City of Lawrence, KS

Community Development Advisory Committee

September 11, 2014 Minutes (City Commission Room)

MEMBERS PRESENT:		James Minor, Julie Mitchell, Vern Norwood, Travis Weller, Patrick Wilbur

MEMBERS ABSENT:		Linda Bush, Alex Delaney, Steven Koprince, Quinn Miller

STAFF PRESENT:		Danelle Dresslar, Brad Karr

PUBLIC PRESENT:		Joshua Robinson (KU Student), Lane Cofas (KU Student), Mitch Raznick (KU Student), Rachel Buoye (KU Student)

Chair Minor called the meeting to order at 5:28 p.m.

1. Introductions.

Members introduced themselves.

2. Approval of the April 24, 2014 Minutes.

Minor moved to approve the CDAC meeting minutes from April 24, 2014. The motion passed 5-0.

3. Discuss 2015 CDBG/HOME applications.

Dresslar provided the committee with a sample of the 2015 CDBG/HOME application; No changes were made to the content of the application. She asked that any changes be suggested by September 24, 2014 in order to provide the applications to the neighborhoods and public service agencies by October 1, 2014.

Norwood asked where the Step Up to Better Housing document could be found. Dresslar indicated that the memo attached to the application has a live link that when clicked will go to the location on the City’s website for the Step Up to Better Housing document.

4. Discussion of DCAP 2014 allocation.

Dresslar discussed the closing of the Douglas County AIDS Project (DCAP). The case management services and emergency assistance program that DCAP provided will now be provided by Heartland Community Health Center (HCHC). The 2014 program year allocation for DCAP could possibly be transferred to HCHC for offering the same services. The only difference may be the spiritual component of HCHC’s organization. HUD is very specific in stating the CDBG funds cannot be used for any “inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization.” Dresslar said she would be in contact with a case manager at HCHC soon to find out more information on the religious counseling that they offer, and if it would be a CDBG-eligible activity under the regulations.

Norwood asked in the event the funding could not transferred to HCHC, could the money be re-allocated to another applicant. Dresslar said yes, but that would require a substantial amendment to the original allocation, which would have to be approved by both the City Commission and HUD.

Mitchell said that she has been to HCHC for medical care, and other than a picture of Jesus on the wall, no religious component was involved in the treatment. Dresslar concurred that her medical visit did not involve any religious activities, however there is some indication on the agency website that suggests it may be a component of some care services, so further questions needed to be asked of the agency to ensure eligibility.

Dresslar said she hoped to have enough information about HCHC for the committee at the next CDAC meeting for them to vote on transferring the funds.

5. Discussion of CAPER and fall public hearing (September 25, 2014).

Dresslar explained that the CAPER is the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report. The Action Plan at the beginning of the program year states the goals for the programs, and the CAPER is used at the end of the program year to report on the achievement of those goals. Copies of the CAPER will be sent to the committee for their review. The report will be ready and available to begin public comment on September 22, 2014. The CDAC will conduct the required fall public hearing on September 25, 2014. Dresslar reminded the committee that a quorum is mandatory for this public hearing, and encouraged them to make every effort to attend. Questions from the public will be answered about the CAPER and about any items for the 2015 CDBG/HOME allocation process. Providing everything goes as expected at that meeting, the CDAC would not need to meet in October, November and December. Dresslar added the CDAC could do the same thing it did this year and use its first meeting in January 2015 to go over applications received, set up a spreadsheet and set the calendar for 2015.

6. Miscellaneous/Calendar.

The next meeting of the CDAC will be September 25, 2014 at 6:00 for the public hearing. Miller and Mitchell’s last meeting as committee members will be on September 25, 2014. Their term is expiring, and they are not eligible for reappointment. Minor’s term is also expiring, but he is eligible for reappointment.

7. Public Comment.

Joshua Robinson explained the KU students were in attendance from Journalism 415 – Media Reporting class. He asked for more clarification on the DCAP funding allocation. Dresslar explained that DCAP received funding for the 2014 program year, but closed before using any of the funds. The services they offered are now being handled by HCHC, and the committee could vote to transfer DCAP’s funding to HCHC with approval by the City Commission and HUD.

8. Adjourn.

Mitchell moved to adjourn the September 11, 2014 meeting of the CDAC at 5:49 p.m. Weller seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.

Attendance Record

Members

Jan 9

Jan 23

Feb 13

Feb 27

Apr 10

Apr 24

Sept 11

Linda Bush

Alex Delaney

Steven Koprince

Quinn Miller

Julie Mitchell

James Minor

Vern Norwood

Travis Weller

Patrick Wilbur

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

^ Last Meeting