HOUSING TRUST FUND

February 19, 2004 minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Clint Bradley, Alan Bowes, Lawrence Bush, Barbara Carswell, Kirk McClure and Ed Tato
MEMBERS ABSENT:	Paul Davis, Mark Gonzales, Rev. Sharon Howell, Larissa Long and Kirsten Roussel
STAFF PRESENT:	Monica Cardin and Margene Swarts

Tato called the meeting to order at 3:50 p.m.

Introductions

Staff and members introduced themselves.  Thereafter, Lauren Sullivan and Daynen Lalicker, University of Kansas School of Social Work graduate students, introduced themselves.

Approval of September 16, 2003, minutes

Bradley noted his name should be included on the “Members Present” section as he was present at the meeting. 

Carswell moved to approve the September 16, 2003, minutes with that correction.  Bradley seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Discussion and determination of upcoming activities

Tato stated the Board needed to decide how they wished to proceed with regard to the Housing Trust Fund, both in terms of funding and future allocations.  He asked if members felt they should speak again with the City Commission about public funding.  He also wished to discuss what the Board’s options would be if they received a negative response and he wanted to know how the Board wanted to proceed.

Carswell asked about using the same approach as last time. 

Swarts noted that since a Study Session was just conducted, that would likely not be the best mechanism to use, as there would be no new information to present.  She suggested the Board make a decision on a course of action and make a formal approach to the City Commission advising them of that.  Swarts advised that the Board needs to be prepared to tell the Commission what it believes the true future of the Housing Trust Fund Board is and/or should be. 

There followed a brief discussion regarding the November study session with the City Commission.

Tato suggested that if the Commission chooses not to pursue another funding source, one option is to give up the funds ($500,000) currently in the Housing Trust Fund.

Carswell stated she was not ready to give up the money.  She stated that it was the responsibility of elected officials to handle the challenges in a public and democratic way.  She stated the Board should make it very clear that they want this money to go toward affordable housing needs, as well as establish a permanent funding source so the fund can continue.

Bradley asked if the Board recommended disbanding, should the Board suggest using the $500,000 and ask for one large request for funding (RFP).   He also suggested that if three large worthwhile projects (instead of just one) were funded, perhaps the City Commission would decide to seek another funding source to continue the HTF. 

Carswell added she thought the Board should ask the City Commission how the Board should proceed. 

Tato agreed with Bradley.

There followed a brief discussion regarding pursuing other funding sources and the future of the Housing Trust Fund and Board.

Bowes suggested using the funds in a Community Land Trust project and further elaborated on that concept.

The Board liked the idea of the land trust and discussed the next step.  Tato stated that he needed to get the information from Bowes and put together a proposal from the HTF for the City Commission. 

Carswell suggested the next step was to formalize the report and the request for pursuing the mortgage registration tax.

Tato noted that staff could send out the report to the Board via e-mail and the Board could make comments.

Swarts asked when the Board wanted to meet again.  Tato suggested that the next process could be accomplished by email between members and if another meeting were necessary, he would contact Swarts to schedule it. 

Swarts agreed and noted no meetings would be scheduled until further notice.

Adjourn

Bush moved to adjourn the meeting.  McClure seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.  The meeting ended at 4:59 p.m.