Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Community Development Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 1/14/2010 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE PUBLIC MEETING City Municipal Complex Council Chambers 5850 W. Glendale Avenue Glendale, AZ Thursday, January 14, 2010 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Flippen, Chair Susan Jernigan, Vice-Chair Yolanda Hernandez Rebecca Ontiveros Mary Jean Eggleston Madelin Page Glenn O'Bannon Pattie Johnston MEMBERS ABSENT: Sharon Wixon Karen Mankoski STAFF PRESENT: Erik Strunk, Community Partnerships Director Gilbert Lopez, Community Revitalization Administrator Brian Lotto, Revitalization Coordinator I. Call to Order Chair Flippen called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. II. Business From the Floor/Public Comment None. Ill. Public Comment Mr. Lopez explained that staff is formulating the FY 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan which is an action plan to guide how federal funds are spent in the City of Glendale. Mr. Lopez stated that, along with this evening, there will be other opportunities for public comment. Chair Flippen opened the floor for public comment on the 5-Year Consolidated Plan. No comments were made. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14,2010 Page 2 IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes Committee member Eggleston noted that on the January 6th meeting minutes, the header at the top should be changed from "Monday, January 6" to "Wednesday, January 6". Committee member Johnston motioned to approve the January 4, 2010 and January 6, 2010 meeting minutes with the header at the top changed from "Monday, January 6" to "Wednesday, January 6" in the January 6, 2010 minutes. Committee member Jernigan made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. V. Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-2011 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program Funding Requests Mr. Lopez distributed information from agencies that was requested by the Committee at the January 13, 2010 public hearing. Mr. Lopez commented that $1,422,293 was available with $4,481,724 in requests for the Physical Improvement funds, $93,101 was available with $100,000 in requests for the ESG funds and $558,143 was available with $1,020,000 in requests for the HOME funds. Mr. Lopez cautioned that the amounts of funds available were estimates until the actual amount was finalized by the federal government. Committee member Eggleston asked Mr. Strunk for clarification of the Council's funding priorities. Mr. Strunk listed the following priorities: • Housing Related Projects • Clearance and Demolition of Blight • Programs Preventing Homelessness • Programs Related to Domestic Violence • Programs Related to Employment Services • Programs Benefiting Seniors and Youth • Revitalization Projects and Projects Focusing on the Redevelopment Area • Basic Necessities: Food, Shelter and Clothing The Committee discussed and made recommendations on the funding requests as follows: CDBG PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14, 2010 Page 3 Housing Related Programs: 2-1 Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) — Glendale Home Accessibility Program - $90,521 request Chair Flippen noted that ABIL is considered a high-performer in agency review. Committee member Eggleston stated that ABIL has consistently exceeded its goals and is a very worthwhile organization. Committee member Page motioned to fund Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) — Glendale Home Accessibility Program for $90,521. Committee member Eggleston made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. 2-2 Community Services of Arizona — Emergency Home Repair Program for Glendale Residents, $400,000 request Committee member O'Bannon commented that the follow-up information provided to staff did not break out the indirect costs as requested by the Committee, but the direct costs. Committee member Page commented that CSA provides clients with necessities and inquired if there were similar agencies in Glendale. Mr. Lopez explained that CSA was asked to create a program in order to respond to these emergency situations. Mr. Lopez added that the Foundation for Senior Living performs some of the same activities, but not in the same manner. Mr. Lopez also noted that city staff could take over this responsibility, however, personnel would most likely have to be hired to carry out the duties. Committee members O'Bannon and Jernigan expressed concern over the agency's budget. Committee member Jernigan asked if the agency had other funding sources. Mr. Lopez replied that the agency did not have other funding for this program specifically. Committee member Jernigan commented that this year's budget looked better than last year's, however, still felt that the indirect costs of the program at 14.7% were high. Mr. Lopez stated that staff had noticed that certain costs had increased and negotiated with the agency on some of these in the past. Committee member O'Bannon inquired how much it would cost for staff to take over this program. Mr. Lopez replied that staffs administrative costs were 14.5% and the department would have to staff up in order to assume the responsibility. Committee member Hernandez asked if this possibility were reasonable. Mr. Lopez replied that it could be discussed. Mr. Strunk added that if the Committee wanted staff to take a serious look at taking over this responsibility; staffing needs, organizational changes Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14,2010 Page 4 and program costs would have to be assessed in detail. With those details and figures at hand, staff could then approach CSA regarding cost negotiations. Staff could then bring the information to the Committee for review. Also, staff could use a Request For Proposal to accomplish some of this work. However, Mr. Strunk stressed that due diligence of the suggestion must be performed before any commitments could be made. Committee member Jernigan stated that the intent is not to burden staff with more responsibility this year, but to determine if it were possible to absorb the program internally for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Committee member Jernigan also expressed concern about the agency's accounting procedures. Mr. Strunk replied that staff understands the concerns and that the auditor's comments were of note to staff as well. Mr. Strunk stated that staff does strive to ensure that every agency spends and accounts for its funds properly. Mr. Lopez added that the city reserves the right to terminate the contract with any agency, if there are issues with performance. Chair Flippen stated that the agency performs an emergency service for the residents and it was a very important service. Chair Flippen felt that staff should continue to monitor CSA's budget and accounting practices and also research the possibility of taking over the responsibility of the emergency services in the following fiscal year, if so deemed. However, Chair Flippen felt that this year, the Committee should fund CSA due to the dire need of the services. Chair Flippen also added that the 14.7% CSA indirect cost was just a bit higher than staffs cost of 14.5%, and therefore, should not be a stumbling block at this time. Committee member Jernigan agreed that the work of CSA was very good. Committee member Jernigan added that while the 14.7% indirect cost meets guidelines, there is some confusion in the budget as to the question of salaries being included in two sections. Staff will follow up on this note. Mr. Strunk stressed that staff will continued to monitor the agencies financials and will report further findings to the Committee. Mr. Strunk added that the possibility of staff internally assuming this responsibility and/or utilizing RFP's for the 2011/2012 fiscal year will be researched. Committee member Jernigan motioned to fund Community Services of Arizona — Emergency Home Repair Program for Glendale Residents for $400,000. Committee member Ontiveros made the second. Motion passed 8 - 0. 2-3 City of Glendale Community Housing Division — Window and Door Replacements, $200,000 request Committee member Page stated that this agency is very meticulous with upkeep and maintenance and keeps the properties in very good condition. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14,2010 Page 5 Chair Flipped noted that the project entails the upgrade of 155 units and makes a big impact on a lot of residents. Chair Flippen added that it is important for the city to maintain its public housing. Committee member O'Bannon wondered if some of the doors were still serviceable. Committee member O'Bannon did not feel that this project, especially in this economy, related to the necessities of life. Committee member Johnston motioned to fund City of Glendale Community Housing Division — Window and Door Replacements for $100,000. Committee member Jernigan made the second. Motion carried 6 - 2. 2-4 VALLEYLIFE (formerly VOS School and Rehabilitation Center) — Upgradinq Residential and Group Homes, $325,000 request Committee member Eggelston stated that upon review of the repair request pictures, it appeared that some of the projects were cosmetic and not necessities. Committee member O'Bannon agreed. Committee member Eggleston commented that the full amount requested was a large amount of funding for only 42 individuals. Chair Flippen agreed although added that VALLEYLIFE does excellent work. Committee member Eggleston stated that the agency did not provide the funding request break out per home, only in total, and the per home details would provide more pertinent information. Committee member Page felt that funds should be granted for major repairs and suggested partial funding. Chair Flippen suggested funding in the amount of $10,000 per home, adding that since the repairs in the pictures appear to be basic home repairs this figure should be appropriate. Committee member Johnston motioned to fund VALLEYLIFE (formerly VOS School and Rehabilitation Center) — Upgrading Residential and Group Homes for $90,000. Committee member Eggleston made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. Public Facility Improvements or Improvements to Public Infrastructure 2-5 A New Leaf (PREHAB) —West Valley Counseling Center, $694,435 request Committee member Jernigan praised the work of PREHAB and felt that some funding should be granted to show city support and to help leverage PREHAB'S other funding Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14,2010 Page 6 requests. Committee member Jernigan stressed that the Center would be located in Glendale. Chair Flippen stated that this was a very high dollar amount request, but also agreed that it was important to support with partial funding. Chair Flippen noted that the agency has a high amount of federal funding of the project and so felt confident that the project would be completed. Committee member Eggleston stated that the agency serves 29% of Glendale residents. Committee member O'Bannon motioned to fund A New Leaf (PREHAB) — West Valley Counseling Center for $200,000. Committee member Jernigan made the second. Motion carried 7 - 1. 2-6 Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix — Swift Kids Branch Field Renovation, $321,268 request Committee member O'Bannon stated that although the soccer field would benefit the Boys and Girls Club, The Smith School and the City of Glendale, it is not a necessity in this economy and he could not support the project at this time. Committee members Page, Jernigan and Hernandez agreed. Chair Flippen noted that given the Council's priorities, the economy and the amount of available funds, the project is more of an amenity and not a necessity and he could not support the request at this time. Committee member Johnston motioned not to fund Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix — Swift Kids Branch Field Renovation. Committee member Page made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. 2-7 Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) — Emergency Shelter and Program Improvements, $10,000 request Committee member Jernigan was not inclined to support the request in this economy; it is not a necessity and also felt that tables and chairs could be found at lower cost or maybe even donated by a corporation. Committee member Ontiveros agreed. Chair Flippen felt that CASS performs a desperate need in the community and because the request was very small, should be supported. Committee member Hernandez commented that there are auctions of state surplus whereby this type of furniture can be found at lower cost. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14,2010 Page 7 Committee member Jernigan motioned not to fund Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) — Emergency Shelter and Program Improvements. Committee member Johnston made the second. Motion carried 5 - 3. 2-8 City of Glendale Neighborhood Partnerships Division — Additional Streetscape Improvement for East Catlin Court, $220,000 request Committee member Ontiveros stated that although the residents are very commendable in bringing their community together towards improvement, the project is not a necessity given the economy. Committee members O'Bannon and Jernigan agreed. Chair Flippen was impressed with the community's Master Plan concept, but agreed that this was not an essential project for funding at this time as it does not relate to basic necessities. Committee member Page was impressed by these citizens who want to be involved in their neighborhood and the city and felt that with some funding, this type of involvement could spread. Committee member Jernigan motioned not to fund City of Glendale Neighborhood Partnerships Division — Additional Streetscape Improvement for East Catlin Court. Committee member O'Bannon made the second. Motion carried 7 - 1. 2-9 City of Glendale Marketing Department — Centerline Entryway Monuments, $100,000 request Committee member O'Bannon commented that although the project would be nice, it was not a necessity at this time and his support could not be justified. Chair Flippen felt that the monuments might be best discussed along with the Centerline Redevelopment plans and designs and not before those plans were completed. Committee member Hernandez agreed, stating that as the Centerline plans move forward, the entryway monuments should be included in those plans. Committee member Page motioned not to fund City of Glendale Marketing Department — Centerline Entryway Monuments. Committee member Jernigan made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. 2-10 City of Glendale Code Compliance Division — Identification & Elimination of Code Violations within Redevelopment Areas, $75,000 request Committee member Johnston stated that the Code Compliance Department is overrun with requests and due to the economy, blight is increasing and must be addressed. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14,2010 Page 8 Chair Flippen agreed and added that blight decreases security, safety and property values. Committee member Hernandez felt that banks must be continuously pressured to maintain and upkeep the foreclosures that are in their name. Mr. Strunk commented that the banks have made great strides in that area and a major problem is the lag time between when the homeowner walks away from the home or ceases upkeep and the deed actually reverts to the bank. Committee member Johnston motioned to fund City of Glendale Code Compliance Division — Identification & Elimination of Code Violations within Redevelopment Areas for $75,000. Committee member Jernigan made the second. The motion passed 8 - 0. Committee member Jernigan asked Chair Flippen, if the Committee would consider request #2-22 from St. Mary's Food Bank prior to requests #2-11 through #2-21 from City of Glendale Field Operations. As there were no objections from other Committee members, Chair Flippen agreed to the request. 2-22 St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance — Cooler and Facility Upgrades, $52,500 request Committee member Page felt that the coolers were a necessity, but wondered if the overhang was. Chair Flippen stated that this group is on the frontlines of feeding those people who need it most. Chair Flippen stated that because of the extreme heat during the summer, shade could be considered a necessity especially, if the people in line are old or children and can be waiting for a long time. Committee member O'Bannon motioned to fund St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance — Cooler and Facility Upgrades for $52,500. Committee member Johnston made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. FUNDING STATUS Mr. Lopez announced that $414,272 was still available to be allocated. 2-11 through 2-21 City of Glendale Field Operations Division — Street Paving protects: • Paving Group A, $395,000 request • Paving Group B, $182,000 request • Paving Group C, $125,000 request • Paving Group D, $251,000 request • Paving Group E, $66,000 request • Paving Group F, $206,000 request • Paving Group G, $124,000 request • Paving Group H, $126,000 request Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14,2010 Page 9 • Paving Group I, $127,000 request • Paving Group J, $127,000 request • Paving Group K, $264,000 request Committee member O'Bannon felt the need to support the request for Paving Groups A, B and C as those streets have not been repaved in 20 years. Committee member Jernigan asked if the figures were per actual bids. Mr. Strunk replied that they were estimates based upon the department's review of the streets. Committee member Jernigan inquired how the Department would utilize partial funding. Mr. Strunk stated that the Department is flexible and would most likely use the funds in priority order. Committee member Page noted that that the Committee had never received a request of this type before. Committee member Eggleston agreed and wondered if the city had funds in the Master Plan for street paving. Mr. Strunk replied that street paving is included in the Master Plan, however, the budget is quite tight due to the economy and because these streets are in low-income neighborhoods, they are eligible for federal funding. Mr. Strunk added that when the economy turns and the budget increases, street paving projects will be handled more readily in the normal budget. Mr. Strunk added that funding for streets comes from GO Transportation funds which have significantly decreased. Chair Flippen felt that street paving should be a basic city operation handled through the normal budget. Chair Flippen did not feel that this was a basic necessity as dictated by Council and commented that there are other projects that address more dire circumstances and necessities, such as the public housing improvements. Committee member Hernandez asked what would happen to the streets, if the request was not funded. Mr. Strunk replied that typical repair and upkeep would be done to keep the streets drivable. Committee member Jernigan felt that the highest priority projects spoke to the safety issue. Committee member Ontiveros agreed. Committee member Johnston motioned to fund City of Glendale Field Operations Division — Street Paving projects for $314,272. Committee member Page made the second. Motion passed 7 - 1. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14,2010 Page 10 2-3 City of Glendale Community Housing Division — Window and Door Replacement, $200,000 request Chair Flippen stated that it was necessary to continue to maintain and upkeep Glendale's public housing. Chair Flippen added that the request would keep the housing in good shape, safe and energy efficient. Committee member Eggleston and Hernandez agreed. Chair Flippen motioned to increase funding to City of Glendale Community Housing Division — Window and Door Replacement from $100,000 to $200,000. Committee member Eggleston made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) 3-1 A New Leaf (PREHAB of AZ Inc.) — Faith House Emergency Shelter Operations, $55,000 request Committee member Johnston motioned to fund A New Leaf (PREHAB of AZ Inc.) — Faith House Emergency Shelter Operations for $48,101. Committee member Eggleston made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. 3-2 Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) — Emergency Shelter Services for Homeless Single Adults, $25,000 request Committee member Eggleston motioned to fund Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) — Emergency Shelter Services for Homeless Single Adults for $25,000. Committee member Jernigan made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. 3-3 Homeward Bound — Utilities Assistance for the Thunderbirds Family Village, $20,000 request Committee member Johnston motioned to fund Homeward Bound — Utilities Assistance for the Thunderbirds Family Village for $20,000. Committee member O'Bannon made the second. Motion passed 8 - 0. HOME 4-1 Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) — Glendale Enterprise Lofts, $400,000 request Committee member Page commented that this new building would contribute to the Centerline Project and, if on schedule, will be providing housing in one year. Committee member Jernigan also voiced support, noting there will be dedicated units for a family with a disabled individual. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14, 2010 Page 11 Committee member O'Bannon noted that the agency was only requesting assistance for 5% of the project and is obtaining a lot of other federal funding. Chair Flippen noted that although the CDBG funding is not pivotal, it is important as the project fills a great need. Committee member Jernigan motioned to fund Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) — Glendale Enterprise Lofts for $300,000. Committee member Johnston made the second. Motion carried 8 - 0. FUNDING STATUS Mr. Lopez announced that $258,143 was still available to be allocated. The Committee agreed to discuss both Habitat for Humanity and Newtown Community Development Corporation at the same time prior to motions. Committee member Jernigan stated that Habitat for Humanity has always done an excellent job with its homes, volunteers and working with its clients and truly rallies the community. Committee member Eggleston agreed. Committee member Page stated that Habitat for Humanity invests in more than just real estate and it is truly an investment in people. Committee member O'Bannon asked for clarification of the Newtown housing trust. Mr. Lopez explained that basically the owner of a Newtown house will own the home only, not the land, thereby decreasing the purchase price. Furthermore, the homeowner can only take a portion of their equity when they sell, leaving behind some equity for the next homeowner. Newtown also provides classes and qualifies potential homeowners. Mr. Lopez noted that a recent city of Glendale housing study recommended this as a housing product to have in the community. Chair Flippen stated that Newtown does fulfill a critical housing niche in the community and should be supported. Committee member Hernandez stated that Habitat for Humanity does have many other funding sources and would like to see support of Newtown as well. Committee member Jernigan was not in support of Newtown. 4-3 Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona — Land Acquisition/Site Improvements/Rehabilitation, $320,000 request Chair Flippen motioned to fund Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona — Land Acquisition/Site Improvements/Rehabilitation for $129,072. Committee member Eggleston made the second. Motion passed 8 - 0. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 14,2010 Page 12 4-4 Newtown Community Development Corporation — Newtown CLT Homeownership Project, $300,000 request Chair Flippen motioned to fund Newtown Community Development Corporation — Newtown CLT Homeownership Project for $129,071. Committee member Johnston made the second. Motion passed 7 - 1. IV. Director/Staff Report Mr. Strunk thanked the Committee for their dedication and success in balancing the Mayor and Council funding priorities within the available funding constraints. Mr. Strunk announced that the recommendations would be posted for a thirty-day public comment period and would then move on to Mayor and Council for review and vote, tentatively targeted to occur in April. V. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m. by consensus. Respectfully submitted, Recording Secretary Denise Kazmierczak Reviewed and Submitted By: ,e73- orzif Beth Cougheno CPS/CAP Senior Secretary