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MINUTES Citizen’s District Council Meeting City of Muskegon CDBG Conference Room 203 Muskegon, Michigan Tuesday, October 7, 2014 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Addie Sanders-Randall at 5:45 p.m. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken by Laura Hichue Present: Addie Sanders-Randall, Billie Quinn, Rosalind Ford, Kim Burr Absent: Tom Pastoor, Chris Carter, Emma Torresen, Commissioner Johnson Staff Present: Oneata Bailey, Laura Hichue APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Mrs. Ford to approve the minutes. Mrs. Burr seconded the motion which carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Oneata gave a brief update on the status of the property at 1500 Leahy. NEW BUSINESS Oneata stated that the new Home Buyers Assistance Program was approved by HUD as a 2014 activity and is creating a lot of interest and phone calls. She further stated that she had talked to lenders and Coldwell Banker Realtors about a Lead Inspection requirement included as policy. She stated that it was important that a family is aware if there is lead in the home or not. Mrs. Burr asked if the lead was required to be abated. Oneata stated that the County has been given a new grant for abatement that should be for 3 years. If the family purchasing the home qualifies for the Home Buyers Assistance, they would qualify to go through the County for the abatement also. Oneata asked Mrs. Burr about the ability to renege on a sale and the time frame. Mrs. Burr explained that there is a 10 day timeframe to have an inspection and be able to back out; after that time the buyer would lose the earnest money but can still renege. She also stated that it would be smart on the realtor’s part to have a contingency in the contract about the outcome of the lead inspection report. Oneata stated that the buyers are coming through the department at different parts of the process and have an example of a prospective buyer that wasn’t pre-approved and explained that the $5,000 closing cost assistance would be more favorable to the lender and would help in assisting the buyer to be able to purchase a home. Page 1 of 2 Mrs. Randall asked Oneata about the Youth Program that was discussed previously. Oneata explained she had met with Commissioner Hood and Dwana Thompson, the Affirmative Action Director, about the existing youth programs. She said they were trying to organize to go into schools before the end of the school year and talk to the kids. Mrs. Quinn stated she felt that the programs should be for anyone who wants to work, not just based on income. Oneata said that Commission Hood agreed that it should be for anyone who wants to work. Oneata also stated that Meijer has agreed to hire youth if they completed the summer youth program through the local school and someone was able to vouch for the youth. Meijer would receive the list and hire them. She said there was also an opportunity for those at risk and are in the court systems and there was a program for them. Oneata said they were making contacts to other companies and be able to have a niche for all. Oneata said the Mia and Grace was the only restaurant so far that said they would participate also. Other possible contacts were discussed. Oneata said that the Youth Program can be on the next agenda to give updates. Oneata said they want to make sure it’s County wide for all school districts and will be checking with the Department of Employment and Training to see if they have any funds available. She said that it’s important that the kids understand that they cannot be in trouble at school and expect to get a job. The kids would be taken through certain training on how to work and basic instructions. Oneata stated that employers would need some training also on working with kids. Discussion took place on examples of poor service and supervision at certain fast food restaurants. DISCUSSION The Board voted to cancel the November 4 meeting due to Election Day and decided to schedule the next meeting for February 3, 2015, unless something comes up that needs attention. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Page 2 of 2
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