HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2017-03-23Approved: 6/21/17
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
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MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Common Council Chambers, City Hall
8:30 A.M., Thursday, March 23, 2017
Members: Karl Graham; Tracy Farrell; Eric Rosario; Graham Kerslick, Common Council Liaison
Excused: Mayor Svante Myrick; Chris Proulx
Staff: Nels Bohn; Charles Pyott; JoAnn Cornish
Guests: Teresa Halpert, IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)
I. Call to Order
Vice‐Chair Farrell called the meeting to order at 8:31 A.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
A personnel‐related item was added to the agenda. No objections were raised.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. 2017 HUD Entitlement Grant Applications — Resumption of Public Hearing #1
On a motion by Rosario, seconded by Graham, and unanimously approved, Vice‐Chair Farrell
resumed the Public Hearing.
1. IMMIGRANT SERVICES ― CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Susan Chaffee Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
Immigrant Services Program is more important than ever for
providing unmet needs to the local immigrant population. The
program’s core services include legal services, citizenship services,
job development, English proficiency, and education. The
program fills a niche in the community in assisting people with
basic services, so they can obtain jobs and move toward self‐
sufficiency. It collaborates with many other local organizations
and programs. In 2016, Catholic Charities joined the national
Ithaca
Urban
Renewal
Agency
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March 23, 2017
Page 2 of 15
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
refugee resettlement program to resettle 50 refugees in the area.
It is important for the program to remain in place so these kinds
of services can be continued ― especially given the current
national political climate. IURA funding is the cornerstone of the
program.
Graham asked how many staff members the program employs, other than Chaffee. Chaffee replied
another staff person works 75% of their time on the program.
Rosario asked how Catholic Charities would adapt, if IURA funding were not available. Chaffee
responded that she is not sure. Certainly, it would lose the case manager position; and her own
position would probably become a part‐time position.
Rosario asked if other local funding for the program has increased over the years. Chaffee replied,
yes. Both Tompkins County and United Way increased their funding.
Graham asked if the program has received any private funding. Chaffee replied that it did receive
some funding from the Park Foundation, which Catholic Charities was hoping to dedicate exclusively
to client services.
2. EASY ACCESS LOW‐INCOME CARSHARING ― ITHACA CARSHARE
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Jennifer Dotson Ithaca Carshare Ithaca Carshare is a largely self‐supporting non‐profit
organization, whose mission is to help people get access to
affordable carsharing services. While most people do not need
access to a vehicle every day or every week, it can be a vital
service at times of need.
Anna Cook Ithaca Carshare Easy Access is a subsidized funding program. Even though Ithaca
Carshare is a cheaper alternative than owning a vehicle, it is still
difficult for many low‐income people to afford it (e.g.,
membership fee). 126 members have benefitted from the
program to date, with 38 people currently enrolled. Participants
tend to be older adults with children, 60% of whom live in the City
of Ithaca. Until recently, the program was funded by the Federal
Transit Administration (FTA), but in late 2016 the FTA removed
carsharing from its list of eligible programs, so Ithaca Carshare
lost its funding. Ithaca Carshare has received some gap funding
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March 23, 2017
Page 3 of 15
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
from the Park Foundation, which will last a few months. Ithaca
Carshare asked the foundation for ongoing funding, but the
program is not top priority for it.
Rosario asked why the program does not appear to retain the same pool of beneficiaries from prior
years. Dotson replied that is due to a variety of factors (e.g., people moving out of the area,
changing personal circumstances). Cook added that some people move up the income ladder,
making them ineligible for the program. Approximately one‐third of participants have remained
consistently enrolled.
Farrell observed that 68% of program participants live in the City of Ithaca, but it is surprising there
are so many participants who do not, since all the cars are located in the City. Dotson replied that
participants routinely use mass transit and other creative means to access the vehicles.
Farrell asked if any students are enrolled in the program. Cook replied, no. It is only open to
permanent Tompkins County residents.
Farrell noted it appears the funding request is scalable. Dotson replied the organization could
probably adjust its eligibility threshold to compensate for less funding.
Farrell noted the application requests funding for 50 participants, but the current enrollment is only
38. Dotson replied there have been times when the program has approached 50 participants.
Farrell noted the application includes funding for staff expenses. Dotson explained that while the
subsidies are provided directly to program participants, there is also a considerable degree of staff
time dedicated to it.
3. RESET JOB TRAINING PROGRAM: APPRENTICESHIPS ― FINGER LAKES REUSE, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Robin Elliott
(on behalf of
Anise
Hotchkiss)
Finger Lakes
ReUse
ReSET Job Training Program has been successful since 2013 and
now includes two tracks: information technology and retail. This
year, Finger Lakes ReUse is requesting IURA funding for the
apprenticeships portion of the program. It is highly competitive
― 60% of the regular program’s graduates apply for it, but only 1‐
2 can be admitted.
Lonnie Hinkle Finger Lakes
ReUse
Hinkle described his positive experiences with the apprenticeship
program.
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March 23, 2017
Page 4 of 15
Graham asked if Finger Lakes ReUse tracks what happens to program participants after they
graduate. Hinkle replied, yes, to some extent. He knows of 2 trainees from the last cohort who
were hired into full‐time positions.
Elliott added the program director reaches out to former participants at 2 months, 6 months, and 12
months after they leave. Of the 57 participants who completed the training, only 15 were
employed at the start of their enrollment; a year after the program, 35 were employed.
4. WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING: JOB READINESS ― HISTORIC ITHACA, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Sara Johnson Historic Ithaca Work Preserve Job Training: Job Readiness is the Public Services
component of a two‐part program. Historic Ithaca believes it is
the core of the program, allowing it to serve anyone referred by
its organizational partners. Many of the young adults who
complete the first portion of the program may not necessarily be
able to immediately move into the workforce, without additional
training and experience.
Karen Coleman Historic Ithaca The program works with participants one‐on‐one to help them
take ownership over their lives and move forward with their
goals. Program participants can continue to work at Historic
Ithaca and continue their learning experience, in a way which
would not be possible in a conventional employment situation.
Farrell asked how common it is for participants to take a hiatus from the program and return later.
Coleman replied, approximately 95% of participants who take a break from the program return.
Graham asked if Historic Ithaca tracks participants’ success over time. Johnson replied, yes, but it
tends to be on an informal, more personal basis.
Bohn asked how reduced IURA funding for this segment of the program would impact job
placements in the other segment of the program. Johnson replied Historic Ithaca would certainly
not be able to enroll as many participants and fewer of them would become job‐ready.
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March 23, 2017
Page 5 of 15
5. 2‐1‐1/INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICE ― HUMAN SERVICES COALITION (HSC)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
John Mazzello Human Services
Coalition
The 2‐1‐1 program is projected to provide 2,400 individuals in
Tompkins County with information and referral services in 2017,
with City of Ithaca residents representing more than half the
people served.
Nicole Roulstin Human Services
Coalition
The program fielded 3,600 calls for tax preparation services in
2016 and expects a similar number in 2017. Tax preparation
services led to the tax refunds of $4M in 2016.
Carrie Cohen 2‐1‐1 Program
Volunteer
Cohen described her positive experiences with volunteering for
the program.
Graham disclosed his employer, Alternatives Federal Credit Union (AFCU), provides tax preparation
services for the program.
Halpert asked if volunteers are provided with training on how best to help the people calling into
the hotline. Cohen replied, yes, although training cannot take the place of other forms of expertise,
like long‐term experience with the 2‐1‐1 database, experience with prior calls, and dialogue with co‐
workers.
6. A PLACE TO STAY: SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ― CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Elizabeth
Bargar
Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
A Place to Stay was conceived in 2015 as a result of a trend
Catholic Charities had observed of low‐income women needing
urgent housing assistance, but who were not technically
homeless (e.g., couch surfing, pending eviction, no fixed address).
All single adult women, the first residents in the program were
enrolled in June 2016. The program’s goal is to focus the
participants on individual goal‐setting, with the aim of moving
them out of transitional housing. 8 of the 10 participants have
been in recovery. Other program goals include reunification with
children, education, and employment. The program was
originally designed for a 90‐day stay per participant, but the
average is closer to 4 months. All participants who left the
program are all currently still housed. Staff continues to check in
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March 23, 2017
Page 6 of 15
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
with them regularly and they are welcome to participate in
programs at the house. The program accepts Tompkins County
Department of Social Services housing subsidies (average of
$380/mo.). If participants are employed, they are asked to pay
30% of their net income (on a weekly basis to practice making
payments). A Place to Stay is a valuable program that makes an
impact for women who had been falling through the cracks.
Michaela
Cortright
Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
Rosario asked if the Tompkins County Department of Social Services subsidies are factored into the
proposed budget. Bargar replied, no, since those subsidies simply go towards the rental portion of
the program. Catholic Charities does not own the property.
Rosario asked if 100% of program participants are City of Ithaca residents. Bargar replied, yes,
although many of them ultimately relocate to more affordable outlying areas, once they leave the
program.
Farrell asked how program participants decide when to leave the program. Bargar replied that
Catholic Charities works with them from the moment they enroll to transition them out of the
program. It is not designed to be a long‐term program. Catholic Charities has not asked any
program participant to leave, for any reason. One participant, who has been in the program the
longest, was denied permanent housing because of her rental history. Catholic Charities
successfully worked with her to appeal that decision, which serves as a good example of the kind of
individualized support the program provides.
Graham asked how people hear about the program. Bargar replied through coordinated
assessments for some Catholic Charities clients, as well as collaboration with organizations like
Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services, the Advocacy Center, the Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins
County, and Tompkins Community Action. Word of mouth is another way people hear about it.
6. A+ TUITION ASSISTANCE ― BJM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Susan Eschbach
(on behalf of
Beverly J. Martin
Elementary
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March 23, 2017
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Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Marie Vitucci) School
Melissa Enns
(on behalf of
Marie Vitucci)
Beverly J. Martin
Elementary
School
A+ Tuition Assistance is a vital program, which allows the children
who are enrolled to learn a wide variety of subjects: enrichment
activities, cooking, mindfulness, yoga, etc. The program is
customized to age and need. Program director Marie Vitucci is
very active and highly invested in assisting the participating
families.
Farrell noted the application requests funding assistance for 10 families, so she would assume it is
scalable. Eschbach replied, yes; and when one divides the annual cost by 10 months, one can see it
is a comparatively cheap program. Nonetheless, for low‐income families it can be prohibitive.
Enns added that with the Tompkins County Department of Social Services cutting its funding,
funding programs like this one becomes all the more important.
Farrell asked if the families who receive financial assistance receive it entirely for free, or at the
$458 rate cited in the application. Eschbach replied that all families are required to pay something.
Farrell asked if the families specifically benefitting from IURA funding would be paying something
for the program. Eschbach replied, yes.
7. BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS: NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY OUTREACH ― ITHACA YOUTH BUREAU (IYB)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Joseph Gibson Ithaca Youth
Bureau
Big Brothers Big Sisters recruits mentors from local colleges for
one year to conduct skill‐building activities with the students.
Over the years, the program has served 102‐132 students per
year; however, there has always been a waiting list of 25‐45
children. The program launched its Northside Neighborhood
Saturdays program to help address that, as well as get to know
members of community better. The program partners with a
large number of collegiate and local organizations to provide
educational and vocation programming. It has also sought to
extend its programming to refugee families and other
communities who do not already have a relationship with the
program. The requested funding would fund a staff position for
the Northside Neighborhood Saturdays portion of the program,
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March 23, 2017
Page 8 of 15
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
which has seen increased enrollment over the past year. The
program has also partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Tompkins County and the Northside United neighborhood
association.
Farrell observed the funding request includes staffing of 12 hours/week for the Community
Outreach Specialist. She asked what that work would entail. Gibson explained that includes a range
of tasks, like developing the program design, nurturing relationships with partners, coordinating
volunteers, community outreach, scheduling, and logistics.
Farrell asked how the program was funded last year. Gibson replied, through a Bowl for Kids’ Sake
fundraising event and through the Friends of Ithaca Youth Bureau.
Graham noted the proposed budget includes $7,692 from the City of Ithaca. Gibson replied that
represents a portion of the Ithaca Youth Bureau’s operating budget to support time spent by other
staff members working on the program.
8. HOUSING FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS: YEAR #2 ― ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT (ICSD)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Melissa Enns Beverly J. Martin
Elementary
School, Ithaca
City School
District (ICSD)
In 2016‐17, Enns worked with the IURA and other local
organizations to support homeless BJM families by getting them
into stable housing. The program is currently assisting 4 families
out of the 5 available slots. The program has been very successful
so far. The families have been meeting their goals for their
children (e.g., attendance, participation, communication). The
families experience occasional challenges, but the outcomes are
generally very good. The families have also been making progress
with the individualized goals they set for themselves (e.g.,
financial self‐sufficiency).
Susan Eschbach Beverly J. Martin
Elementary
School, Ithaca
City School
District (ICSD)
One challenge the program needs to address is when families
receiving Tompkins County Department of Social Services
assistance are forced to either leave BJM or be bused in, and then
changing schools the following year. Eschbach is working with
ICSD administrators to devise a way of ensuring the families can
remain at BJM.
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March 23, 2017
Page 9 of 15
Graham noted it appears the support Enns provides the families is sometimes beyond what a school
social worker would ordinarily do. Enns replied, yes. The IURA grant enabled her to spend more
time with the families, so her time with them has been more intensive and consistent; and she has
developed good relationships with them.
Eschbach indicated she plans on advocating that ICSD administrators enable the school system to
become more of a financial partner in the program.
Halpert asked if Enns will be able to follow up with the families who were forced to go to another
school. Enns replied, yes.
Farrell asked how many children are from homeless families. Enns replied, 7 in ICSD as a whole, 5 of
whom attend BJM.
Bohn asked if all the families are stably housed. Enns replied, yes. Bohn asked if landlords have
been working collaboratively with program participants who may not ordinarily meet their standard
rental requirements. Enns replied, yes. Both INHS and the Ithaca Housing Authority (IHA) have
been very supportive.
9. SECURITY DEPOSIT ASSISTANCE DELIVERY ― CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Elizabeth
Bargar
Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
Catholic Charities asked for a slight increase in funding this year,
from $80 to $100 per successful application. Each application
takes 7‐9 hours of her time and involves considerable effort,
gathering paperwork, contacting partners and landlords,
coordinating with Tompkins Community Action for inspections,
etc.
Michaela
Cortright
Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
Bohn asked how Catholic Charities would prioritize this program, compared to A Place to Stay.
Bargar replied she would probably prioritize A Place to Stay, but they are both valuable programs.
The Security Deposit Assistance Program serves more people, even if it is not as personally
impactful. It also allows Catholic Charities to refer people to internal and external resources.
Graham asked if the security deposits are one‐time grants to the beneficiaries. Bargar replied that it
has historically been a once in a lifetime benefit, but Catholic Charities is considering changing it to
once every five years, since there may be a need for that.
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March 23, 2017
Page 10 of 15
10. 2017 HOMEOWNER REHAB ― ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC. (INHS)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Christine
Carreiro
INHS Homeowner Rehab serves many single women living alone, who
find it difficult to keep up with routine maintenance on their
homeowner‐occupied homes. The program offers a five‐year no
interest loan. Program participants often come through the INHS
Mini‐Repair Program. All assisted homes receive energy‐
efficiency certification, lead paint risk assessments, and radon
testing. The program tries to pair appropriate general contractors
with homeowners, but it is always the homeowner’s choice. The
program also collaborates with Tompkins Community Action on
its weatherization program. The need for the program is always
great. Many homeowners are not in a position to obtain other
kinds of loans for this kind of work.
John Balliett INHS
Halpert asked about the 95% maximum price‐limit listed in the application. Carreiro replied that
INHS needs to determine the value of the house before it enrolls in the program and then add the
amount of value‐added after rehabilitation, the total of which cannot exceed 95%.
Rosario asked if reassessments of the properties impose any significant impacts on the homeowners
and whether they can afford to remain in their homes because of the work being done. Carreiro
replied that the properties do not generally see their assessments increase, since the building
footprints do not change.
11. MINI‐REPAIR PROGRAM ― ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC. (INHS)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Christine
Carreiro
INHS
John Balliett INHS Mini‐Repair Program has operated for 36 years and completed
over 5,510 jobs. Most beneficiaries are in the very low income
category and tend to be women living alone, who need the
assistance. Balliett attempts to enroll as many new beneficiaries
as possible through flyers, outreach, and advertising. The average
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March 23, 2017
Page 11 of 15
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
number of hours of work performed for each job is 20, including a
10‐point inspection. The clients pay for materials. The program
helps ensure people can stay in their homes and not be forced
into assisted‐living facilities.
Carreiro added that INHS now has a modest emergency materials fund for clients who cannot afford
certain items (e.g., $20 faucet), which is an added value of the program.
Farrell asked if any beneficiaries have subsequently enrolled in the Homeowner Rehab Program.
Balliett replied, yes. He is working with one such beneficiary now.
Bohn noted the funding application’s proposed budget includes $20,000 under the “Construction”
category. Balliett replied he is not sure, but he believes that may include tools and supplies for the
program as a whole. Carreiro added she is not sure what that figure correlates to. She would need
to speak to INHS Executive Director Paul Mazzarella about it. It is possible that represents money
being leveraged from other programs.
On a motion by Rosario, seconded by Graham, and unanimously approved, Vice‐Chair Farrell
adjourned the Public Hearing.
V. Review of Draft Meeting Minutes: January 26, 2017
Graham moved, seconded by Rosario, to approve the January 26, 2017 meeting minutes, with
one minor modification.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
VI. Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC) Report
A. Designation of Historic Ithaca, Inc. as Community Based Development Organization (CBDO)
― ResoluƟon
Graham reported that the Committee determined that Historic Ithaca met all the criteria (e.g.,
board composition).
Moved by Graham, seconded by Rosario:
2017 IURA Designation of Historic Ithaca, Inc. as Community‐Based Development Organization
WHEREAS, the Board of Historic Ithaca Inc., (Historic Ithaca) seeks designation by the Ithaca
Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) as a Community‐Based Development Organization (CBDO),
and
IURA Minutes
March 23, 2017
Page 12 of 15
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has designated the IURA to administer the City’s HUD
Entitlement Program that oversees Community Development Block Grant funds awarded to
the City, and
WHEREAS, an eligible category of CDBG activities is a “Special Activity by CBDO”, that offers
certain advantages, such as exemption from the 15% expenditure cap otherwise applicable
to public service activities, authorization to carry out new housing construction (normally
prohibited with CDBG funds), and discretion to allow income generated by a CDBG‐funded
activity to not be considered CDBG program income, and
WHEREAS, the following four tests established at CFR Title 24 §570.204 must be met to
qualify under a category of “Special Activity by CBDOs”:
1. The entity qualifies as a CBDO, including the 51% board membership test;
2. The CBDO will undertake an eligible project;
3. That the CBDO will carry out the funded activity directly or with an entity other than the
grantee;
4. That the CBDO will not carry out a prohibited activity, and
WHEREAS, a CBDO must maintain at least 51% of its governing body’s membership to be
made up of any combination of the following:
Low‐ and moderate income residents of its area of operation
Owners or senior officers of private establishments and other institutions located in its
area of operation
Representatives of low‐ and moderate‐income neighborhood organizations located in
its area of operation, and
WHEREAS, a CBDO must have as its primary purpose the improvement of the physical,
economic, or social environment of its geographic area of operation, with a particular
emphasis on the needs of low‐ and moderate‐income persons, and
WHEREAS, the project undertaken by the CBDO must qualify as one or more of the following
project types:
neighborhood revitalization;
community economic development;
energy conservation project; and
Whereas, at their March 10, 2017, meeting, the Neighborhood Investment Committee
evaluated Historic Ithaca, Inc. CBDO application and recommended the following; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA determines that Historic Ithaca, Inc. meets the requirements for
eligibility as a CBDO, and that the Work Preserve Job Training: Job Placements project
qualifies as an eligible CBDO activity, and be it further
IURA Minutes
March 23, 2017
Page 13 of 15
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby designates Historic Ithaca, Inc. as a Community‐Based
Development Organization (CBDO) and their Work Preserve Job Training: Job Placements
project as eligible for CDBG funding under the category of “Special Activities by CBDOs.”
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
Graham noted the Committee also examined GIAC’s CBDO application. GIAC currently has 9 board
members, 5 of whom meet CBDO criteria; however, its board bylaws require 11 board members.
Since CBDO requirements call for at least 51% of board members to meet CBDO criteria, GIAC will
need 6 board members who meet CBDO requirements. The Committee decided it would delay
further consideration of CBDO designation for GIAC, until the organization has the opportunity to
recruit more Board members.
B. Committee Chairperson Report
Graham remarked the Committee met twice in March to have enough time to review all the 2017
funding applications.
Graham reported that Common Council recently approved the sale of the IURA’s 402 S. Cayuga
Street property to Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins & Cortland Counties. The Common Council
resolution included a clause requiring a radon gas mitigation system for the housing project, which
should not add too much to the cost of the project.
VII. Other New/Old Business
A. Review of IURA Financials, February 2017
Bohn explained that although the Building for the Future program is listed as a “No” on the chart,
the IURA did recently receive the beneficiary information it had requested from Southside
Community Center, so that program should be in good standing next month. All other programs
appear to be performing well. Bohn noted that the two loans that were not current when the
report was generated are now in good standing.
B. FY2016 IURA Financial Audit (referred to Governance Committee)
Bohn reported that the IURA received its FY2016 financial audit, which is a clean audit with no
findings or issues raised. The Governance Committee will review in depth it at its next meeting.
C. IURA Chairperson Report
None
D. Common Council Liaison Report
None
IURA Minutes
March 23, 2017
Page 14 of 15
E. Staff Report
Bohn reported that the City of Ithaca submitted a grant application for the U.S. Conference of
Mayors/Wells Fargo Foundation’s CommunityWINS program. CommunityWINS is awarding $3
million over three years to support local non‐profits in promoting long‐term economic prosperity
and quality of life for their community.
Bohn remarked that the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) has launched the Pay It Forward program,
which seeks to become an alternative to giving money directly to panhandlers. It asks the public to
make donations at designated locations for essential services and food for the homeless. It has
been operating informally and the DIA would now like to see if it can be expanded.
Bohn reported that INHS is launching a Community Land Trust Expansion pilot project to see if the
program could induce existing homeowners to enroll in the land trust, with some financial
incentives (buying land from beneath a home and providing 5% of the home’s value). Homeowners
would also benefit from a reduction in their property tax, because of recent County legislation. The
pilot program would evaluate the concept, the subsidy amount, and public response to determine if
it would work.
Bohn reported that the IURA received a Tompkins County Assessment Office valuation for its 402 S.
Cayuga Street property, which increased to $75,000 from $26,500, which may affect the proposed
Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins & Cortland Counties housing project.
— EXECUTIVE SESSION —
Moved by Graham, seconded by Rosario, to enter an Executive Session at 11:20 a.m.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
No action was taken during the Executive Session.
Moved by Graham, seconded by Rosario, to adjourn the Executive Session at 11:32 a.m.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
Moved by Rosario, seconded by Graham:
Hire Community Development Planner
WHEREAS on December 16, 2013, the IURA authorized the Executive Director, or her designee, to
advertise, form a search committee, conduct interviews, and recommend a preferred candidate
to fill a full‐time, permanent Community Development Planner position with the salary to be
determined depending on qualifications, and be it further
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March 23, 2017
Page 15 of 15
WHEREAS, a job search has been undertaken by the search committee composed of Tracy Farrell,
IURA member; Kathy Schlather, IURA Governance Committee member; JoAnn Cornish, IURA
Executive Director; Schelley Michell‐Nunn, City of Ithaca Director of Human Resources; Lisa
Nicholas, Senior Planner and Nels Bohn, IURA Director of Community Development, and
WHEREAS, over 30 job applications were received, and
WHEREAS, five interviews were conducted with two finalists selected, and
WHEREAS, reference checks have been completed for the preferred finalist; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes the hiring of Anisa Mendizabal as Community
Development Planner subject to the following terms:
Salary: $54,000
Work Hours: 35 hours per week
Start Date: TBD
Employment Status: Regular, full‐time “at‐will” employee
Duties: Job responsibilities as outlined in Community Development Planner job
description,
Other Terms: Governed by the IURA Human Resource Policies, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Executive Director, or her designee, is hereby authorized to submit and
negotiate an employment offer to the preferred candidate consistent with the above terms.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
VIII. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:33 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.