HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-17 Housing MINASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
MINUTES
DECEMBER 17, 1997
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was cafied to order at 4:10 p.m. by Chairperson Gerry Sea. Other Commissioners present
were McKeever, Hill, Vaughn, Harris and Medinger. Tiffany joined the meeting at 4:30 p.m. Medinger
left the meeting at 4:35 p.m.. Staff present were Molnar and Yates. Absent members were Hauck and
Ware.
HOME OWNERSHIP AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE
Sea and Mo/nar went before the Council at their last meeting and explained the program. The Council
endorsed both programs, a/locating $30,000 for each. The Council asked for an annual report on the
programs.
Molnar reported the request for proposals have been sent out. The deadline for submittal is January 5,
1998.
Molnar thought it would be beneficial to review some of the questions asked by ACCESS about the
request for proposal.
Hill, Medinger and Sea volunteered for the selection committee. A format for an evaluation is available.
Hill thought it was best if only the selected proposal was made public. The rest should remain
confidential. Everyone agreed.
Harris asked if this was being presented as a pilot project. If so, at some point the project can end
and be assessed or could from that point go forward with some form of permanency. Sea said it had
more to do with the contract with the agency that was selected. Molnar said the period of time could
be limited if all the funds have been expended.
Harris wondered if there was more money that could be put into the program if the Council wanted to
keep it going. If there is, everything could possibly be left in place.
Vaughn said it needs to be taken into consideration who will keep on administering a one-year pilot
program when it comes to payback of loans.
Molnar said the rental assistance program will be run through the City's Utility Department. He said the
five year deferment on home ownership will probably go to the City but he needs to check.
Harris said if the agency is doing their job and things are being done properly, it would be
advantageous to use the odginal agency. Getting everything set up is a big job.
Tiffany joined the meeting.
Sea recapped there are some contract issues that can be worked out later.
Medinger left the meeting.
ACCESS'S Questions
1. Q: What is the maximum grant amount that can be requested for each program? A: By
keeping the amount to less than $30,000 for each program, it will give the Commission time to do an
evaluation.
2. Q: Re: Home Ownership Program criteria, there is a specific maximum grant award amount of
$2,500, but no mention of a minimum contribution required by the recipient. Is this up to each
applicant's discretion or was this overlooked in the preparation of the R.F.P.?
A: Molnar reminded the Commissioners that in previous discussions they did not want a minimum.
Harris mentioned the importance of people having a vested interest in the property and if they have to
put $1,000 of their very own money in it, that would be good. Molnar referred to the Springfield home
ownership program. They have to contribute $1,500 minimum and a maximum of $4,000. Tiffany liked
using a percentage such as one percent of the purchase price. Everyone agreed.
3. Q: What about different wording for residency requirements? A: The wording should read: "The
participant must have resided or worked in Ashland".
4. Q: How is the $25 loan fee handled? A: The loan fee has to be paid and will go to the
administering agency.
5. Q: Who will be responsible for collection of the loan in the event of late or defaulted payments? A:
Molnar thought it would be the City of Ashland.
Status of Home Ownership ProQram
The next step in this program will be marketing and education. This might be premature until the
agency is selected. Harris said whoever gets the administration of this program needs to bufid an
education program into their program. Tiffany said teaching a course on how to manage their money
would be good for applicants. Hill volunteered to work on realtor education after they know who is
selected. She might do a possible presentation to the Board of Realtors.
UPDATE - HOUSING REPAIR PROGRAM.
Molnar reported that Ware had a meeting at Hunter Park (materials in your packet). McKeever was
there. McKeever volunteered to do the coordination. There are problems of liability, lien forms,
matching the right repair person to the right problem. What are the parameters for qualifying? The
program needs to be carefully scrutinized. The Commissioners might want to form a committee to work
out some details.
Also, a block grant is being given to Jackson County Housing Authority for $30,000 for home repairs.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MONTH
Housing Element
Marketing and education with the home buyers and rental assistance programs.
Housing repair program
Grant award
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
MINUTES
DECEMBER 17, 1997
Molnar said some of the other Commissions advertise through the utility billing newsletter.
Housing Commission should consider this.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Maybe the
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
MINUTES
DECEMBER 17, 1997