HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-24 Housing & Human Services MIN
Ashland Housing and Human Services Commission
Minutes
September 24, 2020
Audio
Call to Order
Commission Chair Rohde called the Zoom meeting to order at 4:00 pm in Ashland, Oregon, 97520.
Commissioners Present: Council Liaison
Rich Rohde Dennis Slattery - ABS
Echo Fields
Gina Duquenne SOU Liaison
Linda Reppond None appointed at this time
Tom Gunderson
Heidi Parker Staff Present:
Chris Mahan Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist
Jackie Bachman Liz Hamilton, Permit Technician
Brandon Goldman, Senior Planner
Bill Molnar, Community Development
Director
Commissioners Not In Attendance:
Erin Crowley
Approval of Minutes
Commissioners Gina Duquenne / Jackie Bachman m/s to approve the minutes of July
23, 2020. Hand Vote: All raised as yes. Motion passed
Public Forum
Commission discusses an email from Molly Silver
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Review and Recommendation
Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist indicates that a re-review for recommendations is needed due to COVID
and additional CDBG funding. Commission discusses how to go about recommendations.
Michelle Arellano / OHRA (requesting $179,983) speaks about the funds OHRA would like to have from the
Housing Trust fund for a Winter Shelter that can accept the social distancing. Commissioners ask some general
questions about the program and Michelle answered questions.
Mary Farrell / Maslow Project (requesting $30,000) speaks about the funds Maslow would like to have from the
Housing Trust fund for their program to help house families with children. Commissioners ask some general
questions about the program and Mary answered questions.
NeighborWorks Umpqua (requesting $43,500) was not represented, and their application remains the same as
in March.
Jackie Bachman states she has no financial gain from any decisions of these recommendations and can
vote in a fair and just manner.
Commissioners Jackie Bachman / Tom Gunderson m/s the recommendation to fully
fund each of the applicant programs at the requested amounts with the provision that
Staff develops a plan that flexibly funds each proposal. Linda Reppond recuses due to
possible conflict of interest Individual Voice Vote: All Ayes,.
Motion passed
Affordable Housing Program Revisions Review and Recommendation
B randon Goldman, Senior Planner gave history of how the Ordinance came about. Lind Reid and Brandon
Goldman give an overview of the outline on the Ordinance. Commissioners asked questions and made
comments.
Commissioners Echo Fields / Chris Mahan m/s to recommend the Amendments to the
Land Use Ordinance, regarding conversion of Multi-family rental housing into for
purchase, Affordable Housing Standards, and Approval standards for Zone changes
and Annexation changes., Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed
Cahoots Program Update
Rich Rohde, Commission Chair gives update of forming an emergency mental health response team for
homeless in the Rogue Valley.
Utility Assistance Recommendation Updates
Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist gave update as to what programs are currently in place for Utility
Assistance.
General Announcements and Updates
Hardesy property / Gina – walk thru with many organizations that help homeless. City owned property but County
has zoning rights, property is also outside of our urban growth boundary.
Staff update by Linda Reid gave update on monies given for COVID relief and monies available for further options
upcoming.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
Next Housing Commission Regular Meeting
October 22, 2020
Adjournment: Rich Rohde adjourned the meeting at 6:20p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Liz Hamilton