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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2022-03-03Approved: 3/24/22 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 274-6565 MINUTES ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Special Meeting 8:30 A.M., Thursday, March 3, 2022 Members: Chris Proulx, Chair; Tracy Farrell; Karl Graham, Vice-Chair; Laura Lewis, Acting Mayor; Rob Gearhart, Common Council Liaison Excused: Eric Rosario; Lisa Nicholas, Acting Director of Planning and Development Staff: Nels Bohn; Anisa Mendizabal; Charles Pyott Guests: None. I. Call to Order Chair Proulx called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M. II. Agenda Additions/Deletions None. III. 2022 HUD Entitlement Grant Action Plan A. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest None. B. 2022 HUD Entitlement Grant Action Plan: PUBLIC HEARING #1 (CONT.) On a motion by Lewis, seconded by Farrell , and unanimously approved, Chair Proulx reopened the Public Hearing. 1. General Public Input on 2022 Action Plan None. IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 2 of 11 2. Project-by-Project Sponsor Presentations ― ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS ― 1. APPLICATION #9: GREEN JOB OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH REUSE TRAINING ― FINGER LAKES REUSE, INC. (FLRU) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Robin Elliott Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FLRU) FLRU’s ReSET job-training program has been operating since 2013. It is designed as a mutually beneficial partnership between local businesses, workforce development agencies, and local residents who need employment skills, including soft-skills development. FLRU depends on trainees as a critical part of both its labor force and workplace culture. FLRU experienced a record number of donated materials in 2021. It continues to partner closely with the Career Pathways Project — a local multi-organizational effort (also connected to a regional effort) to establish a local pipeline for green job opportunities and hands-on skills training. FLRU’s trainees will have paid opportunities to participate in skills workshops through the Career Pathways Project. Severine Stupak Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FLRU) FLRU’s 2022 grant request would fund paid training experiences for individuals facing barriers to employment, leading to permanent employment. Past participants have repeatedly identified FLRU’s flexibility and supportive atmosphere as the program’s strength. In the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, FLRU saw an overall decrease in enrollment and activity in local job-training programs; however, it is beginning to see a reversal of the trend. FLRU tailors its apprenticeships to specific interests and aptitudes for targeted career paths. With FLRU’s unique learning environment, it can prepare trainees for a variety of fields and will be connecting participants to training opportunities created by the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting and Thermal Load Electrification Program (EERTLEP). While FLRU typically offers at least 525 paid hours to every apprentice in the Re-Entry program, it offers extended paid experiences for up to one calendar year. If FLRU were forced to prioritize the most critical portions of its application, it would prioritize stipends for the apprenticeships. Proulx observed on p 1 of the application FLRU commits to placing 10 people in permanent employment, in the “Minimum Number of LMI Individuals You Commit to Placing in Permanent Employment” field, while in the brief “Project Goal(s)” statement it commits to 8, but he heard it stated today that 9 people would complete the apprenticeship program. He asked which figure is correct. Elliott responded 9 is the correct number in terms of the budget for apprentices, but 8 is the correct number in terms of FLRU’s formal commitment to placing individuals into permanent unsubsidized positions. IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 3 of 11 Lewis asked for more information about the stipends (i.e., specific amount of each stipend; how they are awarded, etc.) Stupak replied FLRU pays an hourly wage to trainees, which is folded into its standard payroll, including paid vacation, holidays, and sick time. Lewis observed the application lists $77,430.87 as secured revenue from merchandise sales. She asked how that projection is calculated and how accurate FLRU believes it to be. Elliott answered it is based on the amount of merchandise production and the anticipated amount of work trainees engage in, which contributes directly to FLRU’s revenue. FLRU has demonstrated it can support 50% or more of the program through merchandise sales revenue alone. Bohn asked if FLRU could estimate the difference in the value or cost of the 12-month apprenticeships vs. the other apprenticeships, in terms of the average cost per apprentice. Elliott answered it would be about a ⅔ to ⅓ ratio, so 525 hours vs. a full year, at $15.25/hour. 2. APPLICATION #10: WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING: JOB PLACEMENTS ― HISTORIC ITHACA, INC. Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Susan Holland Historic Ithaca, Inc. Since submitting the application, Historic Ithaca has experienced several staff transitions. Sara Johnson resigned as of 2/23/22 and has been replaced by Robert Rector. Significant Elements’ sales are currently at a 2-year high. It is anticipated sales will remain robust and will be used to continue investing in the program. Robert Rector Historic Ithaca, Inc. He has worked with the program for the last 6 years, serving as Assistant Manager, prior to filling Sara Johnson’s position, helping provide one-on-one retail training to Work Preserve participants. Part of the growth in sales over the past couple of years has been the result of launching into the online retail world, which is a good addition to the skills and activities the program is able to offer participants. Geno Tournour Historic Ithaca, Inc. Although he started in November 2021 as Outreach & Education Coordinator, he has had extensive job placement experience as Director of Social Service Programs at Challenge Workforce Solutions. One of his responsibilities in that position involved building strong relationships with business partners in the community. Graham asked if there has been any discussion of what potential funding might be available from Historic Ithaca’s collaboration with the City’s Green New Deal initiatives. Holland replied that effort is really only just getting started, but Historic Ithaca has been working very closely with Finger Lakes ReUse about what those opportunities may be. It is also exploring every potential source of funding and monitoring State and private funding opportunities. IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 4 of 11 Graham noted Historic Ithaca indicated one of the challenges for program participants is housing stability. He asked about the impact of Ithaca’s recent new rental housing developments. Holland responded they have been trying to stay informed as much as possible. They have a good relationship with Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), although there remains a significant need for affordable rental housing in the community. Lewis asked Holland to describe the summer intern responsibilities. Holland replied the summer intern cohort is recruited from the summer youth employment program and works on specific, defined projects. 3. APPLICATION #11: HOSPITALITY EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM (HETP) ― GREATER ITHACA ACTIVITIES CENTER, INC. (GIAC) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Sabrina Baez Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc. (GIAC) Since HETP launched in 2014, it has served over 150 Tompkins County residents from underserved under/unemployed segments of the community. HETP has proven to be a solid foundation for participants to improve their job skills and quality of life. HETP is unique in that it provides wrap-around services, as well as one-on-one coaching to remove barriers to employment. HETP staff creates meaningful trusting relationships with all its participants. The program provides 8 weeks of classroom training, including resumé writing, cover letter writing, cultural competency skills, customer service training, professional etiquette training, job-readiness training, and paid internships with local employers for up to 120 hours. HETP staff continues its work with participants even after completion of the program, through annual check-ins to help maintain open, healthy relationship with graduates. Deborah Campos-Bard HETP Graduate She graduated from HETP in 2015, after being introduced to it through the Natural Leaders Initiative during a transition time in her life. HETP offered her the opportunity to learn what it meant to be a part of the hospitality industry. She established a connection to Rasa Spa, where she worked as a paid intern and was eventually hired full-time. After becoming a licensed massage therapist in 2017, she opened up her own practice. Leslyn McBean- Clairborne Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc. (GIAC) IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 5 of 11 Graham noted in the application it states HETP works with currently incarcerated individuals. He asked how that has been incorporated into the program. McBean-Clairborne replied HETP staff initiated that portion of the program after thinking about new populations it could reach. Staff then contacted the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office to identify potential candidates, who were enrolled in a modified version of the program while they were still incarcerated, in anticipation of their release. Proulx observed the application states HETP reached 4 job placements for the 2021 award, but it has not expended any funds. McBean-Clairborne responded GIAC has not yet been able to expend funds since the contract has not been executed. Once it has been, GIAC will submit its expenses to the IURA. Graham observed HETP reaches out to its graduates as part of its fundraising campaign. He asked how successful that effort has been. McBean-Clairborne replied some graduates support HETP through small gifts, modest cash donations, or in-kind donations of services. ― PUBLIC SERVICES APPLICATIONS ― 4. APPLICATION #16: 2-1-1 INFORMATION & REFERRAL ― HUMAN SERVICES COALITION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY, INC. (HSC) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief John Mazzello Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County (HSC) The 2-1-1 program supports several of the City’s 2019-23 Consolidated Plan’s high-priority needs, in particular #18, Information & Referral, with the associated goal: “Meet Essential Needs for Food, Shelter, and Safety.” In the past year, 2-1-1 has been contacted approximately 28,000 times, with 60% of those contacts originating within the City, representing an increase of 45% over the prior year and double pre- pandemic levels. 2-1-1 has been well-positioned to support many of the community’s COVID-19-related initiatives and has worked closely with the Tompkins County Health Department. Over the past year, 2- 1-1 also further developed its ability to provide housing-related services and is playing a key role in the Anti-Displacement & Anti- Eviction Project. Nicole Roulstin Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County (HSC) The majority of 2-1-1 calls at this time of year are for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Unfortunately, there continues to be a diminished capacity for in-person appointments. 2- 1-1 also partners with the Friends in Service Helping (FISH) medical transportation program, which has struggled to retain volunteer drivers. Since 2020, 2-1-1 has conducted screening and eligibility approval for United Way’s ALICE program, which provides up to $500 in one-time financial assistance (now totaling $91,000). IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 6 of 11 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Laura Gates- Upton 2-1-1 Community Service Specialist She is a clinical social worker and personal coach. When she was seeking a part-time job, she wanted to be part of a team in a role that made a difference to the community. She could not have asked for better place to work than 2-1-1. Lewis observed the program fully expended its 2021 award and asked by what date it was expended. Mazzello replied 2-1-1 commits to a large number of contacts as part of its contract with the IURA. (For both 2020 and 2021, it was approximately 3,375 contacts.) But 2-1-1 submits its expenses to the IURA based on a pro rated amount of its total program budget. 2-1-1 invoices the IURA a little ahead of its actual number of completed contacts. Lewis asked if it ran out of funds. Mazzello responded, no. It is simply a peculiarity of the way the contract is administered. 5. APPLICATION #17: WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING: JOB READINESS ― HISTORIC ITHACA, INC. Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Susan Holland Historic Ithaca, Inc. The program serves youth and young adults with barriers to employment (e.g., formally incarcerated, unhoused individuals, people with disabilities/mental illnesses, new entrants to the workforce), with a great deal flexibility. The vast majority of participants are LMI. The stability and welcoming atmosphere of Significant Elements is a key part of its success in motivating participants to continue showing up for work and remain engaged. Historic Ithaca has been successful in seeking other sources of funding (e.g., Park Foundation, Community Foundation of Tompkins County). Robert Rector Historic Ithaca, Inc. Since Historic Ithaca is a small organization, it has successfully tailored its program to work one-on-one with participants, many of whom struggle with a number of life challenges and can receive more support at a place like Significant Elements than many other places. Program participants grow to become more engaging and self- confident when working with customers. Geno Tournour Historic Ithaca, Inc. The program’s success relies heavily on its partnerships and collaborations with human services organization, like Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources (OAR) of Tompkins County, JobLINK, WorkforceNY, The Learning Web, Challenge Workforce Solutions, Tompkins Community Action, BOCES, Lakeview, and St. John’s Community Services (SJCS). IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 7 of 11 Lewis observed there was 1 job placement for the 2020 Program Year, but no placements yet for the 2021 Program Year. She asked if the IURA needs more current reporting information. Holland responded the program is actually still operating using 2020 Program Year funds. It has not yet started its 2021 Program Year. 6. APPLICATION #18: IMMIGRANT SERVICES PROGRAM (ISP) ― CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Sue Chaffee Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) Last year, ISP served 123 LMI clients (73% of whom live in the City), who are unable to access community resources or find viable employment because of language and other barriers. ISP also offers legal services to assist people to stabilize their immigration status and obtain citizenship. ISP has staff fluent in Spanish, Burmese, and Karen (a language affiliated with Sino-Tibetan languages). ISP typically assists 135 clients every year with legal services. Many undocumented clients apply for DACA or green card status, which opens up their ability to obtain employment, health insurance, housing, and other critical needs. ISP also helps connect newcomers to the community who are seeking asylum with free immigration consultations with immigration attorneys, paid through ISP’s NYS Office for New Americans Grant. Last year, ISP received a NYS Department of Labor Excluded Workers Fund grant to assist undocumented workers with various services (e.g., obtain driver’s licenses, ITIN numbers, immigration legal consultations, and referrals to critical services). Paige Rich Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) She provides job development and case management services, and organizes community education workshops. Case management helps build a scaffold of support for clients to work towards self-sufficiency, access community resources, and obtain translation services. Case management is rarely any single standard set of services. 8. APPLICATION #19: GIAC COMPUTER LAB ― GREATER ITHACA ACTIVITIES CENTER, INC. (GIAC) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Aleshia Akers Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc. (GIAC) The GIAC computer lab has been using the same 11 computers since 2006; however, technology has changed so much since then and they are close to becoming inoperable. Replacing the computers would represent a significant expansion of services to all users, including GIAC staff. Having access to modern computer technology has IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 8 of 11 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief become all the more important, since the pandemic shifted so many activities to virtual settings. 85% of computer lab users are below 80% AMI and do not have financial means to have computer and internet access at home. Leslyn McBean- Clairborne Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc. (GIAC) Graham observed the application states 100% of computer lab users are City residents. He wondered if that is correct. McBean-Clairborne replied it is actually about 90% City residents. Graham asked why the computer lab is not funded as part of GIAC’s annual budget from the City. McBean- Clairborne responded the lab is used by many people who are not City staff, so it is on an entirely different network. The City does not maintain the computers or network. 10. APPLICATION #20: PRE-APPRENTICE PROGRAM ― BLACK HANDS UNIVERSAL, INC. Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Harry Smith Black Hands Universal, Inc. (BHU) BHU is creating a non-profit construction management and labor-skills education organization, with the goal of developing a coalition of construction-sector businesses and trades to provide hands-on training and classroom instruction. Program graduates would then be well-prepared to begin the hiring process and enroll in an apprenticeship program. The program will collaborate with a wide variety of organizations: My Brother’s Keeper, local unions, the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, Alternatives Federal Credit Union (AFCU), Business Leaders of Color, Tompkins Community Action, and BOCES, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), and the Ithaca Housing Authority (IHA). Farrell observed the application lists 9 weeks of classes. She wondered how much time that would represent for each participant. Harris replied, 20 hours a week. Lewis noted the application allocates $54,000 for stipends and asked how they would be awarded. Harris answered, the stipends would cover the costs of a small staff to perform administrative functions, serve as instructors, and facilitate recruitment/enrollment. Lewis asked if the stipends are planned for both the participants and instructors/staff. Harris replied, yes. IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 9 of 11 Lewis inquired into the application process for participants. The funding application lists the number of people to be served as 60. Harris replied, that is correct. They would be divided into four cohorts (although it would only be half that number in the first year). Proulx noted at the end of the program graduates would presumably either enroll in an apprenticeship or obtain paid employment. He asked how the process is currently unfolding in terms of lining up partners who are committing to program. Harris responded he has enlisted representatives from trade unions, the City, County, Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), Warren Real Estate, INHS, and IHA. Graham remarked there have been similar past efforts in pursuit of the same goals. He asked if Harris has consulted anyone involved in those efforts for advice. Harris replied he has been working closely with Common Council Member George McGonigal. He is also a bricklayers union member. 11. APPLICATION #21: LATINO MULTICULTURAL CENTER ― NO MÁS LÁGRIMAS (NML) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Ana Ortiz No Más Lágrimas She founded the organization 15 years ago from her home. NML provides services to vulnerable community members who are been adequately served by existing government or community-based programs. NML has been organizing weekly free food distributions since June 2020, through its collaboration with local farmers, the Friendship Donations Network, and Food Bank of the Southern Tier. IURA funds would be used to rent space in the Henry Saint John Building, where food distributions take place and the Latino Multicultural Center is located. 95% of the people to be served would be below 50% AMI, with 70% below 30% AMI. Anacheliz Gonzales-Ortiz No Más Lágrimas She assists with NML’s childcare program, which is staffed with paid youth, as well as Ithaca College and Cornell University student volunteers. The children are kept busy with a variety of enrichment activities, including tutoring in reading and writing. Judy Ward No Más Lágrimas She emphasized that NML has a number of well-established active relationships with Friendship Donations Network, Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Cornell Dairy, Wide Awake Bakery, and local coffee roasters, as well as a number local farms. Sharon Tregaskis No Más Lágrimas Graham noted the budget in the application only lists the funding request to the IURA and asked what NML’s plan would be should it not receive full IURA funding. Tregaskis replied NML would continue to actively push itself to identify other funding sources, which it has done over the past 20 years. IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 10 of 11 ― HOUSING APPLICATION ― 12. APPLICATION #7: SECURITY DEPOSIT ASSISTANCE FOR VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS ― CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Michaela Cortright Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) This is CCTT’s 25th year of serving Ithaca and its 18th year of operating the Security Deposit Assistance Program. 70-100 new households are assisted annually, the majority of whom are extremely low-income. Applicants tend to be either single non-elderly or single-parent households. 30% of the program’s applicants are either homeless or at-risk of homelessness. 87% of applicants have remained stably housed in the past year. The application process requires close coordination with the IURA, DSS, Section 8, landlords, tenants, housing inspectors, social workers, and attorneys. Once a prospective tenant has identified an apartment, they contact CCTT about 2 weeks before the move-in date. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, some procedures have been changed to minimize in-person interactions. The program would continue to allocate 5 security deposits to homeless families with children attending Beverly J. Martin Elementary School (BJM), as part of the Housing for School Success Program, launched in 2016. Graham asked if there has been any discussion with the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) about expanding the Housing for School Success (HSS) program. Cortright replied she is not aware of any recent discussions. Graham observed the budget in the application lists $2,500 of IURA funding allocated to the Samaritan Center Coordinator position and asked if that is correct. Cortright responded, yes. It represents the proposed CDBG funding going towards the program’s administrative costs (as has been done over the past few years). The core HOME funding request is $74,000. On a motion by Lewis, seconded by Farrell, and unanimously approved, Chair Proulx adjourned the Public Hearing. D. Review Next Steps Mendizabal explained there have been a number of clarifications requested of applicants, from both the last meeting and today’s meeting. If there are any remaining questions at this time, Board members should either bring them up now or by e-mail. The Committees will convene to discuss the applications and formulate their recommendations to the IURA Board. She added that the Governor’s Executive Order regarding public meetings is scheduled to expire on March 17, 2022, so it is anticipated the IURA will need to resume in-person meetings at that time. IURA Minutes March 3, 2022 Page 11 of 11 IV. Review of Meeting Minutes: February 24, 2022 Graham moved, seconded by Farrell, to approve the meeting minutes, with no modifications. Carried Unanimously: 4-0 V. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:37 A.M. — END — Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.