Rockford Sun

City of Rockford Planning & Development met Jan. 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Alderman Rose called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm

II. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived

Tim Durkee City of Rockford Alderman Present

Linda McNeely City of Rockford Alderman Present

Chad Tuneberg City of Rockford Alderman Present

Natavias Ervins City of Rockford Alderman Absent

Bill Rose City of Rockford Alderman Present

A. 2020-2024 Five Year Consolidated Plan, 2020 Annual Action Plan, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, and Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Emergency Solutions Grants programs)

Deb Dorsey, Housing and Program Manager explained that the Community & Economic Development Department is presenting the 2020-2024 Five Year Consolidated Plan, 2020 Annual Action Plan, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (Al), and Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) plan. These plans direct Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program funds.

The City engaged a consultant in early 2019 to develop and create these plans. Community input was gathered over the summer of 2019 via stakeholder focus group meetings, public hearings, and surveys. Based on research and community feedback, draft plans were created and distributed in December 2019. Two public hearings were held on December 16, 2019 and December 18, 2019 with a 30-day citizen participation comment period ending on January 8, 2020. The consultants presented an overview of the plans to the Housing Committee on December 16, 2019.

In response to Council's request for flexibility with our federal funds, staff is proposing the creation of a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area. This proposed NRSA was developed by our consultants, based on HUD criteria and community feedback. A NRSA is a CDBG-designated area targeted for revitalization, which offers flexibility in undertaking housing, economic development, and public service activities. This flexibility will allow CDBG funds to provide assistance and support of mixed-income housing needs in the NRSA. In a NRSA, only 51% (instead of 100%) of the units assisted through a CDBG housing program are required to be low/moderate income. Our housing programs will continue to be available Citywide to eligible individuals. The creation of a NRSA will allow flexibility of programming to a targeted area, including assistance to individuals who may not normally be eligible to participate in these federally funded housing programs.

Mrs. Dorsey reviewed some changes regarding the funding and the staff memo stated that at this time, staff requests review and approval of the four plans.

Alderman Hervey would like the City to take a leadership role with our federal representatives, in order to bring housing more aligned with the plans and goals of the City.

Group also discussed various topics including individuals who do not have the education to qualify for the available jobs and issues regarding transportation to and from jobs.

After discussion, Alderman Durkee made a motion to approve the committee report. Alderman Tuneberg seconded the motion and the motion prevailed 3-1 (Alderman McNeely voted no).

III. RESOLUTIONS

A. Authorization to Adopt the Updated Winnebago County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

Michele Pankow, Division Fire Chief explained that the Winnebago County Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan is a countywide plan and explained details of the plan. A large portion of it pertains to the City of Rockford.

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [3 TO 1] Next: 2/3/2020 5:30 PM

AYES: Tim Durkee, Chad Tuneberg, Bill Rose

NAYS: Linda McNeely

ABSENT: Natavias Erving

The staff report states that it is a five-year plan which is an integral part of long- range, comprehensive planning that helps minimize the initial and long-term impactsofmajordisastersonmunicipalities andresidents. TheFederalEmergency Management Agency prioritizes mitigation as a tier principle in its organizational operation. Through the Disaster Management Act of 2000 (DMA), FEMA began federally requiring a Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan as a prerequisite for the majority of pre- and post-disaster funding for disasters (US: 44 CFR Part 201).

A specific example of how this applies to the City is the Beverly Park neighborhood. Remapping of this area caused the neighborhood to be declared a Zone AE flood hazard zone. Many of the homes in this area were built by Habitat for Humanity between the early 1990s through 2016. Concerns for residents of this neighborhood are the increasing insurance premiums to carry flood insurance. By adding the Beverly Park neighborhood to the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, the area will now be eligible for mitigation grant funding.

Group discussed and after discussion, Alderman Durkee made a motion to approve the resolution and Alderman Tuneberg seconded the motion. MOTION PREVAILED 3-1 (Alderman McNeely voted no)

RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [3 TO 1] Next: 2/3/2020 5:30 PM

AYES: Tim Durkee, Chad Tuneberg, Bill Rose

NAYS: Linda McNeely

ABSENT: Natavias Erving

Alderman Durkee made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Tuneberg Meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

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