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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-30-2013 CDBG MinutesCDBG Minutes January 30, 2013 Page 1 of 3 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY,JANUARY 30, 2013 6:30 P.M. Orange City Hall -Weimer Room MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Mary-Ellen Manning None Mary Ellen Laster Eva Perez Fernando Rico Gina Scott Robert Tunstall I.CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:46 P.M. II.ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON Committee Member Manning nominated Eva Perez to continue serving as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)Committee Chairperson.Committee Member Rico seconded the motion. Without objection,Eva Perez was re-elected as the Community Development Block Grant Committee Chairperson. Motion carried,5-0. III.APPROVAL OF MINUTES –MARCH 7, 2012 Committee Member Rico moved, seconded by Committee Member Scott, to approve the March 7, 2012, Minutes as presented. Motion carried,5-0. Ms. Laster advised that she will bring to the next meeting a thank you card for former Alternate CDBG Member Darren Smith, noting that everyone will be able to write their own comments on the card. CDBG Minutes January 30, 2013 Page 2 of 3 IV.REVIEW OF FY 2012-2013 CDBG ACTIVITIES In response to the Committee’s input,Ms. Laster stated that the March 6th meeting can be pushed to March 13th. She stated she will provide a revised meeting schedule at the next meeting. Ms. Laster highlighted the materials that were distributed to the Committee this evening, noting the first is a list of how the CDBG funding was allocated for the current fiscal year. She advised that this year, instead of giving the nonprofits a large amount of paperwork regarding HUD regulations, she simplified the paperwork by providing one sheet that outlines the Outcome Performance Measurement System that quickly explains how projects qualify for this funding. She stated that each agency must meet at least one of the requirements listed on this page. She noted the next set of documents is a summary of the National Objectives and eligibility for the CDBG Program, which apply to the proposed projects,stating that the nonprofits also received this information. Ms. Laster explained that when she conducts the technical assistance meetings with the nonprofit groups, they are advised that they must meet one of the eligibility criteria for funding.She mentioned that there are new applicants this year;and that while she encouraged agencies to apply in the Public Facilities category because it is easier to receive funds in that category, she still received a lot of applications for the Public Services category. Ms. Laster referred to the project binders each Committee Member received this evening; and briefly highlighted each application in the table of contents, noting some of the applicants have received prior funding. V.REVIEW OF FY 2013-14 CDBG FUNDING REQUESTS Ms. Laster stated there have been some issues of concern with the Orange County Fair Housing Council (FHCOC).She stated that FHCOC has submitted late and inaccurate reports,and submitted a late application last year. She noted that FHCOC has inadequately addressed tenant issues,and recently provided a tenant with an inaccurate referral.She added that FHCOC does not provide seminars in Orange for tenants and landlords,but has provided seminars in various Orange County locations that they state are open to Orange residents. A recent quarterly report included information on a seminar in Dana Point.She noted that staff met a month ago with the Director of FHCOC, and advised her that FHCOC is welcome to apply for funding this year, but that Orange is looking at another alternative. Ms. Laster stated that due to these concerns, she asked the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) to submit a request for funding.She advised that many Orange County cities are now contracting with FHF, which is located in CDBG Minutes January 30, 2013 Page 3 of 3 Long Beach;stated that this agency has an 800 phone number;that they distribute informational materials to City Halls; that they conduct meetings with the Code Enforcement Departments; and that they have been very responsive to their contract cities.She noted that the FHF conducts seminars in individual contract cities for tenants and landlords of that city. Ms. Laster noted that Paint Your Heart Out is requesting a little more money this year; explained that staff advised this agency that the City no longer has a Home Improvement Program; and she suggested that if there is funding available,this agency might be able to increase the number of people they assist. She explained that while this agency does not provide a full-coverage rehabilitation program,at least staff can refer residents to this agency for small projects. Ms. Laster stated she has not been authorized to request CDBG funds to continue the Home Improvement Program, so at this time it is a dormant program; and mentioned that the now defunct Redevelopment Agency previously provided funding for the City’s rehabilitation program. Ms. Laster stated that she has heard CDBG funding is expected to be reduced by eight percent,but she has not seen anything in writing at this point. She added that as has been done in the past with Public Works, the Committee may reduce funding for the ADA ramp program if necessary. She noted there will be four nonprofits at each of the next two meetings, and that there will be five minutes each for questions, answers, and Committee discussion. VI.PUBLIC COMMENT None. VII.ADJOURNMENT At 7:20 P.M. the meeting was formally adjourned.