HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-12-22-minutes-spurling-court-project-application-2016-12-22 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
COMMISSIONERS AUDITORIUM
SPECIAL MEETING
THURSDAY 9:00 A.M. DECEMBER 22, 2016
Board members present: Vice-Chairman Paul Jewell and
Commissioner Laura Osiadacz. Absent: Chairman Obie O’Brien.
Others: Mandy Buchholz, Deputy Clerk of the Board; Susan
Grindle, CEO HopeSource; and 7 members of the public.
SPECIAL MEETING HOPESOURCE PROPOSAL COMMISSIONERS
At 9:02 a.m. Vice-Chairman Jewell opened a Special Meeting to
consider the Affordable Housing Funding Application from
HopeSource for Spurling Court. He noted that Chairman O’Brien
would be absent from the discussion as he was not participating
in funding decisions relating to HopeSource due to any potential
conflicts of interest.
Commissioner Jewell stated that the Board had previously met on
12/19/2016 to consider the proposal from HopeSource. He
explained that at the conclusion of the meeting the Board wanted
to take some additional time to consider the proposal and allow
the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Committee time to
provide feedback.
Commissioner Osiadacz read an e-mail from Nancy Goodloe,
Homelessness & Affordable Housing Committee member who indicated
she had no comments. At the time of the meeting she needed
additional information about the Vouchers referenced in the
document since she didn’t remember them being in the first
proposal, however John Raymond, COO HopeSource had clarified the
information for her. Ms. Goodloe also indicated that Mr. Raymond
assured her that it was the first proposal and the vouchers are
for eligible disabled homeless persons and that they are good
for 20 years.
Commissioner Jewell stated that the proposal is before the Board
and questioned if Commissioner Osiadacz had any comments and
asked the public if there was anyone wanting to speak.
Commissioner Osiadacz stated she did not have anything to add at
this time.
2016-12-22 MINUTES 2
Kathy Tierney, Attorney NWJP provided documents and reviewed
them. She questioned if the proposal was for the residents of
Shady Brook. Commissioner Osiadacz explained that this project
is not necessarily the answer to Shady Brook. Ms. Tierney
expressed concern regarding the RFP Process on the County
Website being from 2009 and stressed that the County needed to
create a new process. She stated that it needs to be planned and
competitive. She expressed concerns with whether or not the
HopeSource grant writer is capable of preparing a grant that can
compete with the other submissions. She expressed concerns with
the AMI qualifications. Commissioner Jewell reminded Ms. Tierney
that the AMI qualifications are Federal and not qualifications
that we locally have any control over.
Milt Johnston, Citizen questioned if the project would be in the
city limits and if so, how many acres. Susan Grindle, CEO
HopeSource stated that it is just less than 4 acres.
Commissioner Jewell stated that it’s a private seller and is
already in escrow and that is all that they currently know.
Stan Blazynski, Citizen read and submitted a letter for the
record. He felt that until HopSource can justify the high cost
of construction, no public funds should be allocated for the
proposed project.
Susan Grindle, CEO HopeSource stated that the funds are private
as are the investors. The Grant will be submitted by Shelter
Resources and they are extremely accomplished. She stated that
the County is being asked for $500,000.00 to be committed to the
application which had to be committed to by mid-December 2016 or
the project would be delayed for a minimum of two more years.
Milt Johnston, Citizen applauded the work that the County and
HopeSource are doing. He stated that he knows how badly
affordable housing is needed in Kittitas County.
Commissioner Osiadacz moved to dedicate $500,000.00 to the
Application that HopeSource has submitted and direct. Staff to
prepare enabling documents in the form of a Resolution.
Commissioner Jewell seconded. He stated that the need for
affordable housing is a well know problem in Kittitas County and
he is willing to see how this process goes and if the
application moves forward. Motion carried 2-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:44 a.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
2016-12-22 MINUTES 3
DEPUTY CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Mandy Buchholz Paul Jewell, Vice-Chairman