City of Lawrence, KS

Community Development Advisory Committee

September 27, 2012 Minutes (Fire Station #5)

MEMBERS PRESENT:		Deron Belt, Eric Hethcoat, Quinn Miller, James Minor, Vern Norwood, Brenda Nunez, David Teixeira, Patrick Wilbur

MEMBERS ABSENT:		Julie Mitchell, Aimee Polson, Patti Welty

STAFF PRESENT:		Danelle Dresslar, Margene Swarts

PUBLIC PRESENT:		There were five members of the public in attendance.

Chair Teixeira called the meeting to order at 5:50pm.

1. Introductions

Members and staff introduced themselves.

2. Approval of the August 30, 2012 Minutes.

Miller moved to approve the CDAC meeting minutes from

August 30, 2012. The motion was seconded by Wilbur and passed 8-0.

3. Recess meeting to conduct Public Hearing

Chair Teixeira opened the public hearing.

Swarts said this public hearing is to offer a forum to discuss the past grant year for CDBG and HOME. The Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) is complete and was made available for the 30 day public comment period beginning on September 20. This is the opportunity for the CDAC to review the CAPER as well as take public comment regarding needs and other items that the public would like to see addressed in the upcoming allocation discussions. The public comment can be about the program itself, specific projects, needs, suggestions, or general input among other things.

Swarts said within the CAPER document there is a copy of the Step Up to Better Housing strategy, which continues to be the guiding document for CDAC allocation decisions regarding the CDBG and HOME funding. The document also includes the Investment Summary for the 2011 program year as well as a breakdown of activities and general narrative. Additionally, there are documents regarding how HOME match requirements were met. The City has had a match waiver from the Federal Government for the last several program years due to national disaster declarations for Douglas County, but the City has continued to bank match during that time. When a waiver is granted, the municipality does not have to adhere to match requirements for that program year. The CAPER document shows that there is currently excess match of over $5 million for the City of Lawrence.

Norwood asked if the City can be penalized for having excess match.

Swarts said no, and that it actually does help indicate the leverage of funds in a community. Even if the money does not come directly into the department it goes toward similar activities in the community.

Swarts said the purpose of this public hearing is to give citizens an opportunity to speak to the committee. The provided CAPER draft is the report that indicates if the projects and activities indicated in the Investment Summary actually did occur.

Belt asked if there would be forthcoming sections in the CAPER regarding asbestos and radon mitigation as there is a lead paint section.

Swarts said those items are discussed in the community as well as during projects, but the only reason lead is the sole item covered in the CAPER is that lead is the only one that has federal regulations tied to it. At this point asbestos and radon practices are not required. The program abides by federal regulations, and if there are any issues with asbestos and radon staff will handle accordingly. Staff and contractors use safe work practices and if either of those items is encountered by staff in rehabilitation projects they are handled appropriately. The CAPER document is composed of the required regulatory information.

There was no further comment from staff, board, or the public.

Miller moved to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Hethcoat and passed 8-0.

4. Reconvene Meeting.

5. Review 2013 CDBG/HOME Application Packet.

Staff dispersed the draft copy of the 2013 application.

Swarts said the application did not change much from last year, only the dates have been updated. She said the application will be due this year on December 3, which is a Monday.

Teixeira asked if agencies have any trouble determining if their project is a public service or capital improvement.

Swarts said not really, but staff is available through the process to provide technical assistance to those filling out the application.

Teixeira noted a misspelling on the front page, and suggested adding the department phone number to the document.

With those changes, the CDAC agreed the application was ready to be distributed.

6. Miscellaneous/Calendar.

Swarts said staff would like to recognize Welty and Nunez as this is their last meeting of their second term. With their second terms expiring, they are not eligible for reappointment. Their service and input have been very appreciated. Swarts said there has been interest from a member of the Pinckney neighborhood, and upon the approval of the Mayor for this appointment there will be one spot left to fill. The position must be filled by a low-mod neighborhood representative from a neighborhood not already represented on the body. Any letters of interest can be sent to Swarts or directly to the City Manager’s Office.

Swarts said the CDAC was scheduled to meet on the 11^th of October and that was the meeting that neighborhood residents have been invited to attend. In November, the City Manager will attend to address the committee. Staff has Emergency Shelter Grant training on October 25. The training is all day so in the interest of timing, Swarts requested the CDAC cancel that meeting. Swarts said if anything comes up that would require a meeting between the October 11 meeting and the first November meeting an emergency meeting could be called.

Norwood moved to cancel the October 25, 2012 meeting of the CDAC. The motion was seconded by Miller and passed 8-0.

Teixeira thanked Welty and Nunez for their service.

7. Public Comment.

There was no additional public comment.

8. Adjourn.

Norwood moved to adjourn the September 27, 2012 meeting of the CDAC at 6:20 pm. The motion was seconded by Miller and passed 8-0.

Attendance Record

Members

Jan 12

Jan 26

Feb 9

Feb 23

Mar 8

Mar 22

Apr 12

Apr 26

May

Jun

July

Aug 9

Aug 30

Sept 13

Sept 27

Oct 11

Oct 25

Nov 8

Dec 13

Deron Belt

Eric Hethcoat

Quinn Miller

Julie Mitchell

Vern Norwood

Brenda Nunez

+**

Aimee Polson

David Teixeira

Patti Welty

E**

Patrick Wilbur

James Minor

E Excused Absence

U Unexcused Absence

X Meeting Cancelled – Weather Conditions

- Meeting Cancelled – Committee Vote/No Business

* First meeting after appointment

** Last Meeting Prior to expired term