The Advisory committee on the block
Minutes of
December 11, 2007

Barbara Rhoad, Tom Kennedy, Paul Belaski, Hank Ruppertsberger, Larry Seavey, Dave Jones, Melina Hill-Walker, Harry Ladue, Brenda Needham 

Others present: Marion Murrell, Jeff Staudinger, Kari Gypson, Ethan Cole, Karen Allen
 

Item 1:  Updates

a. Management

            Current Tenancy Issues and Relocation– many of the current tenants are working toward accepting the Section 8 Voucher and relocating. RACLT is working to identify units available to those moving out.  An offer to waive back rent is being made to those tenants who are current in their rent since the acquisition at the end of September and are electing to move out.  This is a voluntary permanent move but tenants can apply to move back when construction is complete. In addition to the Section 8 Voucher, there is a moving stipend for those who leave the project voluntarily.  Those being relocated for construction will need to set up a payment plan for back rent.  It is believed that approximately 50% of the tenants will elect to permanently move and that three to five households will be evicted.  We hope to get the number of remaining tenants at or below 24. This will allow for all to be relocated into three buildings with the remaining six buildings to be rehabilitated in phase 1.  Those tenants moving permanently will need to be out of the building by February 1^st.  Those being relocated will be moved at the end of January.

     The general feeling of the tenants seems hopeful.  As the Section 8 Vouchers are portable and can be used anywhere, this provides some tenants who had already been interested in leaving the building with the opportunity and means to do so.  Those tenants who want to stay are making efforts to make that happen.  Melina mentioned that tenants coming into the Resource Center a few months ago had a sense of panic while now there is less panic and more realization about what their situations will be like.  Melina also mentioned a desire that those providing services to the Block tenants be given accurate information as to what is expected so that they can understand the situation of those they are working with and provide adequate support.  Brenda agreed that having accurate information would be very helpful for those dealing with the Block tenants, especially in the case of young children; it would be beneficial for the school guidance counselor to have such information.

     Those tenants with vouchers will pay up to 30% of their income for rent.  A number of tenants are taking advantage of the opportunity to have their rent paid directly from their public assistance provider before they receive their assistance.  Others pay individually to the management company.  The goal is to get each tenant employed, off welfare and responsible for their own financial planning.

            Resident Services – Marion has been working on a number of projects for the tenants of the Block.  For Thanksgiving, donations of turkeys were provided for the families. Additionally, she has been working on donations of coats for the family members. Currently there is a need for boots for a number of the children.  Wal-Mart provided a gift card in the amount of $95 and is also processing an application for a grant.  There will be a discussion on the best use for those funds.  The Resource Center has had donations of books, which were provided free to the tenants.  Having a number of the books available in a library at the resource center is also being considered, with the hope that books will be available in a library space at the site after construction.

     A Christmas party is being planned for the building for Saturday, December 22^nd.  It will be held in the community room in the basement of the building. Gifts for the children will be provided through Toys for Tots.  We hope to keep the lives of the children as normal as possible even through this confusing and stressful time. 

     Transportation money may be available for the pedestrian paths and a river walk.  The vote is scheduled for the evening of December 11^th.  The developers are in the final discussion stages with the Park Service regarding historic preservation in conjunction with the rehabilitation of the building.

     The discussion of the scope of work of items includes a number of items on the project wish list.  These include pellet heating for the building, reinforcement of the roof to allow for solar panels in the future and an advanced air handling system.  A sustainability consultant is involved in design and is helping to prioritize a list of desirable features to be included in the scope of work.

     The land clearing, site work and a small allocation for equipment for the playground area are included in the budget handed out at today’s meeting.  In addition, an application has been submitted for a grant in the amount of $5,000 from NeighborWorks America for the playground.

     The process is underway for pre-qualifying interested contractors.  We hope to be out to bid in January, with bids available in February and the beginning of construction on or around the 1^st of March.   

Item 2: Plan for Community Awareness and Involvement

a.  Name Change – We are currently referring to the project as the NAMCO Block.  We want a new name to help build a new identity for the building.  It was suggested that any name change should happen sooner rather than later.  But, we need to change the culture of the project in addition to a name change for this to be truly successful.  Brenda mentioned that “The Block” may hold a certain stigma for the children residing there. 

b.  Media Programming

            Fact Sheet – a draft of the Fact Sheet was provided to the committee for comments and suggested revisions.  It is intended that this Fact Sheet will be provided to the general public to insure that accurate information is available in an attempt to calm rumors.  It will be updated as needed.                                            Public Presentation – the committee needs to decide how to deliver the project Fact Sheet.  What are the best avenues for this information to reach the general public?  Suggestions were made regarding use of the local newspapers (perhaps to accompany a press release), e-mail to target audience, state offices, churches, library, The Windsor Record (an online blog), church bulletins or websites or providing stacks of the sheet for distribution at the Windsor Connection Resource Center and other such providers of services to the general public. 

c.  Neighborhood Involvement

What Projects are appropriate for volunteer participation?  Dave Jones suggested that the area churches would like to be involved in the construction of the playground when that time comes.

     Marion suggested that there was a need for a tree and the trimmings, decorations and snacks for the upcoming Christmas party. She also mentioned that the presence of some of the committee members at the party would help to show community support for the tenants and alleviate some of the feeling of them vs. us that the tenants might have.

     Hank indicated a desire to work with the building tenant group to build a long term commitment from the school prospective.  He also suggested that training of the tenant group would provide support to empower the tenants.  CVOEO has staff that provides tenant organization and we hope to involve them in the training in an effort to strengthen the tenant group.  A group is not yet in place as determination needs to be made as to the residents who will actually be staying at the building. 

Item 3: Committee Business

a.  Selection of Committee Chair – upon motion and second, Barbara Rhoad was chosen as Chair of the Advisory Committee on the Block and Dave Jones as the Co-Chair. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8^th at 8:30 am at the Windsor Town Offices.