09/08/2015 NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 8, 2015
Present: Chair Michael Potts, Vice Chair Vicki Adelson, Board Member Peggy M. Cutkomp,
Board Member Kevin Chinault, Board Member Empty Seat
Absent: Board Member Lisa Hughes, Board Member Linda Kemp
Also Present: Geri Campos Lopez— Economic Development & Housing Director, Michael
Holmes — Housing Manager, Patricia O. Sullivan — Board Reporter
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.
3 —Approval of Minutes
3.1. Approve minutes of the June 16, 2015 Neighborhood &Affordable Housing Advisory
Board meeting as submitted in written summation.
Member Cutkomp moved to approve minutes of the June 16, 2015 Neighborhood &Affordable
Housing Advisory Board meeting as submitted in written summation. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
4—Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda: None.
5—State Housing Initiative Partnership Annual Reports
5.1. Fiscal Year 2012-2013
5.2. Fiscal Year 2013-2014
5.3. Fiscal Year 2014-2015
Housing Coordinator Terry Malcolm-Smith provided background on the Williams E. Sadowski
Affordable Housing Act, which created the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Program. Through SHIP, the Economic Development& Housing Department funded: 1) down
payment/closing costs assistance for existing structures; 2) rehabilitation of owner occupied
single-family homes; 3) acquisition/rehabilitation of existing homes; and 4) construction of new
homes in target and revitalization areas.
For close out year FY (Fiscal Year) 2012/13, the City received $42,274 from the State and
$129,794.44 in program income. Using approved strategies, the department assisted 15
families. SHIP funds and income were used to match federal programs and leveraged more
than $1.3 million in other funds to continue existing housing programs. All local governments
receiving SHIP funds must submit annual reports to Florida Housing Finance Corporation by
September 15.
In response to questions, Ms. Malcolm-Smith said families with income at or below 120% AMI
(Area Median Income) income qualify for assistance. Economic Development& Housing
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Director Geri Campos Lopez said most program participants have incomes at 80% AMI. Prior to
the recession, City program income was more than $1,000,000; then it dropped to $0.
6 —Approval of Housing Division Loans
6.1. Garden Trail Apartments, LLC
Housing Manager Michael Holmes reviewed the Garden Trail Apartments project. Financing for
the $14 million, 76-unit project should close this month. The developer requested a $350,000
loan from the City to underground utilities. Ms. Campos Lopez said staff began working on the
project in 2005; the State approved the low income tax credits last year. The project will provide
needed rental units in the neighborhood. The City linked the property to the Pinellas Trail.
Member Cutkomp moved to recommend the City's Housing Division loan the Garden Trail
Apartments, LLC project$350,000 to underground development utilities. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
6.2. Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County
Mr. Holmes said a $53,750 loan was approved previously for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas
County to acquire property to build 4 single-family residences on Milton Street. The agency has
requested a $200,000 loan to build the first 2 homes, which will be sold for$130,000 each to
families with 80% AMI. Proceeds from those sales will be used to construct the next 2 houses.
Ken Rush with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County said on site structures were razed; the
property was divided into 4 parcels. The residences will be similar to homes in Stevens Creek.
Member Adelson moved to recommend approval of a $200,000 loan from the City's Housing
Division to Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County to construct 4 single-family houses on the
Milton Street lots. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6.3. The Kimberly Home, Inc.
Mr. Holmes reviewed previous Kimberly Home, Inc. projects. The agency requested a $95,000
loan to purchase property at 114 N. Missouri Avenue. The agency plans to renovate the
structure and make it available for practitioners.
Member Chinault moved to recommend approval of a $95,000 loan from the City's Housing
Division to The Kimberly Home, Inc. to purchase property at 114 N. Missouri Avenue. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
7 — Housing Project Updates
7.1. Keene Road Project
Mr. Holmes said the City provided funds to Bright Community Trust to acquire, rehabilitate, and
sell a house on Keene Road. The construction was completed but the $129,900 sale fell
through. Another application was being submitted.
7.2. Neptune Street Project
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Mr. Holmes said the Neptune Street project is under construction
8 — Low Income Housing Tax Credit
Mr. Holmes said the State announced availability of low income housing tax credits. He
requested the board recommend the City allocate $75,000 from the General Fund as a match
for the program. If the developer of a project in Clearwater is awarded the tax credits, the
Housing Division will fund the allocation. Applications are due by November 5.
Member Chinault moved to recommend the City allocate $75,000 as a match for low income
housing tax credits for a project in Clearwater. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
9 — OId /New Business
Ms. Campos Lopez provided updates re the Prospect Lake apartment project, the condo
conversion project at Cleveland Street and Osceola Avenue, and the Strand development. The
City received several inquiries re the Kmart site on Gulf -to -Bay Boulevard. A master plan is
being developed for the Seminole Boat ramp area; members will be noticed when the charette
is scheduled. Discussions are ongoing between the City and County re the PSTA (Pinellas
Suncoast Transit Authority) bus terminal property; a downtown parking garage is needed.
Mr. Holmes reported he will retire at the end of the month after 31 years with the City's housing
program. He appreciated working with members of the board.
Ms. Campos Lopez said Mr. Holmes' retirement will be a definite loss and requested Board
patience during the transition.
Mr. Holmes was thanked for his service and dedication.
10 — Next Meeting — October 13, 2015
11 — Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:48 a.m.
Attest:
\ 7
"Chair
Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Board Reporter,
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