Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM June 13, 2024 Mayor's Boardroom Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Community Development Advisory Board meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:00 PM. 1. Introductions Present: Aran Clauson, Ben Spicer, Brien Thane, Jake Hawes, Jasmine Fast, Karin Jones, Ryan Wood and Shannon Laws Absent: Josh Sanders and Jace Cotton (Council Representative) City Staff: Samya Lutz, Taylor Webb, Kathleen Morton and Heather Aven Guests: Bonnie Schultz-Lorentzen, NWYS; Katherine Freimund, Whatcom Literacy Council; 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting Minutes from April 2024 were approved by general consensus 3. Link to Meeting Video Click here to view the meeting Public Comment Period During this time, citizens may take up to three (3) minutes to address the members about any topic not on the agenda. Citizens wishing to speak during this time will be recognized by the Chair for comment. A member of the public addressed the Board regarding the Bellingham Plan open houses. Agenda Items Presentation 1. Northwest Youth Service Presentation - Teen Court Bonnie Schultz-Lorentzen, NWYS Teen Court Program, shared some information on how this divergent program impacts the community, the students that serve as volunteers, as well as the respondents that participate in the restorative justice being offered. 2. Whatcom Literacy Council Presentation Katherine Freimund, Executive Director, shared some information on how this program impacts the community, the volunteers, and the individuals that participate. She spoke to the customization that occurs for each participant so that they are learning exactly what they want to. Public Hearing 1. Public Hearing - HOME-ARP Allocation Plan amendment Staff briefly provided an overview of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and reviewed the substantial amendment. They shared that HUD had strongly advised the following changes be made after their review of the plan. • Provide an overview of the public participation efforts • Expand preference criteria with regard to applications for funding • Provide more explanation of who responded to NOFA • Reiterate referral methods Public Hearing Open Virginia McDonald expressed concern for programs that consider the “household income” when the individuals are not related or file taxes together. Staff noted that the written public comment period will be open until 5:00pm on June 14th. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED MOTION: Aran Clauson / Brien Thane moved to recommend approval of the substantial amendment to the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. VOTE: ALL AYES. Work Session 1. 2024 Action Plan Update Staff gave a brief overview of changes in the allocation of funds for the Action Plan. No board members had any questions for Staff. Other Business 1. Staff Updates Big welcome to Kathleen Morton, the newest member of the Community Development team who will assist with all HUD-related items for CDAB. 2. Annoucements / "What's the Buzz" 3. Future Agenda Items Adjourned at 8:00pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Community Development Advisory Board members.