Submitted By: Natalia Cox
Department: Community Development Services 
STAFF REPORT:
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Approval of January 31st, 2024 Minutes
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BACKGROUND:
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) meeting called to order on January 31st, 2024 at 1:03 pm by Chair Cory Weaver. She requested Roll Call.
Present: Cory Weaver
Kristen Dreyer
David Layman
Gwendolyn Dawson
Henry Samuels
Excused: Davida Randolph
Quorum was met. Ms. Tasha Osbourne arrived at 1:07 pm.
Proof of Public Notice was read into the record and was posted on January 26th, 2024, on the City of Ocala CDS website.
Ms. Cory Weaver requested a motion to approve minutes from the last meeting on November 28th, 2023. All in Favor (6-0)
Mr. James Haynes, Director of Community Development Services (CDS), welcomed the Board members. He announced this was Mr. David Layman’s last meeting. Mr. Rob Peters with Habitat for Humanity (present at the meeting) will replace him, and his name will be added to the next City Council Agenda for formal approval.
Mr. Roberto Ellis, CRA Manager, Growth Management Department, conducted a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) update presentation. He explained the CRA definition, focus, boundaries and operational components. In FY 23, seven (7) grants were approved with Total Projects Costs of $243,757. Project Updates were provided for Mellow Mushroom, District Bar & Kitchen, 621 E. Fort King, North Magnolia CRA, Neighborhood Park, Imagine North Magnolia.
Infrastructure improvements are planned for Tucker Hill in FY 2024 on approximately 1.6 acres with an RFP for single family residential homes.
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed’s Place received the FRA Award for Outstanding New Building Project in October 2023. West Ocala CRA annual debt servicing payments: $480,000. FY 2024 Brownfields Revitalization Plan.
Heritage Trail linear park before and today pictures were provided. Next steps: Installation of art panels and plaques.
Questions ensued on the Tucker Hill timeline: projected for Summer/Fall 2024. Mr. Aubrey Hale, Planning Director, shared that the City of Ocala is working on the project’s conceptual plats and improvement plans. Seven (7) single family residences are slated with an open area (park) in the middle, R-2 zoning, and potential duplexes due to lot sizes.
Next agenda item was Affordable Housing Projects. Mr. Haynes shared that the first lots out to bid were in the West Ocala area, and the bid deadline was February 2nd, 2024. Mr. Hale shared updates on Silver Pointe (wrapping up construction); Madison Oaks (construction slated to be completed in early summer 2024); Crystal Park Apartments (potential multi-family project - affordability to be determined).
Mr. Haynes shared that the Housing Finance Authority of Marion County (HFA) is looking to promote land trusts for rental properties under a 99-year lease to avoid buyouts that may increase property values. It is intended to have the HFA present before the AHAC to provide greater projects’ details.
Mr. Haynes shared that he has about 180 people on the Community Development Services Waiting List. He has concentrated a lot of funding towards rental assistance and hopes to increase the rental assistance allotment to$70K-$100K.
Mr. Hale shared the City’s amendment to the Code for affordable housing that included rental assistance through the affordable housing fund (AHF); 5-20 year time frame, multi-family development with greater flexibility on how funds can be used. It allows CRAs to create different grants, and the AHF can be layered on top of that (double-dip). Mr. Haynes mentioned that the amendment also looked to increase the average median income (AMI) from 80% to 120% to include workforce housing. City Council agreed to suggested changes.
Next item on the agenda was Office of Homelessness Prevention (OHP) Update. Robin Ford, OHP Manager, shared that on January 24th, 2024, the Point-In-Time (PIT) Count was conducted along with 18 local volunteers. The PIT is designed to count sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. This is a requirement of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to review agencies’ performance and provide funding. Outreach staff visit the camps in the area and return if folks are missed. Ford elaborated on shelter counts, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing.
Mr. Haynes added that over 4,500 trips per year are conducted to camps. Fifty-one (51) vouchers were used last year to house homeless people, and HMIS staff is working on training local organizations on new software usage for reporting purposes. The numbers will determine investments.
Mr. Samuels asked about homeless veterans. Last year 15-16 were assisted; this year 7 have been assisted. OHP meets twice a month with veterans and goes to clients’ encampments. The Ritz, in Ocala, is a transitional housing place where veterans can live - not an assisted living facility.
Next item on the agenda was the 5-Year Consolidated Plan. Mr. Haynes shared a copy of the 2019-2024 Year Consolidated Plan with the AHAC members. He shared upcoming public meetings and hearings and emphasized the importance of capturing the needs of many sectors of the community in the next 5 years. Public review and input is mandatory. This drives CDBG and HOME funding. The City and the County are working together on the Consolidated Plan, and a Survey Monkey will go out to the general public. AHAC members agreed to broadcast the survey throughout their respective offices. The draft of the Consolidated Plan is due to HUD on August 15, 2024.
Meeting adjourned at 2:07 pm.
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