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Nayor's Committeo on the Special Housing Fund
December 9, 1986
Nmmbees Prosoat: S._ Brady, R. Drib, N. Carry, D. Drummer, A. Newman,
L. Spioth. R. Warshaw and N. Vold
Nombers Absent: C. Ross
Start Present: L. lalkisgton and R. Rudd
Otbw Present: S. Fos, amd J. Tolbording
PrMidiag Official: N. Vold
Chairman Vold called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m., add introduced the
mmobwo of tie newly formed Cammitteo. The Committee earlier received a
memorandum from City Manager Joel isprooth to the Chairman and Nsrbers of
the Administration and Public Yorks Committee. detailing the recommendation
for debt restructuring oa 1979-d Ibrtgage Revenue Roads. The Conti ttee
also received a rorandam from City Manager /sprooth to the Special
Having Fund Committee dated December 9. 1986, bringing the Committee up to
date regarding the solicitation of proposals for the refunding or
restructuring of the subject mortgage revenue bonds.
Chairman Wold referred to the Committee a memo dated December 4, 1986, from
Mayor .loan Barr rmga.rding Committee objectives and process. Chairman Wold
directed the Committee to page 2. number 7 to discuss the issue of
Identifying needs to be addressed by the Committee and evaluating proposals
submitted to the Committee. Weld questioned the Committee members as to
their opinions whether the Cawemitteo and its process should review target
or special populations. She indicated that the City of Evanston is
composed of various special populations with different needs. Warshaw
asked if staff could provide the Committee information on current studies
which detail the various needs. Brady suggested that the Committee focus
on 'long-term, affordable housing' such as rehab, housing development,
possible rental subsidization, etc. Warshaw stated that the Committee
should attempt in their process to approve proposals that have the greatest
impact possible. Chairman Wold suggested that the Committee consider
speadi'ng some of the approximate $1.1 million currently and that a large
amount be invested to be utilized for long-term housing needs.
Rev. Curry questioned if it wouldn't be better for the Committee to
Identify population needs first and then develop ideas for affordable
housing to meet those needs! Wold stated that the Committee should decide
what amount should be spent short and long-term at an early point. Newsman
stated that he feels that the Committee needs to focus on goals and
priorities at a very early stage of its meetings. Newman stated that b
not doing so, the Committee would not Arnow what options they have and Nat
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mayor's Committee on Special Sousing pond
December 9, 1986
alternatives are actually available. Vold questioned as to whether the
Committee would commit to not spending all of the money short-term and
would consider Investment of a substantial amount for a longer term period
and stiliso the interest of that investment for annual projects! Newsman
stated that be is not that excited about long-term investment because the
count of interest as the $2.1 million mat not be enough to fund projects.
hash stated that he agnme with Nownea and that he would lilts to spend suet
of the money sae and attempt to receive some return on investment through
loans, etc. Drummer stated that be agrees with both Newman and Bush that
the money should be spent now and that the programs approved for the
short-term could generate program income and thus be ongoing.
Carry stated that he fools that the Committee at this point oast define the
process for distributing the dollars. Brady stated that she toads to think
of the fund as a bank and that ouch proposal could be roviwed
individually. She also stated that she toads to not want to fund social
service programs. however, she might consider possibly funding a rental
subsidy program. Warshaw stated that she is interested in creating now
housing, whether that be rehabbing existing or construction of now. Spied
requested that staff supply the Committee a list of all housing progremo
(City operated and outside agescios). ten. Curry questioned staff as to
whether information could be obtained on absentee property owors in the
City of Evanston. Staff indicated that if than was a particular address
In mind, the oucership could be determined, but that it was not feasible to
provide title searches for all property in Evanston to decide which parcels
are not owned by Yvanston residents. Warshaw stated that it was her
concern that the City not become a landlord, but look at other options such
as limited equity co-ops. mutual housing agencies, etc. She stated that
she is opposed at this point of the City directly purchasing and holding
housing.
Newman stated that be is particularly interested in addressing boarded -up,
abandoned structures within the City. Drummer stated that possibly the
City could buy those structures, rehab than and moll at a write -down cost
to qualified moderate income purchasers.
Spieth questioned whether the Committee should consider taking the fund
money and investing to allow substantial growth over a period of time.
Dumb stated that spending the money now is necessary since there are needs
now and that by doing so the spin-off effect from rehabbing abandoned
houses or dilapidated houses is significant in the neighborhood or on a
block. Warshaw stated that blight is contagious, but so is investment is
that the sight of rebabbing may cause additional upkeep in the
neighborhood. bush stated that to not spend the money to answer current
needs and to beak it for future projects will raise a red flag. A portion
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Iityor's Committee on Special Housing Fund
December 9, 1986
at the ca■msnity that is watching sees that the City has an opportunity to
correct deteriorating situations, bat elects to beet the momay and do
nothing. Drummsr stated that to spend the money now has the short and long
toss effect of increasing the property value. Brady stated that possibly
the Cosaittee may mat to identify one, two or three issues such as the
board-ope and focus on those Items.
Vold questioned the Committee as to whether social service programs should
be considered. She urged that an early decision be made. Discussion
castinsed as to what was or was mot a social service program. Brady
*Mooted that the dollars should be spent on capital Improva ment programs
and set soft cost social service programs. Warshaw stated that to my case
same dollars need to fused the administration of the programs. Brady
questioned whether same of the mosey should be spent for special housing
populations. Drummse stated that be is concerned with various social needs
and that soma dollars sight be beat spent for those. Brady questioned
whether transitional housing would fall into social service programs or
Into another program. Newman stated that he also did not want to sped the
dollars on social service programs, but was interested in boarded -up
bowing programs and possible administration cost for these programs.
Brady offered that possibly social service programs could be defined as day
care, homeless cams management, etc. Carty suggested that the Committee
develop objectives before they proceed. Drumrmmer stated that he was to
laver of addressing the boarded -up program and, in addition to his earlier
suggestion, brought to the attention of the Committee tCDC's program of
kcqui/oenture as a possible scans for handling boarded -up structures. Bush
stated that he fools that it is Important to improve the housing stock.
Brady stated that it is bar opinion that the Cassittoe should focus on long
tons affordable housing and gear all guidelines to provide affordable
housing. Bush stated that he concurs and suggests that efforts be made
through this program to tamp single family units and possibly two. throe
tad four flats affordable. Kowa" suggested that the Committee focus on
¢moo rd-ups and affordable housing as the major issues. Warshaw suggested
that the Committee modify Newman's proposal and focus on "significant
substandard housini' (which would include board -ups) and also "affordable
rental housing" (long-term). In this owner the condition of housing stock,
could be addressed. Rudd explained by doing so the Cosmtittas should
consider that it is possible that certain special populations would be
eliminated from aid from this program. It was the consensus of the
Co mittee to request staff to provide further information at their nezt
meeting on the two areas mentioned above.
Warshaw inquired of staff if a list of tax delinquent properties could be
obtained and provided to the Cowitt*o.
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mayor's Committee on Special Housing fund
December 9, 2986
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Brady suggested that at the nest meeting the committee develop a process
that would precede the application of proposals.
e of Future Meetings - Vold suggested that this committee meet on the
ollowing schedule: January 13 and 27, 1987; February 10 and 24, 1987 and
■arch 3, 1997. hold further suggested that the meotings of January 13 and
27 that the committee purses developing parameters for the two earlier
maatiew d areas of focus.
msabers of the Committee suggested that the committee draw arm the housing
egertise residing is Rraastom and submit names to staff to have experts
speak to the Committee at a meeting on January 20, 1987. Chairman Vold
stated that it hopes that in March, 1987 the Casmittee would have developed
parameters, accepted, and reviewed proposals, mad* recaps adations on the
respective proposals and dollars amount to be allocated and submit those
recommendations to city council for approval of the funding choices.
Meeting adjourned at 9:4Si p.m. Next scheduled mooting January 13, 1987 at
7:30 P.M.
Upon questioning about the exact dollar smonat and timing of receipt of the
funds, Redd indicated that the Committee most likely would not know the
exact dollar amount until late January or early February and also the
conditions, if any, on spending the mosoy at that time. Receipt of tho
money may not taM place until late !larch or February of 1987.
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