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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-18-2015 Housing and Community Development Commission� r III x +. YMM®1�11 CITY OF IOWA CITY AGENDA Housing and Community Development Commission Thursday, June 18, 2015 6:30 P.M. Helling Conference Room, City Hall 410 East Washington Street 1. Call meeting to order 2. Approval of the April 16, 2015 minutes 3. Public comment for topics not on the agenda 4. Staff/Commission Comment a. Mid -year grant application 5. Organization overview and project update (playground) from Arc of Southeast Iowa 6. Organization overview and project update (rapid rehousing) from Shelter House 7. Consider a recommendation to City Council on Amendment #2 of the FY2015 Annual Action Plan 8. Discuss and consider approval of funding priorities for FY2017 Aid to Agencies applications 9. Adjournment MINUTES PRELIMINARY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 16, 2015 — 6:30 PM HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM. CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Peter Byler, Jim Jacobson, Bob Lamkins, Dorothy Persson, Rachel Zimmermann Smith, Angel Taylor MEMBERS ABSENT: Michelle Bacon Curry, Christine Ralston, Andrew Chappell STAFF PRESENT: Kristopher Ackerson, Tracy Hightshoe OTHERS PRESENT: Matt Peterson, Kevin Garrone, Sally Scott By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval to amend the FY16 annual action plan to move the Habitat property purchases and Housing Fellowship Rehab projects from the action plan. By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval to amend the FY15 annual action plan to move the Habitat property purchases and Housing Fellowship Rehab projects into the action plan. By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval to approve the amendment to the FY2016-2020 CITY STEPS (Consolidated Plan) to allow funds to be used for curb ramps in the downtown area. Zimmermann Smith called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. APPROVAL OF MARCH 12.2015 MINUTTES: Byler moved to approve the minutes of March 12, 2015. Jacobson seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT: Eyler asked about an email the Commission received earlier in the week stating there is a $450,000 payment coming to the City for a development agreement reached on an apartment complex and he questioned who will determine how those funds will be used? It is earmarked for affordable housing so will the HCDC be involved? Hightshoe said the City Manager's office is working with the Riverfront Crossings Committee that is dealing with policy and looking into Housing and Community Development Commission April 16, 2015 Page 2 of 5 inclusionary zoning. Byler asked if that was a committee of staff and Hightshoe said it was not. The members are community members including Maryann Dennis of The Housing Fellowship, Tracey Achenbach of Housing Trust Fund, Scott McDonald, Brad Langworth of Hills Bank, Glen Siders formally of Southgate, Chad Kuhn. City staff on the committee includes John Yapp, Doug Boothroy, and Sarah Moeller. Hightshoe said this committee will review the options and then will make recommendations. At that time the HCDC will get involved. REVIEW AND CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ON APPROVAL OF FY16 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN: Ackerson noted that the two agenda times (5 & 6) are related. The Housing Fellowship was awarded $200,000 for a project in FY15 and they were unable to get that project off the ground so the money was returned and those funds were added to the larger pot of money that the HCDC allocated in March. However, because that was FY15 money, it needs to be committed by July and so staff is proposing to amend the FY16 action plan to move up two projects that could be done immediately. Those two projects are the Housing Fellowship's Rehab project and Habitat's two properties on Prairie Du Chien Road. Therefore the Commission will need to approve the FY16 Annual Action Plan without those two projects. Those two projects will be moved to a FY16 Plan amendment. Jacobson asked if Staff has spoken with the two groups regarding the projects timelines. Both projects can be "committed" by the end of July. Hightshoe confirmed they have spoken and confirmed these projects can start immediately and are able to meet HOME's definition of project commitment. Jacobson moved to amend the FYI Annual Action Plan to remove the Habitat property purchases and Housing Fellowship Rehab projects. Taylor seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6.0. REVIEW AND CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ON APPROVAL OF FY15 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN — AMENDMENT 1: Oyler moved to amend the FY15 Annual Action Plan to move the Habitat for Humanity property purchases and Housing Fellowship Rehab projects into the action plan. Persson seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. REVIEW AND CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ON APPROVAL OF THE FY2016.2020 CITY STEPS CONSOLIDATED PLAN) AMENDMENT #1 Ackerson said this request comes from the City Manager to amend the Consolidated Plan to allow for use of the funds for curb ramps in the downtown area. Taylor moved to approve the amendment to the FY2016-2020 CITY STEPS (Consolidated Plan) to allow funds to be used for curb ramps in the downtown area. Housing and Community Development Commission April 16, 2015 Page 3 of 5 Byler seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. DISCUSSION OF FYI PROJECTS THAT HAVE NOT COMPLIED WITH THE `UNSUCCESSFUL OR DELAYED PROJECTS POLICY' Ackerson said that the one project that has not reached the 50% threshold is part of ARC of Southeast Iowa's project. Staff has received an update and the project is moving ahead they just haven't sent the City invoices. Hightshoe said one invoice has been received, but it does not reach the 51 % threshold. Ackerson noted that Staff is comfortable where this project stands. Zimmermann Smith agreed that HCDC didn't need to be concerned then. It was noted that a recent newspaper article reported over 100 volunteers showed up to work on the project. REVIEW ALLOCATION PROCESS FOR CDBG, HOME, AND AID TO AGENCIES FUNDING AND CONSIDER CREATING SUB -COMMITTEE Zimmermann Smith said there are different allocation processes for HOME and CDBG allocations as well as the Aid to Agencies Funding. Jacobson noted that the process is better than it used to be. He sat on the subcommittee and they had good intentions but did not identify any significant changes. He feels this is a longer term project to review. Zimmermann Smith agreed and said she was less concerned about the CDBG and HOME processes, the questions are in place for those decisions as well as the scoring. She feels the Aid to Agencies Funding has been an issue since it was made part of this Commission's purview and feels it would be great to have some clarity on goals. Hightshoe said previously it was decisions made by a Human Services positon and Council members, but that was changed when the Human Services position was eliminated and Council decided it would be better to have the HCDC review these requests. Aid to Agencies will apply again in August and September and Zimmermann Smith feels it is a process that needs to be reviewed. Jacobson suggested the Commission have an informal meeting to just focus on this issue, review all the ideas, and then have a subcommittee firm up the ideas and make a policy recommendation. Zimmermann Smith asked if HCDC could ask the Council to give them direction of five or so priorities for funding agencies. Persson prefers to ask the agencies what they feel is reasonable and get their input. Lamkins asked if this Aid to Agencies Funding was a similar process to the process of awarding funds that was done last month. Zimmermann Smith said it isn't as concrete and it is a very small pool of money that is used as operating funds for these agencies. It is about $378,000, with Housing and Community Development Commission April 16, 2015 Page 4 of 5 $100,000 coming from the CDBG pot of money and the rest from the general fund. Hightshoe noted the allocating of these funds is harder because when allocating CDBG or HOME funds it is for a specific project whereas Aid to Agencies is operational funds. Zimmermann Smith said that is part of her question to Council — are their priorities with existing agencies or do they want to fund new agencies. Persson said that more research on the agencies should be done, what fundraising they are doing, what are their costs of operations, which is included in the application, but perhaps more detail. She also said that visiting the agencies to see how they are using the money is necessary in making future decisions. Zimmermann Smith requested Staff ask Council for guidance on priorities as well as if they prefer lots of smaller awards orjust a few major ones. She wants to have policies in place so all the agencies will feel they are being treated fairly. Zimmermann Smith asked if they should form a subcommittee. Persson said she wanted to get the feedback from the Council and then to invite whoever wants to come and address the HCDC on the issue. Hightshoe said perhaps they could do a survey to the agencies. Hightshoe will address the questions to Council and report back to the Commission MONITORING REPORTS FYI Shelter House —Tenant Based Rental Assistance (Ralston) FY15 The Housing Fellowship —Rental Housing (Ralston) • Discussion of monitoring process Ralston is not present. Ackerson noted he met with Brian Loring from Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County and Kristie from Domestic Violence Intervention Program and pitched the idea of having them come to a HCDC meeting to talk about their program rather than having HCDC members going out and reporting back. Everyone would have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the program. Zimmermann Smith agreed that would be a good idea. Persson said all agencies would need to be given the same opportunity, and all agreed. Persson also wanted to keep the option to go visit the agencies though however, seeing the spaces and the needs can be instrumental in making decisions. ADJOURNMENT: Lamkins moved to adjourn. Jacobson seconded the motion. A vote was taken and motion carried 6-D. z O fA y f 0 O U z Z W � am Ov w W �ir W W O U Z� ]Z �LLI 0Q O U z� Q 0 Z N 7 O x N rLU fa X Q X X X p ?C X 'v N r a r x x x x x x x o x N x x x x x x x x x a N N x x x x i X LU O Li O x a 0 X 0 X X x X X v x x x x x x x of a r rn r X X O X O O K N W O i O O N N OZZ O ZZ O zz ZZ N Z C W f W m O M m 0) W Ol 01 W J W_ W Z = > O W J y ZO cDi a W 0 vi Z z O z O a W V W a V Y �a y � iV m m U d at m CITY OF IOWA CITY Date: June 15, 2015 CITY OF I O WA CITY MEMORANDUM To: Housing and Community Development Commission From: Tracy Hightshoe, Community Development Planner Re: Agenda items The following is a short description of the upcoming meeting agenda items. Items 5 and 6: Organization overviews and project updates Please see agenda for projects and agencies that will be available to discuss their projects and answer your questions about the broader context of their mission, goals, opportunities, and constraints. This is intended to help HCDC members better understand the agencies and help inform future funding decisions. Item 7: Consider a recommendation to City Council on Amendment #2 of the FY2015 Annual Action Plan Staff is recommending a change in the FY15 Annual Action Plan budget due to unanticipated program income and constraints with our HOME commitment deadline. The City is required to commit HOME Program funds before July 31, 2015 or the funds will be returned to HUD and unavailable for City use. The City has received over $140,000 since May in unanticipated HOME program income (Regency Place repaid their outstanding balance and Extend the Dream repaid their loan). The City approached a local Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), The Housing Fellowship, to acquire two properties for affordable rental housing. The sites must be identified by June 19. As a reminder, to "commit" funds under the HOME program requires the following: location identified, environmental review, market analysis, underwriting review, and an agreement entered. Staff is recommending that The Housing Fellowship acquire two residential units —1896 North Dubuque Road and a site to be identified by the end of this week for income -eligible rental housing (see Exhibit A attached) with $150,000 in HOME Program funds. As you may know, the budget is only one part of the Annual Action Plan. The Plan includes the budget for CDBG & HOME funds, a description of the projects and activities to be funded, and several HUD -required documents. The 30-day public comment period begins on June 25 and runs through July 27. The City Council is scheduled to hold a public meeting and formally approve the Amendment on Monday, July 27. Public copies will be available at the Iowa City Public Library, Neighborhood Services Department at City Hall, and online at www.icgov.org/actionplan starting June 25. Item 8: Discuss and consider approval of funding priorities for FY2017 Aid to Agencies applications At your April meeting, you requested guidance on funding priorities for future Aid to Agencies applications. Since then a committee comprised of five city staff drafted priorities based on the goals from the CITY STEPS Plan (see definitions enclosed). The project types are grouped into high/medium/low priorities with the high priorities intended to meet the most critical or basic needs. Many of our local human service entities have projects found in the medium and low categories below (e.g. youth services, senior services, etc.), but many of these programs have elements that address high priorities and could be categorized accordingly if the request for funding demonstrates how it meets a high priority. Priority Project type 05 Other Public Services/Homeless 05E Transportation Services High 05L Child Care Services 050 Mental Health Services 05W Food Banks 05A Senior Services 05B Handicapped Services 05D Youth Services Medium 05F Substance Abuse Services 05G Services for Battered and Abused Spouses 05H Employment Training 05M Health Services 05Q Subsistence Payments 05C Legal Services 051 Crime Awareness/Prevention 05J Fair Housing Activities (per Public Services cap) 05K Tenant/Landlord Counseling Low 05N Services for Abused and Neglected 05P Screening for Lead Poisoning 05R Homeownership Assistance (not direct) 05T Security Deposits 05U Housing Counseling 05V Neighborhood Cleanups At your June meeting, please be prepared to discuss these priorities. The HCDC may: 1) approve the priorities as presented, 2) approve revised priorities, or 3) not approve any priorities. If approved, the priorities would be provided to applicants of Aid to Agencies funding for the coming cycle that starts this summer. If you have any questions about the agenda, or are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Tracy Hightshoe at 356-5230 or by email at trace-hightshoe(aiowa-citv.org. Appendix A: C069 Mafrlx Cedes Code Definition 03T Operating Costs of Homeless/AIDS Patients Programs Costs associated with the operation of programs for the homeless or for AIDS patients, such as staff costs, utilities, maintenance, and insurance. Because payment of operating costs for these programs is a public service under CDBG, all CDBG expenditures for 03T activities are included in the calculation of the Public Services cap. 03 Other Public Facilities and Improvements Do not use this rode unless an activity does not fall under a more specific 03* code. Also, do not use one activity for multiple facilities and then assign it an 03 because the types of facilities are different. One legitimate use of 03 is for activities that assist persons with disabilities by removing architectural barriers from or providing ADA improvements to government buildings (activities that otherwise would not be eligible for CDBG funding). 04 Clearance and Demolition Clearance or demolition of buildings/improvements, or the movement of buildings to other sites. 04A Cleanup of Contaminated Sites Activities undertaken primarily to clean toxi0environmental waste or contamination from a site. OSA Senior Services Services for the elderly. 05A may he used for an activity that serves both the elderly and the handicapped provided it is not intended primarily to serve persons with handicaps. If it is, use 05B instead. OSB Handicapped Services Services for the handicapped, regardless of age. OSC Legal Services Services providing legal aid to low- and moderate -income (LMI) persons. If the only legal service provided is for the settlement of tenant/landlord disputes, use 05K. DSD Youth Services Services for young people age 13 to 19 that include, for example, recreational services limited to teenagers and teen counseling programs. Also use 05D for counseling programs that target teens but include counseling for the family as well. For services for children age 12 and under, use OSL; for services for abused and neglected children, use OSN. OSE Transportation Services General transportation services. Transportation services for a specific client group should use the matrix code for that client group. For example, use 05A for transportation services for the elderly. Appendix A. CDBG Matrix Codes Cade Definition 05F Substance Abuse Services Substance abuse recovery programs and substance abuse preventionleducatIon activitles. If the services are provided for a specific client group, the matrix code For that client group may be used Instead. For example, substance abuse services that target teenagers may he coded either 05D or 05F. OSG Services for Battered and Abused Spouses Services for battered and abused spouses and their famllles. far services limited to abused and neglected children, use OSIV. OSH Employment Training Assistance to increase self-sufficiency, including literacy, Independent living skills, and job training. far activities providing training for permanent jobs with specific businesses, use 18A. OSI Crime Awareness/Prevention Promotion of crime awareness and prevention, Including crime preventlon education programs and paying for security guards. O5I Fair Housing Activities (subject to Public Services cap) Fair housing services (e.g. counseling on housing discrImInatlon) that meet a national objective. For fair housing services activities carried out as pan of general program administration (and thus not required to meet a national objective), use 21D. OSK Tenant/Landlord Counseling Counseling to help prevent or settle disputes between tenants and landlords. 05111- Child Care Services Services that will benefit chlldren (generally underage 13), including parenting skills classes. far services exclusively for abused and neglected children, use 051V. OSM HealthServices Services addressing the physical health needs of residents of the community. For mental health services, use 050. OSN Services for Abused and Neglected Children Daycare and other services exclusively for abused and neglected children. 030 Mental Health Services Services addressing the mental health needs of residents of the community. OSP Screening for Lead Poisoning Activitles undertaken primarily to provide screening for lead polsoning. far lead poisoning testing abatement activities, use 141. A: CDBG Matrix Codes Cade Definition OSQ Subsistence Payments One-time or short-term (no more than three months) emergency payments on behalf of individuals or families, generally for the purpose of preventing homelessness. Examples Include utillty payments to prevent cutoff of service and rent/mortgage payments to prevent evidlon. 05R Homeownership Assistance (not direct) Homeowner downpayment assistance provided as a public service. If housing counseling is provided to those applying for downpayment assistance, the counseling is considered part of the 05R activity. Assistance provided under 05R must meet the low/mod housing national objective. Therefore, unless the assistance is provided by a CBDO in an NRSA, It is subject to the public service cap and only low/mod households may be assisted. If the assistance is provided by a CBDO in an NRSA, the housing units for which CDBG funds are obligated In a program year may be aggregated and treated as a single structure for purposes of mLeting the housing national ohjedive (that Is, only 51% of the units must be occupied by LMI households). For more extensive types of homeownership assistance provided Under authority of the National Affordable Housing Act, use code 13. OSS Rental Housing Subsidies Tenant subsidies exclusively for rental payments for more than three months. Activities providing this form of assistance must be carried out by CBDOs. DST Security Deposits Tenant subsidies exclusively for payment of security deposits. 0511 Housing Counseling Housing counseling for renters, homeowners, and/or potential new homebuyers that is provided as an independent public service (i.e., not as part of another ellgible housing activity). 05Y Neighborhood Cleanups One-time or short-term efforts to remove trash and debris from neighborhoods. Examples of legitimate uses of this code include neighborhood cleanup campaigns and graffltl removal. 05W Food Banks Costs associated with the operation of food banks, community kitchens, and food pantries, such as staff costs, supplies, utillties, maintenance, and insurance. 05 Other Public Services Do not use this code for public services activities unless an activity does not fall under a more specific 05• code. An example of a legitimate use of this code is referrals to social services. FY15 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment #2 July 2015 City of Iowa City staff proposes amending the FY15 Annual Action Plan due to unanticipated HOME program income. The Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) will consider a recommendation to City Council on a new project for the allocation of HOME funds on June 18. Due to the City's HOME Commitment Deadline of July 31, the City needs a project that can be undertaken immediately. The Housing Fellowship proposes to acquire two existing housing units at 1896 North Dubuque Road and (site to be identified) —for affordable rental housing to income qualified residents. The City Council will consider this recommendation on July 27 following a 30-day public comment period and an amendment will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subject to City Council approval. Jurisdiction: City of Iowa City, Iowa Contact Person Jurisdiction Web Address: Tracy Hightshoe http://www.icgov.org/actionplan Neighborhood Services Coordinator 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 319.356.5244 Tracy-Hightshoe@iowa-city.org Applicant's Name: The Housing Fellowship Priority Need: High — Acquisition of existing residential units for rental Project Title: Rental acquisition Project Description: Project will acquire existing housing units by a Community Housing Development Organization for rental housing to income qualified residents. Local Objective: Acquire rental properties that will be leased to income eligible non -student rental households Location: 1896 North Dubuque Road and XXXXXX, Iowa City Objective Number Project ID DH-2 59.32 HUD Matrix Code CDBG Citation 01 Type of Recipient CDBG National Objective CHDO Start Date Completion Date 7/15/2015 7/15/2016 Performance Indicator Annual Units Housing Units (2) 2 Local ID Units Upon Completion 2015.32 2 The primary purpose of the project is to help: the Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs Funding Sources: CDBG $0 HOME $150,000 Private Funds $230,000 Total: $380,000 Location Map II ..i L —L—cti'ii H _`•T•NE�➢— rn m _ 1. J�APPY Hi Point SIC KENS Golf Course PkES ERVE HICKORY ,r K'y�.�y' lil L:'I HILL PARK REGIHA J ]HHIOR-SEMI R IGH SCHOO - TREET 'ORHOOn IHA - E H HTAR - i _J T J EN LE m r. :I II :•I::I F m ::. N❑ ,� tiA XEHT llll AR :i �:�_ LL K ri! _ ❑ ANNAE•T -aoL = rnggg � CITY HIGH 0 N d SCHOOL Z RUTH tiT IK i ICI LE �� 5 H O �J SCOTT _•— �.➢ ?. I\ iAGE "•:., CURT''1 PA RH .;:.p.l N REE " —� HILL PARK "t IJy L'I RANCH N KiN -4W 14JIHO ` 0 GSTv I DSOR RIDGE 9hSiER AVE I � I51� n �+n3ri�1� :•..I � \7 . FRI EN OLY'AVE RMURa _ S�: T.Jy COLLEGE ryT L�':' ..'.'.:'..?y V HIGHLAND AVE\ X HOOL ` m �[ r A 1.1E R :E LLLJJJ Publication Notice Iowa City Press Citizen PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE FY15 Annual Action Plan Amendment #2 The City Council will hold a public meeting, accept comments, and consider approval of Iowa City's FY15 Annual Action Plan Amendment #2 on July 27, 2015. The meeting will be held at City Hall, Emma Harvat Hall, 410 East Washington Street at 7:00 p.m. The Annual Action Plan is a portion of Iowa City's 2011-2015 Consolidated Plan (a.k.a. CITY STEPS). The Annual Action Plan includes information on the proposed use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds for housing, jobs, and services for low -moderate income persons. The FY15 Annual Action Plan outlines proposed activities and their budgets. Due to unanticipated HOME program income, the City proposes to use $150,000 in HOME funds to acquire two housing units by The Housing Fellowship for rental housing for income eligible residents. Copies of the FY15 Annual Action Plan Amendment #2 are available from the Neighborhood and Development Services Department, 410 East Washington Street; the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn Street; or on Iowa City's web site (www.icgov.org/actionplan). Additional information is available by calling 356- 5230. Comments may be submitted in writing to the Neighborhood and Development Services Department at the address above or by email to Kristopher- Ackerson@iowa-city.org. If you require special accommodations or language translation please contact Tracy Hightshoe at 356-5230 or 356-5493 TTY at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. Public Comments Received with Staff Response A 30-day public comment period for the FY15 Annual Action Plan Amendment 2 is from June 25 to July 27, 2015. The City Council is holding a public meeting on July 27, 2015. Comments Received: Staff Response: