I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:04 P.M.

II. ROLL CALL
Sherman, Lucas, Elliott, Tuck, Tlou, Crawford and Anderson were present. Hanratty, Vogel, Ross and Handy represented staff.

III. AGENDA ADOPTION
Sherman moved to adopt the agenda. Crawford seconded. The motion passed (7-0).

IV. APPROVAL OF MARCH 5, 2009 MINUTES
Sherman moved approval of the minutes. Anderson seconded. The motion passed (7-0).

V. PUBLIC ADDRESS
o Janaka Casper, President and CEO of Community Housing Partners Corporation thanked the Board and Town staff, especially the staff of Housing and Neighborhood Services, for their work on Wilson Avenue since he didn’t get the opportunity to do so at the Dedication ceremony. He also thanked all those who did come to the Dedication ceremony for attending.

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ms. Elliott turned the agenda over to Mr. Hanratty.

A. Habitat for Humanity
Staff informed the Board that there has been some talk within the Habitat organization of an Executive Director change. Staff will meet with two members of the Habitat Board on Monday to discuss who will be responsible for ensuring that the CDBG rules and regulations are met if the project does go forward. There is still the possibility to work with Roanoke’s Habitat Chapter on this project. The Board expressed their desire for staff to maintain a written record of all meetings and discussions to be able to track the development of the relationship up to the time that the agreements are signed.

B. 401 Wilson
A dedication ceremony for this project was held on March 31, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Mayor Ron Rordam delivering the keynote address. One of the new homeowners was present and cut the ribbon with several key project leaders. There will be an article on the project in the About Town in May. There were approximately 75-100 people in attendance at the event which was very successful. Community Housing Partners (CHP) will share the photos they took with staff. Staff reviewed how the loan documents are structured with the first right of refusal and shared appreciation. The Board thanked Janaka and CHP for a job well done.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Consolidated Plan and Action Plan Approval
Staff reviewed an updated budget which was distributed to all Board members. The Town Council work session on April 7, 2009 will be the informal presentation to Council and then the plans will go for approval on the April 14, 2009 Town Council meeting. Staff will continue to have conversations with key community members regarding their desire for economic development activities. Staff reviewed a power point presentation regarding the proposed five year budget. Sherman moved recommending that Town Council approve the Consolidated Plan and 2009 Annual Action Plan as presented. Anderson seconded. The motion passed (7-0).

B. Commercial Façade Guidelines
The Commercial Façade Subcommittee met last Friday and recommended approval of two applicants – 117 South Main Street (Cabo Fish Taco) and 302 North Main Street (The Cellar). Several changes will be made to the Program Guidelines and will be brought before the Board in the next two months for approval. These changes will include adding scoring criteria for the principal entrance of the business and possibly the requirement for the Board to approve final architectural drawings. Sherman moved approval of the two applications recommended by the Subcommittee. Tlou seconded. The motion passed (7-0). Sherman suggested that another future change could be inspecting the applicant’s buildings for code violations of a health, safety or welfare nature which are not grandfathered in and requiring that these be fixed before investing CDBG funds in the project. Staff will research the feasibility of this suggestion.

C. HOME Program Update
Staff reported on several HOME projects currently underway throughout the New River Valley including Pulaski’s rehabilitation/infrastructure/new construction project, Radford’s rental rehabilitation project, CHP’s transitional housing rehabilitation in Christiansburg and Pulaski, Christiansburg’s Section 8 project, and Blacksburg’s Cedar Hill project.

VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
Hanratty informed the Board that the new HUD LMI income limits were released last week and that they increased about $2,000. The Rehabilitation Program Design will be updated in May.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 PM.

The next Housing and Community Development Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 12:00 PM in the Town Council Conference Room.