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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-23 Housing PACKET Ashland Housing Commission Regular Meeting Agenda rd Wednesday, March 23 , 2011: 4:30 – 6:30pm Council Chambers – 1175 East Main Street 1. (4:30) Approval of Minutes (5 min) rd February 23 2011 2. (4:35) Public Forum (5 min) 3. (4.40) TGM Grant Application-Normal Ave Neighborhood Plan(5 min) Support Letter Request-Brandon Goldman, Long Range Planning 4.(4:45)CDBG Presentations (50 min) Applicant Presentations- Public Service: Children Advocacy Center St. Vincent De Paul Capital Improvement: Access, Inc. Community Health Center Living Opportunities 5.(5:35) Staff Recommendations (5 min) Linda Reid-Housing Program Specialist 6.(5:40) Housing Commission Discussion and Recommendation (25 min) 7.(6:05)Liaison Reports (15 min) Liaison Reports Council (Mike Morris) Parks Commission(Billin & Waters) School Board(Dills) Planning Commission(Pons) Transportation (Ayars) SOU Staff(Linda Reid) th 8.(6:20)April 27, 2011 MeetingAgenda Items (5 min) Commissioner items suggested(5 min) Quorum Check – Commissioners not available to attend upcoming regular meetings should declare their expected absence. 9.(6.25)Upcoming Events and Meetings Homeless Task Force Meeting- April 19, 2011: 10:30-12:00: Housing Authority Conference Room 2231 Table Rock Road th City Council Meeting (ad-hoc committee appointment & Final Grant awards)-April 5, 2011: 7:00 PM Council Chambers Next Housing Commission Regular Meeting th 4:30-6:30 PM; April 27, 2011 10. (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 February 23, 2011 CALL TO ORDER ChairRegina Ayars called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. at the Council Chambers located at 1175 East Main St. Ashland, OR 97520. Ben Scott, new Housing Commissioner, introduced himself expressing his appreciation for being appointed to the Commission and his desire to serve. Scott has been a General Contractor in both California and Oregon. Commissioner Scott has, for the last two and a half years, been contracting as consultant for the Energy Trust of Oregon. Commissioners Present:Council Liaison James DillsMike Morris Regina Ayars Barb BarasaStaff Present: Ben ScottLinda Reid, Housing Specialist Carolyn Schwendener, Account Clerk Commissioners Absent: Richard Billin, excused Nikki Pons, excused Jody Waters, excused APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the January 26, 2011 meeting were approved as presented. PUBLIC FORUM Nick O’Neill, The SOU Hunger and Homelessness awareness student liaison, reported that an application for the student liaison to the Housing Commission has been sent to the Mayor with a statement of support from the SOU senate. If appointed the applicant will be present at the March meeting. The Commissioners would like some information regarding the expense of putting the Housing Commission agenda in the local paper. It was noted that the Transportation and Conservation Commission publishes their agenda in the paper. Staff will investigate the cost. REPORTS AND UPDATES Liaison Reports Council –Morris reported the Council is reviewing business licenses, the proposed restaurant for 95 Winburn Way and the Transient Occupancy Tax allocation. It is currently budget season which is requiring a lot of the Councilor’s time. Council is still discussing the homeless issue and is undecided on how to address it. Two Councilors, Morris and Voisin along with the Mayor went to the SOU Forum on Homelessness. The council meeting to appoint the ad-hoc sub-committee on homelessness has been changed from March 15 to April 1, 2011. Parks– No report 1 February 23, 2011 School Board – Dills left messages for the head of the Ashland School Board and Principal of Ashland High School but has not had the opportunity to connect with them. His plan is to meet with the Principals of the schools sometime in the future. Ayars gave an article to Dills about the San Francisco school closures, a similar problem that we have here. Ayars inquired about checking with the school district to see if there are any joint opportunities we might have given their substantial land holdings. Planning – No report. Reid reported that Pons attended the Planning meeting. The meeting was basically all about the Pedestrian Places. Transportation – No report SOU- No report Staff – Reid went over the information from the Homeless Count surveys. The Point In Time Homeless count took place the last week of January. Thirty-seven surveys were collected representing thirty-nine people. Thirteen of those people said they have been continuously homeless for a year of more, ten people said they have not. Fourteen said they have experienced chronic homelessness in the last three years, and nine said they had not. The average age of the person taking the survey was eighteen. Reid said the City has received three applications for Community Development Block Grant Funds for the coming year. The Consolidated Plan states that the City can only fund two applications each year. The entire amount (less 20% for admin) is eligible for capital improvements; up to $30,000 is eligible for Public Service projects. It was decided years ago to only fund two projects because of the administrative burden. The Commission might like to revisit that rule. Reid will write a staff report with recommendations and the applicants will give their presentations at next month’s meeting. The Housing Commission will make a decision on which projects to fund and send their recommendation to the City Councilwho will make a final award determination. HOUSING TRUST FUND REVIEW In 2008 a City resolution was passed establishing an affordable Housing Trust Fund. Repayments from a1985 CDBG home repair and energy efficiency loan program are dedicated to the fund. The payoffs used to go into the general fund now they go into a separate line item dedicated to the affordable housing trust fund. Judith Benjamin, the wife of the late Housing Commissioner, Aaron Benjamin, established a memorial fund where the donations went into the Trust fund. Reid presented a spread sheet showing the amount in the Trust Fund. Having received two pay off’s since the Trust Fund was established, and with Aaron Benjamin memorial donations the Trust Fund’s total is now $23, 366.00. Reid explained there is no threshold for awarding these funds. The funds can be used to serve any population that is below 120 percent area median income. The uses of this money is a lot more broad then Community Block Grant Funds. Funds can be used for activities that create, preserve or acquire housing, permanent or transitional housing for homeless families and individuals and for the modernization, rehabilitation and repair of public housing. The Request for Proposals can only be 90% of the funds in the HTF and will run concurrently with the CDBG RFP, the other 10% has the flexibility to be offered at anytime throughout the year as a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in order to be responsive to opportunities and non-profit needs as they arise. The goal of the Commission is to figure out how to get more revenue into this Housing Trust Fund. The Commission discussed creating an Ad Hoc committee but thought it would be more appropriate to do so when Billin was present. Put this on the Agenda for the April meeting. Ayars asked if it is feasible to look at the possibility to use the rental registry fee. Reid will invite Lynette O’Neil the CDBG administrator and Housing and Community Development Commission Liaison for the City of Medford and Lenore Drake former City of Medford Housing and Community Development Commission chair to come and talk to the Ashland Commission about that Commission’s proposal for funding their Housing Trust Fund. 2 February 23, 2011 HOUSING PRESENTATION Commissioner Barasa gave a power point presentation about the “Affordable Housing Possibilities Not Currently Available in Ashland.” Barasa herself was a participant in an affordable housing development and believes there are things that could be done in Ashland to make owning your own home more affordable. Her main topics of discussion were Co-op rental Housing and Manufactured Homes. FORECLOSURE AND HOMELESS PREVENTION BROCHURE Because Billin was absent this discussion was put on hold until sometime in the future. HOUSING COMMISSION ORDINANCE REVIEW OF POWERS, DUTIES & MEMBERSHIP DISCUSSION The Council is reviewing the current Commissions including discussing the possibility of consolidating some of them. The Commissioners would like to discuss at the next meeting their mission statement and membership rules. Currently the Commission requires a total of nine members. The possibility of seven members was discussed. Reid will get more information and put this back on next month’s agenda. MARCH 23, 2011 MEETING AGENDA ITEMS CDBG Presentations Quorum Check – Dills will be out of town. Reid will do a forum check by email as it is necessary to have a forum next month in order to make a recommendation for CDBG. UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS Homeless Task Force Meeting – March 15, 2011: 10:30-12:00 Housing Authority conference Room 2231 Table Rock Rd City Council Meeting (Ad-Hoc Committee appointment) March 15, 2011; 7:00 pm Council Chambers Next Housing Commission Regular Meeting 4:30-6:30 PM; March 23, 2011, Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Carolyn Schwendener 3 February 23, 2011 Memo DATE: 3/18/2011 TO: Housing Commission FROM: Brandon Goldman, Senior Planner RE: City of Ashland 2011 TGM Grant Application st At their meeting on March 1, the City Council directed Staff to prepare an application for the 2011 Transportation Growth Management (TGM) program to fund the preparation of an area plan for the North Normal Avenue Neighborhood. The deadline for the grant application is March 11, 2011. Grants are awarded in June 2011, and must be completed by May 2013. In the event the City is awarded the grant it is estimated that the plans development would begin January 2012 or later, take 12 months to complete the draft plan, and an additional 6 months to move the plan through to adoption. As the Normal Area Plan development would consider issues including housing density, preservation of natural areas, and transportation connectivity, the involvement of City Commissions with expertise and interest in these areas is of vital importance to the planning efforts success. The Normal Plan area is approximately 94 acres in size and constitutes the largest remaining area of residentially designated land, that is suitable for medium to high density development, which remains largely vacant or redevelopable. Past residential developments in this area were completed as Rural Residential large lot single family homes consistent with the current county zoning. Unfortunately this pattern of large lot development did not fully consider opportunities for further intensification of land use nor achieve the densities provided for in Ashland’s Comprehensive Plan. A coordinated planning effort that aims to accommodate needed housing types in an efficient in a manner in consideration of existing natural resources supports the long term vision of the City. Attached is a letter Staff requests the Commission review and sign indicating the Housing Commission’s support of the project and grant application. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Tel: 541-488-5305 20 E. Main Street Fax: 541-552-2050 Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900 www.ashland.or.us TTo: Cinddy Lesmeisster Trannsportationn and Growwth Management Proogram ODOOT Mill Creek Building th 553113 Street NE, Suite 2 Salem, OR 973301 RRE: City off Ashland 2011 TGM GGrant Appliccation DDear Ms. LLesmeister TThe City of Ashland is applying foor a Transpportation and Growth MManagemennt Grant to assist in the neighhborhood pllanning of the Normal Avenue Arrea within AAshland’s Urban Growtth BBoundary.This projecct is a land use and traansportationn plan envissioned to aaddress the ffollowing isssues. Evaluatioon of futuree housing neeeds, and hhousing densities suitaable for thee plan area, which providee for maximum opportuunities for wwalking, bicycling and transit. Plan for ffuture deveelopment in a manner that providees for preseervation annd enhancement of creeeks and wwetlands. Design oof a local strreet grid annd green inffrastructuree improvements for thee study area which includess provisionss for bike annd pedestrian paths; too more fullyy integratee the area innto in Ashlaand’s transpportation syystem. To incorpporate meaasures to reeduce greennhouse gasses in plannning for futuure growthareas within the UGB TThe Housinng Commisssion supporrts efforts too compreheensively address Ashlaand’s housing nneeds, and believes planning for the future ddevelopment of the Noormal Avennue area is of vital importancein this regaard. The City of Ashlaand Housingg Commisssion shares the goals oof the TTGM prograam in plannning for efficcient land uuse that ressults in the rreductionoon the reliannce of aautomobiless through eenhanced opportunitiess for use off bicycles, wwalking, andd transit. Thhe HHousing Coommission is supportivve of Ashlannd’s TGM GGrant appliccation and encouragess aapproval of this applicaation. TThank you ffor your onggoing commmitment andd support foor sound pllanning praactices at thhe local leevel. SSincerely, ________________________ RRegina Ayeers HHousing Coommission CChair CCity of Ashland Planning Commmission DDepartment of Commmunity Developmeent Tel: 541-488-55305 220 East Main Street Fax: 541-488--5311 AAshland, Oregon 975520 TTY: 800-7355-2900 wwww.ashland.or.us Staff Evaluation To: Ashland Housing Commission Title:Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2011 RFP Date: March 23, 2011 Submitted By: Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist The City of Ashland has received five applications for 2011 Community Development Block Grant funds that are competitively available. The total City of Ashland allocation of CDBG funds for the 2011 program year is expected to be approximately $224,525. The funds that have been offered competitively are estimated from the previous year’s allocation and have had the administrative portion of 20% removed (or approximately $44,905 for administration of the CDBG program). Of the available 2011 funds a set aside of 15% or approximately $30,000 is available for Public Service projects. An unallocated balance of $13,522 in carryover funds may be added to the Capital Improvement project funds. In total there is approximately $193,142 available for award. The City will reserve the right to award more or less than this estimate dependant on the final entitlement amount authorized by Congress and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. rd The City of Ashland Housing Commission will hold a public hearing on March 23 to review the grant requests and make a recommendation to forward to the City Council. Staff’s recommendation regarding the allocation of the 2011 CDBG funds is provided on the following pages. Proposals Received Organization Proposed Project CDBG Goal Consolidated FundsPlan Goal # and RequestedRank* St. Vincent De Assist 620 Households with $30,000Provide 620 low Goals 4.1 Paulemergency funding to income households Need Rank A prevent homelessness with emergency Goals 4.2 servicesNeed Rank B Goals 4.3 Need Rank B Goals 8.2 Need Rank B Children’s Assist approximately 45 $30,000Provide Child and Goal 8.2 Advocacy Center youth with core services teen abuse services Need Rank B related to abuse and provide to 45 victims and at at least 5 education and least 5 training and training events to promote education outreach the prevention of child events to several abuse.groups to prevent abuse. Community Health To make ADA $14,900Barrier Goal 8.2 Centerimprovements to the existing removal/ADA Need Rank B CHC building to better accommodations for accommodate peoples with 100+ mobility disabilities. impaired patients LivingRenovations to Ashland $16,154Renovations to Goal 8.2 OpportunitiesCommunity Employment building that serves Need Rank B Services Building to support 25 special needs Goal 14.1 employment and leisure clients with Need Rank B activities for special needs employment and life populationsskills assistance ACCESS, Inc. The acquisition and $166,000The acquisition and Goal 1.1 predevelopment of a deed predevelopment of Need Rank B restricted parcel of land off land on which to Goal 1.2 Dollarhide to be developed develop 6 affordable Need Rank A as 6 units of affordable rental rental housing units housing Funding Requested/Available A total of $193,142 in CDBG funds is expected to be available to distribute to eligible recipients for projects meeting the CDBG national objectives, and which are consistent with the City of Ashland 2010- 2014 Consolidated Plan. The maximum allocation allowable to be used to support public services is limited to approximately $30,000. These funds will be available upon approval of the 2011 Action Plan, and upon the completion of any regulatory requirements including but not limited to environmental review clearance. Upon completion of the Action Plan a public hearing for review and approval will be held before the Housing Commission to insure consistency with the awards designated by the City Council. The US department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must review the annual Action Plan submitted by the City to ensure the activities funded are consistent with federal requirements, and with the local Consolidated Plan. Assessment Criterion Staff has assessed the proposals to determine whether they meet the Federal CDBG regulations and address the priorities identified within the City of Ashland 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. Three areas are evaluated for each proposal regarding compliance with federal regulations. Projects must meet the National Objective of the Community Development Block Grant Program. All CDBG funded projects must be an “eligible” uses under the Community Development Block Grant Program. If a project meets all federal requirements and is selected for award, then federal regulations must be met throughout the course of the project. Some examples of federal regulations which pertain to Community Development Block Grant funded projects are; all projects funded in whole or in part, with CDBG dollars require an environmental review in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Certain construction projects must use federal Davis-Bacon wage rates. Housing involving structures built prior to 1978 must be tested for the presence of Lead Based Paint and if found steps to mitigate Lead Based Paint must be taken. Any project involving the displacement of residents or businesses as a result of the federally funded project are entitled to assistance under the Uniform Relocation Act. Most importantly the beneficiaries from the application of CDBG funds must qualify as eligible populations under the Federal requirements. Areas of concern are described for each proposal received. The Housing Commission and the City Council can only award CDBG funds to projects that can meet all federal requirements and meets an objective as outlined in the City’s 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. Priorities within the City of Ashland’s 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan are given a priority ranking by letter. The rankings of A, B and C are intended to assist in directing CDBG funds to the greatest needs. In cases where there are competing projects for limited funds, the projects(s) that are ranked the highest will be funded. A-The City of Ashland plans to use the CDBG funds for projects that meet these needs. B-The City of Ashland may use CDBG for projects that meet these needs. C-The City of Ashland does not plan to use CDBG funds for projects meeting these needs but will consider certifications of consistency for other entities which are applying for federal assistance to meet these needs. Additionally such needs may also be addressed by the City through the allocation of Economic Development and or Social Service Grants from the City General Fund. Public Service Proposal Evaluation St. Vincent De Paul-Home Visitation Program Staff has reviewed the St. Vincent de Paul program proposal to determine whether it meets the Federal CDBG regulations, and if the proposal addresses the priorities within the City of Ashland 2005-2009 Consolidated plan. St. Vincent’s has requested $30,000 to assist them in defraying the cost of rent and utility relief for people facing eviction and shut offs thereby preventing homelessness. This project proposal qualifies under the Low-Moderate Income (LMI) benefit national objective. Generally Income payments (payments to an individual or family, which are used to provide basic services such as food, shelter (including payment for rent, mortgage, and/or utilities) or clothing) are ineligible public service activities when such payments are provided has a grant. However, such expenditures are eligible if; the income payments do not exceed three consecutive months; and the payments are made directly to the provider of services on behalf of an individual or family. This project meets those criteria. St. Vincent expects to assist between 30-40 households or approximately 100 people with the granted funds. Staff finds that St. Vincent’s proposal is consistent with goals number 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 8.2 of the City of Ashland’s 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. Goal 4: Support services for homelessness prevention and transition. Where possible, give funding priority to services that are part of a comprehensive approach that improves the living conditions of clients. Safety net services that meet basic needs shall only be funded with CDBG dollars if it can be demonstrated that clients receiving those benefits are part of a program that will eventually help them obtain self-sufficiency. 4.1 Provide assistance to non-profit organizations that assist the homeless and those at risk of homelessness, provide transition assistance to the homeless, and help prevent homelessness (A) 4.2 Strengthen the capacity of the Jackson County Continuum of Care to plan activities reducing homelessness in the community. (B) 4.3 Support activities that expand service-enriching housing for the homeless and other special needs populations, including increased shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing resources. (B) Goal 8: To support housing and supportive services for people with special needs. People with special needs include the elderly, the frail elderly, persons with developmental disabilities, persons with physical disabilities, persons with severe mental illness, parsons with alcohol or other drug dependencies and persons with HIV/AID or related illnesses. 8.2 Provide assistance to non-profit organizations that provide support services to extremely low- and low-income special needs populations. (B) In evaluating the proposal it is evident that the classification of “A” as a priority indicates that this is the highest priority use for the CDBG funds. A-The City of Ashland plans to use CDBG funds for projects that meet these needs. Staff sees that St. Vincent’s proposal is an eligible use of the CDBG funds and is consistent with the City of Ashland Strategies as outlined in the 5 year Consolidated Plan. This activity assists in the prevention of homelessness for low-income and special needs households. Further this project meets and exceeds the 10% leverage requirement of the City of Ashland’s CDBG program providing double the requested grant funds and leveraging further funds from other sources. Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)-Child Abuse Services and Prevention Program Staff has reviewed the Children’s Advocacy Center Child Abuse Services and Prevention Program proposal to determine whether it meets the Federal CDBG regulations, and if the proposal addresses the priorities within the City of Ashland 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. CAC has requested $30,000 in Public Service funds to assist them in providing child abuse services and preventions trainings to Ashland residents. This project proposal qualifies under the Low-Moderate Income (LMI) benefit national objective. (Victims of abuse fall under the special needs presumed benefit category). Support for direct services to special needs populations is an eligible activity under CDBG regulations. This project aims to serve approximately 45 youth and provide several trainings. Staff finds that the CAC proposal is consistent with goal number 8.2 of the City of Ashland’s 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. Goal 8: To support housing and supportive services for people with special needs. People with special needs include the elderly, the frail elderly, persons with developmental disabilities, persons with physical disabilities, persons with severe mental illness, parsons with alcohol or other drug dependencies and persons with HIV/AID or related illnesses. 8.2 Provide assistance to non-profit organizations that provide support services to extremely low and low-income special needs populations. (B) In evaluating the proposal it is evident that the classification of “B” as a priority indicates that this is an activity that the City may use CDBG funds to support. B-The City of Ashland may use CDBG for projects that meet these needs. Staff sees that CAC’s proposal is an eligible use of the CDBG funds and is consistent with the City of Ashland Strategies as outlined in the 5 year Consolidated Plan. This activity assists victims of child abuse, a population that is “presumed low income benefit” according HUD guidelines, and will provide a service which is unduplicated in the community or in Southern Oregon, and for which there is a documented need. This program will also provide trainings to Ashland residents that promote the prevention of child abuse. Further this project meets and exceeds the 10% leverage requirement of the City of Ashland’s CDBG program. Capital Improvement Proposals ACCESS, Inc.-Hyde Park (Dollar hide acquisition and predevelopment) Staff has reviewed the Access, Inc. Hyde Park acquisition Capital Improvement proposal to determine whether it meets the Federal CDBG regulations, and if the proposal addresses the priorities within the City of Ashland 2010-2014 Consolidated plan. Access, Inc. has requested $166,000 in grant funds to assist them in the acquisition of property and other related predevelopment costs on which to develop 6 units of affordable housing targeted to populations making 60% of area median or below. This project proposal qualifies under the Low-Moderate Income (LMI) benefit national objective. This proposal anticipates serving approximately 6 families making 60 of the Area Median Income or less. Staff finds that the ACCESS, Inc. proposal is consistent with goal number 1 of the City of Ashland’s 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. Goal 1: To increase the supply of affordable rental housing for extremely low-, low- and moderate-income families. Where possible, give funding priority to those projects that will provide benefits to residents with the lowest incomes. 1.1 Encourage the acquisition, preservation and development of affordable rental housing (B). 1.2 Support the acquisition, preservation and development of affordable rental housing units through a sustainable program, which retains the units as affordable in perpetuity such as a land trust (A). In evaluating the proposal it is evident that the classification of “A” as a priority indicates that this is an activity that the City plans to use CDBG funds to support. A-The City of Ashland plans to use CDBG funds for projects and activities that address these needs during the time period designated in this strategic plan. Staff sees that ACCESS, Inc’s proposal is an eligible use of the CDBG funds and is consistent with the City of Ashland Strategies as outlined in the 5 year Consolidated Plan. This activity supports the development of 6 units of affordable housing deed restricted for a period of 60 years and targeting families at or below 60% of area median income. Further this project meets and exceeds the 10% leverage requirement of the City of Ashland’s CDBG program. Community Health Center- ADA Accessibility of Ashland Clinic Staff has reviewed the Community Health Center’s Capitol Improvement proposal to determine whether it meets the Federal CDBG regulations, and if the proposal addresses the priorities within the City of Ashland 2010-2014 Consolidated plan. CHC has requested $14,900 in grant funds to assist them in the installation of exterior and interior ADA approved automatic door systems in the Ashland Clinic. This project proposal qualifies under the Low-Moderate Income (LMI) benefit national objective; peoples with disabilities are a presumed benefit population under the CDBG program. Similarly, 95% of all clients served by the Community Health Center qualify as low to moderate income. Barrier removal and/or ADA accessibility are an eligible use of CDBG Capital Improvement funds. This proposal anticipates serving approximately 100 mobility impaired individuals. Staff finds that the Community Health Center’s proposal is consistent with goal number 8 and 8.2 of the City of Ashland’s 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. Goal 8: To support housing and supportive services for people with special needs. People with special needs include the elderly, the frail elderly, persons with developmental disabilities, persons with physical disabilities, persons with severe mental illness, parsons with alcohol or other drug dependencies and persons with HIV/AID or related illnesses. 8.2 Provide assistance to non-profit organizations that provide support services to extremely low- and low-income special needs populations. (B) In evaluating the proposal it is evident that the classification of “B” as a priority indicates that this is an activity that the City may use CDBG funds to support. B-The City of Ashland may use CDBG for projects that meet these needs. Staff sees that the Community Health Center’s proposal is an eligible use of the CDBG funds and is consistent with the City of Ashland Strategies as outlined in the 5 year Consolidated Plan. This activity assists with barrier removal and increases accessibility to needed services for low-income and special needs households. Further this project meets the 10% leverage requirement of the City of Ashland’s CDBG program. Living Opportunities-ACES (Ashland Community Employment Services) Remodel Staff has reviewed the Living Opportunities ACES Remodel Capitol Improvement proposal to determine whether it meets the Federal CDBG regulations, and if the proposal addresses the priorities within the City of Ashland 2010-2014 Consolidated plan. Living Opportunities requested $16,154 in grant funds to assist them in the renovations and repairs on their ACES, employment and leisure activities building that serves peoples with disabilities. This project proposal qualifies under the Low-Moderate Income (LMI) benefit national objective; peoples with disabilities are a presumed benefit population under the CDBG program. Barrier removal and/or ADA accessibility are an eligible use of CDBG Capital Improvement funds. This proposal anticipates serving approximately 25 individuals with special needs. Staff finds that Living Opportunities’ proposal is consistent with goal number 8 and 8.2 of the City of Ashland’s 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. Goal 8: To support housing and supportive services for people with special needs. People with special needs include the elderly, the frail elderly, persons with developmental disabilities, persons with physical disabilities, persons with severe mental illness, persons with alcohol or other drug dependencies and persons with HIV/AID or related illnesses. 8.2 Provide assistance to non-profit organizations that provide support services to extremely low- and low-income special needs populations. (B) In evaluating the proposal it is evident that the classification of “B” as a priority indicates that this is an activity that the City may use CDBG funds to support. B-The City of Ashland may use CDBG for projects that meet these needs. Staff sees that Living Opportunities’ proposal is an eligible use of the CDBG funds and is consistent with the City of Ashland Strategies as outlined in the 5 year Consolidated Plan. This activity supports Living Opportunities in providing employment and life skills assistance to special needs individuals. Further this project meets and exceeds the 10% leverage requirement of the City of Ashland’s CDBG program. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the ACCESS, Inc proposal be funded in the amount of $163,142 Staff also recommends that the St. Vincent De Paul-Home Visitation proposal be fully funded in the amount of $30,000. Staff’s recommendation would be to fund these proposals since they both meet a goal as outlined in the Five year Consolidated plan with a needs classification of “A” The Access, Inc. proposal offers a needed housing type, low-income rental units, with long term affordability. The St. Vincent De Paul-Home Visitation proposal offers a valuable, unduplicated service to the community while utilizing existing resources and volunteer staffing. In the event that the City’s expected allocation is reduced through the federal budgeting process, staff recommends looking at reducing the ACCESS, Inc. proposal allocation accordingly, unless to do so would make the project unfeasible. Staffs sees that all of the applications received offer unique and valuable services to the Ashland community and would encourage all applicants to look to CDBG funding in the future to support their endeavors to provided needed services to low-income, at-risk, and special needs populations. Potential Housing Commission Motion: To recommend funding the ACCESS, Inc. – Hyde Park acquisition proposal $163,142 to purchase a property on Dollar hide on which to develop 6 units of affordable housing targeting families and individuals making 60% of the AMI or below for a period of not less than 60 years, and to fund the St. Vincent De Paul-Home Visitation Program for $30,000 to provide emergency rent and utility assistance to low-income populations in an effort to avoid homelessness. CDBG Project Proposal Rating Criteria The final step in the process of evaluating the proposals typically is for the Housing Commission to apply the following compliance criteria to determine which project(s) best meet the City's spending priorities. Projects are given a rating of High (3 points), Medium (2 points), or Low (1 point), on each of the criteria listed below. The categories proposed provide a valuable way for individual Commissioners to gauge the effectiveness of the proposal in meeting City objectives. A.The Project provides benefit to a demographic group that has a need documented in the City of Ashland CDBG Consolidated Plan B.The project assists low and moderate-income households in substantially improving their living conditions. The proposed project must have or be part of a comprehensive approach that takes clients from the beginning to the end of the process that improves their living conditions. “Safety net” services or services that meet basic needs shall only be funded if it can be demonstrated that clients receiving those benefits are part of a program that will eventually help them obtain self sufficiency. Exceptions to this requirement are projects targeted at helping people with special needs. C.The project is a proven effective strategy to improve conditions or solve an identified problem. D.If the project is related to affordable housing, the project retains the units as affordable. The longer the period of time the units remain affordable, the higher ranking the project shall be given E.If the project is related to economic development for jobs for low and moderate-income people, at least 51% of the jobs shall be held by low and moderate income people. The longer period of time the jobs are held by low and moderate-income persons, the higher the ranking the project shall be given. The larger percentage of jobs held by low and moderate-income persons the higher the ranking the project shall be given. F.The project maximizes partnerships in the community G.The project has at least 10% of the total project in matching funds. The larger the amount of matching funds the higher the ranking the project shall be given H.The project utilizes already existing resources in effective and innovative ways. The project shall not duplicate service provided by another organization I.The agency submitting the proposal has the capacity to carry out the project J.The budget and time line are well thought out and realistic K.The proposal demonstrates CDBG funds are the most appropriate funding source for the project L.The project is ready for implementation within a year of a CDBG award notification M.The organization proposing the project has the experience and capacity to undertake the proposed activity. CommunityLivingACCESS, Letter St. Vincent Children’s De Paul AdvocacyHealthOpportunitiesInc. CenterCenter A. High Medium Medium Medium High B. High High High High High C. Medium High High High High D. N/A N/A N/A N/A High E. N/A N/A N/A High N/A F. High Medium Medium High Medium G. High High High High High H. High High High Low Medium I. High High High High High J. High High High High High K. High Medium Medium Medium High L. High High High High High M. High High High High High 32 Points 30 points 30 points 32 points 34 points