HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 11/16/2010 - PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION 2010-071 APPROVING T DATE: November 16, 2010 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY '
STAFF: Ken Waido FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
Public Hearing and Resolution 2010-071 Approving the Programs and Projects that Will Receive Funds from the
Federal Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Programs, and
the City's Affordable Housing Fund.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Adoption of this Resolution will complete the fall cycle of the competitive process for allocating $1,295,603 of City
financial resources to affordable housing and community development programs/projects and planning and
administrative purposes.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Resolution 2010-070 establishes which programs and projects will receive funding for the FY 2010 Program year,
which started on October 1, 2010, including the use of HOME grant funds and program income, unprogrammed FY
2010 CDBG funds, and funds from the City's Affordable Housing Fund. The CDBG Commission presents a list of
recommendations as to which programs and projects should receive funding.
The following table summarizes the amount and sources of available funds:
AMOUNT SOURCE
$379,315 FY 2010 CDBG Entitlement Grant
35,535 FY 2010 CDBG Entitlement Grant Available for Planning/Administration
511,906 FY 2010 HOME Participating Jurisdiction Grant
102,381 FY 2010 HOME CHDO Set-aside
73,133 FY 2010 HOME Program Income
4,443 FY 2010 HOME Program Income Available for Program Administration
188,890 2010 Affordable Housing Fund
1 295 603 1 Total Funding Available
Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) funds are HOME grant funds required to be specifically
earmarked for use by CHDOs in the City. City CHDOs include CARE Housing, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, and the Fort
Collins Housing Corporation. Available CDBG funds are funds from the FY 2010 CDBG Entitlement Grant that are
unprogrammed and are available to be allocated to specific programs and projects.
This past spring, staff reported to Council that the City's FY 2010 CDBG Entitlement Grant and Program Income
totaled an amount of$1,189,054. HUD regulations limit a maximum of 20%of these funds,or$237,811,for planning
and program administrative purposes. On June 15, 2010, Council adopted Resolution 2010-033, which included
$202,276 for CDBG Program Administration,leaving$35,535 of CDBG funds for planning and administrative purposes
available for allocation during the fall cycle of the competitive process.
Also this past spring, staff reported that the FY 2010 HOME Participating Jurisdiction Grant totaled $682,541. HUD
regulations allow a maximum of 10% of the grant for administrative purposes, or $68,254. Since the spring, the
Finance Department has determined there will be$43,430 of FY 2010 HOME Program Income available for the fall
cycle. HUD regulations also permit a maximum of 10% of HOME Program Income, or $4,443, for program
administration.
The$35,535 of CDBG funds and the $4,443 of Home funds available for planning and administration purposes are
included in the table above,which lists the funds available for allocation during the fall cycle of the competitive process.
Subtracting out the total of$39,978 of CDBG and HOME funds available for planning and administration leaves a total
of$1,255,625 available for affordable housing programs and projects.
November 16, 2010 -2- ITEM 20
FINANCIAL/ ECONOMIC IMPACTS
The Home Investment Partnership(HOME)Program and the Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)Program,
provide federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)to the City of Fort Collins which
can be allocated to housing and community development related programs and projects, thereby, reducing the
demand on the City's General Fund Budget to address such needs. Together, the HOME and CDBG programs
provide almost $2 million of federal funds to the City. The City's General Fund contributes $189,890 from the
Affordable Housing Fund for allocation during the competitive process.
Through the provision of affordable housing, more of Fort Collins'work force can reside within the community. This
means there is an available labor pool within the city, which is a positive benefit to economic sustainability.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Affordable housing programs help provide for a healthy environment. By offering affordable housing options for lower
income people, more of Fort Collins'work force can live in the community instead of being forced to live outside the
community and commute into the city for work. This helps reduce traffic congestion and, thus, improves air quality.
Affordable housing developers, including for-profit and non-profit agencies, are utilizing green building practices.
Green building practices are being used in both new construction and major rehabilitation of existing unit projects.
These practices include geo-thermal applications and other energy saving techniques.
All affordable housing projects utilizing federal funds are required to pass a HUD environmental review which covers
such items as noise impacts, floodplains, hazardous materials, etc.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The CDBG Commission presents recommendations as to which programs and projects should receive funding from
the available funding sources presented above.
The following tables present the allocations recommended by the Commission to the City Council within each major
category:
PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
Applicant Funding Commission's Unfunded Percentage of
Project/Program Request Recommendation Balance Request Funded
AD-1 CITY.— $35,535 $35,535 $0 100%
CONSOLIDATED PLAN _
IMPLEMENTATION
AD-2 CITY—HOME $4,443 $4,443 $0 100%
PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATION
November 16, 2010 -3- ITEM 20
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Applicant Funding Commission's Unfunded Percentage of
Project/Program Request Recommendation Balance Re uest Funded
HO-1 CITY —HOME $50,000 $50,000 $0 100%
BUYER ASSISTANCE
HO-2 CARE — $50,000 $0 $50,000 0%
CONSTRUCTION (Grant)
CONSULTANT AND
LEASING AGENT
HO-3 FC CARIBOU II $300,000 $300,000 $0 100%
—CARIBOU
APARTMENTSII
HO-4 FORT COLLINS $720,600 $290,000 $430,000 40%
HOUSING
CORPORATION &
CORNERSTONE—
LEGACY SENIOR
RESIDENCES
HO-5 HARVEST $585,000 $0 $585,000 0%
CONSTRUCTION &
FORT COLLINS
HOUSING AUTHORITY
—SPRING CREEK
APARTMENTS
HO-6 LOVELAND $110,000 $110,000 $0 100%
HOUSING AUTHORITY (Grant)
—LHIP PROGRAM
Except for the Grant noted above, funding recommendations in the Affordable Housing category are
in the form of a"Due on Sale Loan + 5% Simple Interest Loan."
The following table summarizes the utilization of funds from all sources.
Recommended Funding % of Total Category
$750,000 57.9% Affordable Housing Programs and Projects
39,978 3.1% Planning and Administration
505,625 39.0% Unallocated
1 295 603 100.0% Total Funds Available
The$505,625 of unallocated funding will be carried over to the 2011 spring cycle of the competitive process.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
The CDBG Commission holds at least two public hearings during a program year to solicit public comments regarding
the use of federal funds by the City. One hearing is conducted in January where the public is asked to comment on
the priorities for the use of federal funds in the city. The second hearing is conducted in September where the
Commission reports back to the community and covers the previous year's utilization of federal funds and previews
the upcoming year's proposed use of federal funds.
HUD regulations also require a 30-day public comment period on the proposed allocation of HOME and CDBG funds
as recommended by the CDBG Commission. Staff placed an ad in the Coloradoan newspaper presenting the list of
November 16, 2010 -4- ITEM 20
recommended funding for programs/projects and indicated the public comment period would start on October 15,
2010, and end on November 15, 2010. No comments were received.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Background and Summary of the CDBG Commission's Recommendations for Funding
2. Background Information on the Competitive Process
3. Affordable Housing Board's List of Priority Projects
4. Background Information on the CDBG and HOME Federal Programs
5. Minutes of the CDBG Commission's October 16, 2010 Meeting
6. Formulation of Funding Recommendations Session
ATTACHMENT 1
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF CDBG COMMISSION'S
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUNDING
At the November 16, 2010, regular City Council meeting, the Council will be conducting a public
hearing and consider the adoption of a resolution establishing which programs and projects will
receive funding from the federal Home Investment Partnership (HOME) and Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs and the City's Affordable Housing Fund for the FY
2010 Program year.
The resolution establishing which programs and projects will receive funds represents the
culmination of the fall cycle of the 2010 Competitive Process approved in January 2000 by the
Council for the allocation of the City's financial resources to affordable housing
programs/projects and community development activities. Additional background material about
the Competitive Process is included in Attachment 2.
Since early January of this year, the CDBG Commission and members of the City staff's
Affordable Housing Team have conducted public hearings to assess community development and
housing needs in Fort Collins, conducted technical assistance training workshops for applicants,
and solicited applications for funding. The City's Affordable Housing Board reviewed the
written applications for affordable housing projects and forwarded a priority ranking of proposals,
as well as comments and questions, to the CDBG Commission. See Attachment 3 for a copy of
the Board's materials sent to the CDBG Commission. The CDBG Commission, in addition to
reviewing the written applications, personally interviewed each applicant, analyzed the
applications, and formulated a list of recommendations to the City Council as to which programs
and projects should receive funding.
The CDBG and HOME Programs are ongoing grant administration programs funded by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City of Fort Collins has received
CDBG Program funds since 1975 and HOME Program funds since 1994. The City is an
Entitlement recipient of CDBG funds and a Participating Jurisdiction recipient of HOME funds,
meaning the City is guaranteed a certain level of funding each year. The level of funding is
dependent on the total amount of funds allocated.to the programs by Congress and on a formula
developed by HUD, which includes data on total population, minorities as a percentage of
population, income levels, housing stock conditions, etc. Additional background information on
the City's HOME and CDBG Programs is presented in Attachment 4.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for the City's FY 2010 Competitive Process began in January when the
CDBG Commission held a public hearing to obtain citizen input on community development and
affordable housing needs. The City's Advance Planning Department placed legal advertisements
in local newspapers starting in July to solicit requests for housing and community development
projects for FY 2010. The application deadline was Thursday August 18, 2010. At the close of
the deadline the City received eight (8) applications requesting a total of approximately
1
$1,854,978. Copies of the housing applications were distributed to the Affordable Housing Board
and copies of all applications were distributed to the CDBG Commission.
On Thursday September 16, 2010, the Affordable Housing Board conducted a special meeting to
review the housing proposals and prepared a priority listing of applications to the CDBG
Commission. On Thursday September 23 the Commission met to hear presentations and ask
clarification questions from each applicant. The Commission then met on Thursday October 14
for the purpose of preparing a recommendation to the City Council as to which programs and
projects should be funded for the FY 2010 program year. At this meeting, the Commission
reviewed the written applications, the applicant's verbal presentation, the information provided
during the question and answer session, and reviewed the performance of agencies who received
funding in other previous years. The Commission then worked on the formulation of their list of
recommendations.
CDBG COMMISSION'S LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The Commission had to decide which applicants presented programs and projects which best fit
the City's needs, had to insure funding allocations were kept within HUD regulations, and
followed the priorities contained in the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan.
Listed below is a summary of each applicant's initial request for funding and the Commission's
funding recommendations.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING APPLICATIONS
HO-1 City of Fort Collins—Home Buyer Assistance
Amount of initial request: $200,000
Amount of revised request: $ 50,000
Funding Recommendation: $ 50,000
The City of Fort Collins Advance Planning Department administers a Home Buyer Assistance
Program that provides downpayment and closing cost loans to income-eligible households,
usually households between 51-80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The revised application
requests $50,000. The recipients of the loans typically are able to afford to own a home but lack
the required out of pocket expenses to complete the purchase. The program plans to provide
assistance to a minimum of 10 households with the funding.
HO-2 CARE Housing—Provincetowne Construction Consultant and Leasing Agent
Amount of request: $50,000
Funding Recommendation: $0
CARE has submitted an application requesting $50,000 for a CHDO capacity grant for hiring
both a construction manager and part time leasing agent through construction and stabilized
occupancy. Provincetowne is a new construction, 85-unit "Green Communities" multi-family
affordable housing rental development, targeted towards families between 30% - 50% of Area
Median Income (AMI). The Provincetowne site is located west of the intersection of Trilby Road
2
and Lemay Avenue, at the southern edge of Fort Collins. The entire project will eventually total
156 units.
HO-3 FC Caribou I1 L.P.—Caribou Apartments II
Amount of request: $300,000
Funding Recommendation: $300,000
Caribou Apartments II is a 96 unit apartment complex, the second phase of an existing affordable
housing development called Caribou Apartments. The first phase was completed in 2008. Phase 11
will be 100% affordable with units at multiple income levels ranging from 30% to 60% AMI.
There will be 36 one bedroom/one bath units and 60 two bedroom/two bath units. Funds will be
used for construction costs (tap fees).
HO-4 Fort Collins Housing Corporation/Cornerstone Associates—Legacy Senior
Residences
Amount of request: $720,000
Funding Recommendation: $290,000
Legacy Senior Residences is a joint venture between the Fort Collins Housing Corporation and
Cornerstone Associates, LLC to provide affordable senior housing in downtown Fort Collins. The
applicant wishes to utilize CDBG funding for specific costs related to the development of a new-
construction 72 unit affordable senior complex to be located at 411 Linden. The funds will be
used for the following project-specific costs: on-site infrastructure, engineering and construction
costs related to green development.
HO-5 Harvest Construction/Fort Collins Housing Authority—Spring Creek Apartments
Amount of request: $585,000
Funding Recommendation: $0
Spring Creek Apartments is a new construction affordable housing rental project that will consist
of 120 units. Units will be affordable for families ranging from 30 % to 60% AMI. The project
will be located at the NW corner of Timberline and Drake. The project will be built "Green" with
the latest technologies applied to lower utilities usage. and costs. Funding will be used for
construction costs (tap fees).
HO-6 Housing Authority of Loveland—Larimer Home Improvement Program (LHIP)
Amount of request: $110,000
Funding Recommendation: $110,000
The Larimer Home Improvement Program offers single family owner-occupied households with
incomes that do not exceed 80% of the AMI, 0% to 5% interest rate loans to make needed repairs,
specifically aimed at improving health, safety, over-crowding, and energy efficiency. The interest
rate is determined by the family's income. The program offers up to $24,999 with flexible terms
to fit within the family's budget. This request is for $110,000 of which $10,000 would be for the
emergency funds program, $80,000 in client dollars, and $20,000 for program administration.
3
PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION APPLICATIONS
AD-1 City of Fort Collins—Consolidated Plan Implementation
Amount of request: $35,535
Funding Recommendation: $35,535
This is a request to utilize the balance of the eligible FY 2010 CDBG Entitlement Grant and
Program Income funding for Planning and Administration purposes related to the CDBG Program
and implementation of the Consolidated Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in June.
Funds for Planning and Administration are limited to a maximum of 20% of the Entitlement
Grant and Program Income. This past spring, the Council approved the use of$202,276 out of
the maximum of $237,811 of CDBG funds from the Planning and Administration category for
direct administration of the CDBG Program, including contract preparation, recipient monitoring,
completing required HUD reports, etc. Coordinated with the City's 2011-2012 Budget, this
request reflects the need for additional financial resources to be used for CDBG Program related
Consolidated Plan implementation staff work. The funding will cover costs for personnel
services for the Chief Planner position in the Advance Planning Department.
AD-2 City of Fort Collins—HOME Program Administration
Amountofrequest: $4,443
Funding Recommendation: $4,443
This is a housekeeping request to allocate 10% of FY 2010 HOME Program Income for
administrative purposes. HUD HOME Program regulations allow the use of 10% of the HOME
Participating Jurisdictions Grant and Program Income for administrative purposes. When the
initial FY 2010 HOME Program administration budget was estimated last spring, only the FY
2010 HOME Entitlement Grant ($682,541) was used to calculate the 10% Administrative Budget
($68,254). The Finance Department has since reported that $44,430 of HOME Program Income
would also be available, thus, the request to add $4,443 to the HOME Program Administration
budget.
The CDBG Commission has recommended that $789,978 (61.0%) of the available funding be
allocated with $750,000 (57.9%) going to Affordable Housing programs and projects and $39,978
(3.1%) going to Planning and Administration. The remaining $505,625 of unallocated funding
will be carried over for use in the 2011 spring cycle of the competitive process. The following
table summarizes the utilization of funds from all sources.
Recommended Funding % of Total Category
$750,000 57.9% Affordable Housing Programs and Projects
39,978 3.1% Planning and Administration
505,625 39.0% Unallocated
$1,295,603 100.0% Total Funds Available
Attachment 5 contains information on how the Commission's session where they formulate their
funding recommendations was conducted.
4
ATTACHMENT 2
Background Information on the Competitive Process for the
Allocation of City Financial Resources to
Affordable Housing Programs/Projects and
Other Community Development Activities
In February of 1999, the City Council approved the initial Priority Affordable Housing Needs
and Strategies report, which contained the following strategy:
Change from an administrative funding mechanism...to a competitive application process
for the Affordable Housing Fund.
Between September and November of 1999, a subcommittee consisting of members from the
Affordable Housing Board and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commission
met with staff to review issues and develop options for establishment of a Competitive Process.
In addition, the staff solicited ideas from existing affordable housing providers. The
subcommittee established the following Mission Statement for their work:
Develop a competitive application process and establish a set of shared criteria for the
allocation of the City's financial assistance resources to affordable housing
projects/programs that address the City's priority affordable housing needs.
Competitive Process
Five options for a Competitive Process were reviewed and discussed by the subcommittee. The
subcommittee reached a general consensus to support a Competitive Process that involved both
the Affordable Housing Board and the CDBG Commission. The option selected would have the
Affordable Housing Board providing recommendations to the City Council in regards to
affordable housing policy. In addition, the option would have the Affordable Housing Board
reviewing all affordable housing applications for CDBG, HOME and Affordable Housing funds.
The Board would then provide a priority listing of proposals to the CDBG Commission. The
CDBG Commission would then make the final recommendations to the City Council for funding.
Funding Cycles
The subcommittee also agreed that there should be two funding cycles per year, one in the spring
and the other in the fall. CDBG Program funds would be allocated in the spring to affordable
housing programs/projects and other community development activities (public services, public
facilities, etc.). HOME Program and Affordable Housing funds would be allocated in the fall
primarily to affordable housing programs/projects.
The staff and subcommittee agreed that overlaying the new process and cycles would be
heightened staff technical assistance to applicants. Both the subcommittee and staff recognize
that a semi-annual process will require additional meetings by both the CDBG Commission and
Affordable Housing Board, and will require more time from current City staff, and increase the
5
City Council's involvement.
Schedule
The subcommittee also discussed two alternative schedules for the funding cycles. The option
selected incorporates a spring cycle that starts in January and ends in May, and a fall cycle that
starts in July and ends in November.
Review Criteria
The Competitive Process established review criteria to determine the differences between
proposals received by the City. The review criteria are designed to address major issues the City
needs to consider when making funding decisions. The five major review categories are:
1. Impact/Benefit
2. Need/Priority
3. Feasibility
4. Leveraging Resources
5. Capacity and History
The Impact/Benefit criteria provide rewards to proposals that target lower income groups. The
Need/Priority criteria help assure the proposal meets adopted City goals and priorities. The
Feasibility criteria rewards projects for timelines and documented additional funding. The
Leveraging Resources criteria reward proposals which will return funds to the City(loans) and for
their ability to leverage other resources; and, the Capacity and History criteria help gage an
applicant's ability to do the project and reward applicants who have completed successful projects
in the past (have good track records).
On July 20, 2010, the City Council adopted the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan and the HUD
required Consolidated Plan and established goals and strategies for the City of Fort Collins'
affordable housing programs for the five-year period of 2010-2014. Based on the most significant
affordable housing needs, four goals have been identified and prioritized as follows:
1. Increase the inventory of affordable rental housing units
2. Preserve existing affordable housing units
3. Increase housing and facilities for people with special needs
4. Provide financial assistance for first-time homebuyers
The Commission also considered the funding guidelines contained in the Affordable Housing
Strategic Plan. These guidelines include:
• HOME funds should generally be allocated as follows: 90% for Housing projects
and 10% for Program Administration. HUD HOME Program regulations also
require the City to set aside 15% for Community Housing Development
Organization (CHDO) projects and allow an allocation of 5% for CHDO
operations;
6
a
• CDBG funds should generally be allocated as follows: 65% for Housing projects
and Public Facilities; 15% for Public Services, and 20% for Program
Administration.
Application Forms
Three application forms have also been developed. One form for Housing proposals, one form
for Public Facility proposals, and one form for Public Service proposals.
City Council Adoption
On January 18, 2000, the City Council approved Resolution 2000-13, formally adopting the
Competitive Process for the allocation of City financial resources to affordable housing
programs/projects and community development activities and the component parts discussed
above.
7
ATTACHMENT 3
Affordable Housing Board's List of Priority Projects
On Thursday September 16, 2010, the Affordable Housing Board (AHB) conducted a special
meeting to prepare a listing of priority affordable housing proposals seeking funding from the
City competitive process. After careful review and discussion of the housing applications, the
Board established a list of priorities as a means of assisting the CDBG Commission as they
prepare for applicant interviews and recommended funding allocations.
The following table presents the Board's listing of priority projects, the applicant's initial funding
request, and the CDBG Commission's funding recommendation.
AHB's Applicant's
Ranking of Initial CDBG Unfunded Percentage
Priority Project Funding Commission's Balance of Request
Projects Request Recommendation Funded
1 HO-3 $300,000 $300,000 $0 11-00%
FC Caribou II
Caribou
Apartments 11
2 HO-1 $200,000 $50,000 $0 100%
City of Ft. Revised to
Collins $50,000
HBA Program
3 HO-6 $110,000 $110,000 $0 100%
HA of
Loveland
LHIP
4 Ho-4 $720,000 $290,000 $430,000 40%
FCHC
Legacy Senior
Apartments.
5 HO-2 $50,000 $0 $50,000 0%
CARE
Provincetowne
Green
Communities
6 HO-5 $585;000 $0 $585,000 0%
Harvest
Construction
Spring Creek
Apartments
8
ATTACHMENT 4
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION
on the
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
CDBG PROGRAM NATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the CDBG Program is the development of viable urban communities, by
providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic
opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. Programs and projects funded
with CDBG funds must address at least one of the following three broad National Objectives:
(1) provide a benefit to low or moderate income households or persons,
(2) eliminate or prevent slum and blight conditions, or
(3) meet urgent community development needs which pose an immediate and serious
threat to the health and welfare of the community.
Presented below is a comparison of City CDBG expenditures for programs and projects
categorized according to the National Objectives:
National Objectives
Low/Moderate Slum/Blight Urgent
Income Benefit Elimination Need
National Average 90% 10% 0%
City Expenditures
for:
2009 100% 0% 0%
2008 100% 0% 0%
2007 100% 0% 0%
2006 100% 0% 0%
2005 100% 0% 0%
2004 100% 0% 0%
2003 100% 0% 0%
2002 100% 0% 0%
2001 100% 0% 0%
2000 100% 0% 0%
CDBG PROGRAM ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
CDBG funds can be used on a wide range of activities including:
(1) acquiring deteriorated and/or inappropriately developed real property (including
property for the purpose of building new housing);
(2) acquiring, constructing, rehabilitating or installing publicly owned facilities and
improvements;
9
(3) restoration of historic sites;
(4) beautification of urban land;
(5) conservation of open spaces and preservation of natural resources and scenic areas;
(6) housing rehabilitation can be funded if it benefits low and moderate income
people; and
(7) economic development activities are eligible expenditures if they stimulate private
investment of community revitalization and expand economic opportunities for
low and moderate income people and the handicapped.
Certain activities are ineligible, under most circumstances, for CDBG funds including:
(1) purchase of equipment,
(2) operating and maintenance expenses including repair expenses and salaries,
(3) general government expenses,
(4) political and religious activities, and
(5) new housing construction.
10
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION
on the
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GUIDELINES
(Adopted by the Fort Collins City Council, July 18, 1995)
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Program is to increase the supply of
decent, safe, and affordable housing in the City of Fort Collins for an extended period of time.
All of the HOME funds must benefit low and very low income households which are defined by
the Department of Housing and Urban Development as having a total household income not
exceeding 80% of the median household income for the Fort Collins area.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS: HOME funds must be used in the following ways:
I. DIRECT HOUSING ASSISTANCE:
Down payment assistance: To help low-income individuals to purchase housing for their
principal residence. Applicants must meet income guidelines of no more than 80% of the
current median household income for the Fort Collins area and will be required to attend a
homebuyer workshop. Assistance is in the form of zero percent deferred loan up to a
maximum of$10,000 to help cover downpayment and closing cost expenses. The funding
is repaid with a 5% simple interest charge when the property is sold or transferred out of
the buyer's name. Restrictions will apply which will assure the property remains
affordable. This is accomplished by the"recapturing" of the HOME investment.
Tenant based rental assistance: To help low-income households avoid eviction and
homelessness, TBRA provides up to two years of housing subsidy and case management
services to stabilize households and put them on the road to self-sufficiency.
2. NEW CONSTRUCTION of units for homeownership as well as rental occupancy targeted
for low-income individuals and families which are developed, sponsored, or owned by
community housing development organizations (CHDOs), non-profit agencies, and for-
profit developers.
3. ACQUISITION of undeveloped, or developed, land resulting in the development or
purchase of units for homeownership as well as rental occupancy. All regulations
regarding income guidelines, purchase price limitations, resale limitations, rental rates,
etc., will apply to acquisition projects.
11
ELIGIBLE PROPERTY TYPES:
Eligible property types for purchase include both existing property or newly constructed homes.
Eligible property includes a single-family property, a condominium unit, a manufactured home
(including mobile homes on a permanent foundation), or a cooperative unit. For purposes of the
HOME program, homeownership means:
(1) ownership in fee simple title, or
(2) a 99 year leasehold interest, or
(3) ownership or membership in a cooperative, or
(4) an equivalent form of ownership which has been approved by the Department of
Housing and Urban Development.
The value and purchase price of the HOME assisted property to be acquired must not exceed 95%
of the area median purchase price for that type of housing as established by HUD. RECAPTURE
RESTRICTIONS WILL APPLY. (The value must be verified by a qualified appraiser or current
tax assessment.) Initial purchase price limit established by HUD is currently$212,015.
HOME PROGRAM PRIORITIES
The 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan identifies the following priorities for housing related needs:
1. Stimulate housing production for very low, low and moderate income households.
2. Increase home ownership opportunities for very low, low and moderate income
households.
3. Increase the supply of public housing for families and those with special needs.
Implementation and funding of activities to address these priorities will come, in part, from the
City of Fort Collins HOME Investment Partnership Program.
12
ATTACHMENT 5
OCTOBER 2010 FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
Meeting held Thursday; October 143 2010
6:00.pm 6.45prn `.
218,North College Avenue
Fort Collins; Colorado
Commission members present:
Kay Rios, Chair
Kristin Chatnani
Catheirne Costlow
Michael Kulisheck
Jeff Taylor
Jennifer Wagner
Staff:
Ken Waido
Heidi Phelps
Sharon Thomas
13
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Ms. Rios called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
The Commission deliberated and passed motions for funding recommendations for all
proposals in each funding category for the Fall 2010 Competitive Process.
A motion was made by Mr. Taylor to accept the Fall 2010 Competitive Process Funding
Matrix as currently shown on the funding matrix. Mr. Kulisheck seconded the motion.
Motion passed 6-0.
A subcommittee was formed consisting of Jennifer Wagner and Catherine Costlow to
create a letter of evidence to be used by banks and provided to the CDBG Commission
to indicate financial stability of a for-profit applicant.
Waido informed Commission members that any budget comments would need to be
forwarded to Kelly DiMartino by Friday, October 15th. Ms. Rios is formulating a letter
advocating to keep the funding levels as currently proposed in the City Manager's
budget. That document will be forwarded to CDBG members on Friday before it is sent
to DiMartino.
Waido stated that because November 11th is a holiday, the next CDBG meeting will be
held on November 4th at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the
Section 108 application and make a recommendation to City Council. A copy of the
application will be forwarded to all Commission members next week.
The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m. ,
Note: All applications and all motions appropriate to each application are listed below. It
should be noted that this listing represents a summary of discussions and motions rather
than a chronological record of such proceedings.
14
PLANNING and ADMINISTRATION
AD-1 City of Fort Collins. Consolidated Plan Implementation. Request: $35,535
Moved by Mr. Kulisheck, seconded by Mr. Taylor: To recommend full funding.
Staff is the backbone of these projects and does a wonderful job. Without them, we
wouldn't be able to do our job or fulfill our responsibilities to the community.
Motion passed: 4-1, 1 abstention.
Funding recommendation: $35,535
AD-2 City of Fort Collins. Home Administration. Request: $4,443
Moved by Mr. Kulisheck, seconded by Mr. Taylor: To recommend full funding.
These administrative funds are necessary to implement the programs. The same
comments were offered as in AD-1.
Motion passed: 6-0.
Funding recommendation: $4,443
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
HO-1 City of Fort Collins: Home Buyer Assistance. Request: $50,000
Moved by Mr. Kulisheck, seconded by Ms. Wagner: To recommend full funding.
This program has served an important role in the community helping people get into
homes they can afford, and it has a long track record of success. It is a well
administered program, and it is important to continue to support it. Staff also did a really
good job of adjusting their budgetary request based on current demand for assistance.
Motion passed: 6-0.
15
Funding recommendation: $50,000
HO-2 CARE: Provincetowne Green CHDO Capacity Grant. Request: $50,000
Moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Ms. Costlow: To recommend no funding.
Based on other funding, this type of application does not qualify for funding. Funding this
would set a bad precedence for the City to start funding staffing requests of this nature.
The application appears to be based on a cash flow issue and it appears it will be
resolved in a short period of time. Good project, just an inappropriate use of funds.
There was discussion about increasing the period of affordability, but the project has tax
credits so probably has a minimum of 30 years affordability at this point.
Motion carried 4-2.
Funding recommendation: $0
HO-3 FC Caribou II: Caribou Apartments Phase II: Request: $300,000
Moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Ms. Chatnani: To recommend full funding.
This project provides matching funds for the Colorado Division of Housing funding.
Ninety to ninety-six units are at 50% AMI or below. The location is solid with a good past
history with the Caribou Apartments, and there's a good leverage of existing construction
as far as all the amenities are in place. It is one of the top rated projects by the
Affordable Housing Board. It seems like it was the best leveraged of all the applicants.
The applicant has said they will make the housing affordability permanent.
Discussion ensued regarding the rationale behind the two votes that opposed funding for
this project. A Commission member stated that while it was felt that the owner had the
wherewithal to manage the project successfully, there was a lack of financial
documentation being a for-profit developer. The owner's concern was the ability of the
City to keep financial information confidential. The application is an open record, and
therefore, is available to the public for inspection. A comment was made that partnering
with the Housing Authority would remove that risk.
Discussion ensued around the fact that there have not been many private sector
applicants in the past. Ms. Wagner made a suggestion that, in the future, a reputable
lender could provide some qualification factors that would give the CDBG Commission
financial capability feedback.
Motion carried 4-2.
Funding recommendation: $300,000
16
HO-4 FCHC: Legacy Senior Residences: Request: $720,000
Moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Ms. Wagner: To recommend no funding.
Motion failed 0-6.
Neutral opinions were expressed about the project because of a desire to see it partially
funded, but questions remained as to whether it should be fully funded.
Legacy has a good track record and has worked with the Colorado Springs Housing
Authority. The project will be owned by the FCHA after 15 years. There is a need to
provide housing for seniors. Their debt is secured. It is a good project. There was
discussion around their land acquisition closing date (set for the end of October). None
of the requested dollars will be used for land acquisition. Members were advised that
CDBG funds could be used for predevelopment costs and offsite infrastructure costs
could be funded through the Affordable Housing Fund or HOME funds.
Waido reported that they just missed being funded by CHFA in the Spring LIHTC
process. The fact that Legacy is partnering with the Housing Authority is positive.
Discussion ensued around the lack of financial confirmation. Wagner stated that funding
approved without appropriate financial information is not a good lending practice. It was
suggested that adequate funding be provided in this cycle to assist with the architecture,
engineering, and offsite infrastructure. Legacy can return for the spring competitive cycle
once they have received tax credits and request additional funding. This approach
appears to be a prudent cautious way to spend taxpayer dollars.
Moved by Ms. Wagner, seconded by Mr. Taylor: To recommend,$290,000 funding.
Ms. Wagner moved that the funds specifically be used as follows: $170,000 for
architecture fees, $70,000 for engineering fees, and $50,000 for the offsite.
infrastructure. Fund disbursement will be as follows: To fund the $50,000 for
offsite infrastructure, $28,890 will be utilized from the Affordable Housing Fund,
and $21,110 from CDBG funds; $240,000 will be allocated from the CDBG and
HOME Grants to fund the architectural and engineering fees.
A member stated that it is a great project. There are valid reasons for waiting until the
Spring Competitive Cycle to see if the tax credits are in place. This decision will not put
the project at risk in terms of timing.
Motion carried 6-0.
Funding recommendation: $290,000
HO-5 Harvest Construction: Spring Creek Apartments: Request: $585,000
Moved by Ms. Costlow, seconded by Mr. Taylor: To recommend no funding.
17
A Commission member applauded a group that is attempting to get into affordable
housing. (Couldn't hear, affordable housing was a guess). It is the applicant's first
run at this process. There were too many unknowns on where all the funding was
coming from. At this time, they need to spend a little more time with the Housing
Authority to get the proposal more concrete. They should be encouraged to return in a
later cycle when they have things more refined on the management side. The
Commission member doesn't mind us being earlier on the money, but does not want to
be the first money committed in the project and have that money tied up when it could be
used elsewhere. They have not put together the partnership previously discussed, and it
needs to be solid before they can move forward.
Motion carried 6-0.
Funding recommendation: $0
HO-6 Housing Authority of Loveland: Larimer Home Improvement: Request:
$110,000
Moved by'Ms. Wagner, seconded by Mr. Taylor: To recommend full funding.
Although this does use a large amount of the Affordable Housing Fund dollars, it is an
unduplicated service that serves a real need. Particularly in this economy, it may help to
keep people in their homes and keep them functioning well. They are also doing a lot of
rehab to homes that would otherwise not be habitable.
Motion carried 6-0.
Funding recommendation: $110,000
18
ATTACHMENT 6
Citv of Fort Collins Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commission
Formulation of Funding Recommendations Session
The CDBG Commission has prepared this hand-out to help you to understand how the
Commission's meeting for the purpose of formulating funding recommendations to the City
Council is conducted. It is the Commission's wish that our methodology be understandable to
even the most casual observers. As you might imagine, the entire process is complex and time-
consuming, especially given that grant requests greatly exceed the amount of available funding.
City Staff will prepare an electronic matrix showing each application, the funding requested, and
the total funds available. The Commission will discuss the pros and cons of every application.
The order which applications are discussed is not important and there is no danger of `running
out' of funds before all applications are fully discussed. There will be preliminary funding
motions made, seconded, and approved throughout the process and these recommendations will
be added into the matrix. It must be emphasized that the matrix is a working document, and any
figures used, whether they be for full, partial, or zero funding, are for discussion purposes only. It
is also possible that the total funds listed in the matrix might exceed the total of funds available at
any point in the process.
After each application has been discussed, the Commission will start to adjust the matrix to start
producing its recommendation for funding to Council. Funding contained on the matrix may be
drastically changed in either a positive or negative manner during this part of the process. When
the Commission agrees on the matrix as indicated by a motion to accept it, a second to the
motion, and a positive majority vote, the process is over and the recommendation will be
forwarded to the Council.
While the Commission's main purpose is to provide Council with the best funding alternative, the
Commission is also sensitive that the funds being recommended for expenditure are taxpayer-
provided. For this reason, it is entirely possible that not all funds will be recommended for
expenditure, even if there are some applicants recommended for zero, or reduced, funding.
The last point to be made is while this meeting is open to the public, to be fair to applicants who
are not present at the meeting, no public comments will be taken.
19
RESOLUTION 2010-071
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING THE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT WILL RECEIVE FUNDS
FROM THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAMS,
AND THE CITY'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND
WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Home
Investment partnerships (HOME) Program are ongoing grant administration programs funded by
the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and
WHEREAS, the City has received CDBG Program funds since 1975 and HOME Program
funds since 1994; and
WHEREAS,the City Council has budgeted General Fund dollars into an Affordable Housing
Fund for use in assisting affordable housing programs and projects; and
WHEREAS,on January 18,2000,the City Council approved Resolution 2000-13,formally
adopting a competitive process for the allocation of City financial resources to affordable housing
programs and projects, and community development activities; and
WHEREAS, on January14, 2010, the CDBG Commission held a public hearing to obtain
citizen input on community development and affordable housing needs, and since then has heard
presentations and asked clarification questions from each applicant that submitted a proposal to the
City requesting funding; and
WHEREAS,on October 14, 2010, the CDBG Commission met in a special meeting for the
purpose of preparing a recommendation to the City Council as to which programs and projects
should be funded with carry-over FY 2010 CDBG funds, HOME funds from the FY 2010 HOME
grant, HOME Program Income, and funds from the City's Affordable Housing Fund; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the recommendation of the CDBG
Commission is in the best interests of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the administration is authorized to submit an application to the Department of
Housing and Urban Development as follows:
PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
FY 10 CDBG Grant
$35,535 CITY OF FORT COLLINS —CONSOLIDATED PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION
FY 10 Home Program Income
$4 443 1 CITY OF FORT COLLINS —HOME Program Administration
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
FY 10 CDBG Grant
$187,977 FORT COLLINS HOUSING CORPORATION—LEGACY SENIOR
RESIDENCES
FY 10 HOME Grant
$300 000 1 FC CARIBOU II—CARIBOU APARTMENTS PHASE II
FY 10 HOME Program Income
$73,133 FORT COLLINS HOUSING CORPORATION—LEGACY SENIOR
RESIDENCES
2010 Affordable Housing Fund
$50,000 City of Fort Collins—Home Buyer Assistance Program (FORMER
RENTAL PROPERTIES
$28,890 FORT COLLINS HOUSING CORPORATION—LEGACY SENIOR
RESIDENCES
$110,000 LOVELAND HOUSING AUTHORITY—LARIMER HOME
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 16th
day of November A.D. 2010.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk