Administrative Services Committee Meeting

Administrative Services Committee Committee Room- 7/30/2007- 1:00 PM Meeting ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 1. Consider revision to the First Time Homebuyer – Down Attachments Payment Assistance Program Design. 2. Discuss the Administrator's evaluation process. Attachments (Requested by Commissioner Williams) 3. Approve award of 2007 HOME Funds for CHDO Set- Attachments Aside Projects. 4. Consider revision to the Emergency Repair and Attachments Homeowner Rehabilitation Programs’ Design 5. Approve retirement of Mr. Sterling Howell under the 1949 Attachments Pension Plan. 6. Motion to approve restructuring of Land Bank Authority Attachments Board. 7. Approve reclassification of position in Board of Elections Attachments Office. www.augustaga.gov  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/30/2007 1:00 PM 1st Time Homebuyer - DPA Program Department: Housing & Community Development Department Caption: Consider revision to the First Time Homebuyer – Down Payment Assistance Program Design. Background: The Housing and Community Development Department administers the Homeownership Program which provides down payment assistance to low and moderate income (LM) first-time homebuyers. The purpose of the program is to increase the homeownership rate, especially for LM and minority households and to revitalize and stabilize the community. Under the present policy, no down payment is required to participate in the First Time Homebuyers Program. Subsequently, eligible applicants can receive a grant of up to $7,500 toward the down payment on a single family unit. We are proposing that the guidelines be changed as outlined below: 1. Individuals with Gross Income <50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) will have a $500 Down Payment 2. Individuals with Gross Income >50% AMI will have a $1,000 Down Payment Analysis: According to FHA Mortgage Limits for Richmond County, a Four-Family household can purchase a home for up to $384,936. The reality of the fact is, if we continue the program as it is, a family can obtain a $384,936 home without paying any money down. Based on the proposed changes, 1) Individuals will have an investment in the purchase of a home, 2) A down payment of $500 or more will qualify applicants to participate in the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Georgia Dream Cover Memo Item # 1  Homeownership Program and leverage between $5,000 - $20,000 in down Payment Assistance, and 3) These two programs can be layered for a potential gross subsidy of $27,500 ($7,500 AHCD and $20,000 DCA). Financial Impact: The maximum down payment assistance allowed under the City’s program is $7,500. By requiring an individual to pay $500 or $1,000, HCD assistance will be less and more individuals can be assisted. Alternatives: None recommended. Recommendation: Approve Revision to the First Time Homebuyer – Down Payment Assistance Program Design which will require individuals to pay between $500 - $1,000 toward the Purchase Price of a Home Funds are Available in the CDBG Funds - $35,000 HOME Funds - $156,596 Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 1  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/30/2007 1:00 PM Administrator's Evaluation Process Department: Clerk of Commission Caption: Discuss the Administrator's evaluation process. (Requested by Commissioner Williams) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 2  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/30/2007 1:00 PM Award of 2007 HOME CHDO Set-Aside Funds Department: Housing and 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 HOME allocation 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 submiited applications for projects involving the construction of new single-family homes. Analysis: Department staff has 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, housing experience and development capacity of the CHDO. Reviewers evaluated the applications to make sure they clearly described the project and answered all relevant project feasibility questions. Financial Impact: A total of $253,904 in 2007 HOME funds is available for award under the HOME set-aside program. Alternatives: None recommended Recommendation: Approve award of 2007 HOME CHDO Set-Aside to Antioch Ministeries $101,561; East Augusta CDC $76,171.20 & Promise Land CDC $76,171.20 for a total of $253,904 Cover Memo Item # 3 Funds are Available in the 2007 HOME CHDO Set-Aside allocation Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 3  FUNDING RECOMMENDATION AUGUSTA HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT YEAR 2007 HOME SET-ASIDE PROJECTS BY CHDOs RECIPIENT PROJECT AMOUNT PROJECT AMOUNT RANK (CHDO) COST REQUESTED DESCRIPTION RECOMMENDED 1 Antioch Ministries $335,000 $150,000 Block 1300 – Perry Avenue Uplift Project $101,561.60 Construction of three (30 new single family homes 2 East Augusta CDC 180,000 115,000 Magnolia Ave – Construct two (20 single $ 76,171.20 family homes 3 Promise Land CDC 440,000 150,000 Gordon Woods – construct four (40 single $ 76,171.20 family homes TOTAL $253,904.00 Attachment number 1 Item # 3 Page 1 of 1  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/30/2007 1:00 PM Homeowner Rehabilitation Program Department: Housing & Community Development Caption: Consider revision to the Emergency Repair and Homeowner Rehabilitation Programs’ Design Background: The Housing and Community Development Department administers the Emergency Repair Program and the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. We are proposing changes to the two (2) programs to ensure the City receive an income stream coming from loans versus no return to the City on grants. 1. Emergency Repair Program Grants of up to $5,000 per unit are provided to low income homeowners for housing improvements limited to dangerous conditions. Homeowners with Gross Income of 80% or less of HUD’s AMI receives a grant of up to $5,000 for emergency repairs such as electrical, roof, plumbing and heating/air conditioning. Proposed Change to the Emergency Repair Program Homeowners with Gross Income of 80% or less of HUD’s AMI will receive grants up to $5,000 for emergency repairs of their home. However, if any of the following minimum housing standard codes are deficient, the Homeowner must borrow the funds to address the deficiencies for electrical, roof replacement, plumbing and heating/air conditioning. The maximum loan amount is $10,000. 2. Homeowner Rehabilitation Program Deferred loans and low interest loans up to $35,000 are provided to low and moderate income owner occupants of single unit properties. Homeowner’s with a Gross Income of <50% of AMI receives a Conditional Deferred Payment Loan (CDPL) up to $35,000 for rehabilitation of their home. The loan is conditional in that the loan will graduate into a grant as the loan matures. For each year up to the fifth year, a portion of the loan equally 1/20th is subtracted from unpaid balance. Homeowners with a Gross Income of >50% of AMI receive loans with established monthly payments. Proposed Change to the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program Cover Memo Item # 4  1. Individuals who are the primary owner of their property and whose income falls within and/or below HUD’s 50% AMI guideline will be exempt from making monthly payments. The funds assigned to their home will be collected in full at the time of transfer and/or sale of property. Upon death of the homeowner or transfer or sale of property, if the heir is a low income family, monthly payments will be established. In addition, if the heir does not occupy the house, they have the option to rent to a low income family. Otherwise the heir will have to pay off the loan. 2. Individuals who are the primary owner of the property and whose income is above HUD’s 50% AMI, but not greater than the 80% will qualify for a full payback loan at three (3%) interest and multiple loan terms of 5, 15 and 20 years. Analysis: Revisions to these programs ensures an income stream coming from loans versus no return to the City on grants. Financial Impact: The City will have additional funds to use for other rehabilitation projects. Alternatives: None recommended. Recommendation: Approve Revisions to the Emergency Repair and Homeowner Rehabilitation Programs’ Design Funds are Available in the CDBG and HOME Funds Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 4  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/30/2007 1:00 PM Petition for Retirement of Mr. Sterling Howell Department: Human Resources Caption: Approve retirement of Mr. Sterling Howell under the 1949 Pension Plan. Background: Under the 1949 Pension Plan, Sheriff and Fire Department Employees can voluntarily retire at the age of 55 at the completion 25 years of service. Other employees can voluntarily retire at the age of 60 at the completion of 25 years of service. Early Retirement Date is the first day of any month within five years of the Normal Retirement Date and after the completion of 20 years of service. Analysis: Mr. Howell (age 60) is currently a Mechanic with the Augusta Regional Airport. Mr. Howell was hired on August 24, 1981; joined the 49 Pension Plan on August 24, 1981. Mr. Howell meets both the age and years of service requirements for retirement in the 49 Pension Plan. His proposed retirement date is October 1, 2007. The normal retirement benefit payable to Mr. Howell will be $1,762 per month (Life Only). Financial Impact: Funds are available in the 49 Pension Plan. Employee has contributed 8% of his salary towards his retirement since August 24, 1981. Alternatives: Do not approve Retirement of Mr. Sterling Howell in the 1949 Pension Plan. Recommendation: Approve Retirement of Mr. Sterling Howell in the 1949 Pension Plan. Funds are Available in the Cover Memo Item # 5 Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 5 Attachment number 1 Page 1 of 1 Item # 5  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/30/2007 1:00 PM Proposed restructuring of Land Bank Authority Board Department: County Attorney Caption: Motion to approve restructuring of Land Bank Authority Board. Background: The Augusta Land Bank Authority was creased by a Resolution in 1997. Georgia Code requires the Board to consist of four (4) members appointed by the governing authority of the consolidated government for which the Land Bank operates under. The Land Bank currently consists of Fred Russell, so long as he serves as Administrator for Augusta-Richmond County; Rob Sherman, so long as he serves as the Director of Licensing and Inspection for Augusta-Richmond County; Paul DeCamp so long as he serves as the Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development for Augusta-Richmond County; and Jerry Saul (or his appointee) so long as he serves as the Tax Commissioner of Augusta-Richmond County. Included in this group but not counted in the quorum, is one (1) member of the Augusta Commission serving in an ex officio capacity. The proposed changes are the result the Board's desire to create community interest in the Land Bank and to eliminate any potential appearances of conflict between the City and the Land Bank. The proposed changes are as follows: 1. Director of License and Inspection (or his designee) of Augusta-Richmond County; and 2. Tax Commissioner (or his designee) of Auguta- Richmond County; and 3. Executive Director of Planning and Zoning (or his designee) of Augusta-Richmond County; and 4. A qualified citizen of Richmond County appointed by the Cover Memo Item # 6  Augusta-Richmond County Commission; and Including one member of the Augusta-Richmond County Commission serving in an ex officio capcity. Analysis: See Background Financial Impact: N/A Alternatives: Do not approve. Recommendation: Approve Funds are Available in the N/A Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 6  Attachment number 1 Page 1 of 2 AMENDED RESOLUTION AMENDED RESOLUTION RESTATING THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE AUGUSTA- RICHMOND COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY; CREATING A NEW COMPOSITION OF THE LAND BANK BOARD WHICH SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE AUGUSTA- RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION FROM AMONG ITS MEMBERSHIP; PROVIDING A TERM FOR SAID MEMBERS; PROVIDING FOR RELATED MATTERS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING RESOLUTIONS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, O.C.G.A. § 48-4-60, et seq., provides that upon adoption of a Resolution by a consolidated government a Land Bank Authority may be established to be a public body corporate and politic with the power to sue and be sued, to accept and issue deeds in its name, and to have other powers necessary and incidental to, carry out the purposes of such Land Bank Authorities; and WHEREAS said Land Bank has been established by an enabling Resolution as adopted by the Augusta Richmond County Commission on July 16, 1997 and readopted on September 6, 2005; and WHEREAS O.C.G.A. § 48-4-62 requires that the Land Bank Board be composed of four members to be appointed by the governing authority of the consolidated government; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE AUGUSTA RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION AS FOLLOWS: Section 1 Section 5 of said Resolution as adopted on July 16, 1997 and readopted on September 6, 2005, is deleted in its entirety there from and said section 5 is hereby amended and restated to read: Section 5. MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF RICHMOND COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY; COMPOSITION. (a) Said Richmond County Land Bank Authority shall be managed and controlled by a Board composed of four (4) members to be appointed by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission. Said Board shall be composed as follows: Item # 6  Attachment number 1 Page 2 of 2 1. Director of License and Inspection (or his designee) of Augusta-Richmond County; and 2. Tax Commissioner (or his designee) of Augusta-Richmond County; and 3. Executive Director of Planning and Zoning (or his designee) of Augusta- Richmond County; and 4. A qualified citizen of Richmond County appointed by the Augusta- Richmond County Commission. (b) One member of the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, as selected by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, who shall serve ex officio without voting authority and who shall serve a two (2) year term commencing from the date of his or her appointment and until his or her successor is duly qualified and appointed. Section 2. Duly adopted by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission this _____ day of ________, 2007. Augusta-Richmond County Commission By: ____________________ As its Mayor Attest: ____________________ Clerk of Commission Item # 6  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/30/2007 1:00 PM Reclassification of Position in Board of Elections Office Department: Board of Elections Caption: Approve reclassification of position in Board of Elections Office. Background: This reclassification was requested in 2003 and 2005. The reason for the request is due to the restructure of employees caused by the implementation of electronic voting in 2002. The position would change from a deputy clerk (grade 39) to an administrative aid (grade 43). Analysis: The restructure of employees was implemented in 2003. The restructure would pay the employee for the job she has been performing since the restructure. Financial Impact: The finincial impact would be $4,500 yearly. The funding for the salary increase was included and approved in the Board of Elections 2007 Budget. Alternatives: Continue underpaying employee. Recommendation: Approval is highly recommended for the continued efficient operation of the Board of Elections Office. Funds are Available in the Included in the Board of Elections 2007 Budget. Account Following number 101-01-4110-51.11110 Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Cover Memo Item # 7 Finance. Human Resources. Administrator. Cover Memo Item # 7 Attachment number 1 Page 1 of 3 Item # 7 Attachment number 1 Page 2 of 3 Item # 7 Attachment number 1 Page 3 of 3 Item # 7