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MINUTES
Citizen’s District Council Meeting
City of Muskegon CDBG
Conference Room 203
Muskegon, Michigan
Thursday, January 29, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Patricia Montney at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Roll call was taken by Liz Parker.
Present: Patricia Montney, Marcia Hovey-Wright, Virgie Jackson, Tom
Pastoor, Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, Addie Sanders-Randall, Amy
Varnado and Stephen Gawron
Staff Present: Wilmern Griffin, Liz Parker
Guest: Brittany Meyers, MCC student – attending as requirement for
Political Science class.
NEW BUSINESS
Due to time constraints, the meeting immediately started with the grant proposal
reviews.
COM - Finance - Fire Station Bond Payment Proposal – Bryon Mazade, City
Manager and Tim Paul, Finance Director, both from the City of Muskegon
Pat Montney stated she requested that Bryon Mazade and Tim Paul come to the
meeting to address some concerns regarding the bond since it was stated in the 2009
budget that part of the bond would be used for other items than what it was approved
for in 2006 and also to give the CDC a better understanding of the amount coming from
CDBG. With the letting of the bond on October 10, 2006, per the City Commission, the
bond covered the Fire Station, Fisherman’s Landing, the Marina and the trail. The 2009
City budget shows that part of the bond would go to two parks for improvement. Tim
Paul gave everyone a handout of the Schedule of Indebtedness, which included the
Debt Service Schedule, broken down by payment including principal, coupon and the
interest. He said the Marina project came in lower than the amount they borrowed from
the State. They were looking for other uses for the balance of the money; but, since
these were State funds, the State said no to the suggestion of moving the Farmer’s
Market. The State has since taken back the balance of the money. The Fire Bond
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Payment is for the new fire station only. It is not being used for anything else per Tim
Paul. Pat Montney wanted to know why interest was paid for two years with no
payment going to the principle. Tim Paul said there was no specific reason. The
General Fund paid the Debt Service in the beginning and started coming to the CDBG
for the 2008 payment. That’s the way it was structured. Tim Paul said the numbers will
not change; the bond payments will stay the same as the original schedule. Marcia
Hovey-Wright wanted to know why there was such a big increase in 2019. Tim Paul
said that in 2019 the mall deal will be paid off; hopefully, that money can be used for the
bond. If Downtown takes off, that will have tax money to help with the bond. Pat
Montney wanted to know if the CDBG funding goes down so low that it can’t afford to
fund the bond what will pay for the fire station. Bryon Mazade said the General Fund
would help pay. Pat Montney said she appreciated them coming to clear up the issues.
She also wanted to make sure the Schedule of Indebtedness handout was included in
the grant application next year.
COM - Inspections – Demolitions and Board Ups – Tony Kleibecker – Police
Chief for the City of Muskegon
Tony Kleibecker said this has been an ongoing request for some time, especially for the
demolition process. Last year (2007 – 2008), they did 20 demolitions. The goal is to
rehabilitate as many as possible because the City Commission goal is to eliminate as
much blight from the City, which is helps with. From a fire safety issue, the runs have
gone down over the year, reducing the property loss and personal injury. The 2009
budget is allotting $65,000 to demolitions and $13,000 for board ups. Tom Pastoor
wanted to know if the 20 demolitions are down from last year. Per Tony Kleibecker,
they are down from the last couple of years, especially if the property owner cooperates.
Tom Pastoor mentioned that you can have a good building now, but if it remains vacant
it becomes an unsafe building. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know what makes a
hazardous building. Tony Kleibecker explained it can be if the structure looks like it will
fall down or if it’s a fire hazard. They look at roofs, stairwells, porches. They also look
to see if windows and doors have been kicked in, which would lead to general safety
issues. Tom Pastoor wanted to know if any of the demolition money is recouped from
the property owner. Tony Kleibecker stated a lien is put on the property if it is
demolished; however, the amount of property owners who pay is not high. Addie
Sanders-Randall wanted to know if the demolitions were just residential. Tony
Kleibecker said most of them are generally residential, but sometimes a commercial
building will be demolished. Usually the commercial buildings would cost so much more
to demolish because of the asbestos. The lowest bid on the old Muskegon Hotel, for
example, was $75,000. He also advised the group they demolish garages, which can
be a high hazard. Steve Gawron mentioned that dangerous buildings which are vacant
are supposed to be registered with the City. The property owner must pay the
registration fee unless they can provide proof it is actively being marketed to be sold.
COM - CNS – Senior Weatherization/Energy Conservation Program –
Wilmern G. Griffin, Director of Community and Neighborhood Services for
the City of Muskegon
Wil Griffin started his presentation by stating this was a new HOME project he would
like to implement. Usually the CNS HOME programs include funding for one newly
constructed house and one rehabilitated house that was purchased through HUD’s
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Good Neighbor Program for $1 or as a tax-reverted house back to the City. CNS
currently has four to five homes for sale. Wil decided it would be better to use the
money for a Senior Weatherization/Energy Conservation Program. Last year the Nova
Development Group out of Detroit received a grant from the Michigan Energy
Commission. Last summer Nova and the CNS office partnered to offer a weatherization
program that went very well. Twenty two homeowners were assisted with such
weatherization as furnaces, insulation, windows, water blankets, etc. Some of these
people have already called to say their energy bill has gone down significantly. What
would normally be allocated to Infill is going to this program, with 10 – 14 units (houses)
being helped. He will also work on workforce development and train youth in insulation,
water heater blankets and hopefully someone will be able to start their own business for
non-licensed items. Tom Pastoor wanted to know how people will know about this new
program. Wil Griffin said it will be advertised through neighborhood newsletters, letters
to churches, an article in the Muskegon Chronicle, notification to Senior Resources, Call
2-1-1 and advertise with CAAP. Tom Pastoor also wanted to know if employment for
YouthBuild will be through this program. Wil Griffin said yes, if he gets the YouthBuild;
otherwise he will use resources he already has to recruit youth. Pat Montney wanted to
know what non-licensed items are. Wil Griffin explained they are items that can be
installed for which the State of Michigan does not require a license such as installing rim
joists, insulation, water heater blanket and caulking. Licensed items would be installing
windows, furnaces and thermostats. He also stated he was not working with Nova
Development this year as they were not getting a grant this year. Pat Montney wanted
to know if the program would allow for the installation of storm doors. Wil Griffin said he
will be looking for someone who has the ability to do an energy audit of what the needs
are of each house, so storm doors would be a possibility. He will try to keep the amount
of funds used for each unit to $10,000. Because of the economy, windows are cheaper
than in the past and he would be using local vendors. He also doesn’t know if there are
any other additional funds available. With the new administration, there has been talk of
energy conservation and possibly additional funding from the national level or
elsewhere. Tom Pastoor wanted to know if the money could be used for other persons
who are purchasing a home but need energy updates. Wil Griffin said CDBG funding
can’t be over 80% of AMI, while the National Stabilization Program is at 120% of area
median income; the CNS programs have to have ownership for one year as he doesn’t
want people flipping houses. The Inspection Department also says that when violators
on land contracts default, the property then goes back to the landlord, and Wil Griffin
does not want to get into that situation.
COM - Engineering – Street Improvements – Mohammed Al-Shatel, Director
of Engineering for the City of Muskegon
Mohammed Al-Shatel started his presentation by handing out a new grant application,
which is replacing the original grant application. The original application was for
assistance with street assessments for low/moderate-income owner-occupied
homeowners whose road has been repaired, repaved, etc. If the homeowner qualified,
their street assessment would be paid for by this grant. The new replacement grant
application is to apply CDBG funds directly to street improvements, eliminating the
street assessments completely. This would apply to new road projects only. Old street
assessments still have to be paid off. The reason for this change came about because
of a decision made by the Legislative Policy Committee that met last night, January 28.
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That group took action at that meeting to eliminate the street assessments to property
owners and have the CDBG funds directly pay for the road repairs. Steve Gawron said
that at last night’s meeting some of the commissioners said the current economy could
be devastating if at least 50% of the property owners veto a road project and the City
Commission does not agree 100% to proceed with the road project. When a road
project is vetoed, it cannot be voted upon again for five years. During those five years
the road continues to deteriorate, costing even more money for the project. Examples
of this are Beidler and Division, which cost more money in the long run to repair
because of previously being vetoed. Major street funds and designating existing
millages are earmarked towards paving projects. The big focus is on preserving the
ability to do a road project. There are some commissioners who do not want to go
against what residents want. The new grant application is only for the road project for
Jefferson Street reconstruction between Fourth and Strong. Mohammed Al-Shatel
stated the grant for street assessments has been requested at $65,000, the same
amount as for street improvements. He does not think he’s ever gone over grant
budget and probably has not used all of the funds. Wil Griffin stated the money gets
carried over. It was mentioned that one of the latest projects, Pine Street, did not use
CDBG funds because the majority of the property owners are landlords or commercial
property. Pat Montney wanted to know how much money was left for the current year.
Mohammed Al-Shatel stated there are still outstanding 2008 projects to be accounted
for. Dan Rinsema-Sybenga wanted to know how the CDC will know how to do the
funding if they don’t know how much is actually spent on the street assessments. He
said this is just a way for the City to get more money. Wil said according to CDBG
guidelines that no less than 70% of the funds have to be used for low/moderate-income
activities, no more than 15% for non-profits and no more than 20% to administration.
Dan Rinsema-Sybenga said it looks like general services are getting shifted to CDBG
funds. City maintenance should be a City expense and not a CDBG expense. Pat
Montney wanted a copy of the new ruling. Steve Gawron said as of last night copies
were not available but streets will no longer be assessed. Dan Rinsema-Sybenga
asked if this was done as a public meeting. Steve Gawron said it was part of the
Legislative Policy Committee meeting.
COM - Department of Public Works (DPW) – Sr. Transit – Leigh Ann Archer
– Administrative Supervisor
Leigh Ann Archer advised the group that Sr. Transit serves Muskegon citizens at 62 and
older to transport them to medical appoints, shopping, visiting, etc. The cost is $1.50
each way. The rides can be scheduled the day before. For these riders, Sr. Transit is
their only way to get around. This program has been in service since the 1970’s.
Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know why people can’t use the bus system. Leigh Ann
Archer explained it would be difficult for an older person to do shopping as they couldn’t
carry too many bags on the bus; they have difficulty getting around or finding a safe
place to wait for the bus in bad weather. Amy Varnado wanted to know if the Red Cross
offers the same service. Leigh Ann Archer said the Red Cross offers rides for medical
appoints only. Sr. Transit starts at 8:00 a.m. When the appointment is over and they
are ready to be picked up, the rider calls Sr. Transit, which then works the pick-ups into
their schedule. Tom Pastoor wanted to know how they get the word out about Sr.
Transit, as he would like flyers so he can put a pamphlet together for McLaughlin’s
seniors that they can deliver door to door. Leigh Ann Archer indicated they do not have
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an advertising budget, but is open to suggestions. Suggestions included the new senior
facility called Tanglewood, Senior Resources, giving out flyers to the NAM so they can
be passed around the neighborhoods, Call-211 and their website and having Ann
Becker, City Clerk, do a focus article for the City newsletter. Tom Pastoor also wanted
to know about car maintenance. Leigh Ann Archer stated the City does all the
maintenance for them.
American Red Cross Proposal – Senior Transportation, Lois Brinks -
Director
Lois Brinks gave her presentation to the group. Twenty-two years ago the Area Agency
on Aging realized senior citizens couldn’t get to their medical appointments; the solution
because the Red Cross providing transportation. They have volunteers for driving,
dispatching, maintenance and record keeping. They have also been getting money
from the community for the past 19 years. They are open Monday thru Friday starting
at 4:45a.m. Thirty-six percent of their riders are dialysis patients who have
appointments three times per week. The drivers are dedicated and even drive in bad
weather. This winter, with the horrible weather, they had four towing bills in one day.
They have five automobiles and one van with a ramp to accommodate wheelchair
riders. When a rider is in a wheelchair, they have to have someone accompany them,
but the driver still secures them in the van. Unfortunately, they do not have a van with a
lift. In calendar year 2008, 40% of their riders were City of Muskegon resident, 196
seniors and 6,000 rides. The service is free to any medical facility in Muskegon County.
They do get donations from senior citizens. Most people are low income. Pat Montney
wanted clarification in the application that referred to ‘always bill after use of donation.’
Lois Brinks stated the billing is not to the riders, but to the City of Muskegon CDBG
program for reimbursement. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know where the deficit
comes from. Lois Brinks stated it comes from United Way. She also mention that they
take people for a variety of medical appoints including physical, dental, vision, physical
and mental therapy. Tom Pastoor wanted to know if, ordered by court to attend an AA
meeting for example, would it be an allowable ride. Lois Brinks said they’ve never come
across that situation before but that it should be eligible. Addie Sanders-Randall
wanted to know how income, etc. was verified. Lois Brinks stated income is verified
when a person calls for their ride for the very first time. The service is then delivered on
a first call, first served basis. There is a priority for standing appointments, dialysis or
cancer treatments. In years past they starting giving rides to Grand Rapids for the
veterans, but they had to turn down too many others to accommodate one person to
Grand Rapids so that service was stopped. One car costs $6,000 - $7,000 for gas and
maintenance. The dip in the gas prices has helped. They use to lease their cars until
the State allowed them to buy a car. When they buy a car, 80% is Federal money and
20% is State money. They now have cars that are three years old and are starting to
have maintenance problems, which they didn’t have when they were leasing a car for
two years.
COM – CNS – Rental Rehabilitation Program – HOME Grant Proposal,
Wilmern G. Griffin, Director of Community and Neighborhood Services for
the City of Muskegon
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Wil Griffin started his presentation by saying this program assists rental property owners
with a 50% matching of funds up to $14,999 per unit. This program will improve the
affordability and quality of rental property in the community and it has gotten better
because the City’s Code Enforcement Officer gives the property owner the violation and
the Inspection Department tells the property owner of this program. The CNS
department also has a Lead Program in which a rental property owner invests $1,500
for $8,000 worth of work. If additional work needs to be done above the $8,000, then
the Rental Rehab Program takes over. The number of rental rehabs has gone down in
order to meet the goals under the Lead Program, which are 66 rentals in three years.
Luckily the Lead Program can go hand-and-hand with the Rental Rehab Program. Wil
said they also advertise when Section 8, who sends out information on the Rental
Rehab and the Lead Program. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know why the numbers
were down. Wil Griffin explained many landlords want to milk as much as possible from
the properties and not put money into the properties. Pat Montney wanted to know
where the Rental Rehab Program was as far as goals. Wil Griffin said they were at 75 –
80% of goal. They only have one and one-half years left on the CAPER. Currently,
they have exceeded new construction and emergency repairs, but were behind in
Rental Rehab because it’s an outside entity that they are dealing with (landlords). Wil
Griffin has made presentations to the Landlord Association but many of the landlords
are out of state or are difficult to deal with. Four homes have not sold (Division, Myrtle,
Orchard and Isabella. Isabella is now part of the Lease with Option to Purchase
Program. He showed that house yesterday. They need confirmation from the bank that
a person has previously applied and been turned down for a mortgage, yet would still be
eligible for a mortgage in three years. Now there is the problem of people getting a
mortgage because of the new credit guidelines.
COM – CNS – Emergency Repair Program – Wilmern G. Griffin, Director of
Community and Neighborhood Services for the City of Muskegon
Wil Griffin started off by advising the group the Emergency Repair Program provides
plumbing, roofs, furnaces and sometimes electrical repair to low-income residents of
whom many are older. If this program did not exist, many of these people would be in
serious trouble finding a way to pay for these expensive repairs, which would eventually
lead to blight. In the 2007 – 2008 fiscal year, 73 households were helped for $206,205.
The program works by a homeowner contacting the Housing Counselor, who verifies
income, homeownership, current house insurance and that current property taxes are
paid. They usually try to get 48 hour turnaround time on furnaces and four to seven
days on roofs. Pat Montney wanted to know if they did new chimney liners. Wil Griffin
said he didn’t know, but that now water heaters are vented out, along with furnaces.
COM – CNS – Vinyl Siding Program – Wilmern G. Griffin, Director of
Community and Neighborhood Services for the City of Muskegon
Wil Griffin stated the Vinyl Siding Program is meant to replace old imitation brick,
clapboard or wood siding that can no longer retain the paint. The program helps with
neighborhood beautification because new siding makes a significant appearance and it
also helps with energy bills. In 2007 – 2008 fiscal year, they sided 29 homes for
$236,999.84. This year Vinyl Siding is down as they only have one contractor. They
are considering adding another contractor to do the last half of the year. Any leftover
money can go from the Vinyl Siding Program to the Emergency Repair Program, which
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has run out of money. Pat Montney wanted to know why the additional money doesn’t
go to the Emergency Repair Program rather than the Vinyl Siding Program. Wil Griffin
agreed that Pat is correct and in hindsight, more money should go to the Emergency
Repair Program. While Vinyl Siding activities cost more ($6,000), furnaces cost
approximately $3,000 or less and water heaters are less expensive. CNS tries to help
as many people as possible. For homeowners, taxes must be paid up and they must
have homeowner’s insurance. With today’s economy, they are seeing more and more
people without homeowner’s insurance. Pat Montney wanted to know if there was a
waiting list for the Emergency Repair Program. Wil Griffin said no one is waiting. He
gave credit to Ardyce Haken, Housing Counselor, for how well the program is run and
how many people have been served.
The meeting broke at 7:10 p.m. and will continue on Tuesday, February 3.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Pat Montney at 5:33 p.m., Tuesday, February 3,
2009.
ROLL CALL
Roll call was taken by Liz Parker.
Present: Patricia Montney, Marcia Hovey-Wright, Virgie Jackson, Tom
Pastoor, Addie Sanders-Randall, Amy Varnado and Stephen
Gawron
Excused: Dan Rinsema-Sybenga
Staff Present: Wilmern Griffin, Liz Parker
Guests: Roger Gayden, MCC student – attending as requirement for
Government class; accompanied by his grandmother, Darella
Chambers
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Marcia Hovey-Wright made a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting
(January 6, 2008). Virgie Jackson seconded. Motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS
Pat Montney asked if there was any old business to be discussed. Wil Griffin stated the
Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant was submitted on January 29, 2009. Marcia
Hovey-Wright wanted to know when HUD was going to advise Wil of the amount of the
2009 – 2010 funding for the grants they are currently reviewing. Wil Griffin said he
didn’t know as HUD was still saying to use the figures from last year. He had heard that
the national HUD budget was passed but that it wasn’t posted yet as to the amounts
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being distributed. He is hopeful it is before the last meeting on February 12, 2009,
when the CDC decides on their grant recommendations. He said the Action Plan had to
be received by April 17, which is 45 days before the end of the fiscal year (May 31) so
he had to know the figures before then. Pat Montney wanted to know what to do if the
amounts are announced after the CDC has made their recommendations, but prior to it
being received by the City Commission. Steve Gawron suggested the amounts be
changed by the difference in the percentage of funds actually received. Marcia Hovey-
Wright said depending on the amount, we may not want to fund some applicants. Wil
Griffin said he was going to leave it up to the group how they wanted to handle it. Pat
Montney asked if there were any questions from the previous meeting reviews. Marcia
Hovey-Wright wanted to know why the Senior Weatherization/Energy Conservation
Program was a new request. Wil Griffin explained this was a new program that CNS
hasn’t done before. Because of the number of homes CNS has for sale, they are not
asking for funds for Tax-reverted rehabs and Infill new construction projects, but using
those funds for this program. There was a pilot program with the Nova Development
Group last summer that was successful. CNS is trying to get better use of the funds to
help senior citizens. Tom Pastoor wanted an explanation of the different percentages
the funds go to. Wil Griffin explained no less than 70% must go to low-moderate
income activities; no more than 15% can go to the sub-recipients (non-profits) and no
more than 20% goes to the administration of CDBG funds. For the HOME grants, no
more than 10% can go to HOME administration and at least 15% must go to the
CHDO’s (Community Housing Development Organization) which are Community
enCompass, Habitat for Humanity and Neighborhood Investment Corporation. Pat
Montney said that if anyone wanted more information, just type HUD on an internet
query.
CONTINUED NEW BUSINESS
COM - Affirmative Action – Dwana Thompson, Manager of Affirmative
Action for the City of Muskegon
Dwana Thompson said part of her salary for Affirmative Action is in this grant, for which
she handles prevailing wage interviews, Equal Opportunity Committee member,
chairperson of the Chamber Diversity Committee and ADA accessibility for the City of
Muskegon properties, especially City Hall and the parks. For the City of Muskegon ADA
audit, she was the coordinator. Nine auditors from the Department of Justice in
Washington, D.C. did an audit of the City of Muskegon. Another part of her job in
Affirmative Action is to assist the Contractor’s Assistance Program (CAP) is getting
participants who are low-income, minority and/or women-owned businesses to attend
their classes. The classes are paid for through MSHDA funds and prepare the students
for the State Builder’s License Exam. She also sponsors a luncheon for minority and
women-owned business, many of which are small disadvantaged businesses who can’t
afford to be Chamber members. The luncheon helps them network and gives them the
opportunity to get contacts in the community. She will be sponsoring a Meet and Greet
for the interns this year. It gives them a chance to meet their fellow interns, minority
business owners and network within the community. Addie Sanders-Randall wanted to
know if there was a current list of minority and women businesses. Dwana Thompson
said the listing is on the City’s website, which she updates as she gets new information
on new businesses. The list goes to road construction contractors at the pre-bid
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meetings, for example, who are supposed to have 14% minority and 6.9% women on
their crews. The numbers are based on Muskegon demographics. The list includes
minority business owners, women-owned business or business owners with minority
women working for them. Addie Sanders-Randall asked about the booklet of minority
and women-owned businesses. Dwana Thompson said that is an out-of-date booklet
developed by the Chambers. They are considering having an updated list on the
Chamber’s website. There was a question about accessing the internet when there are
a lot of minority people who do not have computers. Steve Gawron reminded everyone
the Library has a computer room and people are going there to access the internet.
Someone asked if Dwana Thompson dealt much with unfair housing. She answered
that there is not a lot because the Housing Center is no longer in Muskegon. Usually
she will talk to a company that has the complaint against them. If she has to, she will
refer people to the Fair Housing Commission in Grand Rapids and Holland. Steve
Gawron asked how much money is being requested for this. Dwana Thompson stated
$5,000 with the balance of her salary coming from the General Fund. Tom Pastoor
wanted to know how long she has been doing this job. Dwana Thompson advised she
has been on the job two years as of January. Tom Pastoor also wanted to know how
the City was doing with meeting the goal of percentages. Dwana Thompson said there
is always room for improvement. It is difficult when there are not enough
minority/women-owned contractors to begin with. This is where CAP helps by offering
the classes they do. Tom Pastoor wanted to know what services were out there for
people who are trying to start their own businesses. Dwana Thompson said she was a
resource to people as she will look at their business plan or where to go to get started
and refers them to SCORE at the Chamber. She tries to provide resources at very little
money. Steve Gawron mentioned that the City of Muskegon requires contractors for
jobs to be qualified businesses that have experience, equipment and training behind
them. Many don’t and then they rant and rave at the City Commission meetings that the
City of Muskegon won’t hire them. Dwana Thompson did say she does try to get the
small struggling businesses certified as a disadvantaged business through the County.
This then allows them to bid on MDOT projects.
COM - Affirmative Action – Four Summer Internship Opportunities for
College-enrolled Young People - Dwana Thompson, Manager of Affirmative
Action for the City of Muskegon
Dwana Thompson said that prior to her starting with the City of Muskegon, the Julia
Hackley Internship Foundation was funded very well through the Community
Foundation. However, each year the funding is becoming smaller and smaller. She
encourages all companies to have interns. It’s important for student development to get
experience and network with the community in which they might work. She is hoping for
four interns and possibly one from the Julie Hackley Internship Foundation. She will be
getting $1,877 from the General Fund, $1,500 from the Julie Hackley Internship
Foundation and asking for $10,000 from CDBG as a first-time request. It’s difficult when
students apply and they can’t get an internship because of lack of funds. Many COM
departments request interns but she can’t accommodate them. The internships are
geared towards students living at the poverty level or extremely low income. When
students apply, they must submit proof of income for the entire household and the total
number of people living in the home. They must meet the guidelines in order to get an
internship. Amy Varnado wanted to know how recruiting is done. Dwana Thompson
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stated she gets a list of scholarship recipients from the Community Foundation. From
that list she writes a letter to the Muskegon residents about the program. It doesn’t
matter what college the students attend. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know what the
goal is of students returning to Muskegon to work in our community. Dwana Thompson
said it would be interesting to know, but none have graduated yet as she has only
worked with freshman and sophomores. On their final reports they say they will return
to Muskegon for employment. Historically she has seen some who have returned to
Muskegon to work. Addie Sanders-Randall wanted to know what areas they work in as
an intern with the City. Dwana Thompson stated she lets them choose. Just because
they have one major doesn’t mean they can’t work in a different area to gain
experience. She gives them the opportunity to explore other areas. Last year was an
election year and many were interested in working in the Clerk’s office. CNS, IT, Civil
Service and DPW all wanted interns, but there was only one opening and it went to the
Clerk’s Office. There was a big interest last year in elections because this would be the
first time students would be voting. In other years there has been much diversity such
as Planning and learning sustainability. One intern came in with his own ideas on a
survey, which the City of Muskegon is currently using.
HealthCARE – Health Screenings for Lower-income Populations and After-
school Youth Activities – Wilmer Cullen, LPN, Coordinator
Wilmer Cullen was accompanied by Stu Jones, their Treasurer. She started by giving a
handout of their 2008 results. HealthCARE is a non-profit, faith-based organization with
25 – 30 volunteers. They do home visits, offer diabetes and blood pressure screenings
at various churches, public housing sites, offer self-management classes, after-school
activities and outreach at senior citizen centers, barbershops and health fairs. High
blood pressure and high blood sugars are a high health risk and they do referrals to the
Emergency Rooms when it’s warranted. Or they are referred to Hackley Community
Care or Mercy Muskegon Care. They mainly work with low-income people. No one is
turned down. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know about their Supper House. Wilmer
Cullen advised they were already there cooking and feeding people so they started
doing diabetes and blood pressure screenings. Their organization deals with family
physicians and clinics. Many people also have vision problems (many due to high blood
pressure and diabetes) and they are referred to Hackley Community Care. Many
people are on a sliding scale fee and many people don’t realize they are eligible for their
program or that they qualify for social services. Currently 10 of their volunteers are in
training, which includes nurses, dieticians, pastors, etc. There are only certain services
the volunteers can do. The volunteers have 30 hours of training so they can take blood
pressures, although a nurse is always onsite for all events/screenings. They also work
with the Health Department. They also get calls for food and refer them to Loaves and
Fishes. They do blood pressure checks there and also network with Call 2-1-1. They
do educational training besides screenings and referrals and hand out pamphlets
wherever they are: churches, barbershops, beauty shops, senior centers, etc. On their
Bulletin Board they promote a different health issue each month. They are connected
with the Covenant Community Church on Barney. Wil Griffin wanted to know, due to
the economy, if there’s been an increase in the number of persons qualifying now who
didn’t previously qualify. Wilmer Cullen said there has been an increase now that more
people are losing their jobs and she sees an increase in depressions and stress, which
are side effects of losing a job. Their referrals to hospitals are down to zero because
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they are getting people to clinics, getting their diabetes or blood pressure under control
and educating people so they do not need the Emergency Room. Per Stu Jones, they
do get a grant from MHPG, but there is no guarantee. They do not have a big budget.
Prior to the MHPG they were getting money from Hackley, which has carried over to
Mercy since the merger. Addie Sanders-Randall wanted to know if more people are
being diagnosed with diabetes. Wilmer Cullen stated yes, plus there is a terminology
issue. She will tell them they have diabetes and they don’t understand, but when she
says they have high blood sugar they acknowledge that yes, they have ‘sugar.’ Many
more are taking ownership of their health problems than a few years ago. Pat Montney
wanted to know how many times per month do they do their visits. Wilmer Cullen
advised they see each group or client once a month and establish a relationship and
trust with their clients. They will also have screenings at health fairs. McLaughlin has a
summer health fair and an after-school program at Spring Street Church and a Care to
Count Program. Other after-school programs are at Smith-Ryerson and they have a 4-
H Busy Bees after-school activity. Wil Griffin mentioned that Wilmer Cullen is very
dedicated to her work. CNS sponsored the Muskegon Unity Academic Olympics last
summer and even though Wilmer was on vacation, she came over to man her booth for
diabetes and blood pressure screenings. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know when
this all started. Wilmer Cullen said she started as a volunteer in 1990 and it has taken
off since then.
Muskegon Community Health Project – Uninsured Diabetes Outreach –
Mimi Rankin, Diabetes Coordinator & Outreach Specialist
Mimi Rankin was accompanied by Ivory Morris who is with MCHP and also works with
the Muskegon Prisoner Re-entry Program. Mimi Rankin started her presentation by
stating they are requesting $5,000 from CDBG. They are currently having a problem
with prescription coverage. They use Muskegon Family Care and do outreach events.
Many people have no doctors. Currently she is the case manager for 162 patients. She
follows up with them every two weeks and tracks them down when they don’t go to their
appointments. Once in their program, patients use the pharmaceutical program, which
is for low and no-income persons. People who qualify for the Prescription Assistance
Program are in the program for one year. They are reevaluated each year for
continuation in the program if they income qualify. This program is for anyone in
Muskegon County. The problem is that it takes 45 – 60 days for people to get their
prescription coverage. In the meantime, MCHP covers the cost of the prescriptions until
the Prescription Plan takes over. The money comes from the Diabetes Walk at
Heritage Landing. Last year they made $12,000, which was completely used between
July and December. Without medication, diabetics can end up in the hospital with a bill
from $1,084 for the emergency room to $14,000 for an overnight stay. With the
medication, these bills could have been avoided. It is tough to get the prescriptions, but
10 out of 10 will need renewals of their medication. Out of 498 patients, 271 were
Muskegon residents. This program saves them over $700,000 in drug costs. They
have someone in their office who deals only with the pharmaceuticals every day.
Sometimes the doctors will change a medication and she shops and tries to get
generics, if possible. They also get referrals from doctors whose patients have Social
Security, but do not have insurance as many people have opted to not get the
prescription drug coverage from Medicare because of the cost. They end up paying
directly for the drugs until they realize it is more than they can handle. These patients
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then get referred to Norton Family Center and Lakeshore Family Care for assistance
and counseling. They also work with Wilmer Cullen of HealthCARE. Only the doctor
can sign for medications. They also work with Americore workers at the clinics to get
the medications ASAP. There is a sliding fee scale which is $5 - $6, which is a lot when
you have no income. They also help the homeless get on SSI. Marcia Hovey-Wright
wanted to know if they had a dietician. Mimi Rankin stated there are dieticians and
health educators at the clinics. Before getting medications from the Prescription Plan,
they must first be denied by Medicaid and then they can get into the program. Wil
Griffin wanted to know where the medications are mailed to for the homeless. Mimi
Rankin stated all meds are mailed directly to the doctor’s office. They also get diabetes
testing strips and glucometers from Freestyle. They also take donations on meters,
testing strips, syringes, etc., as the pharmaceutical companies are no longer allowed to
give anything away. Pat Montney wanted to know if there was an increase in the
number of people they are helping. Mimi Rankin said there is an increase, as 47% of
the general population doesn’t even know they have diabetes. They not only look at the
physical, medical and lifestyle aspects of a patient, but they also look at family history,
which helps doctors when they have this information. Mimi Rankin and Ivory Morris
started in 2003. They got a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield and went to the dialysis
center on Mercy Drive, as so many of the patients were diabetics; that’s how the
program started. They were never funded after that to do anything with diabetics, but it
became a passion for Mimi Rankin. That’s when they came up with the Diabetic Walk
at Heritage Landing, because so many people are looking for places to go to get
diabetes medication as they have no insurance and no resources. She has also been
contacting people from DHS, where there is a sliding fee scare. Charitable Care pays
the sliding fee scale and the State picks up the balance.
Neighborhood Investment Corporation – HOME – Homebuyer Rehab and
Acquisition Rehab – Tim Burgess, Executive Director
Tim Burgess stated they are requesting $120,000. NIC has been a CHDO for quite
some time and by the volume they have put out, they are more than capable of handling
home rehabilitations. They have done dozens of homes in the past and a couple of
homes last year, although they were not able to use the HOME funds last year. They
did an ADR project on Jefferson Street to rehab it with the last of 2006 money. Wil
Griffin had advised them that since they couldn’t expend the funds, they would have to
be taken away and they were fine with that. With the current economy, low-income
families can find affordable homes. NIC will first check out the home their client wants
to buy. While houses may have low costs, NIC wants to make sure the house doesn’t
need $25,000 of repairs that the client can’t afford, setting themselves up for high
energy bills or major repairs. If a major system fails, it can lead to borrowing from
predatory lenders and the client becoming a foreclosure victim. NIC wants to make the
homeowner successful through homeownership education, financial literacy classes
and one-on-one credit counseling. NIC is trying to make people the best stewards of
their resources. They direct the client finances to where they need to be, so that the
client can eventually become a successful homeowner. They had a success story in
the Muskegon Chronicle of one of their clients who went through their program, cleaned
up her credit and was able to buy a house, rehab it, make it lead safe and had
knowledge to go forth with her life and change her family tree for the better. She no
longer is a borrower, but achieving assets. NIC wants to have people be successful.
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They have partnered with the City of Muskegon before on the Farmer’s Market
properties, the last of which was sold last year. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know
what they did with the $55,000 from last year. Tim Burgess said it wasn’t used as they
didn’t rehab any homes through the City program because they didn’t have anyone who
qualified for their program. Wil Griffin took back the money and put it to other use. Now
the cost of housing is down, but they still have to deal with debt/income ratios and credit
score qualifications have been raised, so it’s more difficult for people to get a mortgage.
Wil Griffin said the $55,000 was used for the Nova Development Group project for
weatherization of the 22 homes during last summer. Addie Sanders-Randall wanted to
know if NIC got involved with foreclosed homes. Per Tim Burgess, they only do
foreclosure counseling, prior to the actual foreclosure. No one else is doing the
counseling. They had over 200 people last year go through their program. Oceana and
Kent County residents also come to NIC for the counseling. If they are too far into the
foreclosure process, NIC helps the clients on the best way possible to lose their homes.
People looking at foreclosure on their home are better dealing with a realtor who
specializes in short sales, which are quick turn around sales. Marcia Hovey-Wright
wanted to know how NIC advertises their services. Tim Burgess said they advertise on
radio stations 100 and 103.7. Also, the Register of Deeds alerts everyone who’s listed
the first two times in the Muskegon County Legal News of NIC’s services. NIC is trying
to keep the assets in Muskegon County rather than to absentee landlords. Tim Burgess
also mentioned the $1,400,000 National Stabilization Program (NSP) that will be
available for non-profits and NIC is the developing agency for the Land Bank. If they
get some of the NSP money, it can be matched with MSHDA funds. Also, MSHDA will
match whatever dollar amount is given to NIC through this grant so NIC is highly
dependent on this source of income because it is doubled. If NIC does five rehabs, they
could get a $15,000 bonus from MSHDA. Amy Varnado wanted to know if NIC can shift
money towards foreclosure prevention if they don’t have the people for rehabs. Per Tim
Burgess, yes; but as a side note, HOME funds cannot be shifted. Everyone in
Muskegon has troubles from the foreclosures. NIC gets 12 – 15 calls per week
regarding foreclosures. If you have vacant property near you then your property value
goes down. Wil Griffin said HUD disallowed using HOME funds for foreclosure
assistance money. Tim Burgess said they are teaching people what they are capable of
doing. Pat Montney wanted to know what the pre-foreclosure period is. Tim Burgess
advised there is a Sheriff’s sale or a six-month redemption period when the homeowner
can pay back all the money and retain their house. This usually happens less than one
percent of the time. A person is in default when the bank notifies them they are in
default and they have 90 days to foreclosure or do a tax-sale. NIC has a 75% success
rate of saving homes from foreclosure for the people who are willing to work the
program.
Legal Aid of Western Michigan – Legal Services to Clients Facing
Foreclosure – Dan Bonner, Managing Attorney of Muskegon Office
Dan Bonner started his presentation with a handout showing the number of hours Legal
Aid has spent so far this year on Foreclosure and Housing legal services. He will be
attending a state-wide training seminar on Foreclosure Prevention Training and case
assistance. He said by the time people see Legal Aid, they are in foreclosure, past the
redemption period and/or at eviction. MSHDA gave them money for their foreclosure
project, but only for advice, not for litigation. CDBG funds are for litigation. A large
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segment of funding is from the State Bar Foundation Grant called Interest on Lawyers
Account. They have to have two separate accounts – one for the office and one for the
money they receive from settlements. That money generates interest but it can’t go to
the lawyers or the clients. The money is pooled and distributed to civil legal aid
programs like theirs. Unfortunately, with the economy as it is, there aren’t a lot of funds
in the account. That’s why they need the grants to supplement the fund deficiencies.
Wil Griffin asked if most of the foreclosures are for default on mortgage payments or
default on taxes. Dan Bonner said it was mainly mortgage defaults and they do not see
too much on past due tax payments. Some of the problems with the mortgage default
are due to credit card losses. People have the finance charge and then they are late on
their payment and charged a $39 late fee; then they are hit with another $39 over limit
fee. They end up having $100 per month added to the card without any purchases.
This can lead to an additional $4,000 - $6,000 over four years. They have sued the
credit card companies in the past. There are also predatory lenders. They are difficult
to deal with as they hide things and have illegal fees. Dan Bonner says we have not
seen the bottom of foreclosures and predatory lenders.
Legal Aid of Western Michigan – Housing Related Legal Services – Dan
Bonner, Managing Attorney of Muskegon Office
Muskegon has a high rate of rental properties, vs. owner-occupied homes. Modest
legal fees are $150 per hour. They handle the defense on eviction cases from both
private landlords and public housing authorities. Legal Aid is the only agency to provide
free legal services to the City of Muskegon residents. They also provide free legal
services to the Inspection Department. When there is a housing violation case, the law
says the inspectors can’t bring the cases into court and lawyers cannot testify the house
is in violation. However the inspectors can testify as an expert witness, for free, and
they get free legal services against blighted housing. Pat Montney wanted to know if
there are rentals with foreclosure issues. Dan Bonner said yes. One type is a
foreclosure by advertisement. A notice is put on the house in foreclosure and that’s
how tenants find out about the foreclosure. Also, people will go into a land contract with
their landlord, put down $1,000 - $2,000 and start making repairs; at the same time, the
landlord is in mortgage default. He advises the tenants to stop payments until the issue
is resolved. The process starts with a tenant calling Legal Aid in Southfield, where they
get legal advice from an attorney. If more action is needed, then that office emails the
appropriate Legal Aid office, including notes of conversation, and then the local staff
handles the case from there and goes to court if necessary.
The meeting broke at 7:45 p.m. and will continue on Thursday, February 5.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Pat Montney at 5:34 p.m., Thursday, February 5,
2009.
ROLL CALL
Roll call was taken by Liz Parker.
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Present: Patricia Montney, Marcia Hovey-Wright, Virgie Jackson, Tom
Pastoor, Addie Sanders-Randall, Amy Varnado and Stephen
Gawron
Excused: Dan Rinsema-Sybenga
Staff Present: Wilmern Griffin, Liz Parker
CONTINUED NEW BUSINESS
Before the reviews continued, Pat Montney mentioned she had gone to City Hall to get
a copy of the new plan regarding the elimination of the street assessments as
mentioned at the first review meeting. She was told the plan had not yet been voted on.
She asked Steve Gawron how the CDC can address the funding if this wasn’t approved.
Steve Gawron said it was final policy and the City Commission would approve it. Pat
Montney said she was concerned if there could be any lawsuits because the CDC was
going to vote on a grant that the policy was not yet in place, and were people going to
be assessed in the meantime. Steve Gawron said street assessments were gone and
the paying for street repairs, construction, etc. would go through the budgetary process.
Pat Montney said CDBG funds have to be at 70% for low-moderate income activities.
What happens if the CDC votes on this before it becomes a rule? Steve Gawron said
the street assessments are gone. The City might have to raise taxes. The budget is
good for 2009 and they haven’t had to dip into the Stabilization Fund; the City was able
to put money into the street fund. He did not know what would happen in 2010. Tom
Pastoor wanted to know what happens to those people who are still paying street
assessments. Steve Gawron said the City is looking to see if there is anything that can
be done, but probably not. Pat Montney stated she wanted Liz Parker to call Dan
Bonner at Legal Aid and ask for a breakdown of the number of clients they have
handled for Foreclosure and Housing legal services. Pat Montney then asked if there
were any other questions; no one had anything else so the reviews continued.
COM – Planning & Economic Development Department – Code
Enforcement Officer – Mike Cameron, Code Coordinator for the City of
Muskegon
Mike Cameron stated he supervises the Environmental Inspections Program. They
have received continued funding over the years and a have made fantastic progress
with tall grass and keeping the terraces clean of items not picked up. They are also
working with back yards and keeping them clear of trash, old tires, etc. He had a
handout which was the 2008 Environmental Program Overview. Last year they started
to make sure people were raking their leaves in their yards due to the spread of West
Nile Virus. From a health aspect, the virus can spread through standing debris that is
wet or had standing water. The neighborhood groups have helped by getting the word
out about the ordinances. Last year their violations were up 32%, leading to over
21,000 notices being sent out, partly due to having a very rainy season. Marcia Hovey-
Wright wanted to know what was considered tall grass or weeds. Mike Cameron stated
eight inches. Addie Sanders-Randall wanted to know if there were any charges. Mike
Cameron said the homeowner gets billed for the cost of the payment to the contractor
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when they have to do the work and an administrative fee. The grass administrative fee
is $80. That fee is a tiered fee; if you are a chronic violator, the fee goes up. Pat
Montney wanted to know if tall grass included the alleys. Mike Cameron said yes.
Addie Sanders-Randall wanted to know if the fees were included for senior citizens.
Mike Cameron said unfortunately yes. Their normal procedure is to send a letter to the
homeowner or whoever is responsible for the property. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to
know if people paid the bills. Mike Cameron stated less than 50% pay the fee. The
money they do collect goes into the general fund. Tom Pastoor wanted to know if they
put liens on the properties. Mike Cameron advised they use to lien the property, but not
any more. It took up too much staff time to process the liens, especially as they’re up
almost to 50%; they now use a collection agency. Pat Montney wanted to know how
many environmental inspectors they had and Mike Cameron advised they have two.
Tom Pastoor wanted to know how the contractor process worked as McLaughlin would
like to put a group together to do the leaves, shovel snow, etc. They want to employ
people and want to know how they can bid on jobs. Mike Cameron stated the problem
is the volume of work. They need large tractors, which is a large expense for a start-up
organization. They have hundreds of violators per day, plus the 400 City, State and
County properties they also have to mow two times per month. Contracts are for two or
three years with a one-year extension. The month of February is when the bids go out.
Anyone interested in bidding can call the Planning department for details. There is also
the issue of liability, as many of the properties they go on they are not wanted. Steve
Gawron said first you have the violation and then the problem of enforcement. Mike
Cameron said McLaughlin could go to the Landlord Association and let them know of
their services, which would be less expensive than the City doing the work. The bidding
is reasonable and not a lot of money is made as they are busy five days per week.
They also do trash removal. They use brush hogs, which can sometimes make a mess.
If you see they have left trash, call the Planning Department. Pat Montney wanted to
know if there is still illegal dumping on State and City lots. Mike Cameron said it wasn’t
a big problem last year. They now have a $5,000 solar-powered camera with a high-
power night flash that they move around so they get pictures of people caught in the act
of dumping. They also have a dummy camera for $24 that is also a deterrent. Steve
Gawron said that a lot of people who are not City of Muskegon residents are also doing
illegal dumping or using family property to get rid of excess trash.
COM – Planning & Economic Development Department – Facades – Mike
Franzak – Planner II for the City of Muskegon
Mike Franzak started with a handout of what has been spent between 2007 through
2009 so far. He said facades are for City of Muskegon business owners who want to do
improvements to the front of their commercial buildings. The maximum amount is
$5,000, which the business owner matches. Planning averages $10,000 per year. Last
year they gave over $9,000 for three projects. This year they will reimburse Rykes
Bakery and the Community Foundation for $9,600. Their current budget is $17,000 -
$9.600, leaves $7,400 which is only enough to cover one full project and another small
one. This year Gary Post, a Muskegon developer, is applying for a façade at the old
Daniel’s Building. That will cost $5,000. After that, $2,400 will be left for the rest of the
year. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to confirm they were asking for $10,000 this year
and Mike Franzak said yes. Tom Pastoor wanted to know if these are for existing or
new businesses. Mike Franzak stated they were for existing businesses. They also
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can get up to $500 for a sign if they are also doing major improvements such as brick
work, windows, doors and awnings. This program helps keep up the buildings in
Muskegon. Pat Montney wanted to know if there was a specific period the business
had to be owned and Mike Franzak said no. Bids have to be from licensed contractors
and the requested project is inspected. If the project gets approved, the work is done.
The business owner provides receipts for reimbursement. Last year there was money
left over plus the $10,000 grant this year would give them a total of $12,400. They have
three projects to be done in the summer.
West Michigan Veterans – Food Items – David Eling, Director
Dave Eling started his presentation with a handout about the programs offered by the
organization at the Veterans’ Service Center on East Apple Avenue. Marcia Hovey-
Wright wanted to know if they were trying to get jobs for people. Dave Eling said they
were; some people only hire vets while government contractors (L-3 Communications
and Howmet) have to hire a certain percentage of veterans. Many vets are going back
into the service because they can’t find a job. Pat Montney wanted to know where the
money goes as it was left off the application. Dave Eling said the $5,000 request goes
to the Food Bank. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know if they use any of the food
trucks. Dave Eling said no because in the past they have had to deal with end of the
line products and the food trucks can be difficult to deal with. Many of the food trucks
refer veterans to W MI Veterans. They get good support from their veterans post, but
they are starting to hurt also as they are not getting the new younger members
(veterans). Pat Montney wanted to know if they have seen an increase as
unemployment rates go up. Dave Eling said yes. The government is now offering a
bonus of $55,000 if the veterans stay on for another tour of duty or $20,000 to stay
enlisted in another field. There are more injured soldiers when they do finally come
home for good and a lot have closed brain injuries. Wil Griffin wanted to know if it was
more difficult now because you have women soldiers to deal with. Dave Eling said yes
and they are not sure how to deal with them regarding post-traumatic stress. The
women no longer have the nurturing roles. There are no studies on how females will
act with post-traumatic stress. She can’t take it out on the husband so they are thinking
she might take it out on the children. They have a mental health counselor and
psychiatrists. Many times their clients have no employer, trouble with the law and
marital problems. Females have it easier getting income through ADC vs. males, who
don’t. Family or the court system brings clients to W Mi Veterans. The veterans that
need help need to start therapy early. The combat soldiers get injured, regardless of
age, sex, title or position. They are at risk all the time. When they come home their life
is not at risk and they get bored and they start drinking to try to sleep, etc. 20 – 30% of
those who come home have post-traumatic stress and/or closed brain injury. Those
with post-traumatic stress are waiting to ‘go off.’ Those with closed brain injuries will be
serviced by W MI Veterans 100% for the rest of their lives. Dave Eling met with Peter
Hoekstra and asked why they are willing to pay $50,000 and $20,000 bonuses, but
nothing when the veterans are done with their service. He didn’t get an answer. Dave
Eling said they are trying to expand the service and get two more doctors. Older
veterans are now retired from factories and are no longer getting shop pensions or
health insurance other than Medicare. The Food Bank services 720 individuals which is
about 36% more this year. Steve Gawron asked when they started. Dave Eling said
they started the Veterans Center in 1990, the Food Bank in 1992 and the Department of
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Veterans Affairs in 1994. Part of their funding comes from a county millage. In 2007,
they had $1,000,000 on the payroll for doctors and clinic staff. They also have a
homeless project on the property. Steve Gawron asked if they would send people to
Loaves and Fishes. Dave Eling said they are a one-stop shop dealing with health,
mental health, housing and food. The veterans don’t have to go anywhere else. They
might consider other food banks in the future, but right now this is how they do things for
the benefit of the veterans. Dave Eling did ask if anyone knows of a veteran who is
having problems and/or in crisis, please send them to W MI Veterans.
Love INC – Handicap Ramps for the Disabled – Gail Kraft, Executive
Director
Gail Kraft gave out a brochure with a description of their programs. The ramps are just
one of their programs. They are built by volunteers who come from their churches.
They are in their 17th year. During that time, 402 ramps have been built. Last year they
scheduled 27 to be built; only two are left to be done due to the bad winter weather. Six
ramps were built in the City of Muskegon of which four were paid with CDBG funds.
There is $539 left over from last year, which will be used before the end of May. They
are now taking applications to continue after the weather breaks, hopefully in March.
Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know how the people in the homes of the last two
ramps that haven’t been built get in and out of their homes in the meantime. Gail Kraft
said they are probably carried or sometimes they can still get around with help;
however, a wheelchair ramp will make it much easier for them. She said they have
never built so many ramps as they did last year. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know
the cost of the ramps. If the ramps were built by contractors, it would cost $3,000 -
$4,000 per ramp. Love’s cost is only for materials. The builders and the draftsman are
volunteers. The cost is usually $33 per foot. Some ramps go as high as $1,700 as
some ramps need to be longer than others. The average is approximately $1,300. It’s
wonderful to help those who can’t afford ramps to give them access in and out of their
homes. They are anticipating helping more people this year as the population ages.
Marcia Hovey-Wright asked about the income requirements. Gail Kraft advised they
use DHS guidelines for the poverty threshold to qualify or look at extenuating
circumstances. Tom Pastoor wanted to know if they do ramps on rental homes and if
they move ramps. Gail Kraft explained they have to be renters for one year and the
landlord has to approve. The ramps are sometimes taken apart and the lumber reused.
If a person doesn’t qualify for the ramp program, they give them the used materials so
they build the ramps themselves and/or ask for a donation. Amy Varnado asked about
waiting lists. Gail Kraft explained there is no waiting list, per say. The process is to
meet once a month to determine who qualifies, getting the volunteers lined up and
getting the design of the ramp drawn up. The complete process usually takes about six
weeks. Tom Pastoor wanted to know if they use work camps in the summer. Gail Kraft
explained they have used a group from Rockford, Illinois and they built six ramps in one
week. Another group built four ramps in one week. These groups need supervision as
they are not easy to build. Permits are pulled and the ramps are inspected upon
completion. Tom Pastoor asked which lumber company they use. Gail Kraft said they
use Keene Lumber, which gives them a discount. They also deliver the footings and if
something is missing, they bring it out within an hour. They are very helpful.
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Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity – HOME – New Home Construction
for Families with 25% - 50% AMI – Richard Butler, Executive Director
Dick Butler had a handout regarding the benefits of Habitat for Humanity for the
community, the economic impact for 2008 and a Q & A flyer, along with pictures of their
newest project at 1586 Sanford. He explained how they partnership with families. After
closing on the house, the partnership continues. This is important because they have a
history of success. They build simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with
families in need of adequate housing. They have done 85 homes in our area since
1985. They retain the mortgages at zero% interest. The mortgages used to be for 20
years, but they are starting to go with 25-year mortgages to keep the cost of the homes
affordable. They help families with only a 25 – 50% AMI get home ownership vs.
renting, to break the cycle of poverty. They are the only agency to do this for these AMI
percentages. The benefits of Habitat for Humanity are: they increase the income levels
of the families because there is a stable home environment; Habitat homeowners are
healthier because there is less conflict with the family; there is a higher education level
for both the children and adults. A stable home environment helps with all these
benefits. There is also an environmental impact as they are building to Energy Star
Standards. They are now using insulated concrete forms, solar water heaters and high-
efficiency heating and venting equipment as will as high-efficiency windows. For the
family of nine who will move into the new house on Sanford, they are anticipating a gas
bill of $40/month with a peak of $70/month in the winter. They also provide education
and skill building. The Career Tech Center provides students from September to May
while Habitat homeowner works on different houses for their sweat equity. At these
homes there are only students, no other volunteers and the students are supervised.
The homes also offer an economic impact on the community; each dollar turns over
seven times before it leaves the community. That equals to $1,680,000 for the last
three homes they built. The total market value is SEV x 2 which equals a $3,400,000
tax base since 1985. In 2008, taxes paid on Habitat homes in Muskegon were $64,300.
The average rental of a 3-bedroom home is $416, which includes Section 8 in the
calculation. The average mortgage for existing Habitat homes is $408. This gives the
family home ownership, equity, an asset for future plans and retirement. According to
the City’s CAPER, their first priority is home ownership and Habitat helps towards that
goal. Pat Montney wanted to know about the Soft Wood Lumber Grant. Dick Butler
explained they get reimbursed for the cost of lumber, which is nationally funded by the
tobacco company settlement. Since the homes vary in size, the cost could be $8,000 -
$12,000 per home. Steve Gawron wanted to know what happens when a Habitat
mortgage goes into default. Dick Butler said normally there would be a foreclosure, but
they work very hard with the family to work with them. They are also referred to NIC to
do budget counseling to get caught up and to avoid future problems. Wil Griffin wanted
to know if there was a waiting list of clients waiting for a home. Dick Butler advised they
can’t have a waiting list under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Through a new
selection process, they go through an interview first to see if they qualify on an income
basis. If the family passes the initial interview then they continue with the application.
These people must have a housing need, the ability to pay and the willingness to
partner and volunteer. They also look at the debt to income ratio to make sure they
have the ability to pay a mortgage. The mortgage is approximately $200/month plus
insurance and taxes. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know where the rest of the
money comes from. Dick Butler said funds come from sponsors such as corporations,
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churches, the Rotary and a Federal Home Bank of Cincinnati. The house at 1586
Sanford is sponsored by Thrivent Financial for $50,000. They also get $3,000 from an
energy-efficiency bank. In Muskegon Heights, they had an all-female project at 7th
Street sponsored by 800 nurses from Mercy. They are trying to organize a women’s
build for this year. This grant is for three homes. They are also doing a home in the
White Lake area and possibly Muskegon Heights.
Community enCompass (formerly Bethany Housing Ministries) – HOME -
Purchase of Properties, Rehabilitation for Rent by Low-income/Homeless
Families – Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga, Executive Director
Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga stated Bethany Housing, which is now Community
enCompass has been in business for 16 years. They offer transitional housing for
homeless families. They started with a four-unit house on Terrace. She says they have
several ideas for this grant money. They have a $400,000 grant from MSHDA for
housing acquisition and rehab for permanent supportive housing; $80,000 is left. They
have a partnership with the Department of Employment and Training. They hired 10
youth, of which they are down to approximately six at-risk teens that are learning
construction skills, and hopefully, the subcontractors will hire these students and learn
good life skills. There is always a supervisor on the premises where the youth work.
The contractors are willing to share their skills. The students work hard, gaining pride,
self esteem and work ethics. They work 15 - 20 hours per week. This grant money
would help continue the program with the youth training and help with the rehab of three
units they just acquired. One was acquired through a public tax auction through the
County and is a two-unit located on Terrace. Another home, on Larch Street, was
donated from the Land Bank. With the current economy, this is the time to purchase.
Amy Varnado wanted to know if they have any trouble finding qualified families. Sarah
Rinsema-Sybenga said they have no trouble finding qualified families to fill the homes
after they are rehabbed as they get approximately 15 people a day inquiring on their
program. Many people can’t afford the current market value rents of $400 - $600 per
month plus utilities. Pat Montney wanted to know who was a good candidate. Sarah
Rinsema-Sybenga said families should have an existing accountability of mentoring
relationships and have a working history. They also get budgetary counseling and
mentorships. The transitional housing is for two years only. If a City of Muskegon
resident is without a job and a recipient of housing vouchers, but on the waiting list for
the voucher, which will be $480/ month, they will get on Community enCompass’s list.
Community enCompass rent is $330 per month. They must be willing to volunteer and
help work with the Healthy Neighborhood Project. Wil Griffin wanted to know about
home ownership. Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga advised they have had one family get a
home through Habitat while others have a land contract. They have a house at 38
Diana for their homeownership project. Wil Griffin wanted to know if they spent all that
money. Part of the money was spent on rehabbing a house and part of the money is in
sustainability costs as the homes they use for transitional housing have to last for 20
years of affordable housing. The have approximately $80,000 left for rehab and
acquisition costs. Marcia Hovey-Wright asked about staffing. Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga
said they have five people, mostly part time with Sarah being full time. They have two
people from Americore and a part time property asset manager, program manager and
maintenance person. They are also aware of the YouthBuild Grant and the possible
opportunity to partnership to get more youth off the street. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted
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to know why they asked for an increase in funding. Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga stated
you typically don’t get what you ask for. With Phase II, they are going through NIC. All
the HOME applicants, Community enCompass, NIC and Habitat for Humanity all work
well together.
The meeting broke at 7:26 p.m. and will continue on Thursday, February 5.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Pat Montney at 5:37 p.m., Thursday, February 12,
2009.
ROLL CALL
Roll call was taken by Liz Parker.
Present: Patricia Montney, Ned Carter, Marcia Hovey-Wright, Virgie
Jackson, Tom Pastoor, Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, Addie Sanders-
Randall
Excused: Amy Varnado and Stephen Gawron
Staff Present: Wilmern Griffin, Liz Parker
Guests: Kaprice Gray, MCC student – attending as requirement for
Political Science class; accompanied by her friend, Chavaun
Gordon
OLD BUSINESS
The meeting started with the introduction of Ned Carter, who is the replacement for
Ellouise Hieftje.
Pat Montney started the meeting by explaining some of the handouts. The first were the
minutes from the Legislative Policy Committee meeting of January 28, 2009, where the
rescinding of the street assessments was discussed. There was discussion regarding
the City Commission requesting consideration that a minimum five percent of CDBG
funds be dedicated toward street improvements. Dan Rinsema-Sybenga stated that
five percent of approximately one million dollars is only $50,000; this is close to what
they got last year for street assessments. The second handout was copies of the City
of Muskegon 2009 budget, specifically for street improvements including prior years’
funding and current through July 2008. There was also a handout from Legal Aid that
Pat Montney requested, showing the actual number of clients they have helped for
housing legal services and foreclosure legal services. Pat Montney then asked if there
was any other old business before the reviews continued. Tom Pastoor said he wanted
an understanding of the CDC; that they oversee and look at CDBG and HOME funds
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and other funds from HUD. Wil Griffin said that was basically correct, but that other
departments get money from the federal government that is not for this group to review.
Tom Pastoor also said he got the City Commission Agenda packet and the NSP and
YouthBuild grants were in there, but he doesn’t remember seeing the grant and
discussing it and supporting it. If these are City housing issues, why didn’t they come
before the CDC? Wil Griffin said the grants were discussed before with the group. The
YouthBuild grant is not from HUD but the Department of Labor. The NSP was
previously discussed with the group several times in the past and they gave the
impression they supported the submission. The NSP grant was not from HUD but from
MSHDA. He was under a tight timeframe for the grant submission. Tom Pastoor was
upset that the neighborhood surveys, which indicated McLaughlin Neighborhood would
like parks was not in the grant. He was looking for this money to improve the
McLaughlin neighborhood and give more incentive for someone who wanted to move
into Muskegon. He said he went on the HUD website and these were allowable items.
Wil Griffin advised Tom Pastoor that the NSP was through MSHDA and they had
different guidelines. The MSHDA guidelines were for home rehabs, new construction,
demolition and financing assistance for new homebuyers in the first round. Also, the
grant is meant to deal with the entire community, not just one neighborhood. HUD
requires 18 months for the commitment of money, whereas MSHDA is requiring 12
months. If the money is not spent within that timeframe, MSHDA can recapture the
money. Wil Griffin asked if anyone else had a problem with the NSP submission. No
one indicated they did. He said if anyone did, they could contact MSHDA directly. Pat
Montney stated she wants Wil Griffin to get as much money as he can for the City as
there has always been a lack of funds. Tom Pastoor said he was more concerned
about the process and the need to communicate. Pat Montney asked if from now on it
would be better if the group voted on any grant submission and the group agreed.
CONTINUED NEW BUSINESS
COM - Leisure Services Department – Inner-City Recreation – Lowell
Kirksey, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Muskegon
Lowell Kirksey had a handout and pictures of summer programs and the basketball
program that have taken place in the past. With only one month into 2009, there have
already been 1,000 participants in the Open Gym and Swim Program ranging in age
from six years to adult. He has had to split the program up to provide space for all. In
2008 he had 2,582 participants for the entire year for the Open Gym and Swim. There
has been a dramatic increase in the numbers – averaging over 163 people on a
Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Families are using these facilities a lot more during
these difficult economic times. The cost is only $1 for an individual and $3 for a family
with an adult; that is a bargain. The Open Gym and Swim for the summer had over 620
participants in 2008. It has a great impact on the neighborhood and their Playground
Program. Since we live near large bodies of water, it’s important for the children to
know how to swim. Teaching them to swim covers a big safety issue. Last year 116
children registered for that class. Each year the number of participants rises. For the
winter programs, basketball has had the greatest increase in the number of participants.
Kids also come from all over Muskegon County. Because the number of participants in
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our target areas has grown so much, they are trying to offer as many games for them to
choose from and to get as much diversity as possible, playing with children from all
around the County. Participants from outside our target area pay fees to cover the
costs of referees and gym time. The girls program has grown dramatically and it’s
wonderful to see an interest from families. Over 200 parents, family and friends come
per game to watch on Saturdays and it’s a full house for tournaments. Parents are
supporting their children and seeing their growth. For the basketball program, they
have 232 boys with 15 teams in 4th – 5th grade and 10 teams in 6th grade; for the girls,
they have 218 participants with 10 teams in grades 4-5 and 8 teams in 6th grade. Their
programs save taxpayers over $30,000, which is the cost of incarceration, per child, in
our legal system. Their costs are minimal for the benefit of what is offered. They will
offer tennis this summer. One of the basketball programs for the summer will be at
renovated Smith-Ryerson. That will be a hot program. They will also participate in the
Hershey Track and Field, which is the largest in the nation, and participate in the state
finals. Grants are used to offset the costs of participating in these field trip programs.
He does have a concern about the teens in our City. At a function at Nelson School, 10
female teens came to the park pushing strollers. This was very disheartening to see
and he has started to do something about it. He is partnering with the County Health
Department to educate students as a preventative tool. He is also getting a grant for
Smith-Ryerson for a walking program over there and expanding their sports program.
Wil Griffin wanted to know what the renovations were going to be at Smith-Ryerson.
Lowell Kirksey said there will be a concession area, restrooms, the basketball court will
be redone (including lights for night games), a pavilion, renovated parking lot, a new
storage area and a boardwalk along the creek area to expand the walking area. Soccer
will also be a program over there. These renovations will draw more attention to the
park and more families will participate in the programs. Tom Pastoor wanted to know of
the $112,000, what is contractual work. Lowell Kirksey said they contract with MPS for
facility usage. They are in the buildings 8-9 hours a day for basketball. They pay
$30/hour for custodial work. They also pay for certified refs ($14/game) and youth
mentors ($8.50/game). When you have 200 – 300 people in the building at any one
time, these people are needed. The coaches are volunteers. The youth mentors are
captains of football teams. He wants these students to be examples to the kids. The
kids warm up to the mentors and then they start talking and have a dialogue of what to
do to get on track and stay on track to better themselves and reach for goals. The
youth mentors manage the books and the clocks. The increase in the funding request
is for the additional contractual costs for basketball. The fees they do collect go against
the contractual costs. They have discussed charging for basketball games but don’t
feel it would be beneficial at this time. Addie Sanders-Randall wanted to know if the
girls have swimming classes and Lowell Kirksey said yes. They are starting to get
participants at earlier ages and it’s exciting to see the progression.
Before the next review, Pat Montney wanted to know if Tom Pastoor would feel better if
the group would vote on the grants. Wil Griffin said if the group wanted to vote on all
funding he didn’t have a problem with it. Dan Rinsema-Sybenga said it makes sense if
they’re saying we endorse a program. He also suggested it should be also be in the
write ups that go before the City Commission when someone is not in attendance to
vote. This will avoid people asking questions of which a CDC member didn’t know
about because they weren’t in attendance. The group agreed to formally vote on all
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funding at the meetings. Pat Montney also wanted to make everyone aware that the
two grants (NSP and YouthBuild) were previously discussed and documented in prior
minutes.
COM – CNS – CDBG Administration - Wilmern G. Griffin, Director of
Community and Neighborhood Services for the City of Muskegon
There are three positions for this: Wil Griffin, Director; Liz Parker, clerical support; and
Sue Sutherland, Finance Clerk. All of the administration of the CDBG programs
includes monitoring of the Sub-recipients to make sure they are meeting their guidelines
and parameters and doing what they said they would do; placing public notices in the
Muskegon Chronicle for the programs; upkeep of three cars; and maintaining financial
records. Only 20% of the overall funds can be used for this, which is $206,841.
COM – CNS – CDBG Service Delivery - Wilmern G. Griffin, Director of
Community and Neighborhood Services for the City of Muskegon
There is one position for this, which is the Housing Counselor, who goes out and makes
sure the people have an actual emergency issue or are in need of vinyl siding and that
they qualify for the program: proof of homeownership, income, insurance and taxes.
She does all of the administrative paperwork, filing of liens, communicating and
coordinating with the clients, contractors, Inspections Department, etc.
COM – CNS – HOME Administration - Wilmern G. Griffin, Director of
Community and Neighborhood Services for the City of Muskegon
This is one position, the Rehab Loan Specialist. The CNS department has been lucky
that some of the cost for this position is also subsidized by the Lead Grant as some of
the program functions are interlinked. Years ago HOME Grant funds were at $500,000,
so the entire amount for this position was funded. The Lead Grant is only for three
years so Wil Griffin needs to think about the future for funding.
Tom Pastoor had a few questions. What does HOME stand for? Wil Griffin stated it
stands for nothing but home. HUD got into the Home Partnership Program in 1993 and
called it HOME.
Are NIC and Habitat duplicating work? Wil Griffin said no. NIC does rehabilitation of
owner-occupied homes whereas Habitat builds new homes and is strictly for families
with incomes under 50% AMI and many times under 30% AMI.
Doesn’t CAAP also have a vinyl siding program? Per Wil Griffin he doesn’t think so;
they only have a weatherization program for windows, insulation and possibly doors; he
thinks they have different income qualifications than the CNS programs. Also, the CNS
vinyl siding program is for houses that have the old clapboard and asbestos siding or
wood siding that can no longer hold paint. It is part of the neighborhood revitalization
program and in a way assists with weatherization by cutting back on some heating costs
and it makes the house look a lot better.
Is the Senior Transit Program duplicating what the American Red Cross Senior
Transportation Program is doing? Wil Griffin said no. The American Red Cross Senior
Transportation Program is strictly for medical appointments and is of no cost to the
rider; donations only. Senior Transit takes seniors to any appointment (shopping, lunch,
social visits, etc.) for a fee of $1.50 each way.
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With the demolition request from Inspections, will all their demolitions be needed with
the demolitions that will be done by the NSP? Wil Griffin advised he didn’t know. He
said there might be some overlap, but Inspections demolishes dangerous buildings.
The NSP won’t necessarily be looking for those houses, but for houses in foreclosure
that are blight and are on unbuildable lots; demolish the house and sell the land to the
homeowners on either side. He’s hoping more houses can be rehabbed rather than
demolished.
Marcia Hovey-Wright had to leave by 7:00 p.m. and would not be able to vote on the
CDC recommendations. Before she left Wil Griffin went over the City Administration
Recommendations. Marcia Hovey-Wright said she didn’t have a problem with the
HOME recommendations. She would like to see more money go to Community
enCompass for their Healthy Neighborhood Project as that will benefit a large number of
people. Tom Pastoor agreed with her as the project has brought neighbors together in
his neighborhood, McLaughlin, and he feels that’s the key. The project is redoing the
City from the inside out. This is a community program.
Community enCompass (formerly Sacred Suds) – Healthy Neighborhood
Project – Carlos Avrard, Healthy Neighborhood Project Coordinator
Carlos Avrard started his presentation with a handout describing what the Healthy
Neighborhood Project has already done in the McLaughlin neighborhood. As part of
Community enCompass, they are winding people up and letting them loose,
empowering and motivating them to use what they have to make the neighborhood a
better place. The Healthy Neighborhood Project is a collaborative of Community
enCompass, Bethany Church, McLaughlin Neighborhood Association, New Life
Christian Center, Mosaic Way missional community and the PTO of the McLaughlin
Elementary School. Their objectives are to improve the image of the neighborhood,
increase neighborliness, improve the physical conditions of homes, parks and
infrastructure and nurture neighborhood leaders. In 2008 they had over 100 new
neighbors participate and volunteer; 400 total. They sponsor adult computer education
classes at the elementary school, beautification projects, community gardens,
community Christmas Store, fine arts camp, neighborhood parties and celebrations and
youth and teen activities. Since this has been successful in McLaughlin, they are
exploring discussions with the Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association to
partner with them. Marcia Hovey-Wright wanted to know where the profits go. Carlos
Avrard stated they went to a fall celebration last September, bringing together individual
leaders, such as Smith Street Beautification neighbors, Hoyt Street Sitting Park, etc.;
key leaders to work together on a neighborhood celebration. One neighbor brought all
the salmon to grill, Hartford Terrace joined in with over a dozen cakes while another had
a tractor train. Wil Griffin asked if they still had their Sacred Suds program, providing
laundry facilities. Carlos Avrard said yes. They have washing and shower facilities,
along with computers. With the economy as it currently is, they are usually booked up
two and one half weeks in advance for the laundry facilities. They are open Monday –
Thursday, 9 am – noon and 1 – 5pm. The showers are not booked. Not only do people
from the mission use the showers, but also local neighborhood renters who do not have
hot water. There is also food there supported by the churches. They also do free tax
preparation. They are now booked at least through March. Last year they were able to
keep $170,000 from earned tax credit in the neighborhood. That is money people
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would have lost a percentage of by going to a regular tax preparation firm and paying
fees. Wil Griffin expressed a concern for renters who have no hot water and that the
City’s Inspection Department needs to be notified of the violation of landlords not
providing hot water to tenants. Carlos Avrard said Judy Smith manages Sacred Suds
and he is sure she is aware of what’s going on. Pat Montney wanted to know how
many block captains they had. Carlos Avrard said they have approximately 12. They
started a McLaughlin Leadership initiative and approximately 12 neighbors showed up
plus some block captains. Hoyt Street, Smith Street, the 1400 block of Terrace,
Catherine and Peck Streets are all strong with key leaders who network well.
Marcia Hovey-Wright left at 7:05. Wil Griffin then left the group so they could discuss
their recommendations. The group then made the following recommendations.
2009 – 2010 CDBG/HOME Grant Recommendations from the CDC
Group Grant Recommendation
CDBG Grants
Love INC $ 3,500
Pat motioned, Virgie seconded, motion passed
American Red Cross $ 2,500
Dan motioned, Virgie seconded, motion passed
West Michigan Veterans $ 3,000
Ned motioned, Dan seconded, motion passed
Community enCompass* $ 3,850
Pat motioned, Ned seconded, motion passed
*Note Tom Pastoor, Dan Rinsema-Sybenga and Addie Sanders-Randall
abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest
COM – DPW Senior Transit $ 42,500
Dan motioned, Tom seconded, motion passed
COM – Planning-Code Enforcement $ 45,000
Tom motioned, Virgie seconded, motion passed
COM – Planning - Façade $ 5,000
Dan motioned, Virgie seconded, motion passed
COM – CNS Service Delivery $ 70,000
Dan motioned, Virgie seconded, motion passed
HealthCARE $ 3,500
Tom motioned, Dan seconded, motion passed
Legal Aid – Housing Legal Aid $ 3,500
Dan motioned, Virgie seconded, motion passed
Page 26 of 28
Legal Aid – Foreclosure $ 8,500
Dan motioned, Virgie seconded, motion passed
Musk Community Health Project $ 2,750
Dan motioned, Virgie seconded, motion passed
COM – CNS CDBG Admin $ 158,500
Pat motioned, Dan seconded, motion passed
COM – Engineering $ 48,500
Dan motioned, Addie seconded, motion passed
COM – Leisure Services $ 75,000
Virgie motioned, Addie seconded, motion passed
COM – CNS Vinyl Siding $ 172,500
Dan motioned, Pat seconded, motion passed
COM – CNS Emergency Repair $ 176,500
Dan motioned, Pat seconded, motion passed
COM – Inspections – Demo $ 43,500
Dan motioned, Pat seconded, motion passed
COM – Affirmative Action $ 4,500
Tom motioned, Pat seconded, motion passed
COM – Affirm. Act – Interns $ 6,250
Dan motioned, Addie seconded, motion passed
COM – Fire Station Bond $ 150,619
Tom motioned, Addie seconded, motion passed
Total $1,029,469
HOME Grants
Community enCompass* $ 48,000
Pat motioned, Ned seconded, motion passed
*Note Tom Pastoor and Dan Rinsema-Sybenga abstained from voting due to a
conflict of interest
Habitat for Humanity* $ 50,000
Pat motioned, Addie seconded, motion passed
*Note Ned Carter abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest
Neighborhood Investment Corp $ 48,000
Pat motioned, Addie seconded, motion passed
COM - CNS HOME Administration $ 22,500
Tom motioned, Dan seconded, motion passed
COM – CNS Sr. Weatherization $ 125,549
Tom motioned, Pat seconded, motion passed
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COM – CNS Rental Rehab $ 70,000
Pat motioned, Addie seconded, motion passed
Total $ 364,049
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
Pat Montney asked the question of what the group should do if the actual HUD funding
is different than the figures they are dealing with now. Depending on the amount, they
will address the issue when the funding amount is announced. Per Wil Griffin, it is
possible everyone may have to do the entire recommendation process again.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 5:30 in conference room
203. Patricia Montney adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
Liz Parker
Community and Neighborhood Services
City of Muskegon
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