Community Development Advisory Committee

CDAC MINUTES DRAFT March 31, 2014 3:45 PM Basement – 23 Union St. Members Present: Les King, Democles Angelopoulos, Robert McKeon, Edward Derr, Lynn Norris & Brian Eckenrode, Others Present: Gary Evans and Susan Goldman The CDAC meeting was called to order at 3:55 PM. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Lynn Norris and seconded by Democles Angelopoulos to approve the minutes of the March 24, 2014 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Ed Derr and seconded by Demo Angelopoulos to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2014 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Deliberations Les King, the Chair of the CDAC informed members that all of the funds do not have to be allocated at this time. If there is concern with the quality of the applications another RFP can be issued in September to allocate the remaining funds. CD Office – Administration: CDAC Recommendation $162,856 The Committee recommended funding CD Administration at 20% of the CDBG Program Year 2014 Grant as allowable by HUD. A motion was made by Ed Derr and seconded by Democles Angelopoulos to fund the CD Office Administration in the amount of $162,856. Motion carried unanimously. TVCCA – Home Again Project – Homelessness In-Place Prevention: CDAC Recommendation $20,000 This program not only prevents the families from becoming homeless but also insures that the landlord does not have to go through a costly eviction process and/or be left with a vacant apartment. Another benefit is that the children aren’t uprooted and forced to attend a different school. A motion was made by Ed Derr and seconded by Democles Angelopoulos to fund TVCCA in the amount of $20,000. Motion carried unanimously. Norwich Adult Education – Community Development Through ESOL Instruction: CDAC Recommendation $10,000 The need for English instruction exists and the child care component of this program is unique. A motion was made by Democles Angelopoulos and seconded by Edward Derr to fund Norwich Adult Education in the amount of $10,000. Motion carried unanimously. Our Piece of the Pie – Norwich Workforce Development: CDAC Recommendation $30,000 There is a need in Norwich to address youth that are unable to obtain a GED through traditional methods. The Committee was impressed with the quality of the services offered. A motion was made by Democles Angelopoulos and seconded by Edward Derr to fund this program in the amount of $30,000. Motion carried unanimously. Norwich Community Care Team – Shelter Diversion and Rapid Re-Housing: CDAC Recommendation $30,000 The Committee was pleased with the progress that has been made transitioning from a shelter program to a shelter diversion program. A motion was made by Democles Angelopoulos and seconded by Edward Derr to fund Norwich Community Care Team in the amount of $30,000. Motion carried unanimously. Norwich Human Services – Norwich Works: CDAC Recommendation $34,233 The job placement and training outcomes have been impressive. Addressing the training and job placement needs of 19 – 21 year olds is a good addition to the program. A motion was made by Edward Derr and seconded by Brian Eckenrode to fund Norwich Human Services in the amount of $34,233. Motion carried unanimously. Safe Futures – Norwich Domestic Violence Response Team: CDAC Recommendation $5,000 The walk-in counseling/advocacy office in Backus Hospital provides a very important service to the City of Norwich. The Healthy Relationships programming in the middle school is a good addition to the services provided. A motion was made by Edward Derr and seconded by Robert McKeon to fund Safe Futures in the amount of $5,000. Motion carried unanimously. Norwich Public Schools – BRIDGES Extended Learning Program: CDAC Recommendation $50,000 The program is heading in a new direction with a formal curriculum that follows the Common Core Standard aligned curriculum. After school programs help to improve work habits and reduce behavior problems. A motion was made by Edward Derr and seconded by Brian Eckenrode to fund Norwich Public Schools in the amount of $50,000. Motion carried unanimously. Norwich Fire Department – Headquarters Storage Facility: CDAC Recommendation $110,000 The Committee felt that the storage facility was necessary in order to protect the equipment. Not addressing this need would in the long run cause damage to and shorten the useful life of the equipment. A motion was made by Brian Eckenrode and seconded by Democles Angelopoulos to fund the Norwich Fire Department in the amount of $110,000. Motion carried unanimously. Disabilities Network of Eastern CT – Ramps for Persons with Disabilities: CDAC Recommendation $15,000 This program furthers fair housing and is used to leverage additional donated work by contractors. A motion was made by Brian Eckenrode and seconded by Robert McKeon to fund Disabilities Network in the amount of $15,000. Norwich Housing Authority – JFK I Phase 3: CDAC Recommendation $0 The Committee feels that the roofs are still structurally sound and there is no reason to replace them at this time. A motion was made by Brian Eckenrode and seconded by Edward Derr not to fund this project. Motion carried unanimously. Habitat for Humanity – Rehabilitation of 6 Clairmont Court: CDAC Recommendation $25,000 The majority of work done on this home will be volunteer labor however the plumbing, heating & electrical work needs to be performed by licensed trades people. This is a good investment as this home will contribute to the tax base when completed and occupied. A motion was made by Democles Angelopoulos and seconded by Edward Derr to fund Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $25,000. Motion carried unanimously. CD Office – Property Rehab Admin: CDAC Recommendation $64,000 Due to the availability of lead funding and the reduction of the per unit award fewer rehab construction dollars were expended this year. This funding is for project delivery expenses only and is needed to run the program. A motion was made by Democles Angelopoulos and seconded by Robert McKeon to fund the CD Office Property Rehab Admin in the amount of $64,000. Motion carried unanimously. Norwich Police Department – Greenville PSCS Expansion: CDAC Recommendation $40,000 The Downtown and Greenville camera installation project has been very successful in decreasing crime and aiding detectives in solving crimes. This addition of three more cameras in Greenville is a good investment. A motion was made by Democles Angelopoulos and seconded by Brian Eckenrode to fund the Norwich Police Department in the amount of $40,000. Motion carried unanimously. NCDC – Uncas Leap Blight Removal: CDAC Recommendation $0 Committee members expressed concern with the overall lack of progress on the project. There was a total budget for this project that exceeded the amount requested and no specific sources listed for these additional funds. Cost estimates were not submitted for the demolition and stabilization activities. The Committee members believe that this is a worthy project but the approach needs to be clarified. If more solid information is available they would be willing to reconsider funding when the September RFP is issued. A motion was made by Les King and seconded by Democles Angelopoulos not to fund the NCDC – Uncas Leap project at this time. Motion carried unanimously. It is anticipated that another RFP will be issued in September to distribute the unallocated funds of $218,191 New Business None Adjournment Motion was made by Democles Angelopoulos, seconded by Edward Derr to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The CDAC meeting ended at 6:15 p.m.