Citizens District Council Minutes 10-07-2014

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MINUTES
Citizen’s District Council Meeting
City of Muskegon CDBG
Conference Room 203
Muskegon, Michigan
Tuesday, October 7, 2014

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Addie Sanders-Randall at 5:45 p.m.

ROLL CALL
Roll call was taken by Laura Hichue
Present:             Addie Sanders-Randall, Billie Quinn, Rosalind Ford, Kim Burr
Absent:              Tom Pastoor, Chris Carter, Emma Torresen, Commissioner
                     Johnson
Staff Present:       Oneata Bailey, Laura Hichue

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Mrs. Ford to approve the minutes. Mrs. Burr seconded the
motion which carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS
Oneata gave a brief update on the status of the property at 1500 Leahy.

NEW BUSINESS

Oneata stated that the new Home Buyers Assistance Program was approved by HUD
as a 2014 activity and is creating a lot of interest and phone calls. She further stated
that she had talked to lenders and Coldwell Banker Realtors about a Lead Inspection
requirement included as policy. She stated that it was important that a family is aware if
there is lead in the home or not.
Mrs. Burr asked if the lead was required to be abated.
Oneata stated that the County has been given a new grant for abatement that should be
for 3 years. If the family purchasing the home qualifies for the Home Buyers
Assistance, they would qualify to go through the County for the abatement also.
Oneata asked Mrs. Burr about the ability to renege on a sale and the time frame.
Mrs. Burr explained that there is a 10 day timeframe to have an inspection and be able
to back out; after that time the buyer would lose the earnest money but can still renege.
She also stated that it would be smart on the realtor’s part to have a contingency in the
contract about the outcome of the lead inspection report.
Oneata stated that the buyers are coming through the department at different parts of
the process and have an example of a prospective buyer that wasn’t pre-approved and
explained that the $5,000 closing cost assistance would be more favorable to the lender
and would help in assisting the buyer to be able to purchase a home.




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Mrs. Randall asked Oneata about the Youth Program that was discussed previously.

Oneata explained she had met with Commissioner Hood and Dwana Thompson, the
Affirmative Action Director, about the existing youth programs. She said they were
trying to organize to go into schools before the end of the school year and talk to the
kids.

Mrs. Quinn stated she felt that the programs should be for anyone who wants to work,
not just based on income.

Oneata said that Commission Hood agreed that it should be for anyone who wants to
work.

Oneata also stated that Meijer has agreed to hire youth if they completed the summer
youth program through the local school and someone was able to vouch for the youth.
Meijer would receive the list and hire them. She said there was also an opportunity for
those at risk and are in the court systems and there was a program for them. Oneata
said they were making contacts to other companies and be able to have a niche for all.

Oneata said the Mia and Grace was the only restaurant so far that said they would
participate also. Other possible contacts were discussed.

Oneata said that the Youth Program can be on the next agenda to give updates.

Oneata said they want to make sure it’s County wide for all school districts and will be
checking with the Department of Employment and Training to see if they have any funds
available. She said that it’s important that the kids understand that they cannot be in
trouble at school and expect to get a job. The kids would be taken through certain
training on how to work and basic instructions. Oneata stated that employers would
need some training also on working with kids.

Discussion took place on examples of poor service and supervision at certain fast food
restaurants.

DISCUSSION

The Board voted to cancel the November 4 meeting due to Election Day and decided to
schedule the next meeting for February 3, 2015, unless something comes up that needs
attention.
The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.




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