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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/22/2008 WHEAT RIDGE HOUSING AUTHORITY MINUTES January 22, 2008 A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Brungardt at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers ofthe Wheat Ridge Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. B. ROLL CALL Authority members present: Cheryl Brungardt Kent Davis Kathy Nuanes (arrived at 5:15 p.m.) Lena Rotola Janice Thompson (arrived at 4:10 p.m.) Others present: Sally Payne, Deputy Director Ryan Stachelski, Economic Development Specialist Henry Wehrdt, Construction Manager Larry Nelson, Cornerstone Realty Betty Maybin, Cornerstone Realty Mary Eisenstein, Rebuilding Together Ann Lazzeri, Secretary C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 27, 2007 and January 8, 2008 It was moved by Kent Davis and seconded by Lena Rotola to approve the minntes of November 27, 2007 as presented. The motion carried 3-0. It was moved by Lena Rotola and seconded by Kent Davis to approve the minutes of January 8, 2008 as presented. The motion carried 3-0. D. OFFICER REPORTS There were no officer reports. E. PUBLIC FORUM There was no one present to address the Authority at this time. Housing Authority Minutes - I - January 22, 2008 F. NEW BUSINESS 1. Presentation of Rebuilding Together Ryan Stachelski introduced Mary Eisenstein from Rebuilding Together to talk about projects that could possibly involve the Housing Authority's participation in the future. Ms. Eisenstein explained that Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1973 to make repairs that enable low income senior citizens to stay in their own homes. The organization has been in Denver since 1993. Most proj ects are scheduled twice a year and repairs are accomplished in one day using volunteers and donations. Each project requires $3,000 to cover materials supplies, insurance, etc. The money is sometimes donated by a business or civic organization and sometimes through individual donations. Mr. Stachelski stated that an event "What There is to Love About Wheat Ridge" is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Recreation Center. Rebuiding Together has been invited to have an information table at the event. Kent Davis and Janice Thompson commented that, while Rebuilding Together is a worthy cause, they believed the Housing Authority's main goal is to provide home ownership to individuals with low to moderate incomes. Since Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds can be used for these types of projects, Lena Rotola suggested that Ms. Eisenstein approach City Council next year when consideration is given to how CDBG funds should be distributed. Ms. Eisenstein described a project located within the City of Wheat Ridge that is to take place on April 26. It was moved by Janice Thompson and seconded by Lena Rotola that the Housing Authority participate by providing lunch for volunteers on April 26th. The motion carried 3 to 1 with Kent Davis voting opposed. There was a consensus of the Authority to have a table at the "What There Is To Love About Wheat Ridge" event to inform people about the Housing Authority's purpose and display some past projects. 2. Authorization to Hire Swanhorst and Company to Perform Audit It was moved by Kent Davis and seconded by Janice Thompson to authorize Swanhorst and Company to perform the audit of the Wheat Ridge Housing Authority for the year ended December 31, 2007. The motion carried 4-0. Housing Authority Minutes - 2- January 22,2008 G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Discussion ofImplementation of Special Projects Ryan Stachelski distributed copies of information on Colorado Acts and condemnation. Copies of a memorandum from Gerald Dahl, City Attorney, regarding the Fruitdale School were included in the Authority's meeting packet. Mr. Stachelski reported on a meeting with Pete Dogherty ofthe Jefferson County School District. He advised Mr. Dogherty that the Housing Authority did not want to see the Fruitdale school building torn down and wanted to do something with the building that would revitalize the community. Mr. Dogherty indicated that the School District would be more than happy to talk about a friendly condemnation. Regarding Colorado Acts, Mr. Stachelski learned that the possibility of Colorado Acts using the building for a school and theater was brought up by the Historical Society in April of 2007. Colorado Acts was told at that time they could probably refurbish the building for $60,000 which does not seem realistic. Donations to Colorado Acts are usually in the form of in-kind donations such as use of a building. It is important to determine (I) enviromnental abatement issues; (2) structural soundness of the building; and (3) is the project economically viable. Mr. Dogherty stated that the School District would be willing to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Housing Authority to allow architects to do an assessment without the Authority owning the building. Janice Thompson asked about the use of CDBG funds for this project. Ryan Stachelski explained that the City of Wheat Ridge gets its allocation from the county. Funds for this year are probably allocated toward the 44th and Wadsworth project. The Housing Authority could apply next year for some of that money as well as Home Funds. Henry Wehrdt suggested that the architect should only be requested to perform an initial feasibility study to begin with. It was moved by Kent Davis and seconded by Janice Thompson that Ron Abo be selected as the architect to do an initial feasibility study for the Fruitdale School project. The motion failed 1 to 4 with Cheryl Brungardt, Kathy Nuanes, Lena Rotola and Janice Thompson voting no. It was moved by Lena Rotola and seconded by Janice Thompson that the Entasis Group be selected as the architect to do a feasibility study for the Fruitdale School project. The motion carried 5-0. Housing Authority Minutes - 3 - January 22,2008 There was a consensus of the Authority that Cheryl Brungardt and Ryan Stachelski meet with the School District regarding the Authority's plans. H. OTHER . Larry Nelson reported that there have been two showings for the Parfet unit since it was placed back on the market. . The price has been reduced to $114, 900 on the remaining Park Side unit. It is also being listed under "residential" on the multi -list. . Henry Wehrdt has completed his work on the Allison property. . Henry Wehrdt reported that there is no longer a tenant in the 41 st Avenue property. Bids should be ready to go out in February. . Chair Brungardt, on behalf ofthe Authority, expressed appreciation to Henry Wehrdt for his extra efforts in writing grant proposals for the Authority. . Chair Brungardt reminded Authority members that there are funds available in the budget to attend meetings and conferences. The NAHRO conference is scheduled to be held May 14-16 in Estes Park. If anyone is interested in attending, they should contact Cheryl. . Chair Brungardt also suggested that the Housing Authority host a Commission Summit that would provide training for Housing Authority members from around the state. It was moved by Kent Davis and seconded by Lena Rotola to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. E. ADJOURNMENT ~.u~ Cheryl Bru ardt, Chmr o~~ Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary Housing Authority Minutes -4- January 22, 2008