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2004-01-20 Special CIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - - JANUARY 20, 2004 - - 7:25 P.M. Acting Chair Daysog convened the Special Meeting at 7:40 p.m. Commissioner Gilmore led the Pledge of Allegiance. Acting Chair Daysog announced that he would be presiding over the Meeting since Chair Johnson was attending the Mayors' Conference in Washington, D.C. ROLL CALL - Present: Commissioners Daysog, Gilmore, Kerr, Matarrese - 4. Absent: Chair Johnson - 1. (04 -003) Minutes of the Special Community Improvement Commission Meeting of December 16, 2003 and January 6, 2004; and the Special Joint City Council and Community Improvement Commission Meeting of January 6, 2004. Approved. Commissioner Matarrese moved approval of the minutes. Commissioner Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4. [Absent: Chair Johnson - 1.] AGENDA ITEM (04 -004) Recommendation to authorize the Executive Director to renew a Funding Agreement with Alameda Development Corporation. Gregg Fujita, Alameda Development Corporation (ADC), introduced ADC Executive Director, Laura Fritz, and Treasurer, Robert Kemp; stated that ADC's strategic planning addresses three focus areas: 1) development of affordable housing and home ownership opportunities; 2) working with brokerage services and home buying assistance programs in providing buyers with affordable housing; and 3) development of education and workshops; stated twelve affordable housing units have been provided at Marina Cove and a Project Manager has been hired for the 626 Buena Vista Project. Commissioner Kerr stated that she initially supported ADC in hopes that more could be done for the City through the opportunities of a private organization; that ADC's activity seemed chiefly involved with things that the City could do in the past; the buyer selection program for the Kaufman and Broad project had problems; the Buena Vista Project has not come to a final design; initially, ADC was a noble experiment but she cannot continue her support. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 1 January 20, 2004 Commissioner Gilmore inquired how long the funding was for, to which the Executive Director responded that, predicated on moving forward with the 626 Buena Vista Project, repayment would be within two years. Commissioner Gilmore inquired whether design, approval, building and selling would be completed within the two -year timeframe. Mr. Fujita responded an updated Performa and timeline would be provided within the next 30 days; the timeline has a two -year completion date. Commissioner Gilmore inquired how ADC's handling of the project defers from the Housing Authority; inquired whether services are being duplicated. The Executive Director responded that when the Council appointed the Homeowners' Task Force, one of the recommendations was the creation of the ADC; sufficient time has not been allowed to demonstrate ADC's effectiveness in delivering below- market housing; suggested that staff could work with ADC to provide progress reports to Council. Commissioner Gilmore stated if funding was approved, the 626 Buena Vista Project could become the litmus test for ADC. Commissioner Matarrese concurred with Commissioner Gilmore; stated that the project should be given a chance; the City cannot hire Housing Authority staff to pursue what the Board is able to do for less than $49,000. Commissioner Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation with direction to have ADC provide quarterly progress reports to the Council. Commissioner Gilmore seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mr. Fujita stated that ADC is proud to have a full -time Executive Director and Project Manager on staff; ADC is more optimistic for the success of the project than six months ago; ADC would be happy to provide quarterly progress reports to the Council. Acting Chair Daysog thanked the ADC and Board Members; stated that the value of a non - profit is community ownership and the ability to access a range of financing that housing authorities cannot; regulations are more flexible for non - profits than for housing authorities. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 2 January 20, 2004 Commissioner Kerr stated that the Housing Task Force was appointed by staff, not by Council; concurred with Acting Chair Daysog regarding funding; stated that originally, the idea was to form an organization that could access funding that the Housing Authority could not, which has not happened. The Executive Director stated the Council did not appoint the Housing Forum; that the Homeowners' Task Force was appointed by the Council; stated that the ADC is an outgrowth of the Homeowners' Task Force, not the Housing Forum. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Commissioners Daysog, Gilmore and Matarrese - 3. Noes: Commissioner Kerr - 1. [Absent: Chair Johnson - 1.] ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Acting Chair Daysog adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger Secretary, Community Improvement Commission The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 3 January 20, 2004