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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-10/02/2008• October 2, 2008 The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Special Session at City Hall Council Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 8:15 a.m., on Thursday, October 2, 2008. Mayor Timothy J. Hurley in the Chair. Roll Call: Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie Schmitt. 127874 - Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, for the Special Session on Thursday, October 2, 2008, at 8:15 a.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. 127875 - Cole/Reggie Schmitt that copies of Call for Special Session on Thursday, October 2, 2008, at 8:15 a.m., be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. DOCUMENTS 127876 - Reggie Schmitt/Cole that "Resolution approving agreement with Iowa Department of Economic Development for Jumpstart Housing Assistance Program funds and agreement for Jumpstart Small Business Assistance Program funds", be adopted and Mayor authorized to execute same. Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard. Mayor Hurley explained that the Governor's office has proposed the Jumpstart program for housing and small business assistance. The city is requesting $684,000.00 for housing working with the Iowa Finance Authority and $456,000.00 through the Iowa Department of Economic Development Jumpstart Small Business Assistance Program. The Community Development office will process the housing applications working with the Iowa Finance Authority and the Planning Department will process the small business applications working with the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Mayor Hurley noted there are many gray areas in the application process such as is it first come, first serve or should there be a deadline date and then go through them all before making a decision. Mayor Hurley noted the city also has a bills payment process that staff is reviewing. Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, noted the state wants the Jumpstart funds to be dispersed quickly. This is the first waive of funding with the third waive to be Community Development Block Grant supplemental funding in the amount of $1,196,980.00 for housing assistance and $227,923.00 business assistance. Mr. Anderson commented that we need to make sure everyone will have an opportunity for funding. If someone would qualify for the next waive should the city make them wait. Mr. Anderson noted that some cities are waiting until they receive all the applications, but staff would like to evaluate the applications as they are received. Mayor Hurley commented that if council approves the resolution, the documents will be overnighted and the state will wire 30 percent of the funds to the city. The city is allowed to use 5 percent of the funds for administering the Jumpstart Program. Mayor Hurley stated he would like to let staff who normally work on funding programs figure out the process. Councilperson Greenwood asked if the city has a list of the businesses damaged in the flood, a list of the businesses having insurance and if they intend to go back into business. It would be helpful to have an inventory of what kind of help the businesses already received. Mayor Hurley noted that FEMA will not release any information due to the HIPPA regulations, but the city has found an avenue for information on the number of homes and businesses damaged. Mayor Hurley stated that the city has put out two press releases concerning the program. Mayor Hurley noted the maximum amount residents can receive through the Jumpstart Program for down payment assistance and housing repair/rehabilitation is $50,000.00, plus $10,000.00 for purchasing energy efficiency equipment. October 2, 2008 Page 2 Documents - continued Councilperson Cole stated she has concern on the oversight of the funds. On emergency repair funds, Community Development requests authorization from the Finance Committee to proceed with the repairs. Councilperson Cole stated she would like to see low-income elderly receive funding for life safety items such as furnaces, plumbing, etc. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, stated that the state requires the homeowners to sign off saying they will use the funds appropriately. Councilperson Greenwood noted that FEMA has already replaced furnaces and plumbing for some residents. Councilperson Hart stated that in some situations, they are not given enough money for all the repairs. Councilperson Hart stated that the state wants the city to spend the money right away, but if we don't can those funds be reallocated. Nancy Gulick, Community Development Coordinator, reported that the homeowner is required to sign an application saying they will spend the funds for what they say, and they are required to bring the FEMA letter. Ms. Gulick noted that there is less process and less guidelines than what they are use to. Ms. Gulick noted that if the money is not used for what they said, there will be a ten year lien on the property. Ms. Gulick stated she believes there are checks and balances in place, and there is language if not used for the intended use then it is theft. Ms. Gulick noted that they will subtract any funds the applicant has received from FEMA or from insurance. Councilperson Getty stated he thinks this is a good program. Councilperson Getty noted that all eligible participants must be registered with FEMA in order to be eligible for the Jumpstart Program. Mayor Hurley noted that the deadline to register for FEMA has been extended to October 31, 2008. Ms. Gulick noted that if they are not registered with FEMA, they are not eligible for the Jumpstart Program. Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following result. Ayes: Seven. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-851. Welper now absent at 8:50 a.m. ADJOURNMENT 127877 Councilperson Reggie Schmitt asked if it would be possible to have a Finance Committee meeting on Thursday mornings to approve payment to the applicants. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, responded that the intention was not to require a pre -authorization, but have the Finance Committee approve them with the bills payment. Ms. Weidner stated the requests would not be ready by Thursday mornings. An item will be placed on the October 6, 2008 Finance Committee agenda requesting waiver of the pre -authorization process for the Jumpstart Program. Councilperson Cole suggested an ad be placed in the Courier regarding the application process for the Jumpstart Program and a staff person appear on KBBG radio to talk about the program. Mayor Hurley noted that Perry Goodman has already notified the Neighborhood Associations. Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked if the Small Business Administration application has to be finalized. Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, responded this program does not require a SBA loan, so the business would just have to show proof of the disaster loan document. Councilperson Greenwood asked if the loan has to be for the flood. Mr. Anderson responded the program is for disaster related losses. Councilperson Greenwood suggested that staff talk to downtown banks. Mayor Hurley stated that staff will talk to the bank if the applicant says they have a loan with the bank. Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt that the council adjourn at 8:59 a.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Welper. Motion carried. • Nancy Eckert, CMC City Clerk