Housing Commission

MINUTES HOUSING COMMISSION PURPOSE OF MEETING: The five-member Commission is appointed by the City Council for three-year terms. The Housing Commission maintains awareness of housing needs and opportunities, including affordable housing; proposes housing policy initiatives and changes; investigates fair housing complaints and conciliates these complaints; mediates conflicts relating to the Virginia Residential Landlord & Tenant Act and offers reconciliatory services in conflicts relating to other housing laws. DATE OF MEETING: June 11, 2013 PLACE OF MEETING: The Oak Room, East Wing, City Hall MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Steve Sprague at 6:40 (pm) THOSE PRESENT: Commission Members Staff Donald Brobst, Chair ______ Dana Lewis: ______X___ M.T. Gutmanis, Vice-Chair______ Steve Sprague __X_____ Council Tori McKinney __X_____ Phil Duncan X Julio Idrobo _____X______ Jim Garret- FC Housing Corporation X TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the May 14, 2013 meeting were approved. New Business: CDBG /HOME Schedule - July 1st of this year begins FY 2014. Commissioner Sprague proposed to include an additional meeting the second Tuesday of November to discuss, review and rank the proposals and make recommendations. Miller House: Staff Lewis reported that demolition of this house is recommended. The workgroup is proposing that another facility might possibly be built with a similar use. Recommendations first have to go to the City Manager and then the Planning Commission. The churches located in the proximity of the Miller House are willing to provide services to the occupants of the new facility. ADU Lottery for Northgate Apartments: Staff member Lewis informs that there is a good possibility to schedule the ADU Lottery of 7 two bedrooms for the first week of August. As soon as we get closer to that date Kevin Denton will present a more detail information about this process. Old Business: Roundtable Updates: Jim Garret, the Falls Church Housing Corporation Representative, reported the possibility of refinancing of Winter Hill as the way to get some cash from that project. Commissioner Julio Idrobo presented a proposal that the Housing Commission be the entity responsible to promote and propose housing policy initiatives. They would also start a process of contacting legislators and policy makers to promote more affordable housing in our city. Council member Phil Duncan, proposed to open a space for the council candidates to participate in our meetings to get a better approach to the city’s needs and programs. Housing Commission Annual Report: Commissioner Steve Sprague explained that to approach the report he plans to divide it into the following sections: promoting and preserving affordable housing, CDBG programs, tenant and landlord, affordable housing fund, and activities performed by the Housing Commission during the year. Staff Report: CDBG Monitoring Update: Twenty-five invoices have been processed. Homestretch - Six clients have been served, and 1 person attended veterinary school Mount Daniel - Fifteen kids served in Homework club and 13 parents attended English classes with child care provided. FCHC - Windows were replaced for 40 households. Community Services Council – Six households provided rent or utilities. Habitat for Humanity - They will work on the Ives House which has three households and is historic. First Time Home Buyer Program: A buyer has been identified who will use the funds. No meeting for August MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 7:40 pm SIGNATURE OF RECORDER: Julio Idrobo