07/11/2006
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NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 11, 2006
Present: Lisa Hughes
Donald Brackett
Laurel Braswell
John Sabatier
Peggy M. Cutkomp
Josephine Carbone
Empty Seat
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present: Howie Carroll
Michael Holmes
Patricia O. Sullivan
Assistant Director of Housing
Housing Manager
Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
3 - Approval of Minutes - May 9,2006
Member Sabatier moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 9, 2006,
as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
4 -FY 2006/07 Consolidated Action Plan - Public Hearina
Assistant Director of Housing Howie Carroll reviewed staff efforts to prepare the
Consolidated Action Plan, which will be presented at the July 31, 2006, Council Work Session
and August 3,2006, Council Meeting, and forwarded to USHUD (U.S. Department of Housing &
Urban Development) by August 15, 2006. Subrecipient agreements must be returned by the
first week of September 2006. A mandatory training workshop in September will provide
technical assistance to subrecipients regarding monthly reports, reimbursements, and backup
documentation requirements. NAHAB (Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Authority Board)
members will be invited.
In response to questions, Mr. Carroll said this year's action plan continues to further
goals in the City's five-year plan. Following completion of this year's CAPER (Consolidated
Annual Performance and Evaluation Report), staff will determine how goals are being achieved
and tweak future action plans accordingly. He reviewed eligibility and verification requirements
for City-funded program participants.
Two representatives from current subrecipient, Lighthouse Funding, said the application
process was unfair as they had not been invited to February's workshop nor notified that
packets were available for pickup.
Mr. Carroll apologized for the agency not being included on the City's interested party
list. The Legal Department has opined that the City met its burden by advertising the program
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in a paper of general circulation, as required. The interested party list is a convenience. He
encouraged the agency to continue providing homebuyer education.
Discussion ensued with comments that organizations are required to maintain a level of
due diligence and care to communicate with funding providers regarding available funds and
application processes. It was recommended that the City's web site include notification and
other information regarding the application process.
A representative from RCS (Religious Community Services) said programs outside
Clearwater serve City residents. It was indicated that service providers do not have to be
located in the City to receive funding but must provide evidence that they serve City residents.
A representative from CNHS (Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services)
complimented the City's commitment to its Consolidated Plan goals.
Member Sabatier moved to recommend approval of the FY (Fiscal Year) 2006/07
Consolidated Action Plan. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
5 - New/Old Business
Affordable Housing Nexus Study
When completed at the end of the year, Mr. Carroll will distribute the affordable housing
nexus study, funded by Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, and Pinellas County.
. Draft Letter re Affordable Housing
A drafted letter to the City Council regarding Affordable Housing was reviewed. The
letter encouraged the City Council to keep Affordable Housing on its radar screen and to
recognize that NAHAB members are a valuable resource, able to act proactively. It was
recommended that the City approach the County for additional funding as the County has
surplus revenues this year. It was suggested that JWB (Juvenile Welfare Board) could use its
surplus revenues to expand services. Concern was expressed that City efforts not be delayed,
as future costs to address this issue will increase substantially. It was hoped that investment
would be made in community land trusts to help reduce the cost of buying homes and that
development booms be leveraged with affordable housing requirements for the good of the
entire community.
Member Brackett moved that NAHAB supports forwarding the letter to the City Council.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Mr. Carroll reported the City should receive money from the County's new housing trust
fund. Many work groups are addressing affordable housing issues, including rental housing
challenges and inclusionary zoning. He requested that board members contact staff with their
ideas and recommendations. Concern was expressed that changes occur quickly, such as
sudden increases to homeowner insurance rates.
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Mr. Carroll recommended that NAHAB members speak with their legislators next year to
release affordable housing funds from the Sadowski Act State and Local Housing Trust Fund,
which could top $1 billion by next year. No cuts to CDBG (Community Development Block
Grant) funds are anticipated in the next year. Staff is investigating other revenue streams. In
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response to a question, Mr. Holmes reviewed the City's foreclosure assistance program, which
can be used only one time. The significant increase in property insurance rates is a major
problem.
6 - Next Meetinq
2006.
Future NAHAS meetings will be scheduled in October and then November or December
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
Attest:
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Neighborhood & Affordable Housing 2006-07-11
Chai,
Neighborhood & Afford ble
Housing Advisory Soard
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