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10/20/1998 NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER October 20, 1998 Present: Howard Groth Chair William Turner, Sr. Vice-Chair Rev. William Graham Board Member Milly Joplin Board Member Mary Myhill Board Member Warren Hunt Board Member Joyce L. Smith Board Member Also Present: Michael Holmes Housing & Urban Development Assistant Director Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter Absent: Mayme W. Hodges Board Member Peggy M. Cutkomp Board Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #1 - Approval of the Minutes Member Joplin moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of July 14, 1998, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Regarding the September 15, 1998, minutes, page 2, paragraph 2, should read “. . . the Tampa Bay CDC Homebuyers Club, which is participating in an exposition . . .” Member Joplin moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 15, 1998, as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #2 - Citizens to be Heard - None. ITEM #3 - Agency Presentation The difficulty by agencies to demonstrate accomplishments within the first 3 months of a program’s funding was expressed. While NAHAB (Neighborhood Housing Advisory Board) historically has not met during the month of January, it was suggested the December meeting be canceled instead. Member Smith moved to cancel the December NAHAB meeting and schedule a January meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Holmes said 1999 NAHAB meetings will be scheduled at City Hall, Ross Norton Center, Martin Luther King Center, and Jasmine Court. It was strongly recommended the host site distribute flyers and post information regarding the meetings. The 1999 schedule of meetings will be discussed at the November 17, 1998, meeting. ITEM #4 Subgrantee Monitoring Assignments It was suggested monitors report to NAHAB regarding agency progress toward meeting stated goals, if funds are being used in a timely manner, and if agency efforts have proven successful or not. Discussion ensued regarding coverage of agencies with more than one program. In response to a request, Mr. Holmes will provide additional information regarding the Pinellas Opportunity Council to its monitor. Mr. Holmes distributed copies of the 8 questions members asked last year during their monitoring visits. Members may modify questions that may be irrelevant to a specific project or program. It was recommended members gather information, with specific examples, regarding each agency’s efforts at leveraging grant funds as stated in the application. It was noted while this information is not currently listed on the City’s summary sheet, it may be appropriate to include it. ITEM #5 Brownfield Economic Development Initiative Program Mr. Holmes reviewed updates to the BEDI (Brownfield Economic Development Initiative) Program which was discussed at September’s meeting. Neighborhood input will determine the future use of the site at the intersection of North Greenwood Avenue and LaSalle Street where a building recently was razed. Community input also will determine which Brownfield sites most need clean-up attention. Staff has identified more than 100 sites with some level of contaminants. He will provide board members copies of the list. Miles Ballogg will be invited to present additional information on the program. ITEM #6 Old Business It was stated the board needs accurate monthly reports from the funded agencies. It was recommended monitors review each agency’s monthly report before each visit and discuss them with the agency representative. It was stated the new monthly report is a great tool that clearly presents information. It was suggested monitors question agencies which are not expending appropriated funds efficiently. It was suggested agencies who fall behind in their use of funds be called before NAHAB for explanation. A suggestion was made to reduce the funding level of agencies that fall behind and reapportion the extra funds to other agencies. In response to a question, Mr. Holmes agreed CNHS (Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services) needs to consider their use of other income. In response to a question, Mr. Holmes said the CSF (Community Services Foundation) project in South Greenwood to construct a family service center has been delayed due problems related to the property’s purchase. The City plans to provide infrastructure, parking, and lighting while CSF will maintain the building. A lease with the Police Department is under discussion. A program package will be presented to the City Commission in mid-November. It was stated CSF recently was approved for private sector funds to build 6 units. The agency hopes to begin both projects next month. In response to a question, Mr. Holmes said due to new staff, the report related to City held funds is not accurate. A corrected report will be distributed. ITEM #7 New Business In response to a question, Mr. Holmes said his department has been merged with Planning & Development Services Administration. A new name for the department has not been determined. The Planning & Development Services Administrator will be invited to answer board questions and receive input. ITEM #8 Announcements Member Myhill invited people to attend the home buyers exposition on October 24, 1998, at Grace Lutheran Church on Highland Avenue. ITEM #9 Next Regular Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 17, 1998, at 10:00 a.m. in City Hall Chambers. ITEM #10 Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:42 a.m.