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01/16/1996 NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER January 16, 1996 Present: Shirley Moran Chair Mayme W. Hodges Vice-Chair Rev. William Graham Board Member William Turner, Sr. Board Member Bertha Kelley Board Member Howard Groth Board Member Mary Myhill Board Member (arrived at 7:17 p.m.) Milly Joplin Board Member Alan J. Ferri Economic Development Director Michael Holmes Economic Development Assistant Director Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter Absent: George Konstantinidis Board Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at Ross Norton Park Center. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM # 2 - Approval of Minutes Member Groth moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 21, 1995, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - Subgrantee Reports Economic Development Director Alan Ferri said staff contacted two of the subgrantees, questioning why their reports were late. Neighborly Senior Services did not submit a report because they had no activity. They had received $6,000 to install a new shower facility in their Ewing Street building but delayed the project pending a decision regarding the facility's future. They did not want to invest those funds if they were moving within one year. They will submit reports in the future, even when no activity occurs. Boys and Girls Club did not submit their report due to an oversight. CSF's (Community Services Foundation) December report was late due to the holidays. Their January report was on time. Mr. Ferri said the reports indicate the agencies NAHAB (Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board) recommended for funding to the City Commission have continued as planned. Economic Development Assistant Director Michael Holmes reported the Mustard Seed Foundation had not submitted a report. They had thought one was required only if relevant activity had occurred. A report will be submitted within a week. A counseling program has begun. A reference was made to the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds carried over from last year. What happens to the funds of agencies that did not fully expend their money was questioned. Mr. Ferri said those funds are returned to one of the originating loan pools: 1) Housing rehabilitation; 2) In-fill/home ownership; or 3) Economic development. Concern was expressed regarding agencies previously unable to spend their funding. Mr. Ferri said, in the future, he would provide a separate monthly accounting regarding the status of the loan pool and list reserve, obligations, and year-to-date expenditures. Funds must be used for the intended purpose originally allocated. Consensus of the board was for Mr. Ferri to provide these monthly reports. It was noted with current monitoring procedures, the board will be able to promptly address programs off target. Mr. Ferri said City commitment of CDBG, HOME, and SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funds for programs has increased. Fewer funds will be left over this year because the programs were restructured. Staff will work to locate additional resources to meet local demand. It was felt funded agencies have an obligation to use their allocated funds to meet identified needs. ITEM #4 - Board Member Monitoring Reports Member Groth reported meeting with Sam Evans of CSF (Community Services Foundation). CSF is a 55 year-old agency with a $600,000 annual budget. They operate with a staff of 9 and 20 volunteers. Their mission is to acquire rental units for low income people and they currently manage 58 units. CSF also provides financial counseling and teaches parenting skills. He said CSF's plan appears to be on target. ITEM #5 - South Greenwood Residents' Comments Nick Golden said the exercise room by the Ross Norton pool is so small it is difficult to use. He recommended increasing its size. John Horton expressed concern regarding bums sleeping in the park. Mr. Ferri said NAHAB funds the CRT (Community Response Team) which has authority over that issue. This year, the CRT expanded their services from North Greenwood to South Greenwood. It was felt police do nothing regarding bums sleeping in the park. Duke Teaman, President of the SCCPA (South Clearwater Citizens for Progressive Action), recommended Mr. Horton attend weekly neighborhood meetings. A police representative also attends. Mr. Teaman indicated two transient camps recently were destroyed. Lt. Jeff Kronschnabl, Special Assistant to the City Manager/CRT, noted transients and the homeless have certain rights. Problems can be addressed in different ways to accomplish neighborhood objectives. The City is proposing housing for this population with required restrictions. If these residents do not abide by the rules, trespass warnings will be issued to violators and they will be moved out of the area. Lt. Kronschnabl noted recent fires occurred along the railroad tracks where transients staked camps. To address this problem, the City requested the railroad trim the property and remove shrubbery. Efforts must be ongoing. If SCCPA meetings stop, the number of transients will increase. It was noted SCCPA members patrol the area nightly. Sam Evans of CSF said Foundation Village feels South Greenwood has a fine group of police who do a wonderful job keeping crime levels low. The cost to taxpayers of ridding the area of transients and their residue was questioned. Chief Klein is doing in-depth research on this matter. Lt. Kronschnabl will provide an estimate at the February 20, 1996, meeting. He noted the homeless population includes bums as well as families down on their luck. Lois Cormier said residents must fight to maintain the neighborhood's attractiveness. She got action in removing homeless from the City park opposite her home after a second fire occurred within 10 days. She hand-carried to the City Manager's office Fire Department reports identifying the cause as transient cook fires. The Police Chief and Parks & Recreation Director cooperated. Ms. Cormier said the Police indicated transients who are moved will relocate elsewhere. She said the lake area currently attracts a large number of homeless. Ms. Cormier said the Salvation Army plans to add seventeen beds and counseling in their facility across from the Ralph Richards Building. She said CDBG money is needed for housing the homeless and social work requirements. Ms. Cormier noted the Community Service Foundation and other agencies help these people. She said Lt. Kronschnabl, the CRT, and Parks Department have been very helpful. Ms. Cormier said benches and ADA approved sidewalks are needed in the park on McLennon Street near the Pinellas Trail. It was suggested that one-way signs be installed on the rotary that circles the park. It was noted NAHAB has approved funding for homeless projects run by three separate agencies: 1) Salvation Army; 2) Homeless Emergency Project; and 3) Religious Community Services. Mr. Ferri said the City Commission allocated $60,000 in CDBG funds for the Salvation Army's counseling program for their homeless drop-in program for single adults. Of last year's approximately $1.2-million in CDBG funds, $350,000 was designated for homeless program activities. Mr. Teaman said when SCCPA was formed six years ago, their original intention was to improve the entire neighborhood and remove prostitution and drug dealing. The community has become much safer thanks to their efforts. Many streets were cleaned up and sidewalks were installed. A picnic shelter was built and recommendations were made to upgrade lighting in Ed Wright Park. He said this year, restrooms and lights were promised for the ballparks. He said complaints were filed regarding the recreation and exercise rooms at Ross Norton Park. He noted programs run by the Economic Development and CNHS (Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services) now address this area. In the last year, 10 owner-occupied neighborhood houses were built and 8 more are planned. These houses replace blight. Many problems still need to be solved. The Police Department works closely with SCCPA. Mr. Teaman hoped awarded grant money would increase the size of the substation. A SCCPA goal is to construct an additional recreation center in cooperation with the PAL (Police Athletic League) youth program. More residents are needed to address neighborhood needs. SCCPA meetings are scheduled every Wednesday at the Ross Norton Park Center from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Their annual march shows solidarity in the neighborhood and their intent to continue improving the area. They petition City office holders, staff, board members and social service agencies throughout the year regarding problems and hold an annual Thanksgiving luncheon thanking them for their help. Concern was expressed the Tampa Bay CDC (Community Development Cooperation) returned $21,700 to the pool last year. It was suggested those funds be reallocated to another program and address other important issues such as restrooms. Mr. Ferri said agencies requesting funding must respond to the notice of fund availability and request funds for a category eligible for funding. Parks & Recreation is not eligible for funding by CDBG, SHIP or HOME. SHIP and HOME are exclusively housing programs. CDBG funds are more flexible but cannot be used for routine functions of local governments. Money for housing remains in a housing pool and does not disappear. It was recommended that NAHAB look closely at agency's records for their utilization of funds provided by previous allocations. Michael Holmes, Economic Development Assistant Director, said CDC recently built a $80,000 house in South Greenwood using bank financing and civic funds. CDC met their objectives but SHIP funds provided them with more money than they had budgeted. John Jenkins, SCCPA Vice President, suggested the unused PAL building at Ross Norton Park could be used as a recreation center. Mr. Ferri said the building may qualify for funding if the PAL is incorporated as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization and has a letter of support from the SCCPA recommending the expenditure of public facilities' dollars to renovate this facility. The PAL must own the building and land. If the City owns the property, the Parks & Recreation Department, City Manager and City Commission could be approached to set aside money in the CIP (Capital Improvement Project) budget for future improvements. It was noted park benches cannot be funded by grants. Mr. Holmes suggested approaching private businesses for this item. Signage is not allowed. Mr. Ferri said the City is under federal order regarding ADA compliance. Human Relations Director Eleanor Breland is responsible for the action plan and has a time table to address sidewalks. He suggested contacting Ms. Breland for information on the schedule for upgrading the sidewalk in the park on McLennon Street. It was suggested nearby Morton Plant Hospital may agree to install benches in that park. The SCCPA was commended for their continuous service. Their motivation and ability to sustain interest was questioned. Mr. Golden said the group prays before each meeting and works hard. Meetings are held weekly, even if only five or six people attend, and end on time. Ms. Cormier indicated members feel comfortable arguing and disagreeing. The group ends each meeting by joining hands and praying. A special prayer is said if someone is sick. Ms. Cormier reported Neighborly Senior Services could not install showers until a final decision was reached regarding their future occupancy of their facility. Showers are needed for day care participants with Alzheimer disease and strokes. She recommended NAHAB provide every consideration possible to this organization. She applauded CNHS for new houses constructed in the neighborhood. Admiration was expressed for the SCCPA's Neighborhood Watch Program which is responsible for ridding the area of illegal drug sales and improving the quality of the area. Mr. Teaman noted members continue to patrol the community every night. Bob Carpenter indicated daily patrols are necessary. He has patrolled the neighborhood four nights per week for six years. Crack dealers, once housed in two residences, now are gone. He said members must continue their efforts or problems will return. The group's actions were commended. It was noted that Mr. Ferri's insight and tenacity are responsible for bringing many important services to the community and he should be credited. It was felt he has done an outstanding job. Lucille Woods, Treasurer of the SCCPA, complimented Republic Bank for providing their non-profit agency with an account with no service charge. ITEM #6 - Old Business a) Economic Development Department FY 1995 Productivity Report All members did not have a copy of the report. Discussion was delayed until the February 20, 1996, meeting. ITEM #7 - New Business Sam Evans, of CSF, reported his organization moved into new offices at 925 Lakeview Road. A grand opening is scheduled for January 25, 1996. ITEM #8 - Announcements a) Annual Report to the City Commission The NAHAB Chair will address the City Commission on June 6, 1996, with their annual report summarizing the past year's activity. It was recommended that all board members attend. The report will be presented near the beginning of the meeting. b) Next Scheduled Agency Report The CRT (Community Response Team) will present their agency report to NAHAB at the February 20, 1996, meeting. Ms. Clearwater Award Member Hodges was praised for being named Ms. Clearwater. 1996 Meeting Schedule Mr. Ferri reported NAHAB meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in City Hall Chambers: February 20; March 19; April 16; May 21; June 18; July 16; August 20; September 17; October 15; and November 19, 1996. Mr. Ferri said two Special Meetings will be scheduled in May and June 1996. One, a Public Hearing for all agencies requesting funding, will give each agency five minutes to make a presentation. A tour of each agency requesting funding on the consolidated plan also will be scheduled. A third meeting may be required to review evaluation forms for each agency. Special Hearings It was requested that board members be provided background information before special hearings that mediate contract conflict. Mr. Ferri indicated board members are required to attempt to mediate problems between owners and contractors without the force of authority based on language included in old contracts. Binding arbitration by a recognized agency is the next required step. The arbitrator can choose to accept or ignore NAHAB's recommendations. Mr. Ferri said future contracts amend the language and require binding arbitration only. ITEM #9 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.