Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Board

City of Petersburg Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Summary May 15, 2024 6:00pm Petersburg Public Library 201 W. Washington Street Petersburg, VA 23803 1. Call to order: Mr. Kofi Adih, Chairman: the meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM. 2. Roll call of Advisory Committee Members 3. Determination of the Presence of a Quorum: in attendance were Shabaka Moore, Kofi Adih, Leonard Curry, and Ethan Calvert. 4. Moment of Silence 5. Approval of the notes from the April 2024 meeting: the April notes were read and approved. 6. Report out on follow-up: the CDBG Administrator reported that presently research is being conducted to find the best pricing for signs that read “this project was supported by CDBG Funds”. The department of Public Works and Facilities referred “Fobb’s Signs”, stating that they have a fast turnaround. 7. New Business: a. Review additional edits to the timeline of key dates: dates of public notice need to be updated on the timeline. Public notices about the recommended subrecipients should run until June 17, 2024 and should also be promoted on the City’s social media. The board wants to know how soon does their presentation to City Council need to be submitted to the Clerk of Council/what is the deadline to submit agenda packet items? b. The CDBG management system: IDIS at a glance (Integrated Disbursement and Information System): the Admin was able to show the members of the Board the HUD reporting system. Board members were able to see what projects have successfully drawn down their funds. It was shared that Go Forward Give Back reported challenges organizing youth for a planned June activity/road trip to the AA Museum in DC. If the organization is unable to use the funds, the board will need to  review how best to reallocate the $2,800.00, at the June meeting. Regrading Rebuilding Together Richmond and other incomplete/unfinished projects, the board is requesting an update on how quickly they can complete their project activities. c. Review of recommended subrecipients: the Board expressed concerns about recommended subrecipients who may have received CDBG funds in the past and have not utilized the funds judiciously, or in a timely manner. Board members want to ensure that the projects funded going forward are responsible and responsive. The board will revisit the list of FY25 recommended subrecipients, keeping in mind the 15% cap on funds that may be awarded to projects defined as public service and 20% that is allocated toward the administration of the grant. What is the total sum drawn for CDBG Admin in PY23_FY24? The recommended subrecipient chart submitted to communications for social media has a typo. A corrected chart will be shared. The Board wishes to meet with the Cameron foundation to discuss coordination/or collaboration that would aid in leveraging CDBG funds for greater tactile impact in the community. Mr. Leonard Curry will reach out to Cameron Foundation to coordinate setting up a meeting. d. NCDA Membership (National Community Development Association) letter review: the board wants to look into other sources for training and education around the management of the CDBG. Some feel that the cost to participate in NCDA may possibly outweigh the benefit. It was mentioned that there are other groups that provide advocacy, training and technical support, such as the National League of Cities, for example. It was noted that this board was trained by NCDA in 2021. Although the membership fees have been paid for this current program year, the group wants to look into other sources that may be more cost effective in the future. e. Review of Progress to Farmer Street Park and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony/CDBG Signage: the CDBG admin is still looking into the acquisition of signage. Repair of the park is in phase two; expected date of completion will be mid- summer. 8. Public Comment Period: A question about how selections were made was presented. The response stated that proposed projects had their overall goals well stated; they matched up with a HUD CDBG Matrix Code; they met a CDBG national objective, addressed community need and avoided overlap with other proposed projects and activities. A second comment questioned what support awarded subrecipients receive. CDBG subrecipients receive monitoring to help support and ensure success, but the onus is on the subrecipient to abide by the signed agreement. 9. Announcements: a. Next meeting date: June 19, 2024 The next CDBG AB meeting will be on June 12th, because June 19 is a national holiday. 10. Adjournment: the meeting adjourned at 8:00PM