Lakewood Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
MINUTES
January 9, 2002

NOTE: Action items are shown in boldface.

PRESENT: Jackie Campeau, Nina Else, JoAnn Furay, Walt Heidenfelder, Barbara Kostner, Jean Kyle, Bob Lanky, Marjorie Thomson

CITY COUNCIL: Debbie Koop

STAFF: Edie Richey

GUESTS: Diane Condiles, Family Programs Manager; Bill Lunsford, Development Manager, Lakewood Housing Authority; Donna Mullins, consultant

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by JoAnn Furay, Chairperson.

I. Approval of Minutes, Announcements and Information - Debbie Koop was introduced as our new City Council liaison, and members of the Commission introduced themselves. Diane Condiles announced that she has resigned from the City, but no replacement has been named. The Commission said goodbye and wished Diane well. The minutes of the December 12, 2001 meeting were accepted as written. JoAnn announced the Martin Luther King breakfast celebration sponsored by the Cultural Diversity Commission, 7:30-9:30 January 21, Red Rocks Community College.
JoAnn went on the December 18 tour of Lakewood-owned housing stock. She commented that staff is very knowledgeable and the quality of the housing is very good, with a good appearance. There were about 9 people on the tour. Following is her report:

Lakewood has 1008 section 8 vouchers, 209 public housing units and a total of 1235 total subsidized units (including vouchers). The Lakewood Housing Authority manages 1421 units. The average household size is 3 people. Approximately one third of the people in Lakewood housing are over 62 years of age or are developmentally delayed.
Income limit for one person is $22,550 and for 2 people is $25,750. 90% of people are female head of household and only 9% of Lakewood housing are people on TANF. $15,198 is the average income for people in Lakewood Housing. Most of the people on the waiting list are families, but all senior housing units in the city have waiting lists.
There is a waiting list of 1045 families for public housing. There are 818 people who are on the waiting list for a Section 8 voucher. The City of Lakewood has no shelters. Family Tree and Jeffco Action Center have some small shelters.
Vance Terrace, senior housing, will be torn down. It has 50 units. It will be replaced by 70 units at 1575 Kipling. There will be walking paths and a community room. Lakewood will relocate and get Section 8 vouchers for all current residents. They can come back to the new construction, at no cost to them, if they are interested. They can move anywhere in the U.S. with their voucher.

Lakewood housing stock is very well maintained. Potential residents have screening criteria, which includes criminal background checks and income eligibility. Lakewood staff does a home visit where the tenant lives and there is a 7-page lease that a tenant must sign. They have a low incidence of crime in their units.

II. Bill Lunsford, Lakewood Housing: Discussing Senior Housing Issues (4:30-5:25)

Bill Lunsford, Development Manager, and Donna Mullins, consultant on the Cason Howell housing project, addressed the Commission regarding senior housing in general and Vance Terrace in particular. Bill works on new construction and acquisition, and works with nonprofit agencies, including Habitat for Humanity, to acquire affordable housing. Senior housing will be built on the Cason Howell Historic Site; they expect to break ground in late summer.

Vance Terrace, at 1555 Vance Street, is slated for demolition, likely in 2002. Negotiations are in progress to sell the property to Wal-Mart, but Wal-Mart hasn't signed on yet. The Housing Authority will find temporary quarters for the residents and then, if they wish, move them into the new construction at 1575 Kipling Street, the Cason Howell Historic Site. The Vance Terrace residents will get first chance at the new project. All moving expenses will be paid by Lakewood Housing Authority. The cost to them will be based on income; they will pay 30% of their income. Up to $28,000 income will qualify an individual for the housing. There will be 70 units, 63 of them one bedroom, 550 square feet, about the size of a Vance Terrace unit. There will be 3 stories and 2 elevators. In response to a question about accessibility, Bill stated that all units will be wheelchair-accessible, with 6 of them fully accessible (lower cabinets, etc.). The site is currently occupied by a 3,000-square-foot home built in the 1870's. The house will be rehabbed at a cost of about $400,000.

The new construction will include recreation facilities for this community and their friends and families. There is not enough parking space to open the facilities to the public. There will be a community garden project, a computer room, and arts and crafts room(s). This will be independent living. When the building is complete, there will be a support services room there, and David Appel from the Clements Center will be there part-time. There will be open patios and decks and lots of seating areas where people can congregate.

There is currently a waiting list of 300 people for Vance Terrace. The market rate rent for the new project right now is $700-750/month. Tenants have to qualify for Section 8, have no criminal record, have a good rental history. In response to a question, Bill stated that all Vance Terrace residents are guaranteed entry. The real challenge is the 1-1½ year gap between Vance's being torn down and the new building's being ready.

The Housing Authority has obtained enough benefits for tax credit incentives to make the project workable even without Section 8 availability and even without being contingent upon Wal-Mart's purchase. They expect about 50% of the tenants to be Section 8. Others can make up to 60% of the area's median income. The income restriction will be in place for 40 years.

Bill stated that it is difficult to find Lakewood property that is properly zoned to do a project like this one. Lakewood is built out. There is a waiting list of 2,000 for family housing.

In response to a question about security, Bill stated that there will be a full-time on-site manager, on duty 40 hours a week, not around the clock. Various security systems are under consideration, including a biometrics system for recognizing fingerprints.

As for support services, Bill stated that these kinds of communities do not do well without support services. A concierge concept is under consideration. Perhaps a group to come help with taxes, someone to help with medical insurance problems. As more time goes by, Bill would like to come back before the Commission with more details on the relocation plan and other information.

III. Communication Committee Report - Jackie Campeau reported

A) Jackie reported that the STAR sheet revision will be reviewed by Kathy Cable, Public Information Officer, and the result will be a good fact sheet to distribute wherever we go. After Kathy's comments, Jackie will bring the revision back to the full Commission for approval.

B) A proposed article for Looking at Lakewood about walking venues will be reviewed by Kathy Cable. Edie will check on the next publication deadline for Looking at Lakewood. Debbie suggested we consider submitting the article to neighborhood association newsletters, such as The Alameda Guide, published by the Alameda Gateway Community Association, which goes to people living in the Villa Italia vicinity. Debbie will give the address to Jackie. Edie will take responsibility for giving the proposed article to Kathy and asking her permission to send the finished article to other newsletters and neighborhood associations.

C) Proposed article on the new state homestead exemption: Applications are due in by July 15. Jackie will phone the county assessor and ask for their brochure and form, which should provide enough information to prepare the article.

D) Edie has asked for brochures published by other Boards and Commissions, but has not yet received any.

Councilwoman Debbie Koop has replaced Scat Scatterday on the Screening Committee which reviews applications for our Commission vacancies. Edie stated that she has received one application for our vacancies, but others may have been sent directly to the City Manager's Office. The City advertised for only two vacancies, then advertised for three after a third resignation was received. She thinks the advertisement was in The Sentinel, but NOT in Looking at Lakewood. Edie will check to see if the announcement was on Channel 8. Someone commented that vacancies for other City Boards and Commissions, but not ours, were indeed advertised in Looking at Lakewood. Debbie urged that we utilize neighborhood association newsletters, including to advertise Commission vacancies. Sally Pane, Planning Department, has a list of such associations.
Edie stated that she has asked, on behalf of the Commission, for clarification on the guidelines for use of the $5,000 allocated in the City budget to all the Boards and Commissions, but has not yet received an answer; she will follow up.

IV. Discussion of Older Coloradans Act and Commission's role with the Act

Colorado legislation allocating money under the Older Americans Act (OAA) has been only a one-year act for the last two years in a row. Jean noted that the state legislature is matching the federal allocation at only 5% and is keeping the bulk of it in the General Fund. There are 17 different Aging Americans Associations in the state; the Denver metro one is the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).

In this Commission's last two annual reports, we asked City Council to support efforts to convince the state to increase funding for the Older Coloradans Act. JoAnn addressed City Council at its December 3 study session and told them that our state is not supporting the Older Americans Act at a level that is acceptable and necessary. At that Council study session Mayor Burkholder asked for and received consensus from Council to direct the Commission to look into the Colorado legislative issues surrounding the OAA. At our December meeting we discussed contacting State Senator Deanna Hanna and State Representative Betty Boyd to visit our January meeting to give us information on the issue, and JoAnn was charged with that task. However, Joni Inman of the City subsequently told JoAnn, through Diane Condiles, that our Commission cannot have anyone come to our meetings if the Commission may become involved with generating or reacting to legislation, until a position statement has been developed by the Commission and approved by Joni Inman. Joni said she would develop and send guidelines on this/on whom we may have at our meetings. We have not yet received such guidelines. Ray Elliott is the Chair of the City's Legislation Committee. Edie will call Joni to follow up on these guidelines for the Legislation Committee and other Boards and Commissions.

JoAnn suggested we discuss this issue again. She reminded us that ours is an open meeting and we could invite anyone we wish to come to that open meeting, even if they were not on the agenda. Bob stated that bills to get $3 million authorized again this year under this Act have been introduced by House Majority Leader Lola Spradley and possibly Representative Alice Borodker. Senator Mary Ellen Epps may carry the bill when it reaches the Senate. JoAnn stated that after we get more information, we need to figure out whether we should make recommendations as a Commission to City Council regarding support of funding, or whether that should be done through the Legislation Committee. Jean reminded us that nothing prevents us from making individual calls to our legislators. Debbie will ask Joni if we as a group (that is, the Commission) can ask seniors to call their legislators regarding this funding.

Jean suggested that the Older Americans Coalition, a non-political organization, is familiar with the issue and could come to one of our meetings to educate us. Bob clarified that there are two issues: 1) to get the authorization by enacting another Older Coloradans Act; and 2) to get the money into the budget. Bob moved we invite representatives of the Senior Lobby, the Older Americans Coalition, or DRCOG to come talk to us about the process to obtain additional funding for seniors in Colorado. We will also let other people, including legislators, know about the meeting. This would be educational, not lobbying. Motion seconded and passed. Knowing about the issue will give us something to talk about in the monthly Town Meetings. JoAnn will prepare a flier for next month's meeting, advertising our topic of discussion.

Nina then discussed the volunteer application for the April conference on aging which we received at the December meeting. She had made some inquiries and obtained more information about the volunteer requirements and duties. She will e-mail the information to Barbara, Walt, Jackie and JoAnn as requested.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

Nina Else, Secretary Approved on February 13, 2002

The City of Lakewood does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in the provision of services. For disabled persons needing reasonable accommodation to attend or participate in a city service program, call 303-987-4840 Voice/TTY, as far in advance as possible. Alternative formats of this document available upon request.

6:00 p.m. February 6, 2002

The following members were present:
Willard Hardesty, Chair Rosanna Knoblock
Felix Cook Shermita West
Bridget Barron Harry Cullis
Ricardo Trujillo Councilor Cheryl Wise Councilor Debbie Koop Councilor Jackie Herbst

City Employees - Ex-officio members present:
Trish Thompson Ken Milano
Mike Becker Therese Bowman

Absent:
Colin Hardesty Alicia Valiente
Anne Weekley Francie Amdurer
Bing Walker Rose Marie Auten
Guadalupe Sisneros Mayor Steve Burkholder

Others Present:
Ron Burns, Chief of Police, Lakewood Police Department
Jennifer Pate, Red Rocks Community College

I. INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Chair Hardesty introduced the new Chief of the Lakewood Police Department, Ron Burns, and Councilors Jackie Herbst and Debbie Koop. Committee groups met for approximately 35 minutes and each committee was asked to review the Strategic Plan and make any additions or deletions.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for November, December and January were included in this month's packets. Commissioner Cullis made a motion to approve the minutes and Commissioner Cook seconded this motion. With all present and voting in favor, THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER AND JANUARY WAS APPROVED.

IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Chair Hardesty asked committee groups if they had any changes to the Strategic Plan draft.

Councilor Wise stated that under Goal #1 - Improve Communication, the Good News Breakfast should be taken out as this was an event sponsored by another group.

The committee for Goal #2 - Increase Awareness, did not make any changes to their action plan.

Goal #3 - Obtain Resources, no changes except that Molly Snyder will be working with the Commission as the resource development specialist for the strategic plan.

Commissioner West advised that under Goal #4 - Promote Understanding, under #3, "when appropriate" should be added after "information available".

At this time, Mike Becker made a request to talk about the upcoming Citizens for Lakewood's Future Community Forum. The Forum will be held on Saturday, February 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Red Rocks Community College - Community Room. If Commissioners plan on attending and sitting on the panel they will not be charged the $20.00 registration fee. Mike has been gathering information on the City's demographics for the presentation which is "Respecting Cultural Differences."

Commissioner Cullis suggested demographics of the City be presented to service clubs. Councilor Wise stated this information is very useful for resource allocation and what types of services are needed in the City.

V. NEW BUSINESS
Ken Milano advised that the City had received a letter from the Two Creeks Neighborhood Association requesting assistance with concerns centered around the JCRS Shopping Center. Mike Becker stated he would advise Police Department's Neighborhood Action Team of the problems so they can follow up with Two Creeks. It was also suggested that the Commission invite a member from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a representative from the Two Creeks Neighborhood Association to attend a future Commission meeting. Commissioner Trujillo will follow up with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Councilor Koop will talk to a representative from Two Creeks Neighborhood Association.

VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mike Becker stated that the "Hate Free Millennium" presentation has been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 20, and invited the Commissioners to attend.

Commissioner West advised that the DC Theatre Company is presenting a play called "Spinning into Butter" and encourages everyone to see this incredible play.

Commissioner Cook thanked Jennifer Pate for her hard work and efforts towards the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and her support to the Commission.

Chair Hardesty advised that the kick-off meeting for the Pow Wow would be held Thursday, February 7, at 12:00 noon, in the School House at Belmar Park.

VII. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

Linda Reynolds, Staff Liaison

MINUTES
OF THE
LAKEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY

Members Present: Sandra Maben - Chair
Robert Sandridge - Vice Chair
Lidia Garcia-Suarez
Cathy Revie
Joan Smith

Staff Present: Tami Fischer, Executive Director
Sabrina Pierre-Louis, Deputy Executive Director
Bill Lunsford, Affordable Housing Development Manager
Kate Sanks, Housing Accountant
Garnette Hardesty, Administrative Assistant
Sharon Keith, Children's Program Manager
Theresa Folks, Assisted Housing Program Supervisor
Tillie Wright, Assisted Housing Program Supervisor

CALL TO ORDER

The Chair, Sandra Maben, called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M. with roll being called by the Administrative Assistant. The Chair declared a quorum present.

CHANGES AND MODIFICATIONS TO AGENDA

There were no changes or modifications to the agenda.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Cathy Revie and seconded by Joan Smith that the minutes of the February 28th meeting be approved as corrected. The vote of the Commissioners was as follows:
Sandra Maben :aye
Robert Sandridge :aye
Lidia Garcia-Suarez :aye
Cathy Revie :aye
Joan Smith :aye

The motion carried.

HOUSING MANAGER REPORT

Tillie Wright requested a resolution to certify the 2001 Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) Certification.

A motion was made by Cathy Revie, seconded by Joan Smith that the resolution be certified as submitted. The vote of the Commissioners was as follows:

Sandra Maben :aye
Robert Sandridge :aye
Lidia Garcia-Suarez :aye
Cathy Revie :aye
Joan Smith :aye

The resolution carries.

FINANCIAL REPORT

INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS AND INVESTMENTS REPORT

There was some discussion on the financial and investment report.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

Construction Update

Construction was scheduled to start today, but nothing has happened as of yet.

Head Start Presentation

Sharon Keith presented an educational piece to the Commissioners on, "What is Head Start"? The presentation included a ten-minute video. Sharon also spoke about the classrooms and services that are offered at the eight different locations throughout the City.

Head Start has 15 -18 children per location and staffed with at least 2 adults per location.

Further discussions took place with Sharon and the Commissioners on specifics within the programs in the City.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Maplewood Properties

Bill discussed the resolution approval on the Maplewood Bond Issue of $5,250,000.00.

Bill requested a resolution to approve the actual documents for the Maplewood Loan for, "Issuance of the Housing Authority of the City of Lakewood, Colorado, Revenue Note, Series 2002, in the Principal Amount of $5,250,000, for the purpose of refinancing an existing loan and acquiring, constructing, equipping and improving affordable housing units for the benefit of the Authority; providing for the pledge of revenues of the Housing Authority; granting a mortgage interest in certain property of the Authority to secure such note; providing for the form of note and other details and covenants with respect thereto: repealing all resolutions in conflict therewith; and ratifying all action heretofore taken in connection therewith", as per attached documents.

A motion was made by Joan Smith, seconded by Robert Sandridge that the resolution be approved as stated. The vote of the commissioners are as follows:

Sandra Maben :aye
Robert Sandridge :aye
Lidia Garcia-Suarez :aye
Cathy Revie :not present to vote on last resolution
Joan Smith :aye

The resolution carries.

Further discussion took place regarding the Maplewood properties.

Development Updates

The demo disposition application for Vance Terrace has been submitted to HUD. HUD has confirmed receipt of the application.

OTHER BUSINESS

Bill will be bringing some sketches of the 1575 Kipling Street Project to the March Housing Authority Meeting for the commissioners to look over.

There is no other business of the Lakewood Housing Authority.

ADJOURNMENT:

The Regular Meeting of the Housing Authority of the City of Lakewood was adjourned at 7:10 P.M.

Sandra Maben, Chair
Lakewood Housing Authority

Sabrina Pierre-Louis, Deputy Executive Director
Lakewood Housing Authority

AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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