HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-23 Housing & Human Services MIN
Ashland Housing and Human Services Commission
Minutes
September 23, 2021
Call to Order
Commission Co-Chair Rich Rhode called the Zoom meeting to order at 4:15pm.
Welcomes 2 new Commissioners Joy Fate and Kathy Kali, they were approved by City Council on September 21,
2021. Also, on September 21, 2021 City Council Approved the Social Service Grants recommendations with no
changes.
Commissioners Present: Council Liaison
Rich Rohde Gina Duquenne
Echo Fields
Joy Fate SOU Liaison
Kathy Kali None appointed at this time
Chris Mahan
Jackie Bachman Staff Present:
Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist
Commissioners Not In Attendance: Liz Hamilton, Permit Technician
Leda Shapiro
Linda Reppond
Heidi Parker
Approval of Minutes
Commissioners Jackie Bachman / Echo Fields m/s to approve the minutes of August 26,
2021. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed
Public Forum None
Housing Now Housing Proposal Presentation
Eric Navickas gave a presentation from Housing Now, a grassroots organization in the community formed to
begin to address housing crisis in Ashland. Currently focused on building affordable housing above Hargadine
Parking Garage. The organization believes there is a lack of entry level work force housing available. Focusing
on C1, and D zones in downtown as they do not require parking as well as sustainability of living and working in
downtown area. Working with a few developers to start a dialogue with the City council to ask them to direct staff
to research funding options and moving forward with this development. Chris Kendrick explains they are focused
on Hargadine Parking Structure and talks about developing around community land trust and limited equity
cooperative to keep permanent housing affordable with 99-year lease. Eric brings up situation that city may be
selling off properties and Housing Now would like to make sure that money goes into housing options in Ashland.
Jackie Bachman asked if neighbors and businesses in the area have given any feed back regarding this project.
Eric stated he has met with a few businesses and that some have shown interest in partnering. Council member
Gina DuQuenne lets commission know this topic has been put on the council agenda as a topic of discussion for
th
October 19.
Sou Properties Presentation
Greg Herkins showed a presentation for properties that SOU may be selling.
https://sou.edu/president/properties-task-force/
Commissioners asked questions about some of the properties.
Proud Ground Community Land Trust Presentation
Yesika Arevalo gave brief overview of what Proud Ground Community Land Trust does to help low to moderate
income to buy homes. Commission agrees to invite Yesika to the December Goal setting meeting.
Habitat for Humanity Rogue Valley Presentation
Denise James not in attendance, will invite back
Severe Climate Event Policy Workgroup Overview and Discussion
Echo Fields presents the information that she and Rich have gathered to this point. Commission discusses how
to enact a policy for Ashland on inclement weather.
CDBG-Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Public Hearing
Review and Approval
Linda Reid gives brief overview of the report and the programs that applied for CDBG.
Public hearing for program year 2020 opened at 5:50pm No public input and closed at 6:05pm
Commissioners Jackie Bachman / Chris Mahan m/s to approve the Consolidated Annual
Performance Evaluation Report with corrections suggested to Linda Reid. Voice Vote:
All Ayes. Motion passed
Liaison Reports
Staff Liaison Linda Reid: Neighbor Works Umpqua has reorganized and has given back their CDBG grant of
$45,500.00.
Upcoming Meeting for Housing Commission Regular Meeting October 28, 2021
Adjournment: Rich Rohde adjourned the meeting at 6:15p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Liz Hamilton