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01/21/1997NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER January 21, 1997 Present: Mayme W. Hodges Chair Howard Groth Vice Chair Shirley Moran Board Member Rev. William Graham Board Member William Turner, Sr. Board Member Bertha Kelley Board Member Milly Joplin Chair Board Member Michael Holmes Economic Development Assistant Director Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Mary Myhill Board Member 9th seat vacant Board Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. at Everybody’s Tabernacle, 1120 North Betty Lane. To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Minutes Approval -- November 19, 1996 Member Moran moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Agency Presentations A. Homeless Emergency Project (HEP) -- Barbara Green, Administrator Ms. Green presented a display board of the variety of programs available through HEP. She said the program is now up to 22 dentists who volunteer weekly or monthly. Over $260,000 worth of dental work has been donated to low income clients and nursing home patients. She reported construction of a 16-unit apartment complex will be underway soon, for longer term housing than the existing emergency or transitional programs. One year leases may be extended as needed, to work with persons with physical disabilities, drug & alcohol rehabilitation, dysfunctional families, and others whose problems may take more than a year overcome. The program pushes education to overcome the minimum wage job cycle. In this Section 8, project based program, rental assistance will take care of most of the rent, so clients can concentrate on schooling and better jobs. A setback variance has been requested to allow more space for children to play in front of the complex. The lot would hold 18 units, but she wants to avoid an overcrowded look. The concrete buildings will have central heat and air, good insulation, and a nice, substantial look. Good quality vinyl siding will be used for appearance and durability. She hopes to break ground during the latter part of February. The existing dormitory rooms are full and HEP is feeding one meal daily with a volunteer staff. The main kitchen was closed six months age due to lack of money, but will soon reopen for two daily meals with a staff cook.. In response to a question, Ms. Green said last year’s report of a $75,800 award was used to complete 906 Nicholson Street, and 307 and 701 Vine Street. The remaining funds are encumbered, and a six month extension has been granted to repair termite damage. She said City staff had requested HEP to hold its report because the Economic Development office was temporarily moving to other quarters during City Hall renovations. Discussion ensued regarding other funding avenues available to HEP. Ms. Green said she spends her life looking for funds from all agencies and foundations. Because shelters are not popular charities, they can do down overnight. She responded to questions regarding demographics of the existing apartment units, and average length of stay. She has never run an overnight shelter, because she feels HEP needs to devote more time to help people through their problems. She serves on the CHIP task force because she recognizes the need for overnight shelters for quicker turnaround. Board members thanked Ms. Green for her report. B. RCS Spouse Abuse Shelter - Linda Amidei, Executive Director Ms. Frieda Widera, Program Operations Manager, presented the report on behalf of Ms. Amidei, who could not attend due to schedule conflicts. Ms. Widera profiled the proposal to locate an outreach program in a building RCS (Religious Community Services) will own. Having outgrown the previous space, the shelter offices are renting space at Peace Memorial Church pending renovation of the two story apartment building being purchased in conjunction with RCS. She detailed the plan to create offices, reception areas, private counseling rooms and a small kitchen area on each floor. She responded to questions, stating an empty lot may be used in the future to expand the shelter’s playground, currently located near a busy street. She agreed with one member’s concern, it is important to give kids a safe place to play. Renovation will start by the end of February, with completion due by mid-summer. Ms. Widera displayed the proposed floor plans, and responded to questions regarding the amount of the request, and other funding sources. With supplemental funds from Pinellas County, donations and foundation grants, all funding is in place. She highlighted the $66,259 proposed budget, which includes property purchase. In response to a question, Ms. Widera did not know whether the shelter anticipates applying for funds next year, because next year’s project goals are still in process. Concerns were expressed the shelter needs a stout, high wall for security, and the playground should be completely fenced to avoid having someone recognize the children. Ms. Widera explained the elaborate security precautions used to avoid recognition by the public. She pointed out a wall would not be appropriate for an outreach program. She indicated they seek to create an appearance that blends with the surrounding neighborhood to avoid drawing attention, while providing adequate security. Discussion ensued regarding fencing the City’s fence code. Mr. Widera explained how the outreach program works, the number of people served, and turnover in the 20-bed shelter during the course of a typical month. She said each month they receive 300 to 400 calls and police reports concerning domestic violence. About 5% of clientele are men who are housed off site. When men come in with children, they are housed at a local motel. She thanked the board for the opportunity to address them, and for the contribution of funds. C. Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project (CHIP) Deborah Vincent, Executive Director of Clearwater Housing Authority (CHA), said City Police Chief Kline is attending a conference today. She thanked the board for supporting the CHIP partnership, composed of the City of Clearwater, Salvation Army, CHA, and St. Vincent de Paul. She highlighted the successes and challenges experienced by the CHIP, and listed funding sources of the $575,890 cash secured to date. She detailed in-kind construction services the City has provided in addition to the financial support. The plans and specifications by architects Myers, Plisko & Ott are in the final stages. The requisite permits are in place and the project will be ready to bid by the end of January. The project has been delayed by the appeal of the conditional use permit approved by the Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) on November 11. Local business and homeowners filed the appeal as the "Save Our Neighborhood" group. Attorney Tim Johnson is representing the appellants. Carlton Ward is representing the CHIP pro bono, and an Assistant City Attorney will represent the PZB. Depending on time allowed to file closing briefs, it may take up to 75 days to proceed with the project. She responded to questions regarding location and procedures at the appeal hearing. Ms. Vincent was confident of approval, stating the partnership is moving forward with plans, and bidding will follow. The partners remain fully committed to the project and asked for the board’s continued support. Evergreen Marketing is preparing brochures to be used for fundraising and advertising. The old thrift shop closed, and a new one is open across the street from 50 units of elderly housing. As a result, she has seen less sleeping around the outside of the building. She looked forward to seeing the improvements afforded by the new shelter. Discussion ensued regarding the shelter clientele, and amount of pedestrian traffic in the neighborhood. One member noted inclusion of the police substation was one of the selling points of the shelter. Ms. Vincent expressed concern the neighbors in opposition don’t seem to understand their opposition of the existing soup kitchen will not make it go away. It was indicated the soup kitchen has looked at controlling the clientele. Discussion ensued regarding sources of day jobs in the vicinity. Ms. Vincent made a note to invite Workforce, Inc. representatives to be on the homeless task force. Ms. Vincent responded to questions regarding the number of services offered, stating the Salvation Army has a very clean, quiet, well run, and successful program focusing on stabilizing the person, getting them what they need and determining their individual medical, dental and counseling needs. She emphasized people do not have to get in trouble to get into the shelter, they must only need a place to stay. She invited members who desire additional information to attend the next CHIP meeting at the new police station, at 8:00 a.m. on February 4. She responded to questions regarding age limits, sleeping arrangements for marrieds, singles and families. Having ended her presentation, Ms. Vincent submitted a written copy of her report for the record. Member Kelley left the meeting at 11:00 a.m. In response to questions, Barbara Green related details of the Mustard Seed program, stating their staff had worked from HEP’s new dorm offices, contacting restaurant owners, contractors, etc., to find jobs in the community for HEP clients. She said former Director Don Malcom has been ill and is no longer with Mustard Seed. After turning over staff about three times, they have no one remaining to run their office. Ms. Green is not is a position to hire people for them, but she will meet with Mr. Ferri and the Mustard Seed board of directors to see what may become of the program. Board members inquired what will become of the money allocated to Mustard Seed. Mr. Holmes said unused funds can be recaptured and reallocated. Ms. Green said Mr. Ferri had suggested reimbursing HEP for some of the utilities used during the time Mustard Seed was using HEP offices. She felt reimbursement was not as important as seeing a successful program. Discussion ensued regarding inviting the Mustard Seed board to the next NAHAB meeting. Staff will investigate and report when Mustard Seed could be agendaed. 4. Subgrantee Reports Mr. Holmes said staff has not received all the reports. He hoped to present the 1996 last quarter and January reports at the next meeting. 5. Old Business A. Filling Board Vacancy for Housing Development Mr. Holmes said staff will contact the building trades for volunteers to fill the vacancy. Interested parties are encouraged to obtain applications in the City Clerk Department. In response to questions, he said more than one name is needed before the list goes to the City Commission. Concerns were expressed and discussion ensued regarding why the process has taken so long. One member felt the board has waited long enough and directed staff to advertise for volunteers in the newspapers. Mr. Holmes noted the direction. B. Brownsfield Program Report This item was continued until Mr. Ferri can attend to make the presentation. General discussion ensued regarding status of property at Greenwood Avenue and Woodlawn Street. Questions were raised whether the program contains a job training component, and Brownsfield criteria for surveying and putting contaminated properties back into service. In response to questions, the status of the Winn-Dixie project was not known. General discussion ensued. 6. New Business A. HOME Entitlement Status for Clearwater Mr. Holmes reported, as of October 1, the City will no longer be in the Pinellas County consortium, but will be an independent HOME participation jurisdiction. Monies are to be paid from HUD directly to the City, and $402,000 have been approved for Fiscal Year 1997/98. In response to a question, he said the City Commission will consider to include 356 units on Drew Street as part of the program. 7. Board member monitoring reports Member Joplin distributed written copies of her report regarding City funding of $45,000 to the Community Service Foundation, and $21,259 to the RCS Spouse Abuse Shelter, “The Haven.” She noted Ms. Widera’s presentation covered most of the information about the shelter. Member Joplin highlighted her interview with Gerry Spilatro regarding the Foundation’s plans to purchase property adjacent to their Woodlawn Housing in South Greenwood. She noted use of the “L” shaped parcel will not be determined until it is known whether the City will obtain the contaminated corner lot. In response to a question, it was indicated the Foundation’s open house was held, and the layout of the new building is much better. Discussion ensued regarding the location of the building east of Myrtle, next to Ross Norton Park. The chair praised Member Joplin’s report. Member Groth expressed concern the Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation’s performance has been unsatisfactory. He was concerned they have spent only $19,000 of the $85,000 allocated to them. In addition, he asked for an explanation why they have closed on only seven units in the three months since Willowbrook Condominiums were dedicated. He said the CHA is becoming more concerned, and may look at renting out some of the units. In response to a question, Mr. Holmes said training for home buyers is available through the program, as it is through the Community Service Foundation. Staff will meet with the Alliance and request an explanation of Tampa Bay CDC’s performance. He hoped to agenda this issue for next month’s NAHAB meeting. Member Hodges stated her report on emergency housing is not necessary due to Ms. Green’s fine presentation. No further reports were given. 8. Announcements A. Next Scheduled Regular Meeting Mr. Holmes said the February 18, 1997 meeting will be held at Condon Gardens community room. The board thanked Everybody’s Tabernacle for use of the meeting room today. Member Groth suggested consideration of holding future meetings in the board room at Levinson Community Center. Brief general discussion ensued. 9. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.