CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT
FOR THE RECEIPT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAM FUNDS
DRAFT March 12, 2003
Prepared By: City of Janesville
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT INTRODUCTION This report summarizes activities undertaken by the City of Janesville, Community Development Department during the 2002 Program Year (January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002). Funds for these activities are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the State of Wisconsin, Department of Administration, Division of Housing. This summary report is intended to inform the public about how the money obtained through the various grants has been spent and to what extent the purposes of the grant programs have been carried out. More detailed information can be obtained from the Janesville Housing and Neighborhood Services Department, 200 West Milwaukee Street, Janesville, WI 53545, Phone: (608) 755-3107. Interested or concerned citizens may send their comments or questions to this office. What is the Consolidated Plan? The Consolidated Plan identifies housing and community development needs of the City of Janesville. It also serves as the application for the Community Development Block Grant Program and the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) program. The City of Janesville is the lead agency for the Rock County Consortium for the receipt of HOME funds. The Consortium consists of the Cities of Beloit and Janesville and the County of Rock. Through theses agencies, HOME funds can be used anywhere in Rock County. What is a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report? The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report reviews the goals and objectives of the Consolidated Plan and the progress which has been made in accomplishing them. It includes information on the amount of funds expended during the program year. For the City of Janesville, that means the calendar year. In particular, the expenditures under the Community Development Block Grant Program are outlined and evaluated. While the Rock County Consortium was funded late in 2002, no funds were expended in 2002 under this grant. What is the Community Development Block Grant Program? The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a federally funded program with the primary objective of the development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a
Income. This reflects the 25% of the census tract block groups with the highest percentage of low and moderate income persons according to the 1990 Census. This area is expected to change in 2003 when the 2000 Census information becomes available. Projects which serve a particular group of people with a majority of low and moderate income persons, such as the elderly or handicapped, are also eligible. In addition, projects that serve individual low and moderate income persons or households are eligible for CDBG funding. 2. Aid in the Elimination of Slums or Blight: Projects to eliminate blight may be undertaken in neighborhoods which are considered blighted according to State law. Individual structures which are in substandard condition may be acquired, demolished, or rehabilitated, and historic structures may be rehabilitated as a part of blight elimination. Projects Having a Particular Urgency: Activities may be undertaken to eliminate a serious threat to the public health or safety, provided that the condition is of recent origin (within 18 months of the application for funds), other funding sources are not available, and the project is beyond the means of the City to fund. Very few projects qualify under this provision.
3.
What funding is available? During 2002, the City of Janesville was awarded $684,000 in Community Development Block Grant Program entitlement funds. The City also received $7,479 in CDBG program income and $291,115 in revolving loan fund repayments. In addition, funds from prior years’ grants were available to fund the 2002 activities. What is the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program and what funding is available? The HOME Program is one of three programs developed to address the nationwide shortage of affordable housing. Grants are supplied to States and local governments (called participating jurisdictions or “PJs”) to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities and expand the availability of affordable housing for low-income people. Funds can be used to acquire, construct or rehabilitate housing or to provide direct rental assistance. For 2002, the Rock County Consortium received an allocation of $929,000. The consortium agreement specifies how these funds are to be allocated among the cooperating agencies. The City of Janesville’s share was $315,860.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The 2002 Goal included in the budget document was: To promote the revitalization of Janesville's downtown and central city neighborhoods, resulting in vibrant and healthy residential areas with affordable housing. The objectives were: • To assist in the elimination of slums and blight. • To facilitate redevelopment projects. • To increase home ownership among low-income and moderate-income families • To promote the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing housing through housing rehabilitation programs and the enforcement of housing and nuisance codes. • To administer the federal and state grant programs in an efficient and cost effective manner. IDENTIFIED HOUSING NEEDS Housing needs identified in the 2002 Consolidated Plan included: • 1,199 rental units in need of and suitable for rehabilitation. • 860 owner-occupied units in need of and suitable for rehabilitation. • 938 extremely low (incomes below 30% of median family income) and very low income families (incomes between 31% and 50% of median family income) who are severely cost burdened (pay more than 50% of their incomes for rent and utilities) for housing. • 167 renter households and 114 owner households who live in overcrowded conditions. • 2,240 very low and low income renter households and 1,630 owner households who live in units with some level of lead-based paint. • Increased stability of central city neighborhoods by increasing the number of owner-occupied units. • A new, expanded shelter for victims of domestic violence and related programs. • More transitional housing for those who have been homeless. • Additional supportive services for special needs populations. • Additional rental units affordable to extremely low and very low income households. IDENTIFIED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS Community development needs identified in the 2001 Consolidated Plan included:
• Fair housing counseling and education. • Provision of health care for those who are not insured. • Increased literacy training for households and individuals who wish to become self-sufficient. IDENTIFIED FAIR HOUSING NEEDS The "Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing" found the following impediments: • The number of affordable rental housing units in the City of Janesville continues to be below demand. • Low- and moderate-income households continue to face difficulties in becoming homeowners. • The demand for subsidized housing in the City of Janesville is high, as demonstrated by the low vacancy rate among these units. • The level of participation of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities on city boards, council, committees and authorities is lower than their percentage of the city's population. The following actions are recommended to reduce these identified impediments: • Increase efforts to make the public aware of the Homeownership and Home Improvement programs. • Explore ways to expand the number eligible for Homeownership and Home Improvement programs. • Encourage policy decisions that keep land prices down. • Encourage participation by women, minorities and persons with disabilities on city boards, committees and commissions. • Streamline administrative procedures in efforts to improve regulatory functions. • Increase the amount of information available to renters, including updating the local renter’s directory. • Encourage the development of information and resources useful to prospective homebuyers. • Encourage the establishment of a housing counselor program to handle landlord/tenant disputes and housing questions. • Continue enforcing the City’s Fair Housing ordinance and assisting persons filing complaints with the state Equal Rights Division or HUD. • Encourage the development of affordable rental housing. • Work with the state and federal government in efforts to increase fair housing choices. ACTIVITIES FUNDED IN 2002
♦ Recently Purchased Rehabilitation Program ♦ Home Buyers Workshops ♦ Duplex as a Starter Home Ø Increase Stock of Standard Housing ♦ Home Improvement Program ♦ Rental Rehabilitation Program ♦ Lead paint program ♦ Housing and nuisance code enforcement in the central city area. • Provide a Suitable Living Environment Ø Remove blighted properties ♦ in the downtown area ♦ in residential areas Ø Provide an improved Senior Citizens Center facility Ø Improve public facilities in the downtown • Improve the quality of life for low and moderate income residents of the City Ø Increase the safety of the central city neighborhoods Ø Decrease homelessness Ø Improve access to health care Ø Improve access to various services Ø Provide a neighborhood crime prevention program. • Effectively administer the City’s housing and community development programs. Ø General administration Ø Rehabilitation services delivery Ø Historic Preservation Planning Other activities included: Boys and Girls Club Teen Center Operations Girl Scout Programs
STATUS AND USE OF FUNDS The following tables outline the progress the City made in 2002 in meeting the goals and objectives
IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND AFFORDABLITY OF HOUSING IN THE CITY OF JANESVILLE: ASSIST FIRSTTIME HOMEBUYERS
ACTIVITY
2000-2004 Goal
2002 Annual Goal
2002 Results
2000-2004 Total Results
2002 Expenditures
Funding Source
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program
300 Households Assisted to Purchase a Home.
50 Loans
24 Loans approved at a cost of $56,303. 19 Low income; 5 Very low income; 10 Female Heads. 3 Elderly 23 White; 1 Black . Census Tracts: CT2:(2); CT3:(3); CT4:(3); CT5:(3); CT6:(1); CT8:(1); CT11:(4); CT13.01:(2); CT14:(3). 3 new loans approved totaling $9,200 and one completed. 3 Low income. 1 Female Head. 2 White; 1 Black. Census Tracts: CT3:(2); CT 6 (1). 10 loans approved totaling $ 159,800; four completed. 9 Low income; 1 Very low income; 4 Female Heads. 10 White Census Tracts: CT3:(1); CT4:(3); CT6:(3); CT8:(2); CT14:(1). 112 Graduates
82 loans approved to assist in the purchase of a home.
$ 53,846 2,457 $ 56,303
HBR/PI WRRP/HIP
Fix-up Loan Program
20 Loans
4 Loans
7 loans approved and work five completed.
$3,818
HBR/PI
Recently Purchased Rehabilitation Program
50 Loans
18 Loans
33 loans approved. 27 projects completed.
$41,743 52,030 $93,773
CDBG HBR/PI
Home Buyers Workshops
500 Graduates
100 Graduates
378 Graduates
$
845 3,846
$ 4,691 Duplex as a Starter Home Program 15 Loans 3 Loans No Duplex as a starter home loan approved in 2002. 1 loan approved. $ 0
HCRI/HBR Lenders and Participants
IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND AFFORDABLITY OF HOUSING IN THE CITY OF JANESVILLE: INCREASE STOCK OF STANDARD HOUSING
ACTIVITY
2000-2004 Goals 75 Loans
2002 ANNUAL GOAL 15 Loans
2002 RESULTS
2000-2004 Total Results 26 loans approved 22 projects completed.
2002 Expenditures $ 155,164
FUNDING SOURCE CDBG
Home Improvement Program— Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Loans
8 Loans approved; 4 completed. 6 Low income; 2 Very low income. 4 Elderly; 4 Female Head 8 White Census Tracts: CT3: (1); CT4: (1); CT5: (1); CT6:(1); CT8: (3); CT9:(1). 1 Project approved including 2 assisted rental units. 1 Low income; 1 Very low income; 2 White CT3:(1). 154 households informed.
Rental Rehabilitation Loans
Rehab 60 units
Approve loans for rehabbing 9 rental units
6 projects with 11 units approved and completed.
$49,998 832 $50,830
HRRP-PI CDBG
Lead Paint Hazard Education
Inform 600 households about lead paint hazards and interim measures. Provide funds for 1 project by the City or a non profit. Provide funds for 3 lots for new construction for low-moderate income household Resolve 150
Inform 120 households about lead paint hazards and interim measures.
554 households informed
$0
Acquisition/ Rehab/Resale to Income Eligible Households Acquisition/ Demolition/ New Construction
No activity No goal for 2002. No activity
$
0
Provide one lot for new construction and sale to income eligible, first-time homebuyer. No Goal for
$ No activity No activity.
0
Program terminated.
410 housing and
affordable housing projects.) Total: Increase Stock of Standard Housing activities
Transitional Housing Program development. $205,994
PROVIDE A SUITABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
ACTIVITY Remove blighted properties in the downtown area. Provide an improved Senior Citizens Center facility. Improve public facilities in the downtown such as parking lots, river walkway railing, or bicycle paths. Improve commercial property: Commercial Loan Program
2000-2004 Goals Clear five parcels for public use or redevelopment Provide an improved Senior Citizens Center
2002 GOAL No specific goal for 2002.
2002 RESULTS Appraisal obtained on one parcel planned for acquisition. Expanded Senior Center construction completed. Final payment of CDBG share of costs in 2003.
2000-2004 Total Results Tanks removed from one property; one property acquired and demolished Expanded Senior Center completed in 2001. Construction payment made in 2002.
2002 Expenditures $ 3,284
FUNDING SOURCE CDBG
Complete construction of expanded Senior Center.
$173,500
CDBG
$0 Complete three projects. Replace River Walkway railing. No activity in 2002. 344 feet of river walkway railing purchased for City crews to install.
CDBG
Provide funds for the exterior and code-related rehabilitation of three properties. Complete Downtown Preservation Plan and Design Guidelines and distribute to 200 property owners
No specific goal. City will continue working with Forward Janesvlle on their façade renovation program. Continue distribution of commercial façade guidelines. Complete downtown preservation plan.
No Activity. Forward Janesville has eliminated program.
No Activity. $ 0
CDBG
Improve Commercial property: Downtown Historic Preservation Program.
Design Guidelines available to downtown businesses and property owners.
Design Guidelines continue to be distributed to interested downtown businesses and property owners.
$0
Total: Provide a Suitable Living Environment Activities
$176,784
IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME RESIDENTS OF THE CITY
ACTIVITY Increase the safety of the central city neighborhoods: Increased Police Protection
2000-2004 Goal Provide funding for 2000 hours of additional police presence. Assist 500 households
2002 GOAL No goal. Program terminated at end of 2000. New program to be developed. Assist 25 households.
2002 RESULTS Program terminated at end of 2000. New program to be developed.
2000-2004 Results 659 hours provided.
2002 Expenditures $0
SOURCE CDBG
Decrease Homelessness: provide funding for emergency assistance for one month’s rent or security deposit or utility costs for low income households.
63 households assisted. 0 Low income; 78 Very low income; 55 Extremely low income. 48 White 11 Black 4 Asian 52 Female
200 households assisted.
$ 29,250
CDBG
Improve access to health care: Provide funds for operation of free health clinic for those with no insurance
Assist 500 persons with 1000 clinic visits
Assist 50 persons with 100 clinic visits
1,951 client visits provided to 338 Janesville residents. 9 low income; 66 very low income; 263 extremely low income. 370 White 30 Black 7 American Indian 7 Asian 24 Hispanic 81 Female head of household 128 Families with children 73 Single parent families
4,738 client visits provided to 1,106 Janesville residents.
$7,139
CDBG
Enforce the City’s Fair Housing Ordinance: provide funding for administration of City’s Fair Housing Ordinance and educational activities.
Assist individuals as required.
Assist individuals as required.
Reference materials kept up to date. Two informal complaints received. Two complaints filed elsewhere. Landlord/Tenant booklet revised and reprinted. Over 200 booklets distributed.
Five persons assisted. Over 200 landlord/ tenant booklets distributed.
$1,213
Section 8 Operating Reserve
Increase activities available
New Project in
Contract continued
38 teens were served at the
Goal of 250 teens or 35 per day to be served.
11 Very low income 7 Extremely low income
ACTIVITY Increase activities available through Girl Scouts
2000-2004 Goal New Project in 2001.
2002 GOAL $5,000 in FY2001 funding for afterschool Scouting program. Serve 50 girls. $3,625 allocated in 2002 for 25 presentations of Zink the Zebra program to 250 girls. .
2002 RESULTS 51 girls served. 34 white; 12 Black; 1Asian; 2 Black Hispanic; 1 Asian Hispanic. 28 Low Income. 48 girls served. 43 White; 3 Black; 2 Hispanic. 30 Very low income 12 scholarships provided to 10 low income youths. 8 White Non Hispanic; 2 White Hispanic. 4 Extremely low income; 4 Very low income; 2 Low income. Two Bilingual camp counselors hired for Camp Blackhawk. No one attended who needed this service. Pilot Project funded for ESL class at YWCA. 6 Hispanic attended. No activity in 2002.
2000-2004 Results 51 girls served in after school program. 48 girls served in Zink the Zebra diversity program.
2002 Expenditures $5,000
SOURCE CDBG
$886
CDBG
Increase activities available to low income youth by Providing Summer Camp Scholarships
New Project in 2002.
Provide scholarships for income eligible youth to attend various summer camps, including scouts, sports, or recreational ones.
12 scholarships provided to 10 low income youths.
$795
CDBG
Provide Bilingual Summer Camp Opportunities
New Project in 2002.
Provide bilingual camp counselors along with the summer camp scholarships. Provide scholarships or English as a Second Language Class. No specific goal for 2002.
No results.
$3,531
CDBG
Provide Scholarships for English as a Second Language classes Eliminate blight in residential areas.
New Project in 2002.
6 Hispanics provided with ESL class opportunity. One blighted property acquired.
$217
CDBG
Acquire blighted properties and demolish blighted structures if needed.
$ 1,629
CDBG
moderate income persons obtain needed services. Total: Improve Quality of Life Activities
persons. $122,781
INCREASE THE ECONOMIC VITALITY OF THE CITY
ACTIVITY Expand and retain jobs available to low and moderate income persons
2000-2004 Goal Provide loans to three businesses from the Local Economic Development Revolving Funds Develop and implement a program to assist microenterprises.
2002 GOAL Program terminated at end of 2000. Remaining funds reallocated to housing rehabilitation programs. No specific goals for 2001.
2002 RESULTS Program terminated. Funds reallocated.
2000-2004 Results None. Program cancelled.
2002 Expenditures $0
SOURCE
Provide assistance to Microenterprises.
No activity.
No activity.
$0
Total: Increase the Economic Vitality of the City Activities
$0
PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
ACTIVITY
2000-2004 Goals
2002 GOAL
2002 RESULTS
2000-2004 Total Results Programs effectively administered.
2002 Expenditures $ 134,548 346 10,000 $ 144,894
SOURCE
Administration and Planning
Administer the CDBG and HOME Programs in a cost effective manner and provide support to the Historic Commission Provide staff support needed to operate the various housing programs Operate the housing programs in a cost-effective manner
CDBG and HOME programs effectively administered.
CDBG CLG PI HOME
Rehabilitation Service Delivery
Housing programs effectively supported
Housing programs effectively supported.
$169,952 11,870 181,822
CDBG HBR/HRRP
Total: Planning & Administration Activities GRAND TOTAL: ALL ACTIVITIES
$326,716 $990,860
ROCK COUNTY HOME CONSORTIUM FUNDS
The following table outlines the performance targets for the funds received in FY2002 under the Rock County Consortium for the receipt of HOME funds. The final approval of the HOME funds occurred in September 2002. The program was not set up completely in IDIS until the end of the fiscal year, so no projects were committed or funds spent in 2002.
SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE TARGETS Program Geographic Area Rock County 5 Year Goal 2002 Goal Accomplish ments Assist 5 Home None in Buyers. 2002. Assist 50 Home None in Buyers. 2002. 45 Loans for income None in eligible households. 2002. Assist 15 Recently Purchased Home Buyers. Assist 5 Home Buyers. Provide funds to weatherize/ rehabilitate 50 dwelling units Provide three lots for new construction. Acquire/rehab/ resell 10 affordable Weatherize/ rehabilitate 10 dwelling units. Provide two lots for new construction. Acquire/rehab/ resell 2 affordable None in 2002.
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Janesville OwnerOccupied Housing Rehabilitation Loans Beloit
Janesville
Assist 300 Home Buyers. 225 Loans for income eligible households. 50 Loans for Recently Purchased Rehabilitation.
Rock County
None in 2002. None in 2002.
Weatherization/R Rock County ehabilitation
New Housing Development
Janesville
None in 2002. None in 2002.
Beloit
ACTIONS TO ADDRESS NEEDS OF HOMELESS PERSONS: CONTINUUM OF CARE During 2002 the City worked with the Homeless Intervention Task Force of Rock and Walworth Counties. The task force is working together to avoid duplication of efforts and to identify needs within the county. Identification of needs and setting of priorities to meet those needs have been the primary goal during 2002. During 2002, the House of Mercy, a homeless shelter for families and single women continued to operate at near capacity. In addition, the YWCA domestic violence shelter also operated near capacity in its new facility. Funding was provided for the YWCA to acquire adjacent land for future expansion of the shelter. The Salvation Army has set a goal of providing transitional housing for the homeless. They are currently reviewing possible sites for acquisition and/or new construction. CDBG funds have been allocated for the assessment of feasible sites, development of design and construction plans, development of project and operating pro forma, identification of sources of financing; and option fees as needed. ACTIONS TO AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHER FAIR HOUSING The City reviewed and revised the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing during 1999. The City’s Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is providing choices for housing selection. Continuing efforts are made to increase the number of women, minorities and handicapped on the various City Boards and Commissions. AFFORDABLE HOUSING Specific information is included in the tables above. The City’ s strategy in providing affordable housing includes homeownership assistance, assistance to developers of affordable housing, and rehabilitation assistance for renter and owner-occupied properties. ANTIPOVERTY STRATEGY The City has worked to encourage families on the Section 8 Existing Rent Assistance program to participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. During 2002, two families participated in this program. During 2002, one staff member obtained training as an FSS coordinator. Fliers have been developed to promote the program. An orientation was scheduled for 25 interested persons. Five
NARRATIVE STATEMENTS
2002 GRANTEE PERFORMANCE REPORT
CITY OF JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN
DRAFT March 12, 2003
Prepared by: Housing and Neighborhood Services Department P.O. Box 5005 200 West Milwaukee Street Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-3078 Fax: (608) 755-3207 TDD: (608) 755-3190
ASSESSMENT OF ANNUAL PERFORMANCE A. Assessment of Effectiveness 2002 was the third year of the 2000-2004 five-year consolidated plan strategy for the City of Janesville. It was also the first year of the Rock County Consortium Consolidated Plan strategy for the receipt of HOME funds. These two will be discussed separately. The City has made progress in achieving the goals shown in the Five-year strategy. It has been effective in creating home ownership opportunities for households with incomes less than 80% of median income. The second year goal was to have 100 graduates of the Home Buyers Workshops. The result was 112 graduates. The goal was to assist 50 income eligible households with down payment and closing costs. The result was 24 income eligible households assisted. Rising house costs and the downturn in the economy are factors in this decrease in down payment assistance provided. In addition, the supply of lower cost, standard housing is decreasing. The owner-occupied rehabilitation programs (both recently purchased and standard) made progress in meeting their goals. The goal was to assist in 33 owner-occupied rehabilitation projects and 18 rehabilitation loans were approved. Meeting the lead-based paint requirements is a challenge in making this program work. In general the City has achieved the activities outlined in the Consolidated Plan, Annual Plan for 2002. Specific progress is shown in the attached Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report provided to the public. B. Proposed Actions or Changes to Five-Year Strategy The City evaluates its progress on a regular basis and adjusts programs accordingly. This is the third year of the five year Consolidated Plan from 2000 – 2004. Several changes were made during the year and in planning for year three of the five-year plan. With the receipt of HOME funds for affordable housing activities, CDBG funds were made available for several new activities including the site acquisition for the YWCA’s domestic violence shelter, the housing feasibility study for the Salvation Army’s Transitional Housing Program, and handicapped accessibility for the downtown commercial building owned by the IBEW.
reimbursed for the fair market value of the land used for the police station and any improvements dedicated for police station use. C. Displacement The City of Janesville makes an effort to avoid displacing residences and businesses in the implementation of the Community Development Block Grant Program. Occasionally, however, a project will require that someone be displaced. No displacement occurred in 2002. D. Leveraging of Resources During FY2002 a major source of leveraged funds for the HOME program continued to be the labor and materials provided by Habitat for Humanity in the new construction for first-time homebuyers. This will be used as match for the HOME homebuyer program. Program income from the Wisconsin Rental Rehabilitation Program has been approved to be used as a match for the HOME Rental Rehabilitation Program and the HOME-Home Buyer programs. As lead agency for the Rock County HOME Consortium, the City of Janesville will be tracking the match requirements of the HOME program. The City of Beloit, Rock County, Community Action, Neighborhood Housing Services, as well as Habitat for Humanity will all provide match funds. E. Other Actions Taken 1. Public Policies
In 1994, the City of Janesville completed an analysis of public policies which adversely affect the costs of housing. This analysis was reviewed in 1999 and it found no public policies which would create barriers to affordable housing. Therefore, no actions have been proposed or undertaken. 2. Institutional Structure
No weaknesses have been identified in the institutional structure established to carry out the City's Housing Affordability Strategy. The new Rock County Consortium will coordinate efforts to provide affordable housing on a county-wide basis. No additional actions have been
activities related to the comprehensive housing affordability strategy. One of these is the "Action Council" which is composed of representatives of various public and private agencies such as Community Action, the United Way, the YWCA, ECHO, Rock County Public Health Department, First Call (Information and Referral Service), local lenders, the Janesville Apartment Association, Blackhawk Technical College, UW-Rock County, the Janesville Police Department and others. As a result of the efforts of this group, the position of Housing Counselor was developed. This position is now housed with the Salvation Army and provides information and training on housing related issues for both landlords and tenants. The second group is the Homeless Intervention Task Force of Rock and Walworth County. This organization provides the framework for a Continuum of Care related to homelessness in the two county area. It includes representatives from Rock County Social Services, Rock County Crisis Intervention, Walworth County, the Cities of Janesville and Beloit, Salvation Army of Janesville, Salvation Army in Beloit, the Food Pantry in Edgerton, the shelters for victims of domestic violence in Rock and Walworth counties, among others. The group is working toward a coordinated approach to dealing with the problem of homelessness in the two county area. During 1999, the Task Force completed a homeless survey in the two county area. In late 2002, the Task Force completed a needs assessment survey of homeless or at risk individuals. The results of this survey are being used in the further development of the Continuum of Care. 4. Public Housing Improvements and Public Housing Resident Initiatives
The City of Janesville does not have any public housing. 5. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction
During 2002, the City of Janesville distributed the brochure on lead paint hazards that had been produced by the City and the Rock County Health Department. These brochures were distributed to lumberyards, paint stores, at the home show and to clients and applicants. As a result of the educational and reduction and abatement efforts, the number of children with elevated lead-blood levels has decreased in the county. The City also worked on implementing the new lead-based paint regulations. 6. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
• The demand for subsidized housing in the City of Janesville is high, as demonstrated by the low vacancy rate among these units. • Low and moderate-income households continue to face difficulties in becoming homeowners. • The number of affordable rental housing units continues to be below the demand. • The level of participation among women, minorities and persons with disabilities on city boards, council, committees and authorities is lower than their percentage of the city’s population.
Actions taken in 2001 to eliminate these barriers include: • Continued to enforce the City's Fair Housing Ordinance and provide assistance to individuals to file complaints with the State or with HUD. • Provided funding for the county-wide information and referral service. • Provided Home Buyers Workshops to assist individuals and families to become homeowners. • Encouraged landlords to rehabilitate rental properties. • Continued to administer the Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program which assists income-eligible households to become home owners. • Continued to administer the Section 8 Rent Assistance program to increase the number of households served. • Provided information to developers interested in Low Income Tax Credits. • Provided loans for the upgrading of rental properties, thus increasing the supply of rental units in standard condition. HOME program rules require that assisted units be affordable and rented to income eligible households. 7. Ensuring Compliance with Program Requirements
Ensuring compliance with program requirements begins with a staff review of activities proposed for funding for determination of basic eligibility, which national objective is being met, or whether it is a public service activity. Analysis of the various caps are performed and included in the initial allocation of funds. Any additional requirements are also noted. For example, construction projects may be subject to Labor Standards requirements. Once the Consolidated Plan has been submitted, all activities have an environmental review
to review the program requirements. The agreement includes a scope of work, timetable, budget, and reporting requirements. Payments on the agreement are contingent upon satisfactory reporting of accomplishments. Periodically City staff will make on-site visits to the subrecipient to monitor compliance with the program requirements. City staff members receive training as needed to improve and maintain their understanding of program requirements. As requirements change, such as the lead-based paint requirements, procedures are reviewed and revised to meet the changes. F. Geographic Distribution The citizen document includes information on the location of the activities funded in 2002. Although most programs are operated on a city-wide basis, several of them are targeted to the central city area as shown on the map on the following page. Down payment assistance and related “fix-up” loans are available city-wide. Home ownership counseling is available to any income-eligible individual. The HOME Rental Rehabilitation Program (HRRP) may be used on a city-wide basis. The owner occupied rehabilitation program is targeted to the central city area along with the recently purchased rehabilitation program. However, elderly, handicapped or disabled homeowners can receive a rehabilitation loan on a city-wide basis. The Section 8 Rental Assistance and the ECHO-administered emergency rental assistance programs are available on a city-wide basis. G. Citizen Comments The draft document was available for citizen review on March 12, 2003 and a public hearing will be held on March 19, 2003. Notice of the public hearing appeared in the Janesville Gazette on March 12, 2003. Appearances: Comments Received:
H.
Ensuring Compliance with Program Requirements Ensuring compliance with program requirements begins with a staff review of activities proposed
Once the Consolidated Plan has been submitted, all activities have an environmental review completed before final funding is approved. Rehabilitation projects are also subject to a “second-tier” review, including an historic assessment. Activities implemented by a subrecipient are the subject of an agreement that includes all of the relevant federal requirements. Prior to the agreement, staff meets with the staff of the non-profit to review the program requirements. The agreement includes a scope of work, timetable, budget, and reporting requirements. Payments on the agreement are contingent upon satisfactory reporting of accomplishments. At least once during a contract term, City staff will make on-site visits to the subrecipient to monitor compliance with the program requirements. City staff members receive training as needed to improve and maintain their understanding of program requirements. As requirements change, such as the lead-based paint requirements, procedures are reviewed and revised to meet the changes.