City Council Finance Sub Committee

Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4007 www.LowellMA.gov Lowell City Council Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Finance SC Minutes Date: June 8, 2021 Time: 5:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber City Hall – Lowell, Ma. PRESENT: Present on Roll Call were Chairman Elliott, C. Conway and C. Nuon. Also present Christine McCall (DPD); Craig Thomas (DPD); C. Mercier; Conor Baldwin (CFO); C. Drinkwater; C. Chau; C. Samaras; and Chris Samaras (DPD). MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: C. Elliott called the meeting to order noting those in attendance and the vote that was referred for discussion. ORDER OF BUSINESS: C. Elliott noted that there are grants and funds that the City receive as being an entitled community under various programs. Mr. Samaras provide presentation entitled “?” reviewing the process for grant applications which involves three public hearings and a citizen’s advisory committee. C. Elliott questioned the number of applications that are processed. Mr. Samaras noted the number and the different funds involved. Mr. Samaras outlined the Cares Act 2020 funding process and money would be arriving via two transfers. C. Elliott commented on Cares Act funding and Block Grant used in the City. C. Elliott commented on developing plans of the non-profits and the great number of grant applications. C. Mercier requested hard copy of presentation. Mr. Samaras continued with presentation by outlining the Downtown Venture Fund and the Sign/Façade Program. Mr. Samaras noted the involvement of the LDFC with the Downtown Venture Fund and the funding process. C. Mercier commented on the façade program and use by non-profits. C. Conway questioned the costs of inspectors to follow up with grant requirements. Mr. Samaras noted that grant provides overtime costs to those inspectors as part of CDBG grant program. C. Conway commented on the Open Space Grant program. Mr. Thomas commented on eligible parcels and that there are a number of parks and green space in the City who may benefit from funds. C. Conway questioned the Economic City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 2) Development Assessment Fund. Mr. Thomas noted that grants are used to draw businesses into the City. C. Conway commented on the Home Housing Rehab Fund. Mr. Thomas noted this was a revolving fund for critical repairs and a lien would be placed on property. C. Nuon commented on partnership with CTI. Mr. Samaras noted that homeless coordinator of the City is the contact person with that organization. C. Nuon questioned how preference list is developed. Mr. Thomas noted how priorities are set and funded. C. Nuon requested list of projects and entities who received funding grants. C. Nuon noted outreach to community is important part of programs. Ms. McCall noted different means of communicating to the community in various languages. C. Elliott commented on the Home Fund Programs; including First Time Homebuyer Program and 2 for 1 Program. Mr. Samaras outlined the programs and the eligible amounts. Mr. Thomas note use of vendors to assist in implementing programs. Motion by C. Conway, seconded by C. Nuon to have DPD provide list of recipients and costs with programs for past five years. So voted. C. Elliott commented on the diverse use of grant money. Mr. Thomas noted regulations and goals to fund marginalized communities. C. Elliott noted federal dollars are used to fund and it requires oversight. C. Elliott noted that Senior Center will be free form lease in 2023 which would leave more funds for different programs. C. Elliott commented on Downtown Venture Funds questioning the number of beneficiaries of the fund. Ms. McCall noted the number in the program and how the fund will be more accessible due to Covid relief plans. Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon request DPD provide fuller detail regarding Downtown Venture Fund and present before the subcommittee. So voted. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Conway to recommend to full Council to support and act on vote. So voted. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to Adjourn by C. Conway, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov