7513-00 Submit 2001 One-Year Action Plan

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As has been done in the past, our committee also approved a multi-year certification for the FY 2001 certification in order that low/mod expenditure levels can be averaged for the three (3) years of 2000, 2001 and 2002. There were three (3) additional items to be communicated to the Lakewood City Council at the request of our Committee, as follows: It is our understanding that staff of the Department of Planning and Development has been in discussions with the Lakewood Christian. Service Center (LCSC) to explore the feasibility of a new -program proposal for FY 2001 funding. However, recently LCSC has communicated to Mayor Cain and our Committee (September 18, 2000), that they will not be requesting a contract for Community Development Block Grant funding. This decision has left approximately $63,000 (from prior years) available for potential allocation to other CDBG activities. The Administration indicated at the second public hearing that further discussions will be held with LCSC to finalize a decision regarding the potential to fund a new program for FY 2001 with these carry-forward dollars. Should there be a decision to pursue a new program contract on the part.of LCSC, we will need a complete, fully detailed application (in conformance with all HUD regulations) on, or before, January 15, 2001. Should we not receive such an application, it is recommended that we begin the ,'substantial change" procedures at that time to move this estimated $63,000 from LCSC to one or more other CDBG activities for FY 2001. Our Committee will have one (1) more meeting for this purpose prior to February 28, 2001, when some of our terms of appointment expire. The Committee recommended not to fund one (1) new program application from Lakewood Hospital for the continuation of the "SIGNET" demonstration program. We want to make it clear that the Committee's recommendation not to fund the application for the "SIGNET" program is not to be interpreted as a negative reflection upon the value of this program. Although we concurred that the program is important, it appeared that this is not the type of a direct service program that is the real basis for federal Community Development Block Grant funding. Perhaps it is more of a referral program which might be operated by Lakewood Hospital in assisting those patients from Lakewood - and other communities - to find direct service in Lakewood or other agencies outside of Lakewood. It is certainly hoped that the Hospital can continue funding this program from their own resources, a continuation of grants from prior funding agencies, or any combination of their own funds and other grant funds. In response to a request received at the first public hearing held on August 17, 2000, to consider a change to the First-Time Homebuyers Program to include three-family dwellings, the Committee reviewed the program With the Administration and recommended that it should remain as it is currently structured. The members of the CAC would be happy to further discuss these recommendations with City Council. Please notify all CAC members of any scheduled committee hearing(s) of Lakewood Council at which these recommendations will be discussed. A complete listing of CAC members is attached hereto as Exhibit C. Very truly yours, / Ni~kie ^nton~o,.fi2o-Ch/xirperson Michael Deneen, Co-Chairperson ATTACHMENTS cc: Mayor Madeline A. Cain Frank Pietravoia, Director, Department of Planning & Development Norm H. Failing, Grants Coordinator All Members - Citizens Advisory Committee of Lakewood, Ohio