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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1997 - 1998r HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: PRESIDING OFFICIAL: I. CALL TO ORDER MINUTES Tuesday, February 11, 1997 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center Aid. Drummer, Aid. Heydemann, Aid. Kent, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Dr. Thomas Stafford, Judith Treadway Aid. Moran Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department/Planning Division None Ald. Kent, Acting Chair The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m., a quorum being present. Aid. Drummer was out of the room for most of the meeting. He did participate in the discussion and vote on the request for additional funds for the Minority/Women/Evanston Business Program. 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 12 AND DECEMBER 10, 1996 MEETINGS Ald. Heydemann made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 12, 1996 Committee meeting; motion seconded by Dr. Stafford. Motion carried, 6-0. Aid. Heydemann made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 10, 1996 meeting; motion seconded by Judith Treadway. Ms. Treadway said that she was appreciative that three of the agencies awarded 1997/98 CDBG program grants had attended the December 10th meeting and expressed their "thank you's" to the Committee. In addition, Committee members also received a letter from the Washington School PTA expressing their gratitude for their CDBG grant. Motion carried, 6-0. III. COMMUNICATIONS A. Letter from Victoria @ieelow. Subtirban Primary Heplth Care Council, Re Access to Care Pro gri, am Dr. Stafford said he felt he should respond to Ms. Bigelow's letter. He said that he had been in the medical field for over thirty years. He was on the staff at Evanston M • Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -February It, 1997 Page Two Hospital for over twenty years, and on staff at Children's Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medical School. Each facility had clinics. Each clinic was headed by a clinic physician, who had to be present when the clinic was open, even though the patients were seen by resident physicians, as the clinic physician was responsible for those patients. Dr. Stafford said that most physicians on staff at Evanston Hospital donate between 10-20% of their time to taking care of clinic patients. Not all patients are indigent; many are Medicaid/Medicare patients. While the hospital did not get paid for all patients it served in the clinic, the physicians were volunteering their time, receiving no remuneration for the care of clinic patients. He said he spent approximately one-third of his time in volunteering his services at various clinics. Over the years, physicians have considered it a privilege to be a teacher; it was part of the job of being a physician. In recent times, however, hospitals have been more aggressive in collecting payment for services rendered. In fact, the hospitals would charge people who visit their clinics even though they had insurance. Dr. Stafford said that if physicians would see clinic patients in their offices, they would be relieving the hospital of the burden of free care to those in need. He said that he was disturbed by Ms. Bigelow's letter in which she talks about a two -tiered medical system. A lot of private physicians care for both paying and non-paying patients. In Evanston there are two large teaching hospitals: St. Francis and Evanston Hospital. A lot of the indigent care and a lot of people who don't have adequate health insurance can be cared for at these clinics by the residents and clinic physicians. By moving these patients from the hospital clinics to private physicians' offices, residents are depriced of their training and a double burden is imposed on the clinic physicians, because they still must be in attendance at the clinic, no matter how many patients are seen at the clinic. Dr. Stafford said that the hospitals are happy to move patients from their clinic to physicians' office because they are losing money on these patients and many hospitals today look only at the bottom line. Dr. Stafford said he thinks the teaching clinic is a good system. it is supported by tax dollars. Dr. Stafford concluded his remarks by stating that he thought Ms. Bigelow had been misinformed about the clinic system. Judith Treadway commented that Ms. Bigelow stated in her letter that 90% of the clinic patients were Medicaid patients and 10% were uninsured. She wondered what percentage of Evanston residents were uninsured and how CDBG funds could be used to enable the uninsured residents to gain access to medical care. Dr. Stafford responded that he did not think it was the local government's responsibility to provide health insurance to uninsured people, however, it was a good idea to support the clinics. He said he did not think there was a need for the Access to Care program Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - February 11, 1997 Page Three in Evanston because of the two hospitals had teaching clinics for indigent people or those without adequate health insurance. Betty Sue Ester said she did not think that the Committee intended to say that it would not support a program which provided medical care for those without health insurance. If there was a great need for this type of program in Evanston, then she said she would probably be in support of it. Ms. Ester pointed out that in addition to the two hospital clinics, the City has its own health clinic in the Civic Center building which provides free health care to income eligible residents. Ms. Ester added that one of the concerns she had with Suburban Primary Health Care Council's application was that there was no assurance that clients would be re -enrolled each 17 year. She said that once a person leaves a hospital clinic, it is sometimes difficult to regain access. Michael DeVaul commented that there is some level of basic health care service provided by the City without going to the hospital clinics. Aid. Kent accepted the letter into the record. Aid. Kent said that at the request of Aid. Moran, this item would be held for discussion at the Committee's next meeting. C. BreakdoNvrt ofFY_1997/98 l'undine AUrations as Shownon_the_Consolidated Plan's One Year Action Plarl In response to a question from Michael DeVaul, Ms. Lufkin said that the City had not yet made any determinations on individual projects to be carried out with 1997/98 HOME funds. Betty Sue Ester asked whether the Committee should send a recommendation to the Housing Commission in support of HOME funding for Interfaith Housing Corporation's proposal for low income housing rehab. Ms. Lufkin said that Interfaith was in the process of qualifying as an Evanston CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization). She said that a percentage of HOME funds must be designated for a CHDO and once Interfaith was approved, it would receive Evanston HOME funds. Judith Treadway asked that the City include in its agreement for with Interfaith a stipulation that Evanston HOME funds must be used for a project in Evanston. The communication was accepted into the record by Aid. Kent. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - February 11, 1997 Page Four IV. REQUEST TO ALLOCATION ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE FY 1997/98 MINORITY/WOMEN/EVANSTON BUSINESS PROGRAM BUDGET At this time, Aid. Drummer was present. Judith Treadway asked why is was necessary to allocate additional funds for this program, particularly since the Committee recently had to reduce Public Services grant awards. Ms. Lufkin said that when the application for the Minority/Women/Evanston Business program was put together, Bob Faitz, who oversees the program, used budget figures from the previous year's grant application, which were sufficient for the program at that time. She pointed out that Mr. Faitz, who is a relatively new City employee himself, did not have the benefit of working with the actual MBE/WBE/EBE program budget and expenditures, as the position was vacant when Mr. Faitz started working for the City. Ms. Lufkin said that the City had been searching for a Minority/Women's/Evanston Business Coordinator for some time and when it was successful in finding someone for the position, it was discovered that the salary negotiated with the individual selected for the position was higher than the amount budgeted in the application. An additional $11,149 is needed for this program. Ms. Lufkin said that staff reviewed the MBE/WBE/EBE FY 1997/98 line item budget to see if any funds could be used for salary and it was determined that there were no additional funds which could be used for salary costs. Staff also noticed that the Administration category had not been funded up to its 20% cap and that the Committee could allocate an additional $12,387 to this category. As all FY 1997/98 CDBG funds have already been committed, in order to allocate an additional $1 1,149 to the FY 1997/98 MBE/WBE/EBE program budget, the Committee could reallocate the needed funds from the FY 1996/97 NIBE/WBE/EBE program budget. as there would be a considerable amount ol'unused funds in that budget due the vacancy for most of the year of the Coordinator's position. There was discussion concerning the appropriateness of allocating additional funds for this program when other program budgets had to be reduced. Ms. Lufkin said that a request for additional funds for an operating budget was somewhat unusual, as most requests for additional fiends are for cost overruns on construction projects. Ald. I-leydemann said that it' the Coordinator's position had been filled, sufficient funds for the MBE/WBE/EBE Business Program would have been requested on the application. Committee members said that they hoped that, now that the Coordinator's position had been filled, the City's MBE/WBE/EBE program would be revitalized, including a review and discussion of the Disparity Study, which had been completed during the past year. Aid. Drummer said it was his intention to make the CD Committee's representative on the MBE/WBE/EBE Committee a voting member. Committee members hoped that the new MBE/WBE/EBE Coordinator would come to one of the Committee's meetings in the next few months to discuss goals for the program. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - February 11, 1997 Page Five Aid. Heydemann made a motion to reallocate $11, I49 from the FY 1996/97 MBE/WBE/EBE program budget to the FY 1997/98 MBE/WBE/EBE program budget to cover the additional salary costs. The motion was seconded by Dr. Stafford. Motion carried, 7-0. Aid. Drummer left the meeting at this time. V. GENERAL DISCUSSION Betty Sue Ester said that HUD's Chicago office offers a program named "Community First", in which HUD staff will works with communities in developing innovative programs for addressing a community's housing and economic development needs. Michael DeVaul said that the Committee ought to determine slightly different strategies each year, instead of waiting for proposals to come in. He thought the Committee should consider reserving some of its FY 1998/99 funds for housing projects which the Committee would like to see developed. Fie suggested that the Committee continue working with the Evanston Housing Commission in developing its housing goals. Then, with goals and strategies identified, the Committee could announce that if an organization/agency wants CDBG funds, these are the type of proposals which will be accepted by the Committee. This way, if the City wants to pursue certain housing development objectives, it will be in a position to prioritize funding for those proposals. Betty Sue Ester said that she would like to see more CDBG funds being allocated toward economic development projects and to see businesses come into Evanston which create jobs. Michael DeVaul said that some of the ideas which arose out of joint meetings with the Housing Commission over the past year, such as a creative loan strategy, are worth investigating. Aid. Heydemann recalled a presentation which was made by an organization at a Plan Commission meeting at the Robert Crown Center last summer in which large properties were purchased as housing co-ops. She said this allowed some people who would normally not be able to purchase homes in Evanston to become homeowners as well as to help sell some of the larger properties in (lie city. Aid. Kent raised the issue of qualifying people for eligibility in the First Time Homebuyers program because of past credit problems. He also mentioned the problems senior citizens have remaining in their homes because of high taxes. Michael DeVaul said (hat the Committee should mandate programs which link housing, jobs and other human services to assist families in Evanston. Aid. Heydemann suggested putting conditions upon the CDBG grants awarded by the Committee to ensure that projects are carried out as the Committee directs. She said that the Committee has asked agencies to Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - February 11, 1997 Page Six demonstrate areas of collaboration with other agencies and the response has been that agencies had to protect confidentiality of client records. She said that the Committee has never taken the next step by insisting that certain things need to be done to qualify for receipt of CDBG funds. Aid. Heydemann said that she thought it was appropriate for the Committee to make such requirements; it has been very passive in terms of agencies meeting the priority needs of the community identified by the Committee. Betty Sue Ester said that a few of the agencies had provided documentation of collaboration with other agencies in their applications for funds this year. Ms. Ester discussed the difficulties some people have in obtaining credit for the purchase of homes. She said that there are non-traditional ways to qualify people for home ownership and the Committee should look into some of these programs. She mentioned the Joseph Corporation in Aurora, which rehabs homes for sale to low income people. The organization also assists in helping people find jobs. She wondered if there was a way to work with banks where the City has accounts, to ask them if they would be willing to extend credit to people who have difficulty obtaining home ownership loans. Ms. Ester said that banks must comply with the Community Reinvestment Act and she was not certain that communities assured that their banks were in compliance. Michael DeVaul spoke about creating stabilization in neighborhoods through home ownership as a way to reduce crime. Aid. Kent added that he was not thinking of helping people who have damaged their credit rating and aren't doing anything to clear it up. He said that there are hard working people who cannot obtain credit. Mr. DeVaul mentioned young families who have difficulty obtaining credit because they have not yet established a credit record. He said that what bothers him is that the housing developments in Evanston are for the "high end" market, which changes the vitality of the community. Eventually, instead of having several income levels living in Evanston, there will be two: the wealthy and the lower income. Aid. Heydemann asked staff to obtain information on housing programs sponsored by the South Shore Bank. She said that the bank had done a number of innovative programs and thought that the Committee could learn from the bank's experience. Aid. Kent mentioned that Loyola University has had a program for neighborhood reinvestment in the area surrounding its campus. Judith Treadway said that she concurred with Committee members who have expressed an interest in working more closely with the Housing Commission in developing housing programs. She said that nothing is more basic to people's well being than housing. She agreed that the Committee should set forth its priorities and ask for proposals for programs and projects to address needs identified by the Committee. Judith Treadway discussed how changes in welfare reform laws are affecting documentation and identification requirements for non-U.S. citizens. Ms. Lufkin said that so far HUD has Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - February 11, 1997 Page Seven not issued any directives about welfare reform changes affecting use of CDBG funds. Ms. Treadway also explained some of the changes the State of Illinois is also adopting for its programs. She said she would share with the Committee information she had received on the changes. VI. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT There was no staff/citizen comment. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Staff: G Date: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, March 11, 1997 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Moran, Michael DeVaul, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Aid. Heydemann, Aid. Kent, Betty Sue Ester, Dr. Thomas Stafford STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department/Planning Division OTHERS PRESENT: Alex Lamb PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:54 p.m., a quorum being present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 11, 1997 MEETING Michael DeVaul made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 11, 1997 Committee meeting; motion seconded by Judith Treadway. Motion carried, 4-0. III. COMMUNICATIONS A. Request for Correction to September 10, 1996 Minutes from Yvonne yannden Ave ne (Held from February 11, 1997 Meeting) Aid. Moran said he had some objections to making any amendments to Committee minutes after they had been approved. He asked Ms. Lufkin whether she had been able to review the tape from the September 10 meeting. Ms. Lufkin responded that she does keep tapes of the Committee's meetings for several months, but then reuses them after the minutes for that meeting have been approved. She said that the tape for the September 10 meeting had already been reused when Ms. Vanden Avenue's letter was received. Aid. Moran said that, in his opinion, it was not appropriate to change what had been said at the meeting. Aid. Moran said he thought that the minutes of a meeting should reflect what had been said at that meeting because people need to be accountable for what they say at Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - March 11, 1997 Page Two public meetings. He added that he thought that what Ms. Lufkin had reported in the September 10 minutes was more favorable than what had actually taken place. Aid. Moran said that he thought that the suggested correction to the minutes requested by Ms. Vanden Avenne was not as accurate as what had actually been reported in the minutes. He said that perhaps Ms. Vanden Avenne wanted to change what she had said at that meeting. He wished that she had come to a subsequent meeting and told the Committee that what she had said at the September 1 Oth meeting was not correct and that she wanted to clarify her comments. Aid. Moran said he thought that there are people, for whatever reason, who attempt to set out in the public discussion the notion that there are different parts of the City of Evanston who do not have a shared view of the community, work in different directions from each other and are not willing to work toward the betterment of the entire community. He said that there are people who exploit this view in a political manner. Aid. Moran said that, in his opinion, this viewpoint is not true on a broad basis. He said that he does not want anyone to expect that he accepts this viewpoint as an operating premise either for how the City operates as a government or as a community. Aid. Moran said that there are many people in his ward who work hard for the betterment of the City of Evanston as a whole. He said he did not want anyone to think that members of the Committee are not working toward common goals. If people believe this is not true, then they need to point that out to the Committee. Regarding the Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan, Aid. Moran said that the implications of the remarks were that support was lacking from some parts of town for the Action Plan put together by the Southeast Evanston Citizen Planning Committee or the neighborhood planning process in that area. He said there has never been any effort by anyone from any part of Evanston to stand in the way of the preparation of the Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan. On the contrary, Ald. Moran said he believed that there had been general community support for this effort. Judith Treadway agreed with Ald. Moran that the minutes for the September 10, 1996 Committee should stand as written. She added that sometimes, when a person is making remarks, he/she becomes emotional about certain issues and does not think through what he/she is going to say. Later, when that person has had time to think through what he/she said, he/she may conclude that he/she wished that the remark had been said differently. Ms. Treadway said that she thought there were some emotional or reactionary statements made at the September meeting during the discussion with the Citizens Planning Committee. She did not think that some of the opinions expressed at the meeting reflected the views of the Citizens Planning Committee as a whole. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - March 11, 1997 Page Three Ms. Treadway said that she would not want to change the public record of a meeting because someone wanted to amend remarks made at that meeting. The public record of a meeting must reflect what was actually said at the meeting. She said it would have been better for Ms. Vanden Avenne to discuss this matter with the Committee and perhaps state, for the record, her viewpoint. Aid. Drummer said that he was happy to see that School District 65 had responded to the need to financially fund school district playground projects. He said that thanks to the efforts of Aid. Moran, he was pleased that the school district was accepting responsibility for making improvements to the school playgrounds and is willing to form partnerships with other funders. Accepted into the record by Aid. Drummer. He also asked that members of the City Council and the Director of Health and Human Services be sent a copy. IV. REQUEST TO AMEND THE SOUTHEAST EVANSTON NEIGHBORHOOD SECURITY PROGRAM Ms. Lufkin said that the request to amend the program, which provides 50% rebates to property owners in a pilot neighborhood in Southeast Evanston for the costs of installing wrought iron fence/gate enclosures in gangways and across courtyard entrances, arose from discussions staff had with the Evanston Police Department. Staff is requesting that a 50% rebate for the purchase and installation of security lighting in the pilot neighborhood, with a cap of $500 for lighting, be added to the program. (The maximum rebate for purchase and installation of wrought iron fencing is $1,000.) Aid. Moran asked for clarification about the statement in the staff memorandum: (the) "'...Police Department had recommended lighting as the preferred security feature". He said this statement seemed to say that lighting is preferred to fencing, and if this were true, Aid. Moran wondered if the Police Department considered fencing to be a negative security measure. He asked whether the Police Department wanted the Committee to reconsider the security fencing program. Ms. Lufkin said that the Police Department pointed out that security enclosures could have the opposite effect from keeping people out of an area. They could also provide a Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - March 11, 1997 Page Four "fortified" location for would-be trespassers, drug dealers, or gang meetings and could inhibit access of police patrols to enclosed areas. Judith Treadway said that many property owners use security lighting as their main security measure. She said that a combination of lighting and security fencing would be a desirable feature for this program. If was clarified that the maximum rebate per property would be $1,500 ($1,000 for fencing; $500 for lighting). Ald. Drummer stressed that the Security Lighting program was a pilot program and that if it is successful, it could be offered in other parts of the City. Michael DeVaul made a motion to approve staffs request to amend the Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Security Program to include a 50% rebate to property owners for purchase and installation of security lighting on their properties, up to a maximum rebate of $500 per property. The motion was seconded by Aid. Moran. Motion carried, 4-0. V. GENERAL DISCUSSION Aid. Drummer recommended that the Committee defer its general discussion until the next meeting since half of the Committee was absent from the meeting. Michael DeVaul asked that a couple of items be placed on the agenda for the next meeting: a further discussion of housing needs in Evanston and how the Committee could set aside a portion of its CDBG funds for low/moderate income housing development projects. Mr. DeVaul asked that the Committee also discuss the issue of welfare reform and how changes in the program which will take effect later in the year could affect some of the programs supported by CDBG funds. VI. STAFFICITIZEN COMMENT Mr. Alex Lamb, who lives in southeast Evanston, spoke to the Committee about security concerns in his neighborhood. He said he has lived in southeast Evanston for twenty-three years and has, along with his wife, raised six children. Originally from Belize, he said he had been a member of several law enforcement committees over the years. He described the supportive home environment he and his wife provide for their children and how they tried to raise their children to be law abiding citizens. Mr. Lamb spoke about difficulties he and members of his family have had with the Evanston Police Department, recounting individual incidents since 1988 in which he and his family had been stopped by Evanston Police Officers for, in his opinion, no apparent cause. According to Mr. Lamb, the reasons Evanston Police Officers had detained him or members of his family were because they were African Americans, not because they had broken the law. He also spoke about the numerous times Police Officers had arrested him and that the Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - March 11,1997 Page Five charges were dismissed n court. In his opinion, Mr. Lamb said that the Evanston Police Officers had been abused their authority on several occasions. Aid. Drummer asked Mr. Lamb whether he had filed complaints with the Police Department or reported these incidents to his alderman. Mr. Lamb said that he had not reported any of the incidents. Ald. Drummer told Mr. Lamb that he needed to file complaints with the Evanston Police Department and with the City's Human Relations Commission, particularly when the incidents occurred. He said that at a recent City Council meeting, the Human Relations Commission had been directed to investigate instances of harassment and to provide sensitivity training where needed. He added that the Housing and Community Development Act Committee could not take any action on his complaints, as it was not the committee which handles such complaints. However, Aid. Drummer said he was glad that Mr. Lamb had addressed the Committee and would forward a copy of the minutes of the meeting and tapes to the Human Relations Commission for their action. He also suggested that Mr. Lamb write down the officer's Police star number and report the incident immediately to the Police Department and the Human Relations Commission, should incidents such as the ones he described, occur in the future,. Ms. Treadway asked Mr. Lamb why he chose to address his comments to the CD Committee. Mr. Lamb responded that, as a resident of southeast Evanston, he had been following the activities of the Southeast Evanston Citizens Planning Committee and knew that the CD Committee was supporting neighborhood planning efforts in southeast Evanston. He spoke about the troublesome buildings in his neighborhood and difficulties residents had dealing with the building owners. He expressed his interest in developing a community development corporation in southeast Evanston, which could acquire some of the difficult buildings and make the necessary changes to improve the quality of life in that area. Aid. Drummer said that there are already City funds available to prospective property owners who want to purchase "difficult" buildings and rehab them through the federally funded HOME program. AId. Drummer thanked Mr. Lamb for bringing his concerns to the Committee. VIL ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m. Staff: to /�` —4 Date: G l o, lR'17 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, May 13, 1997 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Bernstein, Ald. Drummer, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Dr. Thomas Stafford, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department/Planning Division; Nicki Modaber, Finance Department; Judith Aiello, City Manager's Office OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Jane Chainski, Infant Welfare Society of Evanston; Terry Jenkins, EVMARK; Sandi Johnson, North Shore Senior Center PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:37 p.m., a quorum being present. Aid. Drummer welcomed Aid. Bernstein and Aid. Rainey, new members to the Committee. He expressed his appreciation to Aid. Heydemann and Ald. Moran, departing Committee members, for their work on the Committee over the past four years. I). APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 11,1997 MEETING Dr. Stafford made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 11, 1997 Committee meeting; motion seconded by Michael DeVaul. Dr. Stafford pointed out one correction to be made to the minutes: the first sentence on page 5 should be corrected to read, "In his opinion, Mr. Lamb said that the Evanston Police Officers had abused their authority on several occasions." The minutes were approved as corrected. Motion carried, 7-0. III. COMMUNICATIONS Cmirnittee MembershjpList Accepted into the record by Aid. Drummer. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 13,1997 Page Two IV. DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - REQUEST FOR PROJECT CONTINGENCY (ULO) FUNDS FOR EQUIPMENT PURCHASE Ald. Drummer asked Judith Aiello, Assistant City Manager, and Terry Jenkins, Executive Director of EVMARK, to discuss their proposal. Ms. Aiello said that she and Mr. Jenkins wanted to discuss a proposal with the Committee for a small business development project for downtown Evanston. She said that she and Mr. Jenkins would review the history of the downtown revitalization and streetscape improvements projects and then would discuss EVMARK's request for CDBG funding for capital equipment purchases. Mr. Jenkins said that when the downtown streetscape revitalization project was initiated, it was decided that EVMARK would attempt to have a landscape maintenance effort once the streetscape project was completed. It was planned that a cooperative street maintenance program between the City of Evanston and EVMARK would be developed: the City of Evanston would continue to provide the normal maintenance services it already provides for the downtown business district and any maintenance needed above and beyond normal City -provided maintenance, would be provided by an EVMARK-sponsored contractor. There is an expectation of a higher level of maintenance in the downtown area now that the streetscape improvements have been made. In providing the additional maintenance services needed for downtown, EVMARK would like to help form or support a female -owned or minority -owned, Evanston based business. Over the past three years there have been discussions about forming such a business, but no steps had been taken to actually start a maintenance business. Last winter, as a large portion of the streetscape project was completed, EVMARK advertised for bid for maintenance services, seeking female/minority/Evanston based businesses. Mr. Jenkins said that EVMARK can afford to pay up to $50,000 a year for landscape/maintenance services for the downtown business district. He discussed EVMARK's plans for raising revenue for maintenance expenditures through the generation of interest on bond escrow funds. However, EVMARK had to use some of the revenue raised from the escrow fund to pay for construction cost overruns. Mr. Jenkins said that EVMARK thought that the scope of services for the contract had to be increased in order to attract the interest of vendors. The City was also interested in, perhaps, privatizing some of its services for downtown and wanted to know what the cost would be in the response from the private sector. Therefore, the RFP which was put together for the project included more services than had originally been anticipated because it attempts to set estimates on privatization of some City services. For example, maintenance of the fountains at Fountain Square would normally be a City service, but was included in the RFP to seek estimated costs if that service were performed under contract instead of by the City. In December of January 1997 two responses were received to the RFP, both from Evanston based businesses, one being a minority owned business. Both bids were over $300,000. Mr. Jenkins said Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 13,1997 Page Three that $300,000 was more than EVMARK could afford. Mr. Jenkins said that he needed to start a maintenance operation this spring or summer because the community has a much higher level of expectation regarding maintenance of the downtown business district, now that a large portion of the streetscape project was completed. EVMARK decided that instead of hiring a contractor, it would employ its own worker or several independent contractors. An individual was hired who Iives in Evanston, has worked for the City and EVMARK for the past several years, and is working, as of May lst, 30 hours a week maintaining the downtown business district streetscape. Mr. Jenkins said that a job has been created for this person, as he did not previously have a job. EVMARK hopes to build a maintenance effort around this individual. Because EVMARK did not choose to hire a contractor, it needs to purchase equipment needed for maintenance of the downtown area. Needed equipment costs between $10,000 - 20,000, plus the purchase of a vehicle to transport the employee and equipment around downtown, at an estimated cost of $16,543. Mr. Jenkins said that the City would purchase snow removal equipment, which would be used in downtown Evanston as well as in the other business districts. Mr. Jenkins concluded his remarks saying that it was still EVMARK's intent to sponsor the development of an Evanston, minority -based business. Right now the "business" is an individual, but Mr. Jenkins said EVMARK hoped that with funding assistance, an independent business could be developed for downtown maintenance services. In response to a question from Ald. Drummer, Mr. Jenkins replied that he was seeking immediate financial assistance from the City's CDBG program for the downtown maintenance program. Judith Aiello said that approximately $10,000 is being requested. Referring to the capital needs list (submitted to the Committee) she said that the City plans to purchase the multi -purpose tractor (414). In fact, staff plans to bring the purchase to the City's Administration & Public Works Committee soon. Ms. Aiello said that the flatbed truck would be purchased for use only in the downtown area, as the downtown maintenance worker would need his own vehicle because he will be providing maintenance services at night and on weekends, times when the City does not provide maintenance services for the downtown business district. The type of services to be provided by the maintenance worker are over and above what the City already provides in downtown Evanston, i.e., extra litter pickup, extra cleaning of gutters, graffiti removal, removal of signs posted on poles, power washing of sidewalks, cleaning litter out of tree grates. Mr. Jenkins said there are now 120 flower beds in downtown Evanston; before the streetscape improvement project, there were approximately 25 flower beds. The maintenance worker would be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all the flower beds. Betty Sue Ester asked if the maintenance worker would be working only on weekends. Mr. Jenkins responded that some of that person's work hours would be on the weekend, particularly in the summer when there is more activity in the downtown area, but he would also have regular work Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 13,1997 Page Four hours during the week. Ms. Ester asked if the City's MBE/WBE/EBE Committee had some input or participation in the development of the maintenance project/business. Mr. Jenkins said that he has had several conversations with the MBE/WBE/EBE Committee with the goal of supporting or helping a minority/women-owned, Evanston based business get started. However, he said that it was never envisioned by EVMARK or the City that maintenance of the downtown business district would be enough work to support a business. Mr. Jenkins said that he had discussed with the City's former Public Works Director the possibility of privatizing some City services, such as maintenance of railroad embankments, in addition to maintenance of the downtown business district so that should some City maintenance responsibilities be transferred to contract, there would be enough work to support a small business. Ms. Aiello added that the City currently has contracts for maintenance of railroad embankments and train stations in Evanston, but it currently does not have enhanced maintenance of some of the neighborhood business districts over and above (City) trash collection and street sweeping services. The City now has increased maintenance needs in the neighborhood business districts because of improvements it has made over the past several years to those districts. With the need for enhanced maintenance of the downtown business district, Nis. Aiello said that the City and EVMARK have been presented with the opportunity to participate in the development of a new small business. Mr. Jenkins said that EVMARK and the City have two goals: to try to create a company to do maintenance, as previously discussed, and to provide an opportunity for increased minority participation in downtown Evanston. Fle added that there are currently 291 retail businesses in downtown Evanston, many of which are female owned and/or Evanston based businesses. There are not many minority owned businesses in downtown Evanston. AId. Rainey asked about the Committee's process for reviewing proposals for 1997/98 CDBG funding. Aid. Drummer said that the proposal process for 1997/98 CDBG funds took place in October and November 1996. Fie said that the request before the Committee would be considered an "out of cycle" funding request. Aid. Rainey said that she was concerned about enforcement of the Committee's rule of only funding new proposals during the annual CDBG funding process, which had been completed for I997/98 CDBG funds. Judith Aiello said that EVMARK was in the process of issuing the RIFP for contractual services, previously discussed, at the time of the 1997/98 CDBG program funding process. Aid. Rainey said that it appeared that anyone or any agency could request CDBG funding from the City at any time. Aid. Rainey said that she would like to see EVMARK's request written up in a proposal so that the Committee could more easily consider the request. She added that in the past, when she was previously a member of the Committee, "out of cycle" funding requests were turned down and requesters were asked to apply for funds during the regular CDBG applicationHunding cycle. Aid. Drummer responded that "out of cycle" funding requests are usually considered if funds are needed on an emergency basis. Aid. Rainey said that she did not think that EVNIARK's request for CDBG funds constituted an emergency funding request. She stated that maintenance of the downtown business district is an Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 13, 1997 Page Five essential service needed to maintain the streetscapes. As the City and EVMARK have undertaken an $11 million downtown improvement project, maintenance above and beyond what is now provided by the City of the business district should have been included in the original budget. She said that it appears that the maintenance budget is approximately $25,000 - 50,000. Aid. Rainey asked what CDBG funds would be used for, should the Committee decide to award a grant to EVMARK. What would EVMARK do with the money it had already budgeted for extra maintenance? Mr. Jenkins responded that he had not been aware of the timelines for the CDBG funding process. He said that if there is a process EVMARK needs to follow in order to receive CDBG funds, he would be willing to follow that procedure. The cost of materials needed to maintain the downtown business district is approximately $20,000. There is also the additional cost of planting and maintaining the flower beds, which has increased considerably now that there are 120 flower beds. The flower beds were planted by contract during the construction phase, but now they need to be maintained and plants will have to be replaced, as needed. The cost to plant flowers in all the flower beds, similar to the way they are now planted, is approximately $7,000 alone. Operating costs approach $40,000 - 50,000, without the cost of purchasing the snow removal equipment and flowers and plant materials. Mr. Jenkins said the funding request before the Committee was to purchase equipment needed for ongoing maintenance. Aid. Rainey said one of the important factors in the economic development process in Evanston is the retention and support of current Evanston businesses. Aid. Rainey said that it seems to her that EVMARK has never put out a bid request for the maintenance work EVMARK wants done in the downtown business district. She said that before she could given serious consideration to the request for CDBG funding; support, she would like to know that EVMARK has done what it could to obtain a proposal for services from a local vendor. Aid. Rainey said that she thought it could be possible to obtain services for the maintenance work EVMARK would like to have performed within the $50,000 amount EVMARK had budgeted. Dr. Stafford clarified with Judith Aiello the estimated amount needed to purchase all of the equipment listed on the capital needs list submitted by EVMARK totalled approximately $19,500 (excluding item # 14). I -le also asked whether the funding request included funds for a position. Ms. Aiello responded that the funds being requested would be used only for the purchase of capital equipment. She continued that by having, the proper equipment, the individual currently working for EVMARK on downtown maintenance will be able to develop certain job skills. Judith Treadway asked about employment of youth through the Summer Youth Employment Program. Mr. Jenkins added that the Youth Job Center has been assisting EVMARK with the supervision of the maintenance worker. EVMARK also plans to develop a relationship with Evanston Township High School for next summer, whereby high school students, outside the City's Summer Youth Employment program, could also be employed for downtown maintenance. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -Jay 13,1997 Page Six Aid. Bernstein asked for clarification on whether the funding request met the CDBG program's urgent need qualifications. Mr. Jenkins responded that he could not classify the request as urgent, but did state that the equipment was needed at this time in order to provide the necessary maintenance of the downtown business district this summer. Aid. Bernstein and Mr. Jenkins discussed the maintenance worker's contract and contractual plans for the future for this person. Aid. Kent said that he was favorably impressed with EVMARK's proposal. He said, however, that he needs to know more about the development of EVMARK's proposal, specifically, whether EVMARK plans to have downtown maintenance performed by one person or where there are plans to expand the services of this individual to maintenance services in neighborhood business districts. He asked if it would be possible for one person to do all the work in several business districts. Ms. Aiello discussed how EVMARK and the City envisioned the development of business district maintenance from one person working in the downtown area to several people working in the other business districts, perhaps evolving into a minority -owned small business. Aid. Kent asked for a more fully developed proposal from EVMARK, including business plans for the future, as he thought that many of the questions he had would probably be answered in a well written, complete proposal. Michael DeVaul stated that the Committee had a strict policy of only funding emergency funding requests outside the regular CDBG funding cycle. He said that he was very interested in EVMARK's proposal and hoped that it would submit an application for 1998/99 CDBG funds. Aid. Drummer explained the history of the development of the proposal for downtown maintenance, how it evolved from discussions at the Minority/Women's Business Enterprise Committee. He said that the proposal presented to the Committee was slightly different than what he thought he had previously been discussed. AId. Drummer said that if the funding request were for start up a MBE/WBE business, then it could constitute an emergency funding request. Ms. Aiello said that EVMARK had attempted to fund the start up of the downtown maintenance business/position through the RFP process which took place at about the same time as the 1997/98 CDBG funding cycle. EVMARK was requesting CDBG funds at this time as it had already explored other funding support, which was not available to them at this time. Ms. Aiello added that the downtown maintenance work this summer will be done, but not at the same level of service as previously planned, without the purchase of needed equipment. Aid. Drummer concluded the discussion stating that he thought the proposal was a good one and hoped that EVMARK would continue its discussions with the MBE/WBE Committee to develop this program. He encouraged EVMARK to apply for 1998/99 CDBG funds in the upcoming cycle. He thanked Mr. Jenkins and Ms. Aiello for presenting the proposal for Committee discussion. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 13,1997 Page Seven V. REQUEST FROM INFANT WELFARE SOCIETY FOR PROJECT CONTINGENCY (ULO) FUNDS FOR BABY TODDLER NURSERY PLAYGROUND PROJECT Aid. Drummer invited Mary Jane Chainski, Executive Director of the Infant Welfare Society, to discuss her request for Project Contingency (ULO) funds. Ms. Chainski said that the agency had received bids for the renovation of three outdoor play areas at the Baby Toddler Nursery. All bids exceeded the estimated project budget due to increases in the cost of materials and construction since the agency had submitted its request for CDBG funds last September. The total shortfall between funds on hand and bids was $7,857. Most of the increased cost consisted of moving air conditioning units, which are now located in the play areas to the roof of the Infant Welfare Society building. At the time the request for funding was submitted, the project's architect did not believe that the air conditioners could be moved to the building roof, but had Iearned, since that time, that it was possible to do so. Ms. Chainski discussed additional funding which the board of directors and private donors would contribute toward the project. Ms. Chainski said that an additional $3,000 was needed to complete the project and that she was submitting for consideration a request for $3,000 in Project Contingency funds. Aid. Rainey made a motion to allocate $1,500 in Project Contingency (ULO) funds to the Infant Welfare Society Baby Toddler Nursery Playground Project. The motion was seconded by Aid. Kent. Aid. Rainey said that she was willing to provide some additional funding for the project and made the $1,500 recommendation with the wish that the board of directors could provide a matching amount or matching funds could be raised from other sources. Discussion continued about the project and funding request. In response to a question from Judith Treadway, Ms. Chainski responded that 60% of the children at the Baby Toddler Nursery receive Title XX assistance. Ms. Chainski said by relocating the air conditioner units, more space will become available in the play areas. Aid. Drummer said that he would vote against the motion before the Committee, as he believed the agency had done its best in raising the additional funds and that the $3,000 requested was needed in order to complete the project. Motion failed, 2-6. Judith Treadway made a motion to allocate $3,000 in Project Contingency (ULO) funds to the Infant Welfare Society Baby Toddler Nursery project. The motion was seconded by Dr. Stafford. Michael DeVaul said he was somewhat concerned about the amount of the request, as it represented a sizable percentage of the original funding allocation. Motion carried unanimously, 8-0. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 13,1997 Page Eight VI. PUBLIC SERVICES CAP - EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR FLEETWOODMOURDAIN DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS Ald. Rainey made a motion to approve the expenditure of all CDBG funds allocated for instruments and uniforms for the FIeetwood/Jourdain Drum and Bugle Corp during the 1997/98 program year. The motion was seconded by Michael DeVaul. Aid. Rainey explained that there were a variety of circumstances which led to the situation described in the staff memorandum. She said that the Drum and Bugle Corps is an organization which does very good work should not be penalized because of circumstances outside of its control. She said she thought it more important to make the purchases as soon as possible and reduce Public Services expenditures next year, if necessary. Sally Lufkin said if the City spends more than 15% of its CDBG funds on Public Services activities in any given year, it must reduce Public Services expenditures the following year. For example, if the City spent 15.5% on Public Services activities in 1997/98, it can only spend 14.5% in I998/99 on Public Services category projects. She continued that everything may work out for FY 1998/99 because part of the Public Services cap calculation is monies received in program income each year from Ioan repayments, which is not known until the end of each program year. Aid. Rainey said she thought it worth the risk of spending funds now to provide services for Evanston youth. Committee members discussed the merits of purchasing the instruments and uniforms this year versus deferring the uniform purchase until the 1998/99 program year and its effect upon future Public Services allocations. Motion carried unanimously, 8-0. VII. REQUEST TO REALLOCATE UNSPENT FUNDS FROM THE 1996/97 CURB/SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM AND 1996197 ALLEY RESURFACING PROGRAM TO THE 1997198 CURB/SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM Michael DeVaul made a motion to approve the reallocation of unspent 1996/97 Curb/Sidewalk Replacement program funds and unspent 1996/97 Alley Resurfacing funds to the 1997/98 Curb/Sidewalk program for a total of $25,000 to be reallocated from the two 1996/97 public improvement programs. Motion seconded by Michael DeVaul. Motion carried unanimously, 8-0. VIII. PUBLIC HEARING ON CDBG PROGRAM 1996/97 GRANTEE PERFORMANCE REPORT AND 1996/97 CONSOLIDATED PLAN ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT A. Staff Presentation Ms. Lufkin gave an overview of the CDBG program 1996/97 Grantee Performance Report (GPR) and the FY 1996/97 Consolidated Plan Annual Performance Report. She said that most Committee members are familiar with the GPR, but that the Consolidated Plan Performance Report was a new Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 13,1997 Page Nine HUD requirement starting with the 1996/97 program year. Ms. Lufkin said that the difference in the two reports was that the GPR covered all open CDBG projects for FY 1996/97 and previous, while. the Consolidated Plan report discusses the City's use of 1996/97 HUD HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergency Shelter Grant funds. Nicki Modaber discussed expenditures in the CDBG program Grantee Performance Report. The GRP summarizes all open CDBG funded projects through the 1996/97 program year. She pointed out that the projects were listed in chronological order by grant year, i.e., with the exception of the revolving loan funds, the first two digits of the project number refer to the grant year in which the CDBG funds were allocated. Ms. Modaber explained the report format, codes used in it, and project budgets and project expenditures. Referring to page 66 of the GPR, Ms. Modaber summarized the total funds available to the City at the beginning of the 1996/97 program year, the amount spent on activities during the year and the amount of funds remaining as of 2/28197 ($2,725,544.13). Ms. Modaber also discussed Public Services and Planning/Administration categories expenditures: Public Services expenditures were 13.3% of total 1996/97 expenditures and within the 15% cap; Planning/Administration category expenditures were 13.7% of total expenditures. HUD allows 20% of funding to be spent on Planning/Administrative projects. Because the City spent within its caps on Public Services and Planning/Administration expenditures, it is in compliance with HUD guidelines. 98.8% of CDBG funds expended during I996/97 benefitted low/moderate income persons in Evanston. The City received $193,583 in program income in 1996/97, which was more than the $150,000 program income estimated by staff during the CDBG funding cycle. Finally, Ms. Modaber pointed out that any leftover CDBG funds to be reallocated to the 1998/99 CDBG program will be listed in a summary reallocation report to be given to the Committee during the 1998/99 funding discussions. B. Public Hearing Aid. Drummer declared the Public Hearing open and invited citizen comment on the CDBG program Grantee Performance Report. There was no citizen comment on the report. Ms. Lufkin said that for the single-family and multi -family revolving loan funds, it looks on the report that the City did not loan a lot of money during the program year, but in reality there is a lot of money on hold while loans are being completed or applications verified. She said that the Downtown and Neighborhood Storefront Improvement programs also appear to have a large balance of unspent funds, but a considerable amount of funds in those two programs have been held on reserve for projects which are pending approval by the City or are under construction. Aid. Rainey requested a listing of some of the completed and pending facade improvement projects. She said she would be interested in similar information about the revolving loan programs. Dr. Stafford requested information about the Youth Job Center's placements. He asked for a Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 13,1997 Page Ten breakdown of the number of full time and part-time placements. Judith Treadway said she would like information about where in Evanston the Youth Job Center's clients came from. Ms. Lufkin said she could request the information and would list the numbers by census tract. Ms. Treadway also requested information about the residents who attended the City's landlord/tenant seminars. Committee and staff discussed specific projects listed in the Grantee Performance Report. Aid. Drummer closed the Public Hearing. Michael DeVaul made a motion to approve the CDBG program 1996/97 Grantee Performance Report. The motion was seconded by Aid. Bernstein. Motion carried unanimously, 8-0. 1996/97 Consolidated Plan Annual Performance Report Ms. Lufkin said that the Consolidated Plan Report was basically a recapitulation of the CDBG Grantee Performance Report in more readable format. However, in addition to a discussion of expenditures of CDBG funds, the report includes City spending of 1996 HOME Investment Partnership and Emergency Shelter Grants funds. HUD did not prescribe a format, but instead wanted its grantees to address certain narrative statements and address how federal funds were used to address the City's priority needs, which were listed in the Consolidated Plan. Michael DeVaul made a motion to approved the Consolidated Plan Annual Report. The motion was seconded by Judith Treadway. Motion carried unanimously, 8-0. Aid. Drummer said that both the 1996/97 Grantee Performance Report and Consolidated Plan Annual Report would be forwarded to the City Council for approval and submitted to HUD by the end of May. IX. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ON PRIORITIES FOR 1998/99 CDBG PROGRAM Aid. Drummer suggested that, due to the late hour and the fact that the Committee spent a considerable amount of time discussing other important matters, he would like to postpone the discussion on Committee priorities to the next meeting. He said that he would plan to devote the bulk of that meeting time to conducting this discussion and asked Committee members to review the material submitted for discussion.. X. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT Ms. Sandi Johnson, Executive Director of the North Shore Senior Center (NSSC) , said that she had wanted to speak to the Committee about the successes is the Elderly Case Management program, which is being partially funded by the CDBG program. She said that in January 1996, the NSSC had been asked by the state to provide case management services for senior citizens in Evanston and Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 13,1997 Page Eleven it opened an office at 827 Foster Street. Ms. Johnson said she personally wanted to thank the Committee for its funding support. Receipt of CDBG funds has enabled the NSSC to serve approximately 20-25 new clients a month. (The agency had estimated it would serve approximately t 7 clients per quarter.) The elderly case manager, an Evanston resident, has been very visible in the community, visiting the senior citizen residences in Evanston and the Levy Center and the senior nutrition site at Fleetwood/Jourdain and has been able to network and connect senior citizens with needed services. Older adults have been able to remain in their homes because of the services provided by the NSSC Evanston case management worker. Ms. Johnson related a couple of success stories about the older adults NSSC has assisted. Ms. Johnson said that the Committee's investment of CDBG funds in Evanston senior citizens costs NSSC approximately $262 a year per client per year. Ald. Drummer thanked Ms. Johnson for her comments and said that he appreciated NSSC's ability to step in and provide services to senior citizens. Ms. Lufkin said the City's HUD representative had recently monitored the CDBG program and that she was expecting a favorable report on HUD's findings. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 10::27 p.m. Staff: &aye:�/ Date: CvA /� �% HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, July 8, 1997 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Dr. Thomas Stafford, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Aid. Drummer STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, James Wolinski, Community Development Department; Douglas Gaynor, Paul D'Agostino, Parks/Forestry & Recreation OTHERS PRESENT: Aid. Edmund Moran; Constance Bearnes, Girls Scouts/Illinois Crossroads Council; Rev. David Myers, Betsy Gutstein, Center for Public Ministry; Michelle Phillips, National -Louis University; Eric Huffman, Over the Rainbow Association; Marianne Moberly, Housing Options for the Mentally Ill in Evanston; Karen Chavers, Evanston Neighborhood Conference; Rev. Kenneth Wesbrooks; New Christian Basketball League; Ken Bertolucci; Ann Jennett, Youth Job Center; Delores A. Holmes, Family Focus, inc.; Nancy Phillips, Vincent Hawkins, The Fire Arts Center; Helen McCarthy, Childcare Network of Evanston PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Kent, Acting Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:37 p.m., a quorum being present. [I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 13, 1997 MEETING Aid. Rainey made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 13, 1997 Committee meeting; motion seconded by Dr. Stafford. Motion carried, 6-0. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - JuIy 8,1997 Page Two III. PUBLIC HEARING ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS FOR THE 199M9 CDBG PROGRAM A. Copy of Public Notice of Needs Hearing B. Memorandum from Community Development Department C. Needs Hearing - Public Comment Ald. Kent welcomed everyone to the meeting and said that the Committee was looking forward to hearing their comments regarding Evanston's community development needs. He pointed out that the annual Needs Hearing is the first, and very important, step in the annual CDBG budgetary process. Ald. Kent invited anyone who wanted to address the Committee to either sign the "sign-up" sheet or raise his/her hand after all the speakers on the "sign-up" sheet have spoken. Ald. Kent accepted into the record the Copy of the Public Notice of Needs Hearing and the memorandum from the Community Development Department. Sally Lufkin, CDBG Grants Administrator, announced that the Needs Hearing was an opportunity For interested citizens to address the Committee with their general comments about community development needs in Evanston. Ms. Lufkin said that the application period for 1998/99 CDBG funds will begin in approximately one week and that notices would be mailed to everyone on the Committee's mailing list about orientation sessions for applicants within the next two/three days. Orientation sessions have tentatively been scheduled for July 16, 1997 at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Room 3650 of the Civic Center. Ms. Lufkin said that the application period will be from mid -July through September 5, 1997. She recommended that interested applicants attend one of the orientation sessions, if possible, but that application materials could also be picked up in the Planning Division office, Room 3900 of the Civic Center. Aid. Kent opened the Needs Hearing at 7:50 p.m. ,Stance Reames_ Girl Ms. Bearnes said that the Girl Scouts continue to share the community's concern for solid programming for youth in Evanston and said the Girl Scouts plans to continue providing programs in violence prevention and awareness. She said that it has become evident to the Girl Scouts that expansion of the Making Choices and other programs the Girl Scouts offers in Evanston are very needed. Betty Sue Ester arrived at this time. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - JuIy 8, 199 7 Page Three Rev. Myers said that CDBG funds in past years have been used to fund staff expenses for the Center for Public Ministry's Family Housing Services program. One of the growing needs which CPM has been identified was closer case management work with the families, particularly since more of the families being seen by CPM staff appear to be headed by young single women. As a result, the focus of CPM's programs has been to work more closely and intensively with fewer families, rather than serve many families with one-time services. Rev. Myers said that the needs of families assisted by CPM staff are complicated and the families are in great need of intense counseling and assistance. Rev. Myers also introduced Betsy Gutstein, development director for CPM. U 1. . U i1 Ms. Phillips, representing the Family Outreach Program at National -Louis University, said that NLU was planning to apply for 1998/99 CDBG funds to continue the Family Outreach Program. She said that the program is an inter -generational program for immigrants who are struggling to learn English and transition into the Evanston community. The Family Outreach Program works with adults and children in a comprehensive manner to provide valuable programs to assist the families in their integration into the community. Ms. Phillips read a statement written by a mother who has participated in the program over the past year. Paul D'Aeostino. ParkII-Xestry & Recreation Paul D'Agostino introduced Douglas Gaynor, recently arrived Director of Parks/Forestry and Recreation. Mr. Gaynor spoke about four projects which the Parks/Forestry & Recreation department plans to submit for consideration for funding in FY 1998/99: phase two of Harbert Park Renovation, phase two of Twiggs Park Renovation, phase one of Tallmadge Park Renovation and Door and Ballfield Lighting Rehabilitation at Fleetwood/Jourdain Community Center. Mr. Gaynor pointed out that the projects are listed in the City's Capital Improvement Program. A copy of his memorandum about these projects was distributed to the Committee. Eric Huffman. Over the Rai w Association Mr. Huffman introduced himself to the Committee, saying that he was appointed Executive Director of Over the Rainbow Association approximately five weeks ago. Mr. Huffman said that Over the Rainbow Association had four capital projects for which it may seek CDBG funding assistance. The four projects are related to the safety and accessibility of Hill Arboretum, an independent housing facility for 33 persons who are nonambulatory and in wheelchairs: (1) erect a canopy from main entrance to parking lot, part of the original (1986/87) building plan, to protect tenants from inclement weather when moving from the building to the parking Iot; (2) security system with cameras; (3) automatic door openers in the rear of the building and reconstruction of a back exit ramp, and Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - June 8, 1997 Page Four (4) installation of a sprinkler system in Hill Arboretum. Mr. Huffman also discussed a possible joint venture with Evanston Township High School to offer job training for high school students in the Job Training Center. He said that there has been a great deal of interest from across the country in Hill Arboretum because it is a unique facility and offers unique programs. He told the Committee that Evanston has a "jewel" in this facility and should be very proud of it. Marianne Moberly. HousingD tip ons for the Mentally-111 in Evanston Ms. Moberly said that Housing Options provides stable, affordable housing with support services (counseling, case management, vocational training, medication monitoring) in Evanston for persons living with mental illness. Housing Options was established to serve Evanston residents disabled with mental illness and is the only agency in Evanston which provides the type of services being offered. Since January 1997, Housing Options has received 115 calls from individuals seeking housing assistance; 48% of the calls (57 people) were from Evanston residents. Ms. Moberly said that Housing Options is able to provide housing and support services for $15,800 per person per year, or 40% less than institutional care. In comparison, Ms. Moberly said that Albany Housing charges $26,800 per resident year per year. Mr. Moberly said that Housing Options has been fortunate to receive CDBG funding for Bell House and Home First for the last several years and been able to serve 15 individuals living in those two facilities. Over the past year, there have been three vacancies and Housing Options was able to accommodate three additional individuals Iiving with mental illness. Ms. Chavers said that the Evanston Neighborhood Conference (ENC) for the first time, plans to submit an application for 1998/99 CDBG funds. In the past, ENC has worked with the City and neighborhood groups on planning and administrative projects. ENC encourages the Committee to recognize the need to close the housing gap and assist low income residents in realizing the dream of home ownership. Ms. Chavers said that the need for tenant organizing was brought to the Committee's attention during the previous funding cycle and that it is ENC's belief that there still is a need for direction and assistance for tenants. She discussed the number of Section 8 certificate holders, living principally in two census tracts, one in south Evanston and one in west Evanston. NIs. Chavers also discussed the City's first-time home buyers' assistance program and expansion of the program to persons who work in Evanston in addition to persons living in Evanston. Ms. Chavers cited the conversion of affordable housing units into market rate condominium units which become non- affordable for low income residents. ENC belives that through tenant organizing, low income residents could become empowered to advocate for their own needs. In fact, Ms. Chavers said that ENC has already sought the assistance of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization and has looked at models in the Chicago Housing Authority. Ms. Chavers concluded by saying that she looked forward to the continuation of the landlord/tenant seminars as well as the development of Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - June 8, 1997 Page Five additional programs to assist tenants in Evanston. Rev. Wesbrooks introduced himself as the president of the New Christian Basketball League. He said that his organization offers opportunities for homeless youth in Evanston by offering a sports program to bring in the youth and then offer mentoring relationships with adults. Currently, the basketball league facilitates employment assistance, tutoring programs, family counseling and other community programming to assist Evanston youth. Rev. Wesbrooks said that the New Christian Basketball League is seeking funding from various sources to support its programs. Aid. Moran said that he is very interested in the youth in Evanston. He spoke about a Rockefeller Foundation study which concluding that the mental and emotional development of young people was heavily concentrated in the first five years of Iife. Since this study, another report cited that the important period of development was between birth and the age of 3. Aid. Moran said that it has become increasingly clear to him was that many of the problems manifested later on in youth in Evanston could be addressed through more early childhood development programs. He said that there was already a structure in Evanston which addresses the needs of young children, i.e., the child care network. However, for many years there has been a long waiting list for child care services that has been at or above 600 children. He said that it was his understanding that the list sometimes has 700 names on it. There have been families who have been on the waiting list so long that the children age out of eligibility for child care before they are able to receive it. Aid. Moran said that with the advent of welfare reform it was his concern that the child care waiting list could grow, as federal and state funding programs mandate and adults go from welfare assistance to work situations, and demands for child care will only grow. Aid. Moran said that a 700 person waiting list is too Iarge and that he was concerned that the list will only grow with the changes in welfare reform. He urged the Committee, as it considers applications for CDBG funding in 1998/99, to give strong consideration to the issues just cited. He said that Evanston already has agencies and networks which offer a tremendous system for the delivery of child care services. In response to a question from Dr. Stafford, Aid. Moran said that it may be wise for the community to move forward with plans for the development of additional facilities for early childhood care. He added that he thought it would be very difficult to accomplish this with just public funding, as such an initiative would call for the contributions of many sectors of the community, including the private sector. There are number of viable institutions which could address such a need and there are a large number of businesses which could ultimately benefit from contributing to this effort. Aid. Moran said that it is important for the City to take a leadership role in developing a public/private sector initiative to examine the issue of early childhood development and day care and develop options Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - June 8,1:997 Page Six towards meeting this unmet needs. AId. Moran concluded his remarks by saying that he did not have a specific model in mind, but wanted to bring the child care need to the Committee's attention with the hope that the Committee may want to address this issue in its efforts to address the needs of tow/moderate income families. Ms. Jennett announced that the Youth Job -Center (YJC) had recently hired a new assistant director, Anna Maria Turado, who is from Columbia and is able to work with and do a lot of outreach to the Spanish-speaking community. Ms. Jennett said that there continued to be a great need for job/pre- job training and job placement assistance in Evanston. She said that the CDBG program has been vitally important in its support of the Youth Job Center. The Youth Job Center is continuing its Great America summer jobs program this summer and it is going very well; funding for it is coming from the Private Industry Council. She spoke about some of the other, related programs the YJC is involved with in collaboration with other Evanston agencies, such as the Childcare Network. The Youth Job Center worked with approximately 1,200 young people over the past year; 78% of their clients came from low income families; 105 youth were placed in June alone. Nis. Jennett said that the Youth Job Center's Board of Directors recently undertook a strategic planning process in which the board discussed the difficulties young adults have in finding jobs and, more importantly, keeping jobs and what could be done to better assist them. Evanston employers have told the Youth Job Center that the youth they see do not have good basic skills and do not have the socialization and customer service skills needed for the workplace. She said that she continues to be committed to helping as many at -risk youth as possible and staff is working to create permanent alliances with corporations and large institutions for collaborative job preparedness training and counseling. FOM No M . rel Nis. Holmes thanked the Committee for its ongoing support for Family Focus. She said that the Family Focus building at 2010 Dewey serves approximately 250-300 people each day who participate in programs sponsored by Family Focus or by one or more of the seventeen organizations which rent space in the building. Family Focus plans to apply for 1998/99 CDBG funding to carry out some of the capital projects needed to maintain the building for the community's use. The $6.50 per square foot rent charged to tenants is below market and does not enable Family Focus to build up its own reserve fund for capital improvements. Family Focus plans to apply for additional funds to replace the windows in the old part of the building (having received 1997/98 CDBG funds for %vindow replacement in the new section of the building). Ms. Holmes said that Family Focus is an important institution in west Evanston; 2010 Dewey is the one historical building which remains in west Evanston and it has a great deal of meaning to the residents there. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 8,1997 Page Seven Ms. Phillips said that her organization is new to Evanston, although she has been an Evanston resident for a number of years. The Fire Arts Center, located in the Howard Street business district, is a not -for -profit organization created to promote the growth of the fire arts in urban Illinois by providing membership, employment and teaching and exposition opportunities for artists, as well as being an educational facility. The Center sponsors classes in bronze casting, metals application, metal sculpture, metal furniture and textiles. Ms. Phillips said that The Fire Arts Center offers programs to low income persons, including persons with disabilities, and she was exploring different funding opportunities for The Fire Arts Center. Helen McCarthv. Child Care Network of Evanston Ms. McCarthy reiterated the need for more day care services in Evanston and the continued need to attempt to reduce the number of children on the waiting list. She distributed copies of articles about day care services in Evanston written by the former Reba Place Day Nursery director Lois Shuford and a guide to Evanston Early Childhood Programs. Ms. McCarthy also spoke about the changes in state funding for child care and how those changes will affect child care services in Evanston, i.e., the impact of welfare reform which will increase the number of families who will need child care services. She said that the Child Care Network could expect to add an additional 200 children to the waiting list, which already has 600 - 700 children on it. Ms. McCarthy discussed reductions in the amount of funding provided by the state for subsidized child care and the impact on a low income family's budget. Ms. McCarthy discussed several initiatives/programs under discussion: growth in home day care services, collaborations between the City, School District 65, community groups and businesses. Ms. McCarthy concluded her remarks by urging CDBG support for capital projects at day care centers, so that the day care agencies can utilize their funds for service delivery to Evanston children. Ms. Wolinski said that the Community Development Department plans to submit applications for 1998/99 CDBG funding to continue the various programs of the department which support housing and property services for low/moderate income residents: housing rehabilitation, property standards, graffiti removal, historic preservation and storefront restoration. He submitted a memorandum outlining the various services provided by the department. Aid. Kent concluded the public hearing by thanking the speakers for their comments and for bringing important issues in Evanston to the attention of the Committee. The Public Hearing was closed at 8:40 p.m. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - JuIy 8,1997 Page Eight IV. REVIEW OF PROPOSED 1998/99 CDBG FUNDING CYCLE PROCEDURES, APPLICATION MATERIALS AND SCHEDULE Ms. Lufkin reviewed the proposed application materials and schedule with the Committee. She said that the application period will begin July 16, 1997 with applications for 1998/99 CDBG funds due no later than 5:00 p.m. September 5, 1997. Three meetings are scheduled in October to review applications: two for agencies' applications and one for City applications. November 11, 1997 is scheduled to be the Committee's funding recommendations' meeting at which the proposed 1998199 CDBG program budget is determined. A public hearing is scheduled for December 9, 1997 at which time citizens may comment on the 1998/99 CDBG program budget and amendments to the HUD Consolidated PIan. Finally, the proposed CDBG program budget and Consolidated PIan amendments are submitted for City Council approval in early January followed by submission to HUD's Chicago office by January 15, 1998. Ms. Lufkin also discussed the four applications to be used by agency applicants: housing, public services, public facilities and economic development. Ms. Lufkin said the first ten pages of each application form includes questions germane to the funding category. Parts II and III of the applications are the same in each application: budgetary infonmation about the program/project and agency and organizational information on each agency. City application forms are an abbreviated version of the agency application forms. Applicants are being asked this year to identify the Consolidated Plan priority need their program addresses in their applications. The Committee reviewed and approved the Committee's guidelines for reviewing the 1998/99 applications. V. CONL IMITTEE DISCUSSION ON PRIORIES FOR THE 1998/99 CDBG PROGRAM Betty Sue Ester said that a number of issues raising at the public hearing merited consideration by the Committee: the critical need for child care, particularly with the changes of the Welfare Reform Act, the housing market and how lower income persons may be priced out of the housing market in Evanston, tenant organizing, and problems of mentally ill and homeless. She suggested that the Committee may want to hold a discussion with the various "players" in the housing market (realtors, banks, mortgage companies) and discuss ways to provide affordable housing in Evanston. Ms. Ester distributed copies of HUD's State of the Cities report, stating that some of the issues discussed at the public hearing are also included in the HUD report. Dr. Stafford spoke about the need for the City to sponsor an exploration of the larger issues which affect the quality of life in Evanston. He said that the Committee is charged with distributing approximately $2.5 million dollars in CDBG funds each year to address some of the needs of the community. However, it appeared to him that CDBG funding only addresses the result of problems, not the cause. Because Evanston has a lot of intellectual resources, Dr. Stafford wondered if it Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 8,1997 Page Nine would be appropriate for the Committee to send a report to the City Council requesting that an advisory group be formed to study some of the broader social ills of society. Aid. Rainey encouraged Dr. Stafford to refer his remarks to the City Council's Human Services Committee and its chairperson, Aid. Kent. She added that the Human Services Committee has already started to discuss some of the broader issues raised by Dr. Stafford. Michael DeVaul said that he would like to meet with the Housing Commission at some point to further discuss housing issues in Evanston. Mr. DeVaul added that stabilizing housing costs for a family is important so that other family issues can subsequently be addressed. Judith Treadway spoke about the trends evolving from the federal Welfare Reform Act. She referred to some of the remarks made at the public hearing with reference to Welform Reform legislative changes. Communities are being asked to more with less monetary resources. Ms. Treadway said that this emphasizes the need to demand accountability for programs funded with federal CDBG dollars. She thought that the Committee should insist on better accountability from all CDBG funded project sponsors to ensure the most effective service delivery possible. Aid. Rainey thought it was very significant that some agencies chose to address the Committee at the public hearing and likewise significant that other agencies which already receive CDBG funding, chose not to attend the meeting and address the Committee. She said that she was looking for documentation of need at the public hearing, but only heard one statistic, that being the 600-700 children on the child care waiting list. Aid. Bernstein discussed the need to fund programs/projects which will create jobs in Evanston. VI. REQUEST FROM ENGINEERING DIVISION TO REALLOCATE UNUSED FUNDS FROM THE 1996/97 ALLEY RESURFACING PROGRAM TO THE 1997/98 ALLEY RESURFACING PROGRAM Ms. Lufkin said the 1997/98 Alley Resurfacing program was funded at $15,000. Recently, the City received bids to resurface the alley north of Lee and east of Brown at a total cost of $ l 8,215. As there were funds remaining in the 1996/97 Alley Resurfacing program, Ms. Lufkin said that staff is requesting that $3,250 be reallocated from the 1996/97 Alley Resurfacing program to the 1997/98 Alley Resurfacing program so that the entire project can be completed this year. Ald. Rainey made a motion to reallocated $3.250 from the 1996/97 Alley Resurfacing program to the 1997/98 Alley Resurfacing program. The motion was seconded by Betty Sue Ester. Motion carried, 7-0. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 8,1997 Page Ten r � � Judith Treadway said the Progressive Evanston Neighbors group was meeting with the consultant this evening to discuss the final project design. Betty Sue Ester asked about the status of the MBE/WBE/EBE program disparity study. Aid. Rainey said that before the CD Committee discusses the disparity study, the City Council needs to review the study and discuss it with the MBE/WBE/EBE Committee. Members of other committees, such as CD Committee, could be present for the discussion. Aid. Rainey also suggested that the MBE/WBE/EBE Coordinator attend an upcoming meeting to discuss the City's MBE/WBE/EBE program. Michael DeVauI, CDBG Committee liaison representative to the MBE/WBE/EBE Committee, said that the MBE/WBE/EBE Committee has been dissolved and will soon be reconstituted as a Committee of the City Council. M-MICTIMMI-som MI Michael DeVaul said that it continues to trouble him that the City continually looks to the CDBG program to fund capital improvements at this community center. 5NNEW>! . 1-1 a f. Ms. Lufkin said that the listing was provided in response to a Committee member's request for information about the seminars. Since the program was funded several years ago, three landlord seminars (approximately 30 participants at each seminar) have been conducted by City staff and one tenant seminar was held. One landlord seminar was conducted for property owners in south Evanston only. 1! _1T§ 1 %! -1 Ms. Lufkin said that the program is a 50% rebate program to building owners, paid upon completion of the renovation. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 8,1991 Page Eleven VIII. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT There was no additional stafflcitizen comment. IX. ADJOURNMENT There beingnofurther business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 10: I2 p.m. Staff /" • . Date: AuLyust 11. 1997 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: PRESIDING OFFICIAL: I. CALL TO ORDER MINUTES Tuesday, August 12, 1997 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center Aid. Drummer, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Judith Treadway Aid. Bernstein, Betty Sue Ester, Dr, Thomas Stafford Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department; Lisa Lewis, MBEtWBEIEBE Coordinator Jason Casell, Morieka Johnson Aid. Drummer, Chair The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m., a quorum being present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 8,1997 MEETING Aid, Rainey made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 9, 1997 Committee meeting; motion seconded by Judith Treadway. Motion carried, 4-0. III. COMMUNICATIONS A. U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development - The State of the Cities Report B. 1997 Combined Curb and Sidewalk Replacement Program - Locations Selected for Curb/Sidewalk Replacement C. Fleetwood/Jourdain Community Center - Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Black Historic Sculpture Garden and Pictorial Mural Unveiling D. Housing Options for the Mentally-111 in Evanston - Copy of Statement Concerning Community Needs (from July 8, 1997 Needs Hearing) E. National -Louis University - Copy of Statement Concerning Community Needs (from July 8, 1997 Needs Hearing) F. Youth Job Center of Evanston - Year 2000 Strategic Plan (from July 8, 1997 Needs Hearing) w Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - August 12, 1997 Page Two Accepted into the record by Aid. Drummer. Aid. Kent arrived at this time. IV. REQUEST FROM ENGINEERING DIVISION TO REALLOCATE EXCESS FUNDS FROM 1997 ALLEY RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO 1997 PAVING OF SHERMAN AVENUE PROJECT Aid. Drummer stated that the City Council had already approved the bid awards for the two projects and that approval of the Committee was needed to reallocate excess funds from the alley reconstruction project to provide additional funds for the street paving project. Aid. Kent made a motion to reallocate $30,000 from the 1997 Alley Reconstruction Project to the 1997 Paving of Sherman Avenue Project. The motion was seconded by Michael DeVaul. Motion carried, 5-0. V. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION OF PRIORITIES FOR THE CDBG PROGRAM Aid. Drummer introduced the discussion by summarizing several themes which had evolved in Committee discussions over the past few months: the impact of welfare reform, need for affordable housing, better accountability of agencies on use of their CDBG funds, examination of the larger issues which affect the quality of life in Evanston, and needs of young children and child care. Aid. Drummer said that while the Committee could not address all needs of the community, he was interested in hearing members' ideas for areas the Committee could address with CDBG funding. Michael DeVaul said that it was his opinion that the Committee should determine particular focus areas for CDBG funding before the start of the application/funding process. He said that, in his view, affordable housing was the anchor for economic development. Mr. DeVaul added that the Committee could set aside CDBG funds and solicit proposals to address particular needs. Aid. Drummer agreed that it was a prerogative of the Committee to reserve CDBG funds for certain areas of need in order to stimulate creative programs. He added that the Committe could encourage the City's Housing Rehab office to be even more aggressive in marketing its various housing programs for low/moderate income residents. Mr. DeVaul added that revitalization of the Church/Dodge business district should be a priority of the City and something which the Committee could support with CDBG funds. Aid. Rainey agreed with Mr. DeVaul's comments on affordable housing, noting that the current housing development/redevelopment taking place in Evanston is not affordable for low/moderate income people. Aid. Rainey said that while the funds allocated for housing rehab was helpful to some property owners, she would like one the Committee's priorities for the upcoming funding cycle be the preservation and maintenance the housing stock available to low/moderate income persons. She suggested that CDBG funds could be allocated for funding another housing code inspector and M Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - August 12, 1997 Wage Three "beef' up the Law Department with additional staffing, if necessary. She discussed several multi- family properties in the City which are either in default on loans from the City or mortgages with banks or have numerous code violations. She said that the condition of those buildings was deplorable and that those buildings are the affordable housing units for low/moderate income residents. Aid. Rainey said that the Committee could fund an additional City staff persons so that attention could be paid to problem buildings before they get out of hand, particularly those in more densely populated neighborhoods. Aid. Kent spoke about the difficulty of defining "affordable housing" in Evanston. He said that some of the buildings which are "affordable housing" are places not fit for a dog. He agreed with the need for additional inspectors for the low/moderate income areas. He said that education of tenants as to their rights and responsibilities should be an important goal of the Committee. Ald Kent also discussed the need for better housing conditions for the neediest of persons, such as those referred to emergency housing by the City's emergency assistance office. Judith Treadway spoke about the need to strengthen code enforcement throughout of the City. She said that she would encourage the Housing Commission to move forward in two areas: displacement caused by condominium conversions and, perhaps a more viable alternative, to have buildings converted to co-ops, where more low/moderate income persons would be able to afford the down payments, instead of straight condominium conversion. Ms. Treadway also spoke about the role of housing development corporations in assisting low/moderate income tenants with securing affordable housing. She suggested that the City may want to bring in a development corporation to oversee redevelopment of housing in an area. Nis. Treadway agreed with the need for tenant organizing and said that one way to better communicate with some tenants is to have the City's landlord/tenant ordinance published in Spanish. Judith Treadway discussed the need for better accountability of the Public Services subrecipients for the expenditure of their CDBG funds and ability to provide sufficient documentation to the Committee to show that they are meeting; their program goals. She said that it was her opinion that changes in welfare reform would affect state programs and ultimately could affect local programs, particularly since states were being; told by the federal government to do more with less funding. She said that it was not her intention to reduce funding for any agency which currently receives CDBG funds, but rather that the Committee needed to ensure that agencies were maximizing the use of CDBG funds in delivering; services to Evanston residents. Ald. Drummer added that there are a few programs which are funded on a per unit basis. He said that per unit funding would not work for all agencies, but there were a few, such as the Handyman program, for which payment is made on a per unit basis after the work is completed. Ms. Treadway said that she understood that staff time was limited for on -site monitoring, but that agencies should provide the Committee with photographs or some other type of documentation to show that the work for which it contracted is actually being; accomplished. Aid. Drummer suggested that perhaps the Committee could meet with the agencies more than once a year, perhaps six months into the contract period, so that the agencies LL Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - August 12, 1997 Page Four could personally report on their CDBG funded accomplishments Ms. Treadway suggested that a community needs assessment be done so that the Committee and City would have a guide for prioritizing its limited financial resources. Aid. Drummer said that he thought that the City's Human Services Committee was undertaking such a study and that Human Services had the expertise to conduct the assessment. Mr. Treadway responded that she thought it was important that the CD Committee be a participant in any community needs assessment process undertaken by the City. Discussion continued concerning the Committee's ability to reduce agency dependence upon CDBG funds by reducing their grants each year. Aid. Drummer suggested that the Committee might want to put agencies on notice that the Committee could be willing to reduce funding significantly for some long standing CDBG funded programs. Aid. Drummer discussed Aid. Moran's concern for additional child care facilities and effortsby the Childcare Network to reduce the number of children on the waiting list for child care services. The Committee discussed the financial burden of day care on families and service providers. Aid. Kent said that the importance of early childhood development had been publicized recently and that the need for quality day care was even more important than previously believed. Discussion continued on the value of day care, the community need which is served by day care services, and the need to adequately pay day care providers for the valuable services they render. Judith Treadway said that low/moderate income two parent families also need assistance in finding affordable, quality day care. Aid. Drummer concluced the discussion by reminding the Committee of the statement made by Helen McCarthy at the Needs Hearing urging the Committee to support capital funding requests from day care centers. Michael DeVaul suggested that the Committee look at some economic development initiatives. He said he did not have anything specific in mind at that time, but thought that the Committee should look into this area. VI. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT Lisa Lewis, MBE/WBE/EBE Coordinator for the City, introduced herself to the Committe and said that she was looking forward to meeting with the Committee in the future to discuss her plans for carrying out the City's minority business enterprise program. Sallv Lufkin said that approximately 25 people attended the two orientation sessions held in July for applicants for 1998/99 CDBG funds. She said that an article regarding the 1998/99 CDBG funding cycle appeared recently in the summer/fall issue of the City's Highlights magazine. There was also an article concerning fall sessions of the City -sponsored landlord/tenant seminars in the magazine and Ms. Luf %.in asked Committee members to have interested persons contact the City's Property M, Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - August 12,1997 Page Five Standards office if they are interested in attending one of the seminars. Ms. Lufkin said that both the House and Senate have approved FY 1998 funding for the CDBG program at $4.6 billion. She said that the program has been funded at this level for the past several years. However, there is increasing concern among CDBG entitlement communities over Congress increasing the amount of set aside funds within the CDBG program budget, thereby effectively reducing the amount available to grantees. Ms. Lufkin said that the National Community Development Association has asked its members to contact their Congressional delegations to solicit their support for a halt to the reductions in federal CDBG funding by set aside programs. Ms. Lufkin pointed out that in addition to the additional amount of more set aside funds in the annaul CDBG budget, the amount of funds available to entitlement communities is also affected as the number of communities eligible for funds increases each year as more communities are accepted by HUD into the CDBG program. Ms. Lufkin reported on progress with HUD's IDIS system (Integrated Disbursement Information System) for reporting to HUD and drawing down grant funds. She said that staff is preparing an analysis of impediments to fair housing, which is a requirement of the Consolidated Plan process. Ms. Lufkin said that the analysis would be presented for Committee for its review later in the year, at which time there will be a Public Hearing on the proposed 1998/99 CDBG program budget and amendments to the Consolidated Plan. VIL ADJOURNMENT There bein no further usi ss before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m. Staff: X ` Date: September 5. 1997 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, October 15, 1997 7:00 P.M. - room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Dr. Stafford, Judith Treadway OTHERS PRESENT: Caren Frazier, Stephen Frazier, Janet Alexander, Eric Huffman, Cynthia Benton, Constance Beames, Ann Jennett, Sandi Johnson, Eitan Kushner, Irene Doyle Sandler, Gabe Val, Peter Braithwaite, Marti Lannert, Alexander Brown, John Kennedy, William Kolen, Judy AIlen, Judy Gomez, AngeIique Johnson, Vincent Gillon, Gerry Boone, John Camelot, Lavada Robinson, Judy Pfeifer, Laura Schindler, Bill Harris PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER Aid. Drummer called the meeing to order at 7:05, a quorum being present. IL APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 12, 1997 Aid. Rainey made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 12, 1997 meeting. Motion seconded by Judith Treadway. Motion carried 5-0. III. REQUEST FROM PARKS/FORESTRY & RECREATION FOR PROJECT CONTINGENCY FUNDS (ULO) FOR REPLACEMENT OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT MASON PARK. Paul D'Agostino. Superintendent of Parks and Forestry explained that the Parks staff regularly conducts playground safety inspections every month and last month they found three different pieces of playground equipment in different parks that had deteriorated to the point that they were unsafe and had to be removed. One of those unsafe pieces was in Mason Park. Mr. D'Agostino said that the neighbors have asked when the play equipment will be replaced. He Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes Page ? October 15. 1997 added that Parks and Forestry has a limited budget for equipment replacement and therefore does not have the funds available to purchase replacement equipment, estimated to cost $11,000. Mr. D'Agostino said that Mason Park was last redeveloped in 1991, but the particular piece of equipment (which was removed) was not touched at that time, mainly because of limited funds. Betty Sue Ester asked why this piece of equipment was not bought in 1991. Mr. D'Agostino explained it was because at that time it was not necessary to replace it. Judith Treadway asked if the one of the pieces of equipment would be a replacement item and the other a complete new piece of equipment. Mr. D'Agostino said that the two pieces of equipment that they are proposing to install are equivalent to one piece of equipment which was removed. Aid. Rainey made a motion to reallocate $11,000 from Project Contingency (ULO) funds to purchase replacement playground equipment for Mason Park. Motion was seconded by Judith Treadway. Motion carried 5-1. IV. REQUEST FROM STAFF AND PROGRESSIVE EVANSTON NEIGHBORS FOR THE REALLOCATION OF UNUSED CDBG FUNDS FOR THE CALLAN/OAKTON EMBANKMENT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT Mike DeVaul made a motion to approve the request from staff and Progressive Evanston Neighbors, Aid. Rainey seconded. Aid. Rainey explained that the bids for this project that came before the City Council were originally rejected because several aldermen thought they were too high. Upon further investigation Aid. Rainey said that she learned that the soil was very unstable and the extra dollars that would be required are for the necessary work beneath the ground. Aid. Bernstein made a motion to approve the reallocation of $86,855 from the f 988/89 Southwest Neighborhood Development project to the 1995/96 Callan/Oakton Embankment project. The motion was seconded by Aid. Rainey. Motion carried 5-3. V. 1998/99 CDBG PROGRAM - AGENCY APPLICATION REVIEW Proposal #6 - Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation - Civil Legal Services Judith Treadway asked what the per unit cost was for the 700 clients CCLAF serves and asked for clarification of the services provided and the actual cost per client. William Kolan, Managing Attorney, for Cook County Legal Assistance, responded that the number used was the cost of service using CDBG dollars, not the total cost. He said that the total amount of CCLAF's Evanston budget (approximately $300,000) is divided by 100 clients (total number of clients served) to determine the cost per client. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minute, Page 3 Ortober 15 1997 Ms. Treadway inquired if most of the cases were resolved in a short period of time. Mr. Kolan said that of the services provided a high percentage was resolved in a short period of time. He mentioned 70% to 80% involved counseling and advice and maybe, some brief service. The remaining 20% involve more extensive service: everything from representing clients in court, extensive advocacy informal or administrative hearings. Matters which would involve ten hours or more would be considered extensive service. Of the clients sen-ed, Nis. Treadway asked what percentage were low to moderate income and what federal guidelines did CCLAF use to determine low to moderate income eligibility. Mr. Kolan replied that CCLAF serves only low income, determined by 125% to 137.5% of the poverty level. Betty Sue Ester said that on PS5 question #14, it is stated that CCLAF empowers clients to empower their lives and avoid homelessness and asked him how this service differs from other services in the community. Mr. Kolan said that, in his opinion, there is no other service like the services provided by CCLAF. He went on to explain that the Community Defender's Office is the only other agency in the community that provides legal services to low and moderate income people and they do only criminal cases and serves mostly youth. Mr. Kolan said that CCLAF's provides free civil Iegal services to all low income people. Ms. Ester asked how CCLAF helps their clients to improve their quality of life. Mr. Kolan answered that CCLAF helps people to access income to which they may be entitled, i.e. social security, unemployment, public aid, etc. CCLAF also represents persons in eviction situations, represent victims of domestic violence which could involve an order of protection to get the abusive spouse out of the home; otherwise the victim usually has to flee with the children and live on the streets. Proposal 45 - Center for Public Ministry (CPM) - Evanston Family Housing Services Cynthia Benton. Director of Family Housing Services, told the Committee that the Center for Public Ministry's (CPM) request would cover part of the salaries of the Director of Family Housing Services program, and CPM's case worker. The program provides services to families who are homeless or are threatened with homelessness. Ms. Benton said that CPM also provides preventive services: financial assistance, security deposits, first month's rent, and assistance with utilities. This year CPNI is also contracting for case management services for a minimum of six months. CPM has three apartments and is working to transfer the lease of one of those apartments to a resident family. CPM had to give up one of the apartments it rented because of an increase in rent the agency was unwilling to pay. Ald. Bernstein asked if CPM owns the apartments or leases them. Ms. Benton answered that CAM leases them. Housing and Community Development Act Committee IV ,inutes Page 4 October 15. 199� Betty Sue Ester inquired if CPM were providing the same services as CCLAF. Ms. Benton stated that CPM primarily serves homeless families. She said the their primary effort is to increase income and decrease the expenses of the families they help. CPM tries to address the issues that got the family in trouble in the first place through counseling and referral to other Evanston agencies for assistance. Ald. Rainey asked how many families CP1V1 was not able to house, who are in need of transitional housing. Ms. Benton estimated that at least 60 families could use transitional housing which CPNI is unable to help with transitional housing. Michael DeVaul inquired how long families usually stay in CPM's apartments. Ms. Benton replied that they usually stay about a year. Mr. DeVaul asked what percentage of their income CPM's families spend on rent. Ms. Benton answered that the amount varied, from one-third to one-half of a family's income. Dr. Stafford mentioned that he thought it would be interesting to be able to look back at the first years of CPM's Family Housing Services program and see that their efforts were of some avail. He thought it would be useful to have good statistical studies. Ald. Kent asked how families who needed the services of CPM found out about them. Ms. Benton said that usually families are referred by Emergency Assistance and Neighbors at Work, but also by word of mouth. Ald. Kent asked if any of the people on CPM's Board of Directors lived in the CDBG Target Area. Ms. Benton said that a few board members lived in the Target Area, but the area was undcrrepresented. Judith Treadway said that at one time CPM gave rent deposit assistance and asked if CPM still did that. Ms. Benton replied that it did. Ms. Treadway asked who the families were that CPM helped with the rent deposit. Ms. Benton answered that normally CPM assists families within the community seeking; to stabilize themselves. Landlords can now request Section S families to have a security deposit and, as a result, families are having; a hard time coming up with the needed amount of money. CPM's requirement for security deposit assistance is that the family must show that they will be able to maintain the apartment, and that it is an appropriate size for their family. Ms. Benton added that these assisted families do not pay this money back to CPM. CDBG funds are not used for financial assistance to families. Ms. Treadway asked if families in CPIv1's case management services are assisted in finding affordable housing after they leave transitional housing. Ms. Benton said that CPM does try, but families who are in CPM's transitional housing are not asked to leave until they can find suitable housing. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes Page 5 October 15 1997 Proposal # 4 - BE -HIV - Community Unity Angeligue Johnson, Director of Prevention, and Vincent Gillon, Prevention Case Manager, introduced themselves to the Committee. Ms. Thompson explained that Community Unity is a prevention program that offers street and community outreach, risk reduction workshops and HIV prevention case management. It does assessment of individuals, working with them to set up a (HIV) risk reduction plan and through the plan to help them achieve their goals. Mr. Gillon explained that he works with mostly substance abuse on the street and does a lot of referrals. Dr. Stafford asked what percent of the 65,941 people (duplicated) represents BE-HIV's workshop interactions and what percent represents the street outreach contacts. Ms. Johnson said that 40% of the 65,941 are represented in risk reduction workshops. Dr. Stafford mentioned that in BE-HIV's minutes of August 26, 1997, it was stated that there was a 16% decrease in clients served compared to last year. He asked if this could be attributed to epidemiological trends. Ms. Johnson said that figure referred to direct services, and that the numbers for direct services are kept separate from the figures for outreach and prevention. Dr. Stafford asked if BE-H]V's clients would be reduced in the next ten to fifteen years because of the natural trend for epidemiological trends to curve downward. Ms. Johnson replied that was difficult to say because of the new treatments that were being developed but, at the same time BE -HIV is seeing a relapse of a number of people. Mr. Gillon said that BE -HIV was seeing an increase in the number of young people getting the AIDS virus. Fie said that the virus can have a long incubation period, especially in young people because of their strong immune system. The data is now starting to catch up and BE -HIV is seeing an increase in the number of young people who are HIV infected. Mr. Gillon mentioned that he had just returned from a conference in Florida with people who have worked in this field across the country and the conference was all about the explosion of the virus in young people. Michael DeVaul asked what age group Mr. Gillon was referring to when he said youth. Mr. Gillon said that "youth" meant between the ages of 16 - 25. and that this is where the (HIV) explosion is. He added that he sees a lot of high risk behavior being practiced in Evanston. Ms. Johnson interjected that in Illinois, Evanston used to be rated number 2 in the number of HIV/Aids cases and now its rated number 3; she felt this showed that BE- HIV's risk reduction education efforts were making an impact. Ald. Kent asked if there is any better way to educate the community now than BE -HIV had before when an outreach worker was out on the street reaching many locations. Mr. Gillon said that BE -HIV still did street outreach. He stated that not only does BE -HIV do Housing and Community Development Act Committee Ntpute,s Page fi October 15. 1997 outreach, but every Tuesday he has arranged for the Evanston Health Department to do HIV testing at the Second Baptist Church. Mr. Gillon told the Committee that, in the next few months BE -HIV would be getting a new HIV testing kit that would allow him to do on the spot testing. Ms. Johnson mentioned that besides a prevention program, BE -HIV case management services and housing services, the Agency has a whole system in place to give their clients the services that they need. Proposal #14 - Girls Scouts - Making Cleoices/Evanston Constance Beames, Chief Operating Office, introduced Judy Allen, Program Supervisor, and Judy Gomez, Making Choices Coordinator. Ms. Beames thanked the Committee for the support it has given in the past for the Making Choices program. She said the Girl Scouts were very mindful of the commitment to reduce the agency's CDBG funding request and they struggled to comply with that request. Ms. Beames said that in discussions among staff on ways to significantly cut their funding request, they concluded that the only thing they could do was to eliminate the summer program and staff felt it could not do that, so it was left in the funding request. Ms. Beames informed the Committee that the Girl Scouts had a successful program this past summer at Clyde/Callan, Elks, and James Park and hoped to continue there in the future. She explained that the Making Choices Program was a preventative program primarily for middle school girls and covered a variety of contemporary subject areas, providing information that girls are not necessarily getting in other areas. Ms. Bearnes told the Committee that the Girl Scouts had just started a program with 60 girls enrolled at Nichols School, and that they were starting programs at Chute, Haven, and Dewey schools in the fall, and Dawes, Oak -ton, and Timber Ridge schools in January. Judith Treadway asked if the grant request is for programs for next year or for the programs just mentioned. Ms. Beames replied that the programs she had just told the Committee about were funded out of the CDBG funds that the Girl Scouts had received for 1997/98. The funding request before the Committee will cover 1998 programs. Aid. Drummer asked how many schools the Girl Scouts could serve in one year. Ms. Allen said that they have two programs, an elementary and a middle schools program. She said that last year the Girl Scouts served Timber Ridge, Washington, Martin Luther King, family Focus, Clyde/Callan, Elks and James Park. This quarter, they are starting a program at Nichols, Chute, Haven, and Dewey schools. In the fourth quarter, they will be adding Dewey, Dawes and Timber Ridge schools. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes P{}ge 7 October 1 �. 1997 Betty Sue Ester asked why the Girl Scouts were going to places where there were already programs established for the girls and not out recruiting. Ms. Allen answered that the Girl Scouts work together with the different programs in existence and that the other programs are drop -in programs. The Girl Scouts offer a structured program and the Girl Scouts is attracting girls that would not ordinarily come to these other programs. I'v1s. Ester asked when the Girls Scouts changed and decided to focus on girls at risk. Ms. Bearnes informed her that their commitment has always been to make the Girl Scouts accessible to every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout. She said that it was clear that some girls would want to be members of troops and other girls would respond to other kind of opportunities. She added that fifteen percent of the Girl Scouts' total membership are participating in programs like Making Choices. Ms. Ester asked for an explanation of the $32.95 per client expenditure on PS 7. Ms. Beames explained that this amount includes payroll taxes, supplies (workbooks, video tapes, light snacks) and some costs for translating materials. Ald. Rainey asked for an example of a meeting at the park. Ms. Allen said that the Girl Scouts are at the park for three hours once or twice a week and from 15-30 girls would participate. The meetings would start out with various activities and move on to programs promoting self esteem, leadership, and team building. Aid. Rainey asked if the Girl Scouts received CDBG funds from other cities. Ms. Beames said that the Girls Scouts do receive CDBG funding for programs in Mt. Prospect and North Chicago. Ald. Rainey asked if the Girls Scouts charge the girls participating in their programs. Ms. Beames answered if a program if offered in a low to moderate income Area, the girls are not asked to contribute. Ms. Treadway asked if CDBG funds were used to pay dues for the girls. Ms. Beames said no CDBG funds were used for dues; United Way funds instead are used for this purpose. Ald. Kent inquired if the Girl Scouts were taking their program to the high school. Ms. Allen said that currently some ninth grade girls are in the program. Proposal 447 - Over the Rainbow Association - Hill Arboretum Apartments Eric Huffman, Executive Director, introduced Gerry Boone, Board Member, Janet Alexander, Director of Operations, and John Camelot, President of the Tenants Association. Mr. Huffman explained that Over the Rainbow's goals are to provide housing to severely disabled individuals (33 apartments) and a jab center. He said that all five improvements listed in their proposal are directly related to accessibility or safety at the facility. Mr. Huffman mentioned that Housing and Community Development ,Act Committee Minutes Page 8 October 1.5, 1997 Hill Arboretum's residents are very actively involved in the community. They shop, vote and go to church in Evanston. One of the residents chaired another agency and helped them raise $15,000. He also mentioned that the services offered by Over the Rainbow are unique and unduplicated. Mr. Huffman explained that their HUD reimbursement does not cover all their costs, that the agency runs at a slight deficit every year and hold fundraisers to make up the deficit. Without CDBG funds, it would not be possible to accomplish many of the Hill Arboretum capital projects. Ald. Kent asked if there was any fire prevention system in the apartment building. Mr. Huffman answered that there is an alarm, but no sprinkler system. Ald. Kent asked Mr. Huffman to rank the projects listed in the CDBG application. Mr. Huffman said that all of the projects were of equal importance. John Camelot also spoke about the tenants concerns and need for completion of the projects listed in the proposal. Proposal 98 - Evanston Media Center (EMC) - Erpansion of Training and Outreach Eitan Kushner, Executive Director of Evanston Media Center, introduced Irene Doyle Sander, Board President, Mr. Kushner said that public access gives a voice to members of the community interested in sharing their viewpoints on a first -come, first -served basis. Programs are produced by seniors, church groups, not -for -profits, and individuals. He stated that 2,000 individuals in this community have been trained in the art of television production by the Evanston Media Center. Ald. Drummer asked if Mr. Kushner was expanding an existing program. Mr. Kushner replied that the funding request was for expansion of training and outreach. Ald. Drummer asked where funding fore the program came from in the past Mr. Kushner explained that for ten years he received funds directly from the cable company. For the past two years funding has come from a "pass -through" cable subscribers, which accounts for half of the funding, and the other half is from funds EMC has saved in the past. He said that this funding base will cease to exist in June, 1998. Betty Sue Ester asked why EMC was asking for funds for programs that have existed for the past ten years. Ms. Sandler answered it was because EMC would no longer have excess funds in 1988. If EMC is not able to secure more funds, the programs and public access the public has had and seen on ENIC will disappear. Furthermore, she added, EMC needs funds to intensify and to continue to recruit to bring the community's voices forward. Television has become a most influential and powerful media tool and to keep this medium in the hands of the people it must be supported. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes Page 9 October 15. 1997 Ms. Ester asked if survey had been taken of the 14,000 people that had cable in their homes to find out how many people watch EMC's channel. Mr. Kushner replied that it is impossible to do a survey limited to cable subscribers, mainly because the cable company does not share the list of clients with his office. However, periodically EMC does random phone and mail surveys. Dr. Stafford said that on Page 15 and 17 of the application, salaries and payroll taxes come to a total of $22,356 and the request is for $50,000. Of the CDBG funds requested for the positions listed, he said he totaled $27,000 and asked for clarification. Mr. Kushner said he would check the budget pages of his proposal and submit a corrected copy. Judith Treadway asked Mr. Kushner to explain what the training consists of and what the potential is for opening up a career in production for the individuals being trained. Also, she added what age group was being targeted. Mr. Kushner said that basically, the training is in television production, how to understand the medium, what it's all about, and how that knowledge can be taken and formed into a program. He said EMC always looks for opportunities to offer additional experience. Mr. Kushner stated that EMC's internship program not only benefitted EMC, but the interns as well. He said that their current program director started as an intern with the station, obtained job skills at other locations and came back to EMC when a job opening came available. He added that the training and experience that individuals who produce programs out of the EMC have doesn't necessarily mean that they will obtain a job or seek a career in the television field. However, the communication skills a person learns through EMC helps in any future job. Judith Treadway mentioned that she thought that Mr. Kushner could get some information from the Nielson Rating, Arbitron, or the Commerce Department to ascertain which households have entertainment equipment and the household income of cable TV subscribers. Proposal 020 - North Shore Senior Center - EvanstonlSkokie Valley Senior Services Sandi Johnson, Executive Director, of the North Shore Senior Center (NSSC), introduced Alexander Brown, Manager of the Evanston/Skokie office. Ms. Johnson said that the CDBG funds being requested would be used to fund a case manager's position, including salary and benefits. She explained that NSSC works primarily with poverty -low-income older adults in the community. The case management service enables older adults to live independently in their own homes (using community supportive services), maintain their quality of life and aid in preventing elder abuse. Besides being very visible in the community, the case manager visits people at home and in the agency's office. The Case Manager has regular hours at the Levy Center, the Flcetwood/Jourdain Nutrition site, and at Primm Towers. Ms. Johnson said that NSSC projects that the case manager will see 100 clients in the coming year. The cost per client is approximately $312 annually. She mentioned that the low end of nursing home care is Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minute.5 Page 10 009he:r 15. 1997 $30,000 per year and felt that a case manager program is a very cost effective way of helping to maintain older adults in their own homes. Ald. Drummer asked if there was adult day care in Evanston. Ms. Johnson replied that besides the Council for Jewish Elderly, she was not aware of any adult day care service in Evanston. Judith Treadway inquired where the case advocacy services are provided. Ms. Johnson said that they would be provided through the North Shore Senior Center. Ms. Treadway asked what kind of services would be delivered. Ms. Johnson replied that case advocacy for Title IIIB funding is basically case management services. She went on to explain that about five years ago the Suburban Area Agency on Aging was told by the State of Illinois that they were appropriating too much money for case management and a new category was created so that the agencies would continue to be funded. Ms. Treadway asked if the North Shore Senior Center provided any special services such as mental health counseling or elder abuse counseling. Nis. Johnson replied that NSSC is not the elder abuse provider in this community, Metropolitan Family Services is, but NSSC does prevention work and referral services. Proposal 99 - Evanston 9 Have a Dream" Project " I Have a Dream" Marti Lannert, Chair of the "I Have a Dream" Project (EIHAD), introduced Peter Braithwaite, Project Coordinator. Nis. Lannert said they have been working with a group of students since 1993 and the students are now juniors in high school. Each of the "dreamers' has a mentor who visits with him/her and an academic coach. A lot of the coaching comes from Northwestern University. The "dreamers" are entering a very different time of life where grades are not enough to gain admission to higher learning institutions. They must decide what they will do after they graduate from high school. She said that most North Shore youth get the opportunity to visit many colleges and take SAVACT tests more than one time. However, these things cost more money than most "dreamers" and their families can afford. Ms. Lannert emphasized that Ell-IAD has never asked for CDBG money before and they plan to never ask for funds again, the "dreamers" will graduate and go on to college and careers. She said EIHAD will be in contact with the "dreamers" through college and four years afterward, and while they hope to keep in touch, will not be following them as closely after that. Aid. Kent asked whether Black colleges are included in the visits when the "I Have a Dream" people visit colleges. Mr. Braithwaite answered that their goal is to visit the schools in the southern belt; however the extent of the organization's ability to visit different college depends upon the outcome of the CDBG funding process. Housing and. Community Development Act Committee Minutes Page I l Octnher 1.5, 1997 Aid. Drummer inquired how the scholarships are paid. Ms. Lannert said that the "dreamers' and their families would be applying for any federal aid or scholarship money that is available to them. She said that they guarantee the "dreamers" help with the cost of higher education at an amount equivalent to what it would cost to attend Oakton Community College. EIHAD also works as hard as possible to get any other monies available for the "dreamers" to enable students to attend more expensive schools. Betty Sue Ester mentioned that there is a program in Evanston that has been working with the youth and helping them with their financial package, scholarship, and taking them on tours of approximately six colleges. She said she would get the name of a contact person so perhaps "I Have a Dream" could coordinate with that program. Judith Treadway said that she saw a duplication of services since, in her opinion, the high school was offering similar services. Mr. Braithwaite replied that although Evanston Township does provide a wonderful amount of resources, the students that "I Have a Dream" works with are very disconnected from the high school, and do not engage in any type of component that the Evanston high school offers regarding college search and placement. Aid, Rainey said that from time to time the Committee does see duplication of services, but if the Committee ever wanted duplication of services, it would be in a program like this one. Ald. Kent said that there is another similar service in Evanston, sponsored by the Second Baptist Church, and EIHAD activities it could be perceived as a Second Baptist activity. Even if the resources are there, chances are that the students that are already in the "I Have a Dream" group, or any other group that has been in a program since sixth grade and developed trust and communication with their mentors, may not want to participate in some other program because of the need for the relationship that has been built up between the mentors and "dreamers" since the sixth grade. He asked for Ms. Lannert to provide the addresses of the "dreamers". Proposal 910 - Evanston Jr. Wildkits, Inc. - Evanston Jr. Wildkils Football Gabe Val, Program Director, informed the Committee that this is the fourth year Evanston Jr. Wildkits Football has been in existence. He said they started with fifty young people and two teams. The program has been so successful, that this year they had to turn away about 15 youth due to lack of resources and playing fields. He said that they could have had six teams and 300 children if they had the funding and field space. He said the Junior Wildkits Football program was asking for money so that they would not have to turn away anyone who wants to play football. Mr. Val summarized the program by saying that all the adults are volunteers (approximately 12) who put in a lot of time working with the youth teaching them teamwork and discipline. He said that a $120 registration fee per student is charged which covers insurance, equipment use, and league fees. If the child cannot pay part or all of the fee, Evanston Housing and Community Development Act Committee Uputes Pape 12. October ] � 1997 Jr. Wildkits covers the balance of the cost. Aid. Kent asked why ETHS does not allow the Jr. Wildkits to use their practice field. Mr. Val replied that the high school has not been very cooperative with the program. Aid. Kent asked if there was any ongoing communication with ETHS or whether the Jr. Wildkits will move somewhere else next year. Mr. Val told him of a long time dream to build a football field somewhere in Evanston that soccer and baseball teams could also use. He said that the program is using the Foster Field adjacent to the Fleetwood/Jourdain Community Center and that FIeetwood has turned out to be a better space than Robert Crown Park for them. Mr. Val said that because of the lack of cooperation from ETHS, the Jr. Wildkits have done things on their own such as having the Varsity Football players come and talk about keeping good grades in school, etc. He said that he is trying to get the kids some recognition at half time during (the ETHS) Saturday's game. Aid. Rainey asked if holding the games/practice at Fleetwood had any effect on youth participating from the south end of town. Mr. Val replied that there have been approximately twelve children that did not have a way to get to practice, and that he and the other coach would pick them up. Aid. Rainey asked if the reason the fifteen children were turned away was because of a lack of equipment. 1110r. Val said that it was a Iack of equipment and funding problem; it costs $250 per child to outfit them. Judith Treadway asked what the difference was between the $77 cost per child in the Wildkit application and the $250 mentioned tonight. Mr. Val said that the it cost $250 to outfit a child in new equipment and the $77 is based on using equipment the program already has and buying an occasional jersey or refurbishing a helmet. Proposal #22 - Youth Job Center - Job Readiness, Job Placement Counseling Ann Jennett, Executive Director, pointed out that their CDBG request is down 26% from the previous year. Ms. Jennett informed the Committee that last year the Youth Job Center (YJC) placed 146 clients in full time permanent positions, 355 clients in part time positions, provided job guidance and counseling for 1.200 clients, referred 115 clients to social service agencies, collaborated %with five different entities, ran the Great America Jobs summer program, and met with Doug Gaynor, Director of Parks/Recreation, and Forestry to discuss getting some of their clients into the 400 jobs available in the summer months in the City's Recreation department. She said that of her clients, 87% are minorities and 75% are from low/moderate income families. Ms. Jennett mentioned that Cyrus Realty funded a tutorial program where YJC's clients tutored children in elementary schools. She discussed a new initiative in which YJC has enlisted ten major corporations to hire ten welfare recipients each (100 total) and provide training and jobs in the next two to three months. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes PAZ j3 Ortnber 15. 1997 Dr. Stafford asked about the results of long-term follow up of clients to determine how long clients retained jobs found for them by YJC. Ms. Jennett said it was difficult to track many of their clients, but of those they were able to track the Youth Job Center did see a definite pattern of success in their lives. Ms. Jennett then introduced John Kennedy, YJC Board Chairman, Greg Pearson, Program Chairman, Lavada Robinson, Programs Director, Laura Schindler, Assistant Director, Judy Pfeifer, office manager; and Bill Harris, Board Member. V1. COMMUNICATIONS Sally Lufkin, stated that Congress had increased the overall 1998 funding for the CDBG program up to $4.675 billion, (it has been $4.6 billion for the past three years), but then increased the amount of funds set -aside with the CDBG program to almost $500 million. She said that staff always works from funding estimates at this point of the funding process because the City will not know its actual CDBG entitlement amount until the end of the year. Ms. Lufkin said that Ms. Modaber had estimated the amount to be available for the 1998 CDBG program conservatively, and that these figures will be reviewed again before the November funding recommendations meeting. In addition, staff will have a list of proposed reallocations of unused funds from completed projects ready for the Committee's approval at the November 11 th meeting. She mentioned that reduced entitlements in turn reduces the caps for Administration and Public Services projects, so the Committee will have to cut in each category. V1I. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the Committee adjourned at I 1 p.m. Respectfully submitted, tMarvVaaske: Executive Secretary Planning Division Community Development Department HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE Wednesday, October 21, 1997 7:00 P.M. - room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Dr. Stafford, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Betty Sue Ester OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Rosinkski, Cinthia Reid, Lynn Johnson, Ridgeville Park District; Marianne Moberly, Lucille Krasnow, Scott Morgan, Ellen Galland, Janet Dotson, Amy Seidman, Housing Options; Michelle Phillips, NLU Outreach Program; Delores Holmes, Family Focus; Rev. Michael Summers, F.A.C.E.; Carla Frisch, Metropolitan Family Services; Ann Godzikowski, Reba Place Day Nursery; Rev. Kenneth Wesbrooks, New Christian Basketball League; Christie Dailey, YWCA PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer I. CALL TO ORDER/DECLARATION OF QUORUM Aid. Drummer called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m., a quorum being present. II. COMMUNICATIONS A. 23 Year CDBG Program Funding Summary B. City/Mental Health Board - Schedule of Meetings C. City/United Way/Mental Health Board - Copies of Proposal for Center for Public Ministry, Evanston Community Defender, Family Focus. Housing Options for the Mentally Ill in Evanston, Metropolitan Family Services North Shore Senior Center, Youth Job Center D. Copy of Guidelines Used by Agency Applicants for 1998 CDBG Funds Accepted into the record by Aid. Drummer. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Page 2 October 21. 1997 III. 1998/99 CDBG PROGRAM - AGENCY APPLICATION REVIEW Proposal #f15 - Housing Options - Home Firs1/Bell House Marianne Moberly. executive director of Housing Options, introduced Lucille Krasnow, vice president, Scott Morgan. President, Janet Dotson, secretary, Amy Seidman and Ellen Galland, board members. iv1s. Moberly explained that persons living in housing provided by Housing Options are disabled by mental illness and are low income, (most of have incomes less than $7,000 per year). She said that support services are provided are by professional mental health support staff, who work for Thresholds Housing Options contracts with Thresholds to provide those services and Housing Options oversees those services. Services include a full time case manager, program director, house manager, and some support staff. These individuals are providing case management, group and individual counseling, medication monitoring, organize social and recreational activities and assist residents with independent living skills. Ms. Moberly provided the following information: Last year Housing Options served 43 different individuals (37% men, 63% women), 33% of those individuals were minority. - Housing Options has increased its capacity to serve from 27 to 37 individuals. - January through June 1997: Housing Options received 115 calls requesting housing; 57% of those calls were from Evanston residents, or families calling about family members; were accepted into Housing Options' housing and the remaining 7901'0 were no, either because Housing Options didn't have the space available or lacked the appropriate services that the individual needed. Housing Options hired a Clinical Coordinator, who is doing all the pre -assessment screening of applicants. - Instituted a new quality assurance process which is allowing Housing Options to get feedback from their residents as to how they feel about service delivery and also getting them involved in their welfare. - All of the people served last year had Evanston connections, either they lived in Evanston or had family members living in Evanston. - Nine individuals moved out of Housing Options last year. - 68% of the residents either held jobs or participated in vocational training programs. - 84% worked at increasing their daily living skills. - 9% attended school. - 19% did community volunteer work. - Funding sources consisted of: 57% - government 29% private grants and contributions, 12% resident fees and 2% interest and miscellaneous. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Page 3 October 21. 1997 Aid. Drummer asked what happened to the nine people that moved out of Housing Options last year. Ms. Moberly said that five moved into their own apartments, two people needed more support and moved into institutions, one person moved in with friends, and one person Housing Options was not able to track. Aid. Drummer asked Ms. Moberly to explain why Housing Options was not able to fill the need. Ms. Moberly explained that Housing Options is now taking all inquiry calls at their office. When they receive a call, a form is filled out assessing the individual's connection to the community, whether they are a resident or have a family member living in Evanston, and other demographic information. Housing Options is now tracking special needs within the number of persons disabled by mental illness, such as calls from families who are head of households with children. Housing Options is presently unable to house a family within the current housing program; it can only house individuals. Housing Options is trying to analyze what it can do to meet the needs of the community. Aid. Drummer asked how many calls were received this year. Ms. Moberly said that for the first six months of 97, they have received I 1 S calls, 49% of those calls were from Evanston residents. Aid. Rainey asked why this CDBG request could not be funded from Housing Option's operating reserves. Ms. Moberly said that their operating reserve are for cash shortfalls and Housing Options is using the rule of thumb suggested by United Way, which is that a non profit organization should have two to three months of operating expenses in reserve. When Housing Options does its budget planning, the money in reserves is not included in the budget. Dr. Stafford said that in Housing Options application they compared the cost of their long term care facilities with the cost of care at Albanv Care and Greenwood Care. He asked Ms. Moberly to provide figures for the cost of care for Albany and Greenwood, so that the Committee could effectively compare those costs with the cost of care provided by Housing Options. Ms. Moberly answered that she was not sure if she could get that information, but would try to obtain information. She said that Housing Options was not a long term care facility; it provides housing. Ms. Moberly mentioned that Housing Options was awarded a one year accreditation from the Commission on the Rehabilitation of Facilities (CARF). She said the accreditation is based not only on organizational structure and how Housing Options deliver services, but also on the condition of the property Proposal #IS - National -Louis University - Family Outreach Program Ms. Michelle Phillips, Program Director of the Family Outreach Program (FOP) explained that FOP was an intergcnerational family literacy program which provides educational opportunities to young families to learn and speak English. In addition, FOP provides families the opportunity to work in groups and establish a social network which will facilitate their integration into the Evanston community. She said the FOP program continues to operate at St. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Page 4 October 21. 1997 Nicholas Church on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon. The programs offer parenting support and enrichment, early childhood education, and adult education in the form of English as a second language instruction. FOP holds parenting enrichment sessions, where parents examine and discuss themes and topics which they have determined as appropriate and necessary for their own development. The parents discuss discipline. health and nutrition, family communication, stress management, identifying and utilizing community resources, and promotion of self-esteem. Ms. Phillips said FOP offers a curriculum which is based on the research done as part of the Perry Preschool Project. Studies done as part of this investigation show that children benefit significantly from participating in a comprehensive early childhood program which offers opportunities for active learning, problem -solving and meaningful social interaction. She said the FOP provides children with a variety of interesting activities which promote learning and development. In the English as a Second Language component, Ms. Phillips explained that FOP aims to engage parents in an active process of improving their English language skills, including listening, comprehension, translation, pronunciation, reading and writing. Parents integrated into the Evanston community through support by FOP as they learn about community resources and FOP encourages and supports parents to take an active role as their child's first teachers. Nis. Phillips shared testimony from participants in the program and other community groups. Michael DeVaul asked about FOP's September fund raiser. Ms. Phillips answered that it went very well, there was good participation from the families and they raised approximately $1,500 and are still receiving donations. Aid. Rainey asked if Ms. Phillips did any outreach in the community and work with families in their homes. tics. Phillips said that she does home visits, especially if there is illness or special conditions or circumstances or if, for some reason, the family cannot come to FOP's programs. Aid. Bernstein asked for a breakdown on how many fathers participated in FOP's programs. Ms. Phillips said that as of now, about two fathers have participated in the program with the rest of the participants being the mothers. Aid. Rainey said that this could be due to the fact that most people are working during the day, and participation might be greater by fathers if the programs were held around 7 p.m. Aid. Drummer asked if Nis. Phillips request had gone up over 100% because National - Louis University had withdrawn their support from her program. Ms. Phillips answered yes. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Page 5 October 21. 1997 Proposal #46 - Family Focus - Window Replacement Phase ll Delores Holmes, Director of Family Focus, stated that she wanted to address a rumor about'the Family Focus Family Community Center (FFFCC) building being for sale. She said the building was not for sale. The only way Family Focus would be interested in selling the building is if the building stayed a community center and Family Focus stayed a tenant. Ms. Holmes went on to say that their application is for Phase II funding of FFFCC's Window Replacement Program to replace windows on the south end of the 2010 Dewey building. Dr. Stafford mentioned that he thought reinforced vinyl framed windows would be more effective in preserving heat than aluminum framed windows. Ms. Holmes said that they looked into those windows last year, but the way in which the windows are being built now will actually preserve more energy than vinyl windows. Aid. Drummer asked if Phase II completed the window replacement project. Mr. Holmes answered that it did. Aid. Rainey asked what the occupancy costs were and asked for a breakdown of those costs. Proposal #50 - Ridgeville Park District - Brummel Park Renovation Brian Rosinski, Director of Ridgeville Park District, introduced Cindy Reid, Program Director, and Lynn Johnson. Mr. Rosinski explained that Brummel Park is located at Brummel and Elmwood in southeast Evanston. He said it was located in a very condensed neighborhood with a lot of children. Mr. Rosinski said that Ridgeville Park District tries to renovate their parks every ten to eleven years depending on the condition of the park. He said that the far eastern part of the park is very, very old and that is the part of the park he is proposing to renovate with CDBG funds. He has had approximately five meetings with the Southeast Evanston Parents Association and Brummel Park Neighbors and gathered information from the parents and children to arrive at three options. Those options were then presented to the neighbors and they voted for option three. He showed the Committee members a drawing of the proposed play equipment. Judith Treadway asked if there was any covering for people who sit in the park. Mr. Rosinski said the area was an all play area, there was no covering. Tents are brought in for special events. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Pace 6 October 21. 1997 Michael DeVaul asked if Ridgeville has any cash reserves. Mr. Rosinski replied that Ridgeville has a working cash fund which has to be replaced on a yearly basis. Tax revenue that has been collected over the years is in a separate account to be used for shortfalls in each tax period. If the park district runs short, money is borrowed from this fund, but has to be paid back. Mr. DeVaul asked what the difference was between Program/Parks and Playground/Parks listed on page 11. Mr. Rosinski explained that Program/Parks was money for programs in the parks where Playground/Parks is actual money spent on replacing old equipment. Aid. Rainey commented that in the area east of Asbury, south of Oakton (which is a huge area) there is only one City park, the remaining three parks are Ridgeville. She felt that the play equipment proposed for Brummel Park was a great piece of equipment. Judith Treadway asked if any other improvements would be made to this park at the same time as the new equipment. Mr. Rosinski replied that for now, the equipment would be the only improvement. Proposal #21 - Ridgeville Park District TurnStyle Performance Project Cindy Reid, Program Director gave the Committee an update on the TumStyle Performance project. She said Ridgeville has publicized the project by sending out posters and flyers to various organizations. So far, they have had 23 children audition over a four day period. Fourteen of those children were picked to participate in the program. The demographics of those fourteen are 65% African American, 79% Iow to moderate income, and 54% live in south Evanston. The group will be hold its first meeting on Wednesday, October 22. Nis. Reid said staff is in the process of researching other grants to help with the start-up costs of the program. She stated that staff is now in the process of planning the time and places of their performances. Ms. Reid, in reply to the comments on the CDBG pink sheet under Programmatic Issues, said that the number 2800 teens included the audience of young people that they would try to get in discussion after the performance. She said that she could change the budget to use CDBG funds only for the stipends for the directors and pay the students from another source. Judith Treadway asked if there were any high school students in the program. Ms. Reid answered that all the participants in the program were at least in 8th grade and 4 were in high school. Ms. Treadway asked if this was an ongoing program, how the participants were selected, and once they are picked, will they remain in the program? Lynn Johnson replied that the Housing and Community Development Act Committee Page 7 October 21. 1447 participants will have to audition every year; they will not automatically stay in the program from year to year. She added that Ridgeville plans on having from 10 to 15 participants at one time. Ald. Drummer thought that similar programs were being offered by the City's Recreation Department. Ald. Kent asked Mss. Reid & Johnson to call the schools and get some information on the students involved in their program. AId. Kent expressed the hope that the senior citizens' homes would be involved Le, performances given at those homes. Ms. Reid said that was definitely in their plans. Ald. Rainey asked for the number of Ridgeville youth that are participating in the program. Judith Treadway asked what involvement the parents have in this process. Ms. Reed replied that the program is just now getting started, but envisioned meetings and fund raising where the families would participate. Proposal # 7 - Evanston Community Defender - Evanston Community Defender's Office Robert Roy, Managing Attorney for the Evanston Community Defender Office, told the Committee that, according to the census data in Evanston. if you add up everyone under the age of 17 (18% of the total population), and add the percentage of people between 17 and 24 to that figure, the total is 36% of the population that is under 24. He said these people are the seed population for the economic development of the community. They will either be part of the tax base or part of the tax drag. The Evanston Community Defender's Office provides legal and social services to people under the age of 21 in the City of Evanston. He said that basically the age limit is set at the age of 21, because that is the upper determinate age of eligibility for special education services at school. Mr. Roy mentioned other sources of funding his office receives. He said that because of the legal advocacy his office does, then also bring in state and county dollars to residents who might otherwise not be able to have adequate housing or services to which they are entitled. He then gave some scenarios of people the Evanston Community Defenders Office has served. Ald. Drummer asked if Mr. Roy could give the Committee some follow up statistics. Mr. Roy said that because of a lack of money they are not able to do follow up services on their clients. However, he stated that they do keep records on the number of people that return to the office for service within a certain period of time. Judith Treadway asked what the 52/40 under the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Quarter stood for. Mr. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Paae 8 October 21. 1997 Roy said that no more than 52 cases or less than 40. Ms. Treadway asked if any clients had been turned away because of a Iack of resources. Mr. Roy replied that they have had, to turn away clients who were over age 21. For those individuals under age 21 they have had to restrict intake of new clients for one three month period. Michael DeVaul asked for clarification on the increase on PS 15 of $42,817. Mr. Roy replied that the $. 2.817 was for new positions and increases for some of the staff. Aid. Drummer asked where the youth (between 17 and 21) that have been helped by the Community Defender are now. Mr. Roy said he would go back to his office and analyze that material and send it to Aid. Drummer. Aid. Kent said that a few years ago Mr. Roy provided a report that had the percentage for youth served from the 5th ward and asked if he would do that report for the whole City by ward. Proposal # 19 - New Christian Basketball League - New Christian Basketball League Rev. Kenneth Wesbrooks gave an over view of the New Christian Basketball League program. He said that Mrs. Wesbrooks was the coordinator of the tutoring program. This program is in the elementar% schools where tutoring is being done during the lunch hour and after school. He explained that the New Christian Basketball League also counsels families in parenting skills, working with youth, sponsors program to facilitate discussion and interaction between youth and their parents, besides sponsoring tutoring and mentoring programs. Rev. Wesbrooks said that they deal with mostly high risk youth. He said he has met with several of the social service agencies in Evanston to get an overview of the needs of these youth and has put together some programs to help them. Rev. Wesbrooks also has met with Oakton Community College and is beginning a skills development program which will enable students to obtain the necessary skills for employment. Rev. Wesbrooks explained that he had wanted to target the basketball program to low and middle income children, but because of the fees that had to be charged to cover officials, etc., they were not able to. With the existence of funding, he feels they will be able to reduce the membership cost which will enable low and middle income families/individuals to have access to the basketball program. lie said that there has been a considerable decrease in private funding, however a fund raising position has just been created which will address fund raising for the agency. Dr. Stafford observed that there are ten services provided by this project with the last being listed as providing safety oriented basketball games. He asked what percent of the time devoted to this project is devoted to providing safety oriented basketball games versus scheduled counseling, mentoring, other types of activities. Rev. Wesbrooks replied at least fifty per cent of Housing and Community Development Act Committee Page 9 October 21. 1997 the time was devoted to basketball. He said that the basketball program is a feeder to the other programs they offer. They have regular scheduled counseling sessions taking place on a weekly basis, and referral counseling at an as -needed basis. Rev. Wesbrooks said that the Mentoring Program is a type of on -going program which comes from cooperative ventures as well as from other area churches. Michael DeVaul asked if Rev. Wesbrooks was currently renting space at Crown and Fleetwood. Rev. Wesbrooks replied that they were and he has also had conversations with Ms. Holmes to discuss renting classrooms at Fleetwood. Aid. Drummer asked when the basketball games are played. Rev. Wesbrooks answered that when the program initially started it was a spring/summer program. Since then, they have had requests for a winter program. Because of the winter holidays and the amount of funds it costs for this program, a winter basketball program would be difficult to start. His goal was to start a program in March - April at the Fleetwood/Jourdain Center, AId. Drummer mentioned that Fleetwood/Jourdain already had basketball programs free of charge. Rev. Wesbrooks replied that he was aware of the basketball at Fleetwood, but the uniqueness of his program was that they offer the mentorship between the adults and the youth. He said that most of the other programs are separated; the younger boys play together and the older boys play together. He said that there is no camaraderie this way. In the New Christian Basketball League they bring the groups together and they form relationships and opportunities for employment. Aid. Drummer asked how many youths Rev. Wesbrooks planned to serve with this program. Rev. Wesbrooks said that he expected to serve approximately 200.youths. Aid. Drummer .vondered if there was a need for this program since there are so many other similar programs already in existence in Evanston. Rev. Wesbrooks said that there were some youth in his programs that were not involved in any other program. Nis. Treadway mentioned that some of the basketball teams were named after churches. Rev. Wesbrooks replied that some churches were sponsoring some of the teams. He said that there were businesses sponsoring other teams. Since the cost of referees is high, Aid. Kent asked if Rev. Wesbrooks has considered using college students or members of Rev. Wesbrooks' board, getting them certified. Instead of paying a referee $35 a game, perhaps they could pay $10 or $ I5 to volunteers. Rev. Wesbrooks stated that the first year of the program he and another individual refereed each game. However, there is a psychological issue which goes along with referees and youth in the program. Perhaps because he was not a certified referee, he spent a lot of time explaining the calls he made. Getting a professional referee eliminated every dilemma, every question, every problem that was on the floor as far as basketball was concerned. Rev. Wesbrooks mentioned that he has pursued using officials from the Recreation Department. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Pane 10 October 21. 1997 Ald. Bernstein asked what location the $1,000 in utilities was for on PS 14. Rev. Wesbrooks replied that was what he estimated utilities would cost when he was able to End some office space. The $6,000 line item for rent was also an estimation for future office space. Judith Treadway asked if Rev. Wesbrooks were to move the west side of Evanston, what would happen to the youth he was serving in the southern area of the City at the Robert Crown Center. He had already said they were not comfortable going to the west side of Evanston. She added what would he do about them. Rev. Wesbrooks said if the program were to move to the west side, he and his wife would provide transportation for those participants and that there were other volunteers that would help with transportation. Proposal #13 - Food Aid Center of Evanston - Food Aid Center (FACE) Rev. Mike Summers explained that Leslie Nance, the Executive Director of Food Aid Center, was in an automobile accident and unable to be at the meeting. Rev. Summers said that there were some citizens in Evanston who would not have enough food if it weren't for the Food Aid Center program. Rev. Summers gave an overview of the various ways that FACE solicits and receives funds/donations. He said that over the past year FACE has had a relationship with George Winston, a pianist, who puts on a couple concerts a year at Northwestern University, and he has allowed FACE to sell his tapes in the lobby and to keep the proceeds from the sales. This has amounted to approximately $ I.000 in revenue. Rev. Summers said that Mr. Winston also asks that people who come to his concert bring canned goods so that FACE can add to their foodstuffs. Mr. Winston is next giving a concert this December, the price of the ticket will be $21, but there will be a free ticket to those people donating turkeys. Rev. Summers added that Wholefoods will be donating the stock left in their store to FACE when they move to their new store. He added that FACE also plans to get more aggressive in soliciting funds/donations. Dr. Stafford mentioned that the figure 27,000 served on PS3 for 1998/99 amounts to almost one-third of the population of Evanston. Rev. Summers said that FACE serves many seniors, families, and homeless people and that the figure of 27,000 is a duplicated figure. Judith Treadway asked what kind of forms people fill out to qualify for FACE services. Rev. Summers said that they fill out forms when they apply at Emergency Assistance at the Civic Center. When they are referred to FACE, Iv1s. Nance asks them to fill out a form to certify residence, income, etc. Ms. Treadway asked if they are asked to show proof of income. Rev. Summers replied that they are not asked to show proof of income, at some point one must depend on integrity and honor. Ald. Kent asked if there were any examples or statistics regarding how many people Housing and Community Development Act Committee Page 1 l October 21. 1997 served have been ongoing recipients of FACE services. Rev. Summers said that he thought that the number would be approximately 15,000. Aid. Kent asked Rev. Summers to research this and give the answer to the Committee. Proposal 917 - Metropolitan Family Services (19IFS) - Elder Abuse Prevention Services Carla Frisch, Supervisor of the Senior Services Division of Metropolitan Family Services, explained that NIFS was proposing a modest grant to provide in -home counseling for elder abuse victims, their families and abusers who are Evanston residents by an experienced licensed clinical social worker. Ms. Frisch stated that many families that NIFS works with have multiple problems; there is no other funding that is providing this service - counseling for the elder abuse programs specifically. She explained that, sometimes, Medicare will provide a small amount of money for counseling, but it usually doesn't go for elder abuse counseling because it doesn't usually fit the medical definitions that medicare is now asking for. The CDBG funding MFS is asking for will supplement the state program. Ms. Frisch gave the Committee copies of the state program guidelines. She gave the following example of a proposed case: someone living, with a child that is financially exploiting them, usually verbally abusing them and sometimes there are substance abuse problems or mental illness. The social worker works in coordination with the elder abuse case worker to support the family and provide the in -home counseling that this family needs. As part of the state program, there are risk assessments done every three months. MFS proposes that risks would be lower, and hopefully no other abuse with increased counseling services, Realistically, in some of these cases, the risk would not be stopped, but the severity of these cases would decrease. Aid. Bernstein asked for a breakdown of their $90 per hour charge per client. Ms. Frisch said that includes the cost of licensed clinical social worker, a portion of the rent, etc. She said she would get them a breakdown of the exact cost. Looking at the pamphlet that Ms. Frisch passed out, Ald. Kent read one of the scenarios included and asked how this case would come to NIFS. Ms. Frisch said that because they were state funded elder abuse program, and whenever a report comes into the 1-800 number, MFS gets the report. She says she also does a lot of community awareness sessions. MFS is finding that many of the cases need the services of a master's level social worker. Ms. Frisch stated that she felt this program really fits in with CDBG goals because it is stated in the program goals that a suitable living environment and to improve the safety and livability of the neighborhoods are CDBG program goals; she said our older adults need a safer living environment. Ald. Kent asked if this program was similar to programs offered by DCFS. Nls. Frisch said that MFS's program was a tittle different from DCFS because there is not mandated reporting, as a social worker does not have to report elder abuse. Child abuse, however, must be reported. The confidentiality that is given in this program is really strong. MFS ensures that the reporter is never known to the abuser or victim. The Illinois program was developed to be a community Housing and Community Development Act Committee Paae 12 October 21. 1997 service and support program versus a punitive program. Dr. Stafford said that on PS2 #5, it is stated that there are 32 people residing in Evanston in need of this proposed service and asked how this number was determined. Ms. Frisch said there is probably a higher number of people needing this service, but MFS is not aware of it and said that they estimated they will receive 50 reports of elder abuse from Evanston residents in I998 and of those 32 would probably need the counseling service. Further she said that of those 32, only 8 might use the service. Ms. Frisch said there is more of a need, but people won't always use it. Ms. Treadway asked if MFS anticipated giving direct service to two people per quarter. Ms. Frisch answered that they have just started and not being funded before, they are estimating that this many people will take their services. While MFS is not required to report elder abuse, Aid. Rainey inquired if they do report the abuse. Ms. Frisch said absolutely. Aid. Kent asked how her program would address the abuser of the senior citizen. Ms. Frisch said that you can't work with the victim without working with the family. She said that she always works with the abuser, and a lot of times, gets them into services as well. Ms. Frisch said the toughest part of this program is when competent adults choose to stay in a bad situation. She fell that is where the services of a social worker would help. The social worker can make the abused person see that he/she doesn't have to stay in a bad family situation. Aid. Rainey asked if the social worker could be a complainant. Ms. Frisch answered that they could. Proposal #49 - Reba Place Day Nursery (RPDN) — Security Entrance Renovation Ann Godzikowski, Executive Director of Reba Place Day Nursery, said when she first became Executive Director in July, 1996, one of the first issues that came to her attention was building security of Reba Place Day Nursery. She was concerned about the number of people coming into the facility. Not only was this a distraction to the staff, but any stranger is a potential danger to RPDN's children. Ms. Godzikowski implemented a policy to keep the doors locked at all times. While this keeps them safer, it creates new challenges by making it harder for the families to gain access to the building,. RPDN serves about 50 children a day, which means that approximately 100 times a day a teacher must interrupt her class to answer the door. In order to address this issue, they have applied for a grant from CDBG funds to make improvements to the center's entrance. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Page 13 October 21. 1997 Ms. Godzikowski said that the renovation would cost approximately $30,000. They have secured $5,000 and are apply for a grant of $25,000. This would enable them to build a two door entrance, an outer door and an inner door. An intercom buzzer system would allow staff to screen visitors without interrupting the care of the children. Michael DeVaul asked if RPDN was doing better financially. Ms. Godzikowski said that they were and that EPDN's Board of Directors has worked for the past school year in consultation with a board consultant on organization development. She said that RPDN has come to teens with what was causing RPDN's panic and emergency at the time of expansion. They now understand that even when they are fully enrolled, there is still a significant portion of funds that must come from fund raising. Now RPDN is doing more grant writing and fund raising. Ald. Rainey asked what the gap was between what they receive from Title XX and what it actually costs to have a child at RPDN. Ms. Godzikowski replied that RPDN receives approximately $80 per Title XX child. Parents who pay the full fee pay $150 per week. With the income qualifications changing for the Title XX parents, Judith Treadway asked how many Title XX children are presently enroled at RPDN and what does Ms. Godzikowski anticipate will happen to the parents who fall into the higher income bracket. Ms. Godzikowski replied that at the present they have 18 Title XX children and will be enroll in& three more in the few weeks. There are also several families who receive scholarships (privately funded) and quite a few families who either are coming part time because they are not eligible for Title XX and cannot pay the full fee, or are struggling to pay the full fee but they still meet the CDBG guidelines for low income families. Proposal # 12 - Evanston/Northshore YWCA Shelter for Battered iYonien This proposal was not discussed because it was a request for continuation funding for the Shelter and Committee members were familiar with the program. Proposal 445 - Evanston/Northshore YWCA -- HVAC Repair Ald. Drummer asked all agencies that come for funding for renovation to give a history of the agency's funding as it relates to the CDBG program. Christie Dailey, executive director, told the Committee that the proposal for the HVAC is for the activities building. She said the activities building is used for a broad spectrum of purposes, including a swimming pool that is used by over 1,000 people for an aquatics program, exercise classes for senior citizens, an educational program center including GED classes, sports Housing and Community Development Act Committee Paae 14 October 21. 1997 and social clubs for developmentally disabled adults, workshops on topics such as self defense for women, financial planning. in addition the YWCA is home to several renters such as the "I Have a Dream" Project. Ms. Dailey said that the YWCA had recently completed a strategic plan and is considering increasing the programs at the YWCA. The building users are 55% low to moderate income. This proposal is to fund an update for the HVAC system: insulating the boiler, dealing with combustion in the boiler and cleaning the air vents. The remaining money deals with efficiency issues and the majority of the $35,000 would be used to provide temperature control of the building. Aid. Drummer asked if the YWCA had a capital plan. Ms. Dailey answered that they were in the process of developing one now and would give Ald. Drummer a copy when it is finished. Aid. Rainey asked about the condition of the boiler. Ms. Dailey said that the cover of the boiler is rusted through, flakes come off and expose fiberglass insulation. Aid. Rainey said she was concerned about spending money on a boiler that was not worth fixing. Ms. Dailey stated that it was just the cover of the boiler that was in need of repair at the moment. Dr. Stafford said that on PS 15 - it is stated that the cost to replace unit ventilators would be $1,500 and he asked what unit ventilators were. Ms. Dailey replied that it is the system in each office that conveys the forced air. IV. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT Ms. Lufkin informed the Committee that at next week's meeting, the Committee will be hearing the remaining proposals including City proposals. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 10:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, r Mary E. ?aaske Executive Secretary Planning Division Community Development Department HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, October 28, 1997 7:00 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Dr. Thomas Stafford, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: None HOUSING COMMISSION Penny Miller, Chair, Yvonne Dickerson, Alan Gitelson, Donna Lach, MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Lane, Joan Lomax, Colleen Murphy STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Mary Baaske, Lisa Lyon, James Wolinski, Community Development Department; Paula Haynes, Human Relations Commission; Lisa Lewis, City Manager's Office; Paul D'Agostino, Parks/Forestry & Recreation; James Tonkinson, Public Works/ Engineering Division; Jonathan GIus, Arts Council. OTHERS PRESENT: Karen Chavers, Evanston Neighborhood Conference; Jacqueline Grossman, Gail Schechter, Interfaith Housing Center; Gabrill Hallas, Patricia A. Vance, CEDA/Neighbors at Work; Lucia Norris, Southeast Evanston Parent Association; Anna Boekstegen, Eric Yoder, Evanston Neighborhood Conference; Linda Bechter; Jeanne Monty; Arlene Kushner; Bettye J. Palmer, Fleetwood/Jourdain Art Guild PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m., a quorum being present. IL 1998/99 CDBG PROGRAM - AGENCY/CITY APPLICATION REVIEW Ald. Drummer welcomed the members of the Evanston Housing Commission and Housing Planner Roberta Schur and said that the Committee invited their questions and comments regarding the housing applications. The following agency proposals were reviewed jointly with the Evanston Housing Commission. Proposal #2 - Human Relations Commission - Fair Housing Program Paula Haynes, Interim Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission, said that she was requesting $83,129 in CDBG funds to fund the City's fair housing programs. The funds will be used for the full-time fair housing educator/investigator's position and one-third of a secretarial position Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Two which support activities of the fair housing education/investigator. Ms. Haynes said that the City's Fair Housing Ordinance is statutorial equivalent to the federal fair housing ordinance. Activities planned for the coming year include conducting a fair housing symposium, perform housing audits of providers of rental, purchase and leased housing. Ms. Haynes said that during the current year the office audited 20 housing providers and would like to make housing audits a part of the office's annual calendar, performing audits on 10 housing providers in FY 1998/99. In addition, Ms. Haynes said the office investigates fair housing complaints, conducts training programs for realtors and meets with citizen groups on fair housing issues. Ms. Haynes said that the fair housing educator/investigator's position has been vacant since May, but planned to fill the position by the end of the current program year. Ms. Haynes said that because the Human Relations Commission's staff office was small, she no longer wanted to have specialists in the areas of fair housing and landlord/tenant matters, as in the past. This created problems for the office when staff persons in these positions resigned. Instead, Ms. Haynes said she was restructuring the two positions so that the next persons hired would be cross trained in both fields. Proposal #23 - CEDA/Neighbors at Work - Minor Repairs/Painting Assistance Patricia Vance, Vice President for Local Development, said that Neighbors at Work was requesting funds for the continuation of the minor repairs/painting assistance program, which provides for minor repairs, exterior and interior painting for low/moderate income occupied single family and two unit buildings. The program is offered citywide with income eligibility requirements. However, most of their work is in census tracts 8091, 8096 and 8097. Currently, crews have exceeded their goals for the year in the interior painting program by 127%, completing 30 exterior painting projects (goal 27); for minor repairs, the crews are at 95% of goal and it has 20 applications on file, 15 are for seniors or disabled persons. The staff is at 30% of goal for exterior painting; completion of exterior painting projects vary depending upon weather conditions and size of the house being painted. Ms. Vance said a few more exterior projects will be completed during the third quarter. Currently, there are 19 applications on file: 4 senior citizens and I I disabled persons. During the coming year Neighbors at Work will not be able to take any new applications for exterior painting, as it will carry over the projects is currently has on the waiting list. Ms. Vance said that the breakdown of average cost per manpower hours is: minor repairs - $1,789; interior painting - $823; and exterior painting $2,369. Ms. Vance pointed out that the difference in the rates was that carpentry work was a skilled trade and those workers are paid a higher hourly rate. Ms. Vance concluded her remarks stating that CEDA continues to see a need for the minor repairs/painting assistance program and demand continues to exceed the agency's ability to complete projects in a timely manner. CEDA also works with the Commission on Aging's Senior Handyman program. In response to a question regarding the number of senior citizens or disabled who participate in the program, Ms. Vance said that 68% of the participants in the minor repairs program are seniors or disabled, 7I % are seniors in interior painting program and 100% are seniors or disabled in the exterior painting program. The program is carried out by two crews, each crew with a supervisor Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Three and two workers. Five of the members of the crews are Evanston residents. Alan Gitelson said that he thought that at least two goals were being addressed by the Minor Repairs(Painting Assistance program: employment and skills development for Evanston residents and assistance with home repair/maintenance for low/moderate income property owners, particularly seniors and disabled persons who want to remain in their homes. Aid. Bernstein asked if CEDA recaptured any funds for work done on property which is sold soon after the completion of work by Neighbors at Work. Ms. Vance responded that they do keep track of properties improved through this program, and have found that the people requesting this type of service are interested in remaining in their homes, not selling them. She added that any home receiving assistance must comply with the CDBG program's Section I06 guidelines regarding historic preservation and CEDA works with the City's Preservation Coordinator to ensure that preservation issues are addressed. Regarding purchase of supplies, Ms. Vance said that the agency tries to use Evanston vendors. Because of the agency's procurement guidelines, it must bid for supplies and stores Iike Home Depot and Builders Square do not submit bids, as their prices are already discounted. CEDA tries to use Evanston vendors, if practical. For the past year CEDA has had a contract with Edward Hines Lumber Co. Proposal #16 - Interfaith Housing Center - Homesharing Program Gail Schechter, Executive Director, and Jacqueline Grossman, Homesharing Coordinator, discussed the Homesharing program. Ms. Schechter said that Interfaith Housing Center was a 25 year old fair housing organization, with its area encompassing from Evanston to Highland Park. The Homesharing program, established 12 years ago, is an outgrowth of the agency's fair housing program. It was established in response to a need for people to be able to afford housing on the north shore and for senior citizens to be able to remain in their homes. Over the 12 years of the program Interfaith has facilitated 1,200 matches, 20% in Evanston. Ms. Schechter said there continues to be great demand in Evanston for this service. She said that in the last 1970's, early 1980's the agency was known as the North Suburban Housing Center and it worked with the Evanston Commission on Aging, creating the Evanston Senior Housing Assistance Program with an office in the Civic Center. Ms. Schechter said that the Homesharing program grew out of that program. Ms. Grossman said she receives referrals from social services agencies, clergy and word of mouth. Approximately 40 or 50 matches are made each year, affecting 80 - 100 people. Senior citizens with extra bedrooms and bathrooms in their homes and on fined incomes sometimes seek financial supplements to their incomes. Other seniors who may be frail need assistance and may offer lower and no rent for assistance with household chores. The average monthly rent for a tenant in a senior household is up to $350 a month for a person on a fixed income and up to $250 a month or rent free for services rendered. Generally, the person placed in the home is employed in Evanston at a job paying minimum wage or a little higher and wants to live in Evanston. Ms. Grossman said that the Center works closely with the North Shore Senior Center. The Homesharing Coordinator interviews housing providers and prospective clients to find matches. There is follow up every three months to ensure that the match is working out for the two clients. Ms. Grossman said that her experience has been that approximately one out of fifteen matches experiences difficulties the people have to part ways upon agreed upon terms. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Four In response to a question from Betty Sue Ester, Ms. Schechter said that the Baxter Foundation grant was used to increase outreach efforts for the Homesharing program. Proposal #11- Evanston Neighborhood Conference - Building Community Tract by Tract Karen Chavers, Director of Evanston Neighborhood Conference (ENC), introduced Erin Yoder, Board Member and acknowledged members in the audience who were ENC board members or residents of community groups affiliated with ENC. Ms. Chavers said that ENC was a ten year old coalition of neighborhood groups and organizations and more recently small businesses. She said that ENC was requesting $40,000 in CDBG funds to fund an outreach workers position to increase the education and information provided stakeholders on the rules and regulations in connection with the renting, owning or leasing property in Evanston. Through the outreach worker, ENC will be able to expand on the collaborative relationships it has been building throughout the community. In response to a question from staff as to whether the proposed program would be duplicative of the tenant seminars already provided by the City, Ms. Chavers responded that the City's tenant seminar arose out of grassroots neighborhood groups. She said that ENC would seek to expand on the information provided in the City's tenant seminars. Dr. Stafford asked about the status of other funds committed for the program. Ms. Chavers responded that it is difficult to secure unrestricted funding for Evanston programs from organizations outside Evanston, but that ENC was continuing to seek and expand its donor base. Aid. Kent asked why the program would be offered in census tracts 8102 and 8092 only. Ms. Chavers said that those two census tracts are cited in the City's Consolidated Plan as areas of the City ENC thinks that knowledge and capacity building need to be expanded. Ms. Chavers said depending upon funding, ENC would either hire a full-time outreach worker, or utilize Vista volunteers, if necessary. Proposal #24 - Community Development Department - Community Development Administration .lames Wolinski, Community Development Director, spoke about the proposals submitted by the Community Development Department. The request for Community Development Administration is for 50% CDBG funding of the Community Development Director's position and the Executive Secretary's position as well as 50% funding for budgetary line items. This activity provides administrative oversight of all of the department's housing, planning and zoning programs. Proposal #25 - Community Development Department - Graffiti Removal Program Mr. Wolinski said that this program was approved by the City Council a couple of years ago. The position is actually divided between sign inspection responsibilities and graffiti removal. The funding request is for 50% of the graffiti technician's salary and budgetary line items. Most of the graffiti technician's work is within the CDBG Target Area. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Five Proposal 026 - Community Development Department - Housing Code Compliance Mr. Wolinski said that this activity has been CDBG supported for a number of years. This activity is the backbone of the City's code enforcement program. The request is for 100% CDBG funding for two property inspector positions, who work exclusively within the CDBG Target Area, 30% funding for 3 property inspector positions and 30% funding for a secretary's position and 30% funding for a clerk/typist position - both positions support the work of the property inspectors. The funding request also includes 40% funding for budgetary line items of the housing code compliance program. Mr. Wolinski said this request was at the same funding level as had been requested in the previous program year. Mr. Wolinski said that the city is divided into three areas for property inspections: Howard Street to Main Street, Main Street to Church Street, and Church north to city limits. The number of CDBG Target Area inspectors was increased by the City Council a couple of years ago, with one inspector working in the northern section of the Target Area and the other one in the southern area. These inspectors inspect all multi -family buildings on a 2 - 2-1/2 year cycle. The rest of the city is inspected every 3-1/2 - 4 years. Proposal #27 - Community Development Department - Housing Rehab Administration Mr. Wolinski said this was a continuation funding request for a program which has been 100% CDBG supported in past years. This activity administers the City's housing rehab loan programs. The funding request is for 100% funding for the Director of Housing Rehab and Property Services, the Rehab Specialist's position and the Secretary's position along with budgetary line items. Mr. Wolinski said that the department was also requesting funding for an additional rehab specialist (new) position. He said that in the past this office had two rehab specialist positions: one which oversaw the construction activities and one that focused on the financing end of the program. For the past several years these functions have been combined in one position. However, one position cannot adequately monitor construction and process paperwork for new loans. The new position being requested would primarily handle the financial side of the housing rehab program. Proposal #28 - Community Development Department - Zoning Officer/CDBG Target Area Focus Officer Mr. Wolinski said this funding request was for a new position for the Zoning Division to be funded 100% by the CDBG program. This position would investigate zoning complaints and perform zoning reviews for projects within the CDBG Target Area. Currently, the division has two zoning officers who perform zoning review for all permit applications and investigate zoning complaints, as time permits. The division has a very large backload of complaints which need to be investigated and the current staff does not have time to check into them. Some of the complaints are being handled by the property standards inspectors, which inspect over occupied units, illegal dwelling units and illegal uses in certain zoning districts. The addition of a Target Area zoning officer would enable the division to better handle and keep up on zoning complaint investigations as well as to assist in the permit review process. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Six Proposal 029 - Community Development Department -SinglelFamily MultifFamily Revolving Loan Fund Mr. Wolinski said that the request is for $150,000 to be added to the loan portfolio so that the housing rehab staff can maintain the City's housing loan programs. The City loans an average of $400,000 - $500,000 a year. The division will have approximately $130,000 in funds available at the end of the current program year if the current rate of approval of loan applications (50%) continues. Currently, program income is generated in the amount of $150,000 a year. A certain amount of funds also needs to be kept on reserve for emergency furnace replacement and roof repairs in the winter months. Mr. Wolinski said that as the city's housing stock continues to age, many people take advantage of the city's housing rehab loan programs. All approved applicants are low/moderate income property owners. Penny Miller, chair of the Housing Commission said that the Housing Commission would be meeting briefly to make recommendations on the housing proposals and would forward a memorandum to the Committee with their comments. Aid. Drummer thanked Housing Commission members for their attendance and participation. At this time the joint meeting with the Evanston Housing Commission ended. Proposal #54 - Alderman Edmund B. Moran - Evanston Childcare and Development Initiative Aid. Moran said that he had been considering the child care issue in Evanston for a long time. Of particular concern to him was the great number of children on the waiting list for day care slots, some of whom remain on the waiting list for a long time. He said that he thought it was part of the Committee's mission to assist all low and moderate income residents and many of the children on this list certainly qualified for assistance. Aid. Moran suggested that the City's Human Services Department could also handle the proposed study. Ald. Moran said he was requesting $50,000 in CDBG funds to conduct a study through a request for qualifications/request for proposals process. He said that the City should hire a consultant to work with the City in considering how it might develop an early childhood development center that would not only include day care but could be a model for early childhood development initiatives. He said that there are already excellent day care and child development providers in Evanston, but the need for additional capacity is so great, that the current facilities will be unable to meet the demand. Their ability to expand much further to accommodate additional children is limited. Aid. Moran said that the impact of welfare reform will only add to the 700 children on the waiting list over the next few years. He said that it was his opinion that the City should take an aggressive position to address this need before the situation becomes worse. Ald. Moran spoke about the recent early childhood development studies and what scientists are Ieaming about the important, early years of a person's life. He said that perhaps some of the societal problem, i.e., drug abuse, gang problems, etc., could be alleviated if more attention were paid to early childhood development. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Seven Aid. Moran said that his proposal addresses several CDBG program goals of providing for a better quality of life for all Evanston residents (i.e., public services, public facilities and economic development). He said it was his hope that the consultant hired to do the study will look at not only the type of facility(ies) needed, but recommend a location, perhaps in the Research Park. Aid. Moran said that one idea he had was that a fairly large facility could be built which could serve 250 children. Aid. Moran suggested that the consultant should focus on what would be a realistic number of children for any one day care center. Ald. Moran said that he did not know exactly what the City's role in this area should be, but thought that it should take the lead on this issue and coordinate participation by other funders and the business community. Aid. Moran concluded his remarks by saying that he did not want to add to City staff workload, but thought that the Human Services Director could oversee the study. Dr. Stafford said that he thought the need for additional child care facilities and services had been pretty much determined. He asked AId. Moran about the breakdown in ages of the children on the waiting list. Ald. Moran said he did not know the numbers, but would provide the Committee with that information. Betty Sue Ester asked why AId. Moran decided to come to the CD Committee to request funding for this proposal and wondered whether Aid. Moran had discussed this issue with his City Council colleagues. Aid. Moran responded that he thought the CD Committee to be an appropriate funding source because the request was to address a need of low/moderate income families. As far as discussing the proposal with his colleagues on the Council, Aid. Moran said that he thought that this issue was just now seriously being discussed not only at the local level but at the state and even federal levels. He thought that as discussion on this matter developed there would then be many discussions among parties in Evanston on ways to address early childhood development needs. Judith Treadway wondered whether it would be better to use CDBG funds to provide assistance for some of the Title XX slots. She also wondered why it was necessary to do a study when it was already known that the need for additional day care slots for children was known. Aid. Moran agreed that CDBG funds could be used to fund some of the Title XX slots, but said a better use of funds would be to add facilities in order to meet the long term need. Aid. Kent spoke about the larger issue of attitude toward child care and who provides it; how it is difficult for a child care worker to earn a living wage in this occupation; and the need for the private sector to more actively participate in child care issues and facilities. Ald. Drummer added that he would like the consultant to also work on seeking state legislation for funding for day care the same as public schools are funded. State funding should begin at an earlier age and support a child's development and education from the very early years through high school. Proposal 451 - and #52 - Community Development Department - Downtown Storefront Improvement Program - NeighborhoodStorefront Improvement Program Lisa Lyon, neighborhood planner, said she administers the two CDBG-funded Evanston storefront programs - the Downtown and Neighborhood Facade programs -- along with Carlos Ruiz, preservation coordinator for the City of Evanston. Ms. Lyon said she was requesting $75,000 for Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Eight the Neighborhood Storefront program. In 1997, funding for the Neighborhood Storefront program was $65,000; the Downtown program received $50,000 in 1997. Ms. Lyon discussed projects which are currently underway, as well as some which did come to fruition. In particular, one neighborhood project fell through when a contractor walked away with the owner's deposit. Ms. Lyon said that staff had devoted a lot of time to that project. However, no CDBG funds were expended for the project, as rebates are only offered upon completion and City approval of the work done. Ms. Lyon said that she has worked with Evmark to identify new applicants for the Downtown Facade program. Currently, work is being done on the University Building at the northwest corner of Davis and Chicago, an important, historical building. Ms. Lyon shared plans for two current projects: Bills' Finer Foods on Dempster Street and a proposed restaurant to be located in the Metra station in downtown Evanston. Aid. Drummer asked how much money was available in the program at the present time. Ms. Lyons said, including if all current projects, now in application, are pursued, there would be a fund balance in the Neighborhood program of $65,000 - $70,000 and approximately $53,000 in the Downtown program. Proposal #3 - City Manager's Office - Minority, Women, Evanston Business Program Lisa Lewis, MBE/EBE/EBE program director, said that she is in charge of the City's MBE/WBE/EBE program and has also been given the responsibility of redirecting the City's efforts in the MBE/WBE/EBE area. Due to a vacancy in the coordinator's position for the past two years, Ms. Lewis said that it was important for her to revitalize the program. Aid. Drummer discussed the Committee's keen interest in the MBE/WBE/EBE program and said that he is interested in working with Ms. Lewis in re -energizing the MBE/WBE/EBE program. Ms. Lewis discussed the reorganization of the City's MBE/WBE/EBE Advisory Committee and recruitment process currently underway for committee members. There will be nine members on the committee, including two citizens -at -large and four business owners. Ms. Lewis also discussed the refocus of the committee's mission, which will be to play a role in advising and implementing the City's program. Ms. Lewis said that one of the first tasks of the new committee will be to review the disparity study, which was completed two years ago. The study gave some good recommendations for shaping the City's MBE/WBE/EBE program. Discussion continued between Ms. Lewis and Committee members on the City's bidding procedures and the proposed changes in the amount of contracts which must be approved by City Council. Betty Sue Ester asked Ms. Lewis to provide the CD Committee with a copy of the strategic plan for the City's MBE/WBE/EBE program. This issue of local preferences in City contracting and requirements of HUD's Section 3 program were also discussed. Aid. Rainey asked for additional information about the Section 3 program and its impact on CDBG construction contracts. Michael DeVaul, who served as a liaison member to the MBE/WBE/EBE Committee, commended Ms. Lewis on the excellent job she has done, so far, on restarting the City's MBE/WBE/EBE program. He said he was very impressed with Ms. Lyon's knowledge of MBE issues. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Nine Proposal #40 - City - Public Works/Engineering Division -Alley Improvement Program James Tonkinson, City Engineer, said that the $250,000 funding request was to continue the City's alley paving program of CDBG Target Area alleys. CDBG funds are used to pay the City's 50% portion of paving unimproved alleys, with the property owner paying the other 50% through the special assessment process. General Obligation bond funds are used to pay the City's portion for paving alleys outside the Target Area. Mr. Tonkinson said that currently seven alleys are under contract and that over the Iife of the program a total of twenty alleys have been paved. Aid. Rainey suggested that the number of years for a property owner to pay his/her special assessment be extended from ten years to, perhaps twenty years, to make payments affordable for lower income persons. Proposal #44 - City - PubIic Works/ Engineering Division - Special Assessment Assistance for Alley Paving Mr. Tonkinson said that $100,000 is being requested for special assessment assistance. He said that there is currently $124,000 in the fund, but at the end of the year nine additional alleys will be completed with special assessment notices being mailed in December. This could generate requests for special assessment assistance from low/moderate income households. Information on this program is included with the special assessment notices. HUD's Section 8 income limits are used to determine eligibility for assistance. If a property owner's income falls within the Section 8 income limits, the City pays the property owner's entire special assessment from this fund. Proposal 941 - City - Public Works/Engineering Division - Alley Resurfacing Program Mr. Tonkinson said that he was requesting $30,000 for the continuation of the alley resurfacing program. This program is for alleys which have already been improved. In the 1997/98 program year, $15,000 was allocated toward this program and with the addition of approximately $3,000, one alley was resurfaced. It is estimated that the requested funding would cover the costs for resurfacing two CDBG Target Area alleys. Proposal 042 - City - Public Works/Engincering Division - CurblSideivalk Replace►rre►►t Program Mr. Tonkinson said that $100,000 is being requested for continuation of the City's Curb/Sidewalk Replacement program. Deteriorated curbs and sidewalks in the CDBG Target Area are replaced using these funds. Proposal 443 - City - Public Works/Engineering Division - Howard Streetscape Improvements Mr. Tonkinson said that this was a new request for $200,000 to upgrade the Howard Street corridor from Ridge Avenue east to the city limits. He said that the City Council had recently approved an Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Ten agreement for entering into Phase I (design study) of the program with the City of Chicago. The agreement has been sent to Chicago for signature. Mr. Tonkinson said that Chicago is committed to the project, although it has not yet signed the agreement. $300,000 in City CIP and CDBG funds has been committed to this project for capital improvements. Proposal 047 - Fleetwood/.lourdain Art Guild - Evanston Black Historic Sculpture Garden Bettye Palmer, Art Guild member, discussed the proposed project and funding request for $75,100. The project includes a 6 foot premier sculpture, arches, a VFW memorial, a wall of firsts to be designed by youth ages 14-19. Ms. Palmer said that the Art Guild did apply to the Arts Council for funding, but the category in which the project was classified had been eliminated. The sculpture garden will be located in front of the Fleetwood/Jourdain Community Center at 1655 Foster Street, between the turn around and the east parking lot driveway. The Art Guild will raise about 50% of the funding for restoration of the Butler building stone, which has been preserved and will be installed in the garden. A portion of the funding will be used to develop a brochure to market the project to corporations (for funding support). Proposal 430 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Fleetwood/Jourdai►t Landscape Redesign Paul D'Agostino, Superintendent of Parks and Forestry, said this proposal was a companion to the Art Guild's proposal. The project calls for a total redesign of the area in front of the center where the sculpture garden will be -- removal of sidewalk, trees, shrubs and clearing of the area. Along with the installation of the sculptures, there will be new trees and shrubs, installation of a sprinkler system. Mr. D'Agostino pointed out that this project is a one-time funding request. Proposal #31 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Robert Croivn Center Backstop Replacement Mr. D'Agostino said the funding request was to replace two backstops on the baseball fields located in Robert Crown Park. The current backstops were installed in 1988 and are in need of replacement because of heavy use of these fields. One backstop is located at the comer of Main and Dodge and the other one is located at Lee Street, near the tennis courts. Staff proposes to replace the backstops with the "arched" type backstop, which is the style for the future. The funding request also includes removal of existing backstops as well. Proposal #32 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Robert Crown Center Gymnasium Floor Surface Mr. D'Agostino said that the current gymnasium floor is actually being delaminated by the concrete underneath. It was laid in 1988. $30,000 - 35,000 will be used for the actual resurfacing and the rest of the funds will be used to make repairs to the concrete underneath. In response to a question from Aid. Rainey, Mr. D'Agostino said that a wood floor was not installed at Robert Crown center because of moisture problems from heavy rains. The building is lower than the surrounding ground Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Eleven and in heavy rains can incur flooding Proposal #33 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Robert Crown Center Studio Rink Dasher Boards Mr. D'Agostino said that the studio rink is the smaller of the two rinks at the center, it is the rink where mainly practices take place rather than actual games. The walls, made of wooden supports installed in 1987, are starting to decay. Moisture is always a problem because of the ice. The plan is to use all steel support to alleviate decay caused by moisture. There will be some maintenance required of the steel to prevent rusting, but it should last longer than the wooden supports. Dr. Stafford suggested looking into "plastic lumber" made from recycled plastics to see if it could be used for the supports. Mr. D'Agostino said he would look into this suggestion. In response to a question from Michael DeVaul, Mr. D'Agostino said that past capital projects at Robert Crown Center have been funded from the City's CIP program. Proposal #34 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Noyes Center - Air Conditioning for Theater Jonathan Glus, Administrative Director for the Arts Council, discussed the general renovation of the Noyes Center theater of the last two/three years. He said that the theater has been recarpeted, new seats have been installed, and a general clean up of the theater and the back end of the Noyes Center building has been completed. To be done are an improved electrical system and air conditioning. The Next Theater Company is the primary tenant of the theater, renting the space for 27 weeks a year. With air conditioning it would be possible to use the space for another 13 weeks, generating approximately $4,500 in additional revenue. There are no windows in the theater and the only way to get ventilation is to open the doors to the hallway, which really does not help in the summer months as it is too hot in that wing of the building. With air conditioning, the Next Theater would be able to expand its season from four productions to five, guaranteeing the additional $4,5000 a year in revenue. Mr. Glus said other groups have inquired about using the theater space; Mr. Glus said that he could use the space year round with proper ventilation and air conditioning. Aid. Rainey suggested a combined system for the entire building. Mr. Glus responded that possibility has been investigated and it would be too expensive to air condition the entire wing, which was estimated to cost $100,000. Proposal #35 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Noyes Center - Great Hall Ceiling Replacement Mr. Glus said the Great Hall is a former gymnasium, now used by the Actors Gymnasium, a program of Looking Glass Theater. About 40-50% of the ceiling tiles have been removed, exposing bare roof joints. There is danger to gymnasium users of falling ceiling tiles. The: funding request is to remove the remaining tiles and replace the ceiling with acoustical tiles. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Twelve Proposal #36 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Noyes Center - Signage Mr. Glus said that the Arts Council has been presented with an opportunity to buy a lighted sign from an Evanston contractor who had designed it for a bank in Chicago. The sign would have interchangeable panels so that program announcements could be posted on a backlit signboard. Mr. Glus said that Sally Lufkin had advised him that it would be more appropriate the add the sign to the Tallmadge Park project, as a sign is not really an eligible "stand alone" project. A discussion ensued about CDBG eligibility requirements for community Centers. Ms. Lufkin said that it was necessary to take an income survey of building users to determine whether 5I% of the building users and program participants were lowlmodemte income. She said that because a community center draws visitors from beyond the immediate neighborhood, it is necessary to perform such a survey to ensure that CDBG funded projects for community centers are eligible. Aid. Rainey asked whether the pending state grant application for the Noyes Center could include capital improvements. Mr. Glus responded that those funds could be used for capital improvements. Aid. Rainey suggested that if the City receives state funding for the Noyes Center, it should return any CDBG funds allocated toward projects which may also be eligible under the state program. Proposal #37 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Harbert Park Renovation - Pliase li Paul D'Agostino said that the funding request was for $200,000 for phase II of a three phase project. Phase I began in 1997 and landscaping and installation of new play equipment has been completed at Harbert Park, located between Dempster and Main Street along the canal. Phase II will include the completion of the playground, installation of lighting system to be installed throughout the park, removal of a gravel parking Iot at Main Street and construction of additional picnic areas, a gazebo and new drinking fountains. Proposal #38 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Tallmadge Park Renovation - Pliase II Mr. D'Agostino said that plans are to get this project underway in the spring of 199E as soon as weather allows, with the hope of completing it by Memorial Day, as the park is needed for summer programs. Tallmadge Park is adjacent to the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Mr. D'Agostino said that the funding request was changed from $150,000 to $300,000; staff decided to finish the project in one year. The City will be hiring a landscape architect firm in the next few weeks to design the project. Proposal U39 - City - Parks/Forestry & Recreation - Twiggs Park Renovation - Plrase II Mr. D'Agostino said that Phase I of Twiggs Park is also underway this year. The park is located along the canal between Green Bay Road and Bridge Street. The funding request of $200,000 for Phase I1 will complete the project. Projects to be completed in Phase I include construction of two Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 28,1997 Page Thirteen new playgrounds, a picnic shelter, and community garden improvements including raised beds for improved accessibility. Phase II plans call for installation of a set of exercise stations, ball field improvements, construction of another basketball court, installation of a new lighting system through the park and Iandscaping. Proposal 41- City - Community Development/Planning - CDBG Administration Ms. Lufkin distributed copies of the budget pages for the CDBG Administration proposal. She said that the funding request includes 100% funding for the CDBG Grants Administrator's position, the Neighborhood Planner's position and the Budget Analyst's position; 50% funding for the Housing Planner's position, the General Planner's position, and the Executive Secretary in the Finance Department. Thirty percent CDBG funding is also being requested to support the Planning Division's Executive Secretary's position. Ms. Lufkin pointed out that $20,000 is included in this budget for contractual services for neighborhood planning activities. For the past two years, the City has entered into a contract with Evanston Neighborhood Conference for neighborhood planning services. Proposal #53 - City - Community DevelopmenManning - Proyect Contingency (ULO) Ms. Lufkin said that she has not decided on the amount of funds to request for this activity, however, she planned to request some funds, as no funds were allocated to the Project Contingency account in 1997. She said that generally, 1% of the estimated cost of construction is reserved in the Project Contingency fund for unanticipated cost overruns. Ms. Lufkin said that Project Contingency funds can also be used for emergency needs. IV. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENTS Ald. Rainey asked if there were any unused funds which could also be used to fund 1998 projects. Ms. Lufkin responded that Nicki Modaber would present a list of unused funds which could be reallocated to the 1998 program year to the Committee at its next meeting. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 a.m. Staff: /l•';M6- ' Date: rt R f, /97 7 DOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, December 9, 1997 7:30 F.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Dr. Thomas Stafford, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Aid. Kent, Ald. Rainey STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department; OTHERS PRESENT: David Black; Marvin Keith; Stephanie Hixon; Vincent Gillin, Angelique Johnson, Deborah Steinkopf, BE -HIV; Rev. Michael Summers, Val Summers, Food Aid Center of Evanston; Eric Huffman, Over the Rainbow Association; Bennett J. Johnson; Bennett J. Johnson III; Marti Lannert, Evanston "I Have a Dream" Dorothy Lloyd -Still, Scott Morgan, Housing Options for the Mentally Ill in Evanston; John Myers; William L. Parks; Angela L. Schwartz; Lisa Schilling; Dr. Suzette Speight, Family Focus; Rev. George Providence PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:42 p.m., a quorum being present. Aid. Drummer announced that the Committee would be conducting a Public Hearing on the proposed 1998/99 CDBG program budget and proposed amendments to the HUD Consolidated Plan later in the meeting. 1I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 1997 MEETING Judith Treadway made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 28, 1997 meeting; motion seconded by Dr. Stafford. Dr. Stafford pointed out that clarification needed to be made to the second frill paragraph on page 4 of the minutes. Ms. Lufkin said that it appeared that a word was left out of the fourth sentence in that paragraph and the sentence was corrected to read "Ms. Chavers said that those two census tracts are cited in the City's Consolidated Plan as Areas of the City which ENC thinks that knowledge and capacity building need to be expanded." The minutes were approved, as amended. Motion carried, 4-0. 4 Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -December 9,1997 Page Two III. COMMUNICATIONS The following communications were accepted into the record by Aid. Drummer: A. Proposed 1998 Committee Meeting Schedule B. BE -HIV: Letter from Executive Director Deborah Steinkopf re 1998 CDBG Funding Recommendations C. Housing Options for the Mentally -Ill in Evanston: Letter from Board President Scott Morgan re 1998 CDBG Funding Recommendation D. Economic Development Committee: Memorandum Concerning 1998 CDBG Funding for Neighborhood and Downtown Facade Programs E. Spreadsheet for City (Human Services Committee) Funding Allocation Process for I998199 F. Letter from Marvin W. Keith re Proposed Amendments to the HUD Consolidated Plan G. Letter from Food Aid Center re Proposed Purchase of Commercial Refrigeration and Freezer Units H. Letter from Youth Job Center re 1998 CDBG Funding Recommendation IV. REQUEST FROM STAFF TO REALLOCATE PROJECT CONTINGENCY FUNDS TO COVER MINOR PROJECT COST OVERRUNS Michael DeVaul made a motion to approve the request from staff to reallocate $94.53 in 1996/97 Project Contingency funds to the 1997/98 Evanston Day Nursery project and to reallocate $20.00 in 1998198 Project Contingency funds to the 1997/98 Evanston Day Nursery project. Both reallocations will cover slight cost overruns in the budgets of these two projects. The motion was seconded by Dr. Stafford. Motion carried, 6-0. V. PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO THE HUD CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND THE PROPOSED 1998/99 CDBG PROGRAM BUDGET Public Hearirig Aid. Drummer opened the Public Hearing at 7.50 p.m. Aid. Drummer said that the City is required by HUD to conduct a Public Hearing in order to receive comment on the City's HUD Consolidated Plan and the proposed use of FY 1998 HUD funds for its FY 1998/99 CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergency Shelter Grants programs. Aid. Drummer noted that while the Consolidated Plan is a five year document and is not generally changed from year to year, certain information is updated each year. However, the Action Plan portion of the Consolidated Plan is new each year and describes the City's proposed use of FY 1998 CDBG, HOME and ESG funds. C Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 9,1997 Page Three Aid. Drummer said that the Committee would not be reconsidering any of the CDBG funding recommendations made at the Committee's November meeting at this meeting. He said that the proposed budget would be submitted to the City Council for approval in January and suggested that any comments regarding funding allocations be addressed to members of the City Council. Finally, Aid. Drummer said that the City had not received information from HUD on the exact amount of funds the City will receive for FY 1998/99 and that the proposed budgets have been prepared using estimated funding allocations. Adjustments to the budget will be made once the City receives information on its 1998 HUD funding. Aid. Drummer accepted into the record the Notice of Public hearing, which had been published in the Evanston Review. He asked Sally Lufkin to review the proposed changes to the Consolidated Plan and the FY 1998/99 CDBG program budget. Ms. Lufkin said that the five year HUD Consolidated Plan was originally approved by the City Council in January 1996. The Consolidated Plan contains an analysis of the Evanston housing market, a discussion of homeless needs and lists the City's priorities for meeting those needs. The Consolidated Plan addressed three statutory goals: provide decent housing, provide a suitable living environment and expand economic opportunities. Ms. Lufkin said that the narrative portion of the Plan does not change from year to year, but certain statistical information is updated, such as current rental rates, vacancy rates, etc. The Executive Summary, One Year Action Plan Summary and the Action Plan containing descriptions of proposed projects to be undertaken by the City utilizing 1998 HUD funds are updated each year. Ms. Lufkin said that some individual project budgets may have to be adjusted once the City learns its exact 1998 funding entitlement. Ms. Lufkin also discussed a recently completed analysis of impediments to fair housing choice in Evanston, as required by the Consolidated Plan process. The analysis was presented to the Committee for their review and approval. Some of the areas staff reviewed which could affect fair housing choice in the City, included Evanston ordinances, zoning requirements, building code regulations, property tax policies, mortgage data and lending practices, the effect of HUD funding for housing programs in Evanston and other procedures of the City. Ms. Lufkin said that in September the City conducted a focus group meeting of realtors and community leaders to receive their input on factors which could affect fair housing choice in Evanston. Ms. Lufkin said that discussion notes from that meeting are attached to the analysis. Ms. Lufkin said that the proposed amendments to the Consolidated Plan and use of FY 1998/99 HUD funds will also be reviewed by the Plan Commission and Housing Commission at their meetings during the coming week. As in past years, staff is seeking recommendations from both the Plan Commission and Housing Commission on proposed Consolidated Plan amendments. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 9,1997 Page Four At this time, Aid. Drummer invited anyone who wished to address the Committee about the proposed amendments to the HUD Consolidated Plan and FY 1998/99 budgets to come before the Committee. Mr. Morgan said that of the nineteen organizations which had applied for Public Services funds, fourteen received funding recommendations. Two organizations had some problems with eligibility, one organization was recommended for funding should additional Public Services funds become available and two organizations did not receive funding recommendations, one of which was Housing Options. Mr. Morgan said that Housing Options' Board of Directors was concerned about the funding recommendation and asked him to relate those concerns to the Committee. Mr. Morgan said that the Committee had many questions about Housing Options' application and discussed four areas which were highlighted during the discussion: (1) what is the mission of Housing Options; (2) how important is this mission to Evanston; (3) how well is Housing Options fulfilling this mission; and (4) does Housing Options need CDBG funding? Mr. Morgan explained that the mission of Housing Options was to provide housing and support services to low and very low income people in Evanston who live with mental illness. He said that the agency's objective is to provide housing in a dignified environment with support services, somewhere between independent living and institutional settings, such as hospitals and facilities provided by Albany House and Greenwood Care. The intent of Housing Options programs is to move individuals along a path to become productive citizens in Evanston and Housing Options feels that it is providing an important service to the community. He discussed the services Housing Options provides to the 37 residents its serves. Mr. Morgan said that the $12,800 requested by Housing Options represented the cost to provide living quarters and support services for one person for a year. Compared to the cost of care provided by the more institutionalized facilities, Mr. Morgan said that Housing Options believes its program to be very cost effective. Mr. Morgan said that ultimately the question seemed to be whether Housing Options really needed CDBG funding assistance. He said that not receiving CDBG funding meant that Housing Options would need to raise the funds from somewhere else. Mr. Morgan asked that, should additional funds become available to the City, that Housing Options be given consideration for funding. He invited Committee members to visit one of their housing facilities and meet the residents. Mr. Morgan said that he and Interim Executive Director Dorothy Lloyd -Stilt would like to meet with each member of the Committee over the next several months to understand the Committee's views of Housing Options and how it is carrying out its mission. Finally, Mr. Morgan said that Housing Options is planning to apply for CDBG funds for 1999, probably at the same funding level. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 9,1997 Page Five Mr. Keith said he has been a resident of Evanston for approximately 30 years. He read a statement concerning timing of the appearance in the Evanston Review of the Notice of Public Hearing and the short time between publication of the notice and the Public Hearing, which did not allow citizens enough time to adequately review the Consolidated Plan and prepare a response to the proposed amendments prior to the Public Hearing. Based upon his review of the Consolidated PIan, the 1996/97 Grantee Performance Report and Annual Consolidated Plan Performance Report, Mr. Keith said there appeared to be substantial reasons to postpone the Public Hearing on the Consolidated Plan until the public was able to adequately review the proposed amendments to the Consolidated Plan and proposed 1998199 CDBG program budget and he asked that the Committee consider postponing the Public Hearing. Aid. Drummer responded that the Notice of Public Hearing was published two times in the Evanston Review, on November 27 and December 4, 1997. He suggested that any assistance Mr. Keith might need in understanding the Consolidated Plan could be provided by Ms. Lufkin and asked that he contact her. Aid. Drummer said that the City Council will not approve the proposed amendments and funding recommendations until January 12, 1998. However, because the Plan Commission and Housing Commission must also be review the Consolidated Plan prior to submission to the City Council, it was not possible to deviate from the schedule. Aid. Drummer explained that the CDBG program funding process must follow a specific time line in order for all City bodies to have time to review the proposed budget and Consolidated Plan prior to submission to HUD. He said that the City must submit its proposed use of funds to HUD no later than January 15, 1998. Aid. Drummer added that the Consolidated Plan has been developed over a long period of time based upon input from various City boards and commissions as well as citizen input received in public meetings over the past several years. Mr. Keith also expressed his concerns about some of the individual funding recommendations in the proposed FY 1998/99 budget. John Mver&immediate Past President. Board of Directors. BE -HIV Mr. Myers introduced members of the Board of Directors: Lisa Shilling, Stephanie Hixon, and James Watts. He also introduced BE -HIV staff members: Deborah Steinkopf, Executive Director, Angelique Johnson, Director of Prevention, and Outreach Workers: Vince Gillin and David Braque. He said that the decision by the Committee to not fund BE -HIV will directly affect the agency's outreach program. Mr. Myers said that BE -HIV has received CDBG funds for the past four years. As background, Mr. Myers pointed out that sixteen thousand people worldwide are infected with HIV everyday; about 1% of sexually active. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 9,1997 Page Six people are infected with HIV. BE -HIV says it has created programs in Evanston over the past six years which have reduced the spread of HIV. BE-HIV's budget has grown tenfold over the past six years and its staff has increased twenty times. The work of BE -HIV works closely with other Evanston agencies including the Evanston Health Department, where BE -HIV works in tandem to provide HIV testing. Together BE -HIV and the Evanston Health Department have increased the number of people being tested by 30%. Mr. Myers also spoke about HIV risk reduction education efforts undertaken by BE -HIV. Mr. Myers said that BE -HIV will have to cut back its Outreach Program without additional CDBG funding. He spoke about the extensive efforts of the two outreach workers, Vince Gillin and David Braque, in the areas of HIV outreach education and testing. Mr. Myers said BE -HIV believes that it is reducing the number of people exposed to HIV through its educational efforts. Mt. Myers spoke about the size of BE-HIV's budget ($1 million) and how that fact could have affected the Committee's decision to not allocate additional CDBG funds to BE -HIV, because it appeared that the Outreach Program could be funded from another funding source. Mr. Myers said that most of the funding in BE-HIV's budget is committed by other funders to particular uses, such as case management services or rental assistance for AIDS patients and BE -HIV is not able to fund other activities from these restricted funds. He said that CDBG funding for the Outreach Program has enabled BE -HIV to continue and expand this important educational activity. Mr. Myers introduced Vince Gillin and David Braque, who spoke about their work. Mr. Gillin said that cuts in other areas has resulted in a shortage of social workers. He said that the outreach workers function somewhat like social workers, working intensively and repeatedly with clients in risk reduction education and testing. Mr. Gillin said that it is necessary to have repeated contact with people in order to change thinking and behavior. Mr. Gillin said that 10-IS people a week are referred to the Evanston Health Department for testing. He said that he recently became certified in a particular form of HIV testing and will be able to perform HIV tests on location and not always have to refer people to the Health Department. Rev, Michael Summers. President. Food Aid Center of Evanston Rev. Summers spoke about the need to replace the refrigerators and freezers used by the Food Aid Center (FACE) to store food supplies at a cost of approximately $11,000. He said that the current refrigerators/freezers have been repaired many times and are not reliable. Without adequate refrigeration and freezer facilities, FACE is unable to take advantage of special food purchases offered by the Greater Chicago Food Depository. He passed out information to the Committee on the type of equipment which would be needed. Ald. Drummer responded that the funding allocated by the Committee was for food purchase and that the Committee was just recently made aware of the need for new equipment for food Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 9,1997 Page Seven storage. Mr. Johnson said that the NAACP in Evanston has been doing more work in the public services arena for several years. Mr. Johnson said he was concerned about the way in which the City allocates its CDBG funds and the programs it decides to support. He said that a very large portion of the funds are being kept by the City instead of being used directly to meet the needs of low income persons in Evanston. Some agencies with important programs serving low income people are not receiving CDBG funding because the City is choosing to keep the funds for its programs. Mr. Johnson said that it appears that in order to keep from increasing taxes, the City is using CDBG funds to fill gaps in its budget. Mr. Johnson spoke of the NAACP's connection with the Family Focus building, which came up during discussions about CDBG funding requested by Family Focus for capital improvements to the FamiI Focus Community Center. Mr. Johnson said that there have been preliminary discussions about forming a real estate investment trust, which could be used to fund activities which would help low income people in Evanston. In the course of the discussion about establishing the real estate investment trust, possible purchase of the Family Focus building arose. Mr. Johnson said that the intent of any possible purchase of the Family Focus building by a real estate investment trust would be to utilize funds in the trust for real estate purposes and to relieve Family Focus of management responsibilities for the building. The real estate investment trust would manage the building as a community center, thereby relieving Family Focus of managerial oversight of the building. Family Focus could then focus its efforts on programming for the low income community. Mr. Johnson reiterated that the discussions have been in the concept stage only and that no formal offers have been made and an organization has not been established. Mr. Johnson said that he hoped that the subject of the preliminary discussions did not jeopardize CDBG funding for Family Focus. Ald. Drummer responded that funding decisions made by the Committee concerning CDBG funding for Family Focus were not affected by the rumor that the Family Focus building was "for sale", but he appreciated Mr. Johnson's coming to the meeting and clearing up the matter for the Committee. Rev. Georee ProvidtWce. Co -President. Evanston Neighborhood Conference Rev. Providence expressed thanks on behalf of the Evanston Neighborhood Conference for the Committee's Funding recommendation for the coming year. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 9,1997 Page Eight Dr. Speight said that Family Focus had applied for $156,000 in 1998/99 CDBG funds to complete phase lI of its window replacement project. Family Focus planned to replace the 40 year old windows in the "newer" section of the Family Focus building at 2010 Dewey. She thanked the Committee for its recommendation of $40,000 and said that Family Focus will try to replace as many windows as possible and will apply to the Committee for FY 1999/2000 CDBG funds to complete the project. Dr. Speight said that the Family Focus Community Center houses fourteen other agencies in addition to Family Focus, all which serve the Evanston community, particularly low income residents. She noted that Ald. Kent referred to the Family Focus Community Center as "one stop shopping" for social services. Rev. Norwood spoke of the many important services provided by Family Focus, BE -HIV, the Food Aid Center and other Evanston agencies, services which provide for the basic needs of the low income residents. He pointed out that agencies such as Family Focus undertake activities to help people, programs which would not be carried out without organizations like Family Focus. He urged the Committee to be compassionate in its funding for human service needs in Evanston. Ald. Drummer said that the City is limited by HUD regulations in the amount of CDBG funds it can spend on public services activities, which is 15% of the total funding the City receives each year. He said that many times the Committee would like to allocate additional funds toward meeting human service needs in Evanston, but cannot because of this limitation. Ald. Drummer closed the Public Hearing at 9:27 p.m. Apnroval csf Amendments to the 14UD Consolidated Plan and Recommendation to the City CQUncil Betty Sue Ester made a motion to approve the proposed amendments to the HUD Consolidated Plan. The motion was seconded by Judith Treadway. Ms. Ester asked that the rental rate figures in the analysis of fair housing choice in Evanston be reviewed and that the paragraph on page 3 of the document be rewritten to more accurately discuss the range of rental rates in Evanston. Dr. Stafford suggested that, in future assessments about housing and homeless needs in Evanston, such as the information presented on page III -I of the Consolidated Plan, that comparisons be made with comparable suburbs to Evanston and with suburban Chicago in general. He said that in order to have a Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 9,1997 Page Nine meaningful analysis in the Consolidated Plan, staff should do comparisons with other comparable communities. There was additional discussion concerning the Consolidated Plan in general and clarifications of individual project descriptions in the Action Plan. Motion carried, 6-0, to approve the proposed amendments to the HUD Consolidated Plan and to recommend approval to the City Council. Aid. Drummer said that the proposed amendments and 1998/99 CDBG program budget would be reviewed by the City Council on January 12, 1998. VI. APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE FROM HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE TO MINORITY/WOMEN/EVANSTON BUSINESS COMMITTEE Aid. Drummer said that he was informed by the Mayor that the Housing and Community Development Act Committee needed to make an appointment of one of its members to serve on the reformulated Minority/Women/Evanston Business Committee. The MBEIWBE/EBE Committee was now accepting applications for membership. Ald. Drummer said that Michael DeVaul has been the Committee's representative for the past three years and he would like to made a motion that Mr. DeVaul continue as the CD Committee's representative on the MBE/WBE/EBE Committee. The motion was seconded by Ald. Bernstein. Motion carried, 5-0, 1 abstention. VII. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT Aid. Drummer announced that Dr. Stafford will be completing his term as liaison member from the Plan Commission to the CD Committee in January. He and other Committee members thanked Dr. Stafford for his dedicated work and insights on behalf of the Committee. Dr. Stafford said that the PIan Commission had not yet selected a member to replace him on the CD Committee, but expected to do so in the coming months. Committee members discussed the possibility of scheduling the December Public Hearing at a different time than it is currently being held. Because of the amount of work which staff must complete at the conclusion of the budget meetings, it has been difficult to complete all the necessary documents in time for Committee members and the public to have an opportunity to adequately review them. Ald. Drummer spoke about the difficulty of changing the timing of the Public Hearing because of deadlines for submission of the City's application to HUD in mid -January and the need for several commissions to review materials prior to City Council approval. Ms. Lufkin said that Dr. Kelvin Gilchrist at Evanston Township High School had invited the Committee to hold a future meeting at the high school to visit the Smart Labs program. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 7,1998 Page Ten ETHS received a 1997/98 grant for the purchase of computers for the Smart Labs program. Committee members expressed great interest in visiting the Smart Labs. Judith Treadway said that she was concerned about the public's awareness of the work of the Committee and suggested that the Committee consider televising some of its meetings in the future. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Staff.•gt".-z Date:i I�fj v HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COIVIIMMME Tuesday, February 10,1998 7:30 P.M. Evanston Township High School I600 Dodge Avenue MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Ald. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Ald. Bernstein, Ald. Kent STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department OTHERS PRESENT: Dr. Kelvin Gilchrist, Dr. Donna Novickas, Mr. Sauerland, Evanston Township High School At the invitation of Dr. Kelvin Gilchrist and Dr. Donna Novickas, Evanston Township High School, the Committee Held its February meeting at ETHS. Dr. Gilchrist wanted Committee members to tour the SMART Labs facilities and to demonstrate the high school's Career Pathways program, which is used by students to explore different careers with the aid of computers. (The City awarded ETHS a FY 1997/99 CDBG grant of $9,060 for purchase of computer equipment for the SMART Labs program.) Three SMART Labs were visited: Business Management and Information Systems, Industry/Engineering Technology and Health Science/Human Consumer Services Technology(s). Demonstrations were done in each lab, showing how students can do career exploration exercises on computers. Delicious refreshments were provided by the Culinary Arts & Sciences students. r Staff: Date: 4i /g g g r HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COM IITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: PRESIDING OFFICIAL: I. CALL TO ORDER MINUTES Tuesday, April 21, 1998 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center } Aid. Kent, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Judith Treadway Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Rainey Sally Lufkin None Aid. Kent, Acting Chair The meeting was called to order at 7:47 p.m., a quorum being present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 9, 1997 AND FEBRUARY 10, 1998 MEETINGS Michael DeVaul made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 9, 1997 Committee meeting; motion seconded by Betty Sue Ester. Motion carried, 4-0. Michael DeVaul made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 10, 1998 meeting; motion seconded by Judith Treadway. Motion carried, 4-0. Michael DeVaul said that the visit to Evanston Township High School's Smart Labs program was very informative and hoped that the Committee could visit other grant recipients from time to time. III. COMMUNICATIONS A. Letter to Dr. Kelvin Gilchrist, Evanston Township High School B. Various Articles on Housing Issues 1. Affordable Housing Efforts Win Praise to City 2. Bargain Buy - Price Controlled Condos Emerge as Housing Alternative 3. Evanston Might Offer Teachers Housing Perks 4. Deficit Opens Door for Additional Housing Dollars S. Landlord Tells City He'll Sell Troubled North Side Buildings 6. On the Inn Side - Naperville Considers Lifting Bed and Breakfast Moratorium 7. Delay Game - Waning Period Provides New Rule on Highland Park 14 Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - April 21, 1998 Page Two Teardowns 8. Habitat's House of Straw Provides Cory Shelter 9. Subdivision Plans Spark Neighbors' Ire 10. Glenview Air Base Taking Offfor New Life 11. Shared Vision - Cohousing Looks Like the 1990's Version of the Commune 12. Feel the Squeeze - For Chicago Area Tenants, Choices Diminish and the Rents Go Up 13. Evanston Apartment Vacancies Dawn for Fifth Year 14. Deficit Drop Opens Door far Additional Homv'ing Dollars 15. Housing Evictions Soar Under "No Crime " Rule ld. Motel's Demise a Low -Income Blow (2 articles) 17. Race Remains Housing's Main Dividing Line IV. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION It was decided to hold the discussion on priorities for the 1999/2000 CDBG program until a meeting at which more of the Committee members could be in attendance. There was general discussion among Committee members on grantee accountability for use of CDBG funds and how the City could ensure that program goals are being met. Judith Treadway suggested that if an agency receives funding from another City funding source, there should be a sharing of an agency's performance information so that the funding organizations can get a "total" picture of an agency. Ms. Treadway also suggested that Committee members periodically observe grantees' programs in operation, such as, visiting the Food Aid Center's distribution sites on the days food is distributed. She felt that one staff person should not be totally relied upon to provide oversight and monitoring of grantees. Aid. Kent said that he thought the CD Committee had improved accountability from its grantees. He said that applicants for CDBG funds now understand that they will not automatically be funded by the Committee each year; they now understand that their funding request could be reduced by the Committee or not funded at all. Aid. Kent said that agencies had come to expect to be "automatically" funded each year by the City's Human Services Committee. There was discussion about retaining or increasing affordable housing in Evanston. Judith Treadway expressed the concerti that the City was losing housing affordable for lower income persons due to condo conversions, particularly in the 8th ward. In addition, the new multi -family housing which has recently been constructed has been either rented or sold at market rate, which is not affordable for low/moderate income residents. Ms. Treadway said she was concerned that this trend was forcing low/moderate income families, who do not have sufficient income to live in the newer developments, to move from Evanston. Committee members discussed the possibility of the City issuing 1tFP's for development/redevelopment of rental housing for lower income residents and including in the contract stipulations ensuring that the housing units affordable for low/moderate income residents. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - April 21, 1998 Page Three Judith Treadway circulated copies of a letter she received from the Evanston Township High School's Black Caucus announcing upcoming ACT/SAT preparatory classes being offered to African American students in their junior year at ETHS. Mr. Treadway said that she thought there could be some duplication of effort by the program offered by the ETHS Black Caucus and the program Evanston "I Have a Dream", which received a 1998/99 CDBG grant. Committee members thought that the "I Have a Dream" program offered more than preparation for ACT/SAT testing, specifically visits to colleges. Ms. Treadway said that she was concerned about maximizing taxpayers' dollars and wanted the Committee to participate in funding programs which would benefit as many low/moderate income residents as possible, V. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT Michael DeVaul announced that the MBE/WBE Advisory Committee would be holding a joint meeting with the City Council at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 1998 in the City Council chambers. The purpose of the meeting is for the (MBE) disparity study consultant, D: J. Miller & Associates, to brief the City on the results of its study on City contracting, which was completed about two years ago. Sally Lufkin said that at the May 12,1998 meeting, staff will present the annual performance report on the CDBG program for the Committee to review and approve. A public hearing will also be conducted at the meeting. Ms. Lufkin said a public notice about the hearing will be placed in the April 30 and May 7, 1998 editions of the Evanston Review and a copy of the notice would be mailed to the entire CDBG mailing list to ensure that all interested persons were aware of the public hearing. V1. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m, Staff- Z;L Date: r, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMWTTEE MINUTES Tuesday, May 12, 1998 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Ald. Bernstein, Md. Rainey, Michi&DeVaul, BCy Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Aid. Kent STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department; Nicki Modaber, Finance Department OTHERS PRESENT: Karen Chavers, Evanston Neighborhood Conference; Delores Holmes, Family Focus; Eric Huffman, Over the Rainbow Association; Bennett J. Johnson, NAACP; Sandi Johnson, North Shore Senior Center; Donna Novickas, Evanston Township High School; James Rysold PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m., a quorum being present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 21,1998 MEETING Aid. Rainey made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 21, 1998 Committee meeting; the motion was seconded by Judith Treadway. Motion carried, 6-0. III. COMMUNICATIONS A. Howard Street Redevelopment Committee Newsletter - April 1998 B. "Home Sales Reach Record Pace" - Article from Chicago Tribune C. "Citicorp -Travelers Pledge on Lending in Low Income Areas Criticized" - Article from Chicago Tribune Accepted into the record by Aid. Drummer. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - May 12, 1998 Page Two IV. PUBLIC FEARING ON CONSOLIDATED PLAN ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR FY 1997/98 Nicki Modaber reviewed the Financial Summary form, which reports on the use of CDBG funds during FY 1997/98. The City had $2,725,538.66 in grant funds on hand at the start of the program year, received $2,386,000 in 1997 entitlement funds, received $369,567.35 in program income, and had a prior year adjustment of $4,791.60 for a total of $5,485,897.61 in CDBG funds available to the City for FY 1997/98. Total expenditures during the year were $3,033,577.25, leaving an unexpended balance of $2,452,149.94 at the close of the year. $2,595,991.70 was spent on programs and activities which benefitted low/moderate income residents or 99.1% of the funds spent during the year. Ms. Modaber said that she made an error in calculating Public Services expenditures omitting program income the City had received for the prior year in the calculation. The City spent $391,914.23 on public services activities, or 15.2% of the grant. Ms. Modaber said this is .2% over the 15% cap on public services expenditures and was caused by the late expenditure of funds for the purchase of instruments for the Fleetwood/Jourdain Drum & Bugle Corps, resulting in reporting the expenditure during FY 1997/98 instead of the previous program year. Ms. Modaber said that the City was allowed to spend 20% of its CDBG grant for administrative/planning activities, but spent only 15.0°% or $415,583.30. Sally Lufkin pointed out that the $52,883 in grantee program income reported on page 3 of the report was a reimbursement to the CDBG program from a UPARR (Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Act) grant the City received. Ms. Lufkin explained that the CDBG program had allocated $120,000 in CDBG funds several years ago for replacement of the windows at the Fleetwood/Jourdain Community Center with the understanding that the CDBG program would be partially reimbursed for this project if the City was successful in obtaining the UPARR grant. (At that time, the Parks/Forestry & Recreation Department was in the process of applying to the National Park Service for UPARR grant funds.) That grant included the window replacement projeet along with renovation of the Fleetwood/Jourdain kitchen and bathrooms and improvements to the basketball courts at Mason Park. Ms. Lufkin said the $52,883 is not obligated to any current CDBG project and will be included in the funds available for the 1999/2000 program year, if not committed to another activity beforehand. Ms. Lufkin reviewed the HOME Match report, which is one of the reports required to be submitted along with the Annual Performance Report. Ms. Lufkin explained that the City is required to provide a 25% match to its annual HOME Investment Partnership allocation. For FY 1997/98 the City needed to match $151,750; it actually had $196,699 in funds for Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -Mary 12, 1998 Page Three the match. The "excess" match of $44,949 will be carried over to the next program year; it can be used to match 1998 HOME funds. Ms. Lufkin said that the Annual Performance Report contained detailed information about program or activities carried out during FY 1997/98 using CDBG, HOME and Emergency Shelter grant funds. She discussed how most of the financial reporting was now done via HUD's IDIS (Integrated Disbursement Information System) and that the narrative statements portion of the APR addressed statements required by HUD. She invited committee comment and input on the report. At this time Ald. Drummer invited anyone who wanted. to comment on the Annual Performance Report to speak. Mr. Johnson said that he believes that it is the City's responsibility to use CDBG funds for programs which will most benefit low/moderate income residents. However, Mr. Johnson said that he believes that the City uses CDBG funds to balance the City budget by funding a number of staff positions and thus relieve the City's general fund of those costs. He urged the Committee to ensure that CDBG funds are used to the optimum extent possible for the people who the program is intended to serve. Mr. Johnson suggested that the City use CDBG funds to improve alleys which are in extreme disrepair. He also urged the City to fund more employment programs which can help at -risk youth find good paying jobs as an alternate to anti -social activity. Mr. Johnson suggested that the City consider a small business micro -loan program for minority and start up businesses in Evanston. He asked the City to continue to seek additional affordable housing programs, perhaps in partnership with sponsors' in the private sector. Finally, Mr. Johnson urged that funding decisions not be made in a political context and that the City fund programs which will benefit for most Iow/moderate income people in Evanston. Donna Novickas, Evanston Town5hip High School Ms. Novickas said that she noticed differences in the amount of funds allocated toward some of the housing programs and the amount actually spent and offered the services of the high school in distributing information to the community about these programs. (Ald. Drummer, chair of the Housing and Community Development Act Committee, explained that more funds have probably been committed in some of these programs, but have not yet been expended. Since the report covers actual expenditures, a true picture of the activity in some of the loan programs is not given when just expenditures are reported.) Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -May 12, 1998 Page Four Ms. Chavers thanked the Committee for its support of grass roots neighborhood activities. She suggested that the City sponsor other focus group meetings, such as the one convened to discuss impediments to fair housing choice in Evanston, to discuss the issues which affect low/moderate income residents. Ms. Chavers said that she found that discussions among community leaders held outside of the context of the regular CDBG funding cycle provided valuable input into assisting the City with determining its community development priorities. Ms. Chavers also discussed some of the procedures other funders use to gain community input for their programs. There was discussion among committee members and staff about some of the individual programs and activities discussed in the Annual Performance Report. Ald. Drummer declared the public hearing closed at 8:38 p.m. Michael Devaul made a motion to recommend approval to the City Council of the Consolidated Plan Annual Report for FY 1997/98. The motion was seconded by Ald. Rainey. Motion carried 6-0. Ms. Lufkin said that the Annual Performance Report was also being submitted to the Evanston Housing Commission for their review and approval at their meeting on May 21, 1998. She said that the City Council would receive the report for approval at its May 26th meeting. V. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT Sandi Johnson, Executive Director of the North Shore Senior Center (NSSC), thanked the Committee for its funding support for the NSSC case manager. She shared with the Committee some of the recent activities at NSSC. Ms. Johnson said that the NSSC case manager works with Interfaith Housing Center's Homesharing program in trying to find home matches for seniors. She discussed a home match of a 93 year old man who needed live-in assistance with a single woman with a child, who is also a nurse, and could not find affordable housing in Evanston. Ms. Johnson said that NSSC has a very successful Grandparents Raising Children program and has received funding for the program from a foundation. Ms. Johnson also spoke about a recent Christmas in April program in which private funds were used to rehabilitate homes for two of NSSC's clients. Ms. Johnson said that the case manager spends a lot of time at Primm Towers, helping residents there with some of their problems. The case manager recently organized a weekly Tai Chi exercise program at Primm Towers, which the residents had requested. Finally, Ms. Johnson said that NSSC has obtained the services a two volunteers who visit clients' homes and assist seniors Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -May I2, 1998 Page Five with medical claims. Ald. Drummer thanked Ms. Johnson for coming to the meeting and shAng with the Committee the good news about the North Shore Senior Center's activitiesMe also thanked the other citizens for speaking to the Committee on the Annual,Peifarihance Report. Aid. Drummer asked Committee members to took at the; photographof the School District 6�5, Farm Work Camp program, which took place in June 1997. -lei r.• Ms. Lufkin said that the June 9th meeting woul&be a joint meeting with` Vttnston Housing Commission. f VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meetingadjovrned at 9:20 p.m. Staff - Date: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMMEE Tuesday, June 9, 1998 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center JOINT MEETING WITH EVANSTON HOUSING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Kent, Ald. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: None HOUSING COMMISSION Penny Miller, Chair; Robert Brooks, Yvonne Dickerson, Donna Lach, MEMBERS PRESENT: Joan Lomax, Lucy Nesbitt STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Roberta Schur, Community Development Department; OTHERS PRESENT: Karen Chavers, Evanston Neighborhood Conference; Delores Holmes, Val Summers, Family Focus; Bennett J. Johnson, NAACP; Yvonne Vanden Avenne, Housing Committee of Southeast Evanston Citizens Planning Committee PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m., a quorum being present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 12, 1998 MEETING Aid. Rainey made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 12, 1998 Committee meeting; the motion was seconded by Aid. Bernstein. Betty Sue Ester asked that the Committee vote approving the 1997 Annual Performance Report on the HUD Consolidated Plan be corrected to read 5 ayes, l no. With this correction, the motion carried, 7-0. III. COMMUNICATIONS A. Memorandum re Joint Meeting with Evanston Housing Commission B. Metropolitan Family Services - Invitation to Open House at New Location C. Copy of 10/31/97 Memorandum re Configuration of the CDBG Target Area D. Copy of Analysis of Impediments to fair Housing Choice in Evanston Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - June 9, 1998 Page Two E. Memorandum from Betty Sue Ester re Consideration of Additional Performance Questions to be included in Grantees' Quarterly Reports F. Copy of Annual Performance Report for the 1996/97 Consolidated Plan (Final Copy as Approved by the City Council on 5/26/98) G. Articles related to Housing Issues: from Realty & Building. "Single and Minority Buyers Drive National and Chicago Area Home Sale in 1997" "Affordable Housing: Public Tax Credits, Private Investors Save the Day" from Chicago Tribune: "Incentive Program - Village Offers Fix -up Loans to Resident -Owner Landlords" "Cash Strapped - Down Payment Obstacles can be Overcome with Some Creativity" "Melting Away - HUD Sheds Excess Housing in a Gradual Effort to Privatize" "Defining Terms - Deal Clears Way for `Empty Nester" Homes in Lake Forest" "Joint Effort - Suburbs Bank Together to Provide Affordable Senior Housing" "Home Resales Reach Record Pace" "Fannie Mae Expands Program" "Out of Housing, Into Homes" from Daily Northwestern: "Evanston Home Buyers May Get a Break of City Passes Proposal" "Court Alters Rules for CHA Rebuilding" Accepted into the record by Ald. Drummer. IV. DISCUSSION OF HOUSING ISSUES A. Memorandum on Eligible Uses of CDBG Funds for Housing Programs B. HOME Quick Finder - A Summary of HOME program Requirements and Possible Uses for HOME Funds Roberta Schur said that the City has loaned approximately $1 million in HOME funds since the City began receiving HOME funds in 1995. (Interfaith Housing Development Corporation was loaned $232,450 toward the purchase of a building at Brummel/Elmwood; Evanston Housing Corporation received a $594,000 loan for the 124-132 Clyde building; and Mr. Albert Bowen received a $198,000 loan toward a building he is rehabbing in the 600 block of Brummel. In addition, Interfaith received approximately $77,000 in Mayor's Special Housing Funds for Brummel/Elmwood.) Penny Miller said that it is her aim to have mixed income projects in Evanston. She said she doesn't want to see concentrations of income in a building or area. There was discussion about the slowness of prosecuting housing code violations in the Circuit Court. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - June 9, 1998 Page Three Several members expressed frustration with the Housing Court process: the court meets just once a month for Evanston cases; property owners are often given automatic extensions by the court to bring their properties into city code compliance; and housing cases are not usually given a high priority by judges. Ms. Miller noted that the City offers several rehab loan programs for property owners and said that she hopes the property inspectors share that information with property owners when they are cited for code violations. Aid. Bernstein said that the City is investigating administrative adjudication of housing matters (in- house hearings are held in lieu of taking housing code violations to the Circuit Court). He said once this process is implemented, it should speed up resolution of these cases. Aid. Drummer added that the housing code enforcement process can also be streamlined and that the City may realize more revenue in prosecuting code violations. He asked staff to provide both committees with information about the administrative adjudication process. Betty Sue Ester discussed the need to also assist very low income residents with affordable housing. She said that she was concerned that even though prices and down payment requirements for the 124-132 Clyde building are very attractive, there will still be displacement (of residents from the building) in the condominium conversion process because families may not be able to meet the income requirements. Aid. Rainey said that the 124-132 Clyde building project was really an "experiment". If the Evanston Housing Coalition (EHC) had not undertaken the project, she said that it would have been very difficult to find a developer willing to undertake rehabbing the building and offering the units for sale at lower prices so that low/moderate income residents could remain in the neighborhood. Those tenants who were living in building prior to its purchase by EHC were paying $600 - 700 a month in rent and living under deplorable conditions. Regarding the tenants remaining in the building at the time it was purchased by the Evanston Housing Coalition, Aid. Rainey said that they did not want to stay in the building after the conversion nor did they want to commit to purchasing a unit at this time. Aid. Rainey said she supported the project because the (EHC) proposal appeared to be on the only way to save the building; the units will be offered first to Evanston residents before they are offered to persons outside Evanston. She said she was grateful someone was willing to undertake the project and hoped that there would be other developers who would be willing to take a risk and develop more housing in this neighborhood for low/moderate residents. Aid. Rainey added that one of the ways low/moderate income people can afford market rate apartments is through the Section 8 program. She said she was shocked by the criticism of tenants (by others) who hold Section 8 certificates in south Evanston. Michael DeVaul said that he was concerned about the number of "high end" developments which have been built in Evanston over the past several years. He said that while he supported additional housing in Evanston, he agreed that programs should be established which will allow low/moderate income residents to remain in Evanston and not just middle to higher income residents„ Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - June 9, 1998 Page Four Aid. Drummer commented that Ms. Ester had brought up a good point and that the City should keep this group of residents in mind in designing future housing programs. Aid. Kent said that the City should find a way to protect citizens who have Section 8 vouchers and certificates. He discussed the practices of some unscrupulous landlords in Evanston who abuse low income tenants, in particular single parents with young children. He related stories about landlords asking Section 8 tenants for additional monthly income, i.e., $100 - 200 a month additional rent to be paid on demand in order for the tenant to be permitted to remain in the apartment. Since the young mother has to have a place for her and her children to live, she complies with the request even though she knows it is wrong. Aid. Kent said that the Section 8 program does not have any protection for tenants. The Cook County Housing Authority (CCHA) will not prosecute a landlord who is "shaking" down a tenant for an additional $125 a month because it is too small an amount for CCHA to bother with. The CCHA will tell the tenant not to make the payments to landlords, but will do nothing to bring pressure on the landlords to not collect the illegal payments in the first place. Ald. Kent said this is happening to a number of people in west Evanston. There was discussion among committee/commission members on ways to assist tenants with this situation: collect information on cases of illegal rental payments, inform tenants about their rights, let landlords know that the City will pursue wrongdoers, and see if people would be willing to step forward and register formal complaints with CCHA or the courts. Aid. Kent said he has spoken to the City's Corporation Counsel about these situations. He added that he has heard of situations where there was one lease submitted to the Section 8 program, and a second one is then signed by the tenant at the insistence of the landlord for a higher rent: Section 8 knows nothing about the second lease. Aid. Bernstein said that landlords who are taking money "under the table' need to be excluded from the Section 8 program. Ald. Kent said that there are also landlords who will fabricate reasons for evicting tenants to drive them out of their apartments. Yvonne Dickerson said that the problem is likely to be rampant in some neighborhoods and a procedure needs to be developed where people feel safe enough to file complaints against landlords. Aid. Bernstein suggested that a class action suit could be started with at least two complainants, perhaps Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation could help. It was also suggested that the City's congressman or even HUD could look into these complaints as it was federal funds which were being misused. Betty Sue Ester asked if the City has looked into administering its own Section 8 program. She was told that the City has been researching the matter for some time. Delores Holmes said that 24 years ago Evanston had its own block of Section 8 vouchers and that up until 2-3 years ago there was always a CCHA representative in Evanston who handled Section 8 matters in Evanston. Now, all Section 8 issues in Evanston have to be handled by the downtown office where concerns can more easily be lost in the bureaucracy. Ms. Holmes said that there are some landlords who are dealing "double under the table": the landlord may want to rent an apartment for $1,000 a month and Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - June 9, 1998 Page Five Section 8 comes out and evaluates the apartment and says that it will pay $800 a month in subsidy with the family paying $200/month. After the agreement is made with Section 8, the landlord will tell the tenant that the rental price is really $1,100 and the family's portion of the rent becomes $300/month. Ms. Holmes said that if Evanston had a housing advocate who could work on behalf of people in Evanston, closer monitoring and better enforcement of the Section 8 program would probably result. Aid. Bernstein said that Gary Jump, of CCHA, addressed the (City Council's) P&D Committee a few months ago. He said that a property valued at $800 would instead be given $1,000 by Section 8 and as result property values would appreciate. Another person from CCHA said that CCHA had conducted all inspections of Section 8 properties in Evanston, which if that statement were true, would mean that the inspectors had conducted over 100 inspections a day. He said the City knows that the statement was false. Aid. Bernstein suggested that a housing advocate could coordinate and advocate for the City on housing matter. Aid. Drummer asked that a listing of specific municipal ordinances which were being violated by the landlords asking for additional rent from tenants be obtained by staff for the CD Committee and Housing Commission and that a copy be sent to the City's Human Relations Commission. He said that the City needs to be more proactive in assisting tenants with legitimate problems with landlords. He suggested that the Fair Housing Educator should work on this matter, as this position has the authority to bring wrongdoers to court, etc. The City receives funding from HUD for testing and to deal with fair housing cases. Sally Lufkin added that the City could also ask HUD to investigate the allegations of misuse of HUD's Section 8 funds in Evanston. Aid. Drummer then directed the discussion to an assessment of the housing stock in Evanston. Yvonne Dickerson pointed out that Evanston does have homes which are affordable for middle and lower income families, but such homes are frequently not listed. These homes frequently need a lot of renovation, but could be affordable to low/moderate income families. Ms. Dickerson said that the problem is that homes in Evanston are becoming too expensive for low/moderate income families to purchase and maintain. Children grow up in Evanston, but are not able to afford to continue to live in Evanston as adults because of the high cost of housing. Aid. Drummer discussed the rehabilitation of the Florence/Lake neighborhood by rehabbers who buy homes at a modest price, fix them up and then sell them, which has resulted in increased property values in that neighborhood. Ms. Dickerson said that minority families do not always have the knowledge of what is involved in becoming homeowners and that the City could sponsor a program to educate young families and try to make them understand how important it is to maintain property and understand how expensive it can be to let property deteriorate and then have to pay to renovate it. She added that the other issue with some individuals/families is that it is important to have a good credit rating in order to own Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - June 9, 1998 Page Six property. Unfortunately, some people do things which jeopardize their credit rating and they don't realize how long it takes to repair their credit rating. Aid. Drummer added that the problem with buying a home is having sufficient funds to make a down payment. Ms. Dickerson said that in Evanston, because of high property values, a monthly mortgage payment is nearly equivalent to monthly rent. She discussed various City and private -sponsored programs which offer first time home buyers loans with as low as a 3% down payment, including a new mortgage package recently approved which will allow the 3% down payment to be in the form of a gift to the borrower. Karen Chavers, Director of the Evanston Neighborhood Conference, discussed the need for housing assistance programs for senior citizens, who are often left out of traditional housing programs. Bennett Johnson said that there are programs where a portion of rent payments can be used toward down payment toward a loan. AId. Drummer mentioned the former acquisition/venture program, which had been administered by (the former) Evanston Community Development Corporation, in which ECDC would buy a property, allow individuals to live in the property on a land contract basis and put a portion of the monthly rent payment into an escrow account toward down payment for purchase of the property. Robert Schur added that HOME funds can also be used for down payment assistance for both single/family homes, condominiums and co-ops. Ms. Chavers said that in some states Section 8 funds can be used toward down payments. Ms. Schur discussed the new first-time home buyers program, eligibility requirements and use of funds. Aid. Rainey said that the problem now is that the housing market is so favorable for buyers. She said the City may want to evaluate its housing assistance programs to ensure that they are actually serving the low/moderate income population. She said that Evanston has an interesting housing mix with many properties being; rental properties in addition to home ownership. She said that she did not want to discourage rental properties because they serve an important need of residents and she would like to see more rental properties preserved. Aid. Drummer said that the focus of housing programs in Evanston should be to enable people who want to buy housing in Evanston to be able to do so. Aid. Rainey suggested that the City should require that developers should designate a percentage of housing in market rate projects they undertake in Evanston to be designated for lower income people as a condition for some of the concessions they receive from the City. She said that to her this was the only way to get mixed incomes in a multi -family building. Aid. Drummer asked whether HOME funds can be used to improve the credit worthiness of people. Aid. Drummer invited committee/commission members and members of the community at large to suggest ideas for housing assistance programs. Delores Flolmes said that the City should consider having a housing; advocate position. Aid, Drummer said that the City did have such a position at one time and that he would talk to the City Manager about reinstating that position. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - June 9, 1998 Page Seven Aid. Drummer thanked the Housing Commission for taking time to meet with the CD Committee. He said that they had had a very good discussion and hoped that the two groups could meet again soon to continue the discussion after staff had obtained the information requested at the meeting. V. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT There was no additional staff or citizen comment. VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m. Stal�. r l. Date: 71 / 119 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, July 14, 1998 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Aid. Drummer, Ald. Kent, STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department; Paul D'Agostino, Parks/Forestry & Recreation OTHERS PRESENT: Suzanne Auburn, Ann Jennett, Youth Job Center, Mary Jane Chainski, Infant Welfare Society; Karen Chavers, Evanston Neighborhood Conference; Carla Frisch, Metropolitan Family Services; Warren Michael Green, Oakton Community College; Jacqueline Grossman, Interfaith Housing Center; Pamela Hickman, 136 Callan; Delores A. Holmes, Family Focus; Eric Huffman, Over the Rainbow Association; David Myers, Marie Vissey, Center for Public Ministry; Michelle Phillips, National Louis University; Helen Roberts -Evans, Child Care Center of Evanston; William Parks, Evanston Community Defender PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Ald. Rainey, Acting Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:43 p.m., a quorum being present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF ,TUNE 9, 1998 MEETING Aid. Bernstein made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 9, 1998 Committee meeting; the motion was seconded by Michael DeVaul. Motion carried, 5-0. III. PUBLIC HEARING ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS FOR THE 1999/2000 CDBG PROGRAM A. Cony QLNotice of Public Head" Aid. Rainey accepted into the record a copy of the Notice of Public Hearing which was published in the June 28 and July 2, 1998 editions of The Evanston Review. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 14, 1998 Page Two r NQ I M . ' 10) WON I Aid. Rainey accepted into the record the needs statements submitted by the North Shore Senior Center and the Community Development Department. She asked Sally Lufkin to discuss the Community Development Department's needs statement. Ms. Lufkin reviewed the needs statement submitted by Community Development Director James Wolinski. The memorandum said that the Community Development Department would continue to address certain community development needs through its various programs. Many of the programs have previously been partially or wholly CDBG funded and Mr. Wolinski said that the department plans to apply for continuation funding in 1999/2000 for the following activities: Community Development Administration - provides overall direction for the Community Development Department; CDBG Administration - provides administrative support for the City's CDBG program; Housing Rehabilitation - 3 person office which handles several housing programs for income eligible residents; Housing Code Compliance - CDBG funds 2 multi -family inspectors who work exclusively in the CDBG Target Area and also funds a portion of the salaries of the other housing inspectors and support staff; Neighborhood Planning - continuation of the activities carried out by the Neighborhood PIanner; Storefront Restoration (Facade) Program - plan to apply to continuation funding for the neighborhood business districts; Landmark Conservation Program - folded into the Housing Rehab area, this program has not had much activity over the past few years - funds are used to restore historically significant properties owned by low/moderate income residents; Housing Planner - CDBG funds pay for 50% of the salary and other budget line items; Graffiti Removal Program - CDBG funds pay for 50% of the salary and expenses of the City's Graffiti Technician/Sign Inspector. C. Needs Hearing - Public Comment Aid. Rainey opened the Needs Hearing at 7:47 p.m. and invited all who wanted to address the Committee about community development needs to come forward. Michelle Phillips. National Louis University - Family Outreach program Ms. Phillips said that the Family Outreach Program has been in operation for fifteen years in Evanston and served 225 Evanston residents during the past year. The program is for low income limited English proficient persons. It is intergenerational and helps non-English speaking persons become more integrated into the community through activities which foster family communication and English language classes. Ms. Phillips said that for the past two years this program received Evanston CDBG funding assistance and National -Louis University plans to apply for continuation funding for the coming program year. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 14, 1998 Page Three Mr. D'Agostino distributed a written memorandum from himself and (Parks/Forestry & Recreation) Director Douglas Gaynor, which outlined the CDBG funding requests for 1999/2000. He thanked the Committee for funding support for past projects which the department has undertaken on behalf of low/moderate income residents. Mr. D'Agostino reviewed the ten proposed projects: Alexander Park and Beck Park - funding requests for these two parks will be greatly increased over previous years' requests, due to the fact that the City Council asked the department to try to do comprehensive park renovation and to consider a park in its entirety rather than renovate only playground areas; Robert Crown Park Baseball Backstop Replacement and Fire Alarm/Sprinkler System Upgrade; 4 projects at Fleetwood/Jourdain Center - ballf eld lighting, replacement of vinyl siding, landscape design and renovation, and ball diamond backstop and fence replacement; Noyes Cultural Arts Center sign age; and Arts Council/Ecology Center Greening Program. Ms. Roberts -Evans introduced herself as the new Executive Director of the Child Care Center. She thanked the Committee for its support in the past. Noting that the Child Care Center (CCC) has been serving children and their families in Evanston since 1994, Ms. Roberts -Evans discussed some of the programs offered by the CCC (i.e., parent education, parent support groups, men's group), to help parents meet the educational needs of their children. Ms. Roberts -Evans commented on past CDBG funding support for capital improvements made to the CCC's building at 1840 Asbury. She said that the CCC again will apply for CDBG funding in anticipation of completing approximately S23,000 in facility rehab projects: interior painting and repairing water damaged walls, replacing rotted window frames, tuckpointing, and replacing gutters and. flooring. Ms. Roberts -Evans distributed copies of the cost estimates for the proposed projects to the Committee. Jacaueline Grossman. Interfaith HotisingCenter- HomesharingPrggram Ms. Grossman thanked the Committee for its funding support this year of the Homesharing program. She said that Interfaith utilizes office space provided by the North Shore Senior Center at 827 Foster one day a week and hopes to expand its service in the coming year to the Northshore YWCA Shelter for Battered Women by using office space at the YWCA building one day a week to assist women and their children with finding housing placements. Ms. Grossman said that Interfaith is working with more people in their 50's who are disabled or have health issues which prevent them from working, but are too young for senior housing. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 14, 1998 Page Four Mrs. Holmes thanked the Committee for its past support of Family Focus and said that the agency planned to apply for 1999 CDBG funds to complete its window replacement project at 2010 Dewey. Mrs. Holmes said that she wanted to address the need for affordable housing in Evanston and read the following statement to the Committee: "Like many in our community, I am concerned about affordable housing for low income families. This concern includes not only Section eight (9) families, but the working poor and some families that are earning decent wages. We must keep in mind that these families have other expenses such as child care. Their incomes, while decent but not high, keeps them from receiving child care assistance. We must recognize the some of the families may not have the best of credit. This knocks them out of the opportunities of the First Time Homebuyers Programs. Somehow we must develop programs that will encourage our low and moderate income families to remain in Evanston be they home owners or renters. We must also look at some type of transition housing that will address the needs of children whose families are not capable of providing them with safe, stable and decent housing. All Children should be allowed to continue to live in the community that they are born in if that is their choice. Evanston children need to have that choice." Rev. Dgyid Mvers. Center for Public Ministry - Family Housing Services Program Rev, Myers introduced Marie Vissey, program director for the Family Housing Services program, he said Ms. Vissey has been with CPM since February. Rev. Myers thanked the Committee for its support for the Family Housing Services program. He said over the last three years, CPM has been able to reduce its CDBG funding request to the City of Evanston while expanding its network of funders. However, Rev. Myers said that CPM would probably not be able to further reduce its funding request for the coming year, as its need for financial assistance are greater than before -- Evanston CDBG funds are vital to the agency's Family Housing Services program. Ms. Vissey noted that the Family Housing Services program has been in existence for ten years. The program works with homeless families and those families threatened with becoming homeless. The goal of the program is to empower families toward self-sufficiency through stabilizing their housing situation. CPM staff provide information and referral services, preventive case management and financial counsel ing/assistance, and transitional housing for families, while helping them find employment, day care and secure permanent housing. Counselors also work with money management, assist families with planning a budget, help find day care services, and assist with employment, if necessary. Ms. Vissey said most of the families CAM sees are female -headed, working poor, who are employed in Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -July 14, 1998 Page Five low wage, low skilled jobs. Loss of child care or illness can cause these "breadwinners" to lose their jobs, and possibly housing, when the head of the family must stay home to take care of young children. Access to affordable housing, training for better jobs, affordable child care and routine health care further compound problems for these families. In FY 1998 CPM provided financial assistance, transitional housing and information and referral services to approximately 180 families (90 Evanston families). In the last quarter, CPM has provided services to 45 families. CPM leases 3 family apartments for transitional housing purposes. The average length of stay is 6-9 months, although families can stay for up to two years. CPM, however, tries to discourage families from staying longer than one year. Ald. Rainey commented that CPM provides one of the most necessary types of services which can be provided to homeless or near homeless families in Evanston. If a person is unemployed or unskilled, it is impossible to find affordable housing in Evanston. Mu UMT.WWWON sloolowleRVAIMMMMUK81 William Parks, President of the Board of Directors, distributed a memorandum from Managing Attorney and Office Director Robert Roy to Committee members. He thanked the Committee for its past support for the Community Defender's Office. He said that it is crucial that funding for Evanston youth involved in the criminal courts system be included in the future funding plans of the City of Evanston as a high priority. Mr. Parks said that the Community Defender's Office has a unique opportunity to work with Evanston youth and their families when they are in a time of crisis involving the criminal courts system. Not only does the office attempt to resolve the Iegal problems of their clients, but it tries to attack a broad range of problems families may have when youth are in trouble. Mr. Parks pointed out that the unique feather of the Evanston Community Defender's Office is that it can provide counseling and social work services with clients and families. If it cannot handle the particular problems of an individual/family, it refers the person/family to other agencies for assistance. In contract. the Cook County Public Defender's Office deals only with legal problems and does not bet involved in any of the social problems which may have contributed to the legal problem. In response to a question from Judith Treadway, Mr. Parks responded that the office's social workers spends more time than is customary with an individual who is a repeat client. ,UIa Frisch. Metropolitan Family Services - FJAMAhuse Program Ms. Frisch introduced herself saying that she is the supervisor of senior services at Metropolitan Family Services (MFS). She said that 50 Evanston residents have been provided counseling and support services through the Elder Abuse program. Ms. Frisch said Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -July 14, 1998 Page Six that the need for the program has turned out as projected and MFS has met its first quarter goals. Ms. Frisch added that the she believes that need for an elder abuse counseling will continue along with the aging population. MFS is also working with community organizations on elder abuse and awareness programs. Ms. Frisch distributed copies of the brochure MFS distributes to inform the community about its elder abuse program. She noted that, although MFS does not see many Spanish speaking elder abuse clients, people are picking up the Spanish language brochures about the program, as MFS frequently has to replenish the Spanish language brochures. Mr. Green said that he is an Evanston resident and represents students from Evanston attending Oakton Community College (OCC). Mr. Green said he works in the transfer center with students who are getting ready to transfer from OCC to 4 year colleges upon completion of their OCC program. Mr. Green said that in the past OCC has been able to fund student visitation trips to various colleges, however, OCC needs to seek additional funding assistance for future trips and he decided to ask the City of Evanston if it would be interested in participating in this program. Mr. Green said he would like to continue coordinating trips to historical black colleges. Two such trips have been undertaken: one to Atlanta and east coast black colleges and more recently a group visited Jackson State, Grambling, Xavier, Mississippi Valley and Southern. Typically, the students are taken on a 5-day bus tour; the most recent trip had 16 students, the previous one had 30 students. The cost of the college trip (transportation and housing) can prohibit some students from participating. CDBG funds could enable more students to go on each college trip. Mr. Green discussed the importance of African Americans attending black colleges: he said that 90% of all black elected officials went to historical black colleges; 27% of the bachelor's degrees awarded were from historical black colleges; and 75% of Ph.D.'s awarded to African Americans were from historical black colleges. Mr. Green said that Oakton Community College plans to apply for approximately $15,000 in CDBG funds to subsidize college trips in the coming year. Karen Chavers. F.vansron Nciehhorhood Confer ace Ms. Chavers thanked the Committee for supporting the Evanston Neighborhood Conference's (ENC) neighborhood planning efforts and most recently its Building Community Tract by Tract program. She said ENC has, in the first quarter, distributed informational materials about the housing market to low income tenants in southeast Evanston, providing them with a listing of housing choices available in Evanston. Ms. Chavers said this program operates on a one-to-one basis, primarily with renters. She introduced Pamela Hickman and her grandson, south Evanston tenants who may want to become home owners. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 14, 1998 Page Seven Ms. Chavers said that there is a need to rethink the approach to housing in Evanston, particularly issues of access to affordable housing. She said that the City, ENC and other groups should strive to develop cooperative relations between housing focus groups in the region. She pointed out that some organizations, including ENC, often compete with each other for CDBG grants and other funding dollars and there is a need to work collaboratively to address housing needs in Evanston. Ms. Chavers suggested several areas for exploration by the City of Evanston, ENC and other organization: mixed income projects, housing co- ops, and land trusts. Ms. Chavers concluded her remarks stating that ENC was encouraged by the recent joint meeting between the CD Committee and the Evanston Housing Commission and expressed her hope that some of the ideas generated at that meeting would be explored further. Mary Jane Chainski said she is currently participating in a child care task force, which is looking at ways to address the waiting list for day care placements. In addition, the Infant Welfare Society has filed an application, together with the Childcare Network and Child Care Center of Evanston Home Day Care, for Head Start funds in an effort to address some of the placement needs. If they are successful in receiving a grant, it is hoped that services can be enhanced for approximately 60 children (currently being served) and new services to be provided for 40 additional children. Ms. Chainski said that they hoped to learn of a grant award by the end of September. If awarded Head Start funds, Ms. Chainski said that 15 children would be placed at the Baby Toddler Nursery, requiring conversion of office space to classroom space and adding an addition to the Main Street building for new office space. Mr. Huffman thanked for community for funding the security system. He said that it was being installed now and the project should be completed within the next couple of weeks. Mr. Huffman said that Over the Rainbow Association's (OTRA) monthly board meeting was also taking place this evening, otherwise, several of the tenants/board members would have come to the CD Committee meeting to speak on the need for additional facility improvements. Mr. Huffman said that OTRA was renovated in prior to 1993, when it was not required that a fire alarm system be installed. He pointed out that 5 of the 33 residents have severe physical limitations which makes it extremely difficult for them to open the doors to their units. Therefore, they do not lock their doors or even close them in some cases. It is essential that this situation be corrected and that a fire alarm system be installed a soon as possible. Mr. Huffman said that OTRA has been operating at a $60,000 - 120,000 deficit for the past several years and therefore will request CDBG funding assistance to install the fire alarm system in the coming year. Since completion ofOTRA's website, they have had 400 - 2,000 visits a month. Each month 3-6 people are interviewed and referred to other facilities for placement. Mr. Huffman said that a new facility could easily be filled within two/three months. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 14, 1998 Page Eight Ms. Jennett introduced Suzanne Auburn, Assistant Director of the Youth Job Center (YJC). Ms. Jennett said originally the YJC was 100% CDBG funded, but they have been able to reduce the amount of CDBG funds to 31 % for the current year. Ms. Jennett said that in spite of the better economy, there is still a need for job placement services. YJC has been changing some of its program to try and meed the need. Ms. Jennett said that YJC has purchased the former Family Counseling Services building on Church Street and hoped to move into it in the coming month. YJC will have its offices on the second floor and will rent out office space on the first floor. YJC has also established a site at Evanston Township High School so that it can work more closely with clients while they are in high school and encourage them to take courses which will help them get jobs after high school. Ms. Jennett said that YJC may need additional funds to hire a staff person for this office. Two welfare to work classes (funded by Public Aid and the Lloyd Fry Foundation) have graduated and YJC is expanding its tutorial program for younger children (teacher aides for elementary schools). Ms. Jennett said that with the increased programming, YJC is struggling financially and will again request CDBG funds for the coming year. She pointed out that it often 5-7 placements before a client becomes settled in a job. The job retention rate went down last year. One-half of YJC's clients are high school age. She said that YJC is now doing placements that ETHS used to do. There not being further comment, Aid. Rainey closed the Public Hearing at 8.43 p.m. IV. REVIEW OF PROPOSED 1999/200D CDBG FUNDING CYCLE PROCEDURES, APPLICATION MATERIALS AND SCHEDULE A. Staff Memorandum re Proposed Procedures and Schedule for Application/Proposal Review B. Staff Memorandum re Proposed Applications for 1999/2000 Funding Cycle Accepted into the record by Aid. Rainey. Sally Lu#kin announced the application period for FY 1999/2000 CDBG funds will be from July 21 - September 11, 1998. She said that two orientation sessions for non -city applicants will be held on July 21 st in the Civic Center and that application materials and information would be available at those meetings. If applicants are unable to attend one of the orientation meetings, applications can be picked up during regular business hours in the Planning Division office. Ms. Lufkin said that a mailing had gone out regarding the orientation meetings to the CDBG mailing list. Ms. Lufkin said that applications would be received up to 5.00 p.m. on September 11, 1998. She reviewed the proposed application/proposal review schedule, pointing out that the Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 14, 1998 Page Nine schedule is similar to ones used in past years, with three meetings scheduled in October for application review - two for non -city applications and one meeting for City -sponsored applications. The Committee's funding recommendation meeting is scheduled for November 1 Oth. Betty Sue Ester distributed a memorandum with proposed additional questions to be included in the applications to Committee members. Ms. Ester asked that a fourth meeting be scheduled to review applications and that the Committee's funding recommendation meeting be held on November 17th instead of November 10th. Ms. Ester explained that because of the large number of applications to be reviewed in a relatively short period of time, an extra week for discussion and review of applications prior to the funding recommendation meeting would be helpful. Ald. Rainey said that she is reluctant to add another meeting to an already very busy aldermanic schedule and she asked if a decision on adding one more meeting could be postponed until the other two aldermen (absent from this meeting) could be present. She added that she would rather have longer meetings than add additional meetings to the schedule. Ms. Lufkin said that she was planning to distribute the notebooks to Committee members approximately one week after the September 11 th application deadline. She said that there was no reason to hold the applications in the office until they had all been reviewed and Executive Summary sheets written. Ms. Lufkin said that she would determine the order in which the Committee would review the applications, setting the schedule for each proposal review meeting, and she would forward the staff comment sheets (Executive Summaries) as they are completed. Ald. Rainey said that all the applications did not have to be forwarded to Committee members at the same time, but could be distributed in groups prior to each meeting. Ms. Lufkin responded that she would prefer to put all applications into notebooks and get those to Committee members so that, as they are reading the applications, they could have an idea of the number of applicants and the types of applications submitted. Ms. Ester said that if the notebooks can be distributed as proposed by Ms. Lufkin, it would not be necessary to add a fourth proposal review meeting and the original schedule would be acceptable to her. She withdrew her proposal to add a fourth proposal review meeting. Judith Treadway made a motion to start the October 13, 20 and 27 meetings at 6:00 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Michael DeVaul. Betty Sue Ester said that she would be able to arrive at those meetings before 7:00 p.m. and Ald. Rainey suggested withdrawing the motion, stating that it is important for all Committee members to be present at the proposal review meetings. Ms. Treadway agreed to withdraw her motion. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - July 14, 1998 Page Ten Ald. Rainey noted that staff had provided draft copies of the proposed applications for non - city Public Services, Public Facilities, Housing and Economic Development programs. She also pointed out that staff had asked for a critical review of the proposal applications and invited any suggestions or comments from Committee members. Betty Sue Ester referred to her July 14th memorandum, in which she proposed the addition of several questions to each application. There was discussion to ascertain the type of information Ms. Ester and other Committee members wanted included in the applications, how to best obtain information from applicants and what other (City) funding bodies references and reports would be useful to the Committee as it reviews each application. It was decided that the City Council's Human Services Committee's recommendations and City funding spreadsheet were helpful sources of information. It was also decided that staff should request that copies of all agency applicants' audits be included with the applications. Ms. Lufkin offered to provide the citizen members with copies of the current City budget, which showed the FY 1998/99 budget for each department and included the City's five year capital improvement plan. Ms. Treadway asked that the Committee's funding guidelines be charted out in graph form, so that Committee members could use the guidelines as a checklist in reviewing each application. Ms. Lufkin said that she would provide a suggested form at a future meeting. There being no further discussion on the proposed non -City application materials, the Committee approved their use. Ms. Lufkin said that she would review the suggestions provided by Betty Sue Ester and incorporate the questions into the applications where appropriate. V. COMMUNICATIONS A. Staff Memorandum Listing Housing Information Requested at June 9, 1998 Joint Meeting with Housing Commission B. Minutes of Minority, Women & Evanston Business Enterprise Development Committee - 2/ l 1 /98, 3/ 11 /98, 4/ 1 /98, 5/ 13/98 and 6/ 10/98 C. Housing Commission Minutes of June 18, 1998 D. Howard Street Redevelopment Committee News - July 1998 E. Copy of Memorandum from M/W/EBE Committee to City Council Recommending Approval of Disparity Study Findings F. Newspaper Articles: "ACORN Requests Merger Hearings" "Board Intervenes at Problem Complex - Hanover Park" Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -July 14, 1998 Page EIeven "Credit City with an Assist on Housing Score" "Work Study - Joliet Program Participants Rehab Housing Build Character" "Within Reach - Drop in Rates Makes Homes More Affordable for Americans" "Evanston Condo to Help Needy" "Residential Revival - Milwaukee Sees First Downtown Housing Development in 10 Years" "City to Offer Property Tax Help - Novel Plan Aids Old -Timers, Poor in Trendy Areas" "Too Much of a Good Thing? - St. Charles Debates True Cost of Expensive Homes" "Eye to the Sky - Dutch Homes Turn to Solar Power Despite Meager Sunshine" "Home Inspection Law Under Microscope" "A Safe, Cosmopolitan Howard Street is in the Works" "Howard Streetscape - It's More than Cosmetic" Accepted into the record by Ald. Rainey. VI. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT Michael DeVaul asked that the Committee consider revisiting the configuration of the CDBG Target Area at the next meeting. Ms. Lufkin said that the First Quarter report for FY 1998/99 would be presented at the Committee's August meeting. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m. Staff: Date: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, August 11, 1998 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department OTHERS PRESENT: Deana McLendon; Roxana Saberi; Southeast Evanston Citizens Planning Committee: Alan Goldberg, Cheryl Bridgman -Moloney Yvonne Vanden Avenn, Christine Benz, Lucia Norris, Mary Pat Kerrigan; Sandi Johnson, North Shore Senior Center, Rev. George Providence, Reba PIace Church PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:42 p.m., a quorum being present. 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 14, 1998 MEETING The minutes will be submitted for review and approval at the Committee's next meeting. III. REQUESTS FROM SOUTHEAST EVANSTON CITIZEN PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR USE OF 1995 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING BASED PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT FUNDS A. Neighborhood Based Organization Start -Up Funds Aid. Drummer invited Alan Goldberg, chair of the Neighborhood Based Organization Research Committee, to discuss the group's proposal. As background. Mr. Goldberg discussed the approval two years ago by the Evanston City Council of the Southeast Evanston Comprehensive Neighborhood. The Southeast Evanston Citizens Planning Committee was initially formed with representatives from Progressive Evanston Neighbors. Elks Park Neighbors. Brummel Park Neighbors and Clyde/Callan Neighbors. Recently the Southeast Evanston Parents Association was approved by the CPC for membership. Mr. Goldberg said that some of the objectives in the plan were identified by the facilitators as ones the Citizens Planning Committee (CPC) could handle on its own without City of Evanston oversight. It was suggested that the CPC consider creating a community based development organization to carry out these objectives as well as others to be identified by the NBO board. A number of community based directors from NBO's in Chicago spoke to the CPC and shared their experience with neighborhood development and how to go about organizing a neighborhood based community organization. Mr. Goldberg said that the CPC created its own neighborhood based organization (NBO) research committee and it has been exploring the feasibility of creating a NBO for Southeast Evanston. Mr. Goldberg said that the CPC does not have its own funding base and the CPC needs an Housing & Community Development Act Committee Minutes -August 11, 1999 Page 2 organization with structure to work on objectives identified in the neighborhood plan, something like a smaller version of DevCorp North in Rogers Park. Mr. Goldberg said that the CPC does not have, at this time, a staff person to carry out decisions made by the group. The NBO research committee has recommended to the CPC that in order to continue its research, it needs funds to be used for not -for -profit status filing fees, office expenses and initial funding expenses. Therefore, Mr. Goldberg requested that the CPC be permitted to use 53,700 in 1995 neighborhood based public improvement funds to continue the work of the CPC toward exploring NBO status. Mr. Goldberg said that (Planning Director) Dennis Marino had given the CPC a list of items taken from the Southeast Evanston Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan which he said that the CPC, not the City of Evanston, should be responsible for carrying out. Mr. Goldberg said that it was the CPC's opinion that a neighborhood based organization (NBO), focused on the interests of SE Evanston, could best do some of the tasks on the list such as lobbying property owners, tenant organizations, promoting economic development rather than individuals. Aid. Drummer commented that it appeared that the purpose of the NBO would be broader than just economic development. Mr. Goldberg responded that the CPC does not intend to duplicate work already being done by other groups. Mr. Goldberg responded that last September the CPC had conducted an outreach effort in which CPC members had called other residents in the neighborhood inviting them to become more involved in CPC activities and perhaps joining the CPC. Several new members were added to the CPC as a result of this canvassing effort. Mr. Goldberg said that the precise mission of the HBO will be developed by a board of directors, yet to be appointed. The board will select from the goals of the neighborhood plan which objectives it will work on: housing, economic development, public safety, recreation, image and marketing. Over time, Mr. Goldberg said that the CPC hoped that the NBO would address all the items contained in the approved Southeast Evanston Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan. Betty Sue Ester wondered what a NBO would do that would be different from some of the services already provided by the City. She noted that the City has a Minority/Women/Evanston Business program coordinator whose focus is development of Evanston minority and women - owned businesses, that the City holds periodic landlord and tenant seminars, and handles some of the other activities identified by the CPC as things an NBO could do in south Evanston. Ms. Ester added that the Evanston Neighborhood Conference was awarded a 1998 CDBG grant to do tenant education and organizing in southeast Evanston. Mr. Goldberg responded that the CPC does not intend to duplicate work already being done by other groups. Aid. Bernstein asked whether an NBO as a legal entity was needed to work with third parties. Mr. Goldberg said that 501(c)3 status was necessary so that the CPC could apply for and accept funds. Aid. Bernstein asked what role would a NBO play in economic development. Mr. Goldberg responded that he envisioned the southeast Evanston NBO would function somewhat like DevCorp North in Rogers Park. working with businesses and investors to bring economic development to Howard Street. Ms. Ester asked what the mission of the NBO would be. Mr. Goldberg said that it would focus on the action items identified in the Southeast Evanston Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan: housing, economic development, public safety/security, recreation, image and marketing. Housing & Community Development Act Committee Minutes -August 11, 1998 Page 3 Christine Benz said that the neighbors in southeast Evanston tended to organize around specific issues rather than working in a broader context. She said that it was not customary for the neighbors to form a structured organization. She said that the progress the neighbors have made so far with organizing the Citizens Planning Committee and preparing the Southeast Evanston Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan was remarkable for a group of people who previously had been issue oriented only. Yvonne Vanden Avenn added that the southeast Evanston neighborhood was constantly changing and that the CPC made every effort to include and assimilate new people into the organization. Alan Goldberg added that southeast Evanston really does not have a structure which is based on longevity. He said that the CPC would like to have an organization which will be in place and continue the mission of the community regardless of whether people move in or out of the area. He said that currently the CPC has the guidance and assistance of the Evanston Planning Department, aided by a staff person who spends a good deal of time helping the CPC. He said that the CPC does not know how much longer it can rely of the Planning Department being able to provide intensive staff support. Mr. Goldberg proposed that should the NBO become non- productive and a drain on financial resources, the plug should be pulled. Mr. Goldberg discussed the enthusiasm of the CPC when it created and gained approval by the City Council of its Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan. After approval of the plan, there was a great let down when the City told the CPC that it could not do all of the things identified in the plan. He said that it took the CPC about a year to recover its energy and now it was ready to move forward, having re -energized itself and attracted new members. Aid. Drummer said that he was glad and fully supported what the CPC was ready to do. Mary Pat Kerrigan said that banks and other funding organizations will only put money into organized structures and that that it was important to have a 501(c)3 structure in place before the CPC can solicit funding from banks and other sources. She said it is not imperative that a staff person be hired immediately, but it is important that the City back a project with funding. That way banks will be interested in supporting the group because the City has already invested some of its financial resources. Rev. George Providence introduced himself, he said he was associate pastor at Reba Place Church. Rev. Providence said that the CPC should be commended for the efforts it has made to date. He spoke about broader citizen participation in the process, wondering if it were possible to make the process more inclusive. Rev. Providence said that as co -president of the Evanston Neighborhood Conference, he was interested in ways to get more people in the community involved in the neighborhood planning process. He offered the (CD) Committee a petition signed by interested participants in the southeast Evanston community. Aid. Drummer thanked Rev. Providence for saying that he wanted to be a part of the process, but asked him to hold his petition. Ald. Rainey said that she did not have any problem with anyone who meets the standards for participation in the process, but did have a problem with what she thought Rev. Providence was proposing. Aid. Rainey said that the reason the southeast Evanston neighborhood planning process was working was that the geographic size of the area was doable. She said that she did not want to see the boundaries expanded beyond Oakton, Ridge, Howard and the railroad embankment. She said that the Citizens Planning Committee had very clear goals and she did not want to see its mission not area expanded. Aid. Rainey said that she thought that the planning process in southeast Evanston was very inclusive, no one who wants to participate is excluded. New people are always welcome. Because anyone who is interested in participating in the work in southeast Evanston and particularly in the CPC and its subcommittees, progress Housing & Community Development Act Committee Minutes - August 11, 1998 Page 4 sometimes seems to be slow. But all one has to do is to read the minutes of the subcommittees to see what work is going on in the area. She said that this was an active group of people who are working to get things done: they write letters to railroads, business owners, property owners, etc. and get responses and results. Aid. Rainey said that she was concerned about the petition which had been circulated in the community. She said that she did not know what the subject of the petition was, but her reaction was that the petition was an undermining effort. The goal of the CPC is to make their neighborhood economically sound. Ald. Rainey said that whenever empowerment gets close in a group, there are always some who want to slow things down. One of the arguments for slowing down is that the process has not been inclusive. There is never a good time for empowerment; it is always too soon. Ald. Rainey said that she encouraged the CPC to take on establishment of a NBO and become empowered. She said that there was another neighborhood economic development organization in Evanston and it failed, probably because it was an arm of the City rather than one grown out of the neighborhood planning process. Aid. Rainey concluded her remarks by saying that she thought that the southeast Evanston group had a better chance of succeeding, because it had grown from within the neighborhood. Betty Sue Ester asked if the CPC would be able to go ahead with its plans for starting up a NBO if it did not receive CDBG funding. Mr. Goldberg responded that the CPC was not looking to any other funding source for the initial start-up funding request of $3,700. He said that the $50,000 allocation designated by the CD Committee several years ago had been designated toward projects which arose out of the neighborhood planning process and that this request for use of funds was an appropriate use of those neighborhood planning funds. Aid. Drummer commented that the CPC is at the point the City wants it to be. Michael DeVaul said that he would like to see a two year business plan for the NBO. He said that it is hard to get a sense of how the group is planning to proceed. Aid. Bernstein suggested that when the focus of the NBO has been determined, then it would be appropriate to return to the Committee. Mary Pat Kerrigan said that when the transition board is formed, they will first develop a plan to guide the NBO. Ald. Rainey made a motion to grant the request of the CPC to use S3,700 in Neighborhood Based Public Improvement funds for start up expenses associated with forming a neighborhood based organization (NBO). The motion was seconded by Michael DeVaul. Motion carried 5-1, with 1 abstention. B. Imaging & Marketing Subcommittee - Printing or Brochure Ald. Rainey made a motion to approve the expenditure of no more than $1,000 for printing a brochure about the southeast Evanston community. The motion was seconded by Ald. Bernstein. Michael DeVaul said that he was not sure how this particular brochure would spur economic development in the area. Cheryl Bridgman -Moloney, chair of the CPC's Image & Marketing Committee, said that the brochure was intended to attract new stakeholders to the community and also to point out some of the good features of the neighborhood. She said the brochure contains some history of the area and also provides a reference listing of useful phone numbers for residents and businesses in that area. Ms. Bridgman -Moloney said that the brochure was not intended to be comprehensive: it is just a marketing piece for the neighborhood. II will be distributed to business owners, realtors, colleges/universities and other organizations in Evanston. Housing & Community Development Act Committee Minutes -August 11, 1998 Page 5 Mr. DeVaul said that he was concerned about spending money now as opposed to later when there might be something more substantive to advertise. Aid. Bernstein said he thought the brochure was a good effort and that there was a perception in that area which must be modified in order to generate economic development there. He said that focusing on the positive aspects of the area was a good way to attempt to turn that perception around. The brochure may be a good method for changing that perception. Betty Sue Ester wondered why the "Wall of Struggle and Dreams" had not been included in the brochure. She noted that the proposed brochure talks about historic south Evanston and contains nothing about the newer things happening in that area. She also wondered why the development along Howard Street was not part of this brochure. Ms. Ester asked if the Evanston Historical Society had given permission to use the title "Historic Olde Evanston" on the brochure. She also asked whether the Evanston Chamber of Commerce had been contracted for either assistance in the development of the brochure or possibly funding for the printing. She said that the Chamber has recently put out a number of promotional materials about Evanston and they possibly could be interested in sponsoring an informational piece about south Evanston. Christine Benz responded that she had discussed the proposed brochure with Joan Costello, Executive Director of the Evanston Historical Society, a couple of times and that Ms. Costello was supportive of the brochure. Alan Goldberg said that the CPC was planning a community wide meeting on September 15th and would like to have the brochure ready for distribution to the community at that time. He said that the CPC wanted a warm, fuzzy, informational piece about their neighborhood. This brochure was not intended to be comprehensive about all the activities taking place in southeast Evanston. Mr. Goldberg said that he hoped there would be other brochures in the future, each one focused on a different aspect of community life in southeast Evanston, i.e., housing, business services, etc. Aid. Drummer said that in voting to approve the expenditure of funds for printing the proposed brochure, the Committee was approving the concept of a brochure and expenditure of CDBG funds to print the brochure. However, it was up to the community to determine the exact content of the brochure. Motion carried 4.2, with I abstention. IV. 1998/99 CDBG PROGRAM - THREE MONTH PROJECT ACTIVITY REPORT Aid. Drummer noted that copies of all first quarter reports submitted by grantees had been given to Committee members along with Sally Lufkin's narrative summary. Ms. Lufkin said that several Committee members had expressed an interest in seeing the reports submitted by grantees. She said that not all grantees had submitted first quarter reports, however, and that fact is noted in the quarterly report summary by each project where a report had not been submitted. Ms. Lufkin distributed copies of the first quarter report for the City's Handyman program and Over the Rainbow's project, both received after Committee packets had been sent out. Ms. Lufkin discussed the [ionic Security Lock program, noting that the person in the Police Department who had been administering the program had retired recently and that another person in the Crime Prevention office had just been assigned administration of this program. There was no activity in the Home Security Lock program in the first quarter. Housing & Community Development Act Committee Minutes -August 11, 1998 Page 6 Regarding the Neighborhood Storefront Improvement program, Mr. Lufkin said that she had corrected figures to report. On page 11, it was stated that the 3/l/98 fund balance in the Neighborhood Storefront Improvement program was S159,838 with expenditures of $10,402 during the first quarter. Ms. Lufkin said that three projects had been approved recently and that $100,000 had been committed for these projects. For the Downtown Storefront Improvement Program, discussed on page 12 of the report, the 3/1/98 fund balance was shown as $184,067, with one payment for the completed 1604 Chicago project of S34,000. Mr. Lufkin said that she forgot to deduct the $53,000 the Committee had reallocated from this program and that the 3/l/98 fund balance should have been $131,067, Ms. Lufkin said that the program coordinator, Lisa Lyon, had recently approved one project with a funding commitment of $56,000. There was discussion about grantees who failed to submit quarterly reports and what could be done to correct this situation. Ms. Lufkin said that agency payments are held pending receipt of quarterly reports. There was also discussion about the two programs sponsored by the Evanston Neighborhood Conference and the difference between the neighborhood planning activity and ENC's Building Community Tract by Tract program. Judith Treadway asked for additional information about ENC's tenant organizing efforts. It was clarified that ENC receives S40,000 ($20,000 for each contract) for these two activities and no other City of Evanston funding. The first quarter project activity summary report was accepted by the Committee. V. COMMUNICATIONS A. HUD's 1998 State of the Cities Report B. Housing Information Requested at Joint Meeting with the Evanston Housing Commission C. Memorandum from Michael DeVaui re Continued Support of the City's M/W/EBE Program D. IDIS-Generated 1997 CDBG Program Grantee Performance Report E. Articles: The Chicago Reporter - "A Tale of Two Towns - Evanston. Oak park Struggle to Keep Racial Balance" Chicago Sun -Times - "Black History District Sought in Suburb" Chicago Tribune - "Home Away from Home - Extended stay hotels raise eyebrows among suburban officials" "Heightened Impact - Naperville says developers must continue to pay for gro+nth" "Road Map - Barrington area development planners leap into the computer age" Lerner News - "Stone/Burke Ordinance Aims at Inspection Scams" Evanston Roundtable - "ECF allocates S62,000 for twelve charities" Vl. STAFFICITIZEN COMMENT Ms. Lufkin asked the Committee if they wanted to take a "bus" tour of proposed CDBG capital improvement projects this fall. She said that (Planning Director) Dennis Marino and she would use a couple of City mini -vans and could spend a couple of hours one afternoon driving around the City showing the Committee the proposed project sites. Ms. Lufkin said that she would be able to put together an itinerary after all CDBG applications had been received on September 1 I' and that she would have some proposed dates at the Committee's September meeting. Housing & Community Development Act Committee Minutes - August 11, 1998 Page 7 VII. ADJOURNMENT Ibere being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m. Staff: 4 /' ' r Date: October 12. 1999 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, September 8, 1998 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Rainey, Retry Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Kent, Michael DeVaul STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department OTHERS PRESENT: None PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Rainey, Acting Chair I. CALL TO ORDER/DECLARATION OF QUORUM Aid. Rainey called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m., a quorum being present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 14,1998 MEETING AId. Bernstein made a motion to approve the minutes of the Committee's July 14, 1998 meeting; the motion was seconded by Betty Sue Ester. Motion carried, 4-0. III. REQUEST FROM STAFF TO REALLOCATE PROJECT CONTINGENCY FUNDS (ULO) TO PAY FINAL BILLS ON CALLANIOAKTON EMBANKMENT PROJECT Aid. Bernstein made a motion to approve the reallocation of S 1,655 in Project Contingency (ULO) funds to the Callan/Oakton Embankment Project. Aid. Rainey seconded the motion. There was discussion about responsibility for maintenance of the Callan/Oakton embankment now that the project has been completed. Sally Lufkin explained that maintenance of the embankment had not been included in the construction contract. Ms. Lufkin said that maintenance of public lands along the railroad tracks was the responsibility of the Parks/Forestry & Recreation Department. The City had intended that maintenance of this embankment, as well as other railroad embankments throughout the city, would be included in a landscaping contract, which would be bid out to an Evanston landscaping firm. The City did advertise for bids for embankment maintenance, but received no bids. Ms. Lufkin said that in July she contacted the Parks Department because of concern about the lack of rain and hot weather affecting newly planted materials along the Callan Embankment. She said that when she learned that no landscaper had been hired to handle embankment maintenance, she asked Paul D'Agostino to contact several Evanston landscapers in an effort to obtain quotes for clearing the Callan/Oakton Embankment and maintaining it for the rest of the season. Ms. Lufkin said that only one landscaper responded to Mr. D'Agostino's request and that Nature's Perspective had been hired to clean up the embankment and then maintain it one or two more times this summer/fall. Ms. Lufkin said that the clean up should be completed by the end of this week. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - September 8, 1998 Page Two Ald. Rainey said that it was insulting to everyone to have allowed such a condition to happen. Aid. Bernstein said that he was concerned about getting the embankment cleaned up as soon as possible and then maintained on a regular basis. He said that it was a shame this had happened, because originally the area had looked very beautiful. In response to a question from Betty Sue Ester, Ms. Lufkin said that Teska Associates had been hired under a RFP process to take the concept drawings and turn them into blueprints and bid documents specifications prior to bidding and to provide project management during construction. Motion carried, 4-0. IV. COMMITTEE BUS TOUR OF CDBG PROJECTS Committee members present selected Tuesday, October 6th for the bus tour. Ms. Lufkin said that she and (Planning Director) Dennis Marino would be using two City mini -vans and would drive the Committee around the City to view proposed 1999 project sites. The tour would take approximately two hours and would start at 3:00 p.m. V. PROPOSED EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FORMS WITH CHECKLIST FOR REVIEWING CDBG APPLICATIONS Ms. Lufkin said that the proposed Executive Summary forms to be used in evaluating CDBG applications was basically the same as that used in past years, with the addition of a third page checklist. The checklist contains the guidelines which the Committee has adopted in a "yes/no" question format. Ms. Lufkin said she would be able to answer most of the questions, but would leave some blank, as Committee members will have to personally answer those questions. Vl. COMMUNICATIONS A. Southeast Evanston "State of the Neighborhood" Meeting Announcement B. Minutes of July 8, 1998 M/W/EBE Development Committee C. M/W/EBE Development Committee Memorandum re Disparity Study Recommendations D. Youth job Center Summer 1998 Newsletter E. Newspaper Articles: "Developers become bullish on Howard Street business" ChicagoTribune "Planning for the future - An open letter to the Housing and Community Development Act Committee" from Rev George Providence Evanston Roundtable "Elgin housing inspectors hit the street" "Power Point - Internet puts home deals a modem away, but few bite" "Standard Fare - Consumer groups seek to advance requirements for assisted living" "Course of Action - Rolling Meadows sets November referendum on senior housing" "Higher limited south on federal mortgages" - Arlington Heights "Residence density policy under review" - Harvard "Park Forest ponders repeal of annual rental inspections" "Arlington Heights sees need, wants more data on housing plans" "Helping hand - with an incentive to save, the poor can rise to homeownership" "Not much slippage - index of home price affordability stays near 25-year peak" M Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - September 8, 1998 Page Three VH. GENERAL, DISCUSSION Betty Sue Ester asked if any first quarter reports had been submitted since the Committee's August meeting. Ms. Lufkin responded that no additional reports had been received. Aid. Bernstein made a motion that a list be submitted as soon as possible to the Committee of those grant recipients who had not submitted first quarter reports. The motion was seconded by Betty Sue Ester. Motion approved, 4-0. VIII. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENTS Ms. Lufkin said that applications for the 1999/2000 CDBG program would be due Friday, September IIth, and that she would distribute the Committee's notebooks approximately one week later. She said that a listing of meeting dates and which applications would be reviewed at each meeting would also be distributed. Ms. Lufkin said that she will be reading the applications by meeting date and will forward the Executive Summaries as they are completed. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m, Staff: G . Date: October 12, 1998 •r HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, October 13, 1998 7:00 P.M. - Council Chambers Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, James Wolinski, Mary Baaske OTHERS PRESENT: Constance Beames, Girl Scouts -Illinois Crossroads; Ann Jennett, Lavada Robinson, Suzanne Auburn, Youth Job Center, Inc; Mary Jane Chainski, Ellen Galland, Infant Welfare Society of Evanston; Jane Wilson, Oakton Community College; Christie Dailey, EvanstonlNorthshore YWCA; Rev. David Myers, Center for Public Ministry; Kathy Swanson, CCLAF; Teri Talan, Evanston Day Nursery; Robert Roy, Evanston Community Defender's Office; Deborah Steinkopf, Angelique Johnson, David Brach, William L. Parks, BE-1­11V; Alexander Brown, North Shore Senior Center. PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. 11. APPROVAL OF AUGUST l 1 AND SEPTEMBER 18, 1998 MEETINGS Aid. Rainy made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 1 I and September 18, 1998 meetings; the motion was seconded by Ald. Kent. Motion carried 7-0. III. REQUEST FROM STAFF TO REALLOCATE FUNDS FROM THE SINGLE/FAMILY-MULTI-FAMILY REVOLVING LOAN FUND TO PURCHASE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, ESTABLISH A CDBG TARGET AREA GARAGE DEMOLITION PROGRAM AND TO FUND THE 1999 REHAB ADMINISTRATION BUDGET. James Wolinski, Community Development Director, explained that the Revolving Loan Fund has had a very prosperous year in getting loan repayments. This year, to date, there has been approximately $500,000 in loan repayments which has resulted in a surplus Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13. 1998 Paee 2 in the Single/Family-Multi-Family Revolving Loan Fund. Mr. Wolinski said that when the loan fund accrues to more funds than are needed to make new loans, HUD regulations stipulate that the surplus funds should be reallocated. Mr. Wolinski proposed allocating $211,300 from the Single/Family-Multi-Family Revolving Loan Fund to fund the upcoming 1999/2000 Housing Rehab Administration budget. He explained that Housing Rehab was the element of the City budget that oversees all the various loan programs the City offers. Mr. Wolinski suggested that if the Housing and Community Development Act Committee (CD) approves this request, there will be no need to ask for money for this program for the upcoming year and the money can be appropriated for whatever use the Committee wishes. Mr. Wolinski also proposed reallocating $100,000 for a new program called Garage Demolition Program for owner -occupied income eligible residents. Mr. Wolinski said that after doing a survey, City inspectors found 30 to 35 garages in Evanston that are in bad shape, a blight on the neighborhood and in some cases are dangerous of collapsing. He said that demolition costs for a garage can be expensive for a family that is below the median income level. He proposed that a loan be made which could be repaid to the City in several different ways. Mr. Wolinski suggested that a title transfer loan for a maximum of $6,000 at zero interest rate be made for garage demolitions and that any owner -occupied property where the owners are at 80% or below median income would be eligible. Mr. Wolinski proposed that the City pay for the demolition of the garage, hauling away the debris, and putting in a new concrete parking pad (required by our zoning ordinance - if off-street parking is eliminated it must be replaced). Mr. Wolinski presented a proposal for a third reallocation of funds from the Revolving Loan Fund . He proposed using $36,355 for the purchase of upgraded/ new computer equipment and several digital cameras for CD -eligible Community Development staff. New or additional computer and camera equipment would greatly enhance staffs ability to perform its work more efficiently. Mr. Wolinski said that the three requests total $347,665. By reallocating these funds, the Revolving Loan Fund would be reduced to approximately $150,000. He said that this would indicate to HUD that the City is aware of the large balance situation in the loan fund and is taking action to allocate funds to other CD - eligible projects which will benefit the community. Aid. Rainey said she was disappointed that the Housing Rehab Program had not been marketed better so that more of that money would have been spent for low interest loans. She asked what is being done to loan the money. Mr. Wolinski answered that the Housing Rehab office was working at capacity right now, that there are $300,000 in potential loans that are being reviewed at the present. He said that there is only one Housing Rehab Specialist (James Ouchi) who handles the whole program. Mr. Ouchi does the contracting, works with the contractor, and takes care of the loan portfolio. Mr. Wolinski said that the program is marketed, plus every property owner who receives violation notices from the City Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13. 1998 Page 3 is sent information about the Revolving Loan program. Aid. Rainey asked for a copy of the guidelines of the Rehab Program. Aid. Rainey said she would like to suggest several amendments to the current rehab program. In addition to demolishing structurally unsound garages, and she asked that the City consider the issue of senior citizens who have trees on their property that are very dangerous and need to be removed. Estimates to remove them are from $1,500 to $2,000. The City is requiring that the trees be removed and the senior citizens, being on a fixed income, do not have the money to remove them. Aid. Drummer responded that there has been a meeting about the tree issue among James Wolinski, Doug Gaynor and himself. He explained that Mr. Gaynor has been away for a couple days and it was his intention that there would be a proposal to discuss tonight utilizing loan funds as well. Aid. Drummer said that a reference would have to be made to the Planning and Development Committee through the Housing Commission to amend the program. Mr. Wolinski mentioned that one senior citizen referred by Aid. Feldman had been granted a title transfer loan to take down his tree and funded out of the emergency portion of the rehab funds. Aid. Rainey requested a listing of rehab loans made in the last year. Mike DeVaul made a motion to approve the reallocation of the $211,300 to fund the 1999/2000 Housing Rehab Administration budget; motion seconded by Judith Treadway. Motion passed 7-0. Aid. Rainey made a motion to approve the reallocation of the $36,555 for the purchase of computer equipment, motion seconded by Aid. Kent. Motion passed, 7-0. Judith Treadway made a motion to approve the reallocation of $100,000 to fund the proposed Garage Demolition Program. Aid. Bernstein seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0. IV. 1999/2000 CDBG PROGRAM A. Staff Memorandum re Federal Funding for the 1999/2000 Program Including Preliminary I999/2000 CDBG Revenue Estimate. Sally Lufkin discussed Nicki Modaber's memorandum on estimated funding for the 1999/2000 CDBG program. Congress has approved an allocation of $4.750 billion for the CDBG program for 1999. However, she said that the HUD bill is one of the ones that is still waiting to be signed by the President. However, along; with the increase in overall funding, congress also increased the amount of money that is to be set aside within the CDBG budget - 5523 million. Ms. Lufkin said that the good news for Evanston is that it is one of 40 entitlement communities in the State of Illinois who share in the funding for Illinois and that the number of entitlement has not changed from last year. She said that Ms. Modaber had made a conservative estimation of a 5% increase in the City's entitlement amount increasing it to $2,475,000. Added to that is $180,000 in Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13. 1998 Paee 4 program income to be received from revolving loan repayments and an additional $164,870 of unspent CDBG from completed prior year's projects which can be reallocated for the 1999/2000 program year. The total estimated funds is $2,819,870. Ms. Lufkin said that forty-four (44) applications had been received totaling $3,676,279. Based on the estimated funds to be available the Committee would need to cut a total of $861,566 from the funding requests. Since the Committee just approved reallocation of funds from the Revolving Loan fund to cover the Housing Rehab Administration budget for 1999, the amount which needs to be cut is reduced to $650,266. Ms. Lufkin said there are two areas which have funding caps. The Committee can allocate up to 20% of its CDBG funds toward administration and planning. The funding estimate shows that $531,000 can be allocated towards administration and planning activities. As of this date, the funding requests totals $505,332, so it will not be necessary to reduce funding in this category to come into compliance with the 20% cap. In the Public Services Category the City is able to allocate 15% of CDBG funds towards these projects, Ms. Modaber calculated an estimated cap of $431,250. With requests totaling $504,528, the Committee will have to cut $73,278 in order to meet that 15% cap. Ms. Lufkin said that the following two pages attached to Nicki Modaber's memo show how Ms. Modaber's calculations of estimated grant funds plus calculations for the Administration/Planning and Public Services categories. The following page contains a list of proposed reallocations from completed projects to the 1999/2000 program. Ms. Modaber will be present at the November 10 meeting and will have a final list of reallocations to present to the Committee for approval at that time. B. AGENCY APPLICATION REVIEW Proposal #9 - Girl Scouts -Illinois Crossroads/Making Choices Program Ms. Constance Beanies, Chief Operating Officer, said that the Girl Scouts request for $10,000 was $2,000 less than they had received last year, and it was due to some program support they received this year from other sources. Ms. Bearnes explained that Making Choices is a twelve -week program developed for middle school aged girls and is a twelve week program. The Girl Scouts also have a program called All About Us for girls in fourth and fifth grades. In addition, she said that the Girl Scouts provide a summer drop -in program at three Evanston and Ridgeville Park District sites. Ms. Bearnes said that the curriculum for the programs range from gender equity, setting goals, media messages about girls and women, violence prevention, sexual harassment, self esteem, conflict resolution, and socialization skills. Every year evaluations are done with the girls and they all say that every girl needs this program. Ms. Beanies said they hope to serve 365 Evanston girls this year. Proposal 15 - Youth Job Center, Inc/ Job Readiness, Job Placement and Follo:v- Up Service Ann Jennett, Youth Job Center, Inc., (YJC) Executive Director told the Committee that Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13, 1998 Page 5 YJC had gone from 100% CDBG funding at their beginning to 24% this year. She explained that YJC's program is job placement and job follow-up for Evanston youth ages 14 - 25. YJC also does training in pre job readiness training and orientation and are also running a Welfare to Work program called Strategic Corporate Alliances; four weeks of formal training from 10 - 3 every day. Ms. Jennett said that they are learning that the program seems to make a difference as participants are not only getting jobs, but keeping jobs. Ms. Jennett said that YJC had moved to 1114 Church Street in September and will be having an open house on December 4; she invited all to attend. YJC will also be opening an office at Evanston Township High School. Michael DeVaul asked why it was so difficult for people to keep their first job. Ms. Jennet responded that it was because often they were very young, and a lot of their clients do not have enough support at home. Betty Sue Ester asked if YJC's tutorial program was a program for job experience or just for young people to help other young people. Ms. Jennett replied that it is a program YJC operates jointly with District 65 and is funded by two of YJC's board members who pay the salaries for the young people who in turn assist teachers in the elementary schools. Ms. Jennett said YJC has open interviews and tries to hire lower income youth who have the most need of working in the summer. She added that most of YJC's clients fall into the low income category. Aid, Kent asked if there was any program that takes a person who loves their job to help them progress and move forward in that career field. Lavada Robinson, Director of Programs, answered that one of the things YJC hopes to get involved in at the high school is to get young people to set long term career goals and think of what skills are needed to help keep them employed. Proposal 21 - Infant Welfare Society of Evanston/ Baby Toddler Nursery Expansion Project Mary Jane Chainski, Executive Director of the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston (IWSE), introduced Ellen Galland, architect for the Infant Welfare Society's building addition, Joan Lancaster, President, and Mary Moran, Vice President, of the Board of Directors. She discussed a collaborative effort of the Infant Welfare Society and the Childcare Center under the leadership of the Child Care Network of Evanston, which has been awarded a contract to bring early Headstart, an innovative and comprehensive new program, to low income families and their children in Evanston. She said that the contract will bring $340,000 annually in new federal funding for early child care in Evanston. Ms. Chainski said that Evanston Headstart will provide coordinated services to forty at -risk low income children and their families. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13. 1998 Page 6 IWSE originally proposed serving 100 children, but is pleased to get an award at this funding level. She said there were only three new programs in Chicago and one in Evanston and that IWSE is very proud to have been selected. IWSE has been invited to apply for expansion money when it comes up, and hopes to reach the original plan of serving 100 children and 25 pregnant women or women with newborns. Ms. Chainski informed the Committee that IWSE has served the community for over eighty years. Currently, it offers three programs, - two childcare programs (Baby Toddler Nursery and Teen Baby Nursery) as well as "The Sooner the Better", a project in developmental screening which screens over 200 children annually for any problems in their development and tries to help them and their families get the help they need. She said that IWSE wants to continue with their goals of helping families achieve self-sufficiency and helping children optimize their potential for learning and development. Ms. Chainski clarified the enrollment as follows: IWSE has a current enrollment of 61 children. Of those 61 children 39 meet the requirement for low income. IWSE proposes adding to their building at 2200 Main Street which would give IWSE an additional capacity for 16 children for a total enrollment of 77 children. Head Start income requirements are lower than the very low income category used for CDBG, which is approximately the same as the numbers for subsidized childcare. Ms. Chainski said she had also included the numbers for Teen Baby Nursery on the chart (distributed to Committee). IWSE is currently serving 20 children and has applied to a foundation for expansion to serve four additional children. Ms. Chainski pointed out that the last column on the chart is their goal, if they get the larger number, to have the 100 children in Evanston. Fifty-six would be in the Home Daycare Network and 44 would be with IWSE in their two programs. Ellen Galland, architect, showed the model and drawings for the proposed building addition at the Infant Welfare Society. She explained that the idea was to put the addition where it would least adversely affect neighbors the least. Ms. Galland then discussed the addition and how the new space would be used. Judith Treadway asked about the time lines for the construction, if it was a phased project and how much it would impact the utilization of the facility while the construction was going on. Ms. Galland said it was timed to the money from the Head Start and the Head Start program. Ms. Chainski added that they hoped to hire a contractor who will be willing to work around the children. Aid. Rainey asked how the job would be bid, whether there was a favorite contractor who did this type of construction. Nis. Galland said that this addition would have to go to public bid when the final drawings are prepared. An advertisement will be placed in Pioneer Press a pre -bid meeting held with all the contractors and a public bid opening. If the CDBG grant is award for this project, IWSE will be required to follow all guidelines required by HUD. Aid. Rainey asked if she was correct in thinking that IWSE would not Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13, 1998 Pane 7 be able to follow through on this project until they were sure of getting the grant award. Ms. Chainski said Ald. Rainey was correct. Sally Lufkin added that no one can undertake a project until HUD has approved the grant awards and next March would be the earliest this project could be bid. Aid. Rainey inquired if IWSE has instituted a method for tracking the moms in the program. Ms. Chainski said that the same grant that they are applying for to expand the teen baby program, they are applying to do some work with the moms after graduation for one - two years. As of now, IWSE does not have the resources to do follow-up other than informal statistics. Aid. Bernstein asked about the time line related to the $340,000 Early Head Start Program. Ms. Chainski replied that the Head Start year begins September 1, 1999. Aid. Bernstein asked if one of the conditions for the Early Head Start grant was that there had to be a facility to accommodate this program. Ms. Chainski replied that was correct. Aid. Kent asked if on PF4 number 8 where it states that there are services for 14 very low income families, and that the classroom would serve an additional 16 families, if this was 16 in addition to the 14 families presently being served. Ms. Chainski replied that was correct. Aid. Kent asked how many of these children would be coming off the huge waiting list (for day care placements) that currently exists. Ms. Chainski said that all 16 of those children were toddlers and would come from that list. Aid. Drummer asked for clarification of IWSE's CDBG budget. Ms. Chainski said that the CDBG budget was M 77,000 and they planned on raising $20,000 themselves for a total budget of $197,000. Betty Sue Ester inquired about the age of the children starting in early Head Start. Ms. Chainski said that they start with pregnant women. She said that IWSE would be serving a small amount of pregnant women - mostly teen moms. The children would start receiving services at home as soon as they are born and would be eligible to come into the centers and daycare homes when they were six weeks old and up to age 3. Ms. Ester said that she did not see a capital improvement budget in IWSE's overall agency budget. Ms. Chainski said that IWSE has a repair budget and does set aside money each year for needed capital improvements. She said that IWSE was not able to plan an expansion without additional funding. Proposal 14 - Oakton Community College/College Opportunity Tour Jane Wilson, Dean of Students at Oakton College, introduced Michael Green, Coordinator of the Minority Transfer Center. Ms. Wilson said that the purpose of the College Opportunity Tour is to motivate students by presenting them with an opportunity to Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13, 1998 Page 8 explore career options and gain some vision of what is possible for them. She thought that the college visit trip has a great deal to do with helping students understand how to transfer well. Ms. Wilson said that the majority of the students who wanted to go on this tour in the past were from Evanston, and many had to withdraw because they could not afford it. In supporting advanced education, Evanston gains young citizens who return to Evanston with a greater capacity to contribute through better employability and education. Ms. Wilson explained that to go on this tour, the students must conduct an interview with a staff member of an Evanston agency, write up the interview highlighting the connection between education and what one does on the job, contribute ten hours of community service through an Evanston organization, and participate in fund raising at the college to help defer the costs. Ald. Drummer asked why the students would be visiting mostly traditional black colleges. Ms. Wilson said that they do go on local college tours; visiting DePaul, Loyola, Northern, Illinois State, Northeastern, IIT, and National Louis universities. Ald. Kent asked for an explanation of what stage the Evanston students were in when they go on the college tour. Are they going to Oakton: especially with the interest of gaining some credits to transfer, or are they to working toward an Associates Degree to further their education at another college. Ms. Wilson replied that they have some students who want to get an Associates Degree, but some just want to stay at Oakton. She said it varies, but the students need to start looking at institutions and gauging where they fit into what institution. Ald. Kent inquired if the student had a choice of what agency they would do their community service through. Ms. Wilson said that, at the moment, the only agency was NAACP. Proposal #7 - l vanston/Northshore YWCA/Shetterfor Battered Women Christie Daily, Executive Director, pointed out that she noticed in the statistical summary that SaIly Lufkin provided to the Committee that there was some miscommunication on what were duplicated numbers and what were unduplicated numbers. She has provided clarification on what were duplicated and unduplicated numbers. Ms. Dailey said that one of the YWCA's programs is the Shelter for Battered Women and Their Children. She said that their client numbers have increased 10% in the last year from 447 clients to 587 clients (women and children). She explained that the Shelter provides the women and children with shelter, three meals a day, emergency clothing, emergency toilet articles, and whatever is needed to sustain life. In addition, the Shelter provides an intense program of support services. Every adult Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13. 1998 Page 9 women is assigned to a counselor with whom she meets twice a week for counseling and case management. She works with that counselor on setting job and housing goals, education goals, whatever goals she needs to make to change her life. The children also are assigned to an individual counselor and meet with that counselor regularly to do play therapy, and other kinds of expressive therapies that help them work through the trauma that the violence has caused in their lives. Ms. Dailey said that the Shelter also works with mothers and children together as a family unit. Ms. Dailey said that the Shelter has an outreach office in the Skokie Court House and that the program had grown 91%, from 100 clients the first year to 200 clients the next year. Projections for the current year are that the clientele will again double to 400 clients. She explained that in the Skokie office they help women obtain civil Orders of Protection (where there is no charge against the abuser, but the women feel threatened and come to the Skokie office to get help obtaining Civil Orders of Protection). They get help two weeks later to get their Plenary Order which can last up to two years. The Shelter has added a second full time position to the Skokie Office so that they can follow up with women to make sure they are reporting violations of their Order of Protection. Clients are called after they have received their order on a monthly basis, asked how they are doing and provided any support needed in reporting violations of the order. Ms. Dailey said the CDBG portion of the Shelter's budget has declined from over 7% to 5.8% over the past year. She said they have not had funding for three years for capital improvements to the Shelter facility, but have worked hard and replaced all bathroom fixtures, replaced the basement stairway, fixed the all fire doors to code, worked on an emergency lighting system so that it meets the fire code, added new attic insulation and added an attic fan as well as five window air conditioners and eleven window fans to increase the comfort level in the Shelter in the summer. Thanks to a donation from a private donor they were able to buy all new furniture for the common areas in the Shelter. The CDBG funding provides the Shelter with partial funding for both the Program Director and a Women's Advocate. Proposal #3 - Center for Public Ministry/Evansion Family Housing Services Rev. David Myers said that the goal of the Center for Public Ministry (CPM) is to limit government supported funding to 33% of their annual budget. He said that they have received a grant from HUD for street outreach services for homeless families and homeless individuals. Rev. Myers said that families they see are younger and there is a decrease in the kind of resources they bring to the program in terms of any kind of job education and training. Additional pressures are external pressures from the outside such as welfare laws that mandate a certain amount of hours to be spent either looking for work or finding work. CPM is discovering that even though there are a number of jobs available, they are minimum wage jobs, and a family is unable to support itself, especially for a single mom Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13, 1998 Paee 10 with children. Added to that is a lack of adequate child care and what seems to be fewer resources in the community and fewer resources within the family to meet those needs. Rev. Myers said CPM's $20,000 application would go specifically to case management services. He said these fund were critical to keep the Family Housing Services program going, Betty Sue Ester asked Rev. Myers to explain the buy out of home on the Glenview Naval Air Station. Rev. Myers said that in the next couple weeks CPM would be taking possession of a house on the former Glenview Naval Air Station. He explained that it is a part of CPM's family services program, but is a Glenview unit and is separate from the Evanston part of the program. Originally, there was a contract with the Village of Glenview to do the remodeling on the house, but that contract has been amended so that Glenview will pay CPM and we will assume responsibility of the remodeling. Proposal #4 - Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation/Civil Legal Assistance Kathy Swanson, Director of Special Projects of Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation (CCLAF), said that William Kolan, Managing Attorney of CCLAF, was unable to attend the meeting. Ms. Swanson said that CCLAF has been at its Evanston location at 828 Davis Street since 1967 and has provided civil legal services to Evanston residents in addition to residents of the north and northwest suburbs of Cook County. She explained that CCLAF has two other offices and the agency covers the entire suburban Cool County area. Primarily CCLAF deals with cases involving domestic violence, elder abuse, cases involving all benefits, such as social security, Medicaid, Medicare, public aid, food stamps, unemployment compensation. In addition, CCLAF assists in housing matters. CCLAF has been successful in stabilizing housing conditions for battered women who either need to leave their home and get support in order to accomplish that, or stay in their home and have the abuser removed. CCLAF has assisted nursing home residents to help them find housing, if for some reason, the nursing home is trying to evict them. CCLAF's services include: interviewing and advising people of their legal rights both verbally and by written educational materials; negotiating with opponents to try and avoid litigation and settle legal disputes; representation before administrative bodies such as Public Aid, Social Security, public health and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, and representation in state and federal courts. Aid. Rainey said that there are some very serious housing cases and situations in Evanston by people who are qualified for CCLAF's services, but for one reason or another CCLAF is unable to take their cases. There is no place for a person to go for help who is being evicted and feels they have a legitimate case in this town. However, what has come to the attention of Committee Members is a situation that exists in Evanston. Specifically, this is regarding some Evanston landlords who accept Section 8 certificates but, in addition to accepting the required tenant portion of the rent, require under the table payments for the Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13, 1998 Pace 11 balance of what they feel is the fair market rent. Aid. Rainey asked if CCLAF could take a case on such as this, representing all of the parties involved in a class action suit, without making public the names of the complainants. Ms. Swanson said that the Legal Services Corporation prohibits clients from filing Class Action lawsuits. She said they also have a resource problem, and that does limit the kinds of cases CCLAF can get involved in. Ms. Swanson said that CCLAF has seen those types of cases and know it is a problem. Aid. Rainey said everyone knows about it but no one will do anything. She asked Ms. Swanson to consider this issue at CCLAF's next staff/management meeting. Aid. Drummer asked Ms. Swanson to find out if CCLAF could handle those kinds of cases or if anyone else is handling those cases. If not, he said he would like to have some guidance on how to proceed. Proposal 019 - Evanston Day NurserylEDN Child Care Terri Talan, Executive Director, reminded the Committee that a few years ago EDN received a grant from the CDBG Committee for an expansion to EDN's child care center (at 1835 Grant Street). She said that building addition allowed them to nearly double the size of their programs and capacity. One of the outcomes of that program is that EDN experienced what high -quality physical space meant to the children and parents that are served as well as the people working in the program. Ms. Talan noted that in EDN's proposal, a good portion of the funding for the improvement plan is money that comes from the Department of Human Services and has been spent or is allocated towards improving the facility's interior. EDN's specific request for CDBG funds focuses on improvements to the exterior of the older part of the facility. Aid. Kent asked where the places on PF 12 fit into EDN's need of urgency. Ms. Talan said that the issues of acoustic panels, intercom system, the new floors and renovated floors are the interior space associated with the old part of EDN's facility. The need for the intercom and phone system emerged from the expansion because their facility is now twice as large as it used to be. These improvements have been funded by the Department of Human Services Quality Enhancement Grant. However, the grant did not allow EDN to address capital improvements to the exterior of the building, this money was to be spent on the interior only. Proposal 05 - Evanston Community Defend erlEvanstan Comnmunity Defender's Office Robert Roy, Managing Attorney, said that the Evanston Community Defender's office clientele is 100% Evanston residents, 100% low income, 75% are male, 25% female, 100% under the age of 21, and 70% live in female headed households. Mr. Roy said that usually people come to his office because they have legal needs, but the Defender's office tries to shift the paradigm of services which exist for low income people. He said that the Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13, 1998 Page 12 Defender's Office has to create a way of representing the interest of youth and families through social work intervention and services in addition to leal representation in criminal matters. Proposal #2 - BE-HIVICommunity Unit Deborah Steinkopf, Executive Director, introduced Angelique Johnson, Director of Prevention; Vince Gillan Coordinator of the Community Unity Program; and David Brach who is working under Mr. Gillan's direction on Community Unity. Aid. Drummer mentioned that he had heard that reported cases of Aids were decreasing in Illinois. Ms. Steinkopf replied that death rates have decreased, and while Aid cases have decreased, the rate of HIV infection has not decreased. She said that death rates and Aids cases have decreased because of the new drugs that are keeping people who are HIV positive alive longer, but have not developed full-blown aids. Aid. Drummer asked Ms. Steinkopf to give the audience an idea of how the situation is approached, what the Community Unity program really is about and what kind of response she hopes to see from the community. Vince Gillan said that their approach was holistic and multifaceted. The counselors do prevention case management and work with people that fit into the very high risk population. History has shown that these people (such as intravenous drug users, non -injection drug users, and sex workers) have the potential to spread the virus. He said that youth has been a problem because young people are so healthy and their bodies can hold the virus a long time before they show any symptoms of the virus. One of the problems is the CDC has made the youth a very low priority. Mr. Gillan said that is the area where the program is needed - involvement with youth education. BE -HIV has volunteers, but many more are needed. People need to come to BE- HIV's office, get training and then go out and educate others. He stressed that the community needs to be more involved and the best way to get in contact him was to page him at 773-652-6311. Ms. Steinkopf explained that part of their funding request is for 10% of the educator's salary. That person works with youth still in high school, specifically Evanston Township High School. She said that BE -HIV works with a lot of community based organizations, but the most critical collaboration is with the Evanston Health Department. She said that BE-141V's outreach workers make the Evanston Health Department's work possible. The outreach workers make it possible for the Health Department to reach its goal of reaching high -risk population because Vince and Dave are out there, they speak the language of the streets and not only know where to find people too afraid, too scared to walk into the Health Department for an HIV test, but also know how to engage them. Vince and Dave bring youth to some of the offsite non clinic based testing established with the health department and get them Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13, 1998 Page 13 HIV's office, get training and then go out and educate others. He stressed that the community needs to be more involved and the best way to get in contact him was to page him at 773-652-63 l 1. Ms. Steinkopf explained that part of their funding request is for 10% of the educator's salary. That person works with youth still in high school, specifically Evanston Township High School. She said that BE -HIV works with a lot of community based organizations, but the most critical collaboration is with the Evanston Health Department. She said that BE-HIV's outreach workers make the Evanston Health Department's work possible. The outreach workers make it possible for the Health Department to reach its goal of reaching high -risk population because Vince and Dave are out there, they speak the language of the streets and not only know where to find people too afraid, too scared to walk into the Health Department for an HIV test, but also know how to engage them. Vince and Dave bring youth to some of the off -site non clinic based testing established with the health department and get them back to them with test results. If a client tests positive BE -HIV can put them in contact with BE-HIV's direct service programs and put them in contact with a primary health provider. Aid. Kent asked if BE -HIV had given any thought to going to the grade schools with prevention information. Ms. Steinkopf said BE -HIV is doing some workshops, but not at the level it was before because of budget cuts. BE -HIV is doing workshops with children in grades K-8. Angelique Johnson said that sometimes it is difficult to hold workshops for the children because the adults feel HIV/Aids couldn't possibly concern young children. She said that staff approaches adults, gives them information and asks them to look at the curriculum. As a result, people are becoming less resistant to HIV/Aids education programs in the elementary schools. Judith Treadway asked if in the Youth Training Leadership Series, the youth would become peer educators or was this a case management program as well. Ms. Steinkopf said that they would be American Red Cross certified as peer educators. Aid. Rainey suggested that BE -HIV collaborate with the police officers that are already at the high schools and work together. VL STAFF COMMENT Sally Lufkin informed the Committee that next Tuesday night (October 20, 1998), the Committee will review nine more agency applications and passed out the list of agencies scheduled for that meeting.. VII. ADJOURNMENT Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - October 13, 1998 Page 14 There being no more business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 11:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, May Z.aaske Executive Secretary PIanning Division Community Development Department HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, October 20, 1998 7:00 P.M. - Council Chambers Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: James Tonkinson, Vanessa Bums, Sally Lufkin, Mary Baaske OTHERS PRESENT: Dolores Holmes, Family Focus; Michelle Phillips, National Louis University; Helen Roberts Evans, Betty Luning, Child Care Center; Mike Summers, FACE; Carla Frisch, Metropolitan Family Services; Phyllis Handelman, Public Health and Education Association Midwest; Eric Huffman, Jan Weeks, John Camelot, Sam Turner, Over the Rainbow; Sandy Johnson, Alexander Brown, Dorothy Floyd, North Shore Senior Center 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:12 p.m. IL COMMUNICATIONS Aid. Drummer accepted the communications into the record. III. 1998/99 CDBG PROGRAM - AGENCY APPLICATION REVIEW Proposal MA30 - Family Focus, InedlYindviv Replacement - Phase III Delores Holmes, Executive Director, said that the Phase III funding request would complete the replacement of all windows at Family Focus. When asked about the occupancy at Family Focus, Mrs. Holmes replied that there was only one vacancy. Aid. Rainey asked about the Family Focus smoking policy, and commented that with all the children in programs held at the Community Center that the building ought to be completely no smoking. Housing and Community Development &I Committee - October 29. 1998 P4ge 2 Ms. Holmes said that smoking was only allowed on the third floor and in the basement. She said that an AA group meets in the basement and that some of the people attending those meetings were heavy smokers-, also some clients that come to the third floor were smokers. AId. Rainey asked Ms. Holmes to discuss the building becoming completely no smoking with the Board of Directors. Proposal #A11 - National Louis UniversitylFamily Outreach Program Michelle Phillips presented National Louis' request for continuation funding for the Family Outreach Program. The program site for the coming year will continue to be provided by St. Nicholas Church. Betty Sue Ester asked how the policy that the Social Security Administration implemented affects recent immigrants coming into the United States, (e.g., the fact that immigrants cannot get a Social Security number without the status of permanent resident.) Ms. Phillips said that this issue was not a matter that she discusses with the families; rather Ms. Norma Lara of the Health and Human Services Department takes care of those matters. Ms. Phillips said that most of the families served by this program are in the process of becoming legal residents. She said that from time to time an attorney is brought in to advise her clients on how to make special applications for permanent residency. Ms. Phillips said that most of the children in the program have been born in the United States and already have a social security number (as well as U.S. Citizenship). She added that the program was one of education for both pre-school age children and their parents. Ms. Ester asked how many children have graduated from high school that have participated in the Family Outreach Program. Ms. Phillips said she has not done any long term tracking, but that most of the children that were one or two when she first started working with the program are now in high school. Ms. Ester asked for the number of children who went on to high school. Nis. Phillips replied that it would be very difficult to get that information, but that most of the children did go to high school. AId. Kent said that he noticed that in the proposal that the composition of the (National - Louis) board of directors had not changed racially or in gender through the years. Ms. Phillips replied that was something staff was trying to remedy. When asked about the parents' participation in the program, Nis. Phillips said that when the children are in the program, the parents are involved; but when the children leave their program and start school the parents are encouraged to get involved in their children's school activities. Ms. Phillips added she would like the parents to give back to the Family Outreach Program, but a lot of times they don't necessarily give back to the program, but participate in other programs in the community. Judith Treadway asked if the university had instituted any type of evaluation measures to Housing and Community Development Act Committee - October 20. 1998 Page I do tracking. Ms. Phillips replied that their approach was very simple, because many of the people may not have had a lot of formal education. They do quarterly evaluations and as a result their findings are most qualitative. Ms. Phillips said that she would provide the Committee with a copy of the materials used for their evaluations. Ald. Drummer asked if the children that participated in the program were 100% Hispanic. Ms. Phillips said that they were not, that they have had African American, Asian, and Anglo children. Proposal C15 - City Public Works Department/ Alley Improvement Program James Tonkinson, City Engineer, said that Public Works is requesting continued funding of the Alley Improvement Program in the amount of $100,000. He said the department has received petitions for two alleys to be paved in the CDBG target area. Mr. Tonkinson said that it is estimated that it costs approximately $100,000 to pave an alley. This allows for cost sharing under the Council's policy that was approved in 1994 whereby the City's share of paving the alleys within the CDBG Target Area would come from CDBG funds. The property owner's share would come from the GO Bond funds to be paid back under the special assessment process with collection over a ten-year period at 7% interest on the unpaid balance. Ald. Drummer asked how many alleys had been paved to date under this program. Mr. Tonkinson replied that 26 alleys had been paved and two were under contract, for a total of 28. Ald. Rainey said that one of the issues that keeps people from participating in petitioning their neighbors to pave an alley is their fear of the cost. She asked for an example of what the typical homeowner in Evanston would pay to have their alley paved. Mr. Tonkinson said that the average range would be from $2,500 to $5,000. He said it takes approximately nine months from the day that the Board of Local Improvements accepts the petition to the day the alley begins to be paved. Proposal C16 - City - Public Works Department/Alley Resurfacing Program Mr. Tonkinson said that this program addresses the obligation of the City to maintain alleys once they are paved at no cost to property owners. There are two alleys proposed in this application for $35,000; both are in the CDBG Target Area. He explained that the two alleys were going to be resurfaced last year; however, this program was not funded . Mr. Tonkinson added that these two are the last remaining alleys in the CDBG Target Area that need this type of maintenance. Proposal C17 - City - Public Works Department/Curb/Side►valk Replacement Program Mr. Tonkinson said that the curb/sidewalk replacement program replaces deteriorated curb and sidewalk basis in the CDBG Target Area. Two other sidewalk replacements, the 50150 program is where property owners request replacement and share in the cost. Locations for this program are designated by citizens and alderpersons as well as other divisions and departments. Housing and Community Development Act Committee - October 20. 1998 Page 4 Proposal C18 - City - Public Works Department/Street Paving - Days Street West of Dewey. Mr. Tonkinson explained that this was a request for $75,000 to pave Davis Street from Dewey to the dead end, approximately '/2 block west. He said the reason he was requesting CDBG funds and not funding through a special assessment is that there is only one property owner on the south side of the alley; the other side is Mason Park. Proposal C19 - City - Public Works Department/Special Assessment Assistance - Street Paving Mr. Tonkinson said Public Works is down to the last streets needing to be paved that were identified in 1985 as ones which would be paved under the special assessment process. Currently, there is one special assessment proposed street, which is Burnham Place between Lakeshore Boulevard and Sheridan Road. There is one individual in the surrounding area who would qualify for special assessment assistance funds, and as it appears right now, should the City Council approve funds for this street paving project. Currently, the special assessment assistance found for street paving has approximately $4,000. This funding request for $10,000 would provide sufficient funds for this project and two more upcoming special assessments for street paving. Proposal C20 -City - Public Works Department/Special Assessment Assistancefor Alley Paving Accessibility Survey Mr. Tonkinson said that, currently there are funds remaining in the alley paving special assessment assistance program; however, Public Works has just finished paving seven alleys which will be going to court. Once the court orders collection, special assessment notices will be mailed. Staff believes that additional funds should be allocated to the special assessment assistance fund, so there will be sufficient funds on hand to handle all eligible requests. $100,000 is being requested for the coming; Aid. Rainy asked how much was currently in that fund. Mr. Tonkinson replied that there is $45,000 from the 1995 monies, and $21,000 from 1996. Aid. Rainey asked if information on the City's special assessment assistance program is given to people prior to or at the time a petition is being circulated. She said that there should be some kind of information booklet listing all the information on the project, including information on income levels that qualify for special assessment assistance. Mr. Tonkinson replied that when individuals receive the petition they are told all the steps that are necessary to file and application for alley paving and they are also told that if they have any questions about this process to call his office. Aid. Rainey asked for a memo explaining how assessments are divided among property owners such as condo owners, apartment building owners, single-family home, etc. Proposal C24 - City - Public Works Department/Accessibility Survey Vanessa Burns, Public Works Director, said that over the past few months she has been meeting with various community groups, one of the groups being the subcommittee on curb cuts. This group is involved with the whole disability issue for citizens/residents of Evanston and how Housing and Community Development Act Committee -October 20. 1998 Page 5 to improve accessibility and mobility. Ms. Burns said that there are over 1900 curb cuts that have not been done in the City of Evanston, and, as a result, there are areas in Evanston that are not accessible for people in wheelchairs, carts, etc. The issue is not just with curb cuts, but with the kinds of curb cuts that had been done. The disabled community has been saying that the curb cuts were too steep, or just done wrong. Ms. Burns said that she has discussed this issue with City Engineer James Tonkinson, and learned that most of the curb cuts were standardized, but that the standard varies. Ms. Burns said that there needs to be an assessment of this situation. It should include a decision on what kind of standardization the City wants to have for curb. Since we do not have all the money needed to do all the curb cuts and that we should prioritize the curb cuts at one time, a prioritized schedule needs to also be established. Ms. Burns said that she is requesting $20,000 in CDBG funds to conduct the accessibility survey. Ms. Burns said that a portion of the group she has been meeting with are young adults. She said that she received a letter about a month ago from a group of eight young adults who said they have difficulty getting to their schools. They provided pictures of areas of difficulty and sent a four page memorandum detailing the issues and problems of accessibility in the City of Evanston. Judith Treadway asked how many Evanston residents were impacted by the lack of curb cuts. Ms. Burns said she was not sure, but would get that information. Ms. Treadway asked how long this survey would take. Ms. Burns said that, after consulting with other Public Works directors, she estimated it would take about two or three months. Ald. Kent asked Ms. Burns if she could find out what a curb cut would cost. Ms. Burns responded that according to estimates proposed by Jim Tonkinson, it would average $800 for a street curb cut and $400 for an alley curb cut. Proposal A22 - Over the Rainbow Association/HillArbareltun Apartments Eric Huffman, Executive Director, said that Over the Rainbow has received Evanston CDBG grants four times in the past: $150,000 in 1988 which Over the Rainbow leveraged with $1,700,000 which was used to renovate the old Evanston Community Hospital to what is now known as Hill Arboretum Apartments. In 1993, Over the Rainbow was awarded $I75.000 for a job training center, these funds were matched by the association. In I994, $50,000 was leveraged with $ t 46,000 for an upgraded parking lot. Last year Over The Rainbow was given $14.000 for a TV surveillance security system, which is now operable. Mr. Huffman said that in 1993 an ordinance was passed that required any public building to have a fire sprinkler system. Hill Arboretum Apartments was opened in 1990 and must have been grandfathered in under the previous ordinance. He explained that there are smoke detectors in the building, but not heat activated sprinklers. Mr. Huffman said that Over the Rainbow's CDBG funding request is to install sprinklers in all the apartments and other areas of the building. Housing and Community Development Act Committee - October 20. 1998 PNge 6 Mr. Huffman said that of the 33 residents, very few of them can get out of bed without the assistance of a personal care attendant. He added that there are approximately five personal attendant workers at this time. Mr. Huffman introduced residents of Hill Arboretum Apartments, Sam Turner, Jan Weeks, secretary of the Hill Arboretum Tenant's Association; and John Camelot, president of the Tenant's Association and also a member of the Over the Rainbow Association Board of Directors. Mr. Huffman asked John Camelot to explain tot he Committee what steps he would have to take in order to get out of the building in case of fire. Mr. Camelot said that during the day a lot of the tenants are out and about in their wheelchairs and the building could be evacuated under normal circumstances. At night however, he explained that most of the residents are put to bed around nine or ten o'clock and there are never enough personal care attendants in the building to try to get the majority of the residents out of the building. He said that the rooms are somewhat fire -proof; there are fire -proof doors and closing doors in the hallways which help to some degree. But in a nighttime situation, there is no way the majority of the residents would be able to get out of the building without the aid of a sprinkler system. He explained that it is really a life -and -death priority to the residents. Jan Weeks said that because of the difference in size of each resident's wheelchair, negotiating the hallways is difficult. She discussed a fire drill where she and other residents had been trapped in the hallway for at least ten minutes because she did not have the strength to push the fire door open. She had to wait for a caregiver to arrive and then he had to climb over all the wheelchairs to get to the door to let them out. Sam Turner thanked the committee for their support in the past and asked them to please consider this very important request for fire sprinklers. Mr. Huffman said that Over The Rainbow does one major fundraiser a year; the association has run a deficit since 1990 ranging anywhere from $70,000 to $120,000. The fundraiser allows them to break even. He added that the board of directors will have a strategic planning meeting in January to decide how to underwrite the capital improvements that need to be done. Aid. Bernstein asked if any of the doors were remote activated. Mr. Huffman replied that only the front door was remote activated. Aid. Kent asked for a floor map of the Over the Rainbow building indicating doors, emergency exists, etc. Aid. Kent said that Mr. Huffman had mentioned other concerns and asked him to give a brief rundown of what those concerns/priorities were that might have Rainbow returning to the CDBG Committee in the future. Mr. Huffman said that an environmental covering over the front ramp is badly needed. lie said that this is something that some people may consider frivolous, but to the residents it is a need. Other items are plumbing type improvements that will cost $20,000 to $40,000. He said that Rainbow has already spent $30,000 on plumbing in the last three to four months. He added that this is something that Over the Rainbow is trying to pay for themselves. Except for the Housing and Community Development Act Committee - OctobZ_20. 1998 Page 7 environmental covering, Mr. Huffman said that he does not see anything in the near future that would have them coming back to the CDBG Committee for assistance. Proposal Al 8 - Child Care Center/Building Restoration Helen Roberts -Evans, Executive Director, stated that the Center is located at 1840 Asbury Avenue. She said that the Child Care Center's day care program offers on site day care to 99 preschool children. Of those 99 children, 45 currently receive Title XX subsidies and another 6 receive scholarships. Ms. Roberts -Evans said that their home day care program's office is also located at 1 840 Asbury. The home day care program provides child care under contract in 23 homes in Evanston and Skokie. Currently there are 114 pre-school children between the ages of 6 weeks and three years of age; 89 of those children receive Title XX subsidies. At the Child Care Center building there are programs that go on 12 months a year from 7:30 in the morning to 9:30 in the evening. Ms. Roberts -Evans said that in order to keep the building safe, there are some repairs that have to be done, such as tuckpointing, damaged gutters replaced, water damage outside and inside the building which requires painting, floor repairs, and driveway repairs. She said that the Child Care Center' funding request would be to make these repairs. Aid. Kent asked if any of the gutters could be salvaged. Ms. Roberts -Evans said that many of the gutters could not be salvaged, that there is leakage on all three floors of the building. Proposal 18 - Food Aid Center of Evanston/Food Distribution Program (FACE) Rev. Michael Summers discussed the Food Aid Center's request for funding for the coming year. He said that when the Greater Food Depository of Chicago receives food from Kraft, FACE was one of the agencies they notified out of the hundreds of agencies available. He said that FACE clearly proved that it provided good service in an efficient manner. Rev. Summers said that he has received calls from social workers at District 65 and District 202 that have had hungry children and FACE has been able to provide assistance. Rev. Summers said it has been costing $10,000 a year to keep the freezer/refrigerator unit working, and the First Church of God has been absorbing that cost. Finally, the freezer became inoperable. Consequently, FACE cannot take advantage of receiving food that must be refrigerated/frozen. He said that, as of now, all of the people helping were volunteers. He added that there was a great need for an executive director to be paid a salary commensurate with the responsibilities of the position. Therefore, FACE needs to be funded at a higher level. Ald. Rainey asked Ms. Lufkin to look into funding the freezer as a separate request that would come from a different category rather than from Public Services. Ms. Lufkin said if that were possible, it would mean that FACE's request for funding in the Public Services category would be approximately $48,000, Housing and Community Development Act Committee - October Z0. 1998 Page 8 Aid. Drummer asked should FACE receive the money needed to buy a new freezer unit, would the $8,500 requested in their proposal for the truck rental still be needed. Rev. Summers replied that item was misstated. The truck is needed to transport the donated food from the Chicago Food Depository to the FACE distribution. Aid. Bernstein asked if the freezer was used for food that could be acquired during the month. Rev. Summers said that the Chicago Food Depository had asked FACE to become what is called a "Pantry Plus". This means that there are certain hours of operation that must be maintained, and as a result, the agency is eligible for certain foods that the government donates. However, those items (meat, produce, etc) must be refrigerated. Betty Sue Ester asked if FACE delivered food to any of the churches that have on -site feeding. Rev. Summers replied that they did deliver to Ebenezer and First Presbyterian Churches. Aid. Kent asked Rev. Summers to provide a typical schedule, such as; what happens on Monday, when do you need the most volunteers, when would the most volunteers be most effective, and what are some of the jobs done by volunteers. Proposal All - Metropolitan Family ServiceslElder Abuse Prevention Counseling Services Carla Frisch, Supervisor of the Senior Service program of the Metropolitan Family Services, (MFS) explained that the State (IIlinois) program serves older adults, 16 and over, who are either physically, sexually or emotionally abused, possibly neglected, wilfully deprived, and financially exploited. She said that MFS has worked hard to increase community awareness of this program and the services that it offers. Nis. Frish said that MFS has gone from 76 reports in the previous year to I I I reports, 50 of which were from Evanston, in the last year. Ms. Frish gave case scenarios where MFS was able to help seniors where other state programs were unable to help. She said that with Evanston CDBG funds, seniors have an increased opportunity for a suitable living environment, and without help, they are living in their home scared or abused. The funds also help to expand economic opportunity for them. There are times that without the counseling and extra assistance given by MFS the elders will not apply for benefits they are eligible for. Once they are supported they are able to get these funds. Nis. Frish said that Metropolitan Family Services works with other agencies, but their program is not a duplication of services because NIFS is the only elder abuse designated service provider in this community. In response to a question from Betty Sue Ester regarding funds from the Metropolitan Unrestricted Report and why no funds were shown in the agency's budget. Ms. Frish replied that the State does not give MFS any funds for the masters level counseling program. Ms. Frisch said that the state provides funds for the Elder Abuse program that is described in the brochures she had previously handed out to the Committee. Aid. Rainey asked for an explanation for the drop in agency revenue the MFS shows in Housing and Community Development Act Committee - October 20. 1998 Pace 9 their application (from $1,233,000 to $924,000). Ms. Frisch said that MFS has chosen to focus on elder abuse and other counseling program and gave up some of its funding because some of the other programs are being served by the North Shore Senior Center. She said she would provide more detailed information. Proposal A15 - Public Health & Education Association Midwest/Community Women's Health Initiative Phyllis Handelman, Executive Director, gave copies of the fall news review of the agency. She said that from 1978 to 1992 the agency was called the Illinois Office of the Refugee Committee. They provided medical care overseas in refugee camps and in the Chicago area they worked with the refugee populations from Southeast Asia. In 1991, the international office decided to divest all their offices. The Chicago office reincorporated in Evanston because they thought they provided a valuable service to the community. Ms. Handelman said that the agency's focus now is outreach and education directed to low and moderate income women who do not have information in the areas of breast cancer, menopausal changes, and cardiovascular disease. She said that over a number of years, PHEAM has found that information is out there, and that middle income people get the information and act on it. But for some reason, the low and low/moderate income population do not access or do not have information on health care. Ms. Handelman said PHEAM teamed this fact very recently in their barrier to care project, where there were a lot of young women said that they did not know that a public health clinic could offer them services. A lot of people do not realize they are eligible for a sliding fee schedule or Medicaid payments. Ms. Handelman said the proposal is a joint program with staff from Rush North Shore in Skokie. Ms. Handelman added that Rush North Shore had offered the Public Health & Education Association Midwest space in their facility which would be in addition to PHEAM's current location on Howard Street. Ms. Handelman explained that the targeted group would obtain explicit instructions from medical providers which could be followed up by PHEAM's staff through a series of sessions in which information, books, and literature are distributed in easily understandable language. She said that one of the programs PHEAM had been conducting was Kideare, a children's health insurance program. When the program was announced on radio, PHEAM found that large numbers of eligible children and families were eligible for Medicaid, but did not know it. Because the terminology in Kideare has less of an onus about it than Medicaid, the families sought the information out. Ms. Handelman felt it was a matter of bringing information to populations and training them. It will be a public benefit bringing information to the community. It seems that health information has been available to better educated people, but not the less educated populations. It is the intent of the program that if PHEAM is able to train a group of women, the women can go back to their own communities and transmit the information to others. Housing and Community Development Act Committee - OctobM20. 1998 Page 10 Aid. Kent asked how the seventy-five women proposed to be trained would be found. Ms. Handelman said that they would go to social service agencies, churches, put up signs in supermarkets, and go to community organizations. Aid. Kent asked if the bulk of the program would be conducted at the Howard Street location. Ms. Handelman said that it would be divided between the offices at Howard Street and the ones at Rush North Shore. She said that part of the funding request was for transporting people to Rush North Shore. Aid. Kent asked if there was any follow-up with the volunteers. Ms. Handelman replied that the volunteers were tracked for approximately one year. Judith Treadway asked what was different in the program being proposed and the medical education programs for women in the issues of female illnesses already in existence, Ms. Handelman said that one of the things not done is working with women to gain an understanding of a disease in terms of what one needs to know ahead of time and what one needs to know to bring this information to other women. Betty Sue Ester asked with all the information coming from the state, what was Ms. Handelman's program going to do that would be any more effective. Ms. Handelman said she had yet to come in contact with anyone who has received any information from the state. She said she doesn't know where the information the state puts out goes, but it does not go to the low income populations that she works with. Aid. Rainey said the PHEAM program was one of the best programs she had seen in a long time. She said that she knew of lots of places where women volunteers could be found. But, Aid. Rainey wondered why St. Francis Hospital is not used as a program site, as it is right in the heart of the Hispanic, African American, Belizean. Jamaican, and Haitian communities in the eighth ward. Ms. Handelman said that her contacts were with Cook County Hospital and Rush North Shore. Ald. Rainey said that she would be happy to put her in contact with people at St. Francis who could help with this program. Proposal A13 - North Shore Senior CenterlEvanstordSkokie Valley Senior Services Sandi Johnson, Director of the North Shore Senior Center, (NSSC) introduced Alexander Brown. Director of the Evanston/Skokie Valley Office, and Dorothy Floyd. Case Manager. Ms. Johnson said that although they were asking for a little more money this year, the percentage is lower in the overall budget for this program. She said that the request is about 5% of the Evanston office's budget. Ms. Johnson explained that 99% of their clients were low income and 80% were very low income. NSSC serves elderly, some with disabilities, helping them to remain in the community, living as independently as possible. Ms. Johnson stressed that NSSC was not asking for CDBG funds for administrative support for the program; the funds are to be used for the services of the case manager. Alexander Brown highlighted the importance of the case manager position. He said the work of the case manager has a ripple effect on the community and the importance of having an Housing and Community Development Act Committee - October 2Q. 199R PU 11 individual focused on the low income and very low income Evanston. I11. RESCHEDULE COMMITTEE BUS TOUR It was decided to cancel the bus tour. Ald. Drummer suggested that if there was some interest on the part of some Committee members, perhaps a tour could be done in the spring. Sites could be divided among individual members and they could return and report to the rest of the Committee. IV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, they adjourned at 11:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted, i la7ryvaaske Executive Secretary Planning Division Community Development Department HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, November 10, 1998 6:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Kent, Aid. Rainey, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Aid. Bernstein STAFF PRESENT: James Wolinski, James Tonkinson, Sally Lufkin, Nicki Modaber, Lisa Lyon, Mary Baaske, Paula Haynes, Doug Gaynor, Stephanie Levine, Paul D'Agostino, Mamie Smith OTHERS PRESENT: Alexander Brown, Evanston Senior Services; Marie Vesely, Rev. George Providence, Center for Public Ministry; Christie Dailey, YWCA; Michelle Phillips, National Louis University; Jennifer Bergstrom, Public Health & Education Association Midwest; Delores Holmes, Family Focus; Suzette Speight, Family Focus; Ann Jennett, Youth Job Center; Gail Schecter, Interfaith Housing Center; Karen Chavers, Evanston Neighborhood Conference; Mary Jane Chainski, Infant Welfare Society; Eric Hoffman, Over the Rainbow; Teri Talan, Evanston Day Nursery; Carla Frisch, Metropolitan Family Services; Jane Wilson, Oakton Community College; Jenene LaSusa, Constance Bearnes, Girl Scouts Illinois Crossroads; Helen Roberts -Evanston, Child Care Center; Robert Roy, Evanston Community Defender.. 1. CALL TO ORDER Aid. Drummer called the meeting to order at 6:42 p.m. If. COMMUNICATIONS Accepted into the record by Ald. Drummer. 111. 1999/2000 CDBG PROGRAM FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS Sally Lufkin discussed the funding estimate for the 1999/2000 program year. She said that after meeting with HUD representatives recently, the estimate of funds was revised. HUD had told the City that we could expect zero to minimal increase in our entitlement funding for 1999. Therefore starting with an entitlement of $2,350,000, plus $180,000 from estimated loan repayment funds, and $190,644 in proposed reallocations, the total committed funds available will be $2.720,644. his. Lufkin added that there were 45 applications totaling $3,782.487. which is approximately $1,000.000 more than the estimated amount of funds available. tits. Lufkin Housing and Community Development Act Committee Mgr inn - November 1 n 199R PAMI said that because the Committee had previously approved reallocating monies from the Revolving Loan Fund to fund the 1999 budget for the Housing Rehab Administration (Proposal C-7), the actual amount of funds needed to be cut is $850,543. Ms. Lufkin pointed out that for the last five years the Graffiti Removal Program had been classified in the Housing category as a code enforcement activity. However. HUD had recently informed her that graffiti removal is not eligible as a code enforcement activity, but can be funded either under Administration or Public Services. Aid. Rainey made a motion to put the Graffiti Removal Program in the Administration category. Betty Sue Ester seconded the motion. Judith Treadway thought that Graffiti Removal should be in the Public Service Category since this service is performed citywide. Discussion followed regarding the placement of the Graffiti Removal Program. Motion failed 1-5. Graffiti Removal Program was moved to the Public Service category. Betty Sue Ester made a motion to fully fund CDBG Administration at the requested amount of $310,800, and the Fair Housing Program at the requested amount of $77,200. Motion seconded by Aid. Drummer. Aid. Rainey stated that she thought that the Fair Housing Program should be funded be funded at I/2 of the requested amount and the remaining % should be paid out of the City's general fund. She said that if this community is really interested in fair housing, the City should pay half of that budget. Aid. Rainey said that she felt that the Minority, Women, Evanston Business Program should also be funded at 1/2 CDBG with the City's general fund funding the remaining amount. Michael DeVaul said that if the City budget is already so tight, why would the Committee want to strain it even further by trying to fund these programs from the City budget. Judith Treadway said she was in support of funding the Fair Housing and CDBG Administration Programs at the requested amounts. She felt that the Committee should not take the risk of not having these programs fully funded, expecting the funds to come from the City. Motion passed 5-1. Betty Sue Ester made a motion to fund the Minority, Women, Evanston Business Program at the requested amount of $117,332. Judith Treadway seconded the motion. Discussion: Aid. Rainey said that in the last year the Council budgeted $1,600.000 as revenue from the Real Estate 'Transfer Tax for a twelve month period. The Real Estate Transfer Tax has generated over $1,700.000 with five months still remaining in the budget year. Aid. Rainey said that she thought that since this program was sponsored by the City Manager's office she believed it to be an economic development expenditure and of benefit to the City has a whole. Aid. Drummer said that the Minority. Women, Evanston Business program is a CDBG program, it was originated by the CDBG Committee and should continue to be funded by CDBG. Motion passed 4-1 with one abstention. Betty Sue Ester made a motion to not fund the Curb Cut assessment Survey and Southeast Evanston Community Development Corporation. Michael DeVaul seconded the motion. Aid. Rainey said that even if there was money in the Administration category, she Housing and Community Development Act Committee Meeting - November 10. 1998 PQ.j would not be in favor of funding these programs. She said that the Southeast Evanston Citizens Planning Committee was not to move to the next stage in developing its neighborhood based organization and should not receive a CDBO allocation at this time. Aid. Rainey further stated that the contract the City has with Evanston Neighborhood Conference (ENC) ends March 1, 1999. She said, as far as she was concerned, that would be the end of ENC's funding for neighborhood planning services and the Planning Department's involvement with the Citizens Planning Committee. That group now has a challenge from now to then to get their act together. Aid. Rainey said that it was with real sadness and regret that this has come to be. She said that no other organization has been given the financing and opportunities that have been given to the Citizens Planning Committee. As of March 1st, the relationship between the Planning Department and CPC will be over, after which the City will help in every way humanly possible, but not with $50,000. Michael DeVaul said that this was not a signal that the Committee is not supportive, but it is clear that the group is currently not ready for $50,000 to move on to formal organizational status. He said that in his opinion, the Committee would be receptive to a request when the group was ready, but the group needs to be unified in its focus. Aid. Rainey said the issue, as she saw it, was the antagonism, the Iack of unity and the lack of focus on goals. Aid, Drummer said he believed that the Curb Cut Assessment Survey was a program that the City should fund. Motion passed 5-1. Michael DeVaul made a motion to fund eight programs in the Public Services category at the same level as last year. Evanston Community Defender - $77,000, Evanston Neighborhood Conference - $20,000, Evanston/Northshore YWCA - $35,000, Interfaith Housing Center - $17,500. Metropolitan Family Services - $5,760, National -Louis University - $20,000, North Shore Senior Center - $30,000, and Youth Job Center of Evanston $84,000. Aid. Kent seconded the motion. Aid. Drummer proposed an amendment to Mr. DeVaul's motion. He included Center for Public Ministry - $16,000, Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation - $7,600, and Girl Scouts/Illinois Crossroads Council - $10,000. Mr. DeVauI accepted Aid. Drummer's amendment. The funding totaled $323,060, leaving an available $89,440 to allocate in the Public Services category. Motion passed 4-2. Aid. Rainey made a motion to fund the following: BE -HIV $15,000, Center for Public Ministry $16,200, Cook County legal Assistance $7,600, Evanston Community Defender $78,500; Evanston Neighborhood Conference $20,000, YWCA $37,000. Food Aid Center $40,000, Girl Scouts $10,000, Interfaith Housing Center $19,000, Metropolitan Family Services $22.000, North Shore Senior Services $30,000. Oakton Community College $10,000, Public Health R Education $10.000. Youth Job Center $84,000, totaling $412.500. Motion failed for lack of a second. Betty Sue Ester made a motion to fund BE -HIV at the requested amount of$23,790, the Center for Public Ministry at the requested amount of $20,000, Cook County Legal Assistance at Housing and Community Development Act Committee Meeting.- November 10. 199R PUCA the requested amount of $8,000, Evanston Community Defender at the requested amount of $79,870, Evanston Neighborhood Conference -0-, Evanston/Northshore YWCA at the requested amount of $39,395, Food Aid Center $55,000, Girl Scouts Making Choices - 0-, Interfaith Housing Center at the requested amount of $22,000, Metropolitan Family Services at the requested amount of $5,760, National -Louis University $25,000, North Shore Senior Center at the requested amount of $32,500, Oakton Community College -0-, Public Health & Education Assn., Midwest -0-, Youth Job Center $79,000, Graffiti Removal Program $20,000. Motion failed for lack of a second, Judith Treadway made a motion to fund the following: BE -HIV $20,000, the Center for Public Ministry $20,000, Cook County Legal Assistance $8,000, Evanston Community Defender $79,870, Evanston Neighborhood Conference $20,000, Evanston/Northshore YWCA at $35,000, Food Aid Center $50,000, Girl Scouts Making Choices $10,000, Interfaith Housing Center $19,500, Metropolitan Family Services $5,760, National -Louis University $20,000, North Shore Senior Center $30,000, Oakton Community College $3,570, Public Health & Education Assn., Midwest -0-, Youth Job Center $76, 800, Graffiti Removal Program $14,000. Motion seconded by Betty Sue Ester. Aid. Drummer asked for clarification of the Graffiti Removal Program from James Wolinski, Community Development Department Director. Mr. Wolinski explained that the City has on staff a half-time Graffiti Specialist, the other half of his time is spent as a sign inspector. He said that what was being requested was basically one-half of the graffiti technician (sign inspector's) his salary to support the graffiti program. Mr. Wolinski said that the Graffiti Specialist cleans public property of graffiti (i.e., traffic signals, light boxes, mail boxes, sidewalks). He mentioned that the Graffiti Specialist also works with a graffiti contractor (hired at the direction of City Council) who removes graffiti from private property. Motion failed 5-1. Aid. Rainey made a motion to move the Graffiti Specialist to Administration. Motion failed for tack of second. Aid. Drummer made a motion to fund the following: Be -HIV - $17,495, Center for Public Ministry - $16,200, Cook County Legal Assistance - $7,600. Evanston Community Defender - $77.000. Evanston Neighborhood Conference - $20,000. Evanston/Northshore Y%VCA at - $35,000, Food Aid Center - $34,505, Girl Scouts Making Choices - $10,000, Interfaith Housing Center - $17,500, Metropolitan Family Services - $5.760, National -Louis University - $20,000, North Shore Senior Center - $30,000, Oakton Community College - $12.740, Public Health & Education Assn., Midwest -0-, Youth Job Center - $84,000 Graffiti Removal Program - $24,700. Michael DeVaul seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-2. Betty Sue Ester made a motion to fund the following Housing Category programs: Community Development Administration - $80.100, Housing Code Compliance - $226,400. i�tinor Repairs/Painting Assistance: Program $177 261. Revolving Loan Fund - $180.000. Aid. Rainey seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Meeting - November 10. 1998 Judith Treadway made a motion to fund the following: Robert Crown Center Backstop - $55,000, Robert Crown Fire Alarm/Sprinkler - $25,000, Alexander Park Restoration - $55,000, Beck Park Restoration - $100,000, ClydeBrummeI Park Design - $35,000, Alley Improvement - $97,000, Alley Resurfacing - $35,000, Curb/Sidewalk Replacement - $75,000, Paving Davis Street - $75,000, Special Assessment for Street Paving - $10,000, Special Assessment for Alley Paving - $50,000. Betty Sue Ester seconded the motion. Motion failed 3-3. Michael DeVaul made a motion to fund the following: Child Care Center of Evanston - $29,000, Evanston Day Nursery - $27,000, Family Focus - $100,000, Infant Welfare Society - $160,000, Over the Rainbow Association - $140,000, Neighborhood Storefront Improvement $60,000. Aid. Rainey seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. Aid. Kent made a motion to fund the following: Fleetwood/Jourdain Landscape Redesign - $125,000, Robert Crown Center Backstop Replacement - $55,000, Robert Crown Center Fire Alarm/Sprinkler - $25,000, Alexander Park Restoration - $100,000, Beck Park Restoration - $180,000, Clyde/Brummel Park - Design Phase - $35,000. Michael DeVaul seconded the motion. Aid. Kent made an amendment to his motion to reduce funding for Beck Park Restoration from $180,000 to $100,000. Motion passed 5-1. Michael DeVaul made a motion to fund the following: Child Care Center of Evanston - $29,000, Evanston Day Nursery - $27,000, Infant Welfare Society - $160,000, Over the Rainbow Association - $140,000. Aid. Rainey seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-1. Aid. Rainey made a motion to fund the Southeast Evanston Police Outpost for $100,000. She said that this money should probably be reserved for the purchase the building at 633 Howard Street, as at the current time, there is no public building in South Evanston. Michael DeVaul seconded the motion. Motion failed 1-5. Michael DeVaul made a motion to fund the following: Alley Improvement Program - $75,000, Alley Resurfacing; Program - $30,000. Street Paving Davis west of Dewey - $75,000. Betty Sue Ester seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-2. Ald. Drummer made a motion to request that the City Manager to reprogram $100.000 from the Howard Street Streetscape fund for the purpose of funding the Southeast Evanston Police Outpost. Michael DeVaul seconded the motion. Nlichael DeVaul asked that the Committee receive an update in the next 6 to 8 months on how the Howard Street Streetscape program is progressing. Lisa Lyon, Neighborhood Planner, stated that an immediate update is that the Howard Street Streetscape program has a projected budget need of $600,000 to $700,000. She added that currently there is $400,000 and removing $100,000 could mean a funding gap of $400,000 to $500,000. Aid. Rainey stated that she was not in favor of reallocating funds from the Howard Street program for this purpose. Motion passed 5-1. Ald. Drummer made a motion to fund the tbilowing: Street paving Davis west of Dewey - $50.000, Curb/Sidewalk Replacement Program - $25,000, Aid. Kent second the motion. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Meeting - Ngycmher 10_1998 Motion passed 6-0. Ald. Rainey asked for a recap of the money allocated. Nicki Modaber stated the following: CDBG Administration - $310,800 Fair Housing Program - 77,200 Minority, Women, Evanston Business Program - 117,332 Total for Administration $505,332 BE -HIV - Community Unity $17,495 Center for Public Ministry 16,200 Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation 7,600 Evanston Community Defender 77,000 Evanston Neighborhood Conference 20,000 Evanston/Northshore YWCA 35,000 Food Aid Center of Evanston 34,505 Girl Scouts/IIlinois Crossroads Council 10,000 Interfaith Housing Center 17,500 Metropolitan Family Services 5,760 National -Louis University 20,000 North Shore Senior Center 30,000 Public Health & Education Association -0- Oakton Community College 12,740 Youth Job Center of Evanston 84,000 Graffiti Removal Program Total Public Services Community Development Administration $80,100 Housing; Code Compliance 226,400 Program Income: Revolving Loan Fund 180,000 CEDA/Neighbors at Work 177,261 Total Housing $663�.761 Fleet%vood/Jourdain Landscape Redesign $125,000 Robert Crown Center Backstop Replacement 55.000 Robert Crown Center Fire Alarm/Sprinkler 25,000 Alexander Park Restoration 100,000 Beck park Restoration 100,000 Clyde/Brummel Park - Design Phase 35,000 Alley Improvement Program 73,000 Alley Resurfacing Program 35,000 Curb/Sidewalk Replacement Program 25.000 Street Paving - Davis Street West of Dewey 50,000 Southeast Evanston Community Outpost 100^000 pam fi Housing and Community Development Act Committee Meeting - November 10. 199R Total Public Improvements Child Care Center of Evanston Evanston Day Nursery Family Focus, Inc. Infant Welfare Society Over the Rainbow Association Total Public Facilities Neighborhood Storefront Improvement Program Total Economic Development TOTAL CDBG ALLOCATION FUNDS AVAILABLE $29,000 27,000 100,000 160,000 14 ,000 $456,000 $2,817,593 $3,051 Paacl Michael DeVaul made a motion to take the remaining $3,051 and put it in the Project Contingency fund. Betty Sue Ester seconded the motion. Motion passed 6.0. Sally Lufkin said that she would probably receive news of the actual entitlement around the end of December, which would not be in time for the Committee's December meeting, but would be prior to Council's January meeting at which the 1999/2000 CDBG program budget will be presented for approval. Aid. Drummer stated that if any additional funds money become available in the administration category, whether there were any projects that the Committee would like to fund. Judith Treadway made a motion that the Curb Cut Assessment Survey be considered under Administration should any more funds become available. Aid. Drummer seconded the motion. Betty Sue Ester said that the Curb Cut Assessment Survey should be funded by the City. Motion passed 5-1. Aid. Drummer asked if anyone wanted to make any adjustments in the Public Service Category. Judith Treadway made a motion that, should any more funds become available, she would like BE-H1V's Community Unity to get additional funding. Aid. Drummer seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. Michael DeVaul said that the Committee should be proud of the funding given to child care programs this evening. Michael DeVaul made a motion to approve the proposed reallocation of $190,644 from completed prior years' programs. Betty Sue Ester seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. Betty Sue Ester made a motion to reallocate $100,000 from the Howard Street Housing and Community Development Act Committee Meeting - NRyemher 10 199R p Streetscape program to the 1999/2000 program. Aid. Drummer seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-1. Judith Treadway made a motion to approve the proposed 1999/2000 CDBG budget. Betty Sue Ester seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-1. Ald. Drummer announced that there will be a public hearing on December 8, at which the public can comment on the budget just approved by the Committee. He explained that this budget will not go into effect until March 1, 1999. The Council will vote on it in January. IV. NEW BUSINESS Request from Public Works Aesthetics Subcommittee Southeast Evanston Citizens Planning Committee for use of Neighborhood Based Public Improvement Funds. Anna Boekstegan, chair of the subcommittee, explained that the purpose of the Committee is to have people work together on a project that would create a sense of pride for the area. She said that the proposed beautification project along Custer from Oakton to Howard Street was an outgrowth of the Citizens PIanning Committee. She discussed how the project concept was developed. Ms. Boekstegan said the committee was at a stage where the planters must be ordered now if they are to be ready for the spring. Michael DeVaul made a motion to allocate $5,000 for use by the Southeast Evanston CPC Public Works Aesthetics Subcommittee. Judith Treadway seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, they adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, it Nlar-y E. aske Executive Secretary Planning Division Community Development Department HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, December 8, 1998 7:30 P.M. - Room 2403 Evanston Civic Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Aid. Drummer, Aid. Bernstein, Aid. Kent, Michael DeVaul, Betty Sue Ester, Judith Treadway MEMBERS ABSENT: Aid. Rainey STAFF PRESENT: Sally Lufkin, Community Development Department OTHERS PRESENT: Karen Chavers, Evanston Neighborhood Conference; Michael Green, Oakton Community College; Robert Roy, William Parks, Evanston Community Defender's Office; Bennett Johnson, NAACP; Angel ique Johnson, BE -HIV; Anne Earle, Mary McWilliams, Pauline Williams, Bettye Palmer, Loretha Henry, Evanston Black Historic Heritage House PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Aid. Drummer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:42 p.m., a quorum being present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 20, OCTOBER 27 AND NOVEMBER 10, 1998 MEETINGS Aid. Drummer requested a motion to approve the minutes of the October 20, October 27 and November 10, 1998 meetings. Ald. Bernstein made a motion to approve the minutes; motion seconded by Judith Treadway. Aid. Drummer said that if anyone had any corrections to the minutes to please contact staff. Motion carried, 6-0. III. COMMUNICATIONS A. 1999 Committee Meeting Schedule Accepted into the record by Aid. Drummer. Sally Lufkin pointed out that she had scheduled the Committee's November funding recommendation meeting for Wednesday, November 10, 1999 instead of Tuesday, November 9th, the usual second Tuesday of the month. She said that in recent years the aidermanic members of the Committee had been experiencing late City Council meetings the night before the CDBG funding meeting and thought that perhaps scheduling the meeting for Wednesday instead of Tuesday would be helpful, giving Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 8, 1998 Page Two the aldermen a night 'off' between meetings. B. Evanston Housing Commission: Annual Report for 1997-98 C. 1998 City Allocation Process - Spreadsheet showing allocations made by the City of Evanston, Evanston Mental Health Board and CDBG Committee (Public Services funding) D. News Articles (see last page of minutes for listing) Accepted into the record by Aid. Drummer IV. PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 1999/2000 CDBG PROGRAM BUDGET A. Copy of Notice of Public Hearing B. Spreadsheet reflecting Committee funding allocations made November 10, 1998 Accepted into the record by Aid. Drummer. Public Hearing Aid. Drummer opened the Public Hearing on the Proposed 1999/2000 CDBG program budget at 7:45 p.m. Sally Lufkin discussed the proposed 1999/2000 Action Plan and CDBG program spreadsheet. She said that the spreadsheet reflected the Committee's funding recommendations made at the November 10, 1998 meeting. Ms. Lufkin pointed out that the $100.000 reallocated by the Committee from the 1994 Howard St. Streetscape project and the $211,300 reallocated from revolving loan program income fund are included in the bottom line figure of total funds available for the 1999/2000 CDBG program. Ms. Lufkin said that the Action Plan is that section of the HUD Consolidated Plan which describes each proposed CDBG project and proposed funding sources. The Action Plan also includes estimated funding for the City's HOME and Emergency Shelter Grants programs. Ms. Lufkin said that, at this time, the City has not yet determined the uses for HOME and ESG funds; therefore, general descriptions for those programs are included in the Action Plan. Nis. Lufkin said that the City is not required to submit the entire Consolidated Plan each year to HUD, just an updated Action Plan and Certifications signed by the City Manager. She added that she would be updating facts and figures in the Consolidated Plan, where possible, so that the information would be as up to date as possible. Ms. Lufkin said that 1999/2000 would be the fifth year for the City's Consolidated Plan and that HUD would most likely require grantees to prepare a new five year plan in the coming year. Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -December 8, 1998 Page Three As has been the procedure in past years, Ms. Lufkin said that staff planned to seek recommendations of approval on the proposed 1999/2000 Action PIan from the Evanston Plan Commission and Evanston Housing Commission prior to submittal to the City Council in January 1999. At this time, Aid. Drummer invited public comment on proposed 1999/2000 CDBG program budget and proposed Action Plan. Karen Chavers, Executive Director of the Evanston Neighborhood Conference, thanked the Committee for its continued funding for the tenant outreach and education program, Building Community Tract by Tract. She said that the rental market analysis section of the Consolidated Plan was somewhat dated and hoped that that information in that section could be updated. Ms. Chavers spoke about the Human Relations Commission's efforts to be culturally sensitive to tenants and landlords through printing outreach/education materials, such as the landlord/tenant ordinance, in Spanish. Ms. Chavers also said that she hoped the City would continue to have thoughtful discussions on fair housing and said that she was prepared to work with the City and others to find solutions to impediments to fair housing choice in Evanston. There being no other speakers, Aid. Drummer closed the Public Hearing at 8:00 p.m. Aid. Bernstein made a motion to approved the 1999/2000 Action Plan and CDBG program budget; motion seconded by Michael DeVaul. Motion carried, 6-0. V. PRESENTATION BY ALD. KENT ON PROPOSED USE OF THE 1817 CHURCH STREET BUILDING Aid. Kent thanked the Committee for allowing him and representatives of the west side community to present their proposal for future use of the 1817 Church Street building. He said that the purpose of this discussion was to introduce the advisory group to the committee and present their concept for the use of 1817 Church Street. He distributed informational materials to the Committee. Aid. Kent drew the Committee's attention to a letter of intent from Loretha Henry, president of the Evanston Westside Residents Association. He said that he had already distributed a copy of that letter to the City Council in an Executive Session. Aid. Kent said that the residents would like to convert the 1817 Church Street building into a Black American Heritage House and Resource Center. He discussed the history of the building and its use since it had been purchased by the Citywith CDBG funds in 1976. Aid. Kent discussed how a Heritage House museum and resource center could anchor and spur interest in and redevelopment of the Church/Dodge business district. He said that the "community of promise" really started at the January 1998 Martin Luther King birthday Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes -December 8, 1998 Page Four celebration. He discussed the pride of residents in the 5th Ward in documenting the achievements, history and cultural events of the west side community. In discussing the proposed Black American Heritage House, Aid. Kent said that the group discovered that several groups were also doing the similar things: i.e., PITCH, the Fleetwood/Jourdain Art ; Guild and the ongoing work of the committee developing the Black American Cultural Garden at the FIeetwood/Jourdain Community Center. Referring to the second from last page of the informational handout, Aid. Kent discussed some of the things the community could do to turn 1817 Church Street into a cultural t institution and be a leading influence in redevelopment of the Church/Dodge business district. He discussed the proposed Heritage House, located near the border of the 2nd and 5th wards, as a tool of inclusion. Aid. Kent said that the advisory board envisioned the center also becoming a resource for ETHS students. Aid. Kent discussed the development of similar Black American cultural centers in other cities, such as Cleveland, Detroit and Denver. Aid. Kent added that whatever happened to the 1817 Church Street building, it could still be used as a community resource. He suggested that the Police Department outpost move (back) in to the building. Aid. Kent said that the advisory board has held only three or four meetings so far and that plans for use of the building are still under discussion. The Evanston Westside Residents Association would be the governing board. Aid. Kent introduced the advisory board to the Committee: Lorctha Henry, president of Westside Residents Association, Anne Earle, Mary McWilliams, Pauline Williams, Karen Chavers and Betty Palmer. Aid. Kent said that several committees had been formed: a building committee, which has already met with representatives of the Police Department regarding building security and with (City) Facilities Management department regarding minimum improvements which would have to be made to bring the building into compliance with City building codes. Aid. Kent said he has spoken with (Community Development Director) Jim Wolinski regarding ADA improvements which would need to be made. A fundraising committee has also been formed and first steps for filing for not -for -profit status with the State of Illinois have been undertaken. Aid. Kent said that he has asked Preservation Coordinator Carlos Ruiz to locate several architects %vho have museum development experience. In conclusion, Aid. Kent said that the Black American Heritage House was envisioned to be a place where individuals and groups could come to research and share information about the community. It would also be a repository for some of the documentation already undertaken by individuals and organizations about black Americans in Evanston. Aid. Kent said that the advisory board will soon be developing, a mission statement, which will clearly indicate the purpose of the Heritage House. Aid. Drummer thanked Aid. Kent for his presentation. He said that if the residents would Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 8, 1998 Page Five like to use 1817 Church Street for a cultural resource center, then the (Housing & Community Development Act) Committee should consider the proposal. He asked what the time frame was for developing a formal proposal for Committee consideration. (Advisory board member) Bettye Palmer said the group hoped to receive a commitment from the CD Committee as soon as possible. Then it would be possible to file for not -for -profit status and approach other groups for fund raising purposes. Betty Sue Ester asked whether any other persons or groups had expressed an interest in purchasing the 1817 Church Street building. Aid. Kent responded that one or two individuals had stated an interest in purchasing the building. Aid. Drummer added that the City Council had decided not to pursue those offers. Discussion ensued regarding which individuals or groups will have access to the resource center and the need for a technology center for use by the community. Aid. Drummer said that the success of the proposal will be determined by how the community rallies around the project and how neighborhood groups plan to utilize the building. He requested that the advisory board return to the next Committee meeting, scheduled for January 12, 1999, with the following information: a. List of officers of the Westside Residents Assocation b. Mission Statement for Heritage House c. Proposed operating budget d. Minutes of advisory board meetings e. Any other relevant information which would be helpful to the Committee in making its decision regarding the request for use of the 1817 Church Street building as a Heritage House resource center. Aid. Drummer said that the City Council will make the final decision as to the disposition of the 1817 Church Street building, but that the CD Committee would first consider the proposal and make a recommendation. VI. STAFFICITIZEN COMMENT Sally Lufkin said that the CDBG budget and 1999/2000 Action Plan, both approved by the Committee, would be forwarded to the City Council for approval at its January 11, 1999 meeting. Recommendations from the Evanston Plan Commission and Evanston Housing Commission would also be sought in the coming week. Ald. Drummer thanked the Committee and staff for its hard work during the past year and said that he looked forward to having a full Committee soon, expecting the Plan Commission Housing and Community Development Act Committee Minutes - December 8, 1998 Page Six to appoint a liaison member early in the new year VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Staff �IP7 ( - 7 Date: February 1. 1999