Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund Committee

Thursday, July 2, 2020 - Noon

City Hall Lower Level Meeting Room

220 South Market Street, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577

A regularly scheduled meeting of the Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund Committee for the City of Oskaloosa was called to order on Thursday, July 7, 2020, at 12:02 p.m. by Chair Dan Adams. The committee met via electronic meeting to restrict physical access in accordance with the March 2020 Iowa Public Health Emergency Proclamation signed by Governor Kim Reynolds

Members Present: Dan Adams, Nancy Brown, Joe Caligiuri, Tammy Sauer, Royce Spoelstra, Carri Vande Ree

Members Absent: Noel Stahle

City Staff Present: Shawn Christ, Stephanie Faulkes

Consider Approval of Consent Agenda as Presented or Amended

It was moved by Vande Ree, seconded by Caligiuri to approve the consent agenda as presented:

A.   Approval of Minutes

B.   Approval of Claims

C.   Receive and File Accounting Reports

All Ayes, motion passed unanimously.

Regular Agenda

Consider application for Demolition Grant II for a property located at 1206 High Avenue West

Shane Moore applied for funds under the Demolition Assistance Grant/Loan Program II to demolish the house for greenspace.

This property was previously owned by Mahaska County Habitat for Humanity and recently sold to Mr. Moore. The house is assessed at $17,460 and land assessed at $9,360, for a total of $26,820. According to the Mahaska County Assessor’s web page, the house is in “poor” condition, grade 5 (below average).

Discussion: Christ explained that Moore has no immediate plans to rebuild at this time.

It was moved by Spoelstra, seconded by Caligiuri to approve the request. All Ayes, motion passed unanimously.

Consider application for Demolition Grant II for a property located at 321 North E Street

Classic Living LLC has applied for funds under the Demolition Assistance Grant/Loan Program II for the above property. Dave Bower, representative for Classic Living LLC, proposes to demolish the house for greenspace. He will apply for a demolition permit after consideration of the grant application.

This property was previously sold by the city to Classic Living with the stipulation that the home be demolished due to its poor condition. The house is assessed at $6,600 and land assessed at $5,920, for a total of $12,520. According to the Mahaska County Assessor’s web page, the house is in “very poor” condition, grade 5 (below average).

Discussion: Members agreed that this property is a good candidate for the program.

It was moved by Spoelstra, seconded by Caligiuri to approve the request. Brown abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest; all other members present voted to approve, motion passed.

Consider dissolution of the Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund Committee

At the June 4, 2020, OHTF meeting committee members and city staff discussed the history of the trust fund committee and how it has changed over the years. Members were asked to give some thought to dissolving the committee and reassigning responsibilities to staff and the Chamber’s housing committee.

Discussion: A memo provided by city manager Michael Schrock outlined a plan of action and recommendation on dissolution. Committee discussed funds/donations, budget, and how the program would be managed by staff. Christ explained that the program would continue as is, that there is no proposal to redirect funds, that the demolition programs are popular and widely used, and that policy and decision making would be done by City Council at the recommendation of staff.  Committee asked additional questions about donations with Adams indicating there had possibly been two fund drives after the first request. Christ shared that the original donor list was extensive although no donations have been received within at least the past two years and possibly longer.

Adams asked that each representative go back to their respective companies as a courtesy to notify them of the dissolution and that Christ confirm that Clow has been notified due to not having a representative on the committee at this time.

Miscellaneous Business: Christ explained that the first-time homebuyer program has received three applications in the one-year period ending June 30. The program requires an annual review and audit of the program with a recommendation to City Council; want to ensure the program is successful or make changes. Unable to accept additional applications until revised.

It was moved by Caligiuri and seconded by Brown to adjourn at 12:24 p.m.

Minutes by Faulkes