Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Board

City of Petersburg, Virginia Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024, @ 6:00pm 1. Meeting called to order at 6:06pm by Ethan Calvert. Board Members in attendance: Sonja Holt-Cartwright, Shabaka Moore, Leonard Curry. Naomi Siodmok was present in Jennifer Murphy-James’ absence 2. A quorum was determined and a moment of silence observed. 3. The May 15th and May 24th meeting minutes were accepted and seconded, with no amendments or corrections. a. Naomi Siodmok provided updates from Admin Jennifer - Cameron Foundation meeting confirmed for June 20th at 10am. 4. Board will meet after the 20th meeting to review draft of bylaws and contribute feedback so they can be finalized. 5. Report from CDBG Administrator: a. City Council will vote and make final determination on proposed grant recipients on the 18th. b. Annual action plan due in August. Naomi will confirm with Jennifer where the document is and get with the Board. 6. Update reports from CDBG Subrecipients: a. Malcolm Jones: Rebuilding Richmond: They are seeking an extension for current CDBG funds. They have had staffing changes with construction management that has caused projects to be pushed back and not completed in time. Actively interviewing candidates for the position. They are not where they normally are in Petersburg. They have worked on over 20 homes and have approximately $46,000 left of funds. 3 homes have been identified that will be worked on. Waiting to receive approvals to start. b. Levin Smith - Go Forward Give Back: Had to decline funds due to low participation rate. Tried to get interested kids, but it was too late. The organization hosts multiple events/activities throughout the year. c. Board Member Leonard Curry questioned Mr. Jones regarding Rebuilding Richmond not being a Petersburg based organization. Member Ethan asked about Petersburg contractors being used for projects. 7. New Business: a. Possibilities for collaboration with Habitat for Humanity: Leonard Curry suggested that grant recipients partner together to provide more services and usage of grant funds. Sonja Holt-Cartwright suggested that the Board revise the guidelines and application if this is going to be a requirement or recommendation for applying for funds. The Board agreed to look at potentially revising the guidelines for our application process to include clear expectations(collaborations, minority contractors, etc.). b. Fourth Ward meeting: Councilman Cuthbert will hold a ward meeting 6/20 @5:30pm at Pocahontas Chapel. (134 Whitten St.) regarding community with a focus on the Jarratt House. Representatives from various city offices will be in attendance.  c. News on grants: Jarratt House is already on the National Registry. New federal program to expand African American heritage sites. Another grant opportunity is coming available through Children and Families. d. Fair Housing and CDBG: States are required to complete a comprehensive analysis. Additional information forthcoming. e. 50 Years of CDBG - There will be a commemorative program in Washington, DC 8. Public Comment Period: Mr.Smith expressed interest in the youth grant that was mentioned. Cyndi Koe (Vice President) Petersburg Art League(PAL), questioned the amount of the funds they requested versus what they were approved for this year. PAL applies for other grants, but does not get everything they apply for. Ms. Koe provided information about the programs, services and needs of PAL. After much discussion about PAL’s needs, Sonja Holt-Cartwright suggested that the meeting move forward since final decisions have been made and City Council has the Board’s recipient recommendations. There were no additional announcements. Next meeting will be July 17, 2024. Meeting adjourned at 6:50pm