#2 CDA Minutes 04182012
MINUTES
JANESVILLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
April 18, 2012
CDA members present: Richard Ellingson, George Fenn, Heidi Holden, Sam Liebert, Sylvia Moore, John Smecko (at 5:32 p.m.),
Russ Steeber. Staff present: Jennifer Petruzzello. Others Present: Andreah Briarmoon; Peter Apted, Karen Lisser (ECHO),
Jessica Schaefer, Jean Randles (HealthNet), and Mari Anne Warren (The Literacy Connection).
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Janesville Community Development Authority (CDA) was called to order by
Commissioner Holden at 5:30 p.m.
The minutes of the regular meeting held on March 21, 2012 were approved by consent.
Under questions and comments from the public on matters not on the agenda, Andreah Briarmoon, 339 S Locust, indicated
she would like to see the large item pick-up resumed and pro-active code enforcement discontinued.
Holden recognized Richard Ellingson for his service to the Community Development Authority and presented him with a
padfolio from City Manager Levitt in appreciation for this service.
Holden recognized George Fenn for his service to the Community Development Authority and presented him with a padfolio
from City Manager Levitt in appreciation for this service.
Petruzzello presented information about the City’s 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation and how this
will lower the amount of funding that can be allocated to other organizations for public service activities. There was a motion
by Ellingson, seconded by Fenn to approve $73,000 in 2012 CDBG funding to be allocated to the following non-profit agencies
for public service activities: ECHO: $33,100; HealthNet: $33,100 and the Literacy Connection: $6,800. The motion passed
unanimously.
Petruzzello presented information regarding proposed policy changes to the Rental Rehabilitation Program. The changes
were proposed by staff to minimize the City’s risk by firming up underwriting guidelines and modifying loan terms to ensure a
consistent and more expedient return of program funds. Motion by Steeber, seconded by Ellingson to approve the proposed
changes in the Rental Rehabilitation Program as outlined by staff. Changes include: implementing a maximum number of
units to be assisted (8); shortening the loan re-payment deferral period from 5 years to during construction, plus 90 day lease
up period; changing the interest rate from a flat 5% to Prime plus 1%; creating different loan amortization periods based
upon the borrower’s income; expanding the borrower’s credit review and property cash-flow analysis to include all properties
under their ownership; and increasing the late fee. Friendly amendment by Fenn to increase the late fee to $25; accepted by
Steeber and Ellingson. Liebert inquired as to the limit of 8 assisted units. Petruzzello explained that as funding levels have
been reduced, this is an effort to assist a diverse group of property owners, and that it also reduces the City’s loan risk. The
main motion approving proposed changes with a $25 late fee passed 6-1, with Moore opposed.
Petruzzello provided the Director’s report. Fenn thanked staff for providing the Section 8 termination data and asked what
was meant by voucher expired. Petruzzello explained that a household did not successfully locate a rental unit during the
allowable time period after being offered assistance.
Under Matters Not on the Agenda, Fenn expressed his appreciation and gratification to the Neighborhood Services staff for
their professional and prompt response to his inquiries; noted that the Chair had recently called in sick without notifying the
co-chair; indicated that he finds the pro-active code enforcement efforts to be reprehensible; and expressed disappointment
that efforts to limit Council terms on the CDA was not approved. Ellingson thanked everyone who he has worked with on the
CDA board and staff during his time on the CDA.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Steeber, seconded by Moore to adjourn the meeting at 5:59 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously.
These minutes are not official until approved by the CDA.
Respectfully submitted: Jennifer Petruzzello, Neighborhood Services Director