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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Community Development Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 1/12/2011 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE PUBLIC HEARING #1 MUNICPAL OFFICE COMPLEX 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Wednesday,January 12,2011 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Flippen, Chair Karen Mankoski, Vice-Chair Sharon Wixon Madelin Page Pattie Johnston Yolanda Hernandez Glenn O'Bannon Shirley Wong Randy Miller MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary Jean Eggleston STAFF PRESENT: Cathy Gorham, Deputy City Manager Erik Strunk, Community Partnerships Director Gilbert Lopez, Revitalization Administrator Elizabeth Garcia, Revitalization Coordinator Beth Coughenour, Senior Secretary I. Call to Order and Introductions Chair Flippen called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. and welcomed all attendees and scheduled presenters. II. Roll Call Chair Flippen took roll call. III. Approval of Minutes—December 16, 2010 Committee member Miller motioned to approve the December 16,2010 meeting minutes as written. Committee member Johnston made the second. The motion passed 9—0. IV. Business from the Floor None. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 2 V. Public Hearing and Comment on FY 2011-12 CDBG Process Chair Flippen opened the floor for public comment on the Fiscal Year 2011-12 CDBG/HOME/ESG Process. No comments were made. VI. Fiscal Year 2011-12 Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) Funding Requests Chair Flippen explained that during this meeting,the agencies that submitted CDBG Public Service Activity funding requests would present their requests to the Committee. Presentations are limited to four minutes each. Committee members were encouraged to ask clarifying questions and there would be no time limit on this question and answer period. Chair Flippen noted that twelve funding requests will be presented this evening and twelve will be presented on Thursday, January 13, 2011. Upon review of the applications, the Committee will make final recommendations to Mayor and Council for approval in spring. Mr. Strunk thanked the Committee members for their time and dedication during the hearings and during the review process of the 43 grant applications. Mr. Strunk thanked the presenters from the agencies for their participation in the funding process as well. Mr. Strunk suggested that during review of the CDBG requests, Committee members should keep in mind the funding priorities as recently stated by Council: keeping people in homes, stabilizing neighborhoods, emergency home repair and core needs such as food, utilities and shelter. Mr. Strunk also introduced and thanked the Revitalization staff noting that much time goes into working with the agencies, review of applications and supplemental materials as well as preparation of the application binders. Mr. Lopez also thanked the Committee members and the agencies for their participation. Mr. Lopez stated that staff has performed an in-depth technical review of each application including review of agency audits and financial statements. Mr. Lopez stated that staff is available at any time for questions from the Committee regarding any application. Mr. Lopez announced that since the actual amount funds available from the federal government will not be known until approximately April, the pool of available funds for Public Service will be based on last year's actual amount received. The total received was $2,411,359 of which Public Service is allocated 15%, or$361,704. Once the actual dollar figure is known, the grant recommendations made by the Committee will be adjusted pro-rata for each award. This year's requests total $718,500 so there will be some difficult decisions to be made regarding funding as there is a lot of need compared to the funding available. The following presentations were made: Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 3 HOMELESS 1-1 Central Arizona Shelter Services CASS —Men's Overflow Center- $20 000 re•uest Mr. Mark Holleran is the CEO of the state's largest homeless shelter. Mr. Holleran was requesting $20,000 for funding of the Men's Overflow Shelter. Mr. Holleran provided the following statistics specifically relating to Glendale: • At the downtown Phoenix facility, 450 homeless men, women and children are housed nightly, of which 20%have reported originating from Glendale. • At the Family Shelter in Sunnyslope, 35 families are housed nightly, of which one-third report originating from Glendale. • At the Men's Overflow Shelter, which is directly across the street from the main CASS facility in Phoenix, 325 single men are housed nightly. Again, approximately 20% have reported originating from Glendale. Based on these figures, over 100,000 beds have been provided nightly at the Overflow Shelter, of which 20% are estimated to be attributed to a previous Glendale resident. Therefore, the $20,000 translates to about $1.00 for nightly shelter at the Overflow Shelter. Committee member Page inquired as to the intake process at the Men's Overflow Shelter. Mr. Holleran replied that this shelter was for immediate need, and therefore, basically the men receive a mat for sleeping and shelter. However, they are informed that if they choose to follow the CASS program, they can be moved into the program, whereby they will receive three meals a day, and engage in case management to ultimately, and hopefully, resolve their homeless situation. Chair Flippen inquired about the client to staff ratio. Mr. Holleran replied that staff is kept to a minimal level depending on the amount of intake and there are two off-duty police officers at the shelter at all times. Chair Flippen thanked Mr. Holleran for his presentation. 1-2 Homeward Bound—Utilities& Maintenance Assistance - $10,000 request Ms. Dawn Bogart, Development Director, stated that Homeward Bound is Arizona's largest transitional housing program serving mainly the homeless, working poor and domestic violence victims. Some program statistics: • Founded in 1990. • 155 housing units are in the Valley, with 6 located in Glendale. • The program serves about 250 families annually, which breaks down to approximately 800 individuals, of which 500 are children. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 4 • The $10,000 request is for utility assistance for the 6 scattered site units located in Glendale. Because some families move out during the year, there may be 6-to-9 families served. • The goal of Homeward Bound is for families to achieve economic independence, obtain long-term housing, maintain employment and break generational cycles of domestic violence and homelessness. • The agency provides case management, employment assistance, life-skill development and counseling. • It typically takes 12-24 months to move a family from homelessness into self- sufficiency. • It costs approximately $18,000 a year for Homeward Bound to house a family. • The program is a hand-up not a hand-out. • Families pay 30% of Adjusted Gross Income to participate in the program and are instructed on a savings program. • With utility assistance, families can use their own funds to put into savings and/or pay off debt. Committee member Mankoski inquired about a breakdown of the $487,000 housing expense indicated in the budget. Ms. Bogart replied that this would include HOA dues, maintenance, operational cost and other expenses. Ms. Bogart indicated she did not have the specific breakdown, but would provide this to the CDAC within 24 hours. Chair Flippen thanked Ms. Bogart for her presentation. 1-3 Interfaith Cooperative Ministries (ICM) — Food and Basic Provisions for Glendale Residents- $8,500 request Ms. Renee Gentry thanked the Committee members for their time and stated that this was the first time that ICM has come to Glendale requesting CDBG funding. Ms. Gentry provided the following information regarding ICM: • The ICM facility is located at 9th Avenue and Jefferson in downtown Phoenix. • The agency originated 27 years ago. • ICM provides basic needs for individuals throughout the Valley, such as food, clothing, medical assistance, emergency assistance, hygiene supplies, bus tickets and work uniforms. • Security and support to some of the Valley's poorest is provided. • It is estimated that over 2,000 individuals from Glendale are assisted annually, many of which are children. • Most clients are the working poor, elderly and the disabled. • A recent survey indicated that at 2/3 of the households utilizing ICM, no one in the household was employed. • Families are allowed to come to ICM twice a month for food. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 5 • ICM also has a free medical clinic. During 2010, more than 60 Glendale families came to the clinic and were seen by volunteer doctors and nurses. • In the original CDBG application completed in October 2010, it was proposed that ICM would serve 430 Total Number of Housing Units in 2010, however, 533 were actually served. Also, total number of individuals served was reported as 1,720 however, the actual figure was 2,124. These numbers do not include the medical clinic. • The $8,500 request will be used to partially pay for one full time Warehouse Assistant/Security Guard. In the past, there were two positions, however, due to the economy,they have been combined into one position. • ICM strives to keep the amount of paid staff low with the use of dedicated volunteers. • ICM also partners with St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance. Committee member Mankoski inquired about "other cash reserves" as noted on the budget. Ms. Gentry explained that individual contributions and donations from congregations are put into the reserve account. Chair Flippen wondered if the agency would have the matching funds as required. Ms. Gentry was confident that matching funds would be available and added that ICM is pursuing other grant possibilities. Chair Flippen thanked Ms. Gentry for her presentation. 1-4 St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance — Glendale Emergency Food Box Program - $35,000 request Ms. Sandra Freyer thanked the Committee for its past support and stated that this request was for$35,000 for the Emergency Food Box Program. Ms. Freyer explained that the food box provided is designed to sustain a family for three days and hopefully during that time, the family can find further assistance via other agencies. Ms. Freyer stated that this food box is becoming more and more a monthly need for many of the clients. Ms. Freyer estimated that St. Mary's Food Bank will serve 25,000 Glendale residents in the upcoming fiscal year and even this figure may end up on the low side. Committee member Hernandez inquired how a family is deemed low-income when requesting a food box. Ms. Freyer replied that it is essentially a self-certification and the requestor must sign a document indicating they are at 185% of the poverty level. Because food for the boxes is from TFAB, federal regulations state the requestors cannot be asked for proof of income. Committee member Mankoski noted that since St. Mary's Food Bank does provide food to ICM, which is also requesting funding, it was a concern that there might be a double- Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 6 coverage of Glendale residents in the funding requests. Ms. Freyer replied that the food was actually donated and so the request is for funding general costs, such as staff, gas, utilities and operational costs at the Glendale Salvation Army at 3131 W. Thomas Road. Committee member Mankoski asked for clarification that the $35,000 request was to actually support the costs of the entire program at the 3131 W. Thomas location at an estimated cost of$1.40 per Glendale resident. Ms. Freyer replied in the positive. Committee member Mankoski asked if an increase at the Thomas location was seen due to the closure of the Glendale location. Ms. Freyer replied in the positive. Chair Flippen thanked Ms. Freyer for her presentation. 1-5 Society of St. Vincent de Paul—Keeping Families Together- $56,250 request Ms. Roseanne Gutierrez, President of the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, provided the following highlights of the program • The group has been serving the community for almost 60 years. • The group provides food boxes (partners with St. Mary's Food Bank), medical and dental assistance, furniture, utilities, rent and even a toy program for the children. • The group is primarily funded by OLPH Church parishioners, private donations, the Diocese of Phoenix and CDBG funding. • The program is run solely by volunteers from the Church, no paid staff and no overhead. 100% of grant funds awarded go to the clients. The Church pays for any program overhead. • There are more first time clients this year than ever before. • The goal is to keep families together and supply basic needs. • When clients request financial assistance, interviews are conducted face-to-face in client's homes. Many times, other issues can be noticed on site (no beds, no clothing, no heat, etc.) • The group serves clients within only Glendale boundaries and makes referrals to other parishes for requests outside of Glendale. Furthermore, clients are provided with other agencies to contact for additional assistance. Ms. Gutierrez shared a story of one of the clients recently assisted. Committee member Page inquired about the maximum amount of assistance of$750 per year as indicated in the application. Ms. Gutierrez replied that she was unsure of why that was included in the application as this was not the case and will follow-up on this question. Committee member Miller wondered how clients find out about St. Vincent de Paul. Ms. Gutierrez replied that clients come via word of mouth. Ms. Gutierrez added that the Community Information Referral agency does give out the number to St. Vincent de Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 7 Paul, brochures are distributed at parishes and shelters, information is shared between neighbors and also landlords will give the information to their renters when necessary. Ms. Gutierrez stressed that the volunteers are all very good stewards of the funds and keep families as the main priority. Committee member Page wondered how much in donations was received from OLPH parishioners. Ms. Gutierrez replied that last year, $25,000 was donated. Committee member Johnston wondered if the utility companies would waive any late fees for the clients. Ms. Gutierrez replied that the utility companies will not do that directly, however, some apartment complexes will do that for the clients because they want to assist St. Vincent de Paul in keeping people in their homes. Ms. Gutierrez explained that the volunteers have really developed some great relationships with landlords. Chair Flippen wondered what the impact would be on the agency if it did not receive CDBG funding. Ms. Gutierrez replied that the work of the agency would still go forward; however, fewer clients would be helped. Chair Flippen wondered how clients were chosen. Ms. Gutierrez explained that clients were helped on a first-come-first-served basis, however, there are some funds/appointments reserved for last minute requests by families. Chair Flippen wondered how volunteers determined the amount of assistance. Ms. Gutierrez replied that the agency has set guidelines and parameters for assistance, though, volunteers will bring deviations for approval by the group as a whole. Committee member Page inquired about the partnership with St. Mary's Food Bank. Ms. Gutierrez replied that 1-1/2 pallets TFAB food is received from St. Mary's Food Bank monthly free of charge. Furthermore, there are food drives at OLPH and OLPH can purchase more food from the St. Vincent de Paul Society in downtown Phoenix. Chair Flippen thanked Ms. Gutierrez for her time. 1-6 Valley View Community Food Bank—Glendale Food Bank- $150,000 request Mr. Jesse Ramirez, Director of the Valley View Community Food Bank, stated that this was the first year the agency is asking Glendale for CDBG funding. Mr. Ramirez gave the following highlights of the program: • The food bank has been in operation for four years. • 390,000 people were helped this year, of which, 37,000 were from Glendale according to tracking. • No one is turned away. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 8 • A well-rounded and nutritious food box is provided which includes fresh vegetables, fruit, milk, dairy and meat. • The food box can last for about ten days. • One box can be requested every 30 days. • The agency is searching for a facility in Glendale and the $150,000 is intended to be used for this facility. Committee member Wixon wondered how Glendale residents find out about the agency when it is in Youngtown. Mr. Ramirez replied that information is obtained through churches and other assistance agencies. Committee member Mankoski wondered exactly how the $150,000 request would be used. Mr. Ramirez replied that it would be for utilities, staff, food, transportation and other operations at the new Glendale site. If a Glendale location could not be secured for this fiscal year, the funding would be used to support operations at the downtown Phoenix location. However, Mr. Ramirez stressed that the agency is committed to finding a facility in Glendale. Chair Flippen thanked Mr. Ramirez for his time. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 1-7 A New Leaf—Faith House Emergency Shelter- $31,150 request Ms. Diana Rodriguez represented the agency and provided the following details regarding the shelter located in Glendale: • It is a 24-hour facility, 365 days a year. • The shelter provides shelter to women and children who are victims of domestic violence and offers include case management, screening, life-skills, advocacy and licensed childcare. • At the shelter, food and other basic needs are met as well. • The shelter is a 4-unit, 16-bed facility. • During intake, the women receive a tour of the facility, the children are enrolled in childcare, a case management appointment, and need and goal assessment is performed. Intake is done Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ms. Rodriguez stated that the women need time to finish their education, heal and become self-sufficient. Committee member Miller asked for confirmation that in 2010, 11 people from Glendale were served at a cost of $7,800 per person. Ms. Rodriguez will follow up on this question. Chair Flippen thanked Ms. Rodriguez for her time. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 9 1-8 Chrysalis Shelter of Domestic Violence—Victim Services - $15,000 Ms. Angie Stewart, Director of Residential Services,represented the Chrysalis Shelter. Ms. Stewart shared details regarding Chrysalis, including the following: • Chrysalis has been in business for nearly 30 years. • Chrysalis is unique in its service in that it uses a 360-degree approach in handling domestic violence. • Chrysalis has locations throughout the valley focusing on ending domestic violence and providing shelter and counseling for adults and children. • Chrysalis provides shelters, transitional housing, outpatient services, counseling, victim advocacy,trauma management and legal services. • Recently, one shelter in Phoenix and one in Scottsdale were combined into one new facility. • At the crisis shelters, a woman and her children can stay up to 20 days. At the transitional shelters, a woman and her children can stay up to 2 years. • The old Scottsdale shelter will be converted into a transitional shelter. Committee member Miller wondered about the success rate of the program. Ms. Stewart stated that domestic violence is a very difficult cycle to break and the average woman returns to her abuser seven times before leaving for good. Many women utilize the program multiple times. Chair Flippen thanked Ms. Stewart for her time. 1-9 Community Information&Referral - CONTACS Shelter Hotline - $10,956 request Mr. Roberto Armijo, Director of Community Information & Referral, presented the request for funding for the CONTACS Shelter hotline. The 24-hour hotline is a single phone number that is used by victims of domestic violence and homelessness to find shelter. A 1-800 number is available as well as a local number. Users call one number and the phone staff has information on all shelter bed availability in Maricopa County. When a call is received, an assessment is performed and shelter availability is confirmed. The caller is then transferred directly to shelter staff. Mr. Armijo explained that this service was established 11 years ago when a victim of domestic violence was killed by her abuser while calling around for shelter. Mr. Armijo provided the following statistics: • Last year, approximately 50,000 calls were received of which 7,000 to 8,000 related to domestic violence. • Of the total calls, 2,000 were Glendale residents. Committee member O'Bannon wondered how word was spread regarding the hotline. Mr. Armijo replied that there was no advertising budget and that hotline number is Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 10 distributed by case managers in the community, domestic violence shelters/counselors, homeless shelters,police and fire departments, in the phone book, flyers posted in various areas as well as by word-of-mouth. Chair Flippen thanked Mr. Armijo for his time. SENIORS 1-10 Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFS)—Older Adult Services/In-Home Older Adult Services - $15,000 request Ms. Ellie Schwartsberg, Vice-President of the Older Adult Program, stated that JFS was a non-sectarian, behavioral health and social services agency. Ms. Schwartsberg stated that the agency serves the low-income, frail and elderly population who many times are isolated and sometimes have no other source of support. Ms. Schwartsberg explained that various services are provided, including the following: • Counseling(grief, loss of job,marital,health, depression, anxiety) • Case management(average of three months) • Advocacy • Referrals to resources and other agencies Ms. Schwartsberg noted that the goal of the program is to support and build on each client's strengths to help clients live independently in their own homes. With the $15,000 request, Ms. Schwartsberg stated that the funds would be used to serve 50 Glendale clients in the Older Adult Program. Committee member Miller inquired as to how older adults found out about the program. Ms. Schwartsberg replied that referrals are made by many other agencies and also by word-of-mouth. Committee member Miller asked if the program served only the Jewish population. Ms. Schwartsberg replied that the program is non-sectarian and that 95% of the clients are not Jewish. Committee member Johnston inquired about other funding sources. Ms. Schwartsberg replied that funds are received from United Way, the Jewish Federation, Magellan and other donors. However, the funds received from the Glendale CDBG grant would only be used for the Glendale clients. Committee member Mankoski wondered about any financial restrictions for the clients. Ms. Schwartsberg replied that there were no imposed financial restrictions and generally the program serves the very low-income population. Ms. Schwartsberg added that there Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 11 are also clients served who can afford to and do pay for the program services. Ms. Schwartsberg explained that an initial assessment is performed to determine a client's income level. Chair Flippen asked what the funds would specifically be used for. Ms. Schwartsberg replied that the funds would be used for the partial salary of a masters degree level case worker for the Glendale clients. Chair Flippen thanked Ms. Schwartsberg for her presentation. 1-11 St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance—Glendale Home Food Delivery - $30,000 request Ms. Sandra Freyer explained that this funding request was for home delivery of the Homebound Elderly Food Box Program in Glendale. Ms. Freyer explained that the food boxes are funded through the USDA and recipients must be 60 years or older and at 130% of poverty level. Ms. Freyer stated that many clients cannot drive, are disabled and/or have no family to bring them down to the food bank. Therefore,home delivery is necessary. Committee member Mankoski wondered if the drivers do any form of client assessment. Ms. Freyer replied that if the drivers do notice something of concern, they will advise staff who will perform a wellness check on the client. Ms. Freyer added that the drivers do get to know the clients and have a rapport with them. Committee member Page inquired about the agency's relationship with St. Mary's. Ms. Freyer replied that the first food bank location was donated by the Franciscans. The food bank is not connected to St. Mary's, but was named as such in honor of the donation of the building. Chair Flippen thanked Ms. Freyer for her presentation. 1-12 YWCA of Maricopa County—Congregate Meals - $70,000 Ms. Kathleen Saunders represented the agency and stated that the program provides a warm, nutritional meal to the elderly populations. For most of the clients, this is the main meal of the day. Ms. Saunders added that along with the meal, the seniors have social and recreational opportunities. Ms. Saunders read a letter written by a widow who was very appreciative of the program. Ms. Saunders stated that generally speaking, the seniors come for the meals, but return for the camaraderie of the surroundings. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2011 Page 12 Committee member Miller inquired as to where the food is received from. Ms. Saunders replied that the food is purchased from private vendors. Ms. Saunders added that only about 1%of food from food banks can be used due to the vulnerable nature of the elderly. Chair Flippen inquired as to the use of the funds requested. Ms Saunders explained that the funds would be used for food and supplies. Chair Flippen asked if the seniors paid for the meal. Ms. Saunders replied that the seniors are not required to pay for the meal, however, a contribution is suggested. A specific amount cannot be suggested, but an opportunity for a contribution is provided via a contribution box. Chair Flippen inquired as to the average contribution. Ms. Saunders stated that a meal currently costs $8.07 to provide and the average contribution is $1.12 per meal. Committee member Wong wondered if there were special meals provided for specific diets, such as diabetic. Ms. Saunders explained that a dietician does create the menu for the congregate meal and if a client is diabetic, they must self-select appropriate choices from the menu. Ms. Saunders added that fruits and no-sugar desserts are offered, which are healthy choices for diabetics. Chair Flippen thanked Ms. Saunders for her presentation. VII. Adjournment Chair Flippen thanked all of the presenters, staff and the Committee members for their time during the hearing process. Committee member Mankoski motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. Committee member Miller made the second. The motion passed 9—0. The next meeting will be Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Council Chambers at 5850 W. Glendale Avenue. Respectfully submitted, Recording Secretary Denise Kazmierczak % J0 & ôJ(/