Loading...
07/05/2000SPECIAL NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD MEETING RETREAT CITY OF CLEARWATER July 5, 2000 Present: Warren Hunt Chair Stephen Jeffries Vice-Chair Howard Groth Board Member Milly Joplin Board Member Mayme W. Hodges Board Member Peggy M. Cutkomp Board Member Absent: William Turner, Sr. Board Member Joyce L. Smith Board Member Vacant Seat Board Member Also Present: Nina Bandoni Assistant Housing Director Michael Holmes Housing Manager Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:10 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 Groth moved to approve the minutes of the meetings of May 16, 2000, and May 31, 2000, as recorded and 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 – Staff Presentation In response to a question, Assistant Housing Director Nina Bandoni said proposed funding cuts to CHIP (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Program) are from the General Budget and do not affect NAHAB (Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board) recommended funding. a) Consolidated Plan Ms. Bandoni reported the process to develop the City’s Consolidated Plan for 2000 – 2005 is based on USHUD (U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development) direction for two grant programs: 1) CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and 2) HOME (Housing Opportunity Made Equal). In February and March 2000, staff conducted public workshops, each focusing on a specific community need: 1) housing; 2) public housing; 3) homelessness and special needs; 4) economic development; and 5) public services. Ms. Bandoni reviewed issues discussed at the meetings. Staff used information from these meetings and statistical information to develop the Consolidated Plan’s goals and objectives. The Action Plan covers October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001. NAHAB’s recommendation for funding will be presented to the City Commission on July 20, 2000. The North Greenwood revitalization plan is under development. The City can slightly exceed the social services’ cap if that funding is used to address specific strategic community needs. It was suggested staff meet with agencies that submitted applications but were not funded, and provide them with copies of the Consolidated Plan, advise them of changes to the Plan, and discuss funded needs related to their missions. In response to a question, Ms. Bandoni said the Plan’s reference to a land bank is a suggestion. She said although Clearwater owns 20 lots, it cannot donate them for infill housing. The process to gather public comment on the Consolidated Plan began in June 2000 with an advertisement in the St. Petersburg Times. Ms. Bandoni encouraged interested parties to telephone or send related comments for inclusion with the Plan. It was recommended the Plan be posted on the City’s Internet site. A copy of the appendixes was requested. Member Groth moved to approve the Consolidated Plan for fiscal years 2000 – 2005 and the one-year Action Plan for October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m. and was followed by a retreat. ITEM #5 - Retreat It was recommended board members receive written materials early enough to review the information carefully. Opening Comments Planning Director Ralph Stone said maintaining the City’s housing stock and neighborhoods is the most important component in ensuring a successful future for Clearwater. The City receives approximately $2-million annually for housing programs. The best use of the money addresses and integrates a range of issues and provides affordable housing citywide. In response to a suggestion, Mr. Stone stated many talented people feel public sector jobs are more rewarding than private sector jobs that pay more. It was recommended NAHAB be included in more housing related decisions. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said the government should not construct units but oversee the funding of such projects. If conditions are too deteriorated, the government sometimes must step in. He expressed concern the non-profit agencies may not be able to maintain production levels necessary to use available funds. If they are unable to produce enough units, the City may need to release a RFP (Request for Proposals) that allows for-profit companies also to bid for available funds. Bridge Building Activity The activity demonstrated problems that occur when groups working toward common goals do not communicate. Discussion – Tie Consolidated Plan to Annual Program/Project Selections It was recommended the City not allow housing conditions to regress further. A lack of empty lots for housing was noted. It was suggested the City focus on rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration and be aggressive in razing unsafe housing. It was felt code enforcement efforts should be increased regarding absentee landlords. Ms. Bandoni said the more than 300 houses recently constructed in North Greenwood have improved the attractiveness of the neighborhood. She discussed difficulties related to code enforcement and the effects on families who subsequently are forced to relocate. Approximately 400 houses in the City remain in poor condition. It was felt the only solution is tougher code enforcement. The importance of home maintenance education was stated to avoid rehabilitated houses from decaying again. Home ownership education is important to learn to budget for necessary expenses and repairs. It was noted some people cannot handle the responsibilities of home ownership. It was felt industry abutting residential neighborhoods should do more to maintain an adequate buffer. Discussion – Roles & Goals – NAHAB activities for 2001 and beyond Ms. Bandoni reviewed the role of NAHAB and distributed a copy of the ordinance that created it. NAHAB is an advisory board concerned with housing, social services, and economic development. The board provides input and makes recommendations regarding the distribution of CDBG, SHIP, and HOME funds. Ms. Bandoni discussed progress staff has made toward reorganization through improved loan tracking and record keeping. Next year, staff plans to improve marketing, create new programs, increase activities, etc. Also, staff in working on report systems for non profits and tracking lines of credit. She requested input regarding member roles. Concern was expressed few residents are familiar with the board or pay attention to its decisions and actions. It was stated the board receives little feedback from the City Commission. Discussion ensued regarding agency performing reports. It was felt if agencies are behind schedule in spending their funds, they should contact the City and explain the problem. It was recommended subjects for discussion be identified for board members prior to the scheduled meeting so that members can brainstorm and bring suggestions with them. It was requested the agenda be distributed well ahead of the meeting. In response to a question, Housing Manager Mike Holmes said the City has budgeted significant funding for North Greenwood projects including the clean-up of Stevenson’s Creek and reclaimed water distribution. ITEM #6 - Next Regular Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2000, at City Hall. ITEM #7 - Wrap-Up Citizens were encouraged to vote on the Downtown Redevelopment referendum on July 11, 2000. ITEM #8 - Adjournment The retreat adjourned at 11:43 a.m.