Littleton, New Hampshire

CDBG Public Hearing Minutes Mar 2, 2011

TOWN OF LITTLETON
PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011
4:00 PM
COMMUNITY CENTER HEALD ROOM


Present: Town Manager Chuck Connell, Chairman Ron Bolt, Selectman Marghie Seymour, Executive Secretary Ceil Stubbings

Others Present: (Littleton Public Library), Bob O’Conner (Channel 2), Robert Blechl (The Caledonian), Kayti Burt (The Courier), Pat Garvin (North Country Council), Eddy Moore, Mary Edick, Bill Latulip, Sherri Latulip, Bruce Hadlock, Art Tighe, Ryan Glass, Heidi Hurley, Tony Ilacqua, Jim Daly, Mary Daly, Jan Mercieri, Jeanne Dickerman (Littleton Public Library), Chief Paul Smith (Littleton Police Department, Scotty Farquharson, Milt Bratz, Mark Soriano and Bob Walker, Mike Courier, Frank Grammo, Chief Joe Mercieri (Littleton Fire Department), Herb Lahout

Bolt called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM and moved to the first item on the agenda.

Pledge of Allegiance
Bolt advised there had been a request for the board to support a Community Development Block Grant. There is a specific protocol the board has to follow and there will be three consecutive hearings presented by Pat Garvin. Bolt then opened the first public hearing.

Public Hearing – Community Development Block Grant
Pat explained the first hearing is on the Community Development Block Grant Application. Pat advised there were handouts available and read from the handout as follows:

Grafton County Economic Development Council and Rotobec USA Inc. CDBG Project
Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities for economic development, public facility and housing rehabilitation projects and feasibility studies that primarily benefit low and moderate income persons. Littleton is eligible for up to $500,000 a year for public facility/housing rehabilitation, up to $500,000 a year for economic development projects, as well as up to $500,000 a year in emergency funds. Feasibility Study funds are available for up to $12,000 per year.

This proposed Economic Development application to the Community Development Finance Authority is for up to $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the 2011 program year. $178,000 of these funds will be subgranted to the Grafton County Economic Development Council. GCEDC will use $175,000 these funds to make a loan to Rotobec USA, Inc. for equipment purchases. GCEDC will use $3,000 for their delivery costs, such as legal expenses and loan processing. Rotobec will create at least 10 new jobs at their facility in the Littleton Industrial Park. At least 60% of these jobs will be available to persons of low and moderate income.

The remaining $22,000 of the grant would be used by the town to pay for costs associated with the application and administration of the grant.

These costs would be allocated as follows: $225 for advertising, $500 for the town’s legal review of the contract, and $2275 towards the town’s audit, for a total of $3,000. North Country Council is requesting that, as the regional planning commission, NCC be paid a fee of $4000 for grant writing and $15,000 for administering the project on behalf of the town.

If you do approve of NCC writing and administering the grant, the town would only have to pay for the grant writing if the application was approved.

This project conforms with Littleton’s Housing and Community Development Plan’s goals of encouraging employment opportunities for town residents and supporting GCEDC’s efforts to expand economic opportunities in the town and the region.

Pat Garvin advised there were two representatives from the Grafton County Economic Council (Bob Scorono and Bob Walker) to answer any questions. There also is a representative from Rotobec (Mike Courier who can also answer questions.

Bolt said that as he understood Robotec is an existing company already operating in the Industrial Park in Littleton. Bolt asked what they were going to do with the grant. Mr. Courier said they would purchase equipment and begin hiring for three shifts. There will be between ten and twelve new jobs created. Bolt asked Pat Garvin what the board’s role was in the grant application. Garvin said that only a municipality is eligible to apply for the grant. Bolt said that in the past the town has assigned this role of the grant writing and administration of the grant to the NCC. There is no cost to the town and they are not liable. Pat went on to say that it is a loan from the Grafton County Economic Development Council.
Seymour said that she has the pleasure of working in the same building as Pat and has had her questions answered. Mary Daly asked if they would be hiring people that have been already trained. Courier said there would be an opportunity for people to learn. Bruce Hadlock said it was nice to have Robotec here and he asked if they are an American company. Courier said yes we are Robotec USA. Hadlock said that when they came here a firm in Canada owned them. Courier said the stockholders are an international company. Hadlock said he wondered if you could lend money to an out of country owned firm. Mark Scorono said they are a private nonprofit regional development corporation. The idea behind this type of lending is we provide financing when a business is unable to find similar funding in the private sector. We use money to lend to a business that may be having a bit of difficulty. These funds create jobs; it is money to loan in exchange for job creation. With the block grant program we will loan the money and they will pay interest. The principal goes into a revolving loan fund and loaned to other companies. Pat Garvin added that the grant must be matched with matching funds. Laconia Bank will be matching significantly in the amount of a million and a half.
Bolt closed the first public hearing at 4:21 PM and the second hearing opened.

Housing and Community Development Plan
Pat Garvin explained that this is an update of the plan approved in 2007. Changes include updates to statistics based on new Census data, the inclusion of the national and state CDBG objectives, and update to the town’s short-term goals for 2001-2013. (Below is a copy of the updated plan).
Town of Littleton
Housing & Community Development Plan
2011-2013

While characterized by many as the model of economic development opportunity in northern New Hampshire, the Town of Littleton is experiencing the effects of changes in the overall economy. The slow-down in the housing market, the loss of good paying manufacturing jobs, and the increase in the service economy are factors which will impact on the overall growth, development and prosperity of the community.

The overall goal of the Town of Littleton is to create a self-reliant, economically healthy, environmentally sound, rural community—a desirable place in which to live, work, and raise a family. The town seeks to promote sustainable economic expansion, safe, sanitary and affordable housing, and to improve the tax base, while preserving the rural atmosphere and scenic beauty of Littleton.

I. HOUSING AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

A. Housing Characteristics

Residential land in town is utilized in a number of ways: single-family homes, multi-family homes, mobile homes, and seasonal homes. The bulk of residential units are single-family dwellings concentrated around the “urban” area of town.

The following table compares the totals for residential units:

Table 1: Total Residential
Use Units Percent
Single family 1627 58.23%
Multi-family 833 29.81%
Mobile homes 334 11.95%
Total 2794 100.00%
Source: Town of Littleton


B. Socio-Economic Characteristics

Littleton is considered the economic center for the North Country: people travel from smaller towns throughout northern Grafton and southern Coos Counties to do their shopping and work in town and in the industrial park. Recognizing its importance as a regional commercial center, Littleton continues to work to reduce challenges of the economically disadvantaged sectors of the local population. Table 2 illustrates a comparison of Littleton’s income figures with that of Grafton County and the State of New Hampshire.



Table 2: Income

Littleton Grafton County State of NH
Median Family Income 53,873 65,453 75,552
Per Capita Income 20,933 27,456 30,640
Median Household Income 43,069 52,691 63,033
Persons in Poverty 18.5% 9.5% 13.5%
Source: US Census 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

II. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

The Town of Littleton should pursue policies that will insure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for all residents while preserving the Town’s rural character and its natural resources. The involuntary displacement of households from their neighborhoods shall be minimized. The town should also pursue policies which will encourage sustainable economic development, providing a diversified economic base which will provide good-paying jobs for residents, provide needed goods and services, and increase the town’s tax base. These goals are consistent with the municipality’s Master Plan and ordinances.

Community Development Block Grant funds awarded shall be consistent with the national Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and the state’s objectives listed in Chapter Cdfa 300 Community Development Block Grant Program Rules (Cdfa 305.01 & 310.01) and shall, at a minimum, provide improved housing in accordance with Section 8 standards, public facilities, or employment opportunities primarily to low and moderate income persons or households. Grants shall not benefit moderate income persons to the exclusion of low income persons.

Goals and objectives of this plan, both long and short-term are consistent with the following broad national objectives:

Objective 1: Direct benefit to low and moderate income persons or households;
Objective 2: The prevention or elimination of slums and blight; and
Objective 3: Elimination of conditions which seriously and immediately threaten the public health and welfare.

Goals and objectives of this plan also address as many of the following state’s objectives, as appropriate, for CDBHG grant awards, and priority will be given to projects that have a public benefit, in both the short and long-term as follows:

Objective 1: Implementing the Housing and Community Development Plan and conforming to the municipality’s master plan and ordinances;

Objective 2: Preserving and promoting existing neighborhoods and community centers;

Objective 3: Restoring and preserving properties which have historic, cultural, architectural or aesthetic value;

Objective 4: Solving community problems with long term benefits and innovative solutions;

Objective 5: Successfully raising funds or securing matching funds and resources from public and private sources; and

Objective 6: Funding needed projects for which other private or public funding shall not be available.

A. Town of Littleton’s General Goals (long term)

1. Provide for expanded, affordable housing needs for the elderly, the disabled and young families.
2. Encourage the introduction of energy conservation measures for, improve the safety of, and eliminate hazardous conditions within the town’s housing stock.
3. Assist residents with special needs, particularly the elderly, the disabled, and low and moderate income households, to find safe, decent, sanitary and affordable housing.
4. Encourage the preservation and rehabilitation of the town’s existing housing stock.
5. Preserve the character of the Town’s Main Street business district by promoting the revitalization of blighted buildings.
6. Encourage growth in the commercial and industrial areas.
7. Encourage employment opportunities for town residents.
8. Identify and protect critical natural resources and scenic areas.
9. Encourage the development and expansion of high speed telecommunications, including broadband access.

B. Town of Littleton’s Three Year Plans for 2011-2013 (short term)

· Support efforts to develop local businesses which provide jobs, goods and services needed by the residents of the town and the region
· Support efforts of the Grafton County Economic Development Council to expand economic opportunities for residents of the town and the region
· Support efforts to develop workforce housing and/or support for weatherization and other energy efficiencies
· Assist the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council to secure funding to expand the Littleton Area Senior Center
· Continue to work within the 5 year plan for water and sewer improvements
· Support “Safe Routes to School” efforts
· Update Master Plan, as needed
· Support planning and funding efforts for a business incubator in Littleton




Town of Littleton Housing and Community Development Plan 2011-2013


Approved by Board of Selectmen on _______March 2, 2011________________



Signature___________________________________


Printed Name:_Ronald J. Bolt_____________________


Title ___Chair, Board of Selectmen____________________________


RARA Plan
This plan is standard language and procedure in cases where there is residential or business displacement due to a project using CDBG funds. It must be adopted for each CDBG project. For this project, no displacement or relocation is anticipated but the plan must be adopted in the unlikely chance that displacement takes place.

Seymour stated that she had wanted to know that this was not some plan that they were not aware of and should have been reviewed. Seymour said that the plan has been in place for several years and just needs to be updated every three years. Ryan Glass said that he has had experience with CDBG monies through his work with Parks & Recreation in other states. When he first came to NH, he tried to obtain those funds and was told they cannot support Parks & Recreation Departments. Ryan wanted to know if the state has guidelines on the funds that are coming down from the federal government. Pat Garvin said they have the federal guidelines in there and the state has to then write their own rules. It is part of what is called the consolidated plan and it is part of what is called the NH Housing and homeless programs. They have very strict rules and definitions. They differ from state to state. Pat said that although recreation is allowable at the federal level it is a lower priority at the state level. There is just not enough money to go around. Pat told Ryan he could get the regulations at the website NHCDF.org.

Bolt closed the second public hearing at 4:25 PM and moved onto public hearing number three. (See the Information as presented by Pat Garvin below.


TOWN OF LITTLETON
RESIDENTIAL ANTIDISPLACEMENT AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PLAN

Every effort will be made to minimize temporary or permanent displacement of an individual due to a project undertaken by the Town of Littleton.

However, if the situation should arise, the Town of Littleton will comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, to any household, regardless of income, which is involuntarily and permanently displaced.

If the property is acquired, converted, or demolished and will not be used for low/moderate income housing under 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan shall provide:

a. Comparable replacement housing in the community within three (3) years of the commencement date of the demolition or rehabilitation;

b. A description of the proposed activity;

c. The general location on a map and approximate number of dwelling units by number of bedrooms that will be demolished or converted to a use other than as low/moderate income dwelling units as a direct result of the assisted activity;

d. A time schedule for the commencement and completion of the demolition or conversion;

e. The general location on a map and approximate number of dwelling units by number of bedrooms that will be provided as replacement dwelling units;

f. The source of funding and a time schedule for the provision of replacement dwelling units;

g. The basis for concluding that each replacement dwelling unit will remain a low and moderate income dwelling unit for at least ten (10) years from the date of initial occupancy;

h. Relocation benefits, including reimbursement for moving expenses, security deposits, credit checks, temporary housing and other related expenses and sufficient compensation to ensure that at least for five (5) years after being relocated, any displaced low/moderate income household shall not bear a ratio of shelter costs to income that exceeds thirty (30) percent. Such compensation shall be either:

(i) A lump-sum payment equal to the capitalized value of the compensation available under subsection h., above, or;
(ii) A Section 8 certificate or voucher for rental assistance provided through the local public housing authority.

i. The right to elect, as an alternative to the benefits in subsection h., above, to receive benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970; and

j. The right of appeal to the director of the NH Community Development Finance Authority where a claim for assistance under subsection h., above, is denied by the Town of Littleton. The director’s decision shall be final unless a court determines the decision was arbitrary and capricious. Appeals procedures to be followed are in 49 CFR 24-10.

k. Subsections a. through g., above, shall not apply where the HUD Field Office objectively finds that there is an adequate supply of decent, affordable low/moderate income housing in the area.

CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE

The Town of Littleton anticipates no displacement or relocation activities will be necessitated by the GCEDC/Rotobec project. Should unforeseen need arise, the Town of Littleton certifies that it will comply with the Uniform Relocation Act and Section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.


March 2, 2011_____________________
DATE


___________________________________ Ronald J. Bolt, Chair, Board of Selectmen
SIGNATURE PRINTED NAME

Pat Garvin said that CDBG rules say that if you are going to be using these funds and anyone is going to be dislocated permanently or temporarily you have to follow certain federal rules. The rules relate to how you have to find the person similar housing and talks about what expenses you have to pay for. The plan below has to be adopted for this specific project. It states there is no residential relocation activities that are anticipated to happen. But in the unusual case they decide to build downtown as well, these are the rules they have to follow. It is in fact non relevant to this project but still needs to be adopted.

Bruce Hadlock said they had done this one time before in Littleton. Bruce asked if they were also applying for other communities. Pat stated that all communities could apply. Bethlehem applied last month for some assistance on behalf of WREN (Women’s Rural entrepreneur Network). Garvin said they have to apply for specific projects. Garvin said that the AHEAD program takes more of an advantage of the program. Bolt then closed the 3rd public hearing at 4:33 PM.

Seymour moved to approve the submittal of the CDBG application on behalf of Grafton County Economic Development Council and Rotobec. Bolt seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

Seymour made the motion to adopt the updated Housing and Community Development Plant. Bolt seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

Seymour made the motion to adopt the Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the project. Bolt seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

Seymour made the motion to authorize the Town Manager to submit the application and execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the potential CDBG contract. Bolt seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

Seymour made the motion to have North Country Council write and administer the CDBG grant on behalf of the town. Bolt seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

Seymour made the motion the Chair of the Board of Selectmen should sign the HCD Plan and RARA plan, certifying date of adoption. Bolt seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

Bolt closed the public hearing at 4:31 PM.

Respectfully submitted
Ceil Stubbings

The Town of Littleton prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital or family status. The Town of Littleton is an equal opportunity employer.

Town of Littleton ®2013 all rights reserved
XHTML | CSS website ©2013 notchnet