HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.07.2000• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 7, 2000
5:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Gronen that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Deborah Collett, Housing/Block Grant Assistant Program Manager, reviewed the Waterloo
Housing Authority Plan. Ms. Collett commented that this was an opportunity for the city council
to provide input and direction to shape policy, prioritize and target efforts for funding. The
Waterloo Housing Authority was founded in 1970 to provide decent, safe and affordable housing
to lower income people using subsidy assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development and other funds made available for such purposes. From the first 50 units of
Section 8 funding awarded to the city in 1977, the Housing Authority has grown to 900 units of
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. In 1994, the city was awarded a grant from HUD to build
10 single family houses. Ms. Collett stated that the city receives $2.7 million for Section 8
Housing and $180,000 to $200,000 for Public Housing from HUD.
Ms. Collett reviewed the following Mission Statement: To promote adequate and affordable
housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination. It was
the consensus of the council to adopt said mission statement.
Ms. Collett asked the council if they wanted to put restrictions on admission of 3 or 5 years for
persons guilty of sale, distribution, or manufacture of drugs and violent criminal activity.
Councilperson Getty commented that he felt the restriction should be five years, and
Councilperson Jordan stated that he felt it should be a minimum of five years. Ms. Collett stated
that the city does not currently screen landlords, but it is worth reviewing. Ms. Collett
commented that the police department screens applicants for her programs.
Ms. Collett stated that she needed direction from the council on prioritizing the following
homeownership program: 1) Homeownership using Section 8 payments, 2) development of
public housing for sale to homeowners or rental, 3) downpayment assistance grants, or 4) creation
of more housing opportunity by rehabilitation for homeownership. Ms. Collett commented that
the in 1994 the city received a grant from HUD to build 10 Single Family Self -Sufficiency Homes.
Ms. Collett stated that the families rented the homes and after five years were given an
opportunity to purchase the homes. Ms. Collett commented that the homes were sold for less
than the cost to build them.
In response to a questions, Ms. Collett reported in order to be classified homeless by HUD, you
have to have been in a shelter or out on the streets. Ms. Collett recommended that homeless
funding not be put in the plan.
Councilperson Getty suggested that Ms. Collett make a list of items to change in the five year
plan for council's review.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Jordan, seconded by Gronen that the
meeting be adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk