Administrative Services Committee Meeting

Administrative Services Committee Committee Room- 4/9/2007- 12:35 PM Meeting ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 1. Approve award of 2007 Home Funds for CHDO Attachments Operating Expenses. 2. Approval of the assessment tool for evaluating Attachments employees reporting directly to the Mayor and Commission. 3. Presentation by the Augusta Affordable Housing Attachments Corporation (Augusta Housing Authority) regarding its Deans Bridge Road Project. 4. Approve change to Housing Rehabilitation Program Attachments Design. 5. Approve award of 2007 Home Funds for CHDO Set- Attachments Aside Projects. 6. Approval of the final proposal for the Fire Department Attachments hiring procedures. 7. Reprogram $60,000 in Year 2007 CDBG Funds from the Attachments Brigham Center Tennis Courts to the Brigham Senior Center Expansion Project. 8. Report/update from administration regarding the Attachments investigative process relative to the recent reports of theft, drugs, and cell phones regarding RCCI and Recreation Departments. (Requested by Commissioner Williams)  9. Approve return of 2002 HOME Funds by Laney Walker Attachments Development Corporation. 10. Presentation by Mr. Willie Johnson regarding the final Attachments payment on the property at 2745 Magnolia Avenue. (Referred from March 12 Administrative Services) www.augustaga.gov  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM Approval of 2007 HOME Operating and Set-Aside Agreements Department: Housing & Community Development Department Caption: Approve award of 2007 Home Funds for CHDO Operating Expenses. Background: Up to five percent (5%) of Augusta’s annual HOME allocation may be used for operating expenses for Certified Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) and 15% of its annual allocation for CHDO Set-Aside. In January 2007, AHCD recertified four CHDOs: Antioch Ministries, East Augusta CDC, Promise Land Community Development and Sand Hills Urban Development, Inc. Five percent of the city’s HOME allocation for 2007 is $ 63,476.00, so each CHDO would receive $ 15,869.00 for operating expenses. Analysis: Allocation of the 2007 HOME funds will assist the CHDOs in covering general operating expenses Financial Impact: A total of $ 63,476.00 in 2007 HOME funds is available for CHDO operating expenses. Alternatives: None recommended Recommendation: Approve the distribution of $ 63,476.00 in 2007 HOME funds for operating expenses to the following certified CHDOs: • Antioch Ministries Inc. - $15,869.00 • East Augusta CDC - $15,869.00 • Promise Land CDC- $15,869.00 • Sand Hills UD, Inc. $15,869.00 Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Administrator. Clerk of Commission  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM Assessment Tool Department: Clerk of Commission Caption: Approval of the assessment tool for evaluating employees reporting directly to the Mayor and Commission. Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM Augusta Affordable Housing Corporation Department: Clerk of Commission Caption: Presentation by the Augusta Affordable Housing Corporation (Augusta Housing Authority) regarding its Deans Bridge Road Project. Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM Change Housing Rehabilitation Program Design Department: Housing and Community Development Department Caption: Approve change to Housing Rehabilitation Program Design. Background: The Housing and Community Development Department administers a Housing Rehabilitation Program providing assistance to qualified low and moderate income homeowners. Program components include deferred (forgivable) and low-interest rate loans to finance repairs to substandard single-family residences. Analysis: Currently, forgivable loans are available only to qulaifying households at or below 30% of the area median income limits. Households above the 30% income limit qualify for a low interest loan. In order to stimulate more interest and participation in the program, especially among senior citizens, the department proposes that the forgibale loan option be extended to qualifying households at or below 50% of the area median income limits. This change would make it possible for more applicants to be eligible for forgivable oan assistance. Financial Impact: The change in program design would decrease the amount of CDBG program income by an unknown amount, but the department anticipates it would increase overall participation in the program. Alternatives: None recommended Recommendation: Approve change in the Housing Rehabilitation Program design Funds are Available in the Following Year 2007 CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program account Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Administrator. Clerk of Commission INCOME LIMITS BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY, GA-SC MSA , 2006 Household Size Household Income Limits 30% of 50% of 60% of 80% of Median Median Median Median 1 Person $11,200.00 $18,700.00 $22,440.00 $29,900.00 2 Person $12,800.00 $21,350.00 $25,620.00 $34,200.00 3 Person $14,400.00 $24,050.00 $28,860.00 $38,450.00 4 Person $16,000.00 $26,700.00 $32,040.00 $42,700.00 5 Person $17,300.00 $28,850.00 $34,620.00 $46,150.00 6 Person $18,600.00 $30,950.00 $37,140.00 $49,550.00 7 Person $19,850.00 $33,100.00 $39,720.00 $52,950.00 8 Person $21,150.00 $35,250.00 $42,300.00 $56,400.00 Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Income Limits for Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC MSA, 2006. Income limits based on a median annual income of $52,600 for a 4-person household. Income limits are subject to change once each year. Note: Households within shaded income limits would qualify for Conditional Deferred Payment Loan (i.e. forgivable loan) under amended Housing Rehabilitation Program Design  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM Distribution of CHDO Project Set-Aside Funds - 2007 Department: Housing & Community Development Department Caption: Approve award of 2007 Home Funds for CHDO Set-Aside Projects. Background: The city of Augusta reserves 20% of its annual allocation of HOME funds for investment in housing projects to be developed by, sponsored or owned by Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs). In February the department solicited project funding applications from the CHDOs. Three of the four certified CHDOs submitted project applications for 2007 HOME set-aside funds. CHDOs submitting applications included Antioch Ministries, Inc., East Augusta CDC and Promise Land CDC. All three CHDOs submitted applications for projects involving the construction of new single-family homes. Analysis: Department staff members have reviewed and ranked the applications based on the five evaluation factors listed on the application. The factors are project description, project feasibility, financing and leverage for the project, milestones and deadlines for the project, and the housing experience and development capacity of the CHDO. Reviewers evaluated the applications to make sure they clearly described the project, answered all relevant project feasibility questions, provided complete and clear information related to project financing and the source and use of funds, included a timeline and milestones for completing the project, and demonstrated that the CHDO has the experience and capacity to complete the project in a timely manner. Financial Impact: A total of $253,904.00 in 2007 HOME funds is available for distribution under the set-aside program. Alternatives: Recommendation: The staff recommendation for funding is outlined in the table attached Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Administrator. Clerk of Commission  FUNDING RECOMMENDATION AUGUSTA HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT YEAR 2007 HOME SET-ASIDE PROJECTS BY CHDOs RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommendation for funding is outlined in the table below. In order to reward the top ranked application, and at the same time provide funding to all three applicants, the staff recommends the funds be awarded in the following manner: • 1st Place applicant be awarded 40% of available funds • 2nd Place and 3rd Place be awarded 30% of available funds each FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS 2007 HOME SET-ASIDE FUNDS RANK RECIPIENT PROJECT AMOUNT PROJECT AMOUNT (CHDO) COST REQUESTED DESCRIPTION RECOMMENDED Block 1300 – 1 Antioch $ 335,000.00 $ 150,000.00 Perry Avenue $ 101,561.60 Ministries Uplift Project Construction of three (3) new single family homes. Magnolia Avenue 2 East Augusta $ 180,000.00 $ 115,000.00 – construct two (2) $ 76,171.20 CDC single family homes Gordon Woods – 3 Promise $ 440,000.00 $ 150,000.00 construct four (4) $ 76,171.20 Land CDC single family homes. TOTAL $ 600,000.00 $ 415,000.00 $ 253,904.00 Source: Augusta Housing and Community Development Department, March 28, 2007  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM Fire Department Hiring Practices Final Proposal Department: Clerk of Commission Caption: Approval of the final proposal for the Fire Department hiring procedures. Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM Henry Brigham Senior Center Department: Housing and Community Development Department Caption: Reprogram $60,000 in Year 2007 CDBG Funds from the Brigham Center Tennis Courts to the Brigham Senior Center Expansion Project. Background: To date a total of $195,000 in CDBG funds has been budgeted for the expansion of the senior center at Henry Brigham Park on Golden Camp Road. The Brigham Senior Center has proven to be a popular facility and the expansion is necessary to keep up with the growing demands placed on the facility. In the course of designing the building expansion it was determined that site improvements would also be necessary in order to alleviate drainage problems. The site improvements were incorporated into the plans and specifications for the project. Thus far, approximately $21,000 has been spend on design and engineering work for the project, leaving a balance of $173,800 in the project budget. The project was bid in December 2006, and a contract price of $250,000 has been negotiated with the low bidder. Of the additional $76,200 needed to fully fund the project, $60,000 is proposed to come from Year 2007 CDBG funds and the remaining $16,200 from SPLOST. The Year 2007 CDBG funds are currenly earmarked for reconstruction of the tennis courts at the same facility, Henry Brigham Park. The Recreation Department plans to apply for Year 2008 CDBG funds to pay for reconstruction of the tennis courts. Analysis: Reprogramming of the funds will enable the Brigham Senior Center Expansion project to be completed as designed. It will also aid in the timely expenditure of CDBG funds on an eligible activity that directly benefits senior citizens who use the facility on a daily basis. Financial Impact: Current balance of $173,828.78 is in the project account. Alternatives: None recommended Recommendation: Approve the Reprogramming of $60,000 in Year 2007 CDBG Funds from Brigham Center Tennis Courts to the existing Brigham Senior Center Expansion Project Funds are Henry Brigham Senior Center Expansion Project - CDBG Available in the #06030 $173,828.78 Henry Brigham Center Tennis Court Following Project - CDBG #07035 $60,000 Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Administrator. Clerk of Commission  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM RCCI and Recreation Departments Reports Department: Clerk of Commission Caption: Report/update from administration regarding the investigative process relative to the recent reports of theft, drugs, and cell phones regarding RCCI and Recreation Departments. (Requested by Commissioner Williams) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM Return of Year 2002 HOME Funds by the Laney-Walker Development Corporation Department: Housing & Community Development Caption: Approve return of 2002 HOME Funds by Laney Walker Development Corporation. Background: The Laney Walker Development Corporation (LWDC) has gone through some transition over the last year and has encountered difficulties in advancing its affordable housing projects. The department informed LWDC that the organization's Year 2002 HOME funds were in jeopardy of being recaptured if not used in a timely manner for an eligible HOME project. LWDC has decided to return the balance of $ 213,821.80 in 2002 HOME funds for the city to use on another eligible project. This would allow LWDC the opportunity to focus on its internal restructuring and strategic effort to move forward. Analysis: LWDC is returning the balance of the 2002 HOME funds to the city for use on another eligible HOME project. Financial Impact: A total of $ 213,821.80 is being returned to the city to be used for an eligible HOME activity. Alternatives: None recommended Recommendation: Approve the return of $ 213,812.80 in 2002 HOME funds by LWDC and authorize the department to request proposals for the use of the funds on another eligible HOME project. Funds are Available in the Year 2002 HOME Program Account Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Administrator. Clerk of Commission  “Bringing The Community Back To Life" March 30, 2007 Mr. Paul DeCamp, Interim Director City of Augusta Housing & Community Development Department 925 Laney Walker Blvd., 2nd Floor Augusta, GA 30901 Re: 2002 HOME Fund allocation Dear Mr. DeCamp: The Laney-Walker Development Corporation (LWDC) in meetil1g with its Board of Directors Would like to ... inform. the Augusta Housing & Community Development Department (AHCD) of its request to be relieved of its contractual obligation for 2002 HOME Funds in the amount of $213,821.80. It is the intentions of the LWDC at this time to recommit its focus back to internal organizational restructuring and strategically strengthening our vision of providing affordable housing to low to moderate-income Persons and economic opportunities for small disadvantage businesses throughout the Laney Walker community. Through this restructuring time period for the LWDC, the L WDC Board agreed that 2002 HOME funds allocated to LWDC be release back to AHCD for further use in the revitalization efforts. Of the city of Augusta. It is our wish to continue to work with the AHCD through future development .projects that would assist the overall plan of community revitalizatiol1of the Laney Walker area and the City of Augusta as a whole. If you should have any further questions, please contact me at 706-823-9780. Respectfully, Anthony K. Chandler, Executive Director LWDC Cc: Walter Hornsby, Chairman LWDC LaSandra Corley, Housing Programs Coordinator AHCD 851 Laney-Walker Blvd. Augusta, Georgia 30901 . Office (706) 823-9780 . Fax (706) 823-0920 . www.laneywalker.com ~  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 4/9/2007 12:35 PM Willie Johnson Department: Clerk of Commission Caption: Presentation by Mr. Willie Johnson regarding the final payment on the property at 2745 Magnolia Avenue. (Referred from March 12 Administrative Services) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission