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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAffordable Housing Board - Minutes - 04/03/1997e �V - CITY OF FORT COLLINS AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD Meeting Minutes April 3, 1997 Bob Browning, Chair Gina Janett, Council Liaison The meeting of the Affordable Housing Board began at 4:05 p.m. at 281 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. Board members present included: Chairman Bob Browning, Joanne Greer, Sylvia Glass, Susan Nabors, and Stacy Overton. Staff members present: Ken Waido. Mr. Browning introduced Betty Maloney. Ms. Maloney inquired of the status of CARE and Self -Sufficiency program with regard to the Human Rights Ordinance. No positive discussion was forthcoming. The demand for affordable housing for seniors is still being determined. No other information has been obtained in order to award the SID bid. Moved by Ms. Nabors, seconded by Ms. Overton: To approve the minutes of the joint Affordable Housing Board/CDBG Commission meeting. Motion approved unanimously. Fort Collins Housing Authority Shelly Stevens and Mike Prenzlow, Housing Authority, presented an overview of programs and announced the 25th anniversary of the Authority. The following discussion was held as a result of the Authority's presentation and questions and comments put forth by the Board: The Authority's mission is to promote, develop and provide affordable and accessible housing for lower income families, elderly, physically and mentally challenged individuals; and to promote self-improvement to evolve from dependency from public assistance. The ultimate goal is to mainstream clients into non -assisted housing. HUD provides CIAP moneys for improvements to enhance and bring properties up to Code. Roofing, furnace, full handicap accessibility, building of ramps, kitchens and bathrooms have been improved or replaced. Landlords may take advantage of the Section 8 rental certificates for payment. There also are certain payment standards, so families must be counseled to find appropriate housing. Life -skill enhancing programs and vocational training programs are also available. Larimer County agencies will work to assist families to increase earning capacity to ultimately move into home ownership. CDBG has assisted with funding for 182 units of affordable housing. The Board inquired about range of incomes for families in different units. Ms. Stevens related that 90 percent of families are below 50 percent AMI. Discussion has been held of getting private developers and nonprofits to lower income ranges. The minimal cost is $181 per unit for 0 & M, and the Housing Authority would charge that amount on a break-even scale. A list of 150 families need low-income housing. The Authority is reviewing methods to create a temporary vehicle in which families can move up to make room for other families. Average period of tenancy is 17 to 20 years. Of money allocated by Congress, most of the disbursements end up in large metropolitan areas. Fort Collins does not receive much of this revenue. Five acres on 10th Street is allocated for home, 40 families are on a waiting list at this time. A deed restriction of ten years would be enforced whereby if the owner decided to sell the unit, there would be shared equity with Housing Authority. It would be retained as an affordable housing product. Ms. Stevens will be asking for Board endorsement of Housing Authority programs. The Board requested a breakdown of all tenants by income. It is difficult to provide available affordable housing units at the 30 percent and lower AMI level; therefore, private developers and non-profit may have the same problems. Ms. Stevens advocates eliminating regulatory controls, with moneys allocated to providing long-term units, instead of the Section 8 program. Any organization wishing a tax-free benefit should contact Ms. Stevens. Other Business Ms. Nabors encouraged attendance at the open house at Myrtle Street on May 8, 1997. Mr. Waido stated the City's new land use code became effective Friday. City Plan is permanently on the agenda of the City Council for any possible discussion. Ms. Maloney was recognized for her long-standing attendance and participation. A presentation will be given next month by the Engineering Department to explain the request to Council for an increase from the former street oversizing fees. Dates were discussed for Mary Cosgrove's going -away party. Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.