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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/03/03-Minutes-HEDC CITY OF FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Present: Council Member Jungus Jordan, Chairman Council Member Carter Burdette, Vice Chairman Mayor Mike Moncrief Mayor Pro tern Kathleen Hicks Council Member Salvador Espino (arrived at 12:44 p.m.) Council Member Danny Scarth Council Member Frank Moss Council Member Joel Burns City Staff: Tom Higgins, Assistant City Manager Peter Vaky, Assistant City Attorney Marty Hendrix, City Secretary Jay Chapa, Director of Housing and Economic Development Department Ardina Washington, Economic Development Manager, Housing and Economic Development Department Other City Staff in Attendance: Dale Fisseler, City Manager(arrived at 2:15 p.m.) Vicki Ganske, Senior Assistant City Attorney, Legal Department LeAnn Guzman, Assistant City Attorney, Legal Department Jerome Walker, Deputy Director, Housing and Economic Development Department Cynthia Garcia, Assistant Director, Housing and Economic Development Department Henry Day, Senior Management Analyst, Housing and Economic Development Department Dolores Garza, Economic Development Specialist, Housing and Economic Development Department Mark Folden, Business Development Coordinator, Housing and Economic Development Department Charlie Price, Planning Manager, Housing and Economic Development Department Guests: Gage Yeager, with Trinity Habitat for Humanity Michele Kennedy, with Trinity Habitat for Humanity Harry Butcher, with the Community Development Council Patrick Main, with the Community Development Council CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 2 of 20 With a quorum of the committee members present, Chairman Jungus Jordan called the meeting of the Housing and Economic Development Committee to order at 12:37 p.m., on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, in the Pre-Council Chamber of the Fort Worth Municipal Building, 1000 Throckmorton, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Chairman Jordan moved down the agenda to Agenda Item 6, Executive Session and adjourned the meeting of the Housing and Economic Development Committee into Executive Session at 12:37 p.m. in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Open Meeting Act. Executive Session (Agenda Item 6) Chairman Jordan called to order the Executive Session at 12:37 p.m. in order to discussion the following items: A. Seek the advice of its attorneys concerning the following items that are exempt from public disclosure under Article X, Section 9 of the Texas State Bar Rules, as authorized by Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code: (i) legal issues related to the Community Facilities Agreement with Waterview Estates, LP (City Secretary Contract No. 33575); and (ii) legal issues related to any current agenda items; B. Discuss the purchase, sale, lease or value of real property, as authorized by Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code. Deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third party; and, C. Discuss or deliberate negotiations relating to any economic development negotiations, as authorized by Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code. (Council Member Espino arrived at the meeting.) Chairman Jordan adjourned the Executive Session at 1:31 p.m. Chairman Jordan reconvened the meeting of the Housing and Economic Development Committee at 1:31 p.m. and move back up the agenda to consideration of Agenda Item 2. Approval of Minutes of the February 6, 20091) Housing and Economic Development Committee (Agenda Item 2) Chairman Jordan opened the floor for a motion on the approval of the minutes. CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 3 of 20 Approval of Minutes of the February 6, 2009, Housing and Economic Development Committee (cont'd) (Agenda Item 2) MOTION: Upon a motion made by Mayor Moncrief and seconded by Council Member Espino, the Committee Members voted eight (8) "ayes" and zero (0) "nays", to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2009, Housing and Economic Development Committee meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Written Reports: Update on the Social Compact Study of Target Areas (Agenda Item 3) Chairman Jordan opened the floor for discussion and or comments on the written report for the Social Compact Study of Target Areas. Council Member Espino requested clarification on information contained in the report. He referenced the study areas that had been identified as northwest, northeast and southwest and requested clarification on whether the northeast area included the Riverside area. Council Member Espino provided his interpretation of the boundaries of the Riverside area. Jay Chapa, Director of Housing and Economic Development, explained that the area included everything west of Beach Street. He provided a map showing the area "highlighted" in the color red. Council Member Espino explained that he wanted the clarification as this area touched three (3) Council Districts, i.e., 2, 4 and 8. He explained that he felt the compact study was important for this area in order to attract more retail development along the north Beach Street corridor, along Riverside and Sylvania. Chairman Jordan indicated that there had been discussion among the group and he felt the change in policy in looking at the retail strip centers and the social compact study had resulted in the fact that the social compact study had proven to be an extremely valuable tool in the City's tool kit. He referenced what had occurred in southeast Fort Worth and what had been accomplished in that area. Mr. Chapa advised that the City staff was looking forward to receiving the social compact study document. Mayor Pro tem Hicks requested the date when this information would be received. Mr. Chapa indicated that it would be around the month of September. Chairman Jordan added that this study was extremely valuable especially considering today's economic conditions and what the City was focusing on which was neighborhood development. CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 4 of 20 This concluded the presentation and discussion on this agenda item. Discussion Regarding a Funding Request from the Neighborhood Land Corporation for HOME funds in the Amount of $370,000.00 for Construction of Five Single Family Homes on Scattered Sites (Agenda Item 4) Charlie Price, Housing Program Manager, Housing and Economic Development Department, spoke before the committee on the funding request from the Neighborhood Land Corporation for HOME funds in the amount of $370,000 for construction of five (5) single family homes on various lots. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Price presented the following information. Mr. Price presented an overview of his presentation as follows: • HOME Program Background • Neighborhood Land Corporation (NLC) CHDO • Project Proposal • HOME Construction Costs • Next Steps • Questions Mr. Price provided information on the HOME Program Background as follows: • HOME Investment Partnership Program • 15% of HOME Entitlement must be set-aside for Community Housing Development Organization's (CHDO's) • 5% of HOME Entitlement may be used for Operating Expenses Mr. Price presented information on the NLC CHDO as follows: • NLC is a CHDO created by Trinity Habitat • Focused on Expanding the number of homes available to low-income families • Average income for NLC buyers is 60% of median • Homes will be constructed on scattered sites throughout the City of Fort Worth • Built and sold nearly 300 single-family homes in Tarrant & Johnson Counties • 3-Bedroom, 2-bath, minimum 1200 square feet to include single-car garage and porch details which blend with existing neighborhood design CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 5 of 20 Discussion Regarding a Funding Request from the Neighborhood Land Corporation for HOME funds in the Amount of $370,000.00 for Construction of Five Single Family Homes on Scattered Sites (cont'd) (Agenda Item 4) Mr. Price recognized Gage Yeager and Michele Kennedy of the Trinity Habitat for Humanity who were in the audience. Mr. Price presented the project proposal as follows: • Construction of five (5) affordable single family homes • $320,000.00 new construction cost • $50,000.00 CHDO Operating • Contract will require NLC to refer customers to CFW HAP program • 21 Available lots Mr. Price explained that there may be other lots that were also available. He added that the home buyer would make the decision as to where they wanted to build their home. He pointed out these homes were not just spec houses built on available lots and then sold. Mr. Price advised of the HOME construction costs as follows for the Neighborhood Land Corporation and the five (5) single family homes as follows: 2008—2009 Funding Total Project Cost $723,200.00 HOME Funds Requested $370,000.00 Total Number of Units 5 Mr. Price presented the next steps in this process: • Mayor and Council Communication to be placed on a future agenda to authorize funding for the five (5) single family homes and to execute a contract with NLC • Enter into contract agreement with NLC Mr. Price concluded his presentation. Chairman Jordan opened the floor for comments and or discussion. Council Member Espino expressed appreciation to Mr. Chapa and Mr. Price for bringing this item t6rward. He explained that the Trinity Habitat ti)r Humanity was not the typical CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 6 of 20 Discussion Regarding a Funding Request from the Neighborhood Land Corporation for HOME funds in the Amount of $370,000.00 for Construction of Five Single Family Homes on Scattered Sites (cont'd) (Agenda Item 4) CHDO. He stated that they had a proven track record. He referenced a recent article in the newspaper that featured a World War II Veteran that received a new home in the High Crest Addition which was achieved with the Trinity Habitat working with a private builder. He added that they had built homes in that area before and they knew what they were doing. He added that this was the type of infill housing that the City needed to see happen in order to bring people into the intercore of the City. He emphasized that this was quality affordable housing. Council Member Espino advised that he had personally toured and visited the Trinity Habitat for Humanity homes and they were very nice. Council Member Espino talked about the working class people that wanted to live in the intercity core and that these types of home make that dream a reality. He recommended that the City Council move forward and work with a proven partner. He stated that Trinity Habitat was not the typical CHDO. He made reference to other CHDO's where some problems had been experienced. He added that he felt the City could not go wrong with this project. He also expressed appreciation to the Trinity Habitat for Humanity and the Neighborhood Land Corporation. This concluded the presentation and discussion on this agenda item. Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (Agenda Item 5) Jay Chapa, Director of the Housing and Economic Development Department, spoke before the committee on the Consolidated Action Plan for the use of the Federal Entitlement funds for FY 2010. He provided handout information to the committee members for his PowerPoint presentation and the Action Plan Budget for the agencies that had funding requests for FY 2009-2010. He took an opportunity to recognize Harry Butcher and Patrick Main, with the Community Development Council who were present in the audience. Mr. Chapa advised of the purpose of presentation: • Provide an update on the reconciliation of the City's General Ledger and HUD's reporting system • Review the recommended Annual Action Plan to be submitted to HUD for approval in April • Review current proposed developing Grant Project CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 7 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) • Next steps to be taken for this process Mr. Chapa presented the following information on the HUD reconciliation update: • $1,452,675.00 discrepancy between City's General Ledger and HUD's performance/financial reporting database was found • Staff provided an update on Dec. 17, 2008, showing the amount of discrepancy had been reduced from $1.45 million to at least $440.731.00 • HUD had approved a final reduction to $273,627.00 (This amount would be paid from the previously authorized escrow account) Mr. Chapa reviewed the HUD Entitlement Grant Program: CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA as follows: • Budget component of required application, submitted annually to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) • Specifies activities to be funded by five grant funding sources • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) • HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) • American Dream Down Payment Initiative(ADDI) • Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Mr. Chapa presented a slide showing a color-coded graph for Entitlement Trends for the years 2001 through 2008 for the above referenced organizations. Mr. Chapa presented the HUD Funding Allocations for 2009-2010 Assuming Level Funding as follows: • Total Funds: $10,690,965.00 • CDBG: $6,784,078.00 • HOME/ADDI: $3,020,630.00 • ESG: $293,257.00 • HOPWA: $863,000.00 CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 8 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) Mr. Chapa explained that the Action Plan included $170,000.00 in CDBG program income and $100,000.00 in HOME program income. Mr. Chapa presented a slide showing a pie chart for the Sources of Funds as referenced above. Mr. Chapa continued his presentation with a review of the regulatory limits affecting the recommendations as follows: • CDBG Public Services— 15% o Allows approximate total of$990,000.00 (rounded down to allow for conservative estimate) • General Admission o CDBG 20% • ESG 5% • HOPWA 3% o HOME 10% Mr. Chapa advised that the basis for the funding recommendations were: Current funding priorities established by the City Council and City Manager's Office for example: • Senior and Child Care Services • Housing and Supportive Services for Homeless • Need for Infrastructure Funding Current Funding Policies established by the Community Development Council (CDC) for example: • 10% reduction for public services agencies receiving funds for extended period of time • Compliance monitoring issues reported by staff Federal Appropriation for FN' 10 had not been received from HUD CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 9 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) • Determined funding by current funding levels Mr. Chapa reviewed the proposed CDBG funding recommendation for 2009-2010 as follows: Housing Programs $2,747,961.00 Includes Housing Trust Fund $550,000.00 Public Services $965,263.00 Economic Development $791,053.00 Section 108 Repayment Community Facilities/Infrastructure $882,740.00 Includes Targeted Infrastructure $450,000.00 Doc Session Playground $150,000.00 Grant Administration $1,387,061.00 Total Funding $6,784,078.00 Mr. Chapa presented a pie chart of the summary of the CDBG recommendations by program type as shown above. Mr. Chapa provided information on the community facilities/infrastructure recommendations as follows: • Housing and Economic Development Department targeted infrastructure projects o Neighborhood streets or sidewalks reconstruction, lighting replacement, etc. o $450,000.00 (up to $584,000.00 if estimated program income is received) • Parks & Community Services • Doc Sessions Riverside Community Center o Neighborhood Playground $150,000.00 • Security Improvements $100,000.00 Council Member Espino requested further clarification on the security improvements and he pointed out that at some centers there had been incidents of graffiti and vandalism. Mr. Chapa indicated that it included alann panels. security systems and additional lighting. CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 10 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) Mr. Chapa presented the Housing Program recommendations as follows: REACH Project Ramp (for residents that need them) $50,000.00 Emergency Repair $450,000.00 Cowtown Brushup $246,557.00 Housing Trust Fund Homeowner Rehab Loans $550,000.00 Housing Program Delivery $1,451,404.00 Supports above programs as well as HOME-funded Housing Programs: Down-payment Assistance, Homeowner Rehab, etc. Mr. Chapa indicated that he did not have enough room in this presentation to review all of the requests and all of the funds that had been recommended for funding; therefore, the Council had been provided with the Action Plan Budget showing the agencies that requested funding, the awards made in the previous budget year and the recommendation for FY 2009- 2010. He also indicated that a large notebook would be provided to each of the Council Members with additional details of these recommendations. Mr. Chapa presented the proposed HOME/ADDI funding recommendations for FY 2009- 2010 as follows: Projects: CHDO Projects & Operating $534,234.00 Targeted Infill $500.00.00 Homebuyer's Assistance* $900,00.00 Housing Trust Fund $696,907.00 Grant Administration (10%) $289,489.00 TOTAL HOME/ADDI GRANT: $2,920,630.00 *Includes $25,737 in American Dream Down payment initiative funds Estimated HOME Program Income $100,000.00 $10,000.00 to Administration $90,000.00 to Housing Trust Fund CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 11 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) Council Member Espino requested further clarification on the $500,000.00 identified for targeted infill. Mr. Chapa responded to his question and clarified that it would be for infill lots as the projects were developed. Mr. Chapa provided a color-coded chart showing the use of the home funds, which included the program income. Mr. Chapa presented the proposed ESG and HOPWA funding recommendations for FY 2008-2009 as follows: ESG: Homeless Services Projects, 95% $278,595.00 Administraion, 5% $14,662.00 Grant Allocation $293,257.00 HOPWA: Housing for Person with AIDS Projects, 97% $837,110.00 Administration, 3% $25,890.00 Grant Allocation $863,000.00 Mr. Chapa provided a color-coded chart of all of the HUD grant funds for FY 2008-2009 Mr. Chapa continued his presentation by providing the grant administration information as follows: CDBG: $1,387,061.00** **Includes 20% of estimated $170,000.00 in CDBG Program Income. HOME $289,489.00 ESG $14,662.00 HOPWA $25,890.00 Total: $1,650,041.00 CDBG: Housing and Economic Development Department, City overhead and Finance, Planning and Development, Internal Audit, Community Relations Departments CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 12 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) Mayor Moncrief stated that it was important that the Council realized that all of the challenges that they were facing in these economic times, the non-profits were suffering from the same symptoms. He added the non-profits were benefitting from the fact that the City was able to plan and administer these funds in a responsible yet conservative manner to allow and help them to continue these services. He added that he was not just talking about the homelessness issue. He added that it was what it was doing for all of the other organizations that were out in the community struggling to make ends meet. Mr. Chapa reiterated that the City Council Members would be receiving a large notebook each in their offices of additional information. Assistant City Manager Tom Higgins indicated that it was important to look at what the Community Development Council and the Housing and Economic Development Department were doing. He pointed out that there was a long list of requestors and five (5) organizations that received funding last year would not be receiving funding for this year. He pointed out also that some new agencies had been added. He pointed out that it was important for the Council to look at this information because those agencies that did not receive funding would be the agencies that would be contacting the Mayor and Council Members regarding this matter. Council Member Scarth asked if all of the members had been appointed to the CDC now. Mr. Chapa indicated that had occurred and he appreciated the Council filling those positions as it was of great help during this process as they were able to receive valuable input and different perspectives during the process. Mr. Chapa advised that he felt the overall entitlement would come in higher than estimated and therefore an amendment would need to be made in order to increase the dollars. Mayor Moncrief congratulated the City staff for their work on the HUD piece as well. Council Member Espino spoke about the list of non-profit organizations and that they too were facing the bad economic times. He referenced the funding for the Safe Haven and encouraged the Council to provide funding to that organization. He talked about the issue of domestic violence and the statistical information that was provided by the Police Department that was showing a continued increase in that particular situation. He pointed out that this affected all economic strata in the City. He advised that if domestic violence could be reduced it would cut back on aggravated assaults and those crimes of passions that could occur. He added he felt it was a good human investment and saved on tax payers' dollars. CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 13 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) Mr. Chapa then provided information on the active and proposed CDBG projects. He started with the project summary as of June 1, 2008 as follows: Model Blocks $1,433,200.00 Parks $405,022.00 Community Facilities $801,664.00 Infrastructure $1,157,222.00 Total: $3,797,108.00 Mr. Chapa provided a number of charts showing the projects, and balance and current balance of funds for the South Hemphill Model Blocks, the Historic Carver Heights Model Blocks, and the Stop Six Sunrise Edition Model Blocks. Council Member Moss requested clarification about the neighborhood entry markers listed for several of the model blocks. Mr. Chapa indicated that this would include a decorative monument marker that would indicate the entrance to these historic neighborhoods. It was clarified that it was more than the street sign toppers. Council Member Moss also asked about the issue of infill housing. Mr. Chapa clarified that dollars might be able to be moved to address that issue. He stated for an example there were not a lot of dollars being requested for home improvements. He indicated that the City would have to approach HUD and have those funds allocated to a different project. There was further deliberation on that process and when it was suppose to occur. Mayor Moncrief requested a specific time period. City staff indicated that they were not in a position at this time to give a time frame. There was further discussion on the Stop Six Sunrise Edition Model Blocks and the use of funding for acquisition/rehab/resale of existing homes that would be purchased, rehabbed and resold. Council Member Espino requested an update on the status of the Model Block Grant Program. Mr. Chapa stated that this process had slowed down due to the consolidation of the Housing Department into the Economic Development Department. Mr. Chapa talked about the re�'amping of the Model Block Grant Program. He spoke about the new process that they were considering. Fie talked about making the CDC part of the ov erall process and how they would be CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 14 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) involved in the process. Council Member Espino stated that one of the challenges of the Model Block Grant Program was that the neighborhoods that received the funds had so much paperwork or red tape and the neighborhoods had to have the technical assistance to make it work. He added that it had been a great program in some of the neighborhoods that had received this funding and they had been able to build nice houses for their communities but the administration of the grant program was very cumbersome. He indicated that he was glad that the City staff was looking into that program and he would be interested to hear about the new approach to the process. Mr. Chapa then presented charts showing the funding balance as of June 1, 2008, and the current balance for the parks projects, community facilities and infrastructure. In further discussion, Mayor Moncrief requested clarification about the location of Sankofa Park that was identified for $15,771.00 of CDBG project funds. Mr. Chapa advised that it was near the corner of Evans and Rosedale. Mayor Pro tem Hicks interjected that she was going to ask that this item be placed on a future agenda item for the City Council. She advised that once again she was reporting that the flowers are dead; the street lights were out, etc. She requested clarification on who was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of that area. Mr. Chapa indicated that he thought it was the Parks Department; however, he would check into that issue. There was further discussion on the $15,771.00 being identified for improvements to that park area. Mayor Pro tem Hicks also asked about the benches that were supposed to be placed in the Evans Avenue Plaza area. Cynthia Garcia, with Housing and Economic Development Department, advised of the current issue of trying to find funding for that part of the project. She spoke about the issue of having to replace all of the limestone panels on the plaza with granite and that it was very costly to do so. She also spoke about the need or a design for the seating. Mr. Chapa presented a table of information on the estimated funds available for the programming as follows: General Administration $396,051.00 Program Delivery $492,553.00 Model Blocks $600,000.00 Infrastructure $38,390.00 Public Services $89.230.00 t7nprogrammed Funds $4x9.591.00 CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 15 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) Total: $2,105,815.00 Council Member Espino spoke about having this information and that it was helpful to the Council during budget time. He expressed appreciation to the staff for identifying this funding. Mr. Chapa provided the projects proposed for the funding as follows: Terrell Heights Lights $600,000.00 Lancaster NPO $700,000.00 Balance needed for Poly United Community Center $301,000.00 Demolition of Dangerous Structures $500,000.00 Total: $2,101,000.00 Council Member Espino indicated that he would like to see the funding for the demolition of dangerous structures be increased. He stated that there were a lot of those types of structures located throughout the City. He talked about the availability of vacant land for new development if the dangerous structures were demolished. He added that this would also eliminate a lot of code compliance issues and crime issues, i.e., the broken glass, broken window theory. Mr. Chapa advised that the initial request was for $1,000,000.00. He talked about the timing on those types of issues and the process for getting the final demolition permit. He added that the $500,000.00 represented the amount of structures that could be eliminated in the foreseeable future. Mr. Chapa pointed out that the Council would not want to designate too many dollars to this project and just have it sit there and not be used. Council Member Scarth requested information or a presentation on how projects were presented or nominated for this process. He pointed out that he did not see any dollars in this process for District 4. He questioned again how projects were presented and how they had been spread around the City. He stated his point was how would he get in line for this funding. Mayor Moncrief requested clarification if the City also helped in this process with the waiving of fees. Mr. Chapa explained that a lot of the projects were located within a NEZ so the fees would be waived. He pointed out that multiple dollars were tied together in order to accomplish the project. Mayor Moncrief stated that he felt whenever the City can do that or create an incentive and make it clear that this was a user friendly process, it would be utilized. CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 16 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) Chairman Jordan supported Council Member Scarth's request and he also requested that City staff come back at a future point and provide the information on how these types of projects were spread out throughout the City. Chairman Jordan also brought up the demolition of dangerous structures and the related issue of pole signs and other types of signs that had been abandoned. Mr. Chapa clarified that the dollars had to be spent in the targeted neighborhoods that met the HUD requirements. Chairman Jordan indicated that he felt those types of signs did a lot to destroy a neighborhood and he felt the Council needed to look into that issue. Mr. Chapa showed a chart of the projects under development as follows: ADA Ramps $1,200,000.00 Neighborhood Sidewalks $500,000.00 Hardy Street Redevelopment $1,000,000.00 Westhaven Redevelopment $2,000,000.00 Phase II Terrell Heights Lights $1,800,000.00 Hillside Lights Design $200,000.00 Total: $6,700,000.00 Mr. Chapa responded to Council Member Scarth's question about where the projects came from and he indicated that they came in a variety of ways. He stated that the staff worked with the Council Members in targeted areas of the City. He indicated that the staff worked with the Housing Authority as well. Mr. Chapa indicated that the City staff was working on providing to the City Council a document that would show the running tab on all of the projects going on in the City. He stated that because some of the projects were very challenging, they had a long lead way. He stated that the staff could start on a project and it may be 18 months to two years before the Council saw the dollars figures for the project. He pointed out that unfortunately the Council may not remember that the project was presented to them prior to that time. In further discussion, Mr. Chapa indicated that staff was just trying to provide better communication regarding these projects and their status. In further discussion, Mr. Chapa pointed out that there was no funding at this time for the projects under development. They would be considered as additional funds became available. Council Member Espino indicated that he felt Council Member Scarth's point was well taken. He added that each Council Member wanted to redevelop all of the parts of their districts CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 17 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) that were in the Central City. He stated that in District 4 there were areas that needed revitalization. He stated that he and Council Member Scarth shared the Riverside area and Beach Street and that area serves as the gateway that goes all the way to the northern part of the City. He added that he felt this was an area that needed to be looked into. Council Member Espino requested clarification on the Hardy Street Redevelopment and Westhaven Redevelopment. He pointed out that there was a lot of funding being identified for those two projects at a total of$3,000,000.00. He indicated that both of those projects involved acquiring property. Mr. Chapa advised of the locations of those projects, with the Hardy Street project being located in Diamond Hill and Westhaven being located on the west side of District 2 off of Jacksboro Highway. He pointed out that the projects included infill housing and could take several years to accomplish. Council Member Espino reminded the Council of their bus tours several years ago and that he had taken the Council to the Westhaven area that had one of the worst duplex areas in the City. He pointed out that a police presence had to be added to the area and the post office would only deliver to boxes rather than the homes. Mayor Pro tern Hicks spoke about the lighting projects shown on the chart. She talked about the issue of looking at other pots of funds to address those projects, for example sustainable development funding. She indicated that she had spoken recently with developer Michael Morris about this very issue. She indicated her interest to not use CDBG funds necessarily for these projects. There was further deliberation on other funding mechanisms that could be determined. Mr. Chapa showed a chart of information on the active home projects as of June 1, 2008, showing the balance as of June 1, 2008, and the current balance for the following projects: Hanratty Place NLC CHDO Heritage Park Seniors Eastland Townhouses South Hemphill HIP South Hemphill Infill Stop Six HIP Stop Six Lot Acquisition Historic Carver Heights HIP Historic Carver Heights Infill CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 18 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) The total balance for those projects as of June 1, 2008, was $4,212,425 and the current balance was $3,566,136.00. Mr. Chapa presented the HOME fund available for programming as follows: CHDO Operating Support $162,138.00 CHDO Projects $883,285.00 Spring Glen/Hill $2,200,000.00 Model Blocks (undesignated) $1,200,000.00 Unprogrammed Funds $118,267.00 Total: $4,536,690.00 Mr. Chapa reviewed the projects under development as follows: Woodmont Development $1,000,000.00 Westhaven $2,000,000.00 Hardy Street Redevelopment $1,000,000.00 Total: $4,000,000.00 Mr. Chapa then provided the next steps of this process as follows: • Action Plan would be available for public comment on March 5 th • Public Comment Period would be held from March 5 to April 6 • Public Hearing would be conducted on March 31st and April 7th during the City Council meeting • Adoption by the City council schedule for April 7th and no later than April 14, 2009 • Application submission to be April 15, 2009 Mr. Chapa concluded his presentation. Chairman Jordan opened the floor for discussion and or comments. Mavor Moncrief commended Mr. Chapa on his outstanding presentation. He liked the transparency of the information and advised that the City Council needed more information so CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 19 of 20 Discussion Regarding the Consolidated Action Plan for the Use of Federal Entitlement Funds for FY 2010 (cont'd) (Agenda Item 5) that questions could be posed by the City Council. He pointed out that this allowed the City Council to be proactive and not only in the planning and the application of funds, but in the movement of those dollars where they could be most effectively utilized. Assistant City Manager Higgins stated that based upon the interest shown by the City Council today, he felt it would be good to communicate to the City Council on an ongoing basis an update as the year goes on so that the Council would not be faced at the end of the year with having to make these decisions. He pointed out that the information would not be as detailed as it was today due to the length of time that was necessary for the presentation. He added that it was important to get the dollars to the places where they did the most good due to the difficult economic times that the City faced now. He reiterated that the City staff would provide some quick summaries several times during the year. Mr. Chapa expressed appreciation to the members of the CDC and to other members of his staff who were involved in this important process. Council Member Espino indicated that the CDC members spent a lot of valuable time evaluating the proposals. They toured some of the sites where the dollars were being requested. He emphasized that it was a major time commitment on their part. He also pointed out that all of the funds identified in the presentation were major tools in the City's tool kit and promoted the kind of City that everyone wants Fort Worth to be. He expressed kudos to everyone involved in the process. He also expressed appreciation for the presentation and the amount of information that was provided. This concluded the presentation and discussion of this agenda item. Request for Future Agenda Items (Agenda Item 7) Council Member Burdette requested an explanation of some of the funds that were being utilized to prime the pump in the Riverside area and Rosedale area to purchase lots. He talked about the governmental funds that were going to be utilized compared to the housing funds and where the City was regarding housing funds on the federal side due to the status of the economy. Chairman Jordan also added that Council Member Burdette had talked also about what areas of the City might be considered for these funds. He concurred in that interest. CITY OF FORT WORTH HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MARCH 3, 2009 Page 20 of 20 Request for Future Agenda Items (cont'd) (Agenda Item 7) Chairman Jordan pointed out the number of meetings that the City Council had been involved in for the Local Development Corporation, the Housing Finance Corporation and the Housing and Economic Development Committee and the fact that they were all interrelated and functioned together. He commended the Housing and Economic Development staff for their work and the new things that they were bringing to the City considering the sad economic times on the national level. He indicated that they were talking about strengthening the neighborhoods and retail opportunities and working with the non-profits which all combined resulted in a stronger community and produced jobs. He emphasized that what the Council saw today was the City of Fort Worth staff was putting together an action plan in order to be creative and to encourage the Fort Worth economic stability, which was not being seen by the rest of the nation. He referenced all of the out-of-state vehicle license plates that he was seeing in the City. He added that what this represents to him is that the City of Fort Worth still offered a better quality of life. Date of Next Regular Meeting— March 3, 2009 (Agenda Item 8) The next regular meeting of the Housing and Economic Development Committee would be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Adiourn (Agenda Item 9) With no further presentations or discussions, Chairman Jordan adjourned the regular meeting of the Housing and Economic Development Committee at 2:28 p.m., on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. These minutes approved by the Economic and Community Development Committee on the 7th day of April, 2009. APPROVED: L �qr7�� Jung Jordij Chairm Minutes Prepared by and Attest: Nlaro, licndrix. 'ity Secretary