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09/16/1997 NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER September 16, 1997 Present: Howard Groth Vice-Chair Rev. William Graham Board Member Milly Joplin Board Member Bertha Kelley Board Member William Turner, Sr. Board Member Mayme W. Hodges Board Member Shirley Moran Board Member Warren Hunt Board Member Alan J. Ferri Housing & Urban Development Director Michael Holmes Housing & Urban Development Assistant Director Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter Absent: Mary Myhill Chair The Vice-Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #2 - Approval of the Minutes Member Hodges moved to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of June 17, 1997, and July 15, 1997, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - Agency Presentations a) Boys & Girls Clubs Boys & Girls Clubs Director of Individual Services Rosalie Murray said the City’s level of funding was less than requested. She expressed concern this shortfall will negatively impact the club’s Condon Gardens after-school programs such as “Girl Talk.” “Boys to Men” program funding will not be cut. The Club’s objective is to provide wholesome activities for children ages 6 to 17, during the summer and school year. Tutoring has helped improve grades and school attendance. The Club also offers a junior leader training camp and sports-person award. In response to a question, she said the Club reports non-duplicated numbers to the City. The Club serves an average 45 children per day and has approximately 12 volunteers. b) Girls, Inc. of Pinellas Girls, Inc. of Pinellas Director of Operations Sue Caddell said her organization is proud of their accomplishments, including hiring tutors to increase children’s interest in school and participating in weekly visits with the Pinellas Animal Foundation program to Seniors living at Barbee Towers where children learn about the care of animals and benefit from intergenerational relationships. Girls, Inc. has a Summer reading program in conjunction with the Junior League of Clearwater/Dunedin. The club also introduces children to Marine Biology, the zoo, and aquarium. The children were taught the origins of imported African instruments and dance rituals and have assisted in making costumes for a pending performance of African and Caribbean dances.. Ms. Caddell said tests indicate her agency’s program has increased participants’ self-esteem, socialization, and interpersonal skills. Clients are between 5 and 17 years old. The program to prevent adolescent pregnancy next will be offered in November. In response to a question, Clearwater Housing and Urban Department (HUD) Director Alan Ferri said the City excuses the agency’s tardiness in filing recent reports due to the loss of their bookkeeper. The City cannot reimburse the agency until this paperwork is submitted. In response to a question, Ms. Caddell said the club serves approximately 27 children daily. Most participants live in Condon Gardens. c) Partners in Self-Sufficiency Partners in Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Sylvia Costello said the program has grown to 148 clients. She reported half of the program’s participants are employed full or part time. The escrow program has enabled 7 clients to become homeowners. She reported 7 clients recently earned GEDs, 10 graduated from PTEC (Pinellas Technical Education Center), and 2 graduated from the University of South Florida. She said not all clients can attain high income levels but all can learn to be self-sufficient. Ms. Costello said due to changes in welfare laws, the program is being redesigned, office space is being expanded, and the staff has increased from 1.5 to 5.5. A CHA (Clearwater Housing Association) grant is supporting several positions. She reported the agency’s board is committed to increasing fundraising efforts. In response to a question, she said PTEC and SPJC (St. Petersburg Junior College) track new professions and training gaps in the community. She said graduates of the 1-year Licensed Practical Nurse program can earn high wages but program space is extremely limited and private schooling is expensive. Major employers share information regarding local job openings. In response to a question, she said the number of clients has increased since the agency’s expansion. The agency’s goal is to serve 100 public housing and 100 Section 8 clients. d) Pinellas Opportunity Council Director of Chore Services Joan Lanier said the program provides yard work and heavy household cleaning for Seniors. While this year’s goal was to serve 60 unduplicated clients, she estimated 80 will be served. The need is difficult to judge. Services are provided based on the priority of need. The waitlist of Clearwater residents is substantial. She thanked the City for its support. It was felt the program’s work is impressive and makes homes livable. In response to a question, Ms. Lanier indicated one client’s house was included in last year’s Paint Your Heart out Clearwater program. e) Salvation Army Salvation Army’s Homeless Intervention Program Director Ed Brandt reported family homelessness has increased. He expressed concern welfare reform will result in more families being unable to maintain housing. Program residents are provided daily case management. Those who obtain employment are able to save for their own homes. The number of clients returning for more services has declined from 10% to approximately 3.5%. He said the 48-bed facility, scheduled to open in April 1998, will double the number of available beds. Family units will be available on an emergency basis for only 1 or 2 nights. He reported a recent donation of 25-voice mails for clients to use while seeking employment. In response to a question, he said both the day and shelter programs will be located in the new facility, next door to the soup kitchen. He anticipated morning pedestrian traffic along Cleveland Street will diminish. In response to a question, Mr. Brandt said staff salaries remain constant even when client numbers fluctuate. The program is funded by several sources. ITEM #4 - Member Subgrantee Monitoring Reports Member Moran reported she had visited the CRT (Community Response Team), rode with 2 inspectors, and met with Lieutenant Jeff Kronschnabl. She said the CRT is one of the City’s finest departments and encouraged NAHAB (Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board) members to accompany a CRT inspector in the field. The CRT, with 5 administrative personnel and 11 inspectors based in 2 locations, is developing a positive rapport with the community and encouraging voluntary compliance. CDBG funds cover some salaries. Some CDBG funds were left over last year due to unfilled positions. She said funding CRT positions from the City’s budget next year is being considered. Mr. Ferri noted the CRT works cooperatively with the Central Permitting Department regarding unsafe buildings. Ms. Moran said in-fill housing has helped improve neighborhoods. ITEM #5 - Subgrantee Reports In response to a question regarding CHIP (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Program), Mr. Ferri said the contract was extended 6 months due to bidding, contractor, and permitting delays. A 6-month extension is allowed only under special circumstances. It was recommended submission reports include a summary of all special factors and, in August and September, report on agencies behind schedule in their pledged delivery of services. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said privacy laws prevent the CRT from obtaining certain client information, such as income level. ITEM #6 - Old Business a) Rules of Procedure Mr. Ferri noted Section 4, Article 4 of the Rules of Procedure, should refer to his department as “HUD.” Member Moran moved to approve NAHAB’s Rules of Procedure as distributed and amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #7 - New Business - None. ITEM #6 - Announcements a) Next Scheduled Regular Meeting The next meeting is scheduled on October 21, 1997. Mr. Ferri reported the City Manager wishes to discuss the board’s mission at a future meeting. Member Turner reported he cannot attend the October meeting. ITEM #7 - Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 10:56 a.m.