December 14, 2006 Minutes (Neighborhood Resources Department)
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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Jeanette Collier, Curtis Harris, Susan Mangan, Greg Moore, Carol Nalbandian, Kirsten Roussel, Patti Welty |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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marci francisco, Brenda Nunez, Mike Randolph |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
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Lesley Rigney, Margene Swarts |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
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James Dunn |
In the absence of Chair Randolph, Roussel called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.
Introductions
Members and public introduced themselves.
Approval of the September 28, 2006 minutes and receive October 12, 2006 Study Session notes
Moore moved to approve the September 28, 2006 minutes and to receive the October 12, 2006 Study Session notes. Harris seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Receive 2007 CDBG/HOME grant applications
Swarts noted that the numbers of funding requests are down from last year with a total of 19. Projects with which staff had some concern are: 2c, ELNA Sidewalk Repair Project for $280 and 4c, ONA Blight Survey Project for $78. Both are such small requests that the CDBG administrative burden outweighs the cost of the project. She would suggest the neighborhood coordinators approach interested neighbors or sponsors to raise these small amounts. 5d, PNA Rezoning Project for $500. Although this may be a CDBG eligible activity, the Committee needs to determine if it is CDBG appropriate. 7a, CCRU Employment Project for $26,702. This proposal is unclear, the numbers do not add up, and no electronic copy was submitted with the grant, as required by the application. 9a, ESC Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance for $80,000 – is the amount of this request reasonable? 10a, Habitat Wastewater/Water Development Fees for $24,760. Staff recommends asking Habitat to request the City waive these fees to further affordable housing activities in the community, rather than pay for them with CDBG funds.
A brief discussion regarding the eligibility of projects and activities with minimum and maximum (statutory caps) funding amounts followed.
Swarts stated the federal allocation for CDBG/HOME should be known by early spring. Currently the legislature is operating these programs under a continuing resolution.
Brief overview of allocations process
Roussel asked if for the purpose of the allocation process, should projects be grouped in the categories of Public Services, Capital Improvements and HOME with Neighborhood Associations being considered along with other public service requests.
There was agreement that this would be the case.
Roussel suggested that Capital Improvements were a good place to start.
Moore suggested adding a line below the totals in the spreadsheet with the amount available that will auto calculate.
Roussel directed the group to review all Capital Improvement requests prior to the January meeting.
Miscellaneous Items/Calendar
January meeting dates were set for January 11 and January 25, the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Due to room availability, it was agreed to stick with the second and fourth Thursdays through May or until the allocations process is complete.
Roussel noted that at the last meeting Randolph was elected Chair and Nalbandian was elected Vice-Chair upon her acceptance. She asked if Nalbandian would agree to serve as Vice-Chair.
Nalbandian declined citing work and schedule demands.
Harris asked what was involved and volunteered to serve as Vice-Chair.
Collier moved to elect Harris as Vice-Chair. Moore seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
After a brief discussion regarding proposals it was decided that staff would contact Habitat and let them know of the Committee’s suggestion regarding the fee waiver request. Upon receiving the request staff will forward it to the Committee so that the group may draft a letter of support. The letter will also include a request to waive similar fees for Tenants to Homeowners and the Land Trust.
Collier added that, regarding those small requests from neighborhoods, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and New Focus Ministries are all possible resources for small grants and/or donations.
Staff will suggest the neighborhoods pursue these other options for funding.
Public Comment
James Dunn, ONA President, stated that Oread was recently granted historic district status for another section of the neighborhood. ONA is looking forward to working with the new city-appointed Neighborhood Resources Officers.
Adjourn
There being no further business, Moore moved to adjourn the meeting. Nalbandian seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm.