Public Hearing
October 16, 2006
The Mt. Vernon City Council held a Public Hearing at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2006 in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor David E. Keen called the Public Hearing to order and stated that the purpose of this Public Hearing being held is to inform the public of the proposed application to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and to the Illinois Housing Development Authority for Housing Rehabilitation Grants to provide safe and sanitary housing for low to moderate income persons within the target area of the City of Mt. Vernon.
Mayor Keen turned the Public Hearing over to Interim City Manager Merle Hollmann. Mr. Hollmann gave a run down on the past grants that the City has had since 1987. Mr. Hollmann stated that the City has received $3,077,060.00 in housing grant funds in 10 grant years. A total of 189 homes have been rehabilitated with these funds. This is at no cost to the City.
Mr. Hollmann again stated that the purpose of this Public Hearing was to receive public input and inform the public of the submission of a proposed housing rehabilitation grant. Mr. Hollmann stated that applications would be submitted to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and to the Illinois Housing Development Authority on behalf of the City of Mt. Vernon on or before November 14, 2006.
Mr. Hollmann stated that the purpose of the grants will be health and safety issues, including lead based paint, for low to moderate-income homeowners. If funded, Crosswalk Community Action Agency will administer the program on behalf of the City of Mt. Vernon. The proposed target area for the 2007 grant is within the City’s designated areas.
Mr. Hollmann stated that funding announcements would probably not be made until June of 2007. If funded, CCAA will notify all residents within the target area by posting in the City Hall and individual mailings to each home within the targeted area. The announcement will be addressed at a City Council Meeting.
Homeowners will then complete applications, which will be prioritized with elderly, handicapped and very low-income having priority. The housing inspector visits the home of those prioritized to fully inspect and prepare a work write-up. Work write-ups are given to pre-qualified contractors at a walk-thru. Contractors are to maintain required insurance. Contractors performing lead based paintwork are licensed with the state. The lowest responsible contractor is awarded the bid. $49,000.00 is the maximum amount that can be expended per home.
Mr. Hollmann stated that the City of Mt. Vernon supports the development of adequate, affordable and accessible housing accommodations for low and moderate-income persons, handicapped persons, minority persons and the elderly within the city. The City of Mt. Vernon will actively pursue all funding available for housing rehabilitation for low and moderate-income persons.
Mr. Hollmann explained that the homeowners would be required to sign two documents. One is a contract established between the homeowner and the contractor. A recapture agreement and a note will also be signed. The recapture agreement and note, which is filed at the Jefferson County Courthouse, stated that the homeowner agrees that in the event that the home is sold within five years of the work completion date, $9,000.00 of the IHDA funds used on the home will be repaid. This program is at no cost to the homeowner. It is anticipated that approximately 12 to 14 homes will have rehabilitation work completed. The application requests will be for a maximum of $350,000. from DCEO and the remainder of housing rehabilitation will be IHDA funding.
Mr. Hollmann stated that the proposed project would be for owner-occupied residences housing only. Rental property will not be considered at this time. Work will be completed on the approved homes to include, but not limited to, roofs, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical, heating systems and siding.
The proposed target area was selected by random survey of the entire community. This was done to determine the area most in need of eligible homeowners. Crosswalk will be inspecting the houses in the proposed target area and will be taking pictures. This is the best way to document the need for housing rehab in this neighborhood. Surveys document interest of the residents as well as the condition of the homes. Establishing the condition of the homes is very important.
Mr. Hollmann stated that the target area is 18th Street to 22nd Street, College Avenue to Logan Street. Mr. Hollmann stated that no mobile homes would be rehabilitated.
Ms. Debbie Jackanicz of the Crosswalk Agency spoke regarding the program. She stated that the program is very competitive, there are usually many opapplications received and reviewed. A resident asked if you are buying your home on contract for deed, could you still get the rehabilitation done. Ms. Jackanicz stated that yes, contract for deeds are eligible.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that there would be enough funds to rehab approximately 12 to 15 homes. All of the grant funds go back into the homes and there will be no City funds used for this program.
Ms. Jackanicz stated that Crosswalk also has weatherization programs for items such as furnaces, windows and other items to help with the weather problems.
Mrs. Mildred Stuckey stated that she had called Crosswalk and they had told her there were not enough low-income homes in her area that were owner occupied. Most of the homes are rental homes in her neighborhood.
Mayor David E. Keen closed the Public Hearing at 6:59 p.m.