Community Development Committee - June 20, 2017 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday: June 20, 2017
The Regular Meeting of the Community Development Committee of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the City Commission Room at City Hall at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2017.
The Community Development Committee Members present or absent were as follows:
Present: Commissioner John Strand, Mayor Tim Mahoney, Linda Klebe,
Michael Redlinger, Jan Ulferts Stewart, Samantha McDonald, Thomas Hill, Sami Eidenschink
Item 1. Welcome
Chairperson Strand welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of May 16, 2017
Ms. Ulferts Stewart moved the minutes of the May 16, 2017 Community Development Committee meeting be approved. Second by Ms. Klebe. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3. Update on the Fargo Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative
Community Development Administrator Dan Mahli gave a brief summary of the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI) program – reviewed the history, process, and success that has come from it – and introduced Kim Settel with Gate City Bank. Ms. Settel stated Gate City Bank has enjoyed the partnership with the City on this program and has offered to extend the application deadline from June 1 to October 1, 2017. Discussion was held on ways to further market the program to the community.
Ms. Ulferts Stewart moved the Community Development Committee recognize with deep appreciation and thanks Ms. Settel and Gate City Bank for their work with the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. Second by Ms. Klebe. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
3:10 p.m. Member Redlinger present.
Ms. Ulferts Stewart moved the Community Development Committee support the application deadline extension to October 1. Second by Ms. Klebe. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 4. Review Community Development Program Policies
Special Assessment Assistance
Mr. Mahli presented a summary of the City of Fargo Special Assessment Assistance program. This program is used to alleviate the burden of special assessment costs for low-to-moderate-income homeowners, while at the same time facilitating the improvement of neighborhood infrastructure. He added that the assistance is allocated from both local and federal sources on an annual basis, as funds are available. In addition, he noted that over the majority of the years since this program began, the number of households assisted has increased. There have been no changes made since the last time the Community Development Committee has reviewed the program.
Snow Removal Assistance
Mr. Mahli discussed the City of Fargo Snow Removal Assistance program. This program is used to meet the needs of low-income senior households and those with disabilities. He stated the grant funds are allocated from the City’s Community Development Block Grant. He said funds are used to pay a contractor to remove snow from public sidewalks and walkways.
Storefront Rehab/Downtown Projects
Mr. Mahli presented a summary of the City of Fargo Storefront Rehab/Downtown projects program. He stated the purpose of this program is to renovate the exteriors of deteriorating properties in the downtown area. He added interested property owners may apply for a 50% matching grant, up to $15,000, per façade, which can be used for the rehabilitation of building exteriors, demolition of blighted properties, or other exterior above-grade improvements.
Metropolitan Transportation Initiative
Mr. Mahli presented a summary of the City of Fargo Metropolitan Transportation Initiative program. This program assists low-income households with purchasing a 4-month semester bus pass. Applicants must income qualify and be enrolled in Adult Education, English Language Learning, or Head Start to be eligible.
Ms. Ulferts Stewart moved all of the programs be accepted and supported by the Community Development Committee as presented. Second by Ms. McDonald. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 5. Update on Community Development Grant application and process
Mr. Mahli distributed a handout of the 2017 Community Development calendar and budget, noting the 2017 allocations from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development are released. He added the City of Fargo’s 2017 Annual Action Plan is submitted to HUD and pending approval.
3:37 p.m. Mayor Mahoney present.
Discussion was held on the review process for the Community Development Grant applications. Mr. Hill moved to create a subcommittee to discuss the Community Development Grant application, assess needs, set performance goals, and consider new opportunities. Second by Ms. McDonald. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 6. Other Business
Mr. Mahli and Members expressed their great appreciation to Jan Ulferts Stewart for her service and commitment on the Community Development Committee.
Mr. Mahli and Assistant Planner Tyrone Grandstrand introduced the Community Development Division’s summer interns and gave a brief summary about the work they are doing with the City of Fargo.
Item 7. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 4:00 p.m.