Community Development Advisory Committee

DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CDAC) ZOOM MEETING MINUTES CDBG-CV FUNDING ROUND 2 January 25, 2021 4:30 PM ZOOM Platform Audioconference – Meeting ID: 890 6102 6806 Password: 642761 Public Dial-In +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Members Present: Les King, Sean Barnes, Mark Marcy, Gemma Fabris, Tucker Braddock Others Present: Kathy Crees and Tianne Curtis I. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM. II. Public Comment – There were no members of the public wishing to speak III. CDBG-CV Round #2 Applications 1. NHS Norwich CARES - $350,000 Lee-Ann Gomes presented on behalf of the NHS Norwich CARES application. She stated the money from the first round of CDBG-CV funding had allowed them to fund a temporary to assist in handling the intake of 813 applications. Ms. Gomes stated the program benefits the City by providing back rent directly to landlords who have been confirmed to be current on paying property taxes. Now, with HUD’s formal permission, the funding can be used to pay Norwich Public Utility bills. Kathryn Crees confirmed that, with the collaboration of other public-owned utility companies and State representation, she and NPU were able to provide HUD with a formula that allows utility payments to be eligible under the CDBG-CV. 2. Norwich Housing Authority - $150,000 Jeff Arn and John Mainville presented on behalf of NHA. Mr. Arn stated the building renovations would provide increased distancing between NHA Staff and customers in order to create a more COVID-safe work environment. They estimate the office sees 100 people per week as NHA staff is unable to telework as paper files can’t leave the office and many of their residents have difficulty doing video/tele calls. The project has a projected cost of $600,000 + and is 15% completed. The bid was held in August 2020 and the Notice to Proceed November 2020. Kathryn Crees noted that some items in the submitted Description of Work would be ineligible for CDBG-CV funding. The Committee requested the NHA submit clarification of the specific items this CDBG-CV funding would be paying for and how these are COVID-related. 3. United Way - $75,000 Scott Umbel presented on behalf of United Way. Mr. Umbel stated that United Way would be able to contribute to 12 agencies through a bulk food purchase as United Way has the coolers and proper facilities to support the food storage. All Norwich CDBG-CV funding would go to Norwich residents and be documented. 4. ARC of Eastern CT - $10,500 Penny Newbury presented on behalf of ARC. $5,000 of the requested funding would go towards the purchase of PPE for staff and program participants of their Sachem St Norwich office. The Norwich office is the program destination for all IDD residents; even those living out-of-town. The remaining $5,500 would go towards a stand-alone infrared unit and fob-entry system at the Sachem St office. The Committee requested ARC submit a detailed breakdown of the anticipated expenses and how they are COVID-related. 1  DRAFT 5. NCDC - $200,000 Kathryn Crees explained that the application was slated to be withdrawn. NCDC has indicated to her they are not able to take on the program with the recent loss of their President, Jason Vincent. Kathryn Crees stated she will be meeting with the NCDC interim coordinator Fawn Walker to confirm their decision. IV. Upon motion by Mark Marcy, seconded by Tucker Braddock, the Committee voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the June 2, 2020 meeting. V. The Committee tabled the discussion and decision on applications, pending responses requested of NHA & ARC to the next scheduled meeting of Thursday February 4, 2021 at 5:00 PM. Upon motion by Tucker Braddock, seconded by Mark Marcy, the Committee voted unanimously to adjourn at 5:33 PM. Respectfully submitted. Tianne Curtis CD Program Assistant 2