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
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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
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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