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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.05.2003 (2)• COUNCIL WORK SESSION May 5, 2003 4:30 p.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Rooff, Kincaid, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Hurley, Getty. Members absent: Jordan. Moved by Getty, seconded by Hurley that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried. Rudy Jones, Community Development Director, reviewed the proposed CDBG and HOME Program funds for the FY 2004 Consolidated Plan. Mr. Jones reviewed the recommendations approved by the Community Development Board on March 18, 2003. The final allocation of funds must be submitted to HUD by May 15, 2003. Mr. Jones stated that a few years ago it was decided that the funds could better serve the community if we looked at targeted neighborhoods. Mr. Jones stated that the CDBG and HOME programs fund housing and services that go along with getting into housing. Mr. Jones stated that the city formed a consortium with the City of Cedar Falls which allowed us to get more HOME funds for housing -related items. Mr. Jones stated that federal rules regulate what the funds can be used for. Mr. Jones reported that the CDBG funds total $1,784,000, and they are used for non-profit service oriented projects. The CDBG funds are used for housing owner occupied rehab, and forgivable loans if the owner keeps the home for five years. Mr. Jones stated that the We Care/Unity Neighborhood will continue to be the targeted neighborhood for another two to three years. Mr. Jones reported that HOME funds available for FY 2004 are $759,423, and they are used by Operation Threshold for rehab projects. Mr. Jones reported on the request submitted by El Centro Latinoamerciano. Mr. Jones stated that funding for El Centro could only be through CDBG funds and a maximum of 15 percent is allowed for public service items. Mr. Jones stated that Neighborhood Services, Community and Waterloo Partnership and Consumer Credit Counseling are funded with CDBG, and they are at 90 percent of items allowed for public service items, with the rest of the funds allocated for housing. Mr. Jones stated that $299,000 is budgeted for General Program Administration and $180,000 is budgeted for Rehab Administration. Mr. Jones reported Community Development has seven staff members. In addition, part of the salary for the Community Planning and Development Director, an Associate Planner and cost to lease the building and utility costs are funded through the administration funds. Mayor Rooff stated that El Centro started with a budget of $13,000, and they have increased their budget quite a bit. Mayor Rooff stated the purpose of El Centro was to serve as a resource center for Latino citizens., and they have increased their scope significantly. Mayor Rooff reported that the Waterloo Human Rights Commission is looking for fund from CDBG. Mr. Jones reported that the proposed plan must be submitted to HUD by May 15, 2003 to have funding by July 1, 2003. Mr. Jones stated we are in the middle of a 30-day comment period. Councilperson Hurley asked if any of the rehab administration funds could be used for El Centro. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, responded that reduction of administration funds would have to be made up through the general fund. Mayor Rooff stated HUD allows 15 percent Council Work Session May 5, 2003 Page 2 of program to be used to cover administration costs, and there are other services than administration costs in the 15 percent. Mr. Jones reported that the Community Development Board did not fund El Centro as they felt they could do collaborative efforts with other agencies. Mr. Jones stated there does seem to be an overlap of some services. A member of the Community Development Board stated that he feels it is imperative this year that we look at partnerships to reach a greater number of our community and offer same services. That is why we went to targeted areas so you can see changes. He stated that focusing/targeting homes will help build the community. Mr. Jones stated he feels there are things that can be done to assist El Centro, such as Operation Threshold helping them with training. Ethel Washington, Director of Waterloo Housing, stated that El Centro wanted $13,000 to get into a building and provide counseling for the Latino community. Ms. Washington stated El Centro needs financing to keep the center open. Ms. Washington suggested that council members attend El Centro's meetings for ideas and information. Mr. Jones stated that one of the criteria for funding is does the organization have other funding sources and is it sustainable. Mayor Rooff stated that Operation Threshold and Neighborhood Services should be able to help El Centro. With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Welper that the meeting be adjourned at 5:09 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk • •