mna0398 03/17/98 4 ',,' 'I, ,~ t-:..." . 1~'l~1~! ,...) J)k~:i~"r. ,'~ ..:. ~l .' " ! . ~ ' . In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said the legal obligations for NAHAS meetings is to advertise them on C-View TV and the City Clerk's bulletin board. He suggested NAHAS membe~s could encourage members of organizations they actively support to attend the neighborhood meetings. It' was recommended announcements of the meetings be posted on-site. Mr. Tieman said if requested, South Clearwater Citizens for Progressive Action will distribute flyers regarding the meetings. It was suggested the staff at meeting locations be advised of the meetings in advance. It was noted many North Greenwood community organizations already meet often. It was felt community members will attend the meetings that interest them. Ms. Gulley said some residents would attend if they knew the time and location of the community meetings. Mr. Spilatro said this issue illustrates the need for C-View TV to broadcast NAHAS meetings. Clearwater citizens are not informed regarding NAHAS's agenda. As NAHAS discusses policy changes, it was suggested subgrantees have an interest in board discussions. Ms. Cormier elCpressed concern no one sees the notices of NAHAS meetings posted in City Hall. Mr. Spilatro said he previously remained informed regarding the NAHAS meeting schedule by its listing in C-View's schedule. It was recommended CHUD forward copies of NAHAB's minutes to sub-grantees. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said the NOFA will be advertised and mailed to 70 agencies. He anticipated the City will receive approximately 30 applications and will be able to fund approximately 15. ' ITEM #8 . Announcements A design charette for North Greenwood has been scheduled at the Martin Luther King Center on March 28, 1998, at 10:00 a.m. ITEM #9 - Next Scheduled Regular Meetina a) Next Scheduled Regular Meeting - April 21, 1998, City Hall at 10:00 a. m. ITEM #10 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Chair Neighbo ood Advisory Board mna0398 03/17/98 5 . "'; ,'. ,. "