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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-22 Housing PACKET Ashland Housing Commission Regular Meeting Agenda nd Thursday January 22, 2009: 4:30 – 6:30pm Community Development Building - 51 Winburn Way 1. (4:30) Approval of Minutes (5 min) th December 17 2008, regular meeting Minutes 2. (4:35) Public Forum (5 min) 3. (4:40) Guest Speaker - Planning Process and Commission Powers(15 min) 4. (4:55) Election(10 min) Elect a new Vice Chair 5.(5:05)Sub-committee Reports (15 min) Subcommittee Reports Liaison reports Finance(none)Council 1-06-09 (Voisin) Education (none) Parks Commission(none) (Hauck) Land Use 1-14-09 (Ayers) School Board(Frost) Planning Commission 1-13-09 (Benjamin) 6.(5:20)Clay Creek-Chit wood Project Update(20 min) 7.(5:40)Review and Approval of Snowberry Brook Support Letter(5 min) 8. (5:45) Housing Commission Draft Ordinance Review and Discussion (15 min) Suggested Changes 9. (6:00) Homeless Liaison Discussion (20 min) nd 10.(6:20)January 22 2009 MeetingAgenda Items (5 min) Goal Setting Commissioner items suggested(5 min) Quorum Check – Commissioners not available to attend upcoming regular meetings should declare their expected absence. 11.(6.25)Upcoming Events and Meetings (5 min) None Next Housing Commission Regular Meeting th 4:30-6:30 PM; Thursday February 26, 2009 Community Development Building 12. (6:30) Adjournment In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting(28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES December 17, 2008 Before the meeting was called to order the Commissioners had a reception for Carol Voisin honoring her years of service on the Housing Commission. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation. She will begin her position as City Councilor in January of 2009. CALL TO ORDER Chair Bill Smith called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. at the Community Development and Engineering Services Building, 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR 97520. Commissioners Present: SOU Liaison: Alexandra Amarotico, absent Nick Frost Council Liaison: Alice Hardesty Graham Lewis, absent Steve Hauck Bill Smith Staff Present:: Aaron Benjamin Linda Reid, Housing Specialist Regina Ayars, absent Carolyn Schwendener, Account Clerk Richard Billin, absent APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND AGEND CHANGES Smith tabled the homeless liaison discussion until the January meeting when Commission Lewis would be present. Frost/Benjaminm/s to approve the minutes of the November 25, 2008 Housing Commission meeting with two spelling corrections. Voice Vote: Approved. PUBLIC FORUM No one spoke PUBLIC HEARING-2008 CDBG ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT Reid reviewed the process for the Action Plan Amendment. Once the City Council decides what to do with the Community Development Block Grant money an Action Plan is drawn up and sent to HUD. A public hearing is held at that time and then HUD approves how the money is spent. Because the City did not spend the money in the last go around an Action Plan Amendment was put together stating the new activity. The City Council and the Housing Commission has awarded $345,000 to the Housing Authority of Jackson County for public facility improvements. The newspaper has been notified of the public hearing and the City will accept public comments at this evenings meeting or in writing until December 31, 2008. Any comments received will be sent up to HUD and await their approval. Smith opened up the meeting for public comment. No one came forth to speak. The Commissioners discussed the amendment making spelling and grammatical corrections. Hardesty/Hauck m/s to accept the 2008 CDBG Action Plan Amendment as edited. Voice Vote: Approved SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Sub-committee Reports Finance – No report Education – No report Land Use – No report ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION 1 MINUTES December 17, 2008 Liaison Reports Council – Hardesty commented that Shaun Donovan, the newly appointed secretary of HUD looks like a marvelous person and they were lucky to have him. He has done an outstanding job in New York City and is committed to affordable housing as well as cleaning up HUD. Parks Commission – No report School Board – Frost reported that the Governor’s budget came in allowing for a 2.5% increase in educational funding for each year. Ashland usually runs at about 5% increase, consequently the school board announced that they will probably be having lay offs. Planning Commission – Benjamin reported that the thirteen unit condominium on 2300 Siskiyou Blvd was approved. Some neighbors objected to the high density that this will create though it was well within the allowable amount stated Benjamin. HOUSING COMMISSION DRAFT ORDINANCE REVIEW AND DISCUSSION Benjamin acknowledged that the Housing Commission was given authorization to become part of the pre-app process. He believes it would be a great idea to somehow find a mechanism to become a strong advisory to the Planning Department early on. When opportunities come along like Coming Attractions located at 2200 Ashland Street he would like to see the Housing Commission have an opportunity to get involved. The Commissioners discussed possible ways in which they could give input on upcoming Planning Actions and become more pro active. They discussed expanding the pre-app parameters and talked about what criteria could trigger reviews by the Housing Commission. Reid reminded the Commissioners that the City Council gave the Housing Commission the ability to review pre- apps and then they wanted someone to come back within a year and report on how that it was working. The City Councilwas reluctant to grant new powers for the formal application process. Perhaps the next step is to report on how that pre-app process is working. Reid reminded the Commissioners that as individual citizens they always have the right to go to the Planning Commissioners meetings and share their concerns about any project and ask them to include affordable housing. The Commissioners discussed the ordinance changes. CLAY STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS The Housing Authority is anticipating submitting their formal application in January. Currently they are working on their storm water run off plan as well as their wetlands mitigation plan. Benjamin asked Hardesty if with the recent publicity about the potential City budgetary problems could affect the City’s contribution to the Clay Streets property. Hardesty did not feel it would be a problem. Reid said the City’s purchase agreement is closing right now and should be done within the next day or two. Hardesty said if the Parks Department decides they don’t want the land the Housing Commission should then take a big look at what could be done with the land. It’s a tremendous opportunity and would have to be some kind of mixed income development in order to pay back the $620,000. Alice suggested approaching the school district, SOU, and the hospital with a partnership idea to develop employer assisted housing on either just the land on the south side which would provide 18 to 20 units, or dependent on the parks decision the whole thing could be available for development. If the entire property were available for development then a comprehensive plan could be created to get the best solar orientation of all the buildings. JANUARY AGENDA ITEMS Homeless Liaison discussion Ask Brandon Goldman to attend and discuss the pre-application process and parameters Reid will resend out the retreat information UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINS th Tuesday January 6, 2009, City Council Chambers 7:00-10:30 PM – Mayors “State of the City” Address Next Regular Housing Commission meeting will be January 22, 2009 at 4:30 PM ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Carolyn Schwendener ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION 2 MINUTES December 17, 2008 January 13, 2009 Linda, PO Box 1733 Medford, OR 97501 T 541 734 2355 I am sending you a proposed timeline for the development of the Clay F 541 245 6966 Court/Upper Clay/Chitwood Affordable Housing Project. While we have www.rvcdc.org been consumed at the office here preparing for the start of Rice Park at Verde rvcdc@grrtech.com Village, we have allowed this project to languish a bit. I offer my apologies for letting this happen. The downturn in the economy has had some impact BOARD on our recruiting capabilities as of late. We believe that we have a good plan Floyd Pawlowski President of action in place now. Michael Travis We are planning on building the homes using Rogue Valley Vice President Youthbuild as the primary labor providers for the homes. The homeowners Rebecca Brown would act as secondary laborers on the homes, providing around 200 or so Secretary hours of Sweat Equity labor towards the end of the build. We will run the Clara Rowe Treasurer project very similarly to the build at Rice Park, but instead of homeowners Dwayne Murray doing all the work, Youthbuild will work on the homes until complete. Sergeant at Arms In order to allow Youthbuild to maximize this opportunity as a Fred Berger teaching tool, as well as to guarantee high quality construction, we are Sam Fung looking at a 20 month schedule for the construction. This will allow us to Fred Lucas keep construction costs at a minimum for the homeowners, while provided a Nancy McLaughlin wonderful educational tool for our Youthbuild crews. Joan Middendorff This plan will also serve some of our potential clients that don’t have Gary Swanson the time to devote a year to a full Self Help project, or may not be physically able to do so. I have also included some drawings of how we envision the homes STAFF located on the property. Since we are going to be building almost eh exact same houses as at Rice Park, I can show you the designs as well. Andrea Miranda Director, Finance and I look forward to seeing you next week. Operations John Wheeler John Wheeler Director, Acquisitions and Director, Acquisitions and Construction Construction Rogue Valley CDC Roxana Zepeda Homebuyer Services Layne Morell Youthbuild Crewleader Robert Sweeney Construction Asst. Kristin Osterhout Bookkeeper This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Rogue Valley CDC Clay Court Development Proposed Timeline February 2009 -Submit detailed project design and financing plan to the City April 2009 -Developer Agreement approved by City Council May 2009 -Subdivision Application July to August 2009 -Improvements completed (road, fire, etc…) September 2009 -Construction Begins June 2011 -Homes Complete ORDINANCE NO. __________ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ASHLAND MUNICIPAL CODE, TO INCLUDE CHAPTER 2.18 ESTABLISHING THE ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSIONS, ITS QUORUM, POWERS AND DUTIES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS. THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Annotated to show deletions and additions to the code sections being modified. Deletions are lined through and additions are in bold. Whereas, the City of Ashland Housing Commission wishes update the existing resolution NO. 95-25 to an ordinance to have it included in the Ashland Municipal Code while concurrently modifying its objectives and responsibilities relating to powers and duties, quorum rules and other requirements, and SECTION 1. Section 2.18 is included in the Ashland Municipal Code to add the Housing Commission, its objectives and responsibilities. 2.18 Housing Commission 2.18.010 Established-Membership The Housing Commission is hereby established and shall consist of nine voting members, one of which shall be a city councilor appointed by the Mayor as liaison to the commission and one non-voting ex-officio member who shall be the City Housing Program Specialist. The voting members shall be appointed by the Mayor, with confirmation by the City Council. 2.18.020 Term-Vacancies The tem of eight of the voting members shall be for three years expiring on April th 30 of each year. The term of the council liaison shall be for one year. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor, with confirmation by the City Council, for any unexpired portion of the term. The terms of the initial eight members shall be two for one year, three for two years, and three for three years. Any commissioner who is absent from four or more meetings in any one calendar year, without being excused, shall be considered no longer active and the position vacant, and a new commissioner shall be appointed to fill the vacancy. 2.18.030 Quorum-Rules and Regulations Five voting members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.A quorum shall be defined as one-half the number of sitting Commissioners, plus one. But in no case less than three.If there is no quorum, no official Commission business shall be conducted and all matters advertised shall automatically be continued to the next regularly scheduled meeting. At its first meeting of the year the commission shall elect a chair and a vice chair and secretary, who shall hold office at the pleasure of the commission. The commission may make rules and regulations for its governance and shall meet at least once every month. 2.18.040 Mission The mission of the Ashland Housing Commission is to encourage housing that is available and affordable to a wider range of city residents, to enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors, to encourage financial entities to support housing programs in the city, to coordinate housing and supportive services programs and to educate the citizenry and promote public knowledge and understanding of the benefits of affordable housing.. 2.18.050 Powers and Duties-Generally The powers and duties of the commission shall be as follows: A. To develop and recommend coordinated housing and supportive services programs; B. To recommend housing and supportive services priorities for the city; C. To review and make recommendations to the City Council and budget committee on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and related allocations; D.To review and make recommendations to the City Council and budget committee on Housing Trust Fund and related allocations; E. To investigate federal, state, county and private funding for implementation of city housing programs; F.To act in an advisory capacity and to provide advice and guidance to the City Council and other commissions on housing related matters; G. To oversee the compilation of accurate information on the city’s housing supply and affordability; H. To monitor projects funded with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Housing Trust Fund; I. To foster public knowledge and support of official city housing programs 2.18.060 Reports The commission shall submit copies of its minutes to the city council and shall prepare and submit such reports as from time to time may be requested by the Mayor and City Council. 2.08.070 Compensation Voting Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for services rendered. The commission may receive gifts, bequests or devises of property to carry out any of the purposes of this resolution, which shall be segregated from other funds for use by the commission with the approval of the City Council. Housing in the NEWS Ashland Housing Commission Packet Date: January 22, 2009 Scott Foster Executive Director Housing Authority of Jackson County 2251 Table Rock Rd. Medford, OR 97501 Dear Mr. Foster: The City of Ashland Housing Commission is in direct support of the Housing Authority of Jackson County’s proposed affordable housing project called Snowberry Brook. This Commission recognizes the need for the development of affordable, sustainable rental housing for the workforce population of Ashland. Snowberry Brook will help meet this unmet need with the addition of sixty housing units serving Ashland households with an income level at or below 60% of area median income. The location of this project is ideal for a multi-family housing development. The property on which it will reside has been under-utilized. With its close proximity to schools, services, recreation facilities and public transportation, this site offers the amenities essential to the success of an affordable housing project. The mission of Snowberry Brook is consistent with City goals and with the City of Ashland 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan for use of CDBG funds. Goal 1 of the Consolidated Plan is “To increase the supply of affordable rental housing for extremely low-, low- and moderate-income families.” th On November 18, 2008, this Commission awarded the Housing Authority a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $345,000 to facilitate the required infrastructure and street improvements associated with the proposed project site. This project will meet the highest priority for use of the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to “Support the acquisition and development of affordable rental housing units through a sustainable program, which retains the units as affordable in perpetuity, such as a land trust.” The Ashland Housing Commission supports the efforts of the Housing Authority to bring this project to fruition and encourages Oregon Housing and Community Services to grant the highly needed funding to make this project a reality. Sincerely, Bill Smith City of Ashland Housing Commission Chair