American Rescue Plan Act Advisory Committee

MINUTES AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING ROOM #215, CHARLESTON COLISEUM AND CONVENTION CENTER 5:00 P. M., FEBRUARY 16, 2022 Becky Ceperley, Vice Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City American Rescue Plan Act Advisory Committee to order at 5:00p.m., February 16, 2022. Committee Members Present: Mayor Amy Goodwin, Chair (over Zoom) Becky Ceperley, Vice Chair Ben Adams Brent Burton (arrived at 5:43, recognized at 6:11 over Zoom) Caitlin Cook Mary Beth Hoover Joe Jenkins Bobby Reishman Chad Robinson Members Absent: Councilmembers Also Present: Jeanine Faegre (over Zoom) Chuck Overstreet Shannon Snodgrass (over Zoom) Naomi Bays Emmett Pepper (over Zoom) A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present. February 16, 2022  1. Introduction – Councilmember Ceperley stated that she will be running the meeting while Mayor Goodwin participates over Zoom. Councilmember Ceperley asked the Committee if there were any non-profit applications that should be added to the consideration to vote. None were added Councilmember Ceperley proposed that each application should be considered individually. There were no objections. Councilmember Ceperley proposed that debate should be limited to no more than 5 minutes. There were no objections. 2. To Approve the Recommended Applications  Alzheimer's Association, WV Chapter - Financial aid for the Alzheimer's Association's free care & support services, 24/7 Helpline, and support efforts. Amount Recommended: $20,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  WV Health Right Inc. - $1,000,000 for Expansion of Health Right’s main clinic on East End, $500,000 for West Side Construction. Amount Recommended: $1,500,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Kanawha-Charleston Health Department - 50% of the loss of revenue cause by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The County has covered the other 50%. Amount Recommended: $639,431 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Cook seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved. February 16, 2022   Kanawha County Public Library - Purchase laptops, 3D printers, and Cricut cutting machines for public use. Amount Recommended: $49,040 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau - Marketing Charleston as a gateway to West Virginia's outdoor recreation. Development a new strategic sports sales plan. Recruit new business to the city. Amount Recommended: $880,500 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Cook seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Black Woman Business Owners of West Virginia - Secure business location Fund Annual Expo; Marketing Media/Ads; Employment; Educational Program Development. Amount Recommended: $150,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Partnership of African American Churches - Establish a permanent Comprehensive Community Health Center on Charleston's West-side. Amount Recommended: $440,000 Councilmember Hoover motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Adams seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Capitol Market – Additional funding/partners. Amount Recommended: $600,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Adams seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved. February 16, 2022   Manna Meal #1 - Purchase a food truck & operating cost. Amount Recommended: $970,456 Councilmember Cook spoke in favor of the recommendation. Councilmember Cook motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Jenkins seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Manna Meal #2 - With stipulation the money be used for food supplies for the truck to supply shelters (outreach meals) Amount Recommended: $230,000 Councilmember Cook motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Jenkins seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  WV Symphony Orchestra - Support of its 2022-2023 season; 6 symphonic and 4 pops concerts; Maintain its existing programs & will schedule special outreach ensemble performances serving the West Side. Amount Recommended: $200,000 Chief of Staff, Matt Sutton, clarified that although the recommendation mentions the West Side, they plan to have performances throughout the City. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Cook seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Impact Me, Inc. - Decrease the number of youth incarceration. Employment, training materials, and general supplies. Amount Recommended: $6,000 Councilmember Hoover motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Jenkins seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved. February 16, 2022   Pollen8 - Contingent upon locating property in City of Charleston (options do exist) + w/review process and on a payment process. Amount Recommended: $625,000 Sutton added that they will not receive funding if they do not secure a location within the City. The payment process will be the same as with other applicants. Councilmember Jenkins confirmed with Sutton that Pollen8 did not want to secure a location until they knew they had funding for their operation. In response to Councilmember Cook, Sutton said that he was aware of several possible locations, but he did not know where they were in the process of securing one of them. Councilmember Robinson added that he would want to ensure that there is a process in place to pull funding if they do not secure a location within City limits. Sutton confirmed that would be in the agreement they would be required to sign. Councilmember Jenkins asked if the agreements would be required first before they agreed to their funding, and Sutton confirmed. Councilmember Hoover motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Cook seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  YWCA of Charleston Resolve Family Abuse Program - Cover the cost associated with a Licensed Therapist to work on-site with shelter residents. Expansion of the State of West Virginia Supreme Court Remote Participation Program. Amount Recommended: $451,797 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  YWCA Sojourner’s Shelter for Homeless Women and Families – Combat the increased number of challenges resulting from mental health and substance abuse disorders. The need for an on-site, licensed therapist has become crucial. Amount Recommended: $313,606 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved. February 16, 2022   Charmco Lofts Limited Partnership - Ensure workforce housing for families in a quality, safe, and desirable neighborhood. Amount Recommended: $600,000 Councilmember Reishman confirmed that they have a location within the City. Councilmember Robinson confirmed that the approval is based on the parking that was discussed during the last meeting. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Midian Leadership Project - Bring on three additional trauma-informed mentor- coaches to our program. Equip an educational space, kitchen, and exercise room. Amount Recommended: $60,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Cook seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Kanawha Valley Collective - Access sustainable permanent housing. Direct mental health and/or substance abuse treatment. Case management designed to improve access to and retention in services. Enroll in mainstream benefits they qualify for. Other funding available. Amount Recommended: $450,000 Sutton added that they have some funding overlap with CDBG etc. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Hope for Appalachia - Funding for program. Amount Recommended: $45,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved. February 16, 2022   Hearts United Sister Talk – Staffing; Supplies; A 12-week interactive program for adolescents; Full funding pending nonprofit status/ fiscal agent. Amount Recommended: $127,840 Sutton added that he believed they have already started the process of applying for non-profit status. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  West Virginia Child Advocacy Network - Help build organizational capacity within our Network. Support to locally-based child advocacy centers including CAMC Women & Children’s Hospital Children’s Advocacy Center Amount Recommended: $24,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  WV Food and Farm Coalition - Address food security in different neighborhoods throughout Charleston’s; Specifically, Charleston's Westside. Amount Recommended: $989,675.92 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation - $250 for programming for 5 years; $100,000 earmarked for artist and business seed investments (mini-grant program) and grants to colleges and universities to organize “student nights” in downtown Charleston. Amount Recommended: $350,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  WV Music Hall of Fame Inc. - Respond to and recover from the impact of the pandemic by being able to meet staffing costs. Amount Recommended: $32,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved. February 16, 2022   East End Resource Center - 100k to fund senior programming; 50k for snack pack costs. Amount Recommended: $150,000 Councilmember Cook added that she supported normalizing and supporting mental health in the City. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Bright Futures Now - Complete the renovations for the second floor; provided services that will be offered once renovations are completed. Food Distribution: dealing with food insecurity on a monthly basis for residents in the Kanawha County. Amount Recommended: $350,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  HOPE Community Development Corporation - Funding for programming and to renovate the 1039 Central Avenue Building. Additional funding from Congressional Direct Spending- 500k. Amount Recommended: $500,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted in the majority in the affirmative, with at least 1 recognized Nay from Jenkins, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  The Salvation Army – Charleston WV Area Command - Supply Food Pantry; Emergency Social Services program; Supplemental income to meet the salary needs of our Social Services director and other Social Services staff and case workers. Amount Recommended: $275,568.50 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved. February 16, 2022   Charleston Area Alliance (CAA) - 100k for the Women and Minority Small Business Program; 100k for the Roots Program (Talent and Attraction initiative). Amount Recommended: $200,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Girl Scouts - A new program that develops older girl programming that will allow girls to explore a variety of different career paths. Amount Recommended: $50,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Festiv-ALL - For an expansion of the annual programming; investing in cultural activities and arts. Amount Recommended: $150,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved.  Fund for the Arts - Provide marketing support for the 2022 Wine and Jazz Music Festival; Replace revenue lost in 2020 and 2021 by the cancellation of the Wine and Jazz Music Festival. Amount Recommended: $112,000 Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the application. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the application approved. February 16, 2022  3. To Approve the City Allocated Recommendations -  Infrastructure/Broadband Updates Approximately $7.5 Million To include Broadband Upgrades - State & County partnerships, Citywide streetlight upgrade, etc., Citywide paving and ADA accessibility, Clay Center Corridor Lighting Project, Capital Connector Project, 5 corners crosswalk, MacCorkle Ave. streetscaping, and South Hills Trail Connector Project. Sutton added that as the City develops projects, the funds would be used. Councilmember Jenkins confirmed that the list shows examples, not specific projects. Councilmember Jenkins asked for an update on the streetlight upgrade, and asked if specific lighting issues were because the light bulbs are not being replaced or that there are not lights in the proper places. Sutton added that the City is working with AEP on LED streetlight upgrades. That funding would come from the General Fund, and new lights would come from this fund. Sutton added that once the upgrades are in place, the City will be able to better tell where the gaps in lighting are within the City. Councilmember Jenkins motioned to amend the recommendation to place an emphasis on Citywide streetlight upgrades so that it is a top priority. Councilmember Cook seconded. Councilmember Robinson stated that he did not disagree with the streetlighting being important, but added that McCorkle Ave streetscaping needs to be prioritized as well. Councilmember Jenkins added that he did not want to create a separate fund for streetlighting because he did not know how much the project would ultimately cost. With the majority of those members being present having voted in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the amendment approved. *Note Councilmember Burton was recognized as being on the Zoom call at this time. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the fund allocation as amended. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the With the majority of those members being present having voted in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved as amended.* *Note: Jenkins withdrew the amendment further into the meeting. February 16, 2022   Sidewalk Improvement Project Fund - City Council approved $250,000. Fund rules to be created by the Planning Streets & Traffic Committee Councilmember Cook motioned to approve the fund allocation. Councilmember Reishman seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved.  Athletic Field Turfing & Facility Upgrades - $6 million Sutton added that they will continue to look for additional marching funds. Councilmember Jenkins confirmed with Sutton that the intent is to spend the funds on the specifically listed items. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the fund allocation. Councilmember Cook seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved.  Federal & State Grant Matching - $1.25 Million Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the fund allocation. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved.  Public Safety Building Study - $1 Million - Determine best location, the need, and the design. Budget. Shovel ready project for federal grant dollars. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the fund allocation. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved. February 16, 2022   Youth Job Opportunities - $250,000. Continuation and expansion of summer youth program. Re-established a 10-year-old stalled summer youth program. Successfully hired more than 40 youth in 2021. Establish business partnerships for career path opportunities. Councilmember Jenkins asked if this program allowed for the possibility to work with youth entrepreneurs. Sutton added that the program is not so much about finding jobs, but more so about finding a career and a passion for something. Mayor Goodwin added that the Administration started a Committee a few years ago to ensure exactly that. It is not about simply getting a job, but acquiring a full set of skills: education and career skills. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the fund allocation. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved.  City Response Expenses - Approximately $815,000 – COVID response payroll costs. Vaccination clinics ($464K). Council approved employee vaccine Incentives. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the fund allocation. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved.  Charleston Land Reuse Agency (CLRA) - $1.5 Million – Staffing/Support. Coordinate with Planning/Building Departments for vacant structure registry. Strategic property acquisitions. Community property redevelopment. Property maintenance and promotion. Councilmember Jenkins motioned to approve the fund allocation. Councilmember Reishman seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved.  Sternwheel Regatta - $500,000 - Re-establish the Regatta Commission. Provide initial seed funding for Travel, Tourism, and Entertainment. The Commission will be charged with raising additional money to support the event. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the fund allocation. Councilmember Cook seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved. February 16, 2022   Future Identifiable Projects - $5 Million - Respond to future COVID related needs. Additional community lead initiatives. Potential Second round of community applications. Council to approve any use of future fund. Councilmember Jenkins confirmed that this fund is leftover funds that haven’t been allocated as of yet. He asked if it was necessary to create a fund for this. Sutton replied that it is simply to show what hadn’t yet been allocated for transparency. Councilmember Reishman motioned to approve the fund allocation. Councilmember Cook seconded. With the majority of members being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared the fund allocation approved.  MacCorkle Ave. streetscaping - $500,000 To create a fund to prioritize upgrades and future projects specifically for the areas in Kanawha City. To work directly with the Kanawha City Community Association and other entities in the Kanawha City area to improve residents’ livelihoods of this part of the City of Charleston. Councilmember Robison motioned to remove $500,00 from the Future Identifiable Projects fund into a MacCorkle Ave. streetscaping fund. Councilmember Hoover seconded. Councilmember Jenkins confirmed with Councilmember Robinson that the area of interest was specifically for MacCorkle Ave., but could be for anywhere in Kanawha City. He asked how it would work in relation to the Infrastructure/Broadband Updates allocation. Councilmember Robinson replied that projects will be identified by the KCCA or others and recommended to Council and the Administration through the same process. Additionally, the amendment does not include sidewalk language. Councilmember Robinson stated that the KCCA has already identified several projects from a GIA proposal. Councilmember Robinson withdrew his motion.  Councilmember Adams asked if the Committee could reconsider the vote for the amendment to the Infrastructure/Broadband Updates allocation to prioritize streetlighting. Councilmember Cook motioned to reconsider the vote for the amendment to the Infrastructure/Broadband Updates allocation to prioritize streetlighting. Councilmember Hoover seconded. Mayor Goodwin stated that all Councilmembers represent the entire City, and while she appreciated the amendment, she thought it put others in a sticky situation. Councilmember Jenkins added that his intent was simply that lighting would go to the top of the list when looking for projects to fund. He was looking at the entire City as a February 16, 2022 whole when he made the amendment as lighting has been an issue throughout the entire City. With the majority of members being present having voted in the majority as affirmative, the Vice Chairperson declared that the amendment will be considered. Councilmember Jenkins withdrew the amendment. Councilmember Reishman motioned to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned. February 16, 2022