City of Aurora Block Grant Working Committee met July 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
I. Roll Call
Members Present: Gerald Lubshina (Chairman) Veva Walton, Maria Hernandez, Helen Ratzlow, Earle Robertson, Warren Barton
Members Absent: Debra Meeks, Aziz Alam, George Scowins
Staff present: Chris Ragona, Amy Munro, Tara Neff, Liz Carrizales
II. Minutes of meetings
A. April 3, 2019 – Regular Meeting
A draft of the minutes was considered. A motion to approve minutes from April 3, 2019 was made by Ms. Ratzlow and seconded by Mr. Barton. The minutes were approved as prepared.
III. Old Business
Chairman Lubshina ask the Community Development Division (CDD) staff for an update on the 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects. Mr. Ragona stated that the Mayor has executed the agreements from HUD, and it could take two weeks to two months to receive CDBG funds. He said that the 2019 public service projects have moved forward. However, the City’s public facility projects, including the resurfacing project, cannot move forward until 2019 CDBG funds are released by HUD and all the agreements are executed. Discussion took place.
IV. New Business
A. 2019 Annual Action Plan (#2019-1) – Recommendations for Substantial Amendment for CDBG Funding and Modification of Citizen Participation Plan
Mr. Ragona provided the Block Grant Working Committee (BGWC) with a summary of the proposed Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendments (2019-#1) and Modification of Citizen Participation Plan. He gave a brief overview of the CDBG reallocations of funds related to the following activities: 2018 The Neighbor Project Lead Pipe Replacement Pilot Program; 2017 Choose Aurora Down Payment Assistance Program; Cancellation of 2013 Home Improvement Incentive Program; and 2018 City of Aurora Engineering Sewer Replacement Activity. He said that the CDD staff is seeking recommendations for Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment 2019-#1 to reprioritize funding and projects. He said that this reallocation could expend more HUD dollars by the end of the year. Discussion took place.
Mr. Ragona stated that the CDD staff are also seeking recommendations for an updated Citizen Participation Plan. The Plan was last amended in September 2010. The goal of this modification will allow flexibility for the City in administering its HUD funds by reducing time needed for minor program and project adjustments. Discussion took place and BGWC members who were present expressed their support for Substantial Amendment #2019-1.
B. 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan
Mr. Ragona stated that the City has procured a consultant to assist with the planning process on the City’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. He said that focus groups are scheduled to meet August 13, 14, and 15, 2019. The focus groups are geared toward Neighborhood Revitalization, Community Development, Affordable Housing, and a meeting with The Aurora Housing Authority. A public forum and a public hearing will be held on August 14, 2019 at City Hall, Council Chambers, Second Floor, with the public forum from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and public hearing at 7:15 p.m. He said marketing materials will be available in the next couple of weeks, and an electronic survey will also be available to city residents. Mr. Ragona provided an overview of the planning process and timeline. Ms. Ratzlow asked the CDD staff for an update on the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) map. Mr. Ragona said that the consultants are working on the draft boundaries for the NRSA. He said that the NRSA areas are defined by demographics; currently there was eight block groups located within the current boundaries; however, based upon recent census/demographic changes, only five of the eight block groups qualify. CDD staff will continue to work with the consultant on the NRSA map. Mr. Ragona will keep the committee posted on updates. Discussion took place.
C. 2020 Annual Action Plan
Mr. Ragona stated that the 2020 Annual Action Plan (AAP) ties into the five-year Consolidated Plan. The CDD received fourteen applications and more details will be made available at their September 4, 2019 BGWC meeting. Mr. Ragona stated that there may be additional dollars that are still available, and CDD staff will need to discuss on how to best move forward on the unallocated funding. Discussion took place.
V. Other Matters
Mr. Ragona stated that the CDD staff will seek recommendations on another substantial amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). He said that the grant is targeted towards homelessness prevention. A quorum is needed at their August 7, 2019 BGWC meeting. Discussion took place.
VI. Upcoming Meetings and Events
A. Monday, July 29, 2019, 5:00 p.m. – Public Hearing for the 2019 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment #1 (Aurora City Hall, Second Floor)
B. Wednesday, August 7, 2019, 4:00 p.m. – Block Grant Working Committee Regular Meeting (Aurora City Hall, Fifth Floor-Room 5B)
VII. Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:52 p.m. was made by Ms. Walton and seconded by Mr. Robertson. The motion was approved unanimously.
https://www.aurora-il.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07172019-1913
Alerts Sign-up