City of Lawrence, KS

Community Development Advisory Committee

March 10, 2016 Minutes (City Commission Room)

MEMBERS PRESENT:		Frank Brown, Jenna Coker, Alex Delaney, Jonathan Holley, Steven Koprince, James Minor, Kendall Simmons, Blake Swenson, Patrick Wilbur

MEMBERS ABSENT:		None

STAFF PRESENT:		Danelle Dresslar, Brad Karr

PUBLIC PRESENT:		Bob Mikesic, Hannah Odette, Colby Wilson, Ted Boyle

Chair Delaney called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

1. Introductions.

Members introduced themselves.

2. Approval of the February 25, 2016 Minutes.

Delaney moved to approve the CDAC meeting minutes from February 25, 2016. Coker seconded the motion. The motion passed 8-0 with 1 abstention.

3. Public Comment.

Terry Leatherman and Teresa Baker from Housing and Credit Counseling Inc. spoke to the committee about the HCCI application for CDBG Public Service funding. They gave an overview of the counseling provided by HCCI, and apologized for not attending the February 11, 2016 meeting when the CDBG Public Service applications were reviewed. Simmons asked if the counseling was provided only by phone or were office hours available. Baker indicated most counseling is provided by phone, but if an individual wants meet in the office, that service can be provided. Swenson asked if the information provided at the consultation was available freely in other locations. Leatherman indicated that HCCI is a HUD-certified counseling agency that provides information and education for tenants and landlords. Swenson asked if any mediation between tenant and landlord is provided. Baker indicated no mediation is offered, only information and education. Koprince asked about the difference between the counseling provided and actual legal advice. Baker stated the counselors are not attorneys and do not give legal advice; HCCI refers tenants to KU Legal Services or an attorney to obtain legal advice. Koprince asked how the low income verification is made for a client over the phone. Baker indicated HCCI uses a list of questions including income amounts and number of people in the family in order to meet the requirement of below 80% of area median income.

Delaney asked the board if they would like to reopen the discussion of zero funding HCCI. Wilbur indicated during the first discussion of the HCCI application on February 11, 2016 it was proposed to fund them at $5,000. Wilbur moved to reduce funding for 9a, Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS) by $5,000 and fund 7a, Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. at $5,000. The motion failed without a second.

Swenson asked HCCI if they do not receive any funding, will they not be able to provide any counseling in Lawrence. Leatherman indicated they would try to provide all the counsels they could with the limited funding.

Delaney offered that he has a problem taking any funding from LCS. Koprince stated HCCI does provide an important service, but has trouble with what would have to be reduced in order to fund the program. Delaney suggested reducing the two largest percentage allocations, which would be Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army by $1,250 each and reduce LCS by $2,500 to allow HCCI to be funded at $5,000. Brown indicated that seemed to be the most equitable way of allocating the funds.

Delaney moved to fund 5a, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (CCNEK) at $9,000; 7a, Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. at $5,000; 9a, Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS) at $27,500; 10a, The Salvation Army at $13,750. The motion was seconded by Holley. The motion passed 8-1.

4. Discussion of 2016 CDBG Capital Improvement Applications.

Dresslar explained the additional $225,000 reallocation added to the CDBG Capital Improvement funds. With these additional funds and City Staff reducing the requested amount on 15a, City of Lawrence Community Development Division (CDD), Housing Rehab/EL/FL/Weatherization there would be enough to fully fund all of the other requests.

Delaney moved to fund 13a, Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, New Building Construction at $250,000; 14a, City of Lawrence (Public Works Division), Sidewalk Gap Project at $117,625; 15a, City of Lawrence Community Development Division (CDD), Housing Rehab/EL/FL/Weatherization at $344,793; 16a, Independence Inc., Accessible Housing Program at $33,000; 17a, North Lawrence Improvement Association, Traffic Calming Device at $3,500. Koprince seconded the motion. The motion passed 9-0.

Dresslar reminded the committee that these are all estimated amounts until HUD releases the actual allocation amounts.

5. Additional Public Comment.

Bob Mikesic with Independence Inc. thanked the committee for funding the Accessible Housing Program to assist renters in Lawrence with making accessibility modifications.

6. Miscellaneous/Calendar.

Dresslar reminded the committee that the public hearing for the 2016 allocations will be on April 28, 2016 at 6 pm; she suggested canceling the next meeting in March and meet on April 17, 2016 to review the allocations.

Delaney moved to cancel the March 24, 2016 meeting of the CDAC. Minor seconded the motion. The motion passed 9-0.

The next meeting of the CDAC will be April 14, 2016 at 5:30 pm in the City Commission room of City Hall.

The tentative schedule would be:

April 14, 2016 – Review allocations

April 28, 2016 – Regular meeting begins at 5:45 pm; Public Hearing begins at 6 pm.

6. Adjourn.

Holley moved to adjourn the March 10, 2016 meeting of the CDAC at 6:06 p.m. Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed 9-0.

Attendance Record

Members

Jan 14

Jan 28

Feb 11

Feb 25

Mar 10

Apr 14

Frank Brown

Jenna Coker

Alex Delaney

Jonathan Holley

Steven Koprince

James Minor

Blake Swenson

Kendall Simmons

Patrick Wilbur

E Excused Absence

U Unexcused Absence

X Meeting Cancelled – Weather Conditions

- Meeting Cancelled – Committee Vote/No Business

* First meeting after appointment

** Last Meeting Prior to expired term

^ Last Meeting