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10-06-2014 HRA MIN City of Elk Meeting of the Elk River River Housing and Redevelopment Authority Held at the Elk River City Hall Monday, October 6, 2014 Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Chuba, Kuester and Motin Members Absent: Commissioner Toth Staff Present: Community Operations and Development Deputy Director Jeremy Barnhart and Sr. Administrative Assistant Debbie Huebner I. Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Wilson. 2. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Consider 10/06/2014 Agenda Moved by Commissioner Kuester and seconded by Commissioner Motin to approve the October 6, 2014 agenda. Motion carried 4-0. 4. Consent Agenda Moved by Commissioner Chuba and seconded by Commissioner Motin to approve the following consent agenda: 4.1 Minutes • August 4, 2014 Regular Meeting 4.2 Check Register 4.3 Balance Sheet 4.4 Revenue/Expenditure Report Motion carried 4-0. 5. Open Forum No one appeared for Open Forum. 6. Public Hearings - None 7.1 Open Doors for Youth Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 2 October 6,2014 Jeremy Barnhart introduced Cheryl Wold of Open Doors for Youth. He explained that the program provides services for homeless youth between the ages of 16 through 21. He stated that the organization would like to inform the HRA of their plans to open a facility in Elk River. He stated that if any action is required by the HRA in the future, they would let him know. Ms. Wold stated that she is the chairperson of the board and introduced Marilyn Olson and Lori Lang, other members of the board. Ms. Wold provided a handout, explaining Open Doors for Youth,its vision,mission and programs for youth. Ms. Wold stated that they will be linked to other groups throughout the community. She noted that the Sherburne County United Way is their fiscal agent. Ms. Wold explained that the purpose of the program is to get the immediate needs of youth met that are experiencing homelessness. She stated that this is a state-wide issue, noting that the Wilder Institute of Minnesota reports approximately 2,500 youth on their own each night,with no stability and no safe place to stay. She noted that the homeless youth are not eligible for CAER because they have no address, nor are they eligible for Great River Family Promise. Ms. Wold stated that the Home for Youth operation in Anoka has been in operation approximately 20 months and reports Elk River youth are showing up there. Ms. Wold explained that a number of homeless youth were foster children who have turned 18. Also, in some families, when a child turns 18 they are expected to leave home. She noted that their program will be based on successful youth programs in Bloomington, Edina and Anoka. Ms. Wold stated that they are looking for a no-rent site to cut down on costs,which are anticipated to be $8,000 for the first year. If this is not possible, their next option is a low-rent site. They have found a site in the building next to the Jackson Avenue fire station,but the rent is $1,600/month. She felt this was a good location, since it was close to the central downtown yet in a more "discreet" setting. Ms.Wold noted that they will need to find supporters for the rent and utilities. She explained that the operation would be staffed by well-trained volunteers. Commissioner Motin asked where the youth would be housed. Ms. Wold stated that they would utilize emergency overnight shelters in Minneapolis and St. Cloud,but that these shelters are often full. She stated that eventually, they hope to establish host homes. Also, staff would try to help clients to extend their stays with families they are currently housed with. She noted that transportation is another issue since there is no bus service in the area. Commissioner Chuba asked what the ratio of females to males that are homeless youth was, and how many they expected to serve. Ms. Wold stated that approximately 56 percent are female and 44 percent are male. She stated that Anoka started with 10-12 youth coming in per day and now there are 20-25 a day, and a total of 300 youth currently accessing their services. She stated it would be difficult to know how many youth they will serve in Elk River. PDNERED Dr NATURE Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 3 October 6,2014 Chair Wilson asked if their business model is similar at the other sites, utilizing volunteer staff and similar funding for operations. Ms. Wold explained that the Anoka site is unique, since they utilize donated space and receive operating donations from a large local church and Rotary Club. She stated that once they receive their 501(c)(3), they will be able to apply for grants. Chair Wilson stated that he realized there is a need for this type of service, especially for youth. Ms. Wold stated that statistics show that if a youth is homeless three times before the age of 20, there is an 80 percent chance they will be homeless at age 40. Chair Wilson asked if there is a way to keep track of how the youth are doing, so that they do not become "lost". Ms. Wold stated that they work with the youth where they are at, at the time they come in, and they are not required to report back to them. Chair Wilson stated it would be good if there was a way to communicate with them to see how they are doing. Commissioner Chuba asked if they are working with the Boys and Girls Club. Ms. Wold stated that they are trying to arrange a meeting with them, but the Boys and Girls Club is more for younger children and this program is for 16-20 year olds. Commissioner Chuba asked what their space needs were. Ms. Wold explained that ideally, they would be able to provide them a place to shower, do their laundry, a dining area for meals, computer area and a lounge area. She stated that they would need some separate rooms, rather than one large space. Commissioner Chuba asked where they would direct youth in need of a place to sleep. Ms. Wold stated that they would likely direct them to the Anoka facility. She noted that if they are full, they have arrangements with local hotels to provide assistance. Commissioner Chuba asked if there was any danger of someone violent coming to the site. Ms. Wold stated that the other sites have been operating for 2-6 years and have had no incidents. She stated that a code of conduct is posted and their clients have respected it. Mr. Barnhart stated that planning staff is working with Ms. Wold to find a site. Commissioner Chuba asked what zoning use this type of facility would fall under. Mr. Barnhart stated that it would be less of a residential use and more of an office- type use. Commissioner Chuba asked if they hope to provide bedrooms/sleeping areas. Ms. Wold stated that they are not equipped to handle that type of service yet. Commissioner Chuba agreed that the project needs a continuous source of funding. Ms. Wold stated that must of the funding will be grants,with some contributions that are ongoing. She stated that their first year will be the biggest hurdle, since there would be no grant money yet. She noted that they are applying for their 501(c)(3) through United Way as their fiscal agent. 7.2 Housing and Redevelopment Authority Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Update PMOREIEO I ! (NATURE Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 4 October 6,2014 Mr. Barnhart noted that$100,000 was budgeted this year for the Housing Rehabilitation project and$100,000 for next year. He stated that 15 percent of the funds will be used for administration fees, leaving 85 percent ($85,000) for projects. Mr. Barnhart stated that 4 projects have been approved and the lead inspection has been completed on one of these projects. He explained that one the lead inspections/abatements have been completed, they will know how much money they have left for projects. He noted that there are also two applicants on a waiting list. He stated that if the program is successful, the HRA may wish to increase the funding amount or the term of the program,which currently is three years. Commissioner Motin asked how much money will be used for the first four projects. Barnhart stated that the maximum loan amount per project is $25,000, and with $85,000, they could fund three projects. With the results of lead testing, the project scopes are more defined, and the HRA could possibly fund those waiting list projects, assuming the original 3 projects fall in the$14,000 range. The HRA is not limited to the number of projects,just the amount of the loans. Commissioner Motin asked where the homes are located. Mr. Barnhart stated he could provide that information at the next HRA meeting. He noted that the applications started out slow as CMHP started getting the word out. There may be a need and desire to increase funding. 8.1 Announcements There were no announcements. 9. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority at 6:05 p.m. _Th -C.G Tina Allard, City Clerk . fJ'1 �✓ - Stewart Wilson, hair Housing&Redevelopment Authority PONENE11 MY NATURE