March 31, 2005 minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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Jeanette Collier, Donna Duncan, Janet Gerstner, Paula Gilchrist, Carrie Moore, Greg Moore, Vern Norwood, Mike Randolph, Kirsten Roussel, and Patti Welty |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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marci francisco and Greg Moore |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
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Monica Cardin, Lesley Rigney, and Margene Swarts |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
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Vivian Baars, Salvation Army; Loring Henderson, Lawrence Community Shelter; Tammy Kahle, HCCI; and Renee Low, Salvation Army |
C. Moore called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Introductions
Staff and members introduced themselves. Thereafter, the public introduced themselves.
Approval of the February 24, 2005 minutes
Norwood stated that on page 4, she noted her concern is that tenants can break their lease through the appeals process.
Gerstner moved to approve the February 24, 2005, minutes. Norwood seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Lawrence Community Shelter and Salvation Army Presentation
Henderson stated that they are asking for reconsideration on the 2005 CDBG allocation amount. He noted that the initial request lists three organizations, but the Community Drop-In Center and the Lawrence Open Shelter merged into the Lawrence Community Shelter. The proposal is now for two organizations.
Henderson stated that the NRAC goals list their first priority as emergency housing and money for emergency housing. He also stated that a large amount of pressure has been placed on the two service organizations. They need to be able to meet the community’s needs and demands. Henderson noted that churches no longer want people to come to them, but to work through the Lawrence Community Shelter.
Henderson stated that the money, in theory, will be divided up equally between the two organizations. However, with the current allocation amount, the Salvation Army receives less funding than in past years. The Lawrence Open Shelter never received Public Service funds, but the Community Drop-In Center did. He stated that for each organization to receive a fair amount, the allocation needs to be increased.
Norwood asked what Henderson wanted the increase to be. Henderson replied that it is up to the Committee.
Henderson emphasized the importance of the CDBG money.
Randolph questioned if they wanted the Committee to earmark more money for one organization. Henderson stated that he could not answer that. It is tentatively set to be split evenly.
Baars stated that the Salvation Army cannot afford to take a loss.
C. Moore inquired about the use of the Salvation Army funds from previous years. Swarts stated that the Salvation Army used funds for shelter operations and some for the feeding program.
Roussel noted that the allocated amount is more than was allocated in the past.
Gilchrist clarified that some of the allocated amounts were for Capital Improvements.
Collier inquired about the numbers served for HCCI. She wanted to know the breakdown of the type of services.
Swarts advised that service provided by HCCI with the CDBG funding is primarily for landlord/tenant counseling. Staff does not require agencies to give that specific demographic information nor outcomes. The Department requires information on low-to-moderate income, female head of household and racial information.
Kahle stated that she had the information Collier inquired about and would be happy to provide the information.
Collier inquired about the counseling tenants received. Kahle stated that tenants mostly want information on eviction and having the landlord fix repairs.
C. Moore brought the discussion back to the Committee.
Collier noted that money will need to be shifted if the Committee considers reallocation. She suggested not funding First Step House and noted that it could be moved to the Lawrence Community Shelter/Salvation Army request.
Swarts read from First Step House’s application.
Norwood commented the Committee labored over the allocations and that it is hard to cut more funding from other agencies.
C. Moore asked the Committee if they want to consider increasing the allocation and asked where to reduce funds from.
Collier noted that the Committee spent three months goal-setting and emergency shelter was the primary focus. This will provide a direct service. The agencies are under incredible pressure to serve a very difficult population and they do not have the operating expenses. Collier moved to consider rearranging the funds, and transfer further funds to the Lawrence Community Shelter and Salvation Army. The motion died for lack of a second.
Gerstner commented that it is hard. With the exception of this request, the Committee kept allocations at last year’s levels. The Lawrence Community Shelter and Salvation Army’s request increased 15%.
Gilchrist noted that it is a $4,000 cut for the Salvation Army.
Roussel noted that it is Public Service funds versus Capital Improvements.
Miscellaneous Items
Staff distributed the DRAFT Annual Update of the Consolidated Plan.
Swarts announced the Public Hearing is April 14, 2005. She stated that there are charts and graphs missing from the Annual Update, but the content is all there. She would like the Committee to go over the Consolidated Plan and if there are any questions, concerns or corrections, to please contact her. Swarts will publish the Notice of Public Hearing Wednesday, April 6, 2005. The document will be ready for public viewing April 7, 2005.
Welty inquired about the 19H, Neighborhood Resourced Department- Administration CDBG ($200,000) on the table of contents. The amount is not listed under any of the columns.
Swarts stated that the Department is the only agency that receives administrative dollars so it is not placed in a column.
Staff distributed various gifts for CDBG week.
Randolph inquired about the individuals or agencies that attend public hearings. Swarts advised it could be anyone or any agency.
Duncan advised she would not be in attendance for the Public Hearing.
Adjourn
There being no further business, Gilchrist moved to adjourn the meeting. Collier seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting ended at 6:15 p.m.