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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-13 Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board MinutesCity of Bozeman Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board (CAHAB) May 13, 2013 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm City Commission Room, City Hall Attending:      Brian LaMeres, Ann Kesting, Kyle Terrio, Mary Martin, Melvin Howe, Chris Mehl, Dave Magistrelli Absent: Kris Keller, Margaret Boardman Staff: Tracy Menuez Public: none The meeting was called to order at 12:05 pm by Chair Brian LaMeres. Public Comment: None Action Items Approval of minutes from January 14, 2013 – Motion to approve by Melvin Howe, seconded by Mary Martin. Approved. Approval of minutes from February 11, 2013 – Motion to approve by Ann Kesting, seconded by Dave Magistrelli. Approved. Budget recommendations to City Commission in support of implementation of affordable housing plan Tracy reviewed the slideshow (attached) to provide background for discussion. Brian asked if the board needed to take any action on the continued suspension of the WFH ordinance. Commissioner Mehl responded that the continued suspension would need to be discussed by the Commission, but that he did not feel as though this board needed to weigh in, as most are in agreement that there is not a need to reinstate the ordinance. Tracy informed the board that she had discussed upcoming affordable housing needs with both GGHAC member organizations and Habitat. While she did not receive any “hard” budget line item requests, GGHAC will submit a letter, and Habitat does have some future plans to discuss. Dave Magistrelli discussed a parcel that they hold in partnership with the Boys and Girls club that they would like to consider for a mixed-use development. They would first like to conduct a feasibility study of the property; Tracy added that this is a good candidate for support for a potential Community Development Block Grant Planning application. Tracy and Dave agreed to meet in the coming months to explore that option. The group agreed to add the item as a FY2014 priority as well. Commissioner Mehl tasked the group with developing a list of priorities for funding, asking to consider if the group wanted to: 1) Fund ongoing items ($40,000 to Road to Home and $14,400 to HRDC) 2) Do you want to add things? Rental study, other? 3) Do we want to ask the commission to keep accumulated funds for a future use? He asked that the group rank the recommendations and look at short and long-term outcomes. It was noted that both Tracy and Mary work at the HRDC, which receives funding from the City for Road to Home and administration of the City’s housing activities, including administration of CAHAB. Mary expressed her support for the update to the rental housing study, as outlined in the affordable housing plan. Ann asked if Tracy was able to secure any numbers for larger projects. Tracy replied that while both HRDC and Habitat made her aware of projects in the planning stages that may result in a request for funding, neither organization felt ready to make a formal request. Brian expresses frustration that some requests seem to circumvent the CAHAB and go straight to the commission. Commissioner Mehl replied that both the Commission and the CAHAB have the obligation to facilitate development in support of the plan, regardless of the process. Tracy added that CAHAB did not have an adopted plan or process in the previous years, and that the adoption of both helps clarify our role in handling funding requests. Mel asked if we have a cutoff for requests for funding. Tracy replied that at this time we do not; Mel asked that this be added as a discussion for a future meeting, as he feels having a deadline would be helpful. Commissioner Mehl reminded the group that as much as a process is helpful, at the end, the CAHAB recommends action to the commission; an application denied because it comes in after a board-imposed deadline can still move on to the commission, which may still fund it. Tracy asked the board for specific direction in the drafting of a letter to the City commission regarding the budget. It was the consensus of the group to support the request from Road to Home at $40,000, continue with the contract with HRDC for $14,400, and request funding for the rental survey. It was decided to not increase the amount of millage requested beyond that in the City manager’s budget, but to recommend rolling over the accumulated balances to support projects by Habitat, HRDC, or other organizations in support of the housing plan. Mary moved to direct Tracy to draft a letter to the commission, Dave provided the second and the motion carried unanimously. FYI/Discussion New meeting date/time – Potential dates and times were discussed, and it was the consensus of the group to move meetings to the second Wednesday of each month at 8 am. Our next meeting will be June 12th. Tracy will secure a location and let everyone know. Adjourn – Motion to adjourn made by Ann Kesting. Meeting was adjourned at 1:15.