Minutes Housing Trust Fd 1 24MINUTES OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION
TRUST FUND COMMITTEE
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
January 24, 2002
7:30 a.m.
Housing & Community Development Department
1805 Central, Dubuque IA 52001
Chairperson Jim Holz called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m. following staff assurance
of compliance with Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Committee Members Present: Jim Holz
Harry Neustadt
Dods Hingtgen
John Walsh
John Henning
Staff Present:
David Hards
Jean Noel
Joleen Patterson
Review and Certification of Minutes of 26 July 2001 Meeting
Harry Neustadt moved to approve the 29 November 2001 Housing Trust Fund Committee
minutes. John Walsh seconded. Roll Call. All present in favor. Motion passed.
Correspondence I Public Input
None.
Old Business
FY 2003 Capital Budget
David announced that the Community Development Advisory Commission has approved the
request to fund the Lead Paint Hazard Abatement program for $37,900. This will reduce the
Housing Trust Fund allocation from $75,000 to $52,100.
HOME Program Application
David discussed the application proposed to the Iowa Department of Economic Development
for HOME Program funds in the amount of $412,500. The funds will be used for
comprehensive rehabilitation for properties located near the "Five Points" intersection in
Dubuque's North End. This will include extensive improvements to approximately 25
properties, both owner-occupied and rental units. The program is projected to be completed
over a two-year period, beginning in early 2002.
New Business
River Town Rents Survey
David distributed copies of the final version of the River Town Rents Survey performed by Dr.
Len Decker, Director of the Center for Business and Social Research at Loras College, with a
copy a staff prepared synopsis.
Much discussion attempted to answer the question of increased vacancy rates in this year's
survey. One frequently quoted theory is that the closing of Farmland Foods had a discernible
impact on downtown occupancies. Other factors mentioned included increased
homeownership by Iow-moderate income families, due to the availability of Iow interest rates
and the City's first time homebuyer programs. These programs have moved many renters
into homeownership over the past few years.
The Committee discussed ways to analyze this question, including further survey work by the
Loras CBSR. Also suggested was an inspection tour of vacant properties, to ascertain if
physical conditions discouraged occupancies.
It was agreed that staff will develop an outline of these issues for further discussion at a
future Committee meeting. It was also agreed these issues should be closely followed as
part of the up-coming downtown revitalization comprehensive planning process.
Local Housing Assistance Program (LHAP) Funds Availability
David distributed information announcing the availability of funds for construction of new
single family or multi-family, affordable housing. These funds are provided through the Iowa
Department of; Economic Development and the Iowa Finance Authority, under the Local
Housing Assistance Program (LHAP) in the amount of $2,445,000. Maximum award of
$500,000; available as grants, loans or combination. The Housing Trust Fund Committee will
sponsor a request-for-proposals process, inviting interested developers/builders to submit
proposals for consideration. The Committee will then select one application to submit in
competition for these funds. Deadline for submission of the RFP is February 14, 2002 to the
Housing Office. Proposals will be considered by the Trust Fund Committee on February 22,
2002. Action for City Council approval will be on Mamh 4, 2002. Harry Neustadt moved to
adhere to the suggested timetable and send out an RFP. John Walsh seconded. Roll Call.
All present in favor. Motion passed.
Election of Chair
John Walsh moved to re-elect Jim Holz as Chair of the Housing Trust Fund Committee.
Harry Neustadt seconded. Roll Call. All present in favor. Motion passed.
Information Sharing
None.
Adioumment
There being no further business to come before the Committee, John Walsh moved to
adjourn. John Henning seconded. Roll Call. Ail present in favor. Motion passed. Meeting
was adjourned at 8:55 a.m.
Minutes taken by:
Jean Noel
Housing Secretary
Respectfully submitted by:
David Harris
Director, Housing & Community Development Department