CITY OF DANBURY
Financial Resources and Fundraising Committee
Danbury Housing Partnership
155 Deer Hill Avenue
Danbury, Connecticut 06810
Minutes of the February 4, 2009 Meeting
Present: Sistrunk, Schierloh
Absent: McLachlan, Nolan
A meeting of the Financial Resources and Fundraising Committee of the Danbury Housing Partnership was conducted in Danbury City Hall on February 4, 2009. The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair M. Carolyn Sistrunk at 2:10 pm. Chairman McLachlan was not able to attend due to another commitment.
A motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Paul Schierloh, seconded by Ms. Sistrunk and passed unanimously.
The committee reviewed the issue of fundraising and use of the Partnership website to facilitate funding. It was noted that the City and the Veterans Housing Workgroup had agreed that as a 501(c)(3) organization, the Non-Profit Development Corporation of Danbury would serve as the fiduciary for a “Housing For Heroes Fund. The fund will be used to support efforts to provide housing and support services for veterans and will not be limited solely for use in connection with Vet House or NPDCD projects. Mr. Schierloh has requested a meeting with the IT Department to discuss how to use the website to allow people to make contributions in support of Partnership activities.
Ms. Sistrunk initiated discussion of the potential use of the Partnership consultant fees in the Health, Housing & Welfare Department budget. Following discussion, it was agreed that the first priority would be to facilitate the creation of affordable housing for seniors at the Main Street site occupied by the Police Station. Second priority would be to fund an assessment of the needs of housing for teens, young adults and families with children and to identify best practices to be incorporated into a plan of action. It was noted that the City was under a budget freeze and approval would have to be received to use the consultant funds at this time.
Ms. Sistrunk reported that the City of Danbury in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Danbury had submitted an application to the State for funding as a Second Tier community under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The plan seeks $867,000 from the State and will be supplemented by $500,000 in matching funds from the Housing Authority. If funded, the proposal would produce at least ten units of affordable rental housing, including two units for veterans and two for seniors.
Mr. Schierloh provided a brief update on the Veterans Housing Workgroup. The Permanent Housing Committee met with Bob Botelho who will be proceeding with a mixed development proposal that is likely to include a set –aside of several units for veterans. Ms. Sistrunk noted that the Housing Authority is monitoring the potential availability of VASH Vouchers and will move aggressively to secure a share for Danbury should that be possible. The Vet House project is also proceeding in accordance with timetables in the VA Capital Grant award.
Ms. Sistrunk invited discussion on recommendations for the upcoming CDBG funding cycle. Applications are due on February 10, 2009. Mr. Schierloh noted that Health, Housing & Welfare is submitting applications for Project Homeless Connect and the City Shelter. Ms. Sistrunk noted that the Housing Authority will also be submitting one or more applications. Mr. Schierloh will be meeting with Mr. Nolan to discuss other possible applications from NPDCD.
It was noted that Paul Scalzo, Chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee, had planned to attend to discuss joint action of our two committees on items of mutual interest, such as the HomeConnecticut Legislation. Staff will attempt to schedule a joint meeting in the near future.
Finally, the committee discussed that another meeting of the Executive Committee would be needed to finish action on recommended revisions to the Ten-Year Plan. The Partnership should also begin work on the annual report to the Common Council to be submitted for the April meeting.
A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Schierloh, seconded by Ms. Sistrunk and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm.