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03/31/1999 - Special NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD SPECIAL MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 31, 1999 Present: Howard Groth Chair William Turner, Sr. Vice-Chair Milly Joplin Board Member Mayme W. Hodges Board Member Warren Hunt Board Member Peggy M. Cutkomp Board Member Joyce L. Smith Board Member Vacant Seat Board Member Absent: Rev. William Graham Board Member Also Present: Michael Holmes Housing & Urban Development Assistant Director Brenda Moses Board Reporter The 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 1 – Introduction of NAHAB Board Members Board members introduced themselves and noted their areas of representation. ITEM 2 – Approval of January 19, 1999, and February 16, 1999, Minutes Member Hodges noted the board had made same motion on January 19, 1999, and February 16, 1999, regarding the board’s wishes regarding advertising methods. She reiterated the board’s recommendation that the City determine how to advertise meetings more effectively and initiate the process. Member Hodges moved approval of the minutes of January 19, 1999, and February 16, 1999, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 3 – Citizens to be Heard - None. ITEM 4 – Appreciation of Service Award – Mary Myhill The award in appreciation of her service to the board will be mailed to former member Mary Myhill. ITEM 5 – Agency Presentations Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation Greg Schwartz, Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation, updated the board on the progress of the CDC (Community Development Corporation). The CDC is a nonprofit corporation that provides home ownership opportunities for eligible clients in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. The CDC has contracts with various cities, including Clearwater. The CDC was recently approved as an eligible agency to acquire real estate in Pasco County. The CDC has 3 programs: 1) acquisition rehab and sale program; 2) the downpayment assistance program for purchase of existing real estate; and 3) the Homebuyers Club. Of the 230 people assisted by the downpayment program, 7 have purchased homes in Clearwater. Randy Harvey, Program Coordinator for the Homebuyers Club, said the agency is one of 2 HUD-approved counseling programs in Pinellas County. the Homebuyers Club is a non-profit organization that offers pre-purchase and post-purchase home ownership counseling, education, guidance, and support on an individual basis to Pinellas County residents with the goal of owning their own home. Referrals are accepted from other organizations including realtors, banks and mortgage companies. In response to a question, he said 40% of total membership is below 50% median income. The Homebuyers Club Newsletter is distributed countywide and is published monthly, providing the motivation, inspiration, and support system to encourage club members to attain their goals. He reviewed the statistics of the program, including total membership, household income of all enrolled members, and total homes purchased in Clearwater. He said Clearwater has a higher percentage of lower income families enrolled in the program than the county as a whole. The lower the income, the longer it takes to overcome obstacles toward homeownership. The average purchase price countywide is $61,001; in Clearwater $58,028. There are 315 families in Clearwater who have, or are participating in the program; with 75 participating in the past 12 months. In response to a question, he said family incomes are categorized according to HUD rules. He estimated the majority of individuals in the program have an average income of $20,000. He said more people are moving into Clearwater than are moving out. He reviewed the economic impact of the program, estimated expenses related to the home purchase, and estimated residual economic impact. ITEM 6 – Subgrantee Monitoring Reports Discussion It was recommended monitoring reports be completed by June or July. ITEM 7 – Old Business Informing the Public of NAHAB Meetings It was noted this topic has been discussed a number of times. The Chair stated the Tampa Tribune indicated their circulation in Clearwater is 5,000. The St. Petersburg Times said circulation in Clearwater is 43,000. As the City advertises hearings, not meetings, concern was expressed problems related to advertising NAHAB meetings remain unresolved. It was felt flyers and circulars are not sufficient. Housing & Urban Development Assistant Director Michael Holmes will discuss the issue with the new Assistant Director of Marketing & Communication. It was stated another board had considered approaching the clergy to distribute fliers. It was requested Mr. Holmes research if inserts could be prepared for water bills, and if meetings could be advertised in the City magazine and on C-View. It was suggested a short summary of agenda topics be included. ITEM 8 – New Business Consolidated Plan Allocation/Ranking System Discussion Mr. Holmes said the City will begin advertising the application period for CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), HOME (Housing Opportunity Made Equal), and SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Program) funds. He estimated funding this year at $1 million from CDBG, $430,000 from HOME, and $700,000 from SHIP. The board will determine the method to be used to recommend the allocation of funds. A list of proposed revisions based on HUD methods was distributed regarding the Consolidated Plan and fund allocation. The need for elderly housing was noted. It was remarked the board can reallocate funds from areas they feel do not need assistance. The board’s role in the Brownfields program was questioned. Brownfields Coordinator Miles Ballogg has been invited to the next NAHAB meeting. It was stated NAHAB will become involved as soon as the Brownfields board determines a site is acceptable for home ownership. It was felt NAHAB should be apprised of Brownfields activities that relate to redevelopment and home ownership opportunities. Mr. Holmes said when the Brownfields application was brought to the board, NAHAB had recommended it be involved in the program. Minutes of that meeting were requested from Mr. Holmes. He said NAHAB has not been asked to make Brownsfield related decisions. NAHAB requests to be informed of Brownfields activities and how they correlate with NAHAB plans. Election of NAHAB Chairman & Vice Chairman Vice-Chair Turner withdrew his name from nomination. Member Hodges moved to appoint Member Hunt as Chair. Member Hunt declined. New members felt they did not have enough experience to accept the position. It was requested Mr. Holmes contact Member Graham to determine his interest in serving as Chair. ITEM 9 – Announcements/Board Comments - None. ITEM 10 - Next Regular Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for April 20, 1999, at 10:00 a.m. in City Commission Chambers. ITEM 11 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:53 a.m.