HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda_HAB_07.18.2022Notice of Meeting for the
Housing Adv isory Board Housing Adv isory Board Meeting
of the City of Georgetown
July 18, 2022 at 2:30 P M
at Historic L ight and Waterworks Bldg, 809 Martin Luther K ing Jr St, Georgetown,
Texas 78726
T he C ity of G eorgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you
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Luther King Jr. S treet, G eorgetown, T X 78626 for additional information; T T Y users route through R elay
Texas at 711.
P ublic Wishing to Address the B oard
O n a s ubjec t that is posted on this agenda: P lease fill out a speaker regis tration form whic h can be found at the
Board meeting. C learly print your name, the letter of the item on which you wish to speak, and pres ent it to the
S taff Liais on, preferably prior to the start of the meeting. You will be c alled forward to speak when the Board
cons iders that item.
O n a s ubjec t not posted on the agenda: P ersons may add an item to a future Board agenda by filing a written
request with the S taff Liais on no later than one week prior to the Board meeting. T he reques t must include the
s peaker's name and the spec ific topic to be addres s ed with sufficient information to inform the board and the
public . F or Board Liaison c ontact information, pleas e logon to
http://government.georgetown.org/c ategory/boards -commissions /.
A At the time of posting, no persons had signed up to speak on items not on the agenda.
L egislativ e Regular Agenda
B C ons ideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the June 20, 2022 regular meeting of the
Hous ing Advisory Board. - S tephanie Mc Nic kle, P lanning Tec hnician
C P resentation and dis cus s ion of exis ting hous ing programs , the C ity's hous ing webs ite, c urrent outreach
prac tic es , and how to move forward on the board's end of year goal to improve educ ation and outreac h
efforts on housing programs. - C es ar Acosta, S enior P lanner
D R ec ognition of s ervic e to the Board of Linda S loan.
Adjournment
Ce rtificate of Posting
I, R obyn Densmore, C ity S ecretary for the C ity of G eorgetown, Texas, do hereby c ertify that this Notic e of
Meeting was posted at C ity Hall, 808 Martin Luther King Jr. S treet, G eorgetown, T X 78626, a plac e readily
acc es s ible to the general public as required by law, on the _____ day of _________________, 2022, at
__________, and remained s o posted for at leas t 72 c ontinuous hours prec eding the s cheduled time of said
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meeting.
__________________________________
R obyn Dens more, C ity S ec retary
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City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
July 18, 2022
S UB J E C T:
C onsideration and pos s ible ac tion to approve the minutes from the June 20, 2022 regular meeting of the
Housing Advis ory Board. - S tephanie Mc Nickle, P lanning Technic ian
IT E M S UMMARY:
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
NA
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
S tephanie Mc Nickle
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
Minutes Cover Memo
Page 3 of 20
Housing Advisory Board Page 1
Minutes June 20, 2022
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
Minutes
June 20, 2022, at 2:30 p.m.
809 Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Board Members present: Wendy Cash, Chair; Nikki Brennan, Vice-chair; Regina Watson, Secretary
and Charles Collins
Board Member(s) absent: Eric Marin, Linda Sloan and Christie Cowden
Staff present in-person: Nat Waggoner, Assistant Planning Director; Cesar Acosta, Senior Planner
The Meeting was opened by Chair Wendy Cash at 2:35 p.m.
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.
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the May 16, 2022 regular meeting
of the Housing Advisory Board. - Stephanie McNickle, Planning Technician
Motion by Board member Watson to approve the minutes from the May 16, 2022,
Housing Advisory Board meeting. Second by Board member Collins. Approved. 4-0.
C. Presentation and discussion on existing programs, outreach methods, and relevant
stakeholders needed to meet the objectives of action item #76 of the Implementation
plan in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan . -Cesar Acosta, Senior Planner
Staff reviewed what was discussed during the May 16th meeting and the timeframe. Cesar
stated that staff was asked to narrow down to a single action that we could as a board work
on collectively to achieve to make sure that we are implementing in a focused manner.
Cesar stated the action item is to expand community education outreach programs to
inform residents of available support, such as homebuyer education services, home
rehabilitation grants, utility building assistance, homestead exemptions, nonprofit
partnerships for home maintenance, and city Georgetown housing programs. Cesar
stated this will have an impact for the city overall and will require work from multiple
departments. Staff stated it will take several steps to complete and since we
only have six months to get it done, we want to think of what we can do in 2022 as a
phase one to get that accomplished.
Staff stated today we will try and break it down, so we can talk about the scope of
action items overall. What are the existing programs that we know and can be worked
on to do a better outreach and partner with them involve? What metrics are we using
to gage success?
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Housing Advisory Board Page 2
Minutes June 20, 2022
Staff stated the goal is to expand communication, knowledge programs to inform
residents and build support.
Staff asked the Board:
What are those existing programs?
What audience in Georgetown, are we trying to support?
Are we trying to be strategic and helping low to moderate income residents or
vulnerable communities? or long-term residents?
Is this more of a wide net that we're trying to catch to help all residents in the
city?
When thinking of these programs that have specific affordability, are we talking
about affordability for renters or for owners? Both?
Are we talking about resident ownership assistance programs to help people
move into homes or stay in their home or having a home repair?
What else needs additional coverage to make sure that we're getting the best
programmatic outreach?
Staff asked the Board to write down one of the programs they feel are beneficial and
deserve support beyond what is listed below.
Home Repair Program
Homestead Exemption
Georgetown Housing Authority Programs
Housing Tax Credit
CDBG
Good Neighborhood Fund.
Discussion on residential yards not having grass and saving money on watering.
Discussion on the next steps on is it better to be selective, taking programs on that need the
help, or to capitalize outreach, or do we want to try and create a way to do outreach for all
existing programs.
Board member stated if we had an umbrella over them, that you’d have some catch phrase
that would encompass all those that would make it meaningful to people.
Discussion between staff and Board regarding a descriptive phrase, what would you say
these represent? Staff stated to keep in mind what about people trying to purchase a new
home?
Discussion on Homestead and other programs.
Staff reminded the Board that we are focusing on efforts on outreach for the
programs. The Board suggested the possibility of a number a person could call like a
hotline and the person can explain their situation and can assist citizens.
Discussion between staff and board members regarding the rights of renters and the
responsibility of landlords.
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Housing Advisory Board Page 3
Minutes June 20, 2022
Staff stated the city has partnered with external entities such as Habitat for Humanity, YMCA to
get outreach done work to help provide a space where we can present to folk and then groups
like the Georgetown project that we can work with to get outreach done.
Staff asked the Board to think and write down additional entities that we could potentially work
with. Who are our stake holders? The board listed builders, attorneys, churches, ministers,
Helping Hands of Georgetown, Georgetown Health Foundation, Opportunities of Williamson
and Burnet County, Neighborhood Housing Association, Central Texas Legal Aid.
The board stated it would be beneficial to reach out to some of these entities and say, we are in
the process of putting some programming together. This is our thought process and gauge their
reaction and interest and they may have some good feedback.
The Board stated maybe hear some feedback from these entities that could be very eye opening
to us it could possibly influence, how we go about putting our programs together.
At this time, Staff asked the Board to do an exercise by selecting an entity that gets a lot of
attention and can benefit and assist the Board with our outreach or existing program.
Staff reviewed some of the outreach methods with the board.
- Flyers
Pros – Easy to Produce, Assessable to most ages/incomes
Con – Limited by budget for printing, Short range of distribution
- Post Cards
Pros – Targeted audience, Quick direct messaging.
Con – Can be expensive, Relies on mailing list/accurate addresses, less effective with
renter population
- Website Posting
Pros – Wide Reach, Free
Con – Not as accessible to older residents
- Social Media
Pros – Free, Easy to distribute to large audience, Multiple platforms
Con – Lack of internet access
Discussion on additional outreach methods to consider.
Board member stated a workshop, or an event would be the most successful, because then you
get people you've got interactive, they can ask questions. It was stated a helpline is a great idea
to assist those who call into the city.
Discussion between Board on different programs, staff on creating a mission statement, strategy
and promoting an outreach program.
The next six months staff will create a script for the housing helpline.
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Housing Advisory Board Page 4
Minutes June 20, 2022
Staff stated they are going to work to invite different church organizations to come be a part of
this process, what an event would look like. Talk about creating a script, gather information on
existing programs to assist those needing guidance when they contact the helpline.
The Board mission statement –
We will work on promoting programs that help achieve and maintain housing by working
with faith-based groups, local businesses and nonprofits using events and helplines.
We will measure our success of those actions by # of participants, # of stakeholders and
increased participation in existing programs.
The Board suggested to work on the structure for the helpline and existing resources during the
next Board meeting.
The next schedule Board meeting is scheduled for July 18, 2022
Motion to Adjourn by Board member Watson. Second by Board member Brenan at 4:15 p.m.
______________________________ __________________________________
Wendy Cash, Chair Attest, Regina Watson, Secretary
Page 7 of 20
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
July 18, 2022
S UB J E C T:
P res entation and disc ussion of existing housing programs, the C ity's housing website, current outreac h
practices, and how to move forward on the board's end of year goal to improve education and outreach
efforts on hous ing programs . - C esar Ac os ta, S enior P lanner
IT E M S UMMARY:
At the June Housing Advis ory Board meeting, members agreed upon an end of year goal to make
s ignificant progress on improving educational outreach efforts for the C ity's Housing programs. Members
came to cons ensus on the following mis s ion s tatement: “We will work on promoting programs that help
achieve and maintain hous ing by working with faith bas ed groups, loc al bus inesses and nonprofits using
events and helplines . We will measure our success of those actions by # of partic ipants , # of s takeholders
and inc reas ed participation in existing programs .”
At this meeting, board members will review the existing housing programs, including those led by the C ity and
those delivered through partnerships. P rograms are categorized as those that "achieve" or "maintain" housing.
Following a review, will provide an overview of the information provided on housing.georgetown.org with the
goal of evaluating what information is available and how well is it presented in order to begin reformatting the
webpage to be more effective and accessible to users.
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
n/a
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
C es ar Acosta, S enior P lanner
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
How to Create a Neighborhood Association Flyer Exhibit
Pres entation Cover Memo
Page 8 of 20
Initial Steps
If you and your neighbors decide to organize your
own neighborhood association, consider the following:
• Avoid overlapping boundaries with another
association. The City’s housing coordinator can help
identify the boundaries of neighborhood associations
around your neighborhood.
• Identify a meeting time and place for the first
organizational meeting.
• Widely distribute information throughout the
neighborhood about the new association’s first meeting.
• Include everyone living or owning property within
the association’s boundaries as a potential member.
• Highlight goals or benefits of organizing as a
neighborhood (for example: communication,events,
safety, beautification).
What is a Neighborhood Association?
A neighborhood association is a voluntary
organization of neighbors (property owners, residents,
and possibly representatives from businesses, churches,
and schools) who work together to improve and
maintain the quality of life in their neighborhood.
Membership is open to all within the geographic area
you define to be part of the neighborhood association,
but participation is optional. Dues are voluntary. There
is no legal authority to enact or enforce maintenance
or design requirements.
The association adopts bylaws that provide for at
least one general membership meeting each year
and require the annual election of officers, such as
president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
Formalizing the Neighborhood Association
Once you have identified the members of the core
group and established a meeting time and place, you
should adopt bylaws.
Bylaws provide the neighborhood association’s
framework and should clearly state the organization’s
purpose, mission, and structure.
Bylaws include:
• The boundaries of the neighborhood association.
• A board of directors, including roles and responsibili-
ties, for president, vice president, secretary, treasurer
• Membership
• Meeting location and frequency
HOW TO START A
Neighborhood association
512-930-3575 | housing.georgetown.orgPage 9 of 20
HOW TO START A
Neighborhood
How can I register with the City for communication?
Your neighborhood association can register to
be notified of land use changes within 300 feet of
the boundaries of your established neighborhood
association. You can sign up online here:
records.georgetown.org/Forms/NANRF.
The City meets quarterly with neighborhood leaders.
If you would like your neighborhood association
leaders to be added to that list, please email
pio@georgetown.org.
What is the difference between a Homeowner or Property
Owners Association and a Neighborhood Association?
A homeowners association is formed by a devel-
oper and pertains to a specific subdivision or project.
The association provides the framework for the future
maintenance of the development’s common grounds
and amenities, for instance a pool, clubhouse, or com-
mon-area landscaping. All homeowners are compelled
to follow the codes, covenants, and restrictions gov-
erning the development and pay association dues. In
Texas, homeowners associations are registered with the
State to allow an assessment of fees.
A neighborhood association is a section of a city
with a common identity. Neighborhood associations
offer a place to meet friends, exchange information,
create projects and priorities, propose solutions, and
have fun. A neighborhood association is formed based
on the needs and desires of its residents. The associ-
ation will give residents a forum to discuss common
concerns and to brainstorm possible solutions, but has
no legal authority.
What powers does the City of Georgetown have to regulate a
management company, board members, or an HOA?
The City of Georgetown does not have the authority to regulate or enforce an association’s bylaws or their
arrangement with a management company.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
association
512-930-3575 | housing.georgetown.orgPage 10 of 20
Advertising Our
Housing Programs -
July 18, 2022 | Housing Advisory Board
Page 11 of 20
22
• May Meeting: Agreed to focus on one Action Item in the Toolkit: Action Item
76 “Expand community education and outreach programs to inform
residents of available support, such as homebuyer education services,
home rehabilitation grants, utility billing assistance homestead exemptions,
nonprofit partnerships for home maintenance and City Georgetown Housing
Programs”
• June Meeting: Agreed on working to achieve a “phase 1 goal” to make
substantial progress on the item
• HAB will “We will work on promoting programs that help achieve and
maintain housing by working with faith based groups, local businesses and
nonprofits using events and helplines. We will measure our success of
those actions by # of participants, # of stakeholders and increased
participation in existing programs.”
6.20.22 Recap
Page 12 of 20
33
• Review and evaluate information currently provided for housing
programs on housing.Georgetown.org
• Create a framework to decide what content and design is
needed to make the website a more effective and accessible
“one-stop shop” for information on housing programs.
Today’s Purpose
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44
Program Umbrellas “Maintain Housing”
Program what does it do who uses it who are our partners
Home Repair Program
Covers the costs of eligible home repairs
for homeowners making 80% or less of the
County MFI
Low-Moderate Income
Homeowners in need of
home repairs Habitat for Humanity
Comprehensive Energy
Assistance Program
CEAP is designed to assist low income
households in meeting their energy needs
and encourage consumers to control
energy costs for years to come through
energy education.
low income residents in
need of utlitity assistnace
Opportunities for Burnet and
Williams
Homestead exemption
Reduces the overall cost of a homeowners
property taxes by “exempting” a portion of
the property taxes on a primary residence
Homeowners who have
difficulty keeping up with
rising property taxes
Williamson County Central
Appraisal District
Rental assistance
financial aid to low income renters to
subsidize
Low income renters who
need help paying rent The Caring Place
Good Neighbor Fund Provides assistance paying utility bills
Eligible customers of
Georgetown Energy The Caring Place
Community Restore Program
Volunteer program to to home repairs in
neighborhood
All homeowners in need of
home repairs Habitat for Humanity
City Managed
Managaed by Outside Entity
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55
Program Umbrellas “Achieve Housing”
Program what does it do who uses it who are our partners
Neighborhood Association
Assistance
Assist neighborhood residents register and
begin formal organization of a neighborhood
association
neighborhood residents
who want to more
effectively advocate for
their community City of Georgetown
Community Development
Block Grant Program
Federal funds that are intended to primarily
benefit low- to moderate-income persons in
Williamson County.
City of Georgetown or
non-profit developers
looking to build affordable
housing City of Georgetown
LIHTC Inventory
List of available units and participating
developments under the LIHTC program and
process for resolution by the City Council
residents looking for
affordable/income
restricted housing City of Georgetown
Housing Tax Credits
The Federal Housing Tax Credit program is a
means of directing private capital toward the
creation of affordable rental housing.
Private developers/non-
profit developers
City of Georgetown/
HAB
Workforce Housing Program
Allows developers to have enhanced
development standards in exchange for a set
number of income restricted units Priviate developers City of Georgetown
City Managed
Managaed by Outside Entity
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6
Example: Neighborhood
Association assistance
Clearly defined ideas to
convey
Easy to read
Can be sent over
multiple platforms
Current
Method (Print)
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7
https://housing.georgetown.or
g/home-repair-program/
Easy to navigate
Provides links to relevant
information
Current
Method (Web)
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88
• What information should be provided about all programs? What
questions should be answered?
• What format or layout is best to model in order to make program
information more uniform?
Activity
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99
• Review the information available for programs currently found
on housing.Georgetown.org
• For each program, answer the questions sourced from the
activity and bring those responses for the next meeting in order
to begin implementing changes.
Homework Before the August Meeting
Page 19 of 20
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
July 18, 2022
S UB J E C T:
R ecognition of service to the Board of Linda S loan.
IT E M S UMMARY:
Linda S loan has s erved the Hous ing Advisory Board for more than 2 years . Linda has pos itively impacted
numerous families in our c ommunity through her selfless s ervic e through her work for Habitat for
Humanity Williamson C ounty.
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
N/A
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Nat Waggoner, P MP, AI C P
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