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: February 11 , 2014 PLACE OF MEETING: The Oak Room, East Wing, City Hall MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chair Sprague at 6:35 pm. THOSE PRESENT: Commission Members Staff Steve Sprague, Chair ___X___ Dana Lewis: ____X__________ Julio Idrobo, Vice-Chair____X___ Sue Richter _________ Donald Brobst ___X____ Kevin Denton ___________ Tori McKinney_______ M.T. Gutmanis ___X________ OTHERS PRESENT: Marybeth Connelly, City Council Liaison Jaymar Joseph, Falls Church Housing Corporation Liaison TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: Chair Sprague introduced Marybeth Connelly, City Council Liaison to the Housing Commission. The commissioners and the FCHC Liaison gave a brief overview of their backgrounds and interest in the work of the Housing Commission. Approval of Minutes: On the motion of Commissioner Idrobo, seconded by Commissioner Gutmanis the minutes of the January 14, 2014 meeting were approved. Miller House RFI Submittal received – Staff Lewis Staff Lewis discussed the possible development options for Miller House. Miller House will be considered at the March 3rd City Council Work Session. FC staff would like to have six units and will develop an RFP. Northgate Rental Office Opening – Staff Lewis The new Northgate development on N. Washington is scheduled to open the rental office in MINUTES February 11, 2014 Page 2 March. Northgate will have eight ADUs available. Housing Expo March 29 2014 Springfield, VA – Staff Lewis The 2014 Northern Virginia Housing Expo will showcase both homeownership and rental opportunities and resources throughout Northern Virginia. The event will be held from 10 am to 3 pm and will feature workshops and exhibits designed to educate attendees and help prepare them for the buying or renting process. Commissioner Idrobo volunteered last year and will do so again this year. Volunteers are needed and anyone interested should contact Staff Lewis. Updates – Commissioners and FCHC FCHC Liaison Joseph discussed the Virginia Housing Trust Fund which has 8 million dollars and their intent to increase that amount. He also shared the FCHC plans to purchase a 25 unit property on Goodwin Court. Currently Winter Hill is at full occupancy and they have a new Resident Coordinator. Chair Sprague reported that some boards and commissions have student representatives. He asked the commissioners to consider if it would be beneficial to have a student representative on the Housing Commission. CDBG/HOME Update Commissioner Brobst presented an overview of the CDBG process and description of how it works. In recent years there have been nine applications and in October2013 there were six applications. Applications from more organizations are encouraged. MEETING ADJOURNED AT: _______7:20 pm_________________________________ SIGNATURE OF RECORDER: ________M.T. Gutmanis______________________________ The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703 248-5005, (TTY 711). DATE: ______________________________ MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: PLEASE SIGN IN FOR THE RECORD. Thank you. 1 16 2 17 3 18 4 19 5 20 6 21 7 22 8 23 9 24 10 25 11 26 12 27 13 28 14 29 15 30