HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 05-07-2020APPROVED MINUTES
PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING
May 7, 2020
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Michelle Soderberg, Commissioners Jeff Kulaszewicz,
Robert Huddleston, and Lucas Larson
ABSENT: Commissioner Aqueelah Whitfield
STAFF PRESENT: HRA Executive Director Steve Juetten, HRA Manager Jim Barnes,
Community Development Coordinator Matt Lupini, and Permit Technician Michelle Rumrey
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Soderberg called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order
at 6:01 p.m.
APPROVE AGENDA
MOTION by Commissioner Kulaszewicz, seconded by Commissioner Huddleston, to
approve the Agenda. Vote 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously.
Chairman Soderberg and HRA Manager Barnes introduced Lucas Larson, the new HRA
Commissioner. Commissioner Larson described his background, experience, and interest in
serving on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board.
1. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Amend 2020-2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan and
2020 CDBG Action Plan.
Community Development Coordinator Lupini provided an overview of the staff report.
Chairman Soderberg asked about the age requirement changes for the Housing Rehabilitation
Grant that address the COVID-19 pandemic and if those applicants will need to prove the relation
to their situation and the pandemic.
Community Development Coordinator Lupini answered that by waiving the age requirement the
Housing and Rehabilitation Grant will be made available to help families who have had a change
in financial circumstances because of the COVID-19 pandemic that might not otherwise qualify
for assistance.
Chairman Soderberg inquired about the processes in determining the funding recommendations. .
Community Development Coordinator Lupini replied the process was similar to what we have
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
May 7, 2020
Page 2
done in the past with our regular annual allocation. The organizations were contacted through
phone and email. The short term and long term need was considered because there is more
flexibility from HUD on the timing of spending these funds.
Commissioner Larson asked a general question about the possibility of saving a portion of the
allocation that was not distributed to use for future requests.
Community Development Coordinator Lupini responded that it was not prudent at this time to
hold on to the money allocated by HUD due to the need and requests. He stated there have been
times when there is more money available then there is need, however based on the current needs
of these organizations it makes sense to distribute all the funds.
Commission Kulaszewicz inquired about what controls are in place to ensure the funding
allocations are used for what has been requested. He asked whether we purchase the equipment
or if we reimburse the sub-grantee. He also inquired about past relationships with these
organizations.
Community Development Coordinator Lupini replied the organizations who have requested
funding for materials and equipment will be reimbursed once they have submitted the required
paperwork and proof of what was purchased. For funding requests that are supporting staffing
expenses the sub-grantee can request the funds upfront.
Commissioner Kulaszewicz asked if any portion of the unspent funds are eligible to be moved to
the reserve fund.
HRA Manager Barnes answered that HUD has specific rules on how to use the funds and this
would not be eligible.
Commissioner Huddleston asked if the additional funds for PPE and a computer equipment for
Hammer would only be used in Plymouth.
Community Development Coordinator Lupini responded while it will be more difficult to track
each piece of PPE and some may be used in locations outside of Plymouth, the technology
equipment can be tracked using the City’s asset management system and have its use confirmed
at annual monitorings.
Commissioner Huddleston stated it is difficult to know where computer equipment ends up.
Community Development Coordinator Lupini replied we know that having a good tracking
program in place is essential. Hammer and other grantees are aware the equipment paid for by
these funds needs to stay in Plymouth.
Chairperson Soderberg opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present wishing
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Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
May 7, 2020
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to speak.
MOTION by Commissioner Huddleston, seconded by Commissioner Kulaszewicz, to approve the
amendment of the 2020-2024 CDBG Consolidated Plan and 2020 CDBG Action Plan. Vote. 4
Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
2. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Chair Soderberg, with no objection, to adjourn the meeting at 6:18 p.m.