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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAHAB minutes 101017Affordable Housing Advisory Board 300 West Tryon Street - Room 250 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Minutes of the October 10, 2017 Meeting Members Present: Mae McLendon, Cain Twyman, N.V. Parlikad, Ellie Kinnaird, Jenn Sykes, Tammy Jacobs, Keith Cook, Doug Boemker Excused Absence: Noah Oswald, Allison Mahaley Unexcused Absence: Joshua Brown, Adrian Moreno, Kolby Herndon, Alex Nickodem Staff Present: Sherrill Hampton, Director; Angela Rockett, Administrative Assistant and Renee Holmes, Housing Program Coordinator Welcome /Introduction (Board members asked Mr. Cook to serve as Acting Chair and moderate the meeting.) Keith Cook called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. AHAB members introduced themselves. Approval of Minutes Ellie Kinnaird made a motion to approve the September 27, 2017 minutes, Jenn Sykes seconded the motion and the minutes were approved unanimously. Presentation /Dan Sargent, Rebuilding Together of the Triangle Sherrill Hampton introduced Dan Sargent, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together of the Triangle. Mr. Sargent explained that their program is focused on mobilizing the community in different resources from the community to help as many people in need to make sure they have a safe and healthy place to live. He stated that all of their clients are homeowners that fall below 65% of the median income. Last year the average income was 40% across the triangle which consists of elderly, disabled and one wage earner. There is no age requirement, but typically most of the clients are over 60, on a fixed income and have been in the home for a long time. Most people purchased and maintained their home themselves, but as they got older or lost a spouse they no longer have the resources or the financial ability to go out and hire help. Mr. Sargent explained that Rebuilding Together of the Triangle want to make the houses a safe place to live. They do repairs, modifications for accessibility, healthy home upgrades and air quality to improve efficiency. Funding is received from the Orange County, Chapel Hill, Carrboro and other counties and municipalities around the triangle. Funding from those sources are 30% -40% of the.budget and the rest is raised from foundations, corporate sources and individuals. There are approximately 45 people on the waiting list for Orange County and 500 across the triangle. The organization works with other programs and other non - profits to meet the needs of the clients. Mr. Sargent stated that Rebuilding Together started in Texas in 1973 and was called Christmas in April and was planted in Wake County in,1996. It was all volunteers and Mr. Sargent joined the organization in 2008 and was the first paid staff person. They have hired carpenters and project managers and also use volunteers. They also hire subcontractors for plumbing and roofing. The average cost last year per home was between $12,000 - $15,000. This is not a full rehab, but more than urgent repair. Thirteen projects were done in Orange County and about 95 throughout the Triangle area. Ellie Kinnaird asked about engaging community colleges. Mr. Sargent stated that they are looking into the Work First Development Program to create training so that it will provide job training for people that want to get into the trade. There are other Rebuilding Together agencies in Charlotte and Greenville North Carolina but nationally, Rebuilding Together of the Triangle ranked in the top 12 or 13. Department /County Report Follow -Up from September 27th Meeting: Sherrill Hampton gave a follow up from the September 27, 2017 meeting. The Resolution expanding the role of the HOME Program Review Committee was approved by the BOCC. The former Committee will now be known as the Orange County Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative, The BOCC asked that, in addition to the duties identified in the Resolution, the Collaborative review and provide guidance on the utilization of other potential and existing housing resources, as well as track applicable leveraging resources. Ms. Hampton stated that we received federal HOME monies and the County and other participating jurisdictions had to have a Review Committee to review those applications. Affordable housing is a priority for the County, Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. The Committee usually met once a year to rank and rate and review the applications that come in for funding. The HOME Consortium is made up of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Orange County. Orange County serves as the administrator in handling the program and the funds. HHR & CD serves as the administrative arm for the HOME Program and reports back to the Consortium. A meeting of the newly renamed group should be in November or early December. This year, the Consortium utilized over $394,000. Included in this total is the local match from the jurisdictions and program income, along with the HUD grant amount of $289,693. A copy of the adopted Resolution was distributed to each AHAB member. Approved Bond Criteria Revisions: October 19, 20, or November 10, 2017 will be the next meeting for the Surplus Properties Proposal Review Committee. If Ms. Kinnaird can't attend an alternate will attend in her absence. Members of Other Boards: Ms. Hampton shared the names of the members of the OCHA Board and Human Relations Board. A handout of both boards was distributed. Housing Program Updates: Renee Holmes discussed Faith ID's. She contacted the state and they will not accept them. Ms. Holmes stated that HHR & CD is taking applications for Urgent Repair and Essential Single Family Rehab. Ms. Hampton shared that the County has a Working Group assessing the challenges mobile home park residents are facing and she will keep the AHAB Board updated. The protocol should be ready for 2 utilization of displacement funds by the next time the board meets. There are a lot of calls for assistance for security deposits. Ms. Hampton shared that two (2) AHAB members could attend the NC Affordable Housing Conference hosted by NC Housing Affordable Housing Coalition on October 25 & 26th in Raleigh. Cain Twyman and Tammy Jacobs volunteered to go and N.V. Parlikard volunteered if they could not attend. Mr. Cook will attend if Ms. Hampton has a conflict with any of the dates. Other Business Ms. Hampton asked that AHAB bring recommendations for a chair and vice -chair for the next meeting. Cain Twyman, Doug Boemker and Jenn Sykes will work as a committee to see who would be interested in those positions. Cain Twyman made a motion to adjourn, seconded byJenn Sykes, approved unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Angela Rockett, Administrative Assistant Housing, Human Rights and Community Development 3