HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Block Grant Commission - Minutes - 04/13/20171
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMISSION
FUNDING DELIBERATIONS
222 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins
April 13, 2017 6:00 P.M.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Taylor Dunn (Chair) Holly Carroll (Vice Chair)
Steve Backsen Annette Zacharias
Margaret Long Serena Robb
Sara Maranowicz
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT:
Anita Basham
Amy Dondale
STAFF PRESENT:
Sharon Thomas, Janet Freeman, Heidi Phelps, Beth Rosen, Tina Hopkins-Dukes
The meeting was called to order by Chair, Dunn at 6:02 p.m. with a quorum present.
The purpose of the meeting was to allocate funds requested during the 2017 Spring
Cycle of the Competitive Process. The Commission deliberated five Housing requests,
one Public Facility and 39 Public Service requests.
Taylor Dunn announced that since the FY2017 federal funding dollar amounts have not
been received, the dollar amount on the spreadsheet represents 75% of FY2016 CDBG
and HOME funding and that there is a possibility of receiving more or less. Dunn asked
for suggestions from the Commissioners on how to distribute the funds once received.
Steve Backsen suggested we allocate the funds we have and then decide the best way to
distribute the Federal funds at the end of this meeting. All agreed this was the best way
to handle this situation.
Dunn opened discussions in the Housing and Public Facility category and asked for
motions.
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HOUSING and PUBLIC FACILITY CATEGORY
HO-4 Housing Catalyst: Village on Horsetooth - $1,125,000 requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fully fund this program in the amount of $1,125,000.
Holly Carroll seconded. Long said that this is the last piece of the project and will have a
big impact once completed. Carroll mentioned that this is also the first development on
a City Land Bank property.
The motion to fund HO-4 at $1,125,000 passed unanimously.
HO-1 DMA Plaza: Rehabilitation - $1,000,000 requested
Annette Zacharias made a motion to fully fund this program in the amount of
$1,000,000. Holly Carroll seconded. Zacharias said that this property is a key component
of senior housing and would like to make sure to secure the property. Carroll agreed.
Margaret Long agreed with Zacharias and Carroll but was concerned about the amount
requested. Long felt some of the funding could be reserved for later.
The motion to fund HO-1 at $1,000,000 passed 6-0 with Margaret Long abstaining.
HO-3 Hendricks Communities: Northern Hotel - $425,000 requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fully fund this program in the amount of $425,000.
Taylor Dunn seconded. Long said this is the other property that is designated to seniors
and waiting will make this project more expensive and she feels it is important for the
comfort of the residents. Dunn seconded to hear the discussion. Holly Carroll expressed
concerns regarding the company and firm that owns the property now and if they would
come back for more funding in the future. Annette Zacharias expressed concerns as to
whether they would be able to spend the money in time.
The motion to fund HO-3 at $425,000 passed 4-2 with Serena Robb abstaining.
PF-01 United Way of Larimer County: Pine Street Roof Replacement & Masonry
Repair- $57,665 requested
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Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PF-1 in the amount of $0. Steve Backsen seconded.
Dunn said he does not believe that this project fits how these funds are intended,
funding a funder, and that the funds are not going to direct service. Backsen agreed
Holly Carroll added that this is not a priority for the City right now.
The motion to fund PF-01 at $0 passed 6-0 with Annette Zacharias abstaining.
HO-2 Habitat for Humanity: Harmony Cottages - $400,000 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fully fund this program in the amount of $400,000.
Margaret Long seconded. Carroll said she likes what they do and that it is a worthy
investment. Long agreed and said that even thought his is for a future project it is
prudent to purchase the land now. Taylor Dunn added that it would help the
organization in fundraising knowing that they have the property.
The motion to fund HO-2 at $400,000 passed unanimously.
HO-5 N2N: Clearview Roof & Sealing Exterior - $24,000 requested
Annette Zacharias made a motion to fully fund this program in the amount of $24,000.
Steve Backsen seconded. Zacharias said that it is valuable property to stabilize and the
requested amount is fairly low. Backsen agreed. Taylor Dunn said he is concerned with
the continued requests by this organization for rehabilitation projects which might be
labeled maintenance. Zacharias asked if we might be able to have the organization
define the project and address what their future plan will be.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment to request the organization provide a plan for
future routine maintenance which was accepted by Annette Zacharias.
Beth Rosen asked for clarification regarding releasing the funds. Taylor Dunn said that
the motion as passed would require the organization to provide a plan for future
maintenance before asking for any more capital funding for this property.
The amended motion to fund HO-5 at $24,000 passed unanimously.
Chair Taylor Dunn asked for a motion to approve the Housing matrix so moved by Holly
Carroll and seconded by Taylor Dunn.
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The motion to approve the Housing matrix passed unanimously.
PUBLIC SERVICE CATEGORY
PS-31 TEAM Wellness and Prevention: Pay It Forward-Alcohol Level II Classes - $34,050
requested
Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-31 at $0. Margaret Long seconded. Backsen
said that the services they offer are the same as other organizations. Long believed that
the funds they are requesting appear to be startup funding and was concerned that they
did not ask for technical assistance. Serena Robb also mentioned that the organization
would move forward with funding the program before City funds are available and the
funds received from this request would be reimbursement later which is an issue.
The motion to fund PS-31 at $0 passed unanimously.
PS-3 Bike Fort Collins: Upshift-Supporting Opportunity through Bikes - $8,880
requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fund PS-3 in the amount of $0. Steve Backsen
seconded. Long thinks this is a great program but is concerned with their ability to
administer the grant and they did not ask for technical assistance. Backsen would like to
see them collaborate with others for funding noting that Fort Collins is a very bicycle
friendly community with many bicycle resources. Holly Carroll mentioned that we were
the only source of funding for this project to which she disagrees with. Long said the
organization does have other funders but this is not a good time for us in terms of the
limited funds available.
The motion to fund PS-3 at $0 passed unanimously.
PS-21 Neighbor to Neighbor: Homelessness Prevention & 1st Month’s Rent -$80,000
requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fully fund PS-21 at $80,000. Annette Zacharias seconded.
Dunn stated there used to be two organizations providing rent assistance and now this
is the only one. Dunn said N2N is doing a great job and he would like to see funding
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increase. Zacharias agreed and stated the need will continue to increase. Steve Backsen
was not in agreement with the amount noting the lack of funding available.
The original motion to fund PS-21 at $80,000 passed 6-1.
PS-35 The Growing Project: Community Food Production, Education & Distribution
Program - $25,000 requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fund PS-35 at $0. Annette Zacharias seconded. Long
said this is a good program but she is concerned about their ability to administer the
grant regarding income data and they did not come in for technical assistance. Zacharias
said the organization is doing a good job on their own and the Commission has higher
priorities. Holly Carroll would like to fund a portion of the program.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment to fund PS-35 at $7,500 to cover a portion of
the Director’s salary but the amendment was rejected.
The motion to fund PS-35 at $0 passed 5-2.
PS-17 Heart of the Rockies, Kids at Heart: Fundango - $22,721 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-17 at $0. Steve Backsen seconded. Carroll said
the organization is not ready to receive funding at this time. Backsen agreed. Annette
Zacharias recommended a partial funding noting they are a new nonprofit and will not
be receiving funding from United Way as they serve disabled and high needs children.
Serena Robb mentioned that this program has been in operation for a while under a
different structure and are trying to establish as a nonprofit. Margaret Long agrees with
zero funding and wants the public to become aware of the need for such programs.
Robb suggested the organization decide how they are going to collect AMI data before
coming in for funding. Taylor Dunn likes the program but is concerned that they are not
ready.
Annette Zacharias made a friendly amendment of $10,000 which was not accepted.
The motion to fund PS-17 at $0 passed 5-2.
PS-20 Larimer County Partners: One to One Mentoring - $15,000 requested
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Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-20 at $0. Annette Zacharias seconded. Backsen
said this is a great program but would suggest they look to grant writing for additional
funding. Zacharias mentioned that the organization is not in grave need and the
Commission has higher priorities at this time to which Backsen agreed.
The motion to fund PS-20 at $0 passed 6-1.
PS-12 Disabled Resource Services: Access to Independence - $31,116 requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fully fund PS-12 at $31,116. Taylor Dunn seconded.
Long said this organization provides very good services and have shown excellent
administrative capacity. Long mentioned that this organization also lost funding through
United Way. Dunn seconded for discussion.
Steve Backsen made a friendly amendment to fund PS-12 at $27,000. Margret Long
rejected the amendment. Taylor Dunn mentioned that he does not agree with the
increase as we have higher priorities. Annette Zacharias agreed with Dunn.
The motion to fund PS-12 at $31,116 failed 1-6.
PS-32 The ARC of Larimer County: Neuropsychiatric Evaluations for I/DD Population -
$20,000 requested
Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-32 for $0. Holly Carroll seconded. Backsen said
this is a high individual cost. Carroll said this is a startup program and would like them to
come back with data.
Taylor Dunn would like to see some data and return on investment before the
organization comes back for funding. Annette Zacharias said this is not a startup
program, they just have not asked for money from us before for this program. Zacharias
stated the program will have problems trying to find funding since this service is very
specific and individual. Serena Robb said this is a program that could easily be partially
funded.
Annette Zacharias made a friendly amendment to fund at $14,000 which was rejected
by Backsen.
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The motion to fund PS-32 at $0 failed 3-3-1.
PS-19 Homeless Gear: Homeless Gear Programs- $35,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-19 at $33,000. Annette Zacharias seconded.
Dunn said they have shown outstanding work and used the money wisely in the past.
There is a large need for services for this population in the community. Zacharias agreed
and was impressed with how this organization took over management smoothly and in
such a short amount of time. Backsen agrees they provide a great service but mentioned
the amount of funding the Commission has provided this organization. Serena Robb
asked how the funds would be allocated. Robb suggested funding 25% of the salary
request. Holly Carroll questions providing funding for vehicle and warehouse services
since that is not direct service. Zacharias clarified the need for a warehouse and their
Outreach vehicle as direct service. Dunn agreed and said that gas and insurance is a part
of direct service in this organization.
The motion to fund PS-19 for $33,000 passed 5-2.
PS-18 Homeless Gear: Murphy Center Programs- $36,000 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-18 at $30,000. Steve Backsen seconded. Carroll
said the organization did a great job of getting things at the Murphy Center back on
track, Backsen said that last year this organization received a large amount of City
funding and that the proposed amount seems fair.
The motion to fund PS-18 at $30,000 passed unanimously.
PS-1 Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Education -
$10,000 requested
Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-1 at $5,940. Taylor Dunn seconded. Backsen
would like to fund the Coping With Mood Disorder guide as that would be dollars well
spent. Dunn did not have anything to add. Holly Carroll asked which resource guide was
more important to fund the RAPP program or this new one. Annette Zacharias asked if
this was even worth funding if we cut the funding back regarding reporting
requirements. Sharon Thomas clarified that this organization has a different reporting in
that they provide one or two invoices for printing costs, rather than monthly reporting.
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Taylor Dunn made a friendly amendment to fund PS-1 at $5,000. Steve Backsen rejected
the amendment.
The motion to fund PS-1 at $5,940 failed 2-5.
PS-7 Catholic Charities: Senior Services - $35,000 requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fund PS-7 at $30,000. Annette Zacharias seconded.
Long said this organization lost United Way funding and this is a valuable service which
provides wonderful case management. Zacharias mentioned she is concerned with their
losing funding from United Way and said they do a great job and this is a needed
service. Taylor Dunn does not believe it is the responsibility of this Commission to fill the
gap of United Way funding cuts. Dunn also feels like this organization might be able to
find other ways to get assistance. Steve Backsen said he would like to increase funding
from last year however not that high.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment to decrease the amount to $25,000. Margaret
Long accepted the amendment.
The amended motion to fund PS-7 for $25,000 passed 4-3.
PS-10 Colorado Health Network - NCAP: Northern Colorado AIDS Project - $7,500
requested
Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-10 at $7,000. Holly Carroll seconded. Backsen
said this organization is due for a bit of an increase and provides services for a unique
program. Backsen mentioned this was the only organization providing these services.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment to fully fund PS-10 at $7,500. Steve Backsen
accepted the amendment. Serena Robb mentioned that $1,000 of the request was for
the Regional Manager salary.
Holly Carroll asked to make a second amendment to her first amendment to decrease
funding to $6,500 and not fund the salary portion of the request. Steve Backsen rejected
the second amendment. Annette Zacharias clarified that the Regional Director acts as
their Executive Director and that they do not have a local administrator in that capacity.
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The amended motion to fund PS-10 at $7,500 passed 5-2.
PS-26 Respite Care: Childcare Scholarships - $35,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-26 at $30,000. Serena Robb seconded. Dunn said
they do good work and would like to keep consistent funding. Robb agreed and
mentioned they are the only organization providing this service. Steve Backsen would
like to fund them even higher at $32,000 since they have not had an increase in several
years. Dunn agreed but could not make the numbers add up and would like to give them
more.
The motion to fund PS-26 at $30,000 passed 6-1.
PS-14 Ensight Skills Center: Low Vision Training Program - $30,733 requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fund PS-14 at $0. Steve Backsen seconded. Long said
this is a good agency and they are growing however she had some concerns with the
grant and their capacity to administer and they did not come in for technical assistance.
Backsen agreed but had trouble trying to figure out how to fund a new program with
the limited funding available. Taylor Dunn mentioned the organization had been
encouraged to use technical assistance last year and was disappointed to see they did
not do that this year.
The motion to fund PS-14 at $0 passed unanimously.
PS-15 Food Bank for Larimer County: Kids Café - $33,000 requested
Annette Zacharias made a motion to fund PS-15 at $25,000. Taylor Dunn seconded.
Zacharias said this organization has done a great job with this program and provide
healthy, warm, fresh foods for children throughout the year. Their summer program is
important to children not in school. Dunn agreed but was not able to make an increase
in funding work with the funding available. Holly Carroll mentioned that the Food Bank
is an organization that has the capacity to fundraise and is well supported by the
community. Carroll suggested maintaining last year’s level of funding.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment to decrease funding to $23,500 which is the
same as last year. Zacharias accepted the amendment. Steve Backsen said he would like
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to fund at $25,000 and Taylor Dunn said this motion would get a yes from him where
the higher amount might not have.
The amended motion to fund PS-15 at $23,500 passed unanimously.
PS-2 B.A.S.E. Camp: Childcare Scholarships - $70,000 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-2 for $49,000. Margaret Long seconded. Carroll
said childcare scholarships are very important and would like to maintain funding even
though the need is growing. Long agreed and mentioned the importance of childcare
services during the summer.
Steve Backsen made a friendly amendment to increase funding to $51,000. The
amendment was rejected until after all funds have been allocated.
The motion to fund PS-2 at $49,000 passed unanimously.
PS-22 Neighbor to Neighbor: Housing Counseling - $60,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-22 at $32,500. Margaret Long seconded. Dunn
said housing continues to be a huge issue and they serve a needy population. This would
keep the organization at stable funding. Serena Robb commented that the Home Share
program is new. Holly Carroll questioned the request for funding 75% of salary which is
more than this Commission usually funds. Annette Zacharias also questioned the salary
request stating the request was 42% of the budget and is a lot to ask for this type of
funding. Dunn agreed and would like to have seen a more reasonable request for salary.
Zacharias mentioned that decreasing funding to half of the request would decrease the
percentage to around 24% which is reasonable.
The motion to fund PS-22 at $32,500 passed unanimously.
PS-23 Project Self-Sufficiency: Creating Pathways to Sufficiency - $30,000 requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fund PS-23 at $30,000. Annette Zacharias seconded.
Long stated this organization has a track record of long term success and the key to the
program is the case workers. Zacharias agreed and said they fill a gap that is unique.
The motion to fund PS-23 at $30,000 passed unanimously.
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Chair Taylor Dunn asked to take a quick five minute break and reconvene at 7:48pm.
PS-4 Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County: Great Futures Start Here - $30,000
requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-4 at $22,000. Holly Carroll seconded. Dunn said
this is close to the same funding as last year and this organization has a capacity to
fundraise. Carroll agreed.
Annette Zacharias said this is well worth funding and asked to make a friendly
amendment to fund the same as last year. Dunn rejected and said this organization
could make up the funds easily. Steve Backsen said he did not see an organization that
deserved a cut however this agency could manage with less than some of the others.
The motion to fund PS-4 at $22,000 passed unanimously.
PS -13 Elderhaus Adult Day Program: Community Based Therapeutic Care - $53,000
requested
Annette Zacharias made a motion to fund PS-13 at $38,500. Taylor Dunn seconded.
Zacharias said this is a unique organization and their reporting is great. They are doing a
great job. Dunn agreed and said they do great work. Steve Backsen said he would have
an issue if we cut back on funding. Holly Carroll agreed and said with the new facility the
need is greater. Margaret Long mentioned this organization was cut from funding by
United Way.
The motion to fund PS-13 at $38,500 passed 6-0 with Margret Long abstaining.
PS-5 CASA Program: Court Appointed Special Advocates - $31,429 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-5 at $12,000. Margaret Long seconded. Dunn
would like to fund more than last year and wanted to keep them at least at the same
level as last year. Long said the advocates are the one stable adult for the children which
is why this is important. Sara Maranowicz said this topic is in the newspaper recently
and the need is severe and asked for an increase to $15,000. Steve Backsen said he
would like to increase to $14,000 as this is a very vulnerable population.
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Maranowicz made a friendly amendment to fund at $15,000 which was rejected.
Taylor Dunn asked to increase his original motion to $13,500. Margaret Long seconded
Dunn’s amendment.
The motion to fund PS-5 at $13,500 passed 6-1.
PS-6 CASA Program: Harmony House Supervised Visitation Center - $31,046 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-6 at $15,000. Margaret Long seconded. Carroll
said this is a very important program that allows the child to have visits with parents in a
safe environment and would help case management funding too. Long replied with
ditto. Serena Robb mentioned her concerns that many of the organizations that used to
use the Harmony House are now providing their own supervised visits which led to
closing of the Loveland location. Steve Backsen asked if the organization’s numbers
served had decreased to which Sharon Thomas answered no, they didn’t. Margaret Long
mentioned the organization is seeing an increase in need. Backsen said he would like to
increase their funding. Annette Zacharias said she would increase funding to this
organization also. Taylor Dunn also agreed with increasing funding however could not
make it work.
The motion to fund PS-6 at $15,000 passed unanimously.
PS-8 Catholic Charities: The Mission Shelter - $70,000 requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fund PS-8 at $30,000. Steve Backsen seconded. Long
said this is a very valuable service and wants to keep funding same as last year. Backsen
did not have anything to add. Annette Zacharias mentioned this would keep funding
stable. Taylor Dunn reminded the Commission that this organization may be able to
receive more funding when the amount of federal money is known.
The motion to fund PS-8 at $30,000 passed unanimously.
PS-9 ChildSafe Colorado: Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program - $40,000 requested
Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-9 at $37,000. Taylor Dunn seconded. Backsen
said this is a vulnerable population. Dunn seconded for discussion. Holly Carroll said she
is very supportive of this organization too and this would be 93% of their request.
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The motion to fund PS-9 at $37,000 passed 6-0 with Taylor Dunn abstaining.
PS-34 The Family Center/La Familia: Childcare Scholarships Program - $50,000
requested
Annette Zacharias made a motion to fund PS-34 at $40,000. Holly Carroll seconded.
Zacharias mentioned this is the same amount of funding as last year and there is a huge
need. The waiting list is very long. Carroll agreed and said this is a great program.
The motion to fund PS-34 at $40,000 passed unanimously.
PS-39 Volunteers of America: Home Delivered Meal Service - $38,500 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-39 at $31,000. Annette Zacharias seconded.
Dunn said this is an organization that is serving a needy population and doing a great
job. Zacharias mentioned that this program goes beyond just food as they mentioned in
their presentation. The home delivered meals also reduce isolation and loneliness. Steve
Backsen said that increasing the amount would be appropriate as they even help seniors
stay in their homes. Long mentioned this organization also lost funding from United
Way.
Holly Carroll made a friendly amendment to increase funding to $33,000. Dunn
accepted the amendment.
The amended motion to fund PS-39 at $33,000 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 $49,000. Margaret Long seconded. Carroll
said this is a little more than last year and these scholarships are needed for these
children. Long replied with ditto. Steve Backsen said he would like to increase funding to
$51,000.
The motion to fund PS-30 at $49,000 passed unanimously.
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PS-29 Summit Stone Health Partners: Essential Mental Health Services at the Murphy
Center - $27,200 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-29 at $18,000. Margaret Long seconded. Dunn
said the need is there at the Murphy Center and the Center is being run well which is
generating more need. Long had nothing to add.
The motion to fund PS-29 at $18,000 passed unanimously.
PS-28 Summit Stone Health Partners: Community Behavioral Health Treatment
Program - $27,200 requested
Margaret Long made a motion to fund PS-28 at $25,000. Annette Zacharias seconded.
Long said this is a critical program and cost effective. Zacharias agreed and said the
organization is doing a great job with this population.
The motion to fund PS-28 at $25,000 passed unanimously.
PS-36 The Matthews House: Empowering Youth Program - $35,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-36 at $19,000. Annette Zacharias seconded.
Dunn said this organization has solid standing in the community and did not want to cut
funding only shave a little off to make up for funding the rent assistance program.
Zacharias said they are doing a great job at fundraising and would have given them
$20,000.
The motion to fund PS-36 at $19,000 passed unanimously.
PS-27 SAVA Center: Sexual Assault Victim Services - $50,000 requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-27 at $25,459. Steve Backsen seconded. Carroll
said this would fund their top two priorities and they are doing great work. Backsen had
nothing to add. Annette Zacharias mentioned the great work the organization is doing
and how much they have grown and felt they should receive more funding. Taylor Dunn
mentioned they did a great job writing their request.
The motion to fund PS-27 at $25,459 passed unanimously.
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PS-16 Health District of Northern Larimer County: Dental Connections - $36,500
requested
Holly Carroll made a motion to fund PS-16 at $15,000. Taylor Dunn seconded. Carroll
said this is for their Care Coordinator and is less than asked for last year. Dunn talked
about last year and this organization’s request to fund two positions which they later
requested to make changes to fund only one. Annette Zacharias asked if their numbers
decreased but no one had an answer. Zacharias said this position is serving a population
that does not have access to dental care elsewhere and we should not cut their funding.
Sara Maranowicz queried if the Health District could make up the rest of the funding.
Margaret Long mentioned that the organization no longer has outside funding because
that was startup money for a five year pilot which has ended. Steve Backsen said this is
the third year in a row that we have cut back on their funding.
Carroll amended her motion to fund PS-16 at $18,500. Backsen seconded. Carroll said
dental care is very important and often neglected. Backsen agreed and said that dental
issues can lead to other health problems and that this organization serves low income
adults. Zacharias said that the providers often give their services for little cost.
Maranowicz was unclear why the Health District could not provide more funding.
Serena Robb mentioned that the organization would cut services if they do not receive
our funding.
The motion to fund PS-16 at $18,500 passed 5-2.
PS-25 RVNA Colorado Visiting Nurse Association: In Home Support Services – Keeping
Older Adults Independent in Their Home - $35,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-25 at $20,000. Holly Carroll seconded. Dunn said
he has concerns regarding this program and wished Anita Basham was present to speak
about her concerns. Carroll said she thinks Basham was concerned with the little
amount of money that was going to the nurses. Margaret Long said that the request is
not for skilled care workers and the Office on Aging helps with that funding. Long said
the Office on Aging does not fund individuals under age 60. Annette Zacharias asked
about Medicaid and Medicare funding. Long said that those programs do fund some
things but it is age based. Annette Zacharias has concerns about their business model
and their billing processes. Steve Backsen was impressed with the merger and
mentioned that they serve a vulnerable population. Backsen said keeping people in their
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homes is a great investment. Dunn is concerned about the population and who is
utilizing the funds.
Taylor Dunn rescinded this motion after much discussion.
PS-37 Turning Point Center for Youth and Family Development: Crisis Intervention
Services - $30,000 requested
Annette Zacharias made a motion to fund PS-37 at $12,500. Margaret Long seconded.
Zacharias said there is very little inpatient services and this organization is doing a great
job with teens. Long replied with ditto. Steve Backsen said that holding at the same as
last year might be a cut since the increase in need. Long agreed the need is up.
The motion to fund PS-37 at $12,500 passed unanimously.
PS-11 Crossroads Safehouse: Advocacy Project - $118,727 requested
Serena Robb made a motion to discuss PS-11. Annette Zacharias seconded. Robb said
this is a large request and there are many concerns regarding the organization.
Zacharias said she understands the need, however their request is $80,000 more than
they received last year. Holly Carroll questioned some things that should not have been
in the request, like utilities. Steve Backsen said this is an important service but we
cannot provide their full request. Taylor Dunn said he echoed the concerns about asking
for more money and believes that this is a critical service. However, the City needs to
make sure they are funding a program that is doing a good job. Dunn mentioned that
asking for that much money from the City puts the Commissioners in a hard place. Dunn
said that we need to fund organizations that are healthy and well run and the City was
not made aware of the problems the organization was having. Heidi Phelps said that this
organization does quarterly reporting and although it is a stipulation of receiving federal
funding, they have not reported any problems to her as the Administrator. Phelps made
some clarification on funding conditions around certain money. Zacharias said she is
concerned about the organizations communication with funders. Serena Robb is
concerned with the organization asking for funding from other areas in the City and is
concerned that they are not reaching out for help. Robb said we need indication that
this will not be an ongoing problem. Sara Maranowicz said the organization is reaching
out and she would abstain from this vote. Backsen said it seems they are struggling to
rally the community which concerns him. Dunn said he would like to see them
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collaborate with other organizations better which does not appear to be something they
are willing to consider.
Carroll made a motion to fund PS-11 at $40,634 to fund their first priority. Steve
Backsen seconded. Carroll said they have to have better communication with
administrators that addresses their managerial issues. A suggestion was made to have
Crossroads respond to questions by the Commission in a report. Sharon Thomas asked
to clarify what it means to provide good communication and what happens if the report
they file does not please the Commission. Maranowicz asked for specifics regarding
what the Commission is looking for. Robb asked how we make sure we get the
information we want. We may get the same reports from them we are already receiving
which do not indicate any problems. Maranowicz said to name the areas we want them
to address and give a timeline and give them the context that you are looking at.
Zacharias is concerned that Council may overrule this Commission since this
organization is asking for another $100,000 to $150,000 from the City.
Dunn made an amendment to fund PS -11 at $40,634 contingent on a report to the
Commission prior to releasing funds. The report would need to address Board
Governance, finances, and leadership. Holly Carroll accepted the amendment. A team of
Commissioners will meet to create the requirements in a memo for this report by the
end of April.
The motion to fund PS-11 at $40,634 passed 6-0 with Sara Maranowicz abstaining.
Chair Taylor Dunn asked for a short five minute break. Upon returning Janet Freeman
showed the Commissioners what the reports for Crossroads Safehouse look like and
Sharon Thomas provided clarification on the questions regarding RVNA. Thomas said
RVNA has been moving towards homecare rather than skilled nursing.
PS-38 Voices Carry Child Advocacy Center: Victim Services - $25,000 requested
Serena Robb made a motion to fund PS-38 at $22,000. Annette Zacharias seconded.
Robb said this organization is doing amazingly well and she would give more. Zacharias
agreed. Holly Carroll said this would fund their first priority. Steve Backsen mentioned
that this organization cannot accept money from their clients.
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The motion to fund PS-38 at $22,000 passed unanimously.
PS-24 Project Self-Sufficiency: Healthy Families Program - $30,000 requested
Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-24 at $8,000. Taylor Dunn seconded for
discussion. Backsen said this agency is well run and doing a great job. Holly Carroll has
concerns about funding a new program. Sara Maranowicz wondered if they could
collaborate with other community partners to offer some of their services without
creating a new program. Margaret Long said collaborating with others for this
population can make it difficult to move forward. Annette Zacharias mentioned whether
this is a needed position.
The motion to fund PS-24 at $8,000 failed 1-6.
PS-24 Project Self-Sufficiency: Healthy Families Program - $30,000 requested
Annette Zacharias made a motion to fund PS-24, Cars for Families Program specifically,
at $8,000. Steve Backsen seconded. Zacharias said this is a unique program and is
necessary. Backsen agreed and mentioned this would fund direct service rather than a
position. Taylor Dunn said he would like to roll this funding into the other grant rather
than funding a new program. Serena Robb mentioned this might be a new position.
The motion to fund PS-24 specifically Cars for Families Program at $8,000 failed 3-4.
PS-25 RVNA Colorado Visiting Nurse Association: In Home Support Services – Keeping
Older Adults Independent in Their Home - $35,000 requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-25 at $20,000. Annette Zacharias seconded.
Dunn would like to fully fund their second priority. Zacharias said they do serve a need
in the community and although this is less money than last year this would allow them
to continue to serve. Holly Carroll mentioned that their request is for homemaker care.
The motion to fund PS-25 at $20,000 passed unanimously.
PS-24 Project Self-Sufficiency: Healthy Families Program – revisited
Margret Long made a motion to fund PS-24 at $0. Taylor Dunn seconded. Long said she
would like to see them start the program and then come back later for funding and
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there is not money for a new program. Dunn agreed and said he would like to see some
results first.
The motion to fund PS-24 at $0 passed 6-1.
PS-32 The ARC of Larimer County: Neuropsychiatric Evaluations for I/DD Population -
revisited
Steve Backsen made a motion to fund PS-32 at $0. Margret Long seconded. Backsen said
we do not have money to fund new programs right now. Long said this is a good
program but would like to see them pilot the program and then come back.
The motion to fund PS-32 at $0 passed 5-2.
PS -33 The Center for Family Outreach: Low-Income Scholarship Program - $20,000
requested
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-33 at $8,000. Holly Carroll seconded. Dunn said
this would keep funding stable keeping them at the same as last year. Carroll agreed.
Annette Zacharias said she has concerns about their stability as well as their area of
service. Serena Robb mentioned that their numbers served are low. Sharon Thomas said
the organization said the reason for low numbers is that they are fulfilling another grant
right now and their numbers will go up in the summer. Robb mentioned the
organization said the reason behind their problems was due to the health of their
Executive Director which is concerning. Thomas also mentioned that the organization is
looking for a new location as they have been asked to leave by the end of this year.
The motion to fund PS-33 at $8,000 failed 0-7.
PS-1 Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Education –
revisited
Taylor Dunn made a motion to fund PS-1 at $5,000. Margaret Long seconded. Dunn said
suicide prevention is important and their request is reasonable. Long replied with ditto.
Steve Backsen mentioned how important the discussions around suicide are as well as
the printed material. Serena Robb asked why we started funding this type of program.
Heidi Phelps discussed the reasons behind funding this program. Phelps mentioned that
this organization had built a lot of bridges in the school and the Commission began
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funding them five or six years ago. Dunn mentioned that this topic is hard to fundraise.
Backsen mentioned the number of students reached is impactful.
The motion to fund PS-1 at $5,000 passes unanimously.
PS-12 Disabled Resource Services: Access to Independence - $31,116 revisited
Annette Zacharias made a motion to fund PS-12 at $30,000. Margret Long seconded.
Zacharias said there is still a gap to be filled for this population. Long agreed.
The motion to fund PS-12 at $30,000 passed unanimously.
PS -33 The Center for Family Outreach: Low-Income Scholarship Program – revisited
Annette Zacharias made a motion to fund PS-33 at $0. Margret Long seconded.
Zacharias said the organization needs to look at how they are doing things and make
some changes to their program. Long agreed.
The motion to fund PS-33 at $0 passed 4-3.
Chair Taylor Dunn asked to take a quick break to allow staff time to make sure the
matrix is correct.
PS-26 Respite Care: Childcare Scholarships – revisited
Taylor Dunn made a motion to increase funding for PS-26 to $31,000. Margret Long
seconded. Dunn said this is a good program and they are doing good work. Long replied
with ditto.
The motion to increase funding of PS-26 to $31,000 passed unanimously.
PS-2 B.A.S.E. Camp: Childcare Scholarships – revisited
Holly Carroll made a motion to increase funding for PS-2 to $50,000. Steve Backsen
seconded. Carroll said we need to fund childcare scholarships. Backsen agreed and
mentioned keeping funding levels.
The motion to increase funding of PS-2 to $50,000 passed unanimously.
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PS -13 Elderhaus Adult Day Program: Community Based Therapeutic Care – revisted
Annette Zacharias made a motion to increase funding for PS-13 to $39,976. Margret
Long seconded. Zacharias said this program has expanded. Long replied with ditto.
The motion to increase funding for PS-13 to $39,976 passed unanimously.
PS-39 Volunteers of America: Home Delivered Meal Service – revisited
Serena Robb made a motion to increase funding of PS-39 to $39,000. Margret Long
seconded. Robb said this is a good place to allocate the extra funds. Long agreed.
The motion to increase funding for PS-39 to $39,000 passed unanimously.
The funds have all been allocated and the budget balanced. Chair Taylor Dunn asked the
Commission to do one more review. Upon no further comments he asked for a motion to
approve the funding matrix as shown.
Steve Backsen made a motion to accept the matrix seconded by Holly Carroll.
The motion to adopt the funding matrix as shown passed unanimously.
Taylor Dunn asked the Commission to create a plan for how to allocate the funding once
the actual federal funding amounts are known. What to do with any extra funding that
may come in and how to decrease funding if we do not get more funds.
Margret Long made a motion to give extra funds to childcare programs for scholarships.
Taylor Dunn seconded for discussion. Sharon Thomas asked the Commission to
distinguish which childcare organizations to fund. After much discussion the
Commission suggested Teaching Tree, Respite Care, Family Center/La Familia, B.A.S.E.
Camp, and Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Elderhaus, RVNA, VOA, and Homeless Gear.
Taylor Dunn made an amendment to give an equal percent of the additional funding to
the agencies that are not fully funded. Annette Zacharias seconded. Margret Long
accepted the amendment.
The motion to allocate any additional funding to those recommended for funding, but
not full funding, by equal percentage passed unanimously.
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Taylor Dunn made a motion to decrease funding by equal percentage for all agencies
funded if the additional funding does not come through. Holly Carroll seconded.
The motion to decrease funding by equal percentage for all agencies funded if the
additional funding does not come in passed unanimously.
Chair Taylor Dunn thanked everyone for their hard work and declared the meeting
adjourned at 11:11 pm.