I. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 12:00 P.M.

II. ROLL CALL

Elliott, Crawford, Lucas, Tlou, and Anderson were present. Hanratty, Handy, and Vogel represented staff.

III. AGENDA ADOPTION

Tlou moved adoption of the agenda as presented. Anderson seconded. The motion passed (5-0).

IV. APPROVAL OF JUNE 5, 2008 MINUTES

Crawford moved approval of the June 5, 2008 minutes as corrected. Anderson seconded. The motion passed (5-0).

V. PUBLIC ADDRESS

None.

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Ms. Elliott turned the agenda over to Mr. Hanratty.

A. Rehabilitation Status

i. 402 Progress St.

The homeowner has decided against participating in the rehabilitation program at this time. Staff will update the Board if there is any change with this application.

ii. 207 Wilson Ave.

The bids were received this past month and a request for approval is listed under New Business.

iii. 802 Progress St.

The walk through was completed this week and based on that, the work to be done will not be extensive.

B. Habitat for Humanity

The Town attorney is continuing to look over the documents presented for this project. The documents need to preserve long term affordability while being legally enforceable. These documents will be used in all future homeownership development projects. The Town Attorney is working with Victor Bongard of Albright and Bongard Law Office to finalize these documents.

C. Potential Harding Avenue Development and Funding Options

A preliminary schematic of the property was given out to the Board. This is the schematic that was handed out at the June 19, 2008 community design charette. Some of the comments received were about the potential entrances to the development as well as traffic. Janaka Casper, President of Community Housing Partners Incorporated, reported that overall the meeting went well and there was good participation by community members. Casper stated that more information will be available on the CHPC website. Hanratty stated that more information will also be available tomorrow on the Town of Blacksburg website under the “Projects” link. Staff hopes to have the public hearing with the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors sometime in August to be followed by the public hearing with the Town of Blacksburg Town Council later that month.

D. Commercial Rehabilitation Program Guidelines

The revised guidelines were sent out last month. The Board will need to recommend approval to Town Council in August. Several typographical errors were corrected. Staff assured the Board that there would be third party verification of all matching funds. Crawford moved recommendation for approval by Town Council upon review by the Town Attorney. Anderson seconded. The motion passed (5-0).

E. Local Preference Definition

As of right now, local preference is defined as giving preference for housing to an individual or family which lives or works within the corporate limits of the Town of Blacksburg. Casper suggested allowing Town staff to have discretion over the applications. Crawford suggested that the wording be “has lived or worked in the Town of Blacksburg for the six month period leading up to the application deadline.” Other Board members suggested a one year time frame. Staff will check on the legality of the time frames presented. Crawford moved that local preference be defined as “having lived or worked in the Town of Blacksburg for the one year period leading up to the application deadline,” or a deadline that is legally acceptable. Lucas seconded. The motion passed (5-0).

VII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Bid Approval – 207 Wilson

The lowest responsible bidder was Maids and More, Incorporated. The bid came in at $33,295 including the heat pump heating option. Crawford moved approval of the bid. Anderson seconded. The motion passed (5-0).

B. Bid Approval – 402 Progress

Since the homeowner has decided against participating at this time, the bid for $49,495 will be filed away until further notice. No action is needed on this item.

VIII. OTHER BUSINESS

Hanratty announced that Crystal Handy was given the new job title of Grants Coordinator and will be taking on most of the responsibilities of the rehabilitation program.

Crawford announced that there was an article in the paper recently about Dale Oliver who served on the Planning Commission for 35 consecutive years. Crawford suggested we keep him in mind for a future Board position as he has great expertise and knowledge in the area of housing and development.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 1:16 PM.

The next Housing and Community Development Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 12:00 PM in the Town Council Conference Room.