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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Community Development Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 1/12/2012 MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION PUBLIC MEETING #1 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE GLENDALE,ARIZONA Thursday,January 12,2012 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Madelin Page, Chair Sharon Wixon Pattie Johnston Glenn O'Bannon Shirley Wong Randy Miller Chris Flippen John Torres Richard Schwartz Gina Schmitz Arthur Swander, Jr. MEMBERS ABSENT: Karen Mankoski, Vice-Chair STAFF PRESENT: Jim Colson, Deputy City Manager Gilbert Lopez, Revitalization Administrator Mona Francis, Revitalization Supervisor Elizabeth Garcia, Revitalization Coordinator Beth Coughenour, Senior Secretary I. Call to Order and Introductions Chair Page called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and welcomed all attendees and scheduled presenters. II. Roll Call Chair Page took roll call and the Committee-members gave a brief background of themselves. III. Business from the Floor None. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 2 IV. Fiscal Year (FY)2012-13 Community Block Development Grant (CDBG'l Program Funding Requests Mr. Lopez stated that the Committee has heard presentations and reviewed applications for the 21 CDBG Public Service Activity grant fund requests. Mr. Lopez explained that there is $524,541 in grant funds requested with approximately $301,672 in funds available based on FY2011-12 CDBG funding levels. Mr. Lopez commented that once the final figure for the FY2012-13 CDBG funding levels are announced by the federal government in the Spring, all grant awards will be adjusted prorata based on the final figure. Mr. Lopez reminded the Committee of the Council priorities for grant funding: food, utilities, shelter, keeping people in homes, neighborhood stabilization and emergency home repair. Mr. Lopez commented that the Committee faces some challenging decisions this evening. Chair Page agreed, noting that based on the amount of requests versus the amount of funds available, only 57% of the requested total can be funded. Chair Page stated that the Committee would review the requests in presentation order, make funding recommendations and then revisit any funding decisions to adjust either adjust up or down. HOMELESS 1-1 Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) —Men's Outreach Center - $20,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 570 Glendale individuals. Chair Page suggested full funding of the request. Committee-member Miller agreed, noting that CASS truly leverages its funding and provides shelter only for a few dollars a night per person. Committee-member Flippen stressed that this agency's services is at the core of the Council and Committee's priorities. Committee-member Flippen motioned to fund CASS Men's Outreach Center for $20,000. Committee-member Miller made the second. Motion carried 11 -0. Committee-member O'Bannon asked for clarification from staff regarding the administration cost deducted from the federal grant total by city staff. Mr. Lopez explained that 20% is initially allocated to staff administration costs to oversee Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 3 and monitor the grants,administration; however, administration costs typically run at 15%, which is a fairly average national figure. 1-2 Homeward Bound—Utilities &Maintenance Assistance - $10,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 34 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Miller commented that there are similar programs requesting funding this evening which achieve success with less funds on a per person basis. Committee-member Schmitz noted that the agency asks the clients to only match 30% of income for housing in the program which is low compared to the reality in society. . Committee-member Miller expressed concern over the $95,000 in HOA fees for the 75 homes in the program. Committee-member Johnston motioned for zero funding of Homeward Bound — Utilities & Maintenance Assistance. Committee-member Miller made the second. Motion passed 11 - 0. 1-3 Society of St. Vincent de Paul OLPH —Keeping Families Together - $59,750 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 225 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Wixon stated that St. Vincent de Paul does a very good job and suggested the Committee support the program. Chair Page and Committee- member Johnston agreed. Committee-member Miller suggested funding at 60% and then for the Committee to revisit the decision later in the meeting. Committee-member Torres stated that St. Vincent de Paul assists only the Glendale population and works very hard to help its clients. Committee-member Torres was in favor of strong funding of the program. Committee-member O'Bannon motioned to fund St. Vincent DePaul OLPH - Keeping Families Together for $45,000 with the stipulation to revisit the funding. Committee-member Flippen made the second. Motion carried 10 - 1. 1-4 Circle the City—Respite Care Center—$22,650 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 150 Glendale individuals. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 4 Committee-member Wixon commented that the Respite Care Center is a brand new program without a track record as of yet. Chair Page agreed and added that the agency representatives have performed a lot of research on respite care and provided supporting facts and figures for their program in great detail. Committee-member Miller liked the program, but felt it was still a bit expensive. Committee-member Miller wondered if there were any other agencies providing the same service at a lower cost. Committee-member O'Bannon interjected that the cost per night at the Respite Care Center is estimated at $150.00 versus $1,000 in a hospital bed, so it is very inexpensive in comparison. Committee-member O'Bannon suggested some funding to support for the program and to leverage the agency negotiations with the hospitals. Committee-member Wixon and Swander, Jr. agreed. Committee-member Torres motioned to fund Circle the City — Respite Care Center for $10,000 with the stipulation to revisit the funding. Committee- member Wong made the second. Motion carried 11 - 0. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 1-5 A New Leaf - Faith House Emergency Shelter- $31,500 request Chair Page announced that this request would help ten Glendale individuals. Committee-member Miller expressed strong support of the program. Committee-member Flippen agreed added that Faith House is on the front line of emergency assistance and in located in Glendale. Committee-member Flippen motioned to fund A New Leaf - Faith House Emergency Shelter for $20,000. Committee-member Johnston made the second. Motion carried 11 -0. 1-6 Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence — Victim Services - $15,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 50 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Miller commented that staff did provide the requested information regarding resolution of the audit findings by staff in regards to the agency's financial statements and reporting. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 5 Committee-member Miller explained that in his questioning of the agency representative, he was looking for details on which domestic violence agency produces a great amount of successes, but not in a competitive manner. Committee-member Johnston stated that Chrysalis serves a core-need population. Committee-member Johnston motioned to fund Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence — Victim Services for $10,000. Committee-member Torres made the second. Motion carried 11 - 0. 1-7 Community Information & Referral - CONTACS Shelter Hotline - $10,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 2,806 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Flippen stated that the Shelter Hotline is very important and was concerned that the Shelter Hotline might be absorbed by 2-1-1 Arizona in the near future. Committee-member O'Bannon agreed that this was a possibility, but the timing is unknown and residents in great danger need to have a direct and immediate response line to request help. Mr. Lopez stated that the CONTACS Shelter Hotline was established years ago because a domestic violence victim was killed while waiting on hold in an attempt to find assistance. Committee-member Johnston motioned to fund Community Information & Referral -CONTACS Shelter Hotline for $10,000. Committee-member Flippen made the second. Motion carried 11 —0. SENIORS 1-8 St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance — Glendale Food Home Delivery - $30,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 325 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Johnston motioned to fund St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance — Glendale Food Home Delivery for $30,000 with the stipulation to revisit the funding. Committee-member Miller made the second. The motion passed 11 - 0. 1-9 YWCA of Maricopa County - Congregate Meals Program - $70,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 630 Glendale individuals. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 6 Committee-member Flippen stated the Congregate Meals are at the center of priority need and the Committee should strongly fund the request. Committee-member O'Bannon suggested funding at last year's level with the agreement to revisit the funding, if there are any available funds left at the end of all recommendations. Committee-member O'Bannon motioned to fund YWCA of Maricopa County - Congregate Meals Program $45,000 with the stipulation to revisit the funding. Committee-member Swander made the second. Motion carried 11 - 0. YOUTH 1-10 A New Leaf -Juvenile Alternatives in GlendaleVAG) - $25,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 184 Glendale individuals. Chair Page commented that JAG does help families with difficult issues, but this may not really meet core needs at this time. Committee-member Flippen interjected that although the request appears not to be for a critical need, it has great value in that it reduces enforcement costs and helps youths avoid becoming adult offenders. Committee-member suggested tabling the discussion. Committee-member Swander, Jr. thought that it would be a more beneficial program, if counseling services were provide on-site. Committee-member Swander, Jr. commented that the youths can leave at their will and wondered if that was an optimal policy. Committee-member Miller agreed. The Committee agreed by consensus to table discussion on the funding request by A New Leaf-Juvenile Alternatives in Glendale (JAG). 1-11 Back to School Clothing Drive Association—Back to School Clothing Drive - $18,200 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 260 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Johnston was unsure if this request really meets a core need in these challenging times. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 7 Committee-member Miller agreed and added that although the agency is doing great work, clothing is not as important as food and/or shelter. Committee- member Miller commented that the agency has a variety of funding sources as well. Committee-member Torres disagreed and stated that when children do not have appropriate school clothes, they do not feel as if they fit in and then they do not want to attend school. Committee-member Tones stated that he has seen the work of this agency first hand and it is a quality program. Committee-member Swander, Jr. stated that the Committee may not be able to fully fund the program, but suggested some type of funding. Chair Page expressed concern about the fact that the school principals choose the children and there is really no monitoring if the children's families have less than $5,000 annual income. Committee-member Schmitz stated that she has been involved in the program as her school was invited to send fifty students to the event. Committee-member Schmitz noted that the school itself has to bus the children to the event at a cost of approximately $150. Committee-member Schmitz noted that the children are very excited to receive the uniforms. Committee-member Schmitz commented that because the event is held in July, it can be a challenge to gather the kids to attend the event. Some of the poorest children are hard to get in contact with. Committee-member Schmitz stated that at that time, the teachers will invite siblings or other students to the event, however, these children would still be on the free or reduced lunch program. Committee-member Schmitz noted that the agency does run an online store whereby new uniforms can be purchased at reduced prices. Chair Page noted that the agency does not have a detailed method of ensuring that there are no re-occurring children in the event. Committee-member Schmitz stated that the school was unable to track that statistic. Committee-member Miller interjected that many children, including himself as a child, went to school with torn clothing and at this time, with the difficult funding choices facing the Committee, this is not a core need. Chair Page agreed. Committee-member Tones disagreed. Committee-member Schwartz noted that most of the agencies requesting funds are serving adults and this agency serves children. Committee-member Schwartz added that children have no control over their circumstances and this is a good Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 8 chance for the Committee to support this population. Committee-member Schwartz stressed that school supplies, clothing and shoes can become a burdensome cost, especially for families with multiple children. Committee-member Schwartz motioned to fund Back to School Clothing Drive Association — Back to School Clothing Drive for $18,200. Committee- member Torres made the second. Motion failed 4—7. Committee-member Flippen stated that at first look, new clothing for the children may not appear to meet a core need, however, the money that a family can save on school clothing and supplies can then be spent on food or housing. Committee-member Flippen motioned to fund Back to School Clothing Drive Association — Back to School Clothing Drive for $10,000. Committee- member Miller made the second. Motion carried 10— 1. 1-12 Big Brothers Big Sisters — CDBG/Glendale Community-Based Mentoring Program- $12,700 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 88 Glendale individuals. Chair Page stated that Big Brothers Big Sisters runs a great program. Chair Page felt that with the limited funds at this time, the Committee could not fund the program due to the fact that it does not meet an emergency or core need. Committee-member Johnston agreed and added that the agency has some other great partnerships and funding sources. Committee-member Page motioned for zero funding of the Big Brothers Big Sisters — CDBG/Glendale Community-Based Mentoring Program. Committee-member Johnston made the second. Motion carried 11 - 0. 1-13 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix — Swift Kids Branch - $20,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 375 Glendale individuals. Chair Page expressed great admiration of the Boys & Girls Clubs but felt at this time,the Committee should allocate funding to strictly core needs programs. Committee-member Miller disagreed stating that the agency hits many more need levels than simply providing a social activity for children. Committee-member Miller stated that the agency provides a safe place for latch-key children which are vulnerable to dangerous situations. Committee-member Miller liked that some membership fee was charged, even at the low price of $30, because the Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 9 membership fee does provide an ownership feeling for the children. Committee- member Miller added that many parents might not be able to work full-time if it were not for the facility in the neighborhood. Committee-member Schmitz stated that the facility is located in a very challenged neighborhood and the establishment of the facility in that location was probably the best thing to happen to the neighborhood. Committee-member Schmitz noted that there has been an influx of refugees into the neighborhood which also poses unique challenges. Committee-member Schmitz commented that the Smith School alone serves approximately 1,000 kids. Committee-member Torres was impressed with all of the afterschool activities offered and stressed the importance of the children having a hot meal and tutoring services. Committee-member Miller agreed and stated that although there are many buzzwords on applications, the facility really performs the activities set forth in their application. Committee-member O'Bannon commented that for a small funding request, the Club keeps children in school and the Committee should strongly support the request. Committee-member Tones agreed and added that the Club not only helps children with school but keeps them off of the streets. Committee-member Miller motioned to fund the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix— Swift Kids Branch for $20,000. Committee-member Torres made the second. Motion passed 11 - 0. 1-14 Florence Crittenton Services — Transitional/Independent Living Program (TILP) - $20,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 62 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Miller expressed dismay over the fact that the agency originally requested funding for the TILP program, but at the hearing was requesting funding for the Community-based Services Program. Furthermore, Committee-member Miller felt that the explanation of the program was a bit unclear as well and that there might be a duplication of services within the agency. Committee-member Tones stated that the youths who age out of certain assistance can apply to the CAP Office for assistance. Committee-member Torres motioned for zero funding of the Florence Crittenton Services — Transitional/Independent Living Program with the stipulation to revisit the funding. Committee-member Miller made the second. Motion passed 11 - 0. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 10 1-15 Valley of the Sun YMCA—Seniors&2"d Graders Unite- $20,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 220 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Flippen voiced moral support for the program, but did not feel that the Committee should fund during this cycle as the program did not meet a core critical need. Committee-member Miller praised agency staff for being dedicated to the program in that staff provided ideas of alternative low-cost activities for the children and seniors if funding was not obtained. Committee-member Swander, Jr. stated that the YMCA might be able to obtain free baseball tickets or tickets to other events from corporate partners for the program. Committee-member Johnston motioned for zero funding of the Valley of the Sun YMCA — Seniors & 2" Graders Unite request. Committee-member Torres made the second. Motion passed 11 - 0. DISABLED 1-16 Civitan Foundation — Student Scholarships for Civitan Learning Center - $10,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help four Glendale individuals. Committee-member Schmitz noted that although the Learning Center is a great idea, it is still in the pilot stage. Committee-member Schmitz commented that this request was not for a core or critical need. Committee-member Miller agreed and added that it was a large request for only four recipients of the benefit. Committee-member Torres motioned for zero funding of the Civitan Foundation — Food Distribution & Health Education request. Committee- member Miller made the second. Motion passed 11 - 0. 1-17 Duet —Partners in Health & Aging — Independence for Seniors Through In- Home Services & Transportation - $13,000 request Committee-member Wixon strongly supported the program and Committee- member Johnston suggested full funding. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 11 Committee-member Miller commented that the client who spoke at the hearing described how truly in need she was of the services from Duet. Committee-member Swander, Jr. motioned to fund Partners in Health & Aging — Independence for Seniors Through In-Home Services & Transportation_for $13,000. Committee-member Johnston made the second. Motion carried 11 - 0. GENERAL ASSISTANCE 1-18 Community Information & Referral — 2-1-1 Arizona Program - $24,102 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 20,412 Glendale individuals. Chair Page noted that she has asked various people if they have heard of the 2-1-1 number and none of them have. Chair Page was dismayed that there has not been much advertisement of 2-1-1. Committee-member Swander, Jr. commented that he has worked in states during emergency situations and the 2-1-1 number has been extremely helpful in providing people in need with one easy number to call for assistance. Committee- member Swander, Jr. noted that in the event of a major emergency, the 2-1-1 number would be invaluable in obtaining disaster assistance. Committee-member Flippen expressed concern that Arizona was the last state to roll out a 2-1-1 number and felt that Arizona should really get on board with the program. Committee-member Schmitz noted that other valley cities are supporting the 2-1- 1 number and Glendale should also do so at some level. Committee-member O'Bannon motioned to fund Community Information & Referral - 2-1-1 Arizona Program for $15,000. Committee-member Swander made the second. Motion carried 11 —0. 1-19 Community Legal Services, Inc. — Removing Barriers to Access to Justice for Low-Income Glendale Residents - $30,000 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 512 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Miller expressed concern that Community Legal Services is a legal firm and not a non-profit and desired more information on the internal policies of the firm. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 12 Committee-member O'Bannon felt the firm's services were invaluable. Committee-member Flippen agreed but was unsure if the agency met a core, emergency need, but clients who are struggling with domestic violence or housing issues do need representation or they can become homeless. Committee-member O'Bannon motioned to fund Community Legal Services, Inc. — Removing Barriers to Access to Justice for Low-Income Glendale Residents for $15,000 with the stipulation to revisit the funding. Committee- member Johnston made the second. Motion carried 11 - 0. 1-20 Nei.hborhood Housin• Services of Phoenix — Housin• Counselin i - $27,339 request Chair Page announced that this request would help 200 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Flippen expressed concern about Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix providing counseling services, mortgages and holding an inventory of homes. Committee-member Miller agreed. Committee-member Swander, Jr. felt that the group works more as a for-profit company. Committee-member Johnston stated that first-time homebuyer programs do have some mandatory requirements, however, some of these services are provided free at other agencies. Committee-member Johnston for zero funding of Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix—Housing Counseling. Committee-member Miller made the second. Motion carried 11 - 0. 1-21 St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance—Glendale Emergency Food Box- $35,000 Chair Page announced that this request would help 30,000 Glendale individuals. Committee-member Flippen motioned to fund St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance — Glendale Emergency Food Box for $38,672. Committee-member Miller made the second. Motion passed 11 —0. RECONSIDERATION AND REVISIONS Chair Page suggested at this time that the Committee revisit funding decisions as necessary. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 13 1-3 Society of St. Vincent de Paul OLPH —Keeping Families Together - $59,750 request 1-21 St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance—Glendale Emergency Food Box - $35,000 Committee-member Schmitz motioned to increase the funding to St. Vincent de Paul OLPH - Keeping Families Together from $45,000 to $48,672 and decrease the funding to $35,000 from $38,672 for the St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance — Glendale Emergency Food Box Program. Committee-member O'Bannon made the second. Motion carried 11 - 0. 1-4 Circle the City—Respite Care Center—$22,650 request The Committee-members agreed by consensus to keep the funding of Circle the City—Respite Care Center at$10,000. 1-8 St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance — Glendale Food Home Delivery - $30,000 request The Committee-members agreed by consensus to keep the funding of St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance—Glendale Food Home Delivery at$30,000. 1-9 YWCA of Maricopa County- Congregate Meals Program- $70,000 request The Committee-members agreed by consensus to keep the funding of YWCA of Maricopa County- Congregate Meals Program at$45,000. 1-10 A New Leaf -Juvenile Alternatives in Glendale (JAG) - $25,000 request Committee-member Miller motioned for zero funding of the request by A New Leaf - Juvenile Alternatives in Glendale (JAG). Committee-member Johnston made the second. The motion carried 11 —0. 1-14 Florence Crittenton Services — Transitional/Independent Living Program - $20,000 request Committee-member Flippen stated that funding of this request might help keep some of the clients from becoming homeless. Committee-member Torres agreed but added that these young adults can apply to the CAP Office for assistance. The Committee-members confirmed by consensus of zero funding of the Florence Crittenton Services — Transitional/Independent Living Program as originally agreed upon. 1-19 Community Legal Services, Inc. — Removing Barriers to Access to Justice for Low-Income Glendale Residents - $30,000 request Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 12,2012 Page 14 The Committee-members agreed by consensus to keep the funding of Community Legal Services, Inc. —Removing Barriers to Access to Justice for Low-Income Glendale Residents at$15,000. V. Adjournment Chair Page motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m. Committee- member Miller made the second. The motion passed 11 —0. Respectfully Submitted, d60. 16110014 ) Denise Kazmierczak Recording Secretary v