HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Block Grant Commission - Minutes - 04/16/2015COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMISSION
FUNDING DELIBERATIONS
215 N. Mason St., Fort Collins
April 16, 2015 6:00 P.M.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Margaret Long (Chair) Holly Carroll (Vice Chair)
Steve Backsen Catherine Costlow
Jamaal Curry Taylor Dunn
Stephanie Mertens
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Anita Basham, Kristin Stephens
STAFF PRESENT: Sharon Thomas, Janet Freeman, Heidi Phelps, Beth Sowder, Beth
Rosen, Sue Beck-Ferkiss
OTHERS PRESENT: Twenty citizens; Donna Visocky (note taker)
The meeting was called to order by Chair, Margaret Long at 6:07 p.m. with a quorum
present.
The purpose of the meeting was to allocate funds requested during the 2015 Spring
Cycle of the Competitive Process. The Commission deliberated six Housing requests and
34 Public Service requests.
Heidi Phelps addressed the community attendees, welcoming them and letting them
know that funding is short approximately $500,000 in both categories based on the
amount requested. She emphasized that the committee takes this process very seriously
and is tasked with making the best choices possible. She reminded observers that they
would not be able to give input to the decision-making this evening and asked them to
be mindful that much has been done each step of the process. If they have concerns
they can talk to staff member Sharon Thomas at a later date.
Thomas reported that staff had further information to report on a couple of the
applicants.
• Fort Collins Housing Authority’s Village on Redwood is on track to get most of the
anticipated money from DOH they need to move forward with their project.
• RVNA is on track and staff is pleased with their progress.
• HPI – Heidi Phelps audited the agency and feels they are doing a good job with
income eligibility. Their only employee, Joseph, is doing a good job. Heidi feels
good about federal compliance and recommends them for funding. The
organization has hired a new director with good experience in this arena, who will
start in May.
• SERVE 6.8 – Staff has received information about the agencies performance from
prior staff members and met with SERVE 6.8 management. Staff will be
conducting an audit soon and will report if there are any concerns. They have
undergone some transition with staffing and new management.
Taylor Dunn noted that a larger share of funding went to childcare programs last year. Is
there a reason? Thomas said city leaders are very favorable of supporting childcare
programs as it helps families who are struggling.
Thomas told the Commission that they aren’t required to spend all the money on the
Housing side if they don’t feel the programs warrant it and it’s ok to partially fund a
project.
Chair Long reviewed the process to be followed by the Commission.
Thomas noted that the total dollar amount for Public Service applications is slightly
higher than previously reported because unprogrammed HSP dollars from 2013 and
2014 were added into available 2015 funds to be allocated.
HOUSING
HO-1 City of Fort Collins: Homebuyer Assistance Program - $200,000 requested
Jamaal Curry made a motion to fully fund this program in the amount of $200,000. Holly
Carroll seconded. Curry said homeownership is important and gives stability to a family.
Carroll agreed.
The motion to fund HO-1 at $200,000 passed 6-1.
HO-2 Fort Collins Housing Authority: Tenant Based Rental Assistance for CDDT -
$170,227
Holly Carroll made a motion to fully fund this program in the amount of $170,227.
Stephanie Mertens seconded. Carroll feels there is a need for rental assistance for those
working through their dual disorder diagnosis and this is one of the few options.
Mertens – ditto.
The motion to fund HO-2 at $170,227 passed 4-2 with Jamaal Curry abstaining.
HO-3 Fort Collins Housing Authority: Village on Redwood: A Vibrant, Sustainable
Community - $1,407,255
Catherine Costlow made a motion to fully fund this program in the amount of
$1,407,255. Stephanie Mertens seconded. Costlow felt affordable housing is a priority
for the city and this program is shovel ready. Mertens – ditto
The motion to fund HO-3 at $1,407,255 passed unanimously.
HO-4 GRID Alternatives Colorado: Residential Solar Affordable Housing Program -
$52,500
Catherine Costlow recommended zero funding for HO-4. Jamaal Curry seconded.
Costlow felt that though it is a worthwhile project, given the city’s priorities, this is
further down on the list. She recommended they reapply in the future.
The motion to fund HO-4 at $0 passed unanimously.
HO-5 Neighbor to Neighbor: Coachlight Sliding Glass Doors - $42,000
No motion was made regarding this program. Chair Margaret Long moved on to the
next item on the list.
HO-6 The Villages: Legacy Senior Residences II - $750,000
Catherine Costlow made a motion to fund HO-6 for the amount of $673,836.
The motion died for lack of second.
Holly Carroll made a motion to zero fund HO-6. Taylor Dunn seconded. Carroll felt the
program was not shovel ready though it is a good project to fund when they get the
needed tax credits. Long agreed and encouraged them to come back when the program
is more shovel ready. Margaret Long noted that there is clearly a need for senior
housing. However, she would also concur that it is better to wait with funding until it is
shovel ready.
The motion to fund HO-6 at $0 passed 6-1.
HO-5 Neighbor to Neighbor: Coachlight Sliding Glass Doors revisited
Margaret Long made a recommendation to fully fund HO-5 at $42,000. Steve Backsen
seconded. Long pointed out that this organization works with some of the lowest
income people in the community. It would be worthwhile to fund and is not a lot of
money. Backsen noted that the residents pay their own utilities, new doors would help
make the homes more energy efficient and save them money. Curry mentioned that
new doors address a security issue also. Dunn said he would prefer to stay away from
maintenance funding in the future and felt the money could be better spent in ways
that increase the amount of affordable housing in the city.
The motion to fund HO-5 at $42,000 was defeated 4-2 with one abstention.
Holly Carroll moved to partially fund the project at $21,000. Margaret Long seconded.
Carrol offered that though Coachlight has healthy reserves this will at least get the
project started. Long - Ditto. Backsen asked if partially funding a project works. Sharon
Thomas responded yes. Backsen agreed he would support, in hopes that this would at
least get the project started.
Taylor Dunn offered a friendly amendment to fund half the project with a requirement
that the entire 68 doors be replaced. The organization must come up with the remaining
funds. If they are not able to match, the money would not be given to them. Curry
seconded. Catherine Costlow noted that a lot of agencies have to stage repairs over the
course of time because they don’t have enough money do everything at once. She feels
they could do a portion of the project now and complete the rest later
The vote was 3 in favor, 3 opposed and 1 abstention. The motion failed.
Carroll made a motion to fund HO-5 at $21,000 with no conditions. Steve Backsen
seconded. Carroll felt this would give them a start and with their healthy reserve they
should be able to finish the project. Backsen – Ditto.
The motion to fund HO-5 at $21,000 passed 4-1 with 2 abstaining.
Chair Margaret Long asked for any further discussion before approval of the full Housing
budget.
HO-6 The Villages: Legacy Senior Residences II revisited
Catherine Costlow made a motion to fund HO-6 for $282,609, the remaining funds.
Jamaal Curry seconded. Costlow felt this program definitely fits within the city’s housing
plan and appreciated the public/private partnership and Housing Authority sponsorship,
which she felt was important. They had indicated during their presentation that the tax
credit was fairly certain. Funding could be contingent on getting the tax credit.
Curry expressed concerns about shovel readiness. His understanding is that the money,
if not allocated, would go into the fund for the next round and be available to fund new
projects that are ready to go. This organization could apply again.
Beth Rosen noted that historically the Housing Authority is often dependent on getting
City funding in order to get tax credits. Getting tax credits can be a difficult process and
one determination is whether the project has local support. She recommended that the
board make funding contingent on getting the tax credit and if not, the funds would be
released for the next funding cycle in spring 2016.
Holly Carroll offered a friendly amendment to award the remaining $282,609 contingent
on being awarded tax credits. Curry seconded the motion based on a question for staff.
When will they know if they will get tax credit? Beth Rosen responded that they will
know by this July at the latest.
The motion to fund HO-6 at $282,609 passed unanimously with the condition to receive
tax credits.
Chair Margaret Long asked for a motion to approve the Housing matrix as shown. Steve
Backsen made a motion to approve the Housing matrix as presented. Jamaal Curry
seconded. No discussion.
The motion to approve the Housing matrix passed unanimously.
Chair Margaret Long called for a five minute break before discussion on the Public
Service Applications.
PUBLIC SERVICE APPLICATIONS
PS-1 Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Education, Awareness & Grief Support - $10,530
requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-1 at $4,000. Catherine Costlow seconded.
Dunn said $4,000 seems like an appropriate number as it is a worthy cause to support.
Costlow said that is consistent with the amount funded in 2014 and even a little will
help the program. Jamaal Curry pointed out that their application request was for a total
of $9,630 while the form today says $10,050. Sharon Thomas stated that there was a
calculation error on the application form. $10,050 is the correct amount. Thomas asked
if we are allowing them to use the fund as they want or designate them. Dunn made a
motion to use the funds as they see fit. Jamaal Curry seconded.
Steve Backsen made a friendly motion to raise the amount to $6,000. Jamaal Curry
seconded the motion on the condition that the amount is raised to $6,630. Backsen
said that considering the number of people impacted by this program, a larger amount
would be helpful. Dunn did not accept the motion.
Jamaal Curry made a friendly motion to fund PS-1 at $4,250, the same amount funded in
2014. Stephanie Mertens seconded. Dunn accepted the motion.
The motion to fund PS-1 at $4,250 passed 6-1.
PS-2 B.A.S.E. Camp: Childcare Scholarships - $66,000 requested
Stephanie Mertens made a motion to fund PS-2 for the full amount of $66,000. Jamaal
Curry seconded. Mertens stated there is a big need for before and after-school childcare
to keep kids safe.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment to fund at $50,000. Taylor Dunn seconded.
Carroll agreed it was a worthwhile program, but the City does not have the dollars to
fully fund. Taylor Dunn seconded. The motion was accepted by Mertens.
The motion to fund PS-2 at $50,000 passed 6-1.
PS-3 Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County: Great Futures Start Here -$48,706
requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-3 at $23,000. Stephanie Mertens seconded.
Dunn said CDBG can’t afford to fund the full amount but this is a good organization and
they deserve support. Steve Backsen commented that this organization has good
community support. He is confident they can make up the difference.
Jamaal Curry made a friendly motion to fund PS-3 for $24,927, the same amount given
in 2014. Stephanie Mertens seconded the motion. Dunn accepted the motion. Curry
offered that this organization gives a good bang for the buck. Kids can participate for
very little cost and they should be at least supported at last year’s level.
The motion to fund PS-3 at $24,927 passed unanimously.
PS-4 CASA Program: Court Appointed Special Advocates - $28,872 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-4 at $14,300. Margaret Long seconded.
Carrol said that this program offers a very much needed service, providing consistent
advocacy for children going through the system. Long stated that given the turnover,
this is the one constancy the children have.
Taylor Dunn made a friendly amendment to drop the funded amount to $12,000.
Jamaal Curry seconded. Carroll accepted the motion. Curry said this was almost twice as
much as they got last year. This amount shows support and gives them a little wiggle
room.
The motion to fund PS-4 at $12,000 passed unanimously.
PS-5 CASA Program: Harmony House Supervised Visitation and Exchange Program -
$28,818 requested
Catherine Costlow made a motion to fund PS-5 at $15,000. Jamaal Curry seconded.
Costlow said CASA offers this program on a sliding scale for clients and the funding will
also help with staff salaries. Sharon Thomas clarified if the funds were for the first
priority. Costlow responded that there are no restrictions; sliding fee or salaries,
funding should be spent as needed, not by priority.
The motion to fund PS-5 at $15,000 passed unanimously.
PS-6 Catholic Charities: Senior Services - $25,000 requested
Jamaal Curry made a motion to fund PS-6 at $15,000. Margaret Long seconded. Curry
stated that this program offers important services for seniors and this amount is the
same as last year’s funding. Long stated that this is very important service in terms of
case management for seniors who can’t afford case management.
The motion to fund PS-6 at $15,000 passed unanimously.
PS-7 Catholic Charities: Shelter and Follow- up Services - $60,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-7 at $30,000. Catherine Costlow seconded. Dunn
noted that this organization got $40,000 last year. He felt this was an area funding
could be pulled back a little. Catholic Charities might have other resources for additional
funding.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment that the money be restricted to be used only
for the shelter. Jamaal Curry seconded. Dunn accepted the motion.
Jamaal 2nd
The motion to fund PS-7 at $30,000 passed unanimously.
PS-8 The Center for Family Outreach: Low-Income Youth Scholarship Program -
$10,050 requested
Holly Carrol made a motion to fund PS-8 for $7,537. Jamaal Curry seconded. Carrol said
this would allow for 75% of the scholarships to be awarded. It is an important program
for families, however CDBG just can’t fund it all.
The motion to fund PS-8 at $7,537 passed unanimously.
PS-9 ChildSafe: Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program - $50,000 requested
Holly Carrol made a motion to fund PS-9 at $32,250. Steve Backsen seconded. Carroll
said this would fund 75% of the salaries requested. It is a very much needed program.
Backsen added that this helps a very vulnerable population. Margaret Long shared that
she worked in this area and knows what happens with children if you don’t treat this
early on.
The motion to fund PS-7 for $32,250 passed 6-0 with Taylor Dunn abstaining.
PS-10 Colorado Health Network – Northern Colorado AIDS Project: Client Services and
Homelessness Prevention Program - $31,748 requested
Catherine Costlow made a motion to fund PS-10 at $5,000. Stephanie Mertens
seconded. Costlow said this would cover emergency expenses and basic needs.
Margaret Long agreed that is often difficult to get funding for basic needs.
The motion to fund PS-10 at $5,000 passed unanimously.
PS-11 Crossroads Safehouse: Advocacy Program - $53,730 requested
Stephanie Mertens made a motion to fund PS-11 at $39,000, the same amount as in
2014. Taylor Dunn seconded. Mertens said this provides a critical service though she
understands the Commission can’t fund at the full amount given budget restrictions.
Dunn offered that he would like to give a larger amount because of the organization’s
growing need.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment to fund PS-11 at $38,476. Jamaal Curry
seconded. Carrol stated that this amount funds their number 1 priority and agreed that
their program is really important. Jamaal concurred.
The motion to fund PS-11 at $38,476 passed unanimously.
PS-12 Disabled Resource Services: Access to Independence - $29,686 requested
Jamaal Curry made a motion to fund PS-12 at $26,261. Steve Backsen seconded. Curry
stated that there is an obvious need for this service and this amount is consistent with
what they got last year and not much less than requested. Backsen agreed.
Stephanie Mertens made a motion to increase the amount to $26,902 which would
cover their first three priorities. Taylor Dunn seconded. Curry accepted the motion.
The motion to fund PS-12 for $26,902 passed 6-1.
PS-13 Education and Life Training Center: Employment Skills Training - $36,186
requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-13 at $18,000 which is half their request.
Margaret Long seconded. Carroll noted that ELTC has recently merged with The
Mathews House. Their service is critical and felt it was wise that they merged to keep it
available to the community. Long agreed and also noted that they have been part of the
United Way collaborative to increase self-sufficiency.
The motion to fund PS-13 at $18,000 passed 5-2.
PS-14 Elderhaus Adult Day Program: Community Based Therapeutic Care - $55,000
requested
Catherine Costlow made a motion to fund PS-14 at $30,000. Taylor Dunn seconded.
Costlow stated that this is an unduplicated service and very much needed. Dunn
concurred.
Stephanie Mertens made a friendly motion to increase funding to $38,016 which will
fund their top priority though she would allow them to use the funding as they choose.
Jamaal Curry seconded. Costlow accepted the motion. Taylor Dunn stated that he felt
this amount was a little high and would like to come back to it. Steve Backsen noted that
this is a one of a kind service and there will be an increased need for more in the future.
The motion to fund PS-14 at $38,016 passed unanimously.
PS-15 The Family Center/La Familia: Childcare Scholarships - $50,000 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-15 at $40,000 which is 75% of their request.
Catherine Costlow seconded. Carroll stated that childcare for families is a critical need
and this organization doesn’t have the fundraising resources that others might. Costlow
said that it helps keeps families working and in their homes. Taylor Dunn said he would
like to see them diversify their funding in the future.
The motion to fund PS-15 at $40,000 passed unanimously.
PS-16 Food Bank for Larimer County: Kids Café - $34,599 requested
Jamaal Curry made a motion to fund PS-16 at $27,182. Stephanie Mertens seconded.
Curry said this is much needed, especially the summer program and this funds them the
same as last year.
Holly Carroll made a friendly motion to reduce funding to $20,969 which funds their first
priority which is salaries. Margaret Long seconded.
Curry made a second friendly motion to fund the program at $23,500. Taylor Dunn
seconded.
The motion to fund PS-16 at $23,500 passed unanimously.
PS-17 GRID Alternatives Colorado: Community Solar Affordable Housing Program -
$30,000 requested
Steve Backsen made a motion to give PS-17 zero funding. Stephanie Mertens seconded.
Backsen said given the board’s limited funds there are too many other priorities with
higher needs. Taylor Dunn said he would like to see them pair with a solar housing
project.
The motion to fund PS-17 at $0 passed unanimously.
PS-18 Health District of Northern Larimer County: Dental Connections - $54,500
requested
Jamaal Curry made a motion to fund PS-18 at $24,300. Holly Carroll seconded. Curry
said this would give them funding for their second priority which provides good service
by leveraging the dentists in the community. Carroll noted that preventive dental care is
often over looked.
Stephanie Mertens made a friendly motion that if they are only partially funded it would
be good to fund both positions at the same rate. The amount would be split evenly
between both positions. Taylor Dunn seconded. Curry accepted.
The motion to fund PS-17 at $24,300 passed unanimously.
PS-19 Homeless Gear: Services for the Homeless - $30,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-19 at $25,000. The motion failed for lack of a
second.
Catherine Costlow made a motion to fund PS-19 at $5,000. Holly Carroll seconded.
Costlow said this fully funds the One Village One Family program request which is 50%
of the program. She likes the group but there are other services in the city for the
homeless and would like to support those that promote self-sufficiency. Carroll
concurred.
Steve Backsen made a friendly amendment to fund PS-19 for $3,000 for street outreach.
Jamaal Curry seconded. Costlow did not accept the motion.
Taylor Dunn made a friendly motion to add the $3,000 to the $5,000 for a total of
$8,000.
Holly Carroll seconded. Costlow accepted the motion.
The motion to fund PS-17 at $8,000 passed unanimously.
PS-20 Homelessness Prevention Initiative: Rental Assistance - $45,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-20 at the full amount of $45,000. Jamaal Curry
seconded. Dunn said rents in Fort Collins have gotten increasingly out of reach for the
average person. He also noted that this organization has had reporting issues in the past
and would like to see those rectified to make sure they are following protocol. He would
like staff to include those stipulations in the contract. Margaret Long said it is a very
worthwhile program.
Holly Carroll made a motion to reduce the funding amount to $30,000. Margaret Long
seconded. Dunn did not accept again noting that rents in the city have gone sky high and
rental assistance is much needed.
The motion to fund PS-20 at $45,000 was 3-4. Motion failed.
PS-21 Larimer County Child Advocacy Center: Victim’s Services – Child Abuse
Prevention - $32,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-21 at $22,000 which funds their priority 1. Steve
Backsen seconded. Dunn said this gives them the same funding as 2014. There is still a
need and this is one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. Backsen commented
that we don’t want to appear to punish organizations that do a good job of fundraising,
but this organization has good resources for support.
The motion to fund PS-21 at $22,000 passed unanimously.
PS -22 The Matthews House: Empowering Youth Program - $35,200 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-22 at $20,000. Margaret Long seconded.
Dunn said this is a good program. Long-ditto.
The motion to fund PS-22 at $20,000 passed unanimously.
PS-23 Neighbor to Neighbor: Housing Counseling - $60,000 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-23 at $30,000. Taylor Dunn seconded. Carroll
said this program offers needed help for clients working to become self-sufficient.
Jamaal Curry asked if it was for rental counseling or home owner counseling. It was
agreed that the money could be used for both.
The motion to fund PS-23 at $30,000 passed 6-0 with Stephanie Mertens abstaining.
PS-24 Neighbor to Neighbor: Rent Assistance - $36,125 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fully fund PS-24 at $36,125. Jamaal Curry seconded.
Taylor noted that rent in Fort Collins is terribly high making it difficult for people to
support their families.
Holly Carrol made a friendly motion to fund PS-24 at $30,000. Dunn accepted the
motion.
The motion to fund PS-24 at $30,000 passed 6-0 with Stephanie Mertens abstaining.
PS-25 Project Self-Sufficiency: Services for Single-Parent Families - $35,000 requested
Stephanie Mertens made a motion to fully fund PS-25 at $35,000. Catherine Costlow
seconded. Mertens said this is a very good program and its key focus is to bring families
to self-sufficiency. Costlow noted that PS-S encourages people to get college degrees so
they are able to fully support their families. Taylor Dunn commented on how well-
written their grant request was.
The motion to fund PS-25 at $35,000 passed unanimously.
PS-26 Rehabilitation and Visiting Nurse Association: Home Health Care Scholarships -
$40,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-26 at $25,000. Catherine Costlow seconded.
Dunn noted that this is an important program answering a crucial need and there is not
much competition. Costlow agreed it is a one of a kind program designed to help keep
people in their homes. She also asked staff to work with them to address some of the
weaknesses in their proposal.
Taylor Dunn made a friendly amendment to his motion that it be put in the contract that
any issues RVNA had with reporting be corrected and not reoccur. Holly Carroll
seconded. Costlow accepted the amendment. Margaret Long noted that this is the only
game in town for the uninsured under 60 age group. She concurred with the friendly
amendment that reporting needs to be tended to very carefully.
The motion to fund PS-26 at $25,000 passed unanimously.
PS-27 Respite Care: Childcare Scholarships - $35,000 requested
Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-27 at $30,000. Taylor Dunn seconded. Backsen
said this is an important program for both the clients and their families. The
organization also has other funding sources to make up the difference. Dunn agreed and
also noted they had a well-written and well-presented proposal.
The motion to fund PS-27 at $30,000 passed unanimously.
PS-28 SERVE 6.8: Sister Mary Alice Murphy Center for Hope - $57,517 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-28 at $36,000. The motion failed for lack of a
second.
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-28 at $28,000. Holly Carroll seconded. Dunn said
the original amount of $36,000 seems high but the program does good work and he
wants to continue to support them. Carroll agreed it is a good program.
The motion to fund PS-28 at $28,000 passed 5-1 with Jamaal Curry abstaining.
PS-29 Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center: Bilingual Sexual Assault Victim Services -
$24,607 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-29 at $20,000. Catherine Costlow seconded.
Dunn said this is a vulnerable population and it is an increasing problem that needs to
be supported. Costlow agreed.
The motion to fund PS-29 at $20,000 passed unanimously.
PS-30 Teaching Tree Early Childhood Learning Center: Childcare Scholarships - $60,000
requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-30 at $45,000 which is 75% of their request.
Steve Backsen seconded. Carrol said childcare is expensive and very important. If a
parent doesn’t have childcare they aren’t able to work and support their family.
Backsen agreed.
Jamaal Curry made a friendly motion to increase the amount to $50,000. Stephanie
Mertens seconded. Carroll did not accept the motion.
Jamaal Curry made a friendly motion to fund PS-30 at $47,500. Carroll seconded and
accepted the motion. Curry stated that with the rising cost of everything, it helps to be
able to offer more childcare scholarships. Taylor Dunn said that dollar amount seems a
little high given the Commission’s budget.
The motion to fund PS-30 at $47,500 passed 5-2.
PS-31 Touchstone Health Partners: Community Dual Disorder Treatment Program -
$70,173 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-31 at $35,065. Taylor Dunn seconded. Carroll
said this is half of their request and if we don’t provide the support services to those we
provide affordable housing to it cancels out the affordable housing funding. Dunn
agreed but said he would like to fund a smaller amount.
Catherine Costlow made a friendly amendment to fund PS-31 at $25,000. Dunn
seconded. Carroll accepted the motion. Carroll noted that this is one of the most
vulnerable populations in the city and support services for them is critical. Margaret
Long said that without these services, the cost to the general public can be considerable.
The motion to fund PS-31 at $25,000 passed unanimously.
PS-32 Touchstone Health Partners: Essential Mental Health Services at the Murphy
Center - $25,447 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-32 at $25,000. The motion died for lack of a
second.
Stephanie Mertens made a motion to fund PS-32 at $18,000, the same as in 2014. Steve
Backsen seconded. Mertens agreed this is a good program but money is tight. The
Commission does not have the money to fund at a higher amount. Backsen agreed.
The motion to fund PS-32 at $18,000 passed unanimously.
PS-33 Turning Point Center for Youth and Family Development: Crisis Intervention
Services - $25,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-33 at $12,500. Margaret Long seconded. Dunn
said this is the same amount funded last year. It’s good to provide consistent funding.
Long agreed.
The motion to fund PS-33 at $12,500 passed unanimously.
PS-34 Volunteers of America: Home Delivered Meal Service - $35,000 requested
Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-34 at $33,600. Taylor Dunn seconded. Backsen
said this is a very important program and would like to see it funded the same as last
year. Dunn concurred.
The motion to fund PS-34 at $33,600 passed unanimously.
PS-20 Homelessness Prevention Initiative revisited
Stephanie Mertens made a motion to fund PS-20 at $9,490. Jamaal Curry seconded.
Mertens said this is what we have left in the budget. Curry agreed. Taylor Dunn said he
did not want to give this program just what is left, it is an important program very
needed right now in light of the fact that rents are so high in the city of Fort Collins.
Catherine Costlow made a friendly amendment to fund PS-20 at $35,000. Mertens
seconded and both accepted the motion. Dunn said that the idea of reducing the
amount of rental assistance this year, given the current market, seems out of line with
the city’s priorities.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment to fund PS-20 at $37,500. Jamaal Curry
seconded. Costlow accepted the amendment. Carroll said this is a priority for the
residents of Fort Collins. Costlow agreed.
The motion to fund PS-20 at $37,500 passed 6-1.
PS-13 Education and Life Training Center revisited
Steve Backsen made a motion to change the funding for PS-13 ELTC from $18,000 to
$10,000. Jamaal Curry seconded. Backsen said that since they just merged with The
Matthews House and sold a building they should have the needed funds to provide
support for their program.
The motion to fund PS-13 at $10,000 passed 6-1.
Chair Margaret Long called for a 10 minute break at 8:11 p.m. The meeting resumed at
8:20 p.m.
PS-20 Homelessness Prevention Initiative revisited
Taylor Dunn made a motion to amend the funding for PS-20 to include a condition that
proper tracking, documenting and reporting be maintained. Jamaal Curry seconded.
The motion to add a condition to PS-20 to have proper reporting passed unanimously.
PS-25 Project Self-Sufficiency revisited
Catherine Costlow made a motion to fund PS-25 at $30,000. Taylor Dunn seconded.
Costlow said this was simply because it was the only program funded at 100 %.
Necessary to adjust in order to even out our funding. Dunn – ditto.
The motion to fund PS-25 at $30,000 passed unanimously.
PS-18 Health District of Larimer County revisited
Taylor Dunn made a motion to revise the funding for PS-18 from $24,300 to $20,000.
Jamaal Curry seconded. Dunn said while this is a good program they can’t give more
than last year given the number of other priorities. Curry agreed and again noted that
the funds are to be split evenly between the two positions.
The motion to fund PS-18 at $20,000 passed 6-1.
PS-34 Volunteers of America revisited
Catherine Costlow made a motion to revise the funding for PS-34 from $33,600 to
$30,600. Margaret Long seconded. Costlow felt that this program was funded at a
higher rate than most other requests. Long agreed saying it was a good program but
they just can’t fund everyone fully.
The motion fund PS-34 at $30,600 passed 5-1 with Jamaal Curry abstaining.
PS-3 Boys & Girls Clubs revisited
Taylor Dunn made a motion to change the funding for PS-3 from $24,927 to $22,500.
Steve Backsen seconded. Dunn said this is a small cut and the program should be able to
get by with a little less funding. Backsen agreed saying they have good community
support and other revenue sources.
The motion to fund for PS-3 at $22,500 passed 6-1.
PS-12 Disabled Resource Services revisited
Holly Carroll made a motion to reduce funding for PS-12 from $26,902 to $25,000.
Catherine Costlow seconded. Carroll said that the original funding was at 91% and that
in order to balance the budget a reduction is needed. She also requested that there be
no restrictions on how the funding is used. Costlow concurred.
The motion to fund for PS-12 at $25,000 passed unanimously.
PS-5 CASA – Harmony House revisited
Taylor Dunn made a motion to reduce funding for PS-5 from $15,000 to $12,000. The
motion died for lack of a second.
PS-15 The Family Center revisited
Catherine Costlow made a motion to reduce funding for PS-15 from $40,000 to $39,000.
Stephanie Mertens seconded. Costlow said we can cut a little bit in order to balance the
budget. Mertens agreed.
The motion to fund PS-15 at $39,000 passed 6-1.
PS-27 Respite Care revisited
Holly Carroll made a motion to reduce funding for PS-27 from $30,000 to $29,000.
Margaret Long seconded. Carroll said she was in favor of cutting funding just a little bit
in order to balance the budget.
The motion to fund PS-27 $29,000 passed 5-2.
PS-2 B.A.S.E. Camp revisited
Steve Backsen made a motion to reduce funding for PS-2 from $50,000 to $49,000.
Taylor Dunn seconded. Backsen sited again the need to cut slightly in order to balance
the budget.
The motion to fund PS-2 at $49,000 passed 6-1.
PS-14 Elderhaus Adult Day Program revisited
Taylor Dunn made a motion to reduce funding for PS-14 from $38,016 to $32,000.
The motion died for lack of a second.
PS-19 Homeless Gear revisited
Jamaal Curry made a motion to reduce funding for PS-19 to $5,000 in order to put
money back into other programs. Stephanie Mertens seconded. Curry said the program
makes him nervous, it is very specialized. Mertens added that they have private funding
available to them. Steve Backsen likes the program because it is unique. Taylor Dunn
and Margaret Long agree.
Taylor Dunn made a friendly amendment to fully fund the van and part of the One
Villages One Family program for $5,500. Curry seconded and accepted the motion.
The motion fund PS-19 at $5,500 was 3-3 1 abstention, Margaret Long. The motion
failed, funding remained at $8,000.
PS-3 Boys & Girls Clubs 2nd revisit
Stephanie Mertens made a motion to reduce funding for PS-3 from $22,500 to $20,000.
Taylor Dunn seconded. Mertens said they have good community support and other
funding available to them. Dunn agreed.
The motion to fund PS-3 at $20,000 was 3-4. The motion failed.
PS-11 Crossroads Safehouse revisited
Steve Backsen made a motion to reduce funding for PS-11 from $38,476 to $38,095.
Holly Carroll seconded. Backsen said they have good community support to make up the
difference and this will get us closer to a balanced budget. Carrol agreed.
The motion to fund PS-11 at $38,095 passed unanimously.
Margaret asked the board to review the full list. She asked for any changes.
PS-19 Homeless Gear 2nd revisit
Jamaal Curry made a motion to fund PS-19 at $5,500. Stephanie Mertens seconded.
Curry said this is a great program but when he compares it to other programs he feels
the goal should be to prevent people from becoming homeless. Mertens agreed. Taylor
Dunn suggested they fund half the 2nd priority, One Village One Family, and the full
request for priority 3, the Street Outreach Vehicle. He likes the organization and feels
it’s important to support and reward new programs rather than get stuck in supporting
the same programs over and over. Curry said to him the goal is to prevent this problem
from even existing and likes supporting programs that prevent homelessness.
The motion to fund PS-19 at $5,500 passed 4-3.
PS-27 Respite Care 2nd revisit
Jamaal Curry made a motion to restore funding for PS-27 from $29,000 to $30,000.
Stephanie Mertens seconded.
The motion to fund PS-27 at $30,000 passed 5-1 with one abstention, Margaret Long.
PS-20 Homelessness Prevention Initiative revisited
Taylor Dunn made a motion to increase funds for PS-20 to $39,000.
The motion died for lack of a second.
PS-15 The Family Center/La Familia 2nd revisit
Holly Carroll made a motion to restore the funding for PS-15 to $40,000. Stephanie
Mertens seconded. Carrol said affordable childcare is critical to keep parents working so
they can support their families. Mertens concurred.
Jamaal Curry made a friendly amendment to fund PS-15 at $39,750. Carroll did not
accept. Dunn noted that he is in favor of childcare but concerned that the board has cut
rental assistance from last year’s amount even though rents have gone up.
The motion to fund PS-20 at $40,000 passed 5-2.
PS-3 Boys & Girls Club 3rd revisit
Catherine Costlow made a motion to fund PS-3 at $23,000. Margaret Long seconded.
Costlow said we have decreased them twice trying to balance the budget. This is a
worthwhile program. Long agreed.
The motion to fund PS-3 at $23,000 passed 6-1.
The funds have all been allocated and the budget balanced. Chair Margaret Long asked
the Commission to do one more review. Upon no further comments she asked for a
motion to approve the funding matrix as shown.
Steve Backsen made a motion to adopt the funding matrix as presented. Stephanie
Mertens seconded. Taylor Dunn commented that rental assistance is still underfunded.
The motion to adopt the funding matrix as shown passed unanimously.
Sharon Thomas reminded the Commission that staff will determine which funding
source the money will come from.
Chair Margaret Long asked the Commission if they wanted to hold a meeting in May. It
was agreed to cancel the May 14 meeting. The next meeting is June 11, 2015 at 321
Maple Street.
The meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm.