Committee Minutes

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, November 29, 1994 - 2:00 p.m.

Members present: Beach, Glassheim, Hanson.

1. Matter of budget amendments and transfers.
a) Office of Urban Development - $315,372.00
To correct budget to reflect year of grant from which funds were received due to carry-over.
b) Office of Urban Development - $24,577.00
Transfer from Work in Progress to CD admin. budget due to increase in entitlement grant.
c) Office of Urban Development - $1,900.00
Transfer to adjust budget to cover overtime pay which was not allotted.
d) Office of Urban Development - $453,730.00
To reflect change in years from which we received grant funds, and to increase expenditure line items to cover additional time spent on oversight of 11 houses this year.
e) Office of Urban Development - $38,257.00
to adjust budget for increase in staff positions.
f) Office of Urban Development - $153,860.00
To reflect additional Rental Rehab. grants carried forward from previous years.
g) Office of Urban Development - $348,891.00
to adjust for grant funds being carried over because Home Grant Project construction did not begin until 1994.
h) Office of Urban Development - $250,000.00
To reflect 15-year loan to be received from Community National Bank for completion of HOME houses (loan to be made to Grand Forks Housing Authority).
i) Office of Urban Development - $826,522.00
To adjust budget for FEMA grant for riverbank cleanup of 1993 flood; for State CDBG grant for portion of flood relief grant for tri-county area; and for carry-over of HUD Special Purpose Grant for Burdick's Subdivision.

The committee reviewed budget transfers and amendments and it was noted that the auditor's office has reviewed and approved. Moved by Glassheim and Beach to approve. Motion carried.

2. Public hearing on Public Service and Human Needs applica-
tions.
Chairman Beach announced that committee would hear testimony on applications for funding under Human Needs and Public Service projects today, and would hearing testimony on promotional applications on December 13. He stated that the public hearing is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and committee would hold public hearing at that time.

The following applicants were heard:

1) #21 - Adult Abuse Community Service, Inc. - operational
funding - $68,000.00

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Leigh Hoffert, acting director, stated they are requesting $10,000 more than was allocated last year because of increase in programs, with biggest increase in Victim Witness Program (30% increase in client load through end of October), that this program makes justice system accessible to victims (serves any type of personal injury crime, including abuse and rape, and also victims of home burglary, reckless endangerment, etc.); Family Violence Intervention Program which includes Batterers Treatment Group and program for kids who have witnessed violence in their homes; as well as the Abuse and Rape Crisis Center. She reported they served a total of 1,579 clients this year. Ms. Hoffert reported they receive some federal funding, will again receive some funding from the County ($10,000), State; and also funding through United Way, etc. She reported they are in the process of looking for a full-time director and hope to have someone on board by the first of the year.

2) #32 - City of Grand Forks (Affordable Housing Counseling
Program - $10,000.00
Sue Redman and John O'Leary were present. Mr. O'Leary stated funding for program pays approx. 1/4 of Sue's salary (her time charged to program served), provides counseling and referral services to potential first-time (low income) home owners; that last year saw 140 clients, that as result of high rent and low interest rates number of families moved from renter position to home owner position; that she sits down with families and figure out how to come up with down-payment; works closely with banks and S & L's, that they get lot of referrals from banks, and have established excellent working relationship with lending institutions.

3) #22 - Grand Forks Housing Authority - Family Self-
Sufficiency Program - $14,500.00
Craig Knudsvig, Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator, G.F. Housing Authority, stated funds for expansion and enhancement of the services, program purpose is to assist eligible volunteer families as they progress toward economic self-sufficiency, and focus on employment to move out of that situation and trying to develop more efficient way to transition families. He stated they were asking for funds in number of areas; first is escrow program which allows for funds to be placed in an account in family's name and when their share of the rent increases as a result of employment or earned income, applies to families in certificate and voucher programs, and when those families complete their FSS contract, the funds in that account are theirs. He stated there are currently 42 families involved in the program. He stated other areas involved: to provide work experience opportunities for family heads, family activities (incl. gardening), home ownership classes , and asking for funds to test some other ideas (more things related to family - youth activities, etc. and find ways to help families leaving the FSS

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program (survival skills). Mr. Knudsvig distributed copies of their annual report.

4) #23 - Grand Forks Housing Authority - Youth Program - $10,000.00
Pat Norman, Park District, and John O'Leary presented application. Mr. O'Leary reported two youth centers have been built and are jointly supported by the Housing Authority and the Park District. Ms. Norman stated this has been on-going program for four years, that they have 50-60 kids in the program; that lot of kids go home to empty apartments, etc., and at centers are able to have after school snack and staff helps with school work, etc. Mr. O'Leary reported lot of these are latch-key kids, and reason involved in program is to intervene when 6-7-8 years old, have seen some remarkable changes in these kids; ages range from 4 to 12; and program not limited to kids in housing project but also encourage neighborhood kids to participate

5) #27 - Greater GF Emergency Food Cupboard - $10,000.00
No one appeared to make presentation.

6) #30 - GGF Head Injury Association - Traumatic Brain Injury
Community Reentry Program - $42,500.00
Bonnie Moosbrugger, rep. TBI, presented request to fund modification of a living/activity/learning facility for TBI persons, incl. salary for coordinator to monitor TBIP progress and participation in activities. She stated she had talked to Joel Manske and they have facility available to do this type of program, $20,000 for modification to facility. She stated they hope to tap into University for internships, etc. There was some discussion re. funding and Mrs. Moosbrugger stated that person has to qualify for waived services, TBI waiver and be recognized as disabled; serviced with Human Service dollars.

7) #9 - Humane Society of GF - Education Project for Grades
7 - 12 - $6,399.00
Mr. O'Leary reported this was submitted under public service request but is promotional request. Chairman Beach stated that applicant could be heard today but considered with other promotional requests on December 13.

Arlette Moen, rep. Humane Society, stated that the organization cares for homeless animals, but they are striving to reduce that number and that is best accomplished through educa- tion; that several years ago went into third grade classrooms, and this is existing program; and are asking for funding for expansion of this program in grades 7 - 12. Funding includes salary for additional part-time coordinator to establish program.

8) #16 - Listen, Inc. - operational funding for Listen Drop-
In - $35,295.00

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Charlie Bremseth stated Listen beginning to move into 25th year; 3 main programs: senior services; adult day care program, and the Drop-In Center. He stated there have been some shifts in people using programs, they are providing additional program for children. He stated all monies go toward salaries, staff and audit; and noted that the Drop-In Center is locally funded. Mr. O'Leary stated this is not duplication of services of any other organization.

9) #6 - Options - Interstate Resource Center for Independent
Living - Housing Referral Program - $23,015.00
Randy Sorenson stated they serve 8 county area and northwest MN, and are requesting help in providing service to people in Grand Forks, this is one year request to help people find housing with accessible features - do survey of housing which is accessible, evaluate etc.

10) #26 - Prairie Harvest Human Service Foundation - Harvest
Home - $11,960.00
Debra Johnson presented application to fund half time position for program coordinator and also requesting funds from United Way. She stated they have been awarded HUD grant in the amount of $644,000 to build 12-plex in Grand Forks, an independent residential living facility for individuals with serious mental illness; facility will be staffed 24 hours/day. The committee asked how this program interface with Friendship Place; and Ms. Johnson stated that Friendship Place providing work-experience program. The committee also asked whether there was any income from clients: and Mrs. Johnson stated clients pay rent (fair-market rent and client pays 30% of income and) and those funds used for utilities, etc. She also stated they get referrals from NE Human Services, etc.

Chairman Beach called for a five-minute recess at 4:12 p.m., after which the public hearing would be held.

Hanson reported present.

The meeting reconvened at 4:17 p.m. with all members present.

Chairman Beach called for the public hearing, and for comments from the general public/audience on any of these applications filed with the Community Development Office.

There were no comments from the audience and Chairman Beach declared the public hearing closed, and that the committee would proceed with the applications.

11) #25 - Quad County Community Action Agency - Homeless/
Transition Program - $7,000.00
Kent Keyes, director of Agency, stated they are asking for

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$7,000 to serve two clientele sectors (residents of Quad County's Shelter for homeless families or participants in agency's Self-Reliance program, which is program to help get people off public assistance), monies would go directly to benefit clients, no administrative funds; funds for rent/deposit for clients and emergency needs for clients (bus tickets, car repairs, books for classes, etc.) He noted funding would be used in Grand Forks; they also try to get funding in other counties.

12) #11 - Shelter for Homeless, Inc. - Construction/Rehab.
$33,125.00
Nelson Rumore, director of Shelter for the Homeless, Inc., reviewed project description: 1) to install fans in four annex bathrooms; 2) install drain tile and sump pump on alley side of annex - regrade and slope - they are getting water seepage; 3) replace basement windows (heat loss). The committee asked if this was bricks and mortar project, more monies in that category; and Mr. O'Leary stated it could be eligible under either or split between the two. Mr. O'Leary stated City probably going to be looking for funding for detox center. 4) install exterior doors to annex to provide security and heating capacity; 5) ceiling fixture lights in annex library, 5) install low temp. alarm for annex building's boiler. He stated these items critical, and proper approach will be to take bids.

13) #2 - Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity - $5,000
Becky Reiser presented request for funds to develop lot (basement and some materials - lumber, concrete) on 9th Ave.S. and S. 16th Street (across from Willmar Park) in area that was Monty's Trailer Park. They will use volunteer labor.

14) #1 - Special Olympics - Unified Sports Program - $5,900.00
Pam Berger presented request, that program will include all sports, and goal is to combine handicapped athletes with traditional athletes; providing social opportunities for athletes with job opportunities, is local program. It was noted this program not previously funded.

15) #10 - Third Street Clinic - $21,100.00
It was noted that request is for $15,000 cash, rent is waived. Karen Schelinder stated they are asking for rent and utilities money, help with volunteer coordinator, and are asking for consultant fees for computer program (need to have professional people to put in program, including pharmacy program). She stated they are finding numbers increasing, finding families coming in for assistance, medications are concern. It was noted by the committee that they would have to recommend waiver of the rent.

16) #31 - Winship PTO - School Crossing Guard - $2,000.00
The president of the PTO presented application for funding MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
November 29, 1994 - Page 6

for school crossing guard at 5th Avenue North and North Washington Street, that School Dist. matches funds. He stated this is major thoroughfare for children crossing N. Washington Street; parents depend upon. It was noted this is last crossing funded in the city. It was also noted they will be requesting some funding from St. Michael's (children crossing Washington to go to St. Michael's School).

17) #8 - YMCA Family Center - Little Brother/Little Sister
Program - $1,000.00
Debbie Thompson, program director, presented request for funding, promotion through UND and Air Base for volunteers, waiting list remains high (89 boys and 21 girls), serve 113 children; and number of referrals increasing. It was noted this is a one-on-one program, with no charge.

18) #19 - Friendship Place - Friendship Place Bldg. Project -
$50,350.00
Karen Keller, director, stated this is psychosocial rehab. center and have been in Grand Forks since 1986, that they are in new facility since yesterday at 113 North 3rd Street, and requesting funding for construction and installing new kitchen, remodeling of open space; program serves over 200 people, transitional work program. It was noted that Prairie Harvest establishing independent living and support. She stated this is officially clubhouse, and securing of positions in the community for people to work in, building up job stamina, job history, etc. There was some discussion re. duplication of services with other organizations, and whether they contact other organizations to see what services they could provide so not have duplication of services.

After hearing all the applications, the committee scheduled a meeting for Monday, December 5, 1994 at 10:00 a.m. at the Urban Development Conference Room to make allocation of funds and to make recommendation to the city council.

3. Terry Hanson reported he had contacted Scott Thompson, Ole & Lena's, who will be at the next committee meeting - December 13.

Meeting adjourned.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 11/29/94.