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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HOUAB_04.16.2018City of Georgetown, Texas Housing Advisory Board Minutes April 16, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. Historic Light and Waterworks Building, 406 W. 81h Street Geor,zetown, Texas 78626 Members present: Nathaniel Bonner; Nikki Brennan; Mary Calixtro; Randy Hachtel; Jennyce Hume; and Lou Snead, Chair Members absent: Nathaniel Bonner; Brian Ortego Staff present: Sofia Nelson, Planning Director; Susan Watkins, Housing Coordinator; Karen Frost, Recording Secretary and Patrick Lloyd, Community Resources Coordinator Call to Order by Chair Snead at 4:00 pm. with reading of the meeting procedures. Public Wishing to Address the Board A. As of the deadline, no persons were signed up to speak on items other than those posted on the agenda. Chair Snead opened the meeting at 4:00 pm, explained the meeting procedures and welcomed the new members. Legislative Regular Agenda B. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the March 19, 2018 meeting. Karen Frost, Recording Secretary Motion by Hachtel to approve the minutes. Second by Brennan. Approved 5 — 0 (Ortego and Bonner absent.) C. Presentation and discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Update and HAB schedule for the upcoming year. Susan Watkins, AICP, Housing Coordinator Watkins introduced, via slide, Freese and Nichols. They will be subcontracting Community Development Strategies from the Houston area for the Housing Element and Toolkit The steering committee meetings will be the 1St Thursday of each month at 6 pm. There will be joint sessions of Council and P&Z. There will be public meetings scheduled throughout the next year, to gather input from the general public about the work being done. Watkins gave a proposed HAB topic schedule. They are proposing the final recommendations to the steering committee in November 2018. Information will be given to the HAB during the summer to gain information for the recommendation. It was explained that the HAB will be working separately from the steering committee to analyze and validate data specific to Housing. Then the HAB will be making recommendations to the Steering Committee. D. Update and general discussion on the Planning Department's End of Year Report for 2017. Susan Watkins, Housing Coordinator. Housing Advisory Board Page 1 Minutes April 16, 2018 Page 4 of 42 This report was presented by Watkins. She asked what information the HAB was interested in seeing. She showed the development pipeline map. There were 9000 SF lots entitled, 4000 SF lots under development and 841 in -city SF lots platted in 2017. Georgetown residential uses are 85% single family and 15% multi -family zoned. Different maps were viewed and annexation discussed. Population density was also discussed. Snead said that board members should send questions to Susan for responses. Snead also brought up the Community Impact's article on affordable housing and the confusion that was caused by the article. It seems like the person quoted, Mark Mayfield, has spoken about a program that was not clear and brings in the Georgetown Housing Authority. This discussion was based on the fact that Mr. Mayfield is going to the County Commissioner's meeting tomorrow. Snead suggests bringing him in to the board for discussion. He will reach out to him. E. Presentation and discussion on the Home Repair program and a potential partnership with Habitat for Humanity -- Susan Watkins, AICP Housing Coordinator This item was discussed first since the gieest speaker was present. Watkins presented the benefits of partnering with Habitat for Humanity (HfH) as presented to Council. She presented the program guidelines along with the requirements of the program as required by HfH. The Habitat representative Debbie Hoffman was present and helped explain their program. There are certain eligible activities, which do not include flooring or foundation issues which are safety issues. The board discussed measures of effectiveness and whether neighborhoods are targeted or whether they are targeting certain number of homes per year. Questions by board: Can there be more funding? Yes, staff is requesting more in the budget process for the 2019 budget. The board discussed possible applicant criteria, specifically the level of income is 50% eligibility of the average median income. Snead asked to prioritize those efforts that improve energy improvements and to ask the utility to subsidize or incentivize the energy improvements. Waggoner reminded the board that the city has a good neighbor program that helps people who are having difficulty paying utility bills. Waggoner will bring back a report that shows what is already being given to residents. Accessibility and safety are the most important identifiers of need. They like the existing criteria that the city has established. Debbie explained that they generally spend about $4500 - $5000 on each case. The city partnership would be the primary funding source for the Georgetown Habitat program. They do take money and volunteer services from other sources. Motion by Brennan to recommend to Council this partnership with the 50% of average median income requirement, at least 6 houses served in a year, and safety and accessibility as priorities, also looking for energy improvement opportunities. The liens for improvements over $10,000 would be created as per the city requirements. Social service providers and the faith community will be notified. Second by Jennyce Approved 5 — 0. Housing Advisory Board Page 2 Minutes April 16, 2018 Page 5 of 42 Adjournment Motion by Hachtel , second by Calixtro to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 5:48 pm. o Approved, Lou Snead, Chair Attest, Randy Hachtel, Secretary Housing Advisory Board Page 3 Minutes April 16, 2018 Page 6 of 42