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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-2014 Housing and Community Development CommissionAGENDA HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION DALE HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL 410 E. WASHINGTON STREET, IOWA CITY THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014 6.30 P.M. Call Meeting to Order 2. Approval of the April 17, 2014 Minutes 3. Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda 4. Staff/Commission Comment 5. Review FY16-20 Consolidated Plan Project Schedule 6. Review Updates/Amendments to the Iowa City Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher and Family Self -Sufficiency Programs • Recommendation to City Council 7. Review Allocation Process —Aid to Agencies • Subcommittee Update 8. Monitoring Reports • FY14 Housing Rehab — Rental Rehab. (Staff) • FY14 Economic Development Fund (Staff) • FY14 Charm Homes LLC — Rental Housing (Zimmermann Smith) • FY14 Mayor's Youth — Facility Rehab. (Zimmermann Smith) FY14 Neighborhood Centers —Playground (Hacker) • FY13 Habitat for Humanity — Acquisition and Rehab. (Matthes) • FY11 Housing Authority — Tenant Based Rent Assistance (Hacker) 9. Adjournment MINUTES PRELIMINARY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 17, 2014 — 6:30 PM DALE HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Bacon Curry, Andrew Chappell, Cheryll Clamon, David Hacker, Jim Jacobson, Peter Matthes, Dottie Persson, Christine Ralston, Rachel Zimmermann Smith MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe OTHERS PRESENT: Joel Shrader, Miller Thammovongsa, Jaclyn Steiff RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: The Commission voted 9-0 to recommend the approval of the FY15 Annual Action Plan with minor typographical corrections. The Commission voted 9-0 to recommend the approval of the FY14 Annual Action Plan Amendment #2. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chair Andrew Chappell. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 20 AND MARCH 6. 2014 MINUTES Clamon moved to approve both sets of minutes. Bacon Curry seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 9-0. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT: Hightshoe told the Commission that the City is offering the Building Change program again for downtown/Northside Marketplace improvements such as fagade renovations, energy efficiency improvements, accessibility and utilization of upper level spaces. In addition to CDBG fagade grants, three local lenders have agreed to each deposit $50,000 in a fund administered by the City that provides no interest, no fee loans for these types of improvements. The participating lenders include MidWestOne Bank, Hills Bank and the University of Iowa Community Credit Union. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION April 17, 2014 PAGE 2 of 5 Jacobson asked if the UniverCity program use realtors to sell/market the homes. Hightshoe stated to date the City has not needed to use realtors for this program. The City uses online marketing, has a website, issues press releases and has used other avenues to advertise the program. There has been sufficient interest in the homes so that we have not had to use realtors. Review of the FY15 Annual Action Plan (www.icaov.ora/actionulan Hightshoe explained that the Annual Action Plan identifies how the City will utilize its federal funds during FY15. The plan is a HUD required document and also includes information regarding general program management such as monitoring practices, affirmative marketing, resale/recapture provisions, program certifications, and identifying low income and minority concentrations per census tract. Hightshoe questioned the commission about their approval of the Targeted Rehab Program. When the commission recommended $140,000, they didn't specifically address if a portion of the allocation could be used for downpayment assistance per the revised application. In the draft Action Plan, staff included $125,000 for rehab and $15,000 for downpayment assistance for a total $140,000 allocation. She said if the Commission prefers that the funds only be used for rehab, they need to make the recommendation that the $140,000 be utilized only for rehab. Chappell said it didn't seem that anyone had any concerns about that particular part of the project. Hightshoe explained that the public comment period goes from April 4 to May 6. The City Council will hold a public meeting on May 6. The Council can either accept the plan as recommended by HCDC or they may alter it. The plan must be submitted to HUD by May 15, 2014. Jacobson asked how staff tracks if the jobs in economic development projects are going to low - moderate income persons. Hightshoe stated that businesses are required to give employees an income survey for any new position created during the first year. The income survey must be kept in the personnel file. Businesses either send staff all the surveys at the end of the year or staff monitors their employee files as it relates to the CDBG funds. An employee can refuse to complete the survey, but they have to be considered over income on the annual report. At the end of the year, the business completes a report identifying the income for each position created that year. CDBG does not have a specified time the business must retain that position. The City elects to track the jobs for a year. Perrson moved to recommend the approval of the FY15 Annual Action Plan with minor typographical corrections. Matthes seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 9-0. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION April 17, 2014 PAGE 3 of 5 Review of the FY14 Annual Action Plan Amendment #2 Hightshoe explained that the Commission had allocated HOME funds to Charm Homes to purchase two homes in FY14. She said they have identified one home, but unable to identify a second home that meets their accessibility needs. Charms was also allocated FY13 HOME funds to purchase two [homes. They acquires{ one and are lock!ng for the Second. They believe they will locate a second home to complete their FY13 agreement, but do not believe they could identify a third home by the end of the fiscal year. Charms is requesting an amendment to utilize the FY14 funds for one home as opposed to two. This reduces the beneficiaries from eight to four and requires an action plan amendment. Hightshoe stated staff is recommending approval of this request. This will reduce the amount of private financing required and helps keep the units affordable. The City would not have time to reallocate the funds to another activity per HOME regulations. If not utilized, the funds may be recaptured by HUD. Chappell said this isn't something he normally would support, but they just can't afford not to spend the funds at this point. Bacon Curry moved to recommend the approval of the FY14 Annual Action Plan Amendment #2. Zimmermann Smith seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 9-0. Discuss FY14 Prolects that have not Performed per the Unsuccessful or Delayed Projects Policy Hightshoe explained that the Policy states that if a CDBG recipient hasn't spent at least 50% of its award by March 15, the project must come back to the Commission for review. The commission may either grant an extension or recommend recapture and reallocation of the funds. She said none of the public facilities met the expenditure threshold. She stated that being said, they have all procured a contractor and work has started. MECCA is nearly complete, but not billed yet. Free Medical Clinic started their project early this year, but hasn't billed yet. Mayor's Youth got a slow start due to the occupancy and parking issues, but contractors are hired and work commenced. Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County procured a contractor for the landscaping work and work will be done as weather permits. Hightshoe stated she would be concerned if a recipient hadn't procured a contractor by this time, but the work is proceeding and all of them should be complete or nearly complete by June 30. For smaller projects, the contractors may wait till the end to bill. The Commission agreed to take no action, meaning that the funds will be automatically extended. Discussion of the Community Development Celebration Hightshoe said the City did not have a Community Development Celebration last year. She requested that the commission form a subcommittee to brainstorm ways to advertise the impact of CDBG/HOME funds with or without a celebration as previously held in the past. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION April 17, 2014 PAGE 4 of 5 Bacon Curry suggested something with Public Access I V or channel 4 where they could have a running ad with pictures of prior projects. Could include photos on the buses. Perrson suggested putting projects on the City's website. She said they could also do a press release for each project. Jacobson recommended publicizing good stories as many press releases get buried. Zimmermann Smith suggested involving the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Association. Bacon Curry and Zimmermann Smith agreed to be on the Community Development Celebration Committee. Review Allocation Process — CDBG/HOME and Aid to Agencies Chappell asked the Commission's preference on reviewing both programs or just reviewing one this year. There was agreement that members were not comfortable with the Aid to Agencies process. The scoring criteria for CDBG/HOME applications were discussed, but the consensus was to review just Aid to Agencies. Perrson, Jacobson and Ralston volunteered to serve on a committee to review the Aid to Agencies process by mid -August. Hightshoe gave a brief overview of the history of the Aid to Agencies funding process. Chappell said that perhaps through the Aid to Agencies review they could get some ideas on how to change the CDBG/HOME process and they can plan on doing that next year. Monitoring Reports • FY14 Neighborhood Centers —Playground (Hacker) • FYI Iowa City Housing Authority — TBRA (Hacker) • FYI Habitat for Humanity — Acquisition & Rehab (Matthes) All the monitoring reports were deferred to the next meeting ADJOURNMENT: Zimmerman Smith moved to adjourn. Bacon Curry seconded. Motion to adjourn carried 9-0. z O Cam_ cC 6 0 U F z WD IL0 00 V W � W� 0 C.) C9 0 N = z W 0a 0 0 Q z a O z_ 49 7 0 x X X X X X X X X X v M X X X X X X X X 0 X X X X X X X N T X i I X X E E X j X O X O X T N O X X X X X X X X T { X X X E E X j X X X O i X T O O X X 1 I 1 X O O X X X T X X 0 X X p X X W O X X X W O X X X W O w O N eo W O X X W O W O X X ; X X X X X X X , X X X a X � V M CM Co co CV)CD co U") W %=% f O N P O N T Cl' N T, O N T O N O 1 N r O N r O N P O N P O N T p N T ClO N T N W to m CA O (A O) 0 CA 0) O 0 CA (A (A CA CA W F J J W E V G' z O F sr3 W z I fl' LULU Z y F '2 } Q Q 0 J C' i } UJ W I 1 O I 2 z J U a a I c J z IL 0 V Q IL 10 M wz 2 f w � W W W a Oz a x x a Q Y a a a tea z m c) 0 0 G 0x� x a -� I� aW ga Niz, ��,.®di CITY OF IOWA CITY ' ft MEMORANDUM Date: June 12, 2014 I o: Tom Markus From: Steven J. Rackis, Iowa City Housing Authority Re: Updates and amendments to the Iowa City Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan and Admissions and Continued Occupancy (ACOP) Plan. Introduction: The purpose of the HCV Administrative Plan is to: • Establish policies for issues not covered under Federal regulations for the Section 8 Voucher, and Family Self -Sufficiency programs administered by the Iowa City Housing Authority. • The provisions of this Administrative Plan govern administration of the Section 8 Voucher and Family Self -Sufficiency programs administered by the Iowa City Housing Authority. The purpose of ACOP is to define the Iowa City Housing Authority's policies for the operation of the Public Housing Program, incorporating Federal, State and local law. History/Background: The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development requires City Council approval of significant amendments and substantial deviation/modification to the HCV Administrative Plan and ACOP. Proposed Amendments to the HCV Plan: 1. We recommend adding engaging in harassment as a reason to deny an application. Section 4.8 Section 8 Tenant Selection criteria: May Deny three (3) year period of ineligibility: (A) Criminal Activity. • Add Harassment in the 2nd Degree or higher. Section 4.8 Section 8 Tenant Selection criteria: (B) Miscellaneous Reasons (1 year period of ineligibility). • Add Harassment in the P Degree. June 12, 2014 Page 2 2. We recommend deleting a sentence regarding a larger subsidy in order to clarify the criteria used in issuing a larger subsidy. Section 6.0: Assignment of Bedroom Sizes (Subsidy Standards) 24 CFR 982.402 L,urrent o.0 LOW One -bedroom will be assigned for every I One -bedroom will be assigned for every two adults regardless of relationship, unless two adults regardless of relationship, unless 18 or older and a High School student. The 18 or older and a High School student. Housing Authority may issue a larger subsidy standard for families consisting of one or more adult family members who are I and/or disabled. In cases where clients request for exceptions and/or reasonable accommodation, Section 6.0 currently contains the following language: "The Iowa City Housing Authority may grant exceptions to its established subsidy standards if the ICHA determines the age, sex, handicap, or relationship of family members or other personal circumstance justifies the exception". "The ICHA will review documents from DHS, physicians, or other similar sources to make this determination". 3. Section 6.7: Special Housing Types: Currently, the HCV Administrative Plan does not have a definition of Shared Housing. We recommend adding the following definition of Shared Housing, which is adapted from the HOME Investments Partnership Program tenant selection criteria for Special Needs Populations. 24 CFR 92.253(d)(3)(ii): Shared housing is limited to the population of families (including individuals) with disabilities that significantly interfere with their ability to obtain and maintain housing; Such families will not be able to obtain or maintain themselves in housing without appropriate supportive services from a recognized service provider; and Such services cannot be provided in a non -segregated setting. Proposed amendments to ACOP: 1. We recommend adding engaging in harassment as a reason to deny an application. 8.4 Grounds for Denial (E.) Discretion to Deny for Criminal Activity (3 year period of ineligibility). • Add Harassment in the 2nd Degree or higher. 8.4 Grounds for Denial (F.) Discretion to Deny for Other Miscellaneous Reasons (1-year period of ineligibility). Add Harassment in the 3nd Degree. June 12, 2014 Page 3 2. On May 19, 2014, the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued PIH Notice 2014-12 (HA). This notice implements Sections 210 and 243 if Title II of P.L. 113-76, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014. Specifically, HUD is requiring Housing Authorities to limit Flat Rents to 80 percent of the applicable Fair Market Rent (FMR) adjusted, if necessary, to account for reasonable utilities costs. 13.4 Flat Rent: Add the following sentence: • All Flat Rents will be set at no less than 80 percent of the applicable Fair Market Rent (FMR) adjusted, if necessary, to account for reasonable utilities costs. 3. Add New Section 20.6 Over -Income Families The federal regulations allow the ICHA to terminate the tenancy when the family's income is above the initial eligibility amount, but the ACOP does not provide for that. We recommend being able to end assistance for families who are over income in order to open up units to families with lower incomes. The Iowa City Housing Authority may terminate the tenancies of families who are over income, subject to the following paragraph: Unless it is required to do so by local law, the Iowa City Housing Authority may not terminate the tenancy of a family solely because the family is over the income limit for public housing, if the family has a valid contract for participation in an FSS program under 24 part 984. The Iowa City Housing Authority may not terminate the tenancy of a family for being over the income limit for public housing if the family currently receives the earned income disallowance provided by 42 U.S.C. 1437a(d) and 24 CFR 960.255 and 24 CFR 960.261. The Iowa City Housing Authority will give adequate notice to over income families so they can secure other housing. Recommendation: Staff recommends approving the amendments to the HCV Plan and ACOP.