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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 Approved Minutes 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 Approved Minutes Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority May 7, 2020 Page 3 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.