Loading...
04/09/2024 Docusign Envelope ID:096D83DE-132A-4FC3-8AA6-B1 C3463DD1 C1 Neighborhood and Affordable Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Housing Advisory Board City of Clearwater Main Library- Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 } Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 9, 2024 9:00 AM Main Library - Council Chambers Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board Page 1 City of Clearwater Docusign Envelope ID:096D83DE-132A-4FC3-8AA6-B1 C3463DD1 C1 Neighborhood and Affordable Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Housing Advisory Board Roll Call Present 5 - Vice Chair Robyn Fiel, Board Member Camille Hebting, Board Member David Harder, Board Member Lindsay Dicus-Harrison, and Board Member Linda Byars Absent 1 - Chair Kevin Chinault Also Present — Denise Sanderson — Economic Development & Housing Director, Chuck Lane — Economic Development & Housing Assistant Director, and Rosemarie Call - City Clerk To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 1. Call to Order— Chair Fiel The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Approve the February 13, 2024, NAHAB Meeting Minutes. Board Member Hebting moved to approve the February 13, 2024, NAHAB meeting minutes. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda — None. 4. New Business Items 4.1 Presentation by Applicants for grant funding. Applicants for grant funding for Public Service programs, Public Facility improvement projects and Economic Development programs will present to the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board. Representatives from the following organizations reviewed their funding requests: 360 Eats, Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, Inc., Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, City of Clearwater- Parks & Recreation, Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services, CASA, Directions for Living, Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc., Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc., HEP, Hope Villages of America, Inc., Housing & Education Alliance, Inc., InterCultural Advocacy Page 2 City of Clearwater Docusign Envelope ID:096D83DE-132A-4FC3-8AA6-B1 C3463DD1 C1 Neighborhood and Affordable Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Housing Advisory Board Institute, Inc., LIFT, Metropolitan Ministries, Inc., PEMHS, St. Vincent de Paul CARES, Tampa Bay Community Development Corp., The Kimberly Home, Inc., WeeCare, and Willa Carson Health and Wellness Center. In response to questions, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast Representative Ryan Becker said the program will track students who reside in Clearwater. The program serves 5th graders through 24 years of age. He said Clearwater Intermediate serves students in 5th grade through 10th grade, 11 th grade will be added next year. As youth are aging out of the system, they work with staff members to identify career interests and provide direct employment opportunities if post-secondary education is not an option. Catholic Charities Representative Sara Cain said the program targets singles and couples out of Pinellas Hope. The shelter is unable to house children or families. She said if the funds are not limited to housing located in Clearwater, that would be their preference as it expands the available housing opportunities in Pinellas County. The organization prefers to work with the client to identify their preferred choice and not restrict the choice to a particular city. The program targets clients with income, the project will provide the initial move-in costs. The rental rates will comply with the federal market rate. City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Representative Matthew Anderson said the project will install a shade structure over the bleachers. Football, soccer, and lacrosse are played at the subject field. Directions for Living Representative April Lott said if the project overruns were $10,000 or less, the organization has the financial capacity to handle the overruns. She said the organization owns the facility. Hispanic Business Initiative Representative Fabian Yepez said Prospera partners with several organizations in the community and meet with community leaders and business owners. Clearwater clients will be tracked. HEP Representative Zachory White said the workforce development center is located in the North Greenwood community and helps those being served by HEP and members of the community. The funding request presented to the county for the family shelter was funded but the request for the dining hall renovations was not funded. Housing and Education Alliance Representative Sylvia Alvarez said social media presence and partnerships with local banks allows the organization to target Clearwater clients. LIFT Representative Shawn Naugle said if all of the identified pending grants are not funded, LIFT will be able to continue the current internship program but will be limited it to certain areas of town during the academic year. The limited funding would not let the organization expand the program into areas identified in the application. More than 95% of students access state funding for scholarship dollars, with the remaining tuition balance paid in monthly installments. PEMHS Representative Helena Vonotto said the estimate will cover all of the signage on the campus. Pinellas Opportunity Council Page 3 City of Clearwater Docusign Envelope ID:096D83DE-132A-4FC3-8AA6-B1 C3463DD1 C1 Neighborhood and Affordable Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Housing Advisory Board Representative Alonda Vaughan said the request is for salary support. PEMHS Representative Carole Bolden said the need has increased due to increased costs for rent and utilities. Clients are not seeking for better places to live, cost of living has increased faster than the wages for low to moderate income residents. SVDP Representative Judith Warren said the organization is prepared to serve 10 single adults, approximately 80%. The organization works directly with the coordinated entry system and the Homeless Leadership Alliance to prioritize families and individuals living in Clearwater. The rents are not controlled but SVDP works closely with local landlords to engage them in the organization's mission and utilize a fair market rate. Tampa Bay Community Development Corp. Representative Ellen Stoffer said the organization has one FTE and two part-time employees. Prospective clients who do not live within Clearwater city limits are referred to partner agencies. The Kimberly Home Representative Maria McCaffrey said some of the expanded services will be delivered off site via community partnerships, such as Regions Bank for financial classes. The Board recessed from 11:04 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. 4.2 Discuss Performance of Subrecipients of the City of Clearwater's Community Development Programs. Discuss Performance of Subrecipients of the City of Clearwater's Community Development Programs. Community Development Coordinator Dania Perez provided a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Lane said staff will provide an update at the August meeting. 4.3 Recommend City Council approval of the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) for FY2024-2025 through FY2026-2027. Florida Statute 420.9079 requires counties and cities receiving State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program funds to develop a three-year LHAP outlining strategies for how the funds will be utilized. The city receives annual allocations from the State of Florida through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC). The city expends SHIP funds per the strategies outlined in the LHAP. The city's current LHAP covers state fiscal years 2021-2022 through 2023-2024. The state fiscal year begins on Page 4 City of Clearwater Docusign Envelope ID:096D83DE-132A-4FC3-8AA6-B1 C3463DD1 C1 Neighborhood and Affordable Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Housing Advisory Board July 1 and ends on June 30 annually. Over the term of the current LHAP, the city received SHIP allocations of$809,837, $1,127,930, and $1,365,854; and program income of$1,042,172, $741,180, and $848,439 (through Jan24) for fiscal years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 respectively. The new LHAP will cover state fiscal years 2024-2025 through 2026-2027. The strategies outlined in the new LHAP are a continuation of the city's current LHAP. All changes made within the new LHAP will be retroactive to the current LHAP to enable the use of prior year funds, if available. The LHAP is comprised of Housing Strategies and Incentive Strategies. The Housing Strategies Include: • Purchase Assistance with Rehabilitation: This program provides funds to developers and community-based non-profit organizations to acquire, rehabilitate and resell single-family housing units. The community land trust principles may be utilized. This strategy also includes down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers as described below. • Purchase Assistance for Existing Home without Rehabilitation: The city will use SHIP funds to provide down payment and closing costs assistance to eligible homebuyers purchasing new and existing homes. The maximum assistance is Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000). Borrowers will be required to make a minimum One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) cash contribution toward the purchase price. The loan will be deferred for clients with total household income under 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) and will be forgiven at the end of the 25-year loan term. For clients with household income above 50% AMI and up to 120% AMI, the loan will be deferred for five (5) years and 50% of the loan will be amortized over the following twenty (20) years. At the end of the 25-year loan term, the balance of the loan will be forgiven. • Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation: The city will provide funds for the rehabilitation of owner-occupied single-family residences. The maximum loan is Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000); an additional Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) in grant funds may be provided to remove accessibility barriers and to improve accessibility for people with special needs. For households with income up to 80% AMI, the loan will be deferred for 20 years and forgiven at the end of the loan term. Clients above 80% AMI and up to 120% AMI will be required to repay 50% of the loan over 20 years and the remaining balance will be forgiven at the end of the loan term. • New Construction: This program provides funds to eligible developers and community based non-profit organizations for the development of new single-family housing units. • Multifamily Housing: The city will provide SHIP funds to developers and community based non-profit organizations to support the acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction of rental housing. • Disaster Assistance: In the case of natural or man-made disasters, this strategy will utilize SHIP funding for emergency or interim repairs. • Demolition/Relocation/Construction: This strategy may be used when a home has fallen into disrepair to the point of being unsafe and the cost Page 5 City of Clearwater Docusign Envelope ID:096D83DE-132A-4FC3-8AA6-B1 C3463DD1 C1 Neighborhood and Affordable Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Housing Advisory Board to repair the home exceeds the maximum assistance under the Home Rehabilitation Strategy. The maximum award under this strategy is Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000). The loan will be deferred for clients with total household income under 50% AMI and the loan will be forgiven at the end of the 25-year loan term. For clients with household income above 50% AMI and up to 120% AMI, 50% of the loan will be deferred for (20) years. At the end of the 20-year loan term, the balance of the loan will be forgiven. • Rental Assistance: Funds will be awarded to income eligible rental households to prevent against the threat of eviction and becoming homeless. Eligible expenses include utility deposits, security deposits and assistance for utility and rent arrears. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) convened in the fall of 2023 to review policies and procedures, ordinances, land development regulations and the city's adopted comprehensive plan. The AHAC's objective was to recommend specific actions or initiatives to encourage or facilitate affordable housing. The proposed LHAP includes the following nine (9) incentive strategies recommended by the AHAC: • Expedited Permitting: Permits as defined in Florida Statutes Section 163.3177 (6) (f) (3), for affordable housing projects are expedited to a greater degree than other projects. • Ongoing Review Process: An ongoing process for review of local policies, ordinances, regulations, and plan provisions that increase the cost of housing prior to their adoption. • Modification of Fees: The Economic Development and Housing Department will continue to assist with the payment of Plan Review and Permit Fees and impact fees utilizing state and federal funds designated for affordable housing. • Flexible Densities: The city supports flexibility in densities for affordable housing through its Comprehensive Plan policies, through its Community Development Code and in accordance with the Live Local Act. • Accessory Dwelling Units: The city will continue to allow for accessory dwelling units in non-residential zoning districts as described within the city's Community Development Code. • Parking Reduction: The Housing Element of the city's Comprehensive Plan supports the reduction of Parking and setback requirements for affordable housing developments. • Flexible Lot Configuration: The city currently allows flexible setback requirements for affordable Housing developments. The plan must be sensitive to the character and context of the existing neighborhood. Page 6 City of Clearwater Docusign Envelope ID:096D83DE-132A-4FC3-8AA6-B1 C3463DD1 C1 Neighborhood and Affordable Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Housing Advisory Board • Proximity to Transportation, Employment & Mixed-Use Development: The city will maintain and implement policies of the city's Comprehensive Plan that incentivize affordable housing development proximate to transportation hubs, major employment centers, and mixed-use development. • Financing: The city will diversify financial strategies to contribute to the new construction and maintenance of affordable housing and financial assistance to obtain housing. Staff will recommend City Council approval of this item at the City Council Meeting scheduled for April 18. Mr. Lane introduced staff in attendance and provided a PowerPoint presentation. In response to questions, Ms. Sanderson said the City recently completed a compensation and classification study to better align the titles with the work being done. The Department found the Housing Coordinator position was difficult to recruit. The study reclassified the position to Community Development Specialists and Coordinators. Mr. Lane said the maximum $75,000-purchase assistance grant is available to all income brackets. The proposed developer fee for the Purchase Assistance with Rehabilitation is to help the small single-family community developer. Staff anticipates $1 million in SHIP and $200,000 in program income for the following fiscal year. The purchase assistance program provides funds for the closing costs. Housing Coordinator Terry Malcolm-Smith said the HOME program requires a land use restriction agreement, SHIP does not. Mr. Lane said it is more efficient for staff to monitor a 20-unit rental project than monitoring individual accessory dwelling units. Ms. Sanderson said a recommendation to adopt an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) policy cannot be done until the City adopts an ordinance permitting ADUs. Planning staff will be presenting a draft ordinance in June. Board Member Hebting moved to recommend City Council approve the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) for FY2024-2025 through FY2026-2027. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 5. Old Business Items — None. 6. Director's Report Mr. Lane said the City will be closing on the 81-unit Archway project this afternoon. He hopes to provide an update on the workforce housing project at the next meeting. Page 7 City of Clearwater Docusign Envelope ID:096D83DE-132A-4FC3-8AA6-B1 C3463DD1 C1 Neighborhood and Affordable Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Housing Advisory Board 7. Board Members to be Heard Board Member Byars questioned if staff visits the projects cited in the subrecipient presentation. Mr. Lane said staff tries to visit new applicants. Ms. Sanderson said, as part of the Davis Bacon interview process, staff visits the property to see the work in progress. A contract inspector conduct milestone inspections. 8. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 12:07 p.m. I,Signedby: 6yW Fitt, NQfab OAAir 4F 241 FOFC20446... Attest- DS Chair Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board DocuSigned by- CF.- City y- CF_.City Clerk Page 8 City of Clearwater Funder: City of Clearwater Project site: DFL's Clearwater Center 1437 South Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33764 Beneficiaries of the proposed project: 3,651 This project would not only benefit nearly 3,700 City of Clearwater residents and DFL staff, but also the more than 20,000 clients who receive services from the Clearwater Center annually. Amount being requested: $186,898 Project: 1) Parking lot renovations and 2) conference room renovations Project description: • Parking lot renovations Given the pressing shortage of parking spaces at DFL's Clearwater Center, it's crucial that we redesign our parking lot. This improvement is essential, not only for accommodating our current needs, but also for paving the way for the expansion of our services. Enhancing parking capacity, optimizing space utilization, and improving traffic flow are urgent priorities. The restructuring of the parking lot, estimated to add 10-12 spaces, is critical for alleviating this shortage and facilitating our service expansion goals. • Conference room renovations It's essential that we renovate two conference spaces and an employee break area in DFL's Clearwater Center to expand our service provisions effectively. This transformation will create a spacious, uninterrupted area, conducive to collaborative work, allowing us to meet the increasing demands for mental health and homeless services within our community. Repurposing and opening up this space will grant us access to approximately 1,200 square feet of state-of-the-art, newly designed office space for our staff, thereby enhancing our ability to provide more services and support to those in need. LIFE GETS BETTER HERE." MISSION To help alleviate conditions of poverty, revitalize local communities, and promote self-sufficiency by mobilizing resources to develop and implement programs that deliver an array of services to address various individual, family and community needs. VISION Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. envisions a community in which every individual is financially self-sufficient; is empowered to help bring about positive change in their neighborhoods; and has access to resources that will enable them to reach their full potential. POC pursues this vision by forging partnerships and offering services, which create hope, offer support, cultivate new skills, and provide guidance that will lead to an improved and better community in which to live. ':ORE °ALOES • ACCOUNTABILITY • COMPETENCY • EXCELLENCE • INTEGRITY c. • TEAMWORK Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. (POC) is a private non-profit Community Action Agency (CAA). We provide a wide range of services and activities designed to alleviate poverty and otherwise assist persons in need. The aim of these services and activities is to build individual and family stability, increase the capacity of individuals and families to become self-sufficient, and contribute to the revitalization of local communities. POC is financially supported by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services; the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity; the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco -Pinellas; Pinellas County; the Cities of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Safety Harbor, and Pinellas Park; United Way Suncoast; and various churches, organizations, businesses, and individuals. 0 Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. POC is governed by a twenty -one -member Boar of Directors. Board members serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. One-third are elected officials or their representatives; one-third are democratically elected representatives of low-income residents in the areas served by the agency; and one-third are representatives of business, labor, religious, welfare, education, and other major interests in the community. In its employment and service delivery activities, POC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religious belief, political affiliation or sexual orientation. POC has been providing services for the people of Pinellas County since 1968. This Community Services Block Grant Program bid solicitation is supported by the Administration of Children and Families of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 501 1st Avenue N Suite 517 St. Petersburg, FI 33701 727-823-4101 727-822-0426 Fax www.poc-inc.org Helping People, a Changing Lives EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE Provides limited financial assistance to help with utility, rent, and mortgage emergencies. 8384 Bayou Boardwalk Largo, FL 33777 Office: (727) 202-6803 Fax:(727) 202-6804 • Eligibility for most programs is subject to income and other guidelines. • e available. • YOU MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT. • Remote and face-to-face appointments are available. • Please bring your household ID/SS, income documents, and bill to the appointment. • Availability of services is dependent upon funding. • At times, some services may not be immediately available. Applications can be found online at www.poc-inc.org 1035 Burlington Avenue N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Office: (727) 822-4492 Fax:(727) 898-5052 301 S. Disston Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Office: (727) 937-9393 Fax: (727) 940-3511 EMERGENCY HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE FOR THE ELDERLY (EHEAP) Provides financial assistance to households with persons 60 years and older kr heating and cooling emergencies. 8384 Bayou Boardwalk Largo, FL 33777 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Office: (727) 202-6803 Office: (727) 822-4492 Fax:(727) 202-6804 Fax:(727) 898-5052 301 S. Disston Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Office: (727) 937-9393 Fax: (727) 940-3511 1035 Burlington Avenue N. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Helps youth become more aware and involved in productive extracurricular activities in the community. 501 1st Avenue N., Suite 517 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Office: (727) 823-4101 Ext 115 Fax: (727) 822-0426 FAMILY DEVELOPMENT/ WRAP AROUND SERVICES Provides assistance and support services for families working to achieve economic self-sufficiency. 501 1st Avenue N., Suite 517 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Office: (727) 823-4101 Ext 125 Fax: (727) 822-0426 301 S. Disston Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Office: (727) 937-9393 Fax: (727) 940-3511 GETTING AHEAD PROGRAM Provides training to help people from poverty backgrounds create their own plan toward a stable, secure life and put them on a path to exiting poverty. 501 1st Avenue N., Suite 517 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Office: (727) 823-4101 Ext 125 Fax: (727) 822-0426 Kimberly Home is Dedicated to LIFE! Our mission is to assist pregnant women, children, and families through: • Loving Counsel • Infant Care • Family Support • Education • A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH3568) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT HTTPS://WWW.FDACS.GOV/CONSUMERSERVICES OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7532 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA. tfrki Kimberly Home Pregnancy Resource Center 1189 NE Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33755 (corner of Drew St & N Missouri Ave) (727) 443-0471 Monday to Wednesday & Friday 9 am - 4 pm Thursday 71 am - 7 pm Email: info©kimberlyhome.org www.kimberlyhome.org Kiniberl r I Ioinc Thrift Shoppes Donations to our Thrift Shoppes generate revenue that provides critical support for our life-saving programs. In addition, the Thrift Shoppes serve as resources for our clients and provide employment and volunteer opportunities within the community. 1601 Clearwater/Largo Rd, Clearwater, 33755 (corner of Belleair Rd & Clearwater/Largo Rd) (727) 587-6900 Monday to Saturday, 9 am - 6 pm Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm Email: thriftshoppe©kimberlyhome.org www.kimberlyhome.org/thriftshoppes 1428 Main St, Dunedin, 34698 (727) 223-4919 Monday to Saturday, 9 am - 6 pm Sunday, 11 am-4pm Email: thriftshoppe2©kimberlyhome.org www.kimberlyhome.org/thriftshoppes A place of hope & new beginnings! SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1983 ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS Pregnancy Center Free Pregnancy Center Services: • Pregnancy Testing • Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound o When medically necessary • Pregnancy Counseling • Emotional Support • Material Assistance • M.O.M. University Classes o Prenatal care, birthing, infant care, breast-feeding, parenting, nutrition, and budgeting Referral Services: • Prenatal Medical Care • Abuse Counseling • Continuing Education • Job Placement • Housing & Furniture • Rent & Utility Assistance • Professional Counseling • Case Management • Adoption • And so much more! The Nicholas Vosotas Kimberly Home Child Care Center Licensed staff and volunteers care for babies ages 2 months to 3 years in a safe, nurturing environment. The need for infant and toddler daycare is particularly crucial to the single mom. This service allows parents the opportunity to work or further their education, invaluable steps to achieving a secure future for themselves and their child. Lic #52-15070953 1194 Grove St, Clearwater, FL 33755 (727) 447-9283 Monday to Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm www.kirnb erlyho e.arg f ehiki-eare-center KimberlyVillage Housing Program Transitional housing is provided to pregnant women and new moms in a safe and loving campus environment. While participating in our mentoring program, residents receive education in prenatal care, parenting, nutrition, budgeting, and life skills, as well as assistance in finding a permanent home and child care. HO YOU CAN HELP... As a non-profit organization, Kimberly Home depends upon donations from the community for financial support. Your generous gifts of funds, material assistance, and time enable us to continue helping mothers, babies, and families. Please join us as we react), out to pregnant lvomen in need, Financial Support • Make a personal donation • Join our Guardian Angel monthly donor program • Ask your employer to match your gift • Consider a memorial or honorarium gift • Remember Kimberly Home in your will • Attend our fundraising events • Host your own fundraising event o Baby shower, Baby Bottle Boomerang, and others • Donate material items o Clothing, cribs, strollers, high chairs, baby food, formula and baby care items • Donate furniture, household goods, and clothing to our Thrift Shoppes o Pick-up and delivery available Volunteer • Become a Client Advisor • Sort donations • Feed and rock babies in the Child Care Center • Host a baby shower • Help us plan events • Teach a class