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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-12-13-minutes-spurling-place-apartments-2016-12-13 MINUTES 1 COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON COMMISSIONER’S AUDITORIUM SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY 3:00 P.M. DECEMBER 13, 2016 Board members present: Vice-Chairman Paul Jewell & Commissioner Laura Osiadacz. Excused: Chairman Obie O’Brien. Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Jerry Pettit, Auditor; Susan Grindle, HopeSource Executive Director; and approximately 20 members of the public. Jack Frost, David Miller & Nancy Goodloe, members of the Homelessness & Affordable Housing Committee. SPECIAL MEETING SPURLING PLACE APARTMENTS COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Jewell reviewed how the Homelessness & Affordable Housing Committee had previously recommended dedicating $500,000.00 to the Spurling Place Apartments affordable housing project. Susan Grindle, HopeSource Executive Director, explained how over the past two years they have been working with the IOOF to convert 5 acres of their land for an affordable housing unit project, including a market analysis of the property. The IOOF has rescinded their part of the offer and therefore HopeSource will no longer be pursuing the property and abandoning the Spurling Place Apartments project. She stated that HopeSource has just signed a Purchase & Sale Agreement with another property owner and it’s the exact same project as the Spurling Place Apartments, but in a different location. She said they intend on pursuing the same funding, have the same deadlines and hoped they could still partner with County. They are currently working out the details and they would be bringing a package to the Commissioners within the next week. Commissioner Osiadacz said she had talked with the Auditor’s office about the available fund balance and stated it has just over one- million dollars available. She explained how she was interested in allocating $500,000.00 out of that fund for an affordable housing project, however not tying it to a specific project or organization. She said there have been a lot of people voicing concerns with the need of affordable housing and it’s something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. David Miller, member of the Homelessness & Affordable Housing Committee said the group was uncomfortable with the way the proposed project had been handled, as their committee had not been issued a Request for Proposals to review, or open to anyone who would want to apply for the funds. They recognized the urgency due to applying for grants, although it was still outside of their normal process. He 2016-12-13 MINUTES 2 questioned if the project would be part of the Shady Acres solution for families. Jack Frost, member of the Homelessness & Affordable Housing Committee said that although he likes the concept of the project, he has a tougher time allocating that large amount of money for specifically one “thing”, and would need to sit down with the committee before making a recommendation. Nancy Goodloe, a member of the Homelessness & Affordable Housing Committee said that although she doesn’t have a problem allocating funds to the project, she would like other agencies be able to apply as well. She commented on the new proposed 10 year plan that will be coming forth for the Commissioners approval, which included a process for agencies to ask for requesting funds outside of a grant period. Commissioner Jewell suggested that if the Board does decide to set aside $500,000.00, making sure it’s clear the County has funding available for everyone interested in some type of affordable housing project. It was noted that while the Homelessness & Affordable Housing Committee may have come up with a new process and will be presenting it soon to the Commissioners for their consideration, it has not yet come before them and until a new process is adopted they would be willing to consider any project proposals that may be submitted. Commissioner Osiadacz said by setting aside $500,000.00 it is just under half of what’s available in the fund balance and the remaining amount would still be available for additional projects. David Miller asked if the Board would be willing to review other projects. Commissioner Jewell indicated the Board would be willing to look at any applications as they come forward right now. Meeting adjourned at 3:56 p.m. KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON Julie Kjorsvik Paul Jewell, Vice-Chairman