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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2025-03-07Approved: 3/28/25 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 274-6565 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY BOARD 9:00 A.M., Friday, March 7th, 2025 Common Council Chambers, Third Floor (City Hall) 108 E. Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850 Members: Robert G. Cantelmo (Mayor), Chair; Karl Graham, Vice-Chair; Shaianne Osterreich; Siobhan Hull [virtual]; Donna Fleming Excused: None. Vacancies: 0 IURA Staff: Nels Bohn; Anisa Mendizabal; Charles Pyott [virtual] City Staff: Lisa Nicholas, Director of Planning & Development I. Call to Order Chair Cantelmo called the meeting to order at 9:07 A.M. II. Agenda Additions/Deletions None. III. Public Comments None. IV. 2025 HUD Entitlement Grant Action Plan A. PUBLIC HEARING #1 (cont.) On a motion by Graham, seconded by Fleming, and unanimously approved, Chair Cantelmo re-convened the Public Hearing. B. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest • None. IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 2 of 11 ― PUBLIC SERVICES APPLICATIONS ― 1. APPLICATION #11: REUSE MATERIALS ACCESS PROGRAM FOR ITHACA HOUSEHOLDS IN NEED — FINGER LAKES REUSE, INC. (FLRU) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Abby Ball Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FLRU) The ReUse Materials Access Program is mutually beneficial to households in need and to FLRU’s mission to keep reusable materials in local circulation and out of the waste stream. The funding requested is to offset 50% of revenue loss and staffing costs associated with operating the program. Robin Elliott Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FLRU) The ReUse Materials Access Program for Ithaca Households in Need serves 75 households monthly, providing vouchers for the purchase of materials at the store and delivery. FLRU is requesting funding for the program for the first time to meet the increasing demand without reducing the maximum grant to each household, which would be necessary if alternative funding were not found. Q&A Graham asked if FLRU gives partner agencies criteria to vet clients. Elliott replied that FLRU requests the category and verification of need. Graham asked how the amount of the voucher was determined. Elliott replied that the amount is based on household size and the type of materials needed. 2. APPLICATION #12: 2-1-1 INFORMATION & REFERRAL HELPLINE WITH HOUSING NAVIGATION — HUMAN SERVICES COALITION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY, INC. (HSC) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief John Mazzello Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Inc. (HSC) Primarily, 2-1-1 serves individuals with low-to-moderate (LMI) incomes, and contacts have increased by 20% annually since the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding is requested to cover a portion of the wages, payroll taxes, and benefits for the full-time generalist staff members and two part-time community service specialists who support specialized information and referral services to 2,750 LMI individuals and 30 individuals with in-depth housing navigation. Priority needs include information, referral, landlord-tenant counseling related to displacement due to economic pressure, and transportation services. The travel line in the budget will be used for reimbursing volunteer drivers for mileage. IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 3 of 11 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Nicole Roulstin Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Inc. (HSC) Core programs include Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), in partnership with Cornell University, United Way/211 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), HSC Housing Specialist, and assisting City of Ithaca residents facing eviction. Additionally, FISH (Friends in Service Helping) provides volunteer medical transportation. HSC was selected as Tompkins County’s One Call-One Click Center, continuing its focus on assisting residents with both short-term and long-term transportation goals. Mileage reimbursement to volunteer drivers varies from a few miles to 100 miles round-trip to Rochester, for example. HSC is also partnering in the Ithaca Electric Transit Access pilot program to provide on-demand Van Pool service to underserved communities. Q&A Graham asked if the $6,000 donation from Cornell University was direct or in-kind. Mazzello replied that last year’s donation was from grant funding through the Park Foundation, which supported the start-up of the new VITA program this year. This year’s donation will be made possible by Cornell’s VITA grant from the IRS. Hull asked if the Housing Specialist position helps identify locally available housing units. Roulstin replied, “Yes.” Mazzello added that support will be provided through the Medicaid 1115 waiver to offer additional housing assistance. 3. APPLICATION #13: A PLACE TO STAY FOR HOMELESS WOMEN — CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Anna Whittock [virtual] Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) Clients in the A Place to Stay housing program receive comprehensive case management tailored to their individual needs, equipping them with the skills, resources, and support necessary for a successful transition from homelessness to stable, permanent housing, as well as ongoing aftercare. In addition to a 4-bedroom unit shared housing unit for women, CCTT now has a 3-bedroom unit for men and three apartment sites for individuals and families. Shawnae Milton [virtual] Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 4 of 11 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Ixchel Branagan [virtual] Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) Q&A Osterreich asked if there is a space for children of homeless women. Branagan replied that they have not yet had families, but the topic is a point of discussion. Hull asked if clients are required to contribute financially or if housing is provided at no cost, and what aftercare services are offered and for how long. Branagan replied that aftercare is based on individual needs and that there is no time limit on rental payments. The Department of Social Services will cover payments for individuals with no income. Employed individuals contribute 30% of their income toward rent. Graham asked when the men’s shelter came online and if there were any complications regarding support services. Milton replied that the house was opened in October 2024, and there were no complications. Osterreich noted that the proposal is to finance case management hours and asked if the case managers have to liaise with the county around other services. Branagan replied that the case managers are primarily dedicated to working with the residents. 4. APPLICATION #14: HOUSING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PERSONNEL SUPPORT — THE LEARNING WEB, INC. Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Michelle Nolan The Learning Web, Inc. The funds requested for staffing costs, including case management, health counseling, and administrative oversight, represent approximately 40% of the total funds needed to administer the Housing Scholarship Program and would support five homeless youth. Matching funds of $76,000 have been received to support the program. The youth outreach program has grown from 14 apartments in 2008 to its current active leases. The Learning Web remains committed to retaining high-quality staff and paying a living wage, which in turn results in higher staffing costs. Anthony Paolangeli The Learning Web, Inc. Youth entering the program are homeless or would be homeless within 14 days. They meet with a case manager one to three times weekly for assistance with education, employment, and addressing mental and/or physical health needs. IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 5 of 11 Q&A Cantelmo asked what the approximate share of the matching funds is between this application and the request for housing support. Nolan responded that she did not have an answer at the time. Graham inquired about the impact on the program if full funding was not received. Nolan replied that if funding were not granted, The Learning Web would not be able to pay for housing for the additional five youths and, therefore, would not need the case management funding requested. Federal funds cover other housing programs operated. Graham asked if landlords charge market or below-market rates or a mix. Paolangeli replied that the rates charged are a mix. Long-term landlord rates are generally lower, but new landlords typically charge fair market rates. Osterreich asked what The Learning Web would do to address the updated living wage if funds were granted. Nolan responded that the agency is committed to paying a living wage and will address the topic. Graham asked what the top priority would be if funding is limited. Nolan responded that the top priority would be direct case management of outreach for mental health services. 5. APPLICATION #15: IMMIGRANT SERVICES PROGRAM (ISP) — CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Sue Chaffee [virtual] Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) Over the past year, through the Immigrant Services Program, more than 200 applications were filed with U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services, either pro bono or at a low cost, resulting in immigration benefits such as citizenship, green cards, and work permits. The program pays for ongoing immigration training to maintain staff accreditation through the Department of Justice. Francia Wallace [virtual] Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) At its core, the program offers a wide range of support services to address clients’ challenges, such as navigating complex benefit and governmental systems, addressing critical health-related concerns, Section 8 housing recertification, tax services, applying for essential services, making critical referrals to other resources such as adult education, advocating for clients’ rights, and job placement and training. Q&A Graham noted that the request from CCTT was for approximately 30% of the budget and inquired about any updates on the remaining 70%. Chaffee replied that CCTT depends on funding from the County and the Park Foundation and that responses to applications have not yet been received. IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 6 of 11 Graham referenced the 31 job placements made in 2024 and asked if there are either formal or informal hiring commitments with local employers. Chaffee replied that there are no formal agreements or programs; instead, they rely on networking with employers and maintaining relationships with HR agencies. Graham asked how the pressure of new federal mandates and restrictions impact the agency’s ability to meet its targets. Chaffee responded that the agency’s service goals are always subject to change. The mandates are impacting clients with work permits put on hold, for example. Although it may be challenging, CCTT remains committed to continuing the work. Osterreich asked how CCTT might scale its operations if IURA funding is not funded. Chaffee replied that staff hours would need to be reduced, positions would be prioritized, and alternative financing would be required. (Cantelmo departed at 10:04 a.m.) 6. APPLICATION #16: WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING: JOB READINESS — HISTORIC ITHACA, INC. (HI) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Bethany Parisi Historic Ithaca, Inc. (HI) Historic Ithaca’s Job Readiness program focuses on developing practical skills, building confidence, and providing support to empower participants to succeed in other training programs or future employment opportunities. Training is tailored to individual needs and covers critical life and professional skills. The program also addresses sensitive areas that can be difficult to navigate without guidance. Jordan Governale Historic Ithaca, Inc. (HI) The Green Job Starter Kit (GJSK) is a new assessment tool used to pair participants with suitable training or a partner organization. GJSK is entirely funded by the Park Foundation and was created as a solution to the numerous challenges that Historic Ithaca and its partner organizations have faced in the past. This tool has bolstered onboarding numbers in the last year, and without funding, assessment and placement programs would suffer. Q&A Osterreich asked what the difference is between this proposal and HI’s separate application. Governale explained that one application is for job readiness, and the other is for job placement. This application is for the first part of the program. Osterreich asked if the same staff were working in both areas. Hull asked how the GJSK differs from other trainings offered previously. Governale explained that it is designed to get people onboarded immediately. Parisi commented that GJSK is separately funded. IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 7 of 11 7. APPLICATION #18: BIKE WORKS COMMUNITY BIKE SHOP — BIKE WALK TOMPKINS (CENTER FOR COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Niki Ray- Israelsohn Bike Walk Tompkins (Center for Community Transportation) The Bike Shop has been open for two years and has seen a 189% increase in the number of individuals it serves. The shop serves Ithacans facing severe transportation challenges, many of whom are referred by local social workers and case managers, indicating a deeper issue of housing, instability, and economic hardship. The solution to meet increased demand is hiring a full-time bike shop manager, ensuring the shop remains consistently open with extended hours and offers reliable service. Additionally, the goal is to purchase a second outreach trailer to bring free repair clinics, bicycle donations, and services directly to communities in need. Laura Vineyard Bike Walk Tompkins (Center for Community Transportation) Q&A Osterreich asked about the budget lines to fund a Bike Shop manager, and the Bike Walk Tompkins Program Director. Ray-Israelsohn explained that she is the Program Director, a full-time position funded by several streams of grant funding, and that the Bike Shop does not have a manager. Vineyard added that the purpose of a full-time Bike Shop manager would be to create efficiency in the execution of programs that have an impact rather than requiring extra labor to coordinate across multiple positions. Osterreich inquired whether the Program Director and bike shop manager would both be full-time, although currently, there is no Bike Shop Manager. Hull inquired about targeted outreach to underserved populations and whether CCT partners with other organizations on outreach. Ray-Israelsohn replied that CCT reaches out to partner organizations, such as the Southside Community Center, to provide the needed services. 8. APPLICATION #19: BRIDGING GAPS: EMPOWERING RECOVERY THROUGH SERVICE & COMMUNITY CONNECTION — SERVICE IN UNITY, INC. Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Scott Sherwood Service in Unity, Inc. Service in Unity employs people in all forms of recovery and provides services to local nonprofits and other small businesses. Participants are W-2 employees who work for as little as two hours per month. Jobs are promoted in collaboration with staffing partners, which include IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 8 of 11 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief treatment providers such as CARS, St. John’s Serenity Houses, Tompkins County Mental Health, drug treatment courts, and the Downtown Ithaca Childcare Center. Q&A Osterreich asked if, in the case of the DICC example, DICC paid the employee directly. Sherwood explained that participants work directly for Service in Unity, and DICC is invoiced. Osterreich asked if the worker could use DICC as work history. Sherwood explained that participants are provided with a verified work history through Service in Unity. Fleming asked if Service in Unity is a temporary agency for individuals in recovery. Sherwood replied that the latest model is for Service in Unity to operate as a temp agency. Fleming if data are available for clients placed in permanent jobs. Sherwood indicated that data is not yet available because only the pilot program has been completed. 9. APPLICATION #20: FOOD SUBSIDY PROGRAM — WEST HAVEN FARM Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Lorena Mendoza West Haven Farm West Haven Farm primarily offers CSA memberships, serving over 100 low-income families and providing reduced-priced or free shares to those in need. Megan Wright West Haven Farm Local organization partners, including Southside Community Center, Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard, and the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, prefer bulk distribution. Funding is requested to fund pantry shares and community shares for participating low-income families in the City of Ithaca in 2026, including 60 pantry-style shares. Q&A Osterreich asked if the distribution of food is different from regular CSA shares distributed in boxes. Wright replied that, yes, pantry partners prefer to display the produce so individuals may take what they want. Hull asked if SNAP payments are accepted for payment. Wright responded that the Farm is not yet set up to accept SNAP payments, but people can use SNAP benefits there and receive tokens to pay West Haven Farm. Graham inquired about how clients are tracked for income and residency, which is a requirement for IURA funding. Wright replied that the Farm provides the New York State chart for qualification, and people self- identify as low-income. IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 9 of 11 Osterreich asked if collaboration with a non-profit organization would help to operate the program. Wright responded that a non-profit organization could apply and pay West Haven Farm, but the Farm is currently donating its administrative services. Mendoza added that the Farm would be happy to partner with another organization. 10. APPLICATION #21: BEYOND THE BOX CERTIFICATION INITIATIVE ― ULTIMATE REENTRY OPPORTUNITY (URO) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Taili Mugambee [virtual] Ultimate Reentry Opportunity (URO) URO is committed to removing employment barriers for justice- impacted individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system and face stigma, discrimination, and economic exclusion when trying to reenter the workforce. Of the $67,131 requested, URO would like to prioritize funding of $21,875 for the Navigational Support Specialist position. Justice-impacted individuals face a 27% unemployment rate. Adults with a criminal record are vulnerable to long-term joblessness, poverty, and housing instability. URO will measure success by the increase in workplace participation, as indicated by pre- and post-employee surveys, as well as the ability to deliver agreed-upon training to the employer, as demonstrated in the 2024 Moosewood Restaurant pilot program. Paula Ioanide [virtual] Ultimate Reentry Opportunity (URO) The Beyond the Box initiative involves training to understand better the barriers that individuals with past criminal records face when trying to reenter the workforce, aiming to improve hiring and retention practices. The Navigational Support Specialist position provides one-on-one support. All trainings are geared toward employees and have a dual focus of addressing the broader workplace culture and how to navigate non-inclusive behaviors toward people in reentry successfully. URO has had preliminary discussions with Ithaca College, and several other employers have expressed interest in working with this initiative. Sadie Crusade [virtual] Ultimate Reentry Opportunity (URO) The Navigation Support Specialization position was referred to as Workforce Development Consultant. URO has secured $15,000 from a private donation for Beyond the Box and is actively pursuing additional funding, including applications to the Legacy Foundation for $10,000 and to the Tompkins County Human Services Committee for $26,000. IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 10 of 11 Q&A Graham inquired about the program's impact with reduced funding from IURA. Mugambee replied that URO plans to pursue funding from the Tompkins County Human Services Committee and the Legacy Foundation. Ioanide added that while they wish to work with a mid-sized employer, the initiative could be scaled to work with a smaller employer as well. Hull inquired about the impact of recent news from the Center for Transformative Action (CTA) on the programs offered. Mugambee indicated that URO incorporates any administrative cost increases in its budget when submitting grant applications. Osterreich asked how URO finds small employers. Mugambee replied that URO had a pilot program and presented it to local employers, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, resulting in serious interest from eight employers. Ioanide commented that the initiative is easier to implement with smaller employers because they have more flexibility, but with larger employers, the impact is broader. 11. APPLICATION #22: CAREER RESOURCES PROJECT ― BLACK HANDS UNIVERSAL Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Gladys Brangman [virtual] Business Leaders of Colors BHU’s goal is to develop a coalition with trades and skilled laborers to help guide graduates through the hiring process and facilitate their entry into an apprenticeship program or advancement in their careers. The expectation is to serve at least 15 minorities and low-income members within the City of Ithaca and surrounding areas. The project will collaborate with partners to construct and renovate facilities in the City of Ithaca and its surrounding areas, from design to project completion. Participants will receive help with documentation and will be involved in classes in finance, homebuying education, and business. Tutoring for the aptitude test given before entering trades will be available. This project aligns with BHU’s housing program, which provides additional learning opportunities. The program is not exclusive to those who desire to enter trades but is geared toward trades and building maintenance. No previous skills are required. The Village at Ithaca serves as the fiscal sponsor for the program, handling reporting requirements and assisting with IURA reports. Harry Smith [virtual] Black Hands Universal Q&A Osterreich inquired about the collaboration with the Village and its administrative aspects. Smith replied that Meryl Phipps and Kat Hauger will assist with reviewing the project and preparing reports to be IURA Minutes March 7, 2025 Page 11 of 11 submitted to IURA. Graham clarified that Meryl Phipps is the Executive Director of the Village, and Kat Hauger is the Financial Manager. Mendizabal asked how the program handles applicants who are not interested in pursuing a career in the trades. Smith replied that the program still assists with soft skills, such as financial literacy and business, as well as helping individuals find a job. Bohn asked what the expected contact time is with participants in the program every week. Smith estimated 20-30 hours per week, although the time varies depending on the need. Osterreich asked how the project would be scaled if IURA did not fully refund the project. Smith responded that the program would still work, but with himself performing work and fewer people being trained to find employment through completing the program. On a motion by Graham, seconded by Fleming, and unanimously approved, Vice-Chair Graham adjourned the Public Hearing. V. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:24 A.M. — END — Minutes prepared by S. Dean, edited by C. Pyott/N. Bohn.