Missoula City Council Housing, Redevelopment, and Community Programs Committee Minutes

Wednesday, October 04, 2023

1:00 P.m. - 1:50 P.m.

Council Chambers (in person) or TEAMS (virtually)

Attend in person: City Council Chambers, 140 W Pine, Missoula MT

Members present:

• Stacie Anderson, 
• Mirtha Becerra, 
• Daniel Carlino, 
• Sierra Farmer, 
• Gwen Jones, 
• Kristen Jordan, 
• Mike Nugent, 
• Jennifer Savage, 
• Amber Sherrill, 
• and Sandra Vasecka 

Members absent:

• John P. Contos 
• and Heidi West 

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1.

ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS

The meeting was called to order at 1:02 p.m.

1.1

Roll Call

Rhea Sanders called the roll. 

1.2

Approval of the Minutes

1.2.1

Approval of the Minutes From August 30th, 2023

The minutes were approved as submitted.

1.2.2

Approval of the Minutes From September 13th, 2023

The minutes were approved as submitted.

2.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Travis Matier, a Missoula resident, spoke about things happening in Missoula and Missoula County. He mentioned various individuals and other cities. He concluded by stating all anyone can do is control their own reactions to injustice.    

3.

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

3.1

Public Hearing for the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) Grant Application

Emily Harris-Shears

Emily Harris-Shears the Senior Housing Policy Specialist in the department of Community Planning, Development and Innovation (CPDI) provided an overview on the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal grant program Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing). She provided a funding overview and grant application specifications including the barriers to accessing housing, and activity eligibility. She highlighted the city’s application focus was on anti-displacement and expanded on the key strategies of addressing supply and policy/programming. Ms. Harris-Shears provided data obtained from the 2023 Local Needs Assessment to provide context and understanding of the local housing needs as well as demographic, rising housing costs and availability impacts locally. She reiterated the proposed strategies align with city priorities including Justice, Equity and Inclusion (JEDI), the City of Missoula Strategic plan 2020-2023 and the housing policy A Place to Call Home. She concluded by providing the proposed project budget, estimated leverage, and upcoming engagement opportunities. She reiterated the recommended motion. For more information, please watch the attached video.

The committee members and Ms. Harris-Shears discussed the following:

1. The owner and renter breakdown in Missoula compared to other similar size cities.
2. The contingency strategy if the grant award was less than the requested amount.
3. The landlord liaison program possibilities and potential strategies.
4. The grant’s point scoring rubric in relation to the allocation of leveraged funds.
5. The grant’s flexibility to consider communities at varied stages in housing strategy. development and implementation.   

Councilwoman Jones made the recommended motion.

There was no public comment.

Several committee members spoke in favor of the application and various aspects of the grant as well as the work being done by the staff and council.  

• Moved by: Gwen Jones

  I move to set a public hearing for Monday, October 23, 2023 to provide the public with opportunity to comment on the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant application.

  AYES: (10)	Mirtha Becerra, Gwen Jones, Stacie Anderson, Amber Sherrill, Sandra Vasecka, Sierra Farmer, Jennifer Savage, Daniel Carlino, Mike Nugent, and Kristen Jordan
  ABSENT: (2)	Heidi West, and John P. Contos

  Vote results: Approved (10 to 0)

3.2

Contract – Poverello Center Outreach and Operations

Cerina Azure-Kjorstad, Montana James

Montana James the Deputy Director of Community Development introduced the FY24 Community Benefit Organization contract with the Poverello Center. She highlighted the intent of the funding as well as the important key outcomes and outreach/intake work accomplished by the Poverello Center throughout the year. Ms. James introduced Cerina Azure-Kjorstad who provided information on the purpose, funding, and projected outcomes of the operations and outreach contract for FY 24. Ms. Azure-Kjorstad  reiterated the recommended motion.

Councilwoman Sherrill made the recommended motion.

Public Comment:

Jill Bonny, Executive Director of the Poverello Center spoke in favor of the motion and thanked the council for their support and reiterated the significance of the funds.  

• Moved by: Amber Sherrill

  Authorize the Mayor to sign and execute a contract with the Poverello Center for the provision of services and programs specific to people without a house in Missoula and providing comprehensive outreach services to that same population, funded by City of Missoula.

  AYES: (10)	Stacie Anderson, Mirtha Becerra, Daniel Carlino, Sierra Farmer, Gwen Jones, Kristen Jordan, Mike Nugent, Jennifer Savage, Amber Sherrill, and Sandra Vasecka
  ABSENT: (2)	Heidi West, and John P. Contos

  Vote results: Approved (10 to 0)

4.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 1:51 p.m.