April 7, 2003
TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Workshop Regarding Housing and Community Development
Council President Robert C. Willey Councilman Carl B. Reed
Councilman John F. Ford Councilwoman Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Attorney C. Kehoe, Economic Development Coordinator Al Bond, Ed White, State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Executive Director Easton Housing Authority Don Bibb and Carlene Phoenix.
The Mayor and Council met in a workshop session at 6:00 p.m. in the conference room.
WORKSHOP MEETING
The President of the Council called the meeting to order and opened with remarks.
Mr. Bibb discussed what the Easton Housing does.
Mr. Kehoe arrived at 6:03 p.m.
Mr. Bibb discussed the Housing Authority, their activities and Section 44A of the State Law including changes in 1999 to allow development. He stated that they currently have 65 units.
Mr. Jensen arrived at 6:05 p.m.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed the Town’s involvement in Kelly Gibson Street. She discussed four years of construction and receiving questions regarding completion of the development. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that her concern was working together without people feeling threatened.
Mr. Bibb discussed the median price for houses in Talbot County and rents per month.
Discussion occurred regarding how long until the houses are ready for occupancy on Kelly Gibson Street. Mr. Bibb stated that they have occupancy permits for two of the homes and they hope to close next week.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that their concern is that they have to come up with more money. Mr. Bibb stated that the residents are moving in without a penny out of pocket and paying 80% less per month after re-leveraging the loans. He discussed the terms of the mortgages.
The President of the Council asked for discussion on emergency housing repair money. Mr. Bibb discussed modified rehab program, bidding requirements and paperwork.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked for examples and who applies.
Mr. Ed White stated that the Town Council would apply to the state.
Discussion occurred on who decides who gets picked for first action.
Mr. Bibb stated that they could work in conjunction with the Town of Easton to develop the list if the Town helps to get the owner to apply for funds.
Mr. Jensen discussed Special Loans programs and requirements/resources.
Mr. Bibb discussed replacement versus repair issues and historic issues.
Mayor Butler asked if there is a specific list of contractors to do this work. Mr. Bibb stated that he has been working with state recommended contractors.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked how this ties into emergency housing.
Mr. Bibb discussed the Red Cross and Department of Social Services intervention in a true emergency.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed displaced families and emergency reasons.
Mr. Bibb discussed working with Secretary for this kind of effort and the difficulty in finding a place for people to state in transition.
Mr. Willey asked if a criminal record effects applications.
Mr. Bibb stated if an applicant or resident is convicted or involved, eviction could occur. He discussed eviction procedures.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed Home Funds and Special Loans. She questioned provisions of the contract.
Mr. Jensen discussed the idea of Town’s resources with Easton Housing Authority doing preparatory work for Special Loan.
Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned what oversight Tom has on Home Loans.
Mr. Bibb stated that the State is watching and quarterly reports can be submitted to Tom.
Ms. Jackson-Amis questioned other specific provisions of property contract and the timeframe for the Port Street project.
Mr. Bibb discussed including restructuring of current mortgage.
Mr. Willey stated that the program needs to get moving. He asked that a regular scheduled be set up over a quarter.
Mr. White stated that there will be CDBG training on May 7. He will report back to the Council.
At 6:52, there being no further discussion, the President of the Council adjourned the Workshop.
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Town Clerk