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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Community Development Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 1/19/2012 MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION PUBLIC MEETING #2 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX BASEMENT LEVEL, CONFERENCE ROOM B-3 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE GLENDALE,ARIZONA Thursday,January 19,2012 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Madelin Page, Chair Sharon Wixon Glenn O'Bannon Shirley Wong Randy Miller Chris Flippen John Tones Richard Schwartz Gina Schmitz MEMBERS ABSENT: Karen Mankoski, Vice-Chair Arthur Swander, Jr. Pattie Johnston STAFF PRESENT: Jim Colson, Deputy City Manager Gilbert Lopez, Revitalization Administrator Mona Francis, Revitalization Supervisor Charyn Palmisano, Revitalization Supervisor Rebecca Daniel, Community Action Program Adm. Elizabeth Garcia, Revitalization Coordinator Beth Coughenour, Senior Secretary Minerva Madrid, Secretary I. Call to Order Chair Page called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Roll Call Chair Page thanked staff for all of its support, preparation and positive attitude throughout the year and during the hearing process. Chair Page also thanked all of the Committee-members for their excellent participation as well. Chair Page took roll call. 1 III. Business from the Floor None. IV. Community Action Program (CAP) Report Ms. Rebecca Daniel provided the Committee with a quarterly report on the CAP activities during October 2011 through December 2011. Ms. Daniels report included the following information: • ARRA/Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing: This was the second phase of the federal stimulus funds and of which the City of Glendale received $316,132. The contract officially ended November 31, 2011. The funding assisted families that met the 50% median income levels and were experiencing a financial crisis. The CAP Office assisted 219 households and utilized $285,717, which was 95% of the total funds received. CAP staff worked very efficiently to distribute such a large amount of funding within the shortest contract ever in CAP's history, which was a six-month contract. Staff will perform six-month follow-ups with the individuals assisted. • CAP Department of Economic Security (DES) Amendment #4 was presented and approved by City Council on November 22, 2011. This mid-year amendment was necessary to add carry over funding of $362,704 which DES approved. These funds are added to the Case Management and Community Services Block Grant for CAP operations. This change increased the contract between the Arizona DES and the City of Glendale from $1,287,197 to $1,649,901 for the contract period FY 2011-12. • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds: Currently, CAP has utilized $360,954 for the first six months of the CAP contract with DES, assisting households that met federal poverty levels. • Clients served at CAP for the 2nd Quarter— October through December 2011 —by program type: 1. Energy Assistance (APS, SWG, SRP, City Water): 307 2. Rent/Mortgage Eviction (Foreclosure Prevention): 51 3. Homeless Assistance (First month move-in costs): 25 4. Weatherization and Home Repair Referral: 26 5. State Telephone Assistance Applications: 14 6. APS, SWG, SRP Discount Applications: 68 7. Education Workshops: 337 • Holiday Events in December 1. CAP coordinated with the Glendale Elks Lodge to assist 15 children with the JC Penney Santa Shopping Spree on December 21, 2011. This has been an annual partnership. The children receive a $100 gift card and Elk's volunteers and staff arrive at JC Penney's at 6:30 a.m. to assist the children with their shopping. JC Penney offers an extra 10% off of the merchandise for the event. The children normally leave with an average of $150 in merchandise. Immediately following the shopping spree, the children attended a holiday party at the Glendale Elk's Lodge with Santa to receive a gift and lunch. The children were very appreciative. 2 2. CAP hosted the annual Holiday Party for low-income families on December 16, 2011. Several co-sponsors included: Wings of Love (bears), Nina Mason Pulliam Foundation (back-packs, school supplies, grocery cards), Delta Dental (dental hygiene supplies), Disabled American Veterans/VFT Riders Club (grocery cards), Glendale's Hope-Firemen (Santa volunteers and hot dogs). This year, CAP assisted 65 families, consisting of 153 children, in need. Each family received a $100 grocery card and children received back-packs with school supplies and books. The event was very successful. 3. CAP staff coordinated with the Elk's Lodge to deliver 40 Turkey Boxes to CAP families in need on Saturday, December 17, 2011. CAP staff also coordinated with other city departments to officially adopt families for the Christmas holiday. Generous holiday packages were delivered to ten CAP families in need. Chair Page thanked Ms. Daniel for the hard work the CAP office has been doing and for the quarterly update. V. Fiscal Year (FY)2012-13 Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) Physical Improvements, HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME),and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) Funding Requests Mr. Lopez commented that $784,348 is available for the Physical Improvement funds, $92,809 is available for ESG and $452,988 is available 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. Mr. Lopez announced that the Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESG) has been changed to the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program with different allocation priorities. According to the most recent notice from HUD, only 60% of Glendale's annual ESG grant can now be used for shelter services. Under the previous ESG regulations, all of the funds could be used for shelter services/operations and prevention was limited to a maximum of 30%. Rapid re-housing was not previously allowed. Mr. Lopez explained that the emphasis is on more allocation to homeless prevention and/or rapid re-housing than in the past while still allowing shelter services/operations to be funded. CAP has the experience and infrastructure in place to get the new funding out into the community; therefore, Mr. Lopez requested that the Committee consider allocating funds in the amount of$56,602 to the Community Action Program Homeless and Rapid Re-Housing Program. The Committee discussed and made recommendations on the funding requests. PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS Housing Related: 2-1 Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL —Glendale Home Accessibility Program - $44,340 request 3 Chair Page commented that the request was for $44,340 and will help ten Glendale residents. Committee-member Miller wondered about the amount of contractor outreach that was done by this agency and if the agency was getting the best value from its contractors. Committee-member Schwartz expressed concern over the rental unit modifications and stated that this is a bonus for landlords if the modifications are kept in place, however, it would be dismaying if the modifications were removed after a tenant left a rental unit. The Committee agreed to table discussion on the request. 2-2 City of Glendale Community Housing Division—Roof Replacements and Associated Repairs for the Three (3) Public Housing Projects - $182,000 request Committee-member Miller motioned to fund City of Glendale Community Housing Division — Roof Replacements and Associated Repairs for the Three (3) Public Housing Projects for $182,000. Committee-member Torres made the second. Motion carried 9 -0. 2-3 ValleyLife—Update/Renovate Three (3) Residential Group Homes - $189,000 request Chair Page commented that the request was for$189,000 and will help 59 individuals. Committee-member Flippen expressed concern that the agency still has not utilized all of the CDBG funds that were allocated for the current fiscal year. Committee-member O'Bannon agreed that new windows and doors would be energy efficient, but felt that the cost of the windows and doors were quite high. Committee-member O'Bannon motioned for zero funding of ValleyLife — Update/Renovate Three (3) Residential Group Homes. Committee-member Miller made the second. Motion carried 9 -0. Public Facility or Public Infrastructure Improvements 2-4 Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)—Emergency Shelter Program Improvements - $24,874 request Chair Page commented that the request was for $24,874 and will help 730 homeless individuals. Committee-member O'Bannon motioned to fund Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) — Emergency Shelter Program Improvements for $24,874. Committee- member Miller made the second. Motion carried 9 - 0. 4 2-5 City of Glendale Code Compliance Department—Identification & Elimination of Code Violations Creating Unsafe Slum and Blighting Conditions - $75,000 request Chair Page commented that the request was for$75,000 and will help 226,721 homes. Committee-member Flippen stated that this City Department is out in the neighborhoods and on the front lines in the community. Committee-member Flippen noted that some of the funds spent by the Department are recouped through the Clean and Lien program. Committee-member Flippen motioned to fund City of Glendale Code Compliance Department — Identification & Elimination of Code Violations Creating Unsafe Slum and Blighting Conditions for $75,000. Committee-member O'Bannon made the second. The motion passed 9 - 0. 2-6 City of Glendale Economic Development Department—Visual Improvement Program (VIP) - $250,000 request Committee-member Miller commented that the Department still has funds that it has not spent and/or allocated to a project during this current fiscal year. Committee-member Schwartz felt that the VIP program was a good program; however, during this time it may not be possible to fully fund the request. Committee-member Flippen noted that the Centerline is a Council priority and struggling businesses owners do need assistance. Committee-member Miller wondered if the signage projects really made an impact on the businesses and if the funds could be better used elsewhere. Mr. Lopez noted that due to a change in state law, the VIP program can no longer utilize funds from the General Fund and therefore, the CDBG funds are the only source of support for the program. Mr. Colson commented that the VIP program is vital to the Centerline development and the program is also used to attract new business into the area. Committee-member Schwartz noted that the Department only has $133,000 in projects lined up, but requested $250,000, with the difference to be used on other projects that might spring up during the fiscal year. Committee-member Schwartz felt that the funding should more closely tie in with the amount of projects already committed to for the year. Committee-member Schwartz felt that there were some inconsistencies in the grant application. Committee-member Torres commented that the Committee should fund the program in some manner due to the fact that General Funds can no longer be used for the VIP program and the Centerline is a Council priority. 5 Committee-member Torres motioned to fund City of Glendale Economic Development Department — Visual Improvement Program (VIP) for $150,000. Committee-member Schwartz made the second. Motion carried 8 - 1. 2-7 City of Glendale Field Operations Division— Street Reconstruction/Paving— $490,000 request Committee-member Flippen commented that the City should be fundamentally responsible for maintaining the streets and that the City should be ensuring resources are reserved appropriately for the upkeep of the streets. Committee-member Miller agreed. Committee-member Schwartz agreed that the streets are a responsibility of the City, however, if the City does not have the funds to fix the streets appropriately at this time, the streets will only get worse. Committee-member Torres agreed and added that the project may not be able to be fully funded at this time, but some partial funding should be provided. Committee-member Flippen motioned for zero funding of City of Glendale Field Operations Division — Street Reconstruction/Paving. Committee-member Wixon made the second. Motion failed 2 —5 - 2. Committee-member Miller stated that the City has utilized General Funds in the past for a variety of other projects that are not as important as the streets and hoped that in the future, the City would put priority spending on essentials, such as street maintenance. All agreed to table the discussion at this time and revisit the funding. 2-8 City of Glendale Neighborhood Partnerships Division—Historic East Catlin Court Neighborhood Streetscape Improvements - $200,000 request Chair Page was very impressed with the initiative of the residents of the East Catlin Court neighborhood and complimented their hard work on past neighborhood projects. Chair Page noted that East Catlin Court is adjacent to downtown Glendale and many visitors park in this neighborhood and walk over to events. Chair Page commented that it would benefit the downtown Glendale area to assist in the improvement of this neighborhood. Committee-member Miller stated that he has attended many events in downtown Glendale and the residents of East Catlin Court are friendly to the visitors at the events. Committee-member Torres motioned to fund the City of Glendale Neighborhood Partnerships Division — Historic East Catlin Court Neighborhood Streetscape Improvements for$200,000. There was no second. The motion died. Committee-member O'Bannon stated that although this was a worthy project, he would like to see the funds allocated to the City of Glendale street reconstruction request. Committee-member Miller motioned to fund the City of Glendale Neighborhood Partnerships Division — Historic East Catlin Court Neighborhood Streetscape 6 Improvements for $100,000. Committee-member Flippen made the second. The motion carried 7—2. REVISIONS/RECONSIDERATIONS 2-1 Arizona Bridge to Independent Living(ABIL) —Glendale Home Accessibility Program - $44,340 request Committee-member Schwartz expressed concern that these funds could be used for modifications in rental units and if the low-income individual moves out of the rental, the modifications are left behind. Committee-member Miller stated that the agency indicated use of a competitive bidding process, but in the application it appears that many of the same contractors are used extensively. Committee-member Schwartz called attention to the staff notes on the application which indicated high administrative costs. Committee-member Flippen agreed that the administrative costs were high. Committee- member Flippen commented that the clients are in need of assistance and the program is in the City of Glendale assisting only Glendale residents. Committee-member Flippen motioned to fund the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) — Glendale Home Accessibility Program for $44,340. Committee- member Miller made the second. The motion carried 8— 1. 2-7 City of Glendale Field Operations Division—Street Reconstruction/Paving _ $490,000 request No motion was made. Committee-member Tones stated that the street paving was a very important need, but wanted to ensure that more monies would be allocated the East Catlin Court Neighborhood because this neighborhood is in the Heart of Glendale, near the Centerline and tends to be neglected. 2-8 City of Glendale Neighborhood Partnerships Division—Historic East Catlin Court Neighborhood Streetscape Improvements - $200,000 request Committee-member Miller motioned to increase the funding to the City of Glendale Neighborhood Partnerships Division — Historic East Catlin Court Neighborhood Streetscape Improvements by $36,342 for a total of $136,342. Committee-member O'Bannon made the second. The motion carried 8—1. 2-7 City of Glendale Field Operations Division—Street Reconstruction/Paving— $490,000 request 7 Committee-member Flippen motioned to fund the City of Glendale Field Operations Division — Street Reconstruction/Paving for $200,000. Committee-member Schwartz made the second. Motion carried 9—0. Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) 3-1 A New Leaf—Faith House Emergency Shelter Operations - $55,000 request Chair Page announced that this request was for$55,000 to help 10 individuals. Chair Page stated that 6% of the agency's clients are from Glendale, however, the agency is asking for 8% of budget. Committee-member Miller stated that all of the ESG requests are for critical needs and commented that all of the ESG requests should be funded in some manner. Chair Page commented that Faith House should be allocated 6% of budget instead of the 8% as requested. No motion was made. 3-2 Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)—Emergency Shelter Services for Homeless Single Adults - $40,000 request No motion was made. 3-3 Homeward Bound—Utilities Assistance for the Thunderbirds Family Village— $20,316 request Committee-member Flippen motioned to fund Homeward Bound — Utilities Assistance for the Thunderbirds Family Village for $20,316. Committee-member Schwartz made the second. Motion carried 8 - 1. 3-4 UMOM New Day Centers, Inc. —Emergency Shelter for Families—Glendale $18,896 request Committee-member Schwartz motioned to fund Homeward Bound — Utilities Assistance for the Thunderbirds Family Village for $18,896. Committee-member Flippen made the second. Motion passed 8 - 1. 3-1 A New Leaf—Faith House Emergency Shelter O I erations - ',55 000 re s uest 3-2 Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)—Emergency Shelter Services for Homeless Single Adults - $40,000 request Committee-member Schmitz motioned to fund A New Leaf(PREHAB of AZ Inc.) — Faith House Emergency Shelter Operations for $32,642 and to fund Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) — Emergency Shelter Services for Homeless Single 8 Adults for $32,642. Committee-member Torres made the second. Motion carried 5 - 4. Committee-member O'Bannon expressed concern that Faith House was underfunded. Committee-member Torres motioned to fund the Community Action Program for $56,602 for the Homeless and Rapid Re-Housing Program. Committee-member Miller made the second. Motion passed 9 - 0. Home Investments Partnerships (HOME) Chair Page stated that both Habitat for Humanity and Newtown Community Development Corporation are doing good works for the community. Mr. Lopez stated the difference with Habitat for Humanity is the homeowner has full ownership of the property, while Newtown is a land-trust and only the house is owned by the homeowner. Mr. Lopez stated that both of the agencies provide different paths to affordable housing. Mr. Lopez noted that although Newtown is a land-trust, there is a market for this product and Newtown provides a lot of support and follow-up with the homeowners. Chair Flippen inquired about the environmental issues as noted on the staff evaluation of the application. Ms. Palmisano stated this was an administrative issue which had to do with the Environmental Review Process and was an issue with the entire consortium in the valley. Ms. Palmisano explained that HUD had tightened up certain procedures and there was a discrepancy in the interpretation of the rules. HUD has now clarified the procedures and this is no longer an issue. 4-2 Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona—Land Acquisition/Site Improvements/Rehabilitation- $425,000 request Committee-member Miller motioned to fund Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona — Land Acquisition/Site Improvements/Rehabilitation for $327,633. Committee-member Flippen made the second. Committee-member Miller withdrew the motion and Committee-member Flippen withdrew the.second. 4-3 Newtown Community Development Corporation—Affordable Housing— $250,000 request Committee-member Schwartz motioned to fund Newtown Community Development Corporation — Affordable Housing for $100,000. Committee-member Wong made the second. Motion carried 8 - 1. 4-2 Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona—Land Acquisition/Site Improvements/Rehabilitation- $425,000 request 9 Committee-member Miller motioned to fund Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona — Land Acquisition/Site Improvements/Rehabilitation for $227,633. Committee-member Schwartz made the second. Motion passed 9 - 0. VI. Adjournment Committee-member Miller motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m. Committee-member Flippen made the second. The motion passed 9—0. Respectfully Submitted, Denise Kazmierczak 1 Recording Secretary 10