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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1999x DRAFT EVANSTON HOUSING COMMISSION MIN-L— S Thursday, December 16, 1999 Room 2403 ' M P.M. Members Present. R. Brooks, Y Dickerson. A. Gitelson, J. Lorna= L Nesbit Members Absent: D. Browne, D Loch, P Per-s-m Guests: Tom Sultrr-an, Evanston Ec—netucal Action Council Lucy Knight. League of Wonexn Voters Presiding Official: A. Grtclson, Chair Staff Present-. R. Schur I. DECLARATION OF QUORUM Alan Gitelson declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at ':00 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF November 18, 19" MINUTES DRAFT' R. Brooks made a motion to approve the rnmutes as u-nnen. J. Lomax seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0. III. NEW BUSINESS Alan Grtclson referred evmone to the copy of the Consolidated Plan prodded to their packet. He explained that mayor revisions were not done due to the fact that new census data is not available. `fife new census data will not be available for another couple of ycan .fir that time, the Consolidated Plan will be updated to reflect the change in Evanston's population R. Schur distributed three pages of updated information perturung to vacant and'vjirded buildings and commercial rooming house units. She also distributed a copy of a IW D requirrd table that was not proi-nded in the packets. R. Schur reiterated A. Gitelson's point regarding the difficulty of updating the Consolidated Plan and the city's priorities at this time without new data R. Schur also referred Commission membm to the .Activity Plan for the HOME program, which is rust one page outlining the housing goals relating to f lomM . Alan Gitelson asked if the Housing & Commurur. Development Act Comrittee had reviewed the Plan for compliance with the Community Develr pmeni Block Grant CDB(;) program. R Schur explained that the Housing & CD Committee hid met on Tuesday and recommended the Plan for approval. .-flan Girelson inquired about HOPWA funds He wanted to know if Evanston plays any role in BEHIV's request for HOPW.i funds since the request is through the City of Clucigo. R. Schur responded that, to the best of her knowledge, the administration of the program and sclecuon of grantees was done in Chicago and that Evanston did not play any role. A. Gitelson asked how Evanston would appeal any deasions made by Chicago if they did not believe they were receiving appropriate resources. R. Schur w•as not cenain. X Y. Dickerson aid that knowing the Cow4ADd2ted Plan will chine once new census data is ret"ved tempered some of her questions. .dart Gitelson asked if the priorities mould be changed. He realized that thec were hat rn InV particular order. R. Schur responded that based on the public tnput received, peopkr believed that the priorities should rem= the same. :Ilan Gitelson asked tf am new programs were put into the Plat_ R. Schur said thar *.he is au -Are of two new programs, the .assist Ftrst Tiritc Home Burets Program and a new progrur. to address the board ups in Evanston. Y. Dickerson asked if the prionties had ever been ranked- A. Girelson responded tlt.st over tune, that has been looped at. HoQvver, there has been concern that those priorities ranked to-a-ird the bottom would not receive appropaiate attention. Asa. result, no ranking has occurred. Y. Dickerson made a motion to recommend to City Council approval of the HUD Consolidated Plain. R. Brooks seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. IV. ADJOURNMENT R. Brooks made a motion to adjourn. L Nesbitt seconded the motion. With no further business before the Commission the meeting was adrmmed at 7:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted. Roberta Schur Housing Planner DRAFT x Members Present: Members Absent Guests: Presiding Offic al: St2ff Present. EVANSTON HOL;SING COL\LMISSON .\IIN L`TES Thursday, Nov -ember 1.8, 1999 Room 2403 1:00 P.M. R. Brooks, D. Brov;re, Y. Dickerson. V Gitelson. D. Lach. 1. Lomax L Nesbitt Lucy Knight, Saul Klibanow Richard Koenig & Robin Taylor, Interfaith Housing Dcv-elopment Corporation .k.. Gitelson, Chair R. Schur I. DECLARATION OF QUORUM Alan Gitelson declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. I1. APPROVAL OF October 21, 1999. MINUTES D. Lach made a motion to approval the minutes as written. R. Brooks seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. Ill. NEW BUSINESS A. Interfaith Housing Development Corporation Request for S130.000 of HOME Funds. A. Gitelson updated the Commission regarding the status of this project. He explained that the HOME Loan committee had approved this project for funding. He asked R. Schur to provide the details. R. Schur explained that Interfaith was seeking S130.000 in HO.%TE funds for the acquisition of 319-21 Custer. The current property owner was mismanaging the building. The building has outstanding water and gas bills which the City had paid in order to keep the services on and the tenants in the building. The City had asked Interfaith to investigate the possibility of purchasing the property. It is a thirteen -unit building. It has three one -bedroom units. nine two -bedroom units and one three -bedroom unit_ interfaith has approached a prnate tender for the balance of the acquisition and rehabilitation costs. R. Schur asked Richard Koenig. executive director of Interfaith. to provide the details of the project. R. Koenig explained that at this point Interfaith was still deciding between doing a condominium project or a rental project. He indicated that the sense he got from the City was that a condominium project would be preferred. The final decision will not be made until Interfaith is able to meet with the tenants and determine how mans of the tenants would be interested and able to purchase a condominium. If no one was interested or earned enough money to purchase. they would keep the building a rental property. R. Koenig informed the Commission members that the roof and back porch need to be repaired immediatel%. The city inspectors have condemned the porch and the roof is in need k ORAJI of repair. Both of these items will not make it through the winter. The inmcwv ;-no%-ations will not be done until the spring. R. Koenig explained that if the% decided to convert the building to the HOME funds could be used as a soft second mortgage in order to help ++rite down -.he pLrchast price which would enable more of the tenants to buy a unit. If Interfaith rrtaincti the pn*ipem as a rental, the HOME funds would assist in the purchase and Interfaith would ay -+ply : it funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) for rrhabilitativr.. D. Lach asked about the tenants in building and wanted to kno%% how Interfaith ..could be able to do rehab with people living in the building. R. Koenig said that some 4-mited relocation would have to occur. Hopefully. th % would be able to more people arou-->d in --x building like they did at Brummel. Relocation costs have been included in the budzrt. A. Gitelson inquired about hove the condo assessment was calculated. R. Kocnig explained that he looked at the utility costs for Brummel, which is the same size building and divided hn thirteen to get the cost per unit. A. Gitelson expressed concern that the figure was too low. lZ Koenig responded that he would be willing to look at that figure again. Y. Dickerson asked how the purchase price of the building was established_ R_ Koenig explained that he negotiated with the seller. Y. Dickerson asked when the tenants' leases expire. R. Koenig stated that the expiration dates all vary. J. Lomax asked to hear about the homebuyer training that Interfaith anticipates. R. Taylor explained that Interfaith has on -going seminars. Interfaith will set-up one seminar specificall% for the tenants in the building when it is time. R. Koenig added that the) also work with CEDA and have been for the past tw o years. J. Lomax made a motion to support and recommend to City Council the expendiwre of S 130.000 in HOME funds for the acquisition of 319-321 Custer. D. Lach seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. B. Interfaith Housing Development Corporation Request for Statement of Compliance with the Consolidated Plan. A. Gitelson referred Commissioners to the memorandum in the packet. He explained that Interfaith is planning to purchase a rooming house propem- in Evanston. and is applying to the Illinois Housing Development Authority for low-income housing tax credits One of the requirements is certification with a jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan. J. Lomax made a motion to appror a the recommend that a letter certify ing consistency with the Consolidated Plan be written to the Illinois housing Development Authorit) on behalf of Interfaith. D. Browne seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0-I. R. Brooks abstained from the vote due to a conflict of interest. R. Koenig also displa}ed before and after rehabilitation pictures of the building at'-13 Brummel, a thirteen -unit building that the Cit) provided both HOME and Ntayor's Funds for. C. Open Meetings Act Video D. Lach introduced the video which she described as a good example of how the Open Meetings Act works. In addition. she passed out a booklet. "The Open ,Slettings Act of Illinois". Every state has some form of "sunshine" laws. The% stem from the first amendment that requires the public citizenry to be informed of what public governing bodies are doing. She outlined the reasons for and how to convene in executive session. The Commission viewed the video. A DRD%FT Alter the video, D. Loch asked R. Schur to look into when the agenda for commission meedM are poste i. D. Browne asked if cable televisicm lists meetings. A. Gitelum said that it does. A. Gitelson asked if the meeting schedule is pasted.-.n the city's uvbeite. No oat knew the answer to the question. IV. AQiOIILNMEINT With no further business before the Commission, the meeting %as adjourned at 8:_0 p.m. Respeetftdly submitted. `7 Roberta Schur Housing Planner X'*,. DRAM' EV ANSTOti HOUSING COWN SSION «tiU*m THURSDAY, OCrOBER 21.1999 \lembers Prewar. D. Browne, Y. DickeraoQ A. Gitelson, D. L.ch, L Nesbitt Members Absent R. Brooks, J. Lomax Presiding Ofbctal: A. Cntelson, Chair Staff Present IL Schur I. DECLARATION OF QUORUM DRAF'r Alan Gttelson declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at ':OD pm. .1. Gitelson welcomed Don Browne to the Housing Commission. 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 9r 1999 L Nesbitt made a motion to approve and accept the minutes as 4tirteri. 1'. Dickerson seconded the motion. \(orlon passed 5-0. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Electing a Vice -Chair A. Gitelson explained that since Mary Lane's term had expired =ad she wzs the ice -Chair of the Comnussion, the members needed to elect someone to fill the ncancs. D. Lich nominated Y. Dickerson who accepted the nomtnanon- No additional nomtnanons were made. The Commission voted 4-u-1 in favor of the nomtnanon. B. Rental Housing Stock Study A. Gitelson reminded the Commission that the issue of the composition of Evanston's housing stock arose at the July meeting of the Housing Commission. The Commission requested that R. Schur put together some baseline date in order for the Commission to begin to get a handle on what the current situation was in Evanston. R. Schur distributed some material that outlined the number of condominium units, 2-fit units and multi -family wvrs, both owner and renter occupied. She summ2rued the information as follows: there arc approxirnatehy 2.9fXi '-flats, the v2sr malortn- of them arse rental, there ire approximately muln-fainilc buildings, with an almoir i0-50 spirt of owner and renal; and approximately 9,2A0 single family houses. R. Schur expluned Char the numbers are not perfect however, she hopes that this will give people an idea of the overall breakdown of housing =rs to Evanston. Unfortunately the data is old and flawed, however it is the best we have. D. Inch asked tinder which category townhouses W. R. Schur explained that townhouses are not included in these numbers. R. Schur continued, there is still a fairly even split in Evanston between the number of tenter and owner occupied buildings in Evanston. R. Schur dn-ected the Commission's artenrton to the condomuriium conversion list It is evident from this list than the 1990s have been vein- active as fir as conversions go, particularly the last couple of years. 'X A Schur showed the Commission a slap that provided a pictorial representanoa of where the condominiums are located and wb= the units were converted. She also showed a land use map. This reap shows, among other things, wEe:e the various hous>aig apes are and where the higher densities are located. R. Schur explained char the Presbyterian Homes are not mciuded in the numbers because they are a very specific housing cora==ry. A. Gitelson asked what the Housing Commission could expect as the next set of data. He explained that the reason for doing this was to Yr to get a handle on whether or not there is an irnbalaace in the housing stock. A. Gitelson asked toe some comparative data to identify how Evanston compares to other muuueipa&ttes realizing the difE alry in finding other ccrmrnuritnes like Evanston in the am- D. Browne'asked what the overall go+i, is that the Commusion %-ants to achieve with regard to affordability. Does it have to be renri ur can it be affordable crxndomuuums% A. Gitelson responded that he %-as uncertain; he —n4s that the City Las to took at a number of things, mcJuding the tax base, before making a decistor. m whir the appropriate balance should be. The Commission is trying to figure our the q-PC of rnfntration it should knrr;- in order to snake an appropriate recommendation to City Council. D Browne used his min sinution as an example of rent being almost high enough to almost equal a mortgage payment. Y. Dickerson added that even with the all of the converw ns coming through, the average person does not realize what pace point the crcadorninriuns are t e=g soil at. Although some units may be entry-level purchases, most are not. `i- Dickerson cr ntinued with all of the conversions occurring. mane• renters feel left our. Traditionall- mnsr of them do not or cannot purchase their urut when it is converted. Y. Dickerson said that rt is =portant to make dux research pan of the public record in order to tninate dialogue. Gitelson added that some of the uiform von to obtain is the avaiiabilin of home purchase opportunities for moderam-Income hor-.rbuycrs and the housing choices avidable for low-income residents, both for purchase and for re- - Y Dickerson reported that since the r ,=mission's lair meeting, she has been following an issue that she wants to share. She distributed rim-ipaper articles on Fannie `!ac'i response to people's tnability to obtain a mongage due to credit issues She referred to .Uderman Ker'it's commenn at the last Planrung & Development Committee rnesrang thar she arrended related to this issue. She suggests that these articles be forwarded to Aldc^an Deny. .flan Gitelson asked if there were other ; scstions or other information Commission member wanted R Schur to explore related to this issue D Lich asked R. Schus to rind information about the Irxanon of the affordable rentals and her—trbitrer opporturuncs a. Gitcl son asked R Schur to get the rent tanges around the cin A Gitelson and R. Schur rerrunded Com, _• sion members of tine previous research that was done regarding affordable housing set -asides a:. t the impact these requirements have on a community. i. Gitelson suggesred that more informagnr. `_.e obtuned regarding this issue Y Dickerson asked if there were additiori organizations or pavatc .sc-clopers corning to the City to do affordable housing R. Schur responde-� no Y Dickerson asked about the Custer To�--=L iouscs She recalls a lorten being coriducted for those units. 'it( hat was the process and what w-as :he City's role% LV. ANNOUNCEMENTS A Gitelson reminded Commission member that a Public Herring on the Consolidated plan would be held on Tuesday, October 26 at 6:00 p.m. W City Council chambus. Aherw-ards, at ':3o p.m. is the )otnt meeting of the I loustng Commission .zth the CD Committee to discuss housing related CDBG applications. A Gitelson reported that he spoke with S—nne Calder; past Chair of the Housing C........,.....sx3 board member of Connections for the Homeless. Sbe would lie to come to the Housing Commission to talk to the Commission regarding the activities of the Connections. A- Gttelso" suggested the November meeting. D Iach mentioned that she attended a conference wher the Open Nteettings Pict arcs one of the topics and they showed a video on the !yet. She thought the video was sery good and wouM he useful for the Commission to watch. It was suggested that the Commisnon view it whoa toes have a light agenda. V. ADJOUANMENP Y. Dickerson made a motion to a4n= the meeting•. D. Iach seconded the motion. With oo ftutbcr business before the Commission, the meeting was adjoumed at US pin Respectfully submitted. 1 Roberta Schur Housing planner 3 x DR--# FT ) R A F1' l:!'T\tiTr)\ c rt11111.��1c� 111\I FEN Members Present: R. Brooks. Y. Di.-kerson. A. C;itel-.on. M.Lar % J. Lomax, L \esbttt Members absent: D. Browne. D. Lach Guests: Nevin Belser &: David Janzen. Reba Place Development Corporation L. Knight. League of Women Voters Preildim-, t)tticia: \. 01itelson. C ha;! S-,jff Prc;ent: P,, Schur 1. DECLaltaTiUN OF QL CiRt M A. Gitel son declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7: 10 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 15, 1999 & July 20, 1999 R. Brooks made a motion to appro-,e the Jul% 14 and Jul% 20 minutes as ssritten. Y. Dickerson seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0- M. NEW BUSI N ESS: Reba Place Development Corporation Request for HOaE and Mayor's Special Housing Funds for Acquisition. A. Gitelson referred to Schedule B in the materials that the Commission had received from Reba Place Dc%elopment Corporation r Ri'DC' r regarding, the source of funds for t; ;, project. It sho.+ed that in addition to the C'itn sources. RPDC was also seeking funding from the Communit% Investment Corporation and the Federal Home Loan Bank. R. Schur reminded the Comrnis;ron that in Jul,,. RP[)(' %%as desienated a CHDO under the HOME Pro, -,ram and explained that the HOME Loan Comminee had met with representati% es from RPDC several times over the course of august in order to make the project economically %iable. RPDC proposes to purchase 707-13 Seward. a twenty-li,e- unit rental apartment building ,%hich has been owned and managed for more than twentx %ears b% the game indi%idual. This address is quite familiar to the police department whk,-, frequent it tit -ten liar calls for sen ice. RPDC plan, to do a moderate rehab job. including updating the kitchens and bathrooms and upgrading; the electrical system. The intent is X to ha, cat least 10 affordable unit: 7 the hu11,1- L per tht• I It )%II rcLuLIT l. 11S 11C remaining un!t, Mill he afilordablc - the area . .tell I)a%id Jan/en e•_} IaItied that :he :ratan "':.:line I'Or Oic I .dcr.t? I Ionic I Q--i Itank the t ,� p,•rati��n ' C'.(1 or. :ha : \rPI1. _ ,on, to !hc f f 1; 13 'Z .:,I be -ored �-, .1 'n. Rill), •.L to :�o- ih, pro= C ... t %.:A C- 1 tna: ."he ,Jmpetitl% e a%u that the I I iLB p,_.c :, a high -c on C0111171..i111% 111%0It l'iti.' 1i and ^enerit of the :r,,iect to lo%% incom.t -L sident, Nevin Belser added that this propt-s: 1 do%etails %%ell with the conversation the Housing Commission is ha%ine regarding th; number of :ondominium conversions occ,-XHne and the impact on a:tordable rental. \ 3elser state- that RPDC's priman moti%at~on is to maintain aflor,:,ablr rental. Jall1Lt1 C\; ._.:ie.d that :.. "_:'., _ 11 tit t!, ". -onc in tier, ,r the coL1r,e elL'hi _MOLL171 ..:<placemcll: L%;,, be minima: Hoperull% [ W14 ,�':11 Ic �11:ib il\ :: a :Inge 'a%inu 1, ., `,r.. . ..^1:,+.::. '_' '.1 '-'i rental: YC.Vp �r ai �i _,�+.. {, ...4.- .�:� i`►ii.......il� till ,� a.., a ta,' Il:ti1%14..wa] ..ti approximate]% 801 of median area .come. J. Lomax inquired as to the sharp t^:reases in some of the numbers on the pro forma. D. Janzen explained the payment sche"'ule. He informer! the Commission that the 1999 figures are onl% for tt%o month,. %ear 1000 is the first full %car and the% will be doing construction so there till he ,ome '.-,cancies and the padn7ents in the beginning do not include principle and interest. the,. a:e onl% pa,, ing interest. Year 2001 %%ill be :he first %ear of full occupanc% in rehabbed anartments Year 2002 is the first %ear of pr.ncipal and interest paNment,. J. Lomax asked about the :octal problems at the building. Based on RPDC's experience in other project;. %%hat I). Janzen mentioned non rene%ting leases of tenants who .Ire cunductirl !,legal or di,rtlpu%.-cha%ior. %%orkin2 %%ith the police. holdin-= tenant meetings and creating a sense of corrlmunit% in the building. l Dickerson a,-ked ho%% RPD( their tenants and hot% the% %crif% income. D. Jan/rn explained that t17c% put togetner a marketing plan during the Ilouse of P_zce project that the% %could use for this project as %tell. The} %erif% income using % -'_s and emplo%er %eritication tbmis. hhe% %%ill not e% ict an% current tenants if the% art: above the income thresholds ho%%e%er future tenants %till tit into the income structure. R. Schur stressed that the Cit% requires annuai income cenitication of the tenants. Y. Dickerson a.,kcd ifit ttas pooh le to encourage RVDC to prioritize F%anstoc residents X as tenants in the huildinx: Both V Belser and D. Janren explained that it was RPDC's goal to protide t0t I %.m ton resident,. B. Brooks ask,.: ��hat the 7,akt-ack schedule %%as for the Nla%or'!. Special Housinj: Fund and «a, it pr1r.:^ai on-.\ R.[,:,. nlcnt i, for rrincirai ofil'. RPDC hoped 1t %%Ouid be more than .tr ,lid :.".!t :he :... :�:77 'AllUld be JiSCLL_:*iCj !Ater , ,' , a ti,• -. , , t . ', i 1 t, t trl it- .. i f3 Eir,. ,--L;..',� .,--�;i� 1, l.e i'it. .e,,. f�. e . �._ r.�_ram tinu.,. he in 13. Brooks nia,:. I motion r.:.�illrlh: u i',r appr.' ..,, to L .;. t- .-ancJ the RPDt_ .; reque,t for 5674,t1OO :.. HONIF tut:,-,. 550. .,t t%1;1cf1 l� f oar.: i:Nr the acquisition of 707 l : 5euard. l'he interest rate %%ill he I.5°o interest. The first t\%o \cars of the loan «ill be interest oniv. The term is o,. er 30 nears. I.. \esbin seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0, - - B. Brooks made a motion to recommenJ tier appro\ al to (.itN Council the RPDC's request for S150.000 in tifa;.or Special Ilousin,- Fund, tk,r the ac.;ulsltion of 70---1 Sc\%ard as .1 110 111ter.,: �l 1)::1...., !; ,Lt1�1i�i.d 1,1, :11.0'. .. ,i, i.,'i. 7a,�,cd 6-11 1 { rrio the ratio exceeded 1.1 A. Critelson questioned the a%ailabilin of mone\ for pa\ back from the replacement reserx a account which %%as gro%k ing ott er the 30-s car time period M. Lane echoed .X. Gitelson's comments. She also t%anted to sec mono% coming back into the Ma,or's fund \%ithin ten to fifteen %ears. She underscored the fact that it is not possible to -,et the favorable terms the Cit\, i�, offering an% «here else. The Commission -,%ould like to see pa%ment beginning in .ear 10. It is the understanding ofthe Commission that some negotiations ma\ ha.c to occur \%ith CIC in order for this to occur. Relocation Padment for Tenant at 124-132 CI%de. R Schur informed the Commission that there f, additional famil% that is eliaihle for relocation rnone\ from the C a\ due to the project at 12-4-1 32 0%de 'I his lamil\ is eligible for S4. 0). A recommendation to Cite Council 1s needed. M. Lane made a motion to recommend to Cite Council the rclocanon pa_. ment of' S-3.2 1 i to the tenant of 1 ,4-1 t I\ de B Brooks seconded the Motion. IV. OTHER BUSINESS A. Gitelson presented \I. Lane v ith a certificate o(appreciation for sern ing t%ko terms on the I -lousing Commission and thanked her filr her six years of dedication not onl\ to the Housing Commis,ion but to a m%riad of communit\ related acts', ities. x ADJOURNMENT T �I. Lane made a motion to Aiourn J. i_.�ma-x seconded MO:"" %k n,% t;Irthc:r business before the Commission. the meeting a4ioumod t S 3, .4 p to Respectfull} submitted. Roberta Schur Housing Planner 2C EVANSTON HOUSING COMWSSiON MINUTES July 20. 1991) 7:00 P.M. Commission I'vIetnbers Present: B. Brooks, A. Gitelson. Y. Dickerson. D. Lach. M. Lane. J. Lomax. L. Nesbitt Staff' Present: R. Schur. S. Janusz Guests: Julius Belser, Reba Place Development Corporation Presiding Official. A. Gitelson, Chair 1. DECLARATION OF QUORUM[ A. Gitelson declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A. Gitelson explained that this was a special meeting of the Housing Commission. 11. APPROVAL OF ,MINUTES L. Nesbitt made a motion to approve the minutes of %ta% 20. 1999 and Ma% 25. 1999 as written. N'. Dickerson seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0-I. . III. NEW BUSINESS A. Reba Place Development Corporation (RPDC) Application for Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Status under the HOME Program. A. Gitelson explained that under the HOME Pro►;ram, there is a special designation for not - for -profit housing developers known as CHDO. The Cite already has tti►-o other CHDOs. Evanston Housing Coalition and Interfaith Housing Development Corporation. R. Schur explained that under the HO4tE Program. participating jurisdictions are required to expend at least 15% of their annual allocation on CHDO projects. R. Brooks made a motion to recommend RPDC be designated a CHDO as provided for under the HOME Program. D. Lach seconded the motion. 141otion passed 6-0. B. Evanston Housing Corporation Request for Funds from the Mayor's Sptciai Housing Fund. R. Schur explained that the Evanson Housing Corporation (EHC) is a lender consortium affiliate of the City. It offers seveml programs, including the First Time Home Buyer program and the rental rehabilitation program. She introduced Stan Janusz who is the staff administrator of these programs. R. Schur explained that w•ttrn the Corporation was established. it had a ten-year expiration date, which is November 1999, It is the intent of all parties involved uith EHC to continue the programs of the Corporation. As such, it is necessary to re -fund it_ During the 1999-2000 budget process. funds were allocated to the Corporation on behalf of the City but not at the previous funding level. EHC is coming to the Commission at this time to supplement the Cit% funds. A.Gitelson underscored the link between the coal of EHC and the purpose of the Mayor's Fund. R. Brooks clarified that the loans made by EHC were repaid. Y. Dickerson inquired as to the status of Liberty Federal's purchase of the portfolio. D. Lach moved to recommend to City Council that S l 50.000 from the Mayor's Special Housing Fund be given to the Evanston Housing Corporation for the First Time Home Buyer Program. Y. Dickerson seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. In addition. S. Janusz was seeking recommendation to City Council to continue the Multi -Family Code Loan Program at the current funding level. Y. Dickerson asked if the program is being used effectively. S. Janusz replied that currently the program is not being used as much as EHC had intended. Howe% er. at the EHC board meeting yesterday, it was decided to expand the program cirz+ide and to continue the program for another year and evaluate it at that point. R. Brooks made a motion to recommend continuation of this program. L.Nesbitt seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0. IN'. ADJOURNMENT With no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted. Roberta Schur. Housing Planner DRAFT DRAFT EVANSTON HOL*SING COMMISSION MINUTES JUL IS, 1999 Member. Present: R. Brooks, Y. Dickerson. A. Gitelson, D. Lach Members Absent: M. Lane, J. Lomax, L. Nesbitt Guests: N. Belser. J. Belser, R. Bady. Reba Place Development Corporation Presiding Official: A. Gitelson, Chair Staff Present: R. Schur. S. Janusz I. DECLARATION OF QUORUM A. Gitelson explained that since there was not a quorum present, the Commission could not vote on any of the action items on the agenda. However, the Commission would discuss the action items and a special meeting will be held to vote on these items. Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. H. NEW BUSINESS A. Section 8 Forum. A. Gitelson explained that the City of Evanston decided to hold a special meeting on Section 8 as a result of a joint Housing & CD Committee and Housing Commission meeting. It was a panel discussion with representation from HUD, Cook County Housing Authority (HACC) and Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities. A. Gitelson moderated the forum. A. Gitelson reported that the panelists provided opening comments, answered questions that had been submitted previously and then opened up the meeting for general comments the last portion of the meeting. A. Gitelson described the meeting as spirited. There were a lot of concerns regarding Section 8 services. A. Gitelson expressed that he believed that the forum served not only Lis an opportunity for those in attendance to learn information but that it also provided an opportunity for the panelists to understand how landlords and tenants perceive the services being provided. Y. Dickerson noted that there was broad representation at the meeting, for example. landlords, tenants. and social service providers. A. Dickerson believes that this is an issue that requires more clarification because many people do not understand how the - program works. Y. Dickerson .found it enlikhtrning and holes that the information learned will be coordinated and integrated, Y Dickerson noted that the mayor » as present and took the opportunin to -.1vak and ask questions about g:uning ILVal.control over the Section 8 program in Evanston. R. Schur reported that staff has had tn,.•o follo« -up meetings with the organizations represented on the panel to discuss the specifies of the situation in E,.-anston. There a= several changes that are being d scussed for implementation. B. Current Housing Stock. A. Gitelson introduced this item by explaining that the issue over the distribution of the housing stock «as raised at the last meeting. There is growing concern on the part of the Commission regarding they type, quality and quantity of rental options available to low and middle income families. This is linked, in part to the number of condominiums and implications of condominium conversions. A. Gitelson thinks this should be a major pan of the Housing Commission's agenda during the next six to twelve months. He would like to see focused discussions on this issue in the Fall. A. Gitelson referred to a list of ccmdominium conversions and new construction condominiums of the number of condominiums developed over the past three years. Y. Dickerson explained that the reason she raised the issue of conversions, is because in her experience. if a large number of conversions are occurring in an area, renters tend to feel like they are being pushed out. It is important that people realize that the condominium developments that have occurred are good, quality- developmems that have been welcomed by the city. It is important for the Housing Commission to discuss this issue and understand the bigger picture. Perhaps there are policy changes that could be implemented following the lead of other communities that limit the number of conversions. R. Brooks agreed with the statements made thus far and added that people may be surprised by the large number of conversions planned for the future. D. Lach asked if there was market demand for all of these condominiums. Y. Dickerson said yes, there is a huge demand for property, particularly for first time home buyers. However, she is concerned about the future and whether or not there will be too many condominium units on the market if the housing market softens. D. Lach asked how the increase in condominium conversions affect the availability of rental units for households, students and people affiliated with the university. Y. Dickerson requested additional information on the community in California that limits condominium conversions. What made them decide to go that route:' What have the implications been? D. Lach requested basic information regarding the current .tatus of the hcArcing stock - addition, she is looking for basic information and education on what is ok1 urring. Julius Belser. Reba Place Den elopment Corporation tRPD0 added 'hat their :ur some key conversions occurring on the 800 block of Seward. He ntzt a ith the tenants in the building. All of the tenants well be displaced. The same is true for 2.nother building in the area. Most of those impacted are African -American and lost -income. J. Belser stressed that is very important for the Reba Place community to have a mixed-incomm. mixed -race, stable community. All of these conversions are: thtratening the balance of the community. R. Brooks informed J. Belser that there is a provision for relocation assistance in the condominium conversion ordinance for low income households. J. Belser said that many of these tenants receive Section 8 assistance and they are finding it difficult to locate landlords willing to accept the certificates. A. Gitelson suggested that data be gathered, whether that be from existing information that the City has or bring in outside people to provide the information. and presented at the September meeting. There is a concern to protect the integrity of the community and not overbuild as is occurring in other areas. Y. Dickerson suggested speaking with people who were around when the initial condominium conversion wave hit to provide comparisons between the two eras and to explain the impact the initial condo wave had on Evanston. C. Reba Place Development Corporation Application for Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Status under the HOME Program. R. Schur summarized the HOME Program and the importance CHDOs have in the program. Participating jurisdictions are required to set aside 15% of their annual allocation for CHDO projects. If Reba Place Development Corporation (RPDC) is granted CHDO status, Evanston will have three CHDOs that will be able to do projects and receive these funds. R. Schur explained that RPDC had submitted all of the required information. including supplemental information she had requested. A. Gitelson asked whether or not RPDC believed that they had a need to increase the board to include tenant representation in order to receive regular tenant input. N. Belser responded that to date. Reba De%elopment has only done one project. the House of Peace Cooperative. There is a fairly strong communtt% developing in that building. A. Gitelson said that as a CHDO they would be funded by the federal government. As such. what is the relationship between Reba Church and the development arm. N. Belser explained that they had submitted the marketing plan written for the House of Peace. Most of the coop members are the original renters in the building. It is not the intention ' of Reba Development to displace people in order to give preference for church members. J. Bclser added that approximately one-half of the Reba Apartments residents are church members, the rest are not. D. Evanston Housing Corporation Request for funds from the Mayor's Special Housing Fund. S. Janusz explained that the Evanston Housing Corporation consists of six Ienders. Liberty Federal Bank is looking at purchasing the current portfolio which would net S2.4 million for the corporation. Liberty Federal is conducting a board meeting tonight to discuss this issue vote upon it. The next Evanston Housing Corporation meeting is on Monday, July 19 at which point they will discuss continuing funding of the Corporation and which lenders will remain in the Corporation. It is expected that all members will return at similar or greater funding levels. If Liberty Federal does not purchase the portfolio, the loans would stay in-house and mature; the members would receive monthly payments for their investment. The City of Evanston needs approval of the Housing Commission and City Council(on 7I26/99) to allocate 5150,000 of Mayor's Special Housing Fund money toward the first time home buyer program. R. Schur and S. Janusz summarized how the Mayor's Fund works and how it is re -funded annually. A. Gitelson asked how much money is currently in the Mayor's Fund. The current balance is approximately 5300,000 Given the time pressure involved with this item, R. Brooks asked what the general consensus was of the Commissioners present regarding this item. The general consensus was in favor of the request. M. OTHER BUSINESS A. Gitelson asked those Commissioners present when would be convenient to reconvene to vote on the two action items. S. Janusz requested that the Commission meet by Wednesday in order for the Housing Commission decision to be included in the City Council packets for the July 26 meeting, It was decided that the Commission would try to hold the special meeting either Tuesday or Wednesday evening. TV. ADJOURNMENT With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m Respectfully submitted. r - (1',_r�,, .; /I i , 1ioberta Schur Housing Planner 4 June 11. 1999 TO: Mary Morris City CIerk FRONT: Mary Baaske Planning Division SUBJECT: Housing Commission The next meeting of the Housing Commission scheduled for June 17. 1999 has been canceled. it DRAFT DRAFT F.VAA'STON HOUSING CO.t MISSIO-V MINUTES MA }' 25, 1999 Members Present: R. Brooks, Y. Dickerson, A. Gitelson. D. Lach, M. Lane. J. Lomax Members Absent: L. Nesbitt Guests: Dorothy Lloyd -Still & Richard Salem. Housing Options; David Myers. Connections for the Homeles.4 Presiding Official: A. Gitelson. Chair Staff Present: R. Schur I. DECLARATION OF QUORUM A. Gitelson declared a quorum and called the meeung to order at 8:00 p.m. II. REQUESTS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR HUD SUPER-NOFA HOMELESSNESS APPLICATIONS A. Gitelson explained that this meeting was a spect_1 meeting. At the regular meeting of the Housing Commission of flay 20. they did not ha, e a quorum. Ho«ever, the Commission did discuss both proposals being submitted to the Depar-ment of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). A. Gitelson reminded everyone present tha: the Commissions task was to evaluate the proposals to determine whether or not they were its Z t mpliance v ith the Consolidated Plan. A, Gitelson asked if anyone had questions for the appl:z:ants. D. Lach asked the representatives of Housing Options how long the low expectation client was expected to stay in a program. D. Lloyd -Still responded that they have designed the program to be permanent housing. However. _iven the nature .A the population, the- envision a considerable turnover of residents. D. Lach asked tf theN would be getting referrals from other organizations. D. Lloyd -Still informed the Commission that the psychiatric unit; of both Evanston hospitals would refer clients as would Connections for the Homeless. In -ddition. mans clients would come to the program through information spread by word of mouth. D. Lloyd -Still added that if Housing Options cannot serve a particular client, the staff w :;1 try to find them assistance through other channels. R. Salem said that in mane cases the client may need to be served outside the community. k R. Brooks asked for clarification of the Housing Conimiss►on mir A Lane asked D. Ntvers. executive directeir of Connections for the Horncle.•. to kr%e a <utttman of the project. D. Myers explained that this was a transitional hOusrng pn�jrct (Or se" en t.►mih�-s. The emphasis was on assisting young mothers and their children This "ill he a scancred site program: the units will not be in one building or sec -ion of Et an.ton. The goal of the pnigram as to stabilize families and to equalize the playing ground. Connections enN rsions that the famitie`- will stay in the program for approximately 18 month,,. In addition to housing, Connections wtl.1 provide support services which is key in this type of program. M. Lane asked if the families would receive outside support or financial services such as welfare benefits. D. Myers responded that the heads of household must be working or in a job training program. M. Lane expressed concern that the participants do not have to pat their way. D. :Myers explained that during the first twelve months of the program. the families are expected to save their discretionary income. During months 13-24, their financial responsibilities will increase fic. paying rent and utilities) R. Brooks made a motion to approve Connections for the Homeless' request for a certificate of compliance with the Consolidated Plan. A Lane seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. M. Lune made a motion to approve Housing Options- request for a certificate of compliance with the Consolidated Plan. Y. Dickerson seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. A. Gitelson asked each agency to report back to the Housing Commission on a regular basis to review the status and progress of the two programs. Both organizations agreed to do this. 111. ADJOURtiNiENT Y. Dickerson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. D. Lach seconded the motion. With no additional business before the Commission. the members voted 6-0 to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted. Roberta Schur Housing Planner DRAFT F_ V.A.VSTON HOUSING COMMISSION ,1I1.VL, TES MAY 0. 1999 DRAFT Members Present: Y. Dickerson. A. Giteison.1. Lane. J. Lomax Members Absent: R. Brooks. D. Lach. L. Nesbitt Guests: Housing Options: Scott Morgan. Alice Kreiman. Dorothy Lloyd -Still. CPM-Connections for the Homeless: Marie Vesely: Evanston Neighborhood Conference: Pierre DeVincentis. Karen Chavers. Saul Klibanow Presiding Official: A. Gitelson. Chair Staff Present: R. Schur, J. Wolinski 1. DECLARATION OF QUORUXI A. Gitelson explained that there was not a quorum present. As such, the Commission could not vote on any of the action items on the agenda. However, the Commission would discuss all of them and a special meeting will be held to vote on the time sensitive items. Meetine was called to order at 7:01 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 15. 1999. A. Gitelson asked if there were any comments or questions regarding the minutes. M. Lane referred to Approval of Minutes section of the minutes. ,Im. Lane questioned the usage of the word `claims' in the last line of the section. She suggested using the word stated or said instead. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Gitelson asked R. Schur to give the background on the issue before the Commission. R. Schur explained that for the past few years. the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a funding announcement (SUPERNofa) for proposals dealing with the issue of homeless. In Evanston. agency proposals are submitted directly to HUD. One of the items that must be submitted with proposals is a document called the Continuum of Care. The Continuum of Care is reviewed by the Human Services k Committee. The Housing Commission reviews the proposals for consistencv with the Consolidated Plan. R. Schur informed the Commission that the Human Sen•ices Committee met last night but did not approve the Continuum of Care at that meeting. It is anticipated that the Human Services Committee will be meeting next week to continue their discussion of this issue. There was concern on the part of the Housing Commission members as to X by Human Services Committee did not approve the Continuum of Care document. M. Lane asked if there were certain deficiencies to the document. R. Schur replied that, to the best of her knowledge. the Committee had specific issues with the proposals and some of the references to the Continuum to the Consolidated Plan. A. CMI-CONNECTION'S FOR THE HOMELESS A. Gitelson introduced Marie Vesely. CPM--Connections for the Homelesi ("Connection," i. and asked her to provide a summary of the proposal. M. Vesely described their new program. Neu Beginnings for Young Families, as a temporary housing protest CPNI %%ill rent seven scattered site apartment units for young families. CPNI's goal is it, pros ide children with a good, stable life beginning. After completing this program, a family %%ould mo%e into permanent housing and continue to increase their skills in order to deal with the challenges of day to day living. In addition to the housing aspect, CPM %%Ell be providing supportive ,ervices which will include case management, life skills training, budgeting. employment assistance, parenting skills and child care. Families must save mane} to help themsel%'es move into permanent housing. M. Vesely linked this proposal to the Consolidated Plan through priorities #2 (transitional housing). #4 (transition to permanent hou,Eng), #5 (prevent homelessness) #9 (coordination with substance abuse services. NI. Lane asked v hat they considered a young family. M. Vesely responded that she thought eighteen %vas as young 3s they could go so as not to deal with minors. The oldest would be in the late twenties. Ideally the% %%ant to assist families with children aged six and younger - A. Gitelson asked how this program differs significantly from the Families in Transition ( FIT) Program. M. Vesely responded that to the FIT Program, it is up to the clients to find sponsors and put together a program. In her experience. M. Vesely tndacated that their clients are not ready it) find a sponsor and put together a self sufficiency plan. %I.Vc%el,, said that CP`I is prop,,.tng to prop ide an intenst%e level of uxta; service~ %arth housing. Dunng the beginning or the program. the fartiil% pays no rent. the. contribute to a savings account. A. Gitelson Enquired as to how long that period %%ould last. M. Vesely said that it %%ould %arx depending on the family. The transitional housing aspect would last from l' to 18 months. At the end of that period they would begin to pay rent and utilities 0 I A. Gitelson said that there are three actors in the FIT program: City. Sponsor, and Cl.t _ The City provides rental assistance, the sponsor provides suppoonive srr%i,,es and the client pats 30`'r of their income tossard rent. With this set up there is sonic "bus -in" a—__d commitment to the program. «'here is the bus -in to CPA's program. M. Vesely said that if the family is reads to do this. CPM would potentially use the FIT pmgrun or mc-- e them into the permanent phase of housing under CP`I's program. M. Vcz;ely said tha CPM would certainly ys ork with the FIT program if appropriate. A. Gitel:&In encouraved CPNI to keep in close contact with the City regarding the applicabilit\ of the FIT program. In response to a question bs A. Gitelson . M. Vesely stated that the current participants in the transitional housing program stay for an average of 9 months. A Lane asked if this program was based on a model. 1I. Vesely replied that CPM look at the calls they have been receiving, for example Evanston Township High School students who are lining in abusive homes. and talked with agencies that work with families with young children. By focusing on families with young children. CPM hopes to give the children a good foundation. M. Lane expressed concern that the client is not going to have any buy -in except their need for housing. M. Vesely described the requirement in CP.Ni's transitional housing program which require, a ,as ings plan as pan of participation in the program. Eighty percent of their income 1 minus expenses► must be put into a sayings account. When someone leaves the program, the money may be used for security deposit and utility hook-ups. The money must stay, with CPNI for 90 days after moving out. M. Lane inquired about families with older children. VI. Vesely said that they would not be their main focus. yi Lane asked about the money allocated to supportive services and mental health treatment. She expressed concern that there is nothing allocated for mental health treatment. M. Vesely responded that they have access to mental health treatment through the shelter or through other agencies. M. Lane asked about the education funding. M. Vesely ,aid that it had been included in the Job training category. M. Lane also expressed concern [hat the funds allocated in the case management section in comparison to other categones were a little out of balance. A Vesely responded that case management is the largest component of the program: this program is very labor intensive and time consuming. J. Lomax asked if the proo, ram ysould he housing homeless people from Chicago. Ni. Vesely responded that CPM dt s not currently admit Chicago residents into the transitional or family housing programs. Funds that CPNI receives from Cook County are used to serve their client• ss ho come from outside Evanston through Hilda's Place and Entry Point. A. Gitelson referred to the proposal %%here it states that CPNI will not just be looking for Xi housing in Evanston: it states they will house families in Evanston and surrounding communities. M. Vesely stated that the goal is to serve Evanston families but that they may need to look for housing in Chicago or Skokie to rind affordable housing. A. Gitelson asked if that would be a problem for individuals who were attending Evanston schools. M. Vesely explained that it ma% be logiiticalh difficult but homeless individuals are allowed to continue schooling in their home locations. This will allow Evanston homeless to attend Evanston schools. A. Gitelsor� asked what happens after the three: -sear grant period is oiler. «'hat kind of funding u ill be available' Will this program be dependent on Entn Paint for clients? M. Vesely said they would not be dependant on Entr% Point for clients Most referrals come from Emergency Services and schtw)1s. A. Gitelson asked about the number of referrals for the program. M. Vesely was uncertain but said that she could supply the information. Since June 1998. they have provided 1 1 families with rental assistance. M. Lane asked if CPM did any kind of housing stock survey to determine what was available. M. Vesely said that they based their costs on the amounts they currently pay. All of their current apartments are S700 per month for r.to bedrooms. CPM does not want to put families in apartments that the} would not be able to afford on their own after they complete the program. CPM will be the leaseholder. A. Gitelson referred to a priority in the Consolidated Plan which addresses an attempt to move toward a regional approach to homelessness. What is CPM doing about this? M. Vesely responded that Cook County and Evanston are interested in a regional approach however it has been difficult to get Chicago to work on this with them. HUD is also working to convene a meeting %ith the three local entities. A Lane asked if CPM has considered providing their own housing by purchasing a building. 1sf. Vesely Said that they have talked about it but at this point no. They have budgeted S600/month for 2 bedrooms and S775/month for 1 bedrooms. B. HOUSING OPTIONS. Scott Aiorgan. President of the Board of Housing Options, stated that it is Housing Options objective to gain approval from the Commission for Compliance with the Consolidated Plan. Housing Options intends to provide permanent housing for eight homeless individuals %ith mental illness. Thev will be housed in studio and one bedroom units in Evanston. Housing Options %ill provide housing and appropriate supportive ser ice%. Housing Options a ill contract with mental health providers for the supportive ser ices element of the program. Housing Options intends this to be a scattered site program so as not to concentrate units in areas of Evanston where Housing Options currently has housing units. S. 'Morgan stated that Housing Options has experience in providing transitional and scatter site housing: they currently house 37 people. 4 V S. Morgan explained that the potential clients :ire :t 'loW Fvpula ion. The:,.e people are not prepared tc� enter init, a �;tructutrd pa�gr m Therefore. Housing Options will be bringing the services to the cpent.. This Inx gnarl meet clients «' err the%- are and slowly brings them up. S. Morgan claintcll ttmc thi,'uh-p0pul.1t10t1 ; ] thr 111entall4 ill is not L:einz well cared for. Basel On llou:ing Option..:' exp hence x-J the referrals they have received. S. Morgan clainis that there are appmmmatels t•-10 N Inston residents who need this program. Housing Option,; has Earned do«n eig'�i people through the cour-.e of their intake process who niect the cntena of the program. A. Gitelson asked if Connections for the Homeless w is the referral point for the program. D. Lloyd -Still. Executive Director cat' Housing Options. responded that a: this time there is no formal agreement between the two oreanizations but that they are w orking on one. If Hilda's Place comes into contact with a menialh ill individual o ho uo.uid tit the program. they would do the referral. However. Connections for the Homeless is not the sole Source of referrals. A. Gitelson inquired as to the longevity of this program. Given the fact that these may be lifelong clients and that the funding for this program is or, IN guaranteed for three years. what happens after the initial three years period. D. Lloyd -Still explained that this will be a very difficult client base to serve. Housing Options en% isions a very high turn overrate. At the end of three vears. Housing Options will apply for renewal funding. if the program is not successful. they will shut it down. Y. Dickerson referred to the project proposals where it indicates that Housing Options would rent space from the YMCA and asked whether or not Housing Options had a formal agreement with the YMCA. D. Lloyd -Still responded that they have an on -going relationship with the Y IC A. The YMCA was only used as an example- Y. Dickerson asked if there were people that Housing Options have already begun to "engage" who would tit this program. D. Lloyd -Still explained that due to the transitory nature of this population. they cannot ,tan to engage individuals now. Bs the time the funding %ws in place and they had been able to rent a unit. the individual would be gone. M. Lane remarked that many of these individuals may be lining with family members now. A. Gitelson asked if there was a model for this program. D. Lloyd -Still answered in the affirmative. She said that the standard model is drop -in. Engaging people in their own apartment, is fairy netk A. Gitelson inquired as to the amount of regional work goinz on around this issue. D. Lloyd -Still explained that work is occurring on two levels, homeless arena and the mentally ill who are homeless. There are other groups on the north shore who are aiding the mentally ill. for example. Witpower in Wilmette. This organization was established around the same time as Housing Options and provides similar wrti ices. The main 5 difference is that Wilpower is managed by family members of impacted individuals. Y. Dickerson asked when they would be notified if the% %ere funded. D. Lloyd -Still told her it would be late summer or early fall. S. Klibanou. Evanston resident. asked about the level of supervision and concentration of clients. D. Lloyd -Still indicated that each client would have a case manager who would touch based with the individual at Ieast once per day. K. Chavers. Evanston Neighborhood Conference. asked chat areas Housing Options would seek apartments in. S. Morgan responded that the Board has a commitment not to put rental housing near Housing Options' other properties are. K. Chavers inquired as to the nature of the relationship between Connections for the Homeless and Housing Options. D. Lloyd -Still explained that they work with Connections all the time. Housing Options anticipates a significant number of clients may come from Connections. They are %working on a lima a agreement. P. Divencentes asked what the benefit was: of isolating "low expectations" clients even further b% housing them by themselves. D. Lloyd -Still explained that in Housing Options experience. these individuals cannot tolerate the group m;iteu that exists in their other programs. It is the hope that these individuals will mo-,e toward more socialization through the cour.e of the program. I1'. OLD BUSINESS A. Families in Transition. A. Gitelson asked R. Schur to comment on what she found out about publicity regarding the Families to Transition ; FIT) program to date. R. Schur responded that over the past couple of years there has been no publicity on the Program. R. Schur directed people to their packets and referred to the two draft letters she composed to inform likely sponsors for the program. The intended recipients of these letters are bocial service providers and religious institutions. Y. Dickerson asked if any individual could be a Sponsor in the Program. R. Schur said no. it has to be an Evanston -based not for profit. Housing Commission members requested that these letters be mailed to the appropriate organizati,ins. B. Condominium Conversions. Y. Dickerson pointed out that there have been a tremendous number of conversions in 1999 and asked if they are all currently for sale. R. Schur explained that most of them are currently for sale. R. Schur uses the near in which the documents have been or will he completed as the condominium conversion date. Y. Dickerson asked whether or not too man% buildings ha%e been converted and whether or 6 not this was something that the Housing Commission shxsuld adder.• Y EhAen%m pointed out that a disprupurtionate number of buildings wr being com cried to certain neighborhoods. Y. Dickerson asked if the condominium revisions ha%e Men put in riace art R. Schur reported that the revisions have been reviewed by the legal depanrnent and nc^rd edited to reflect the legal department's comments. Y. Dickerson thinks there is an enormous increase in the number of coo ersions at this time. She believes it is the Commission's role to investigate this. A.Gitelson asked what percentage of multifamily buildings have been converted from rental to condominiums. The second thing to look at is whether or not this is a good thing. The third item relates to what impact the Commission could have on policy. Y. Dickerson stated that she believes it is the Commission's responsibility to research this on behalf of the community. M. Lane referred to an article in the newspaper that addressed with the number of conversions and the impact on affordable housing. This article had a national focus. ht. Lane added. that regardless of the number of housing units there are in Evanston. the conversion of 200 units to condominiums is having an impact on a number of Evanston households. NL Lane underscored the need for the Housing Commission to learn more about this issue and speak out on it. M. Lane pointed out that this issue is tied in to the June 8 meeting about Section 8. A. Gitelson recommended putting this issue on the June agenda. A. Gitelson reminded people about the discussion on Tuesday. June 8. regarding the Section 3 Housing Program. He informed the Commission that he would be serving as the moderator of the event. R. Schur encouraged all members of the Commission and members of the community to submit their Response Forms for the meeting. K. Chavers asked to whom were the invitations sent. R. Schur responded that approximate]% 400 letters were sent out. Mailing lists from the Housing Commission. Human Relations Commission. Housing & CD Committee. Citizens Planning Committee. Communit% Organizations. Religious Institutions and respondents to a tenant seminar «ere used. K. Cha%er. asked. in regard to the condominium conversion list. what was on the land prior to the ne%% condominium constructions. R. Schur responded that at 1 415 Sherman. the site %%.is %acant. at 1830 and 1834 Ridge. this is considered adaptive reuse. These are old manufacturing buildings that were vacant that are being converted to a residential use. VI. COMME1'TS K. Chavers asked to address the Commission. K. Chavers wanted to address the confusion over the mission of the Evanston Neighborhood Conference i ENC). particularly in the area of housing. K. Chavers distributed some materials to the Commissioners. K. Chavers informed the Conutvssion that ENC has been around for 1 I years, they have a mission and are currently involved in a strategic planning proccac. ENC has a citywide focus on relationships and resources to support the viability of Evanston's neighborhoods. ENC has worked with residents, policy makers, stakeholders and recommending bodies to meet the goals and objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan and related documents. Over the past two years, due to a CDBG grant. ENC has been able to focus on tenant -landlord relations. K. Chavers added that she wanted to address a comment made a couple of meetings ago regarding ENC's involvement with the Assist Program. K. Chavers met with David Kasprisin after it was discussed at the Housing Commission. K. Chavers referred to some of the materials she distributed as examples of the type of work ENC was involved with at this time. R. Schur asked the Commissioners when they would be available the week of May 24. in order to hold a special meeting for the purpose of voting on the request by Housing Options and CPM for a certificate of compliance with the Consolidate Plan. Tuesday, May 25 was selected. R. Schur said she would contact them to confirm the date and establish whether or not they could get a quorum for that night. VII. ADJOCILtiMENT J. Lomax made a motion to adjoum. Y. Dickerson seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:55. Respectfully submitted. Roberta Schur Housing Planner 8 K DRAFT DRAFT EVANSTO.V HOL'SING COALVISSION 'VI.VUlES APRIL 15, 1999 Members Present: R. Brooks. Y. Dickerson. A. Gitelson, D. Lach. bi. Lane. L. Nesbitt Members Absent: J. Lomax Guests: Dorothy Lloyd -Still. Richard Salem, Ken R.^ce & Lucille Krasnow, Housing Options for the Mentally III -Evanston (HO-NIE): Pierre DeVincentis. Evanston Neighborhood Conference. Saul Klibanow Presiding Official: A. Gitelson Staff Present: R. Schur I. DECLARATION OF QUORUM A. Gitelson declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF MARCH 18, 1999. MINUTES D. Lach made a motion to approve the minutes as written. J. Nesbitt seconded the motion. Discussion: M. Lane said that she received a telephone call from Karen Chasers. Evanston Neighborhood Conference {EI Ci. regarding what was recorded in the minute regarding the ENC's characterization by Gates Capital Corporation and thar the language should be removed from the minutes. D. Lach responded that the purpose of minutes is to record w hat occurred at the meeting. M. Lane indicated that K. Chasers Kould send a memo. M. Lane expressed concern that the minutes did not reflect her comments regarding ENC's roic in the process %% ith the Gates Capital Corporation program. M.Lane requested that R. Schur review the tape again to clarification of what was said. R. Schur said that she would Motion to approve the minutes as written passed 6.0. tii. Lane claims that the .-%-,ust represent_inves only met ENC once. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration of Housing Options Request for Statement of Compliance with the Consolidated Plan. A. Gitelson asked the guests from Housing Options to introduce themselves. which the% did. llorothy Lloyd -Still. execuii%e director of H,-using Options (HOMEi explained that they were: applying to the Illinois Hou,ing De%elopment Authonty tIHDAj for funds to refinance their first mortgage and provide funding for repair-, to the building. As a part of IHDA's application process, they were required to submit a statement of compliance %%ith the Consolidated Plan. K. Rice added that the funds are comine from IHDA's Affordable Housing Trust Funds. He explained that the} make low interest loan, throughout the stag of Illinois. The funds would enable HOME to take out the first mortgage and do improvements to he units. including addressing k accessibility issues on the first floor. and some system work needed to be done. K. Rice infotnrred the Commissioners that Housing Options has owned the building since March 19cr He explsraed that there would be no expansion of service associated with this funding appiicanon. D. Lach asked if the building on Jackson was fully occupied. D. Lloyd -Still answered in the affirmative. There are nine individuals living in the one- and two -bedroom units. B. Brooks asked where the article came from about Housing Options that was in the packet. D. Lloyd -Still responded that the piece was done by Harris Bank. They provided a grant for windows the previous year and HOME w as highlighted in last years annual pubticatton. S. Klibanow, community member, asked if this project was funded with the use of the low income housing tax credit to which the answer was no. hi. Lane made a motion to provide a statement or compliance with the Consolidated Plea R. Brooks seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. B. Families in Transition. A. Gitelson explained that this ttem was on the agenda as a follow up to a conversation the Commission had a couple of months ago. At that time. there w as concern that the FIT program was not being fully taken advantage of and that perhaps it should be publicized more widely. A. Gitelson asked R. Schur what publicity. if any, was done regarding the FIT program. R. Schur informed the Commission that no publicity goes out about this program. R. Schur mentioned that there might be a cap on the amount of Mavor's Special Housing Funds to be spent on the FIT Program. This might be part of the reason no aggressive marketing has been done about the program. In addition. the lease guarantee aspect of the program may turn some people away. Y_ Dickerson added that there are also confidentiality issues involved; this is a 'faceless' program. Y. Dickerson said that a booklet w as distributed that contained a listing of Evanston services. She asked if the FIT program Has included in the service guide, No one present had seen the booklet so the question could not be answered. Staff was instructed to do three things for the next meeting: 1. Find out if there is a FiT cap. ?. What publicity has been done around this program; 3. If there is no plan. devise a plan or draft a letter that may be used. The pros and cons of increased advertising of the FiT program were discusistd by Commissioners M. Lane suggested that the Housing Commission develop a "<ore card" of accomplishments and/or responsibilities so when somebody asks what the Housing Commission does there is somethtne that can be distributed A. Gitelson suggested that bullet points be taken from the Annual Report that wa_s written for the previous year. IV. OTHER BUSINESS R. Schur informed the Commissioners that she and Sally Lufkin, CDBG Grants Administrator. were in the process of putting together the Section 8 Forum as had been requested by the CD Committee and the Housing Commission This went will be co -sponsored by them and the Human Relations Commission. This forum ',kill be held in June assuming the speakers are a%ailable. More information will be forthcoming as details are put in place There was concern raised bs D. Lach and others concurred. rrkardine the Housine Commissioner slots that still needed to tx filled Y Dicker on offered to contact Leadership Evanston to generate more interest. Y. Dickerson brought up the reputation of south east Evanston. She mentioned tha as a real estate agent, she hears a lot about Evanston from a variety of different sources. She said, that it is a pleasure to see and report on the revitalization of the south east neighborhood She has heard a lot of positive feedback about the area. She believes the work of the Housing Commission is responsible. in part, for this change. Pierre DeVincentis. representing the Evanston Neighborhood Conference, indicated K. Chaven had some corrections regarding the March minutes. He also mentioned that E.iC is also struggling with its identity and is trying to develop a mission statement. He asked if the Housing Commission had a mission statement or a charter document which outlined the goals of the Commission. R. Schur referred him to the Housing Commission enabling ordinance which is part of the City Code. P. DeVincentis agreed that there have been a lot of good things going on in Evanston but that there is also a growing concern that as areas and properties are being upgraded the availability of housing for poorer folks is diminishing. M. Lane requested an update on the number of buildings converted to condominiums in the past two years. A discussion ensued regarding the affordability of Evanston. Y Dickerson shared her experience from a realtor perspective. Not only is it a renter issue. but affordability also effects potential buyers. A. Gitelson added that this is something that the Commission nerds to keep in mind as it goes about its business and addresses housing issues in the future. A. Gitelson thanked M. Lane for chairing the March meeting in his absence. VI. ADJOURNMENT With no other business before the Commission. D. Lach moved to adjourn the meeting. M. Lane seconded the motion:. Motion passed 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.tn. Respectfully submitted: Roberta Schur Housing Planner X DRAFT DRAFT EVANSTON HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 1$ 1999 Members Present: R. Brooks. Y. Dickerson. D. Lach, M. Lane, J. Lomax, L. Nesbitt Members Absent: A. Gitelson Guests: David Rasch, Gates Capital Corporation; David Kasprisin. National City; L. Paz. Evanston Neighborhood Conference; R. Sanchez, M. Franklin, V. Robledo Presiding Official: M. Lane. Vice Chair Staff Present: R. Schur I. DECLARATION OF QUORUM M. Lane declared a quorum and call the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF JA.\1 ARY 21, 19" MINUTES L. Nesbitt made a motion to approve the minutes as written. D. Lach seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. III. NEW BUSINESS: CONSIDERATION OF 1999 BOND VOLUME CAP ALLOCATION R. Schur referenced two memorandums in the Housing Commission packets that addressed the issue of the bond volume cap for 1999. At this time, it was necessary for the Housing Commission to make a recommendation regarding the 1999 allocation. R. Schur reminded the Commissioners that in 1998, the bond volume cap was allocated to Gates Capital Corporation in the amount of S2,000,000 for the Assist First Time Home Buyer Program and S1,579,650 to the Illinois Housing Development Authority for the Mortgage Credit Certificate program. Both programs assist low and moderate income home buyers. R. Schur introduced Da%id Rasch of Gates Capital Corporation who was present to give X an update on the Assist Program. D. Rasch informed :.he Commission that in the past sixty days, twelve households have been preapproved fora mortgage. These househoMs are currently looking for homes to purchase. The A>s:st Pn�gr m as a whole had $27,000,000 to lend. Currently $10.000,000 is rem:a:nrng. i'Ttr Assist Program has :again been very successful. D. Rasch emphasized that Gate-, Capital would like Evanston to continue to participate in the program. (National City .the lkv al lender for the Evanston program, has been working to increase awareness of Gj. pmgranr, particularly among realtors. D. Rasch reported that in those communities •.0cre the program has been operating for a number of years, they are almost out o the I ayri ntortc% . In Evanston. since it is the first year, it has been a little slow. Most of the housins: stock that falls within the purchase price limits of the program are cocdomtniutrts. David Kasprisin of National City said that one of the p7oblems they have been having in Evanston is that there isn't much FHA lending in Evanston. The product that National City is using for this program is an FHA loan. D. Kasprisin informed the Commission that he has identified 10-12 realtors who have familian-.v with FHA lending in Evanston. Now that these realtors have been identified. Kasprisin is more confident that the money will be used up more quickly. If the thirteen pre -approved buyers find homes that will use almost all of the money allocated to this program. D. Kasprisin reported that now that spring is hers: the available housing inventory should be getting larger. Some of the buyers have been outbid in the process of locating a henne which has elongated the process. D. Rasch added that he is confident that the E%anston money will be gone by the end of the year now that all of the pieces are in place M. Lane expressed concern that they were relying on realtors to communicate information about the program; she is afraid that some of the property owners in the price point may not be using realtors. D. Kasprisin responded that when the program first came to Evanston he tried working with the Evanston Neighborhood Conference (ENC). He thought working with ENC would generate a lot of enthusiasm about the project through word of mouth. In other cities where there are not -for -profits like ENC, they have worked very effectively at locating potential buyers D. Kasprisin reported that after waiting one to two months. it seemed like ENC was prctertive of the information they had and not a willing partner in dispensing the informatr,-jn National City had provided to ENC for purposes of disbursement. Instead, D. Kasprisin put together a four -step campaign to attract agents to use the program. This resulted in 6-7 agents stepping forward in Evanston that seemed to market the price point in Evanston. Y. Dickerson asked if the Assist Program was being used with FHA. D Kasprisin said yes. Y. Dickerson pointed out that when you look at the single family detached housing stock that is FHA approved, more often than not, the property needs repair and the home buyers do not have sufficient funds to do the repairs. D. Kasprisin acknowledged Y. Dickerson's point but added that they ha%e found properties that are working with the program. k D. Rasch highlighted some of the key Clements of the AtMst progr in. including the 6.75%. 30-year fixed rate interest rate mortgage. !le ad icti3 that cmc of the advantages of using the FHA loan was the ability to camp a highrr dent kxad. L. Nesbitt asked about the underwriting criteria for the Frograrn. D. Rwsch responded that they are the same as FHA guidelines. Income limits for 1999 program are 565.205 for i and'_ member households in non target areas and 573,370 for households of 3 or more. in May. purchase prices should increase about 7%. M. Lane emphasized her concern on relying too much on tealtors to market the program. She believes that some of the people looking to buy homes in this price point may not be using realtors. She urged them to use more than one approach in advertising this program. Laura Paz, Evanston Neighborhood Conference, said that community agencies are very overburdened and that they would need someone full time to work in the community on such a program. L. Nesbitt asked if National City had contacted any of the local churches to which the answer was yes. Y. Dickerson identified herself as a real estate agent and indicated that she had not received any information on the program. She suggested a seminar for realtors. R. Schur inquired as to whether or not a participating municipality could add local preferences to which the answer was yes. D. Kasprisin said that within the next couple of weeks he would put ads in the newspaper and conduct a realtor. seminar. He added that Corinne Jasper, his associate, was handling the church side of marketing. Y. Dickerson said that they need to give the Assist Program a chance. Y. Dickerson made a motion to recommend to City Council that the City of Evanston allocate $800,000 of the bond volume cap to Gates Capital Corporation for the Assist Program, $2,000,000 of the bond volume cap to the Illinois Housing Development Authority for the mortgage credit certificate program. and $779,650 be carried forward. Local preferences for the Assist Program are as follows: 1. The money be used in Evanston for the entire terms of the program: 2. Evanston residents have priority; and 3. Regular updates be forwarded to staff'. D. Lach seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. IV. OTHER BUSINESS 3 A L. Paz, ENC, informed the Commission that the Spanish Coalition ft�r Housing held a seminar at St. Nick's Church the prevtous Wednesday and fifty pm-iple were in attendance. L. Paz said that there were some concerns that arosc at the seminar that slpe wanted to share. The four issues are: 1 There is a small but growing Spanish speakiag population in Evanston who feel that their needs are not being addres-sed; ?. Concern that no more funds were available for the Evanston Housing Corporation's First Time Home Buyer Program; 3. Concern that less money was allocated to the Evanston Housing Corporation in next years budget; 4. Questions regarding when the condominium project at 124 Clyde would be ready for sale. R. Schur responded to L. Paz by inforcung her of the status of the First Time Home Buyer Program; to date, almost all of the money has been committed to people purchasing homes. Funds for the upcoming year are not yet finalized. The Evanston Housing Corporation will be meeting in April to discuss the future of the Corporation (when it was established, it was only set up for 10 years which expire in November 1999). The Corporation will continue. however, the funding level for next year has not yet been finalized. City Council, in its budget sessions, did cut the amount allocated for the Corporation. R. Schur informed everyone that staff is looking at other sources in order to make up for the cut by Council. Regarding the condominium project at 124 Clyde, R. Schur gave an update on the project. The model is complete and reervations are being taken. Thus far, two units have been sold. R. Schur informed the Commission that the Housing & CD Committee has been discussing the possibility of having a meeting to discuss issues around the use of Section 8 certificates in Evanston. This issue arose during the joint meeting of the Housing Commission & CD Committee meeting in June. The CD Committee would like the Housing Commission to cosponsor the meeting with them and perhaps the Human Relations Commission. Staff has been •corking on organizing this meeting. It will probably be held in late spring or early summer. M. Lane asked for an update on what transpired when the Housing Commission attended the Human Relations Commission meeang. R. Brooks informed her that the proposed amendments were recommended by both bodies. In addition. there was a renewed discussion about the two Commissions working together to improve the tenant -landlord ordinance. V. ADJOURNMENT With no other business before the Commission. L. Nesbitt moved to adjourn the meeting. D. Lach Seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. 4 Respectfully submitted. oberta Schur Housing Planner x DRAFT DRAT* F. V.4.VSTO.\' HOC :SING CO3 LV ISSION tillA17'E'S 14ATARY ?1. 1999 4[embers Present: R Brrx)ks. Y Dickerx-1n. A. Gitelson. D. Lach. NL Lane, J. Lomax_ L. Nesbar Presiding Official: A Gitelson. Acting Chair Guests: George Gauthier, Evanston Housing Coalition Staff Present: R. Schur 1. DECLARATION OF QUORUM A. Gitelson declared s quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 11. APPROVAL OF December 17, 1998. NIIN'LTES NI. Lane made a motion to accept the minutes as written. L. Nesbitt seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Request from the Evanston Housing Coalition for funds to repair two roofs. A. Gitelson introduced George Gauthier. executive director of the Evanston Housinz Coalition 01C). Nlr Gauthier explained that C11C purchased and rehabbed five houses in 1994. The properties had been vacant for many years at the time of purchase. The original rehab did not include roofs and gutters because they current roofs were considered to have at least five years of life remaining and the budget wa;t very tight. EHC is requesting the funds in the form of title transfer loans. Mr. Gauthier estimates that it will cost approximately S9.000 per house to repair the rooft, M. Lane inquired as to the types of families living in the two houses. G. Gauthier responded that one family is a single woman and her two children and her two grandchildren. The second family is a woman, her disabled daughter and her two children and one granddaughter. Y. Dickerson asked G. Gauthier to further explain what a title transfer loan was. G Gauthier explained that it was a lien on the property which is due on sale or is no X loner u,.ed as an at: rental T--- ..: sn;,,un1 111 the 1,+an •A::I I-< repaid. A Gttelvton asked R 'Aha: •. L-.. .;nil• -he ,%,,uld rep:.,,. mend he used :n rlws situation R Skhur MWJ tht �' �-. -, .•, n that the Nla%or', Housing Furrls Mould he the rhos[ ,►, - -ia:e in flr >N11 ^sad, ..�uhd nt,t he U.C;4 ;Cause the pr'i)er._t alreads had 11ON11:. ;n it tsorn i:% lf,ru�tnL Deselop nen: authority t1HDar Recul.itiott- :hoed .t.i.:: llt)MY. Lunds It, he u>ed G. Gauthier offered i;7. ;n:ormation tea:.::a;: loart .ka• appnned. EHC would get three bids from F.�an­. n arms Ile ~a. _ 7-cnt hid* of SS.-CK) and 5,�.100 for eazh house Additionsll%. 6, G.tuthrer tnt-~it.::he Commrssian that these houses are still on the tax roll~: thus % _Cl%r Ilk) 1.1" hrr.Ik, . - Lane asked sd hat •k a-d the hou,e• .k ere ::, G Gauthier re.;ponjed that the ho+t:s� are located in the fifth .�artt M. Lane made a motion to recommend to Cite Council that the Evanston Housing Coalition's request for funds. in the form of a title transfer loan. to replace the roofs at 1933 and 1709 Dodge be approsed. The Commission recommends that the funds. not to exceed 318.000, come from the \Ia►or's Special Housing Fund. Y. Dickerson seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0 B. Families in "Transition (FIT) Program application Revisions. The Housing Commission members liked the revisions that ►ere made to the FIT application. A. Gitelson suggested that an additional question be asked in Attachment H which addresses a tamily's progress in relation tr} the original timeline put forth in the application. D. Lach �atd that the aftida% it. Appendix F, needs to be dated and notarized. D. Lach added that she enjoy ud reading the surnmar,- of the families assisted to date. There %s ere many hearten armtnu stories included ,n the summary D Lach commented that n..tn% of the sponsors to the early years of the program are no longer sponsoring families She wandered ohs that «as so A, Gitelson responded that the commitment %%as a fiery serious one for the sponsors and many of them did no; fecal up to the task. It was requested by M Lane to put the issue of publicising the FIT Program on the Fe hrua ry . L. Nesbitt asked if the Housing Contmt:wort had any control o%er the Mayor's Special Housing Fund. A. Gitelson responded that no. It did not. The Commission's role t$ advisory only. C. Establish a Date & Prepare Discussion Points for Joint Meeting with Human Relations Commission. M. Lane reminded the Commission she had suggested this item. After talking with Paula [Haynes. Executive Director of the human Relations or Commission tHRC,. M. Lane suLee-;tcd that the 1111111 ?r receives the next rnonthly report troni the lluman Relations t'.`1ttt.•.;-.Nwil befor deciding* whether or not to hold a pint rtleeting. All Coilimi1 ior%r: present \%Crt= In agreement so this item was tabled D. Presentation: Hose to Read a Credit Report Luc% Nesthitt. a Housing Commissioner and _mployee at First ChtcagotNBD made a rr,�cn-ation to the Housing Commission on h+rt to read a credit report. This had been re.lue::eJ at a previota.-: Commission meeting. L. Nesbitt explained that a credit report is ,onfidcritial tii'_ on how an individual is paying off debt L. Nesbitt distributed se+era; sheets of rape.-:. two sample credit reports and two explanatory pages She iook u: throu_h :evera; examples of what a lender would look at in delcrinining %vhether o-, not an individual w'as a good credit risk. L. Nesbitt suggested i o Cepininksioners that the,. review &4ir own credit reports on an annual basis since mjsl;ikC4 dot occur D Lach asked if credit mistakes were difficult to fix. L. Nesbitt responded that they should he fixed within 60 days. L. Nesbitt informed the Commissioners that there are three rnain credit bureaus: fixing a mistake u ith one bureau does not rectif} the error with all three The three main credit bureaus are TRW. EquiFax and TransUnion. Y. Dickerson commented that she doesn't believe the average pers..m knr)Nti s what is involved with buying property and how a credit report fits into that L. Nesbitt acneed and indicated that the number one piece of credit that people ha%e is a bans: account. E. Election of 1999 Officers. In accordance with the Housing C.?mmission's enabling ordinance. the Housing Commission elected a chairperson and nice -chairperson for the 1999 calendar year. �I. Lane made a motion to elect A. Gitelson as Chairperson of the Housing Commission. D. Lach seconded the motion. Motion passed. D. Lach made a motion to elect M. Lane as Vice -Chairperson. J. Lomax seconded the motion. :Motion passed. IV. ADJOUPUNMENT A. Gitelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. J. Lomax seconded the motion. Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted Roberta Schur Housing Planner