Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM January 9, 2025 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: Karin Jones (Chair), Andrew Calkins, Deidra Prado, Jasmine Fast, Katherine Freimund, Matt Unger, and Shannon Laws Absent: Ben Spicer, Ryan Wood, and Jace Cotton (Council Representative) City Staff: Kathleen Morton and Heather Aven Guests: Rob Vandine, Whatcom Council on Aging 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting No minutes were submitted for approval 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. Agenda Items Presentation 1. Presentation from Whatcom Council on Aging p. 2 Rob provided an overview of the agency as a whole and the programs they offer to the community. He shared some statics on the Meals on Wheels and More program, explained the eligibility criteria, and spoke to how funding for the program is obtained. He spoke to the necessity of volunteers and shared some of the agencies that Whatcom Council on Aging partners with. He shared some of the special things that were done for those clients that were home-bound. The members had the opportunity to ask questions. Work Session 1. Nomination / Election of Officers p. 3 Postponed to next meeting.  2. Review 2025 CDAB Calendar p. 4 There was a brief discussion about the annual calendar and which months are appropriate to not meet. First half of year set, members requested a check-in in the fall to see if the months “off” are still appropriate. 3. Prioritizing Speakers for 2025 p. 6 Kathleen suggested that they review the list and let her know which ones they are interested in hearing from this year. Other Business 1. Staff Updates Kathleen announced that an RFP for a Homesharing Pilot Program will be posted on Monday, January 13, 2025. 2. Annoucements / "What's the Buzz" There was a brief conversation about meeting attendance etiquette. It was recommended that the Chair/members consider different ways to engage those members that may not be speaking up. There was also a request made of staff to share any hybrid meeting best practices. A discussion about how the NOFA process will transpire in the Spring was started. Members would like to know what CDAB’s approach should be given the shortfall of funding. There was mention of previous methods of awarding the funds, such as the tiered approach that was used in 2023. Jasmine spoke to an article she discovered and encouraged the members to read it. What would be CDAB’s role in finding out what the true cost of homelessness? The members suggested that City Staff shared what is being done (presentation), and requested that this topic be added as an agenda item at a future meeting. The Real Page lawsuit was mentioned, as the method this program uses is creating an unfair rental market with artificially inflated rent. 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.