Public Hearing/Comment Period PY09 CAPERCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
2009 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION
REPORT (CAPER)
33 East Broadway
Meridian, ID83642
208/888-4433
Upon request, this document will be provided
in a format accessible to persons with disabilities
and/or persons with limited English proficiency.
The City of Meridian prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
color, sex, religion, national origin, handicap, or familial status.
City of Meridian, Idaho
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
Introduction 3
Executive Summary 4
1. Summary of PY2009 Accomplishments 4
2. Summary of Resources and Distribution of Funds 5
Three - Five Year Plan Assessment of Progress 7
1. Three - Five Year Goals and Objectives 7
2. Lessons Learned 10
Assessment of Annual Progress 12
1. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing 12
2. Affordable Housing 12
3. Continuum of Care 13
4. Other Actions 13
5. Leveraging Resources 15
6. Citizen Comments 16
7. Self Evaluation 16
8. Monitoring 18
Program Narratives 19
Appendices 21
1. Tables 22
2. Reports 28
3. Legal Notices 56
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INTRODUCTION
The City of Meridian is a recipient of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides these funds to
the City on a formula basis. As a recipient of these funds, the City is required to prepare a
Consolidated Plan, also known as a five-year strategic plan. The plan identifies the housing and
community needs of the City, organizes these needs based on priority, identifies resources that
address the community’s needs, and establishes annual goals and objectives to meet those needs.
The Consolidated Plan is further broken down into annual action plans, which the City prepares
and submits to HUD each year. The annual action plan spells out specifically how the City will
address the goals and objectives in the Consolidated Plan during that program year. At the end
of each program year, the City provides a summary of expenditures and related accomplishments
to the public and HUD. This annual assessment is called the Consolidated Annual Performance
and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
While this report only addresses goals achieved by expending funds for the CDBG program, it is
important to note that the success of the program is largely dependent on the efforts and
resources of other private and public agencies and organizations.
CAPER requirements are outlined in 24 CFR § 91.520. The report provides a review and
evaluation of the City’s performance during the 2009 Program Year (PY 2009) and the five-year
timeframe of the 2007-2011 Consolidated Plan. The subject program year began October 1,
2009 and ended September 30, 2010.
This document includes reports generated by HUD’s Integrated Disbursement and Information
System (IDIS). These IDIS reports summarize the City’s accomplishments for PY09. HUD-
recommended tables complement the narrative section and IDIS reports to provide an update on
the City’s progress in achieving the goals and objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The performance measurement system outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan is based on the
following HUD initiatives:
• Create a Suitable Living Environment
• Provide Decent Housing
• Create Economic Opportunities
These initiatives are carried out by the City of Meridian and various partner agencies and
entities. They are consistent with the guidelines set-forth by HUD in accordance with
regulations governing the use of CDBG funds and are based on the needs that the City has
identified through its own assessment and on-going input from the citizens of Meridian.
Table 1 provides a summary of PY2009 Action Plan activities, along with an update of activity
status (expenditures to date).
Table 1: PY2009 Action Plan Activities
2009 (249,947) Allocated Expended Remaining
Administration 49,947.00 38,976.33 10,970.67
Boys & Girls Club 17,000.00 6,782.59 10,217.41
Meridian Food Bank 20,000.00 20,000.00 0.00
Five Mile Creek Pathway Envt & CN 33,000.00 0.00 33,000.00
Centennial Park Improvements 55,000.00 55,000.00 0.00
Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority 35,000.00 25,000.00 10,000.00
Façade Improvements 40,000.00 0.00 40,000.00
TOTAL 249,947.00 145,758.92 104,188.08
1. Summary of PY2009 Accomplishments
The following is a summary of the City’s accomplishments in PY2009:
• Continued distributing the City of Meridian Community Resource Directory
• Trained a new CDBG Program Administrator for the City
• Completed the 2010 Action Plan
• Provided fair housing activity support to Idaho Housing & Finance Association
• Assisted three Low-to Moderate Income (LMI) families in the purchase of homes
• Completed improvements at Centennial Park to benefit LMI residents in the area
• Developed plans for the future construction the Five Mile Creek Pathway
(segment H.1)
• Provided assistance to community organizations (Senior Center, Boys &Girls
Club Transportation Program, and the Meridian Food Bank) for public service
projects that benefit LMI individuals and families.
• Continued administration of several projects from previous program years
including: Boys & Girls Club Gym Design (PY2008), Infrastructure design
(PY2008), Code Enforcement (PY2008), Street light design (PY2007), Meridian
Senior Center Public Services Program (PY2008), and Community Center ADA
upgrades (PY2007).
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2. Summary of Resources and Distribution of Funds
The City continued its efforts to address the priority housing and community needs
identified in the 2007-2011 Consolidated Plan. The 2009 Action Plan focused primarily
on LMI beneficiaries. Table 2 provides a summary of expenditures by Consolidated Plan
goals/objective categories:
Table 2: Expenditure by Consolidated Plan Goal/Objective Category
Goal/Activity Allocated Expended Remaining
Suitable Living Environment $125,000.00 $81,782.59 $43,217.41
Five Mile Creek Pathway Envt. & CN $33,000.00 $0.00 $33,000.00
Centennial Park Improvements $55,000.00 $55,000.00 $0.00
Meridian Food Bank $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $0.00
Boys & Girls Club $17,000.00 $6,782.59 $10,217.41
Economic Development $40,000.00 $0.00 $40,000.00
Façade Improvements $40,000.00 $0.00 $40,000.00
Decent Housing $35,000.00 $25,000.00 $10,000.00
BCACHA $35,000.00 $25,000.00 $10,000.00
General $49,947.00 $38,976.33 $10,970.67
Administration $49,947.00 $10,970.67 $10,970.67
Note: None of the City's activities this year generated program income.
Note: All funds received were from the CDBG Program. The City did not receive any
other assistance from HUD during the 2008 Program Year.
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The following map depicts the geographic distribution and location of expenditures.
PY2009 Distribution of Funds
Legend
LMI Area
Meridian Boys & Girls Club
Meridian City Hall/Administration
Meridian Food Bank Note: The City provided funding through BCACHA
for homeownership assistance. The homes purchased
Centennial Park were not in the LMI area or immediate vicinity, although
the purchasers are all LMI individuals/families.
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THREE – FIVE YEAR PLAN ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS
1. Three – Five Year Goals and Objectives
Due to the broad range of goals and objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan relative
to resources available for its implementation, the City was not able to address each
specific objective in the Consolidated Plan during the 2009 Program Year. All
expenditures did, however, achieve outcomes and address goals put forth in the City’s
Consolidated Plan. Approximately 73% of the PY2009 funds (this excludes
administrative funds) that were expended this year, were spent in the target areas. The
City of Meridian has chosen a three year period of 2007, 2008, and 2009 to meet its
Certification of Overall Benefit. As identified in the attached report (PR26), the City’s
certification percentage for the three year period is 87.15% benefit to low/moderate
income persons. The City made progress on the following objectives through PY2009
activities as described below:
Five Mile Creek Pathway (Suitable Living Environment): The Five Mile Creek
Pathway segment will traverse along the east side of Five Mile Creek from Pine Avenue
to Fairview Avenue. The project is located in a pre-designated LMI area as identified by
HUD (Census Tract 010321, Block Group 1). The 2009 Action Plan allocated $33,000
for the continuing environmental study of this project and possible construction funding.
While this project did not expend any PY09 funds, the project is advancing and
approximately $37,000 was spent from PY07. The City has submitted the Environmental
Assessment to HUD along with a Request for Release of Funds, and is awaiting approval
to continue the process. Multiple public meetings have been held to provide the
surrounding property owners with an opportunity to comment on the specifics of the
proposed project. A final alignment needs to be determined, and the City anticipates the
project beginning construction in 2011. In addition, the City’s 2010 Action Plan
allocated $120,000 for construction of this pathway.
Centennial Park Improvements (Suitable Living Environment): The Park is located
at 223 E. Idaho Avenue, just south of Census Tract 010321, Block Group 1. The PY09
Action Plan allocated $55,000 for improvements to be constructed in Centennial Park.
The entire $55,000 was expended during this program year, and nearby residents are
enjoying the enhanced amenities. The improvements installed at the Park include a state-
of-the-art NEOS 360 electronic play system, a picnic shelter, bike racks, and game tables.
This project contributed to the sustainability of a suitable living environment (SL-3) as
outlined in the Consolidated Plan.
Meridian Food Bank (Suitable Living Environment): In PY2009, the City allocated
$20,000 for use by the Meridian Food bank to provide purchase food for area residents in
need. In addition, $18,271.96 was reallocated from PY2008. The Meridian Food Bank
expended all of the PY2009 funds, as well as, the majority of the reallocated PY2008
funds. There is only $192.41 remaining in PY2008 funds. The Meridian Food Bank has
been instrumental in filling a critical need within the community. The Food Bank
provided food to over 29,000 individuals during this past year, and 96% of those
individuals were low to moderate income persons. This contributed to the sustainability
of a suitable living environment (SL-3) as outlined in the Consolidated Plan.
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Boys & Girls Club Transportation Program (Suitable Living Environment): In
PY2009, $17,000 was allocated to the Boys & Girls Club Transportation Program. This
public service program provided free transportation to students from targeted area
schools to the Boys and Girls Club for after school programs during the 2009-2010
school year. This transportation program sought to provide a suitable living environment
by promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the children in Meridian’s LMI Areas.
61% of the students transported through this program were from L/M income households.
The Boys and Girls Club is located in Census Tract 010322, Block Group 1, which is a
designated LMI area. To date, this program has expended $6,782.59. The program is
continuing during the 2010-2011 school year, and it is anticipated that the program will
expend the remaining $10,217.41 during PY2010.
Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority (BCACHA) (Decent Housing):
In order to increase the availability/accessibility of decent housing as outlined in the
Consolidated Plan (DH-1), the City allocated $35,000.00 to BCACHA for
homeownership assistance through the housing choice voucher program. In addition,
BCACHA had remaining PY2008 funds that were spent during program year 2009. The
PY2008 funds were a combination of the original action plan allotment of $50,000 and an
additional allotment of $15,000 when the City reallocated funds in February 2010.
BCACHA assisted three low/moderate income families to purchase homes in Meridian in
the 2009 Program Year. Each family received $15,000.00 in down payment, closing cost,
and/or principle buy down assistance. One household utilized $15,000 of remaining
PY2008 funds, one household utilized $5,000 from PY2008 and $10,000 from PY2009
funds, and one household utilized $15,000 from PY2009 funds. With these expenditures,
the PY2008 funds have been expended in their entirety. The City plans to continue this
partnership in PY2010, and BCACHA will ask to roll the remaining $10,000.00 from
PY2009 in with next year’s funds to continue assisting LMI families achieve
homeownership.
Boys & Girls Club Gym Design (Suitable Living Environment): $40,000 of PY08
funds was allocated to the Boys & Girls Club to design a new gym at their location in
downtown Meridian. $30,000 was expended during the 2008 Program Year, and the
remaining $10,000 was drawn down in the 2009 Program Year. The gym design is
complete and the project has expended all of its allotted funds. This project advanced the
sustainability of a suitable living environment as identified in the Consolidated Plan (SL-
3). The Boys and Girls Club is located in Census Tract 010322, Block Group 1.
Meridian Senior Center (Suitable Living Environment): In February 2010, City staff
proposed a reallocation of unexpended CDBG funds. This reallocation designated
$14,795 for use in public service programs at the Meridian Senior Center. While this
activity took some time to advance due to the need to coordinate with a variety of service
providers, it is now underway and has provided public health services and art classes to
elderly individuals within the community. The public services provided by this activity
include blood testing, mammograms, and art classes. To date, 38 elderly individuals
have been served by these programs, and $2,774.95 has been expended. These programs
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will continue through the 2010 Program Year. This activity contributes to a suitable
living environment as identified in the Consolidated Plan (SL-3).
Public Works Infrastructure Design (Suitable Living Environment): In February
2010, City staff proposed a reallocation of unexpended PY2008 CDBG funds. This
reallocation resulted in a new project to design water and sewer line replacements in
residential parts of the LMI area. This project was allocated $40,000, and to date,
$33,908.96 has been spent. The remaining balance of $6,091.04 is anticipated to be spent
prior to the end of the 2010 Program Year. This activity advanced the sustainability of a
suitable living environment as identified in the Consolidated Plan (SL-1). These
infrastructure improvement projects are located in Census Tract 010322, Block Group 1.
Code Enforcement (Suitable Living Environment): In February 2010, City staff
proposed a reallocation of CDBG funds that resulted in a decrease of funding from
$20,000 in PY2008 to $9,000 for the Code Enforcement activities in the LMI area. This
activity sought to achieve sustainability of a suitable living environment as identified in
the Consolidated Plan (SL-3) by encouraging community pride, preserving neighborhood
integrity, and protecting property values. To date, $3,133.44 has been expended, with
$5,866.56 remaining. To date, approximately 81 cases have been investigated and
followed-up on by the City’s Code Enforcement Officer. These investigations took place
in Census Tract 010322, Block Group 1 and 2 and Census Tract 010321, Block Group 2.
Community Center ADA Upgrades (Suitable Living Environment): The amended
PY2007 Action Plan identified an ADA upgrade project for the Meridian Community
Center. This project will enhance the accessibility of this much used community facility
as identified in the Consolidated Plan (SL-3). The environmental review is complete, as
well as the project design. The City has opened the bid process, and construction is
anticipated in early 2011. To date, $7,630.00 has been expended, with $12,370.00
remaining. Because the construction is anticipated to cost significantly more than the
remaining $12,370, the City will be proposing an amendment to the 2009 Action Plan
and reallocation of funds to cover the construction costs for this project. The Community
Center is located at 201 E. Idaho Avenue in Census Tract 010321, Block Group 1.
Street Lighting Design (Economic Opportunity): In April 2010, the Meridian
Development Corporation moved forward with plans to use funds allocated in PY2007 to
reduce the spread of slum and blight in the designated Urban Renewal Area. This
activity is funding the design of street lighting that will be constructed with a future
roadway project (estimated construction in 2013). As identified in the Consolidated Plan,
this project seeks to promote economic opportunity (EO-3). To date, $24,215 has been
expended, and staff anticipates that the remaining funds will be completely spent by early
2011.
Administration (General): Administrative funds paid for staff time, required notices,
staff training, and other miscellaneous expenses. To date, the City has expended
$38,976.33 of its allocation of administrative funds, which is 78% of the total allocation.
The remaining $10,970.67 will be spent on administrative activities in PY2010 including
the initiation of an updated Consolidated Plan.
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Façade Improvements (Economic Development): The PY2009 Action Plan allocated
$40,000 to be used for façade improvements in the City’s Urban Renewal Area, in
partnership with the Meridian Development Corporation. City staff and the staff at the
Meridian Development Corporation had originally anticipated using the funds at a
specific site; however due to floodplain issues at the site, this project was not able to be
advanced and another site was not selected. Therefore, the City will be submitting a
proposed reallocation of the unspent $40,000 and an amendment to the PY2009 Action
Plan. The City is conducting the public hearing and comment period on the proposed
reallocation in concurrence with the hearing and comment period for this CAPER.
CDBG-R
During the 2009 Program Year, the City of Meridian submitted a substantial amendment
to the PY2008 Action Plan to apply for ARRA funds through HUD (CDBG-R). The City
was awarded $64,584 and expended $24,550 to complete the construction of the 8
th
Street
Pedestrian Pathway. The Pathway project was completed in early August 2010, and the
City is considering other projects that may benefit from the remaining $40,000. If an
eligible project is identified, the City will submit another substantial amendment to the
PY2008 Action Plan.
2. Lessons Learned
Based on experiences in PY2009 the City will likely make the following changes in the
future:
• Using the Sub-Recipient Agreement to discuss roles and responsibilities:
During the 2009 Program Year, the CDBG Administrator worked with more sub-
recipients than in previous program years. The Administrator used the sub-recipient
agreement as an introduction to the roles and responsibilities for new or continuing
sub-recipients. The Administrator set up a time to meet individually with the
persons responsible for the implementation of the various CDBG projects carried
out by sub-recipients to discuss reporting requirements, documentation,
reimbursement plans, etc. The City does not execute sub-recipient agreements for
projects being managed by other City Departments; however, the new CDBG
Administrator is drafting a document to guide the roles and responsibilities of City
staff for projects managed internally. The City has seen its sub-recipients work
diligently during this past program year to comply with all the reporting and
documentation requirements. The sub-recipients have become invaluable partners
in carrying out the work of utilizing these funds effectively.
• More frequent monitoring. An elevated level of communication between the
CDBG administrator and sub-recipients/project managers puts the City in a better
position to identify potential issues and address them before they become actual
issues. The City brought on a new program administrator this year, and a great deal
of time and effort went to orienting the new administrator about the CDBG
program, related regulations and requirements, existing processes, etc. Luckily, due
to the relatively small size of the program, the City was still able to maintain an
acceptable level of monitoring to keep most activities moving forward, avoid
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timeliness violations, and achieve program objectives. Based on comments received
by HUD staff during their on-site review, the City has established an updated on-site
monitoring plan for its sub-recipients. City staff anticipates implementing this new
plan during Program Year 2010.
• Improve public involvement. The City would like to receive more input from the
public in shaping the CDBG program. In the future the City will continue exploring
new avenues to broaden public involvement, especially among populations that can
benefit the most from CDBG activities.
• Improve internal coordination. During HUD’s annual audit of the city this year,
HUD noted that the internal coordination for projects managed by the City could be
improved. The City has several CDBG projects that are managed internally by
various city staff in various departments, and the City does not execute subrecipient
agreements with internal departments. Because of this, the CDBG Administrator
has drafted a document outlining the roles and responsibilities of an internal project
manager of a CDBG project. This document seeks to clarify the roles and
responsibilities of the Project Manager, the CDBG Administrator, and individuals in
the Finance Department for internally managed projects.
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ASSESSMENT OF ANNUAL PROGRESS
1. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
The City of Meridian’s Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI) identifies variables
that can act as barriers to housing choice. Among the barriers identified in the AI were a
lack of understanding of the requirements of the Fair Housing Act, a need for vouchers
under the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, limited income and high housing costs,
and lack of understanding about housing accessibility requirements under the Americans
with Disabilities Act.
Meridian acted primarily to address the lack of understanding of fair housing issues
within the community. The City continued disbursing the Community Resource Guide,
which was prepared and printed with CDBG funds in PY2007. The Guide directs
residents to available services throughout the community and region, including fair
housing counseling and related service providers. Fair Housing information is available
on the City’s website, and the City participates in the Idaho Fair Housing Forum which is
a “community of stakeholders dedicated to open and respectful discussion of issues
impacting housing consumers, providers and advocates.” The group meets throughout the
year to discuss issues affecting not only the Treasure Valley, but the state as a whole.
The website (www.fairhousingforum.org) provides links to news, events, and other fair
housing information.
2. Affordable Housing
In the 2009 Program Year the City partnered with Boise City/Ada County Housing
Authority (BCACHA) to address affordable housing issues. The City allocated
$35,000.00 in CDBG funds to BCACHA for homeownership assistance. BCACHA
provided down payment, closing cost, and principle buy down assistance to low income
buyers identified through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Housing Authority
successfully helped three buyers purchase homes. The Consolidated Plan identifies a
multi-year goal of five affordable housing units made available to LMI residents, and the
City and BCACHA, to date, has assisted six households purchase homes. In addition, all
three units purchased this year are considered affordable as defined in 24 CFR 92.254,
and all three buyers are very low income earners (less than 50% of area median income).
The City partners with El Ada Community Action Partnership to provide utility bill
assistance through the Meridian Cares Program. Funded with City enterprise
revenues(not CDBG), Meridian Cares allows residents living at or below the poverty
limit to receive up to $70.00 per year to pay City utility bills (water, sewer, and trash).
The program does not differentiate between owners and renters; low-income renters are
absolutely (although not exclusively) eligible. The program avoids service interruptions
that would otherwise make a housing unit substandard (no water, for example).
The City reallocated unused funds from PY2007 for ADA upgrades in the Meridian
Community Center during the 2008 Program Year. The plans have been completed and
the project will begin construction in January 2011.
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3. Continuum of Care
The City of Boise has taken the lead on outlining an inclusive process to establish and
implement a continuum of care strategy for Ada County. The City of Meridian will be
actively involved in this process once initiated. In the meantime, Idaho Housing and
Finance Association (IHFA) administers HUD Emergency Shelter and Supportive
Housing Grant funds that benefit local homeless individuals and providers. Meridian does
not have a substantial homeless population and as such does not currently have any
housing facilities to administer services to this population. The City maintains contact
with El-Ada Community Action Partnership, Neighborhood Housing Services,
BCACHA, IHFA, and others interested in homeless and special needs populations and
contributes to the dialogue as opportunities arise.
Meridian does not administer any programs for individuals with HIV/AIDS. The Idaho
Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) contracts with HOPWA service providers
throughout the State to facilitate affordable housing for persons with HIV/AIDS and their
families. BCACHA is the HOPWA provider serving Meridian. BCACHA’s
administration of HOPWA funds is undertaken in accordance with IHFA’s HOPWA
policies, which are designed to provide resources and incentives to devise long-term
comprehensive strategies for meeting the housing needs of persons with HIV/AIDS. The
City is working to better understand their overall goals and objectives and the role
Meridian can play.
The total Continuum of Care Funding for Ada County is $959,607. There are seven
projects and three applicant agencies funded, and they are as follows:
1. Boise Cares – Boise City Housing Authority $64,514
2. Landmark Project – Boise City Housing Authority $7,696
3. WCA Transitional Housing – Women’s and Children’s Alliance $113,450
4. Threshold Crossing -Boise City Housing Authority $18,410
5. Coordinated Housing Options and Individualized Services – Ada County housing
Authority $541,169
6. Permanent Housing Bonus – Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships
$39,144
7. Shelter Plus Care – Ada County Housing Authority $175,224
4. Other Actions in Strategic Plan/Action Plan:
a. Address obstacles to meeting underserved needs.
The primary obstacle in Meridian to meeting underserved needs is identification
of those needs. Data is available at the state and county level, but there is little
information about needs within Meridian. The City is eager to work with
BCACHA, IHFA, and others interested in meeting underserved needs to develop
an approach to data refinement toward the end of developing an area wide plan.
Unfortunately, a great deal of time in PY2009 was devoted to (1) managing and
monitoring activities already in process, (2) training and bringing the another new
CDBG administrator up to speed on other HUD requirements, regulations, etc.,
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and (3) preparing for next program year. As the administrator builds a
foundational understanding of the CDBG program the City will have additional
time to devote to this sort of undertaking. Again, in the meantime, the City is
involved in the regional dialogue and contributes as opportunities arise.
b. Foster and maintain affordable housing.
Please see “Affordable Housing” above.
c. Eliminate barriers to affordable housing.
Page 43 of the Consolidated Plan states that “After thorough evaluation and
consideration of the elements of the 2006 [Meridian Comprehensive Plan], no
specific barriers to affordable housing, controlled by the City were identified.
These considerations were relative to local tax policies, land use controls, zoning
ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limits, and policies that
affect the return on residential investment.” The City is now going through the
process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, and the CDBG Administrator and
the Comprehensive Planning Manager have convened a group of local experts to
review the City’s housing goals, objectives, and actions items in the
Comprehensive Plan. This Housing Sub-Committee will be making
recommendations to revise and update these goals and objectives in coordination
with an understanding of the City’s Consolidated Plan.
Barriers identified in the Consolidated Plan that are outside of the City’s control
include high cost of land (which increases with demand for housing units), cost of
building materials and supplies, labor costs, escalating County tax assessments,
and high transportation costs. With the exception of transportation, the cost of
each of these elements has moderated or receded in the last year.
On the ground, the primary barrier to affordable housing is adequate capital to
purchase a home. The City’s partnership with and CDBG assistance to BCACHA
seeks to address this barrier.
d. Overcome gaps in institutional structure and enhance coordination.
The City continuously seeks to enhance coordination and overcome gaps in
institutional structure. The new CDBG administrator spent considerable time
becoming familiar with the program and many partners who work toward the
same or similar goals. Participation in the continuum of care, attendance at IHFA
and related events, and participation in regional coalitions and associations to
forward program objectives all work toward the end of enhancing coordination.
Internally, the City continues to become more familiar with the CDBG program.
Department Directors are showing more interest in the program and its possible
application within their areas of focus, and potential new activity ideas are
suggested regularly. Staff continues to establish standard operating procedures
and guiding documents to monitor the program, track financials, ensure
compliance, and address program requirements in a timely manner.
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e. Improve public housing and resident initiatives.
The City does not provide these services, but it continues to support BCACHA
and other providers in improving public housing.
f. Evaluate and reduce lead based paint hazards.
The City has available on its website information to increase awareness and begin
addressing the issues surrounding lead based paint hazards.
g. Ensure compliance with program and comprehensive planning requirements.
Staff continues to establish standard operating procedures and documents to guide
the program, track financials, ensure compliance, and address program
requirements in a timely manner. The CDBG administrator communicates
regularly with CPD staff to stay on top of requirements related to the CDBG
program and is unaware of any major missteps over the 2009 Program Year. The
City also understands that this is a very large and multifaceted program, and will
continue working to understand its many nuances and address the related
requirements that it entails.
h. Reduce the number of persons living below the poverty level.
The City focuses primarily on job creation and availability of educational
opportunity to reduce the number of persons living below the poverty level. For
example, the City, through its Economic Development Administrator, works to
recruit new employers and encourage business expansion within in Meridian.
One example is the “Core” which is a healthcare, education, and technology
enterprise zone east of Downtown. The Core capitalizes on the success of
complimentary businesses and services that are already present in the area.
Examples include St. Luke’s Hospital, Idaho State University, Meridian Joint
School District No. 2, MWI Veterinary Supply, Crucial/Lexar Media, and others.
The City has successfully facilitated the creation/recruitment of hundreds of jobs
over the last few years by highlighting this emerging industry cluster in Meridian.
These new jobs and educational opportunities are available for the entire area,
including residents currently living in poverty. The economic downturn has had a
dramatic impact on the region as a whole, but the City continues to do what it can
to reduce the number of people living in poverty.
5. Leveraging Resources
During Program Year 2009, the City was unable to leverage additional resources. The
originally planned façade improvement program, in coordination with the Meridian
Development Corporation (MDC), the City’s Urban Renewal Agency, failed to proceed
as planned. It was originally anticipated to leverage approximately $50,000 in private
funds. Despite this setback, the City looks forward to working with MDC to identify
projects where private resources can be leveraged and economic development goals can
be achieved.
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6. Citizen Comments
In addition to the requirements of the Citizen Participation Plan (which is included in the
Consolidated Plan), the City took steps to broaden public participation this program year.
To get word out about the program and what it seeks to achieve, and discuss possible
projects and activities, staff met with several non-profit entities throughout the
community. In preparation for the PY2010 Action Plan, staff sought the input of the
City’s Department Directors on May 3, 2010 to determine possible projects. In addition,
staff held a public meeting on May 26, 2010 for local non-profits to learn about the
CDBG Program and to solicit potential project ideas. Throughout the coming Program
Year, the CDBG Administrator will work to increase public awareness of the CDBG
Program both to beneficiaries of the program and to possible sub-recipients. This can be
accomplished by improving the information available on the City’s Community
Development webpage, as well as, participating in the “This Week in Meridian” videos.
These brief videos are posted weekly on the City’s main webpage and highlight things
happening in the City during the week.
The City did not receive any comments on the subject report during the public hearing
process.
7. Self Evaluation
The City is on to its fourth CDBG Administrator in as many years. As such, a substantial
amount of time and effort went to bringing the new administrator up to speed on
activities in-process, regulations and requirements related to the program, the City’s
approach to implementing CDBG activities, and the program in general. The previous
administrator developed standard operating procedures and refined financial tracking
mechanisms with other departments and City staff. These procedures, processes, and
instruments helped guide the program with a new administrator who started in August
2010. This management guide provided continuity for the new administrator and enabled
the new administrator to get up speed on the processes and practices of the City’s CDBG
Program.
The PY2009 Action Plan states the following priorities and related outcomes. An update
of progress/success in achieving each anticipated outcome is included.
Priority 1: Community Improvement
Anticipated Outcomes:
1. Centennial Park: Install playground equipment and other park
amenities.
This project was completed on time (September 30, 2010) and on budget. The
citizens are already enjoying the amenities and enhancements to this City
park.
2. Five Mile Creek Pathway: Begin construction of segment H.1.
As identified earlier, while this project did not expend any PY2009 funds it is
advancing. The City has conducted public meetings to gather input from
surrounding property owners and to help determine an appropriate final
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alignment. The environmental documentation is currently being reviewed by
HUD. The City anticipates construction to begin in 2011.
3. Public Services: Engage in public service activities with non-profit service
providers to promote the health, safety, and welfare for LMI residents.
The City made great advances regarding this anticipated outcome. The City
worked with the Meridian Senior Center to offer art classes and free health
related screenings for elderly individuals. The Meridian Boys & Girls Club
began a transportation/bussing program that enabled children from LMI
households to attend the valuable after school programs offered by the Boys &
Girls Club at their location in downtown Meridian. In addition, the Meridian
Food Bank provided food to over 29,000 persons who were in need from their
location in the LMI area.
Priority 2: Economic Development
Anticipated Outcomes:
1. Partner with the Meridian Development Corporation to complete one
façade improvement project to address slum and blight in the Urban
Renewal Area.
As discussed earlier, this project did not advance as originally planned and
anticipated. The City will continue to work with the Meridian Development
Corporation to identify projects that will reduce slum and blight and meet the
economic development goals of both MDC and the City. Due to this project
not advancing, the City will be proposing an amendment to the PY2009
Action Plan and request a reallocation of the $40,000 originally allocated to
this project.
Priority 3: Affordable Housing
Anticipated Outcomes:
1. Partner with Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority to provide
affordable housing opportunities.
During PY2009, BCACHA provided down payment and closing cost
assistance to three LMI families using CDBG funds.
2. One Fair Housing awareness activity.
It is not clear if this outcome anticipates City staff attendance at a fair housing
activity, or that the City will sponsor a fair housing activity. Staff attended the
2010 Idaho Conference on Fair Housing, and the City believes this achieves
the stated outcome.
3. Increase awareness of affordable homeownership opportunities and
programs.
The City continued distributing the Community Resource Guide. It is difficult
to estimate how many copies were dispersed to area residents; the Resources
Guide is available on the City’s website. In addition, printed copies are
available to residents at the City Clerk’s Office, the Meridian Library, and the
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Meridian Senior Center. The guide includes a housing section that directs
residents to affordable homeownership resources. However, the City has no
tracking mechanisms in place to determine how many residents’ awareness of
affordable homeownership opportunities was increased as a result.
Explanation: Lack of adequate tracking capabilities. In the future the City
will propose activity-based outcomes that are (1) quantifiable, (2) directly
related to proposed CDBG expenditures, and (3) trackable.
Due to the broad range of goals and objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan relative
to resources available for its implementation, the City was not able to address each
specific objective in the Consolidated Plan during the 2009 Program Year. All
expenditures did, however, achieve outcomes and address goals outlined in the City’s
Consolidated Plan. The City is confident that it will, over the next two program years,
achieve the multi-year objectives to a satisfactory degree. Additional information
regarding the City’s progress toward achieving multi-year objectives is available in Joint
Table 1C, 2C, and 3A in the Appendix.
Clearly, the City could benefit by better aligning quantifiable outcomes with action plan
objectives and proposed expenditures, and establishing procedures for measuring success
in achieving stated outcomes. HUD has a wealth of information available to assist local
jurisdictions in this regard (“Promising Practices in Grantee Performance Measurement,”
for example) and the City will use this guidance to refine its practices in future program
years.
Implementation of the CDBG Program to date has been somewhat disjointed. An outside
consultant prepared the Consolidated Plan and four different Program administrators have
since managed its implementation. As discussed previously, development of SOPs and
related internal documents will allow the City to maintain a higher degree of program
continuity. The City, with much help from CPD staff, is increasing its familiarity with
the CDBG program and looks forward to establishing, refining, and improving its
processes in the future.
8. Monitoring
The City used a variety of techniques to monitor subrecipients and review for
compliance. Expectations were outlined in sub-recipient agreements, tailored specifically
to each activity and sub-recipient entity. Through phone conversations, written
correspondence, desk monitoring, and on-site monitoring visits, staff reviewed sub-
recipients’ progress toward meeting the program’s financial, production, and overall
management requirements. Recently the CDBG Administrator has established a new
monitoring process that will guide the actions of the administrator in future program
years.
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The City is encouraged by the overall status of the CDBG program. Proposed activities
are yielding successful results, and the City is making progress toward Consolidated Plan
goals and objectives as described herein. The City is timely in expenditure of CDBG
funds as confirmed in Appendix 2.e. The City does not use letter of credit disbursement
and instead funds the program on a reimbursement basis (i.e. the money is spent by the
time the City submits a draw down request to HUD).
PROGRAM NARRATIVES
1. Assessment of Relationship of CDBG Funds to Goals and Objectives
An assessment of the relationship of CDBG funds to goals and objectives is presented
under “Three – Five Year Goals and Objectives” on pages 6-7, and “Self Evaluation” on
pages 13-15.
2. Changes in Program Objectives
The City is not proposing any changes to program objectives at this time.
3. Assessment of Efforts in Carrying Out Planned Actions
As noted throughout this report, the City pursued the resources indicated in the
Consolidated Plan to the greatest extent possible. The City provided all required
certifications in the relevant plans and documents, all of which were (1) subject to the
City’s Citizen Participation Plan as outlined in the Consolidated Plan, and (2) executed
by the City’s chief executive officer Mayor Tammy de Weerd. The City did not hinder
Consolidated Plan implementation by action or willful inaction.
4. Use of CDBG Funds for National Objectives
As outlined in Table 2, the majority of funds allocated and expended in PY2009 met the
LMI national objective. Funds allocated to the administration of the program are an
exception, as well as, the funds allocated to the façade improvement project which was
anticipated to address the slum & blight national objective.
5. Anti-displacement and Relocation – for activities that involve acquisition,
rehabilitation or demolition of occupied real property:
No activities in PY2009 involved acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition of occupied
real property.
6. Low/Mod Job Activities
No activities were undertaken in PY2009 related to low/mod job creation.
7. Program Income Received
No activities in PY2009 generated program income.
8. Prior Period Adjustments
N/A
9. Loans and Other Receivables
N/A
10. Lump Sum Agreements
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N/A
11. Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies
N/A
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APPENDICES
1. Tables
a. Joint Table 1C, 2C, and 3A – Summary of Specific/Annual Objectives
b. Table 2A – Priority Housing Needs/Investment Plan Table
c. Table 2B – Priority Community Development Needs
d. Table 3B – Annual Affordable Housing Completion Goals
2. Reports
a. Summary of Activities (PR03)
b. Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects for Report Year 2009 (PR06)
c. Summary of Accomplishments Report (PR 23)
d. Financial Summary Report (PR26)
e. Timeliness Report (PR56)
f. Performance Measures Report (PR83)
g. Strategy Area, CDFI, and Local Target Area (PR84)
3. Legal Notices
a. Idaho Statesman
b. Valley Times
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Appendix 1.a
U.S. Department of Housing OMB Approval No. 2506-0117
and Urban Development (Exp. 4/30/2011)
Joint Table 1C, 2C, and 3A - Summary of Specific/Annual Objectives
Grantee Name: City of Meridian, Idaho
Note: Activities that were not proposed or advanced in PY2009 are included in gray font.
Availability/Accessibility of Decent Housing (DH-1)
Specific Objective Source of
Funds
Year Performance
Indicators
Expected
Number
Actual
Number
Percent
Completed
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
New affordable
housing units.
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
%
DH
1.1
Support the
development of new
affordable housing.
CDBG/
Other/
Private
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 1 0 0 %
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Sites/lots
acquired,
demolished,
and/or cleared.
1
0
0
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Sustainability of Decent Housing (DH-3)
Specific Objective Source of
Funds
Year Performance
Indicators
Expected
Number
Actual
Number
Percent
Completed
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Activities. 1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
100 %
200 %
100 %
%
%
DH
3.1
Participate on boards and
committees and cooperate
with other entities to
promote fair and
affordable housing.
CDBG/
Other
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 5 4 80 %
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Individuals
educated.
20
20
20
20
20
100
?
?
500 %
0 %
%
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Availability/Accessibility of Economic Opportunity (EO-1)
Specific Objective Source of
Funds
Year Performance
Indicators
Expected
Number
Actual
Number
Percent
Completed
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Businesses
recruited to/
expanded in
URA/LMI area.
0
0
3
3
4
0
2
N/A
N/A
%
%
%
EO
1.1
Increase access to services
and jobs in LMI area
through business
recruitment/location/
expansion in URA.
CDBG/
Other
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 10 2 20 %
Affordability of Economic Opportunity (EO-2)
EO
2.1
N/A
MULTI-YEAR GOAL
Sustainability of Economic Opportunity (EO-3)
Specific Objective Source of
Funds
Year Performance
Indicators
Expected
Number
Actual
Number
Percent
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Appendix 1.b
Table 2A
Priority Housing Needs/Investment Plan Table
PRIORITY HOUSING NEEDS
(households)
Priority
Unmet Need
0-30% 75%
31-50% 85.3%
Small Related
51-80% 34.5%
0-30% 100%
31-50% 82.6%
Large Related
51-80% 75%
0-30% 44.4%
31-50% 100%
Elderly
51-80% 46.2%
0-30% 87.5%
31-50% 100%
Renter
All Other
51-80% 34.6%
0-30% 80.8%
31-50% 20/9%
Small Related
51-80% 34.5%
0-30% 100%
31-50% 68.8%
Large Related
51-80% 69.1%
0-30% 61.5%
31-50% 20.9%
Elderly
51-80% 25.5%
0-30% 75.0%
31-50% 72.1%
Owner
All Other
51-80% 76.7%
Elderly 0-80% 56.5%
Frail Elderly 0-80% unknown
Severe Mental Illness 0-80% unknown
Physical Disability 0-80% unknown
Developmental Disability 0-80% unknown
Alcohol/Drug Abuse 0-80% unknown
HIV/AIDS 0-80% unknown
Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Victims of Domestic Violence 0-80% unknown
Source: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Data as referenced in 2007 – 2011 Consolidated Plan.
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Appendix 1.c
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Appendix 1.d
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Appendix 2.a: Summary of Activities (PR03)
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Appendix 2.b: Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects for Report Year 2009 (PR06)
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Appendix 2.c: Summary of Accomplishments Report (PR23)
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Appendix 2.d: Financial Summary Report (PR26)
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Appendix 2.e: Timeliness Report (PR56)
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Appendix 2.f: Performance Measures Report (PR83)
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Appendix 2.g: Strategy Area, CDFI, and Local Target Area (PR84)
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Appendix 3.a: Legal Notice, Idaho Statesman
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Appendix 3.b: Legal Notice, Valley Times
Completed
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Revitalization
and/or façade
improvement
activities.
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0 %
N/A
%
%
%
EO
3.1
Support the efforts of
Meridian Development
Corporation to implement
the Urban Renewal Area
Plan in revitalizing
downtown.
CDBG
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 4 0 0 %
Neighborhood Revitalization (NR-1)
NR
1.1
N/A
MULTI-YEAR GOAL
Other (0-1)
0
1.1
N/A
MULTI-YEAR GOAL
%
%
DH
3.2
Collect and disburse
information about the
dangers of lead based
paint.
CDBG/
Other
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 100 100 100 %
Availability/Accessibility of Suitable Living Environment (SL-1)
Specific Objective Source of
Funds
Year Performance
Indicators
Expected
Number
Actual
Number
Percent
Completed
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Public facility
activities.
1
1
1
1
1
0
2
1
0 %
200 %
100%
%
%
SL
1.1
Invest in public facility
projects that help create a
suitable living environment
in LMI neighborhoods.
CDBG
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 5 3 60 %
Affordability of Suitable Living Environment (SL-2)
SL
2.1
N/A
MULTI-YEAR GOAL
Sustainability of Suitable Living Environment (SL-3)
Specific Objective Source of
Funds
Year Performance
Indicators
Expected
Number
Actual
Number
Percent
Completed
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Code
Enforcement
cases/activities.
2
2
2
2
2
60
0
81
3,000 %
0 %
405%
%
%
SL
3.1
Reduce deterioration of
LMI area around
Downtown through Code
Enforcement activities.
CDBG
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 10 141 1,410 %
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Activities
conducted.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
100 %
100 %
%
%
%
SL
3.2
Organize neighborhood
clean-up activities in the
LMI area.
CDBG/
Other
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 5 2 40 %
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Residents
assisted.
5
5
5
5
5
0
13,223
29,673
0 %
264,460 %
593,46 0%
%
%
SL
3.3
Support public service
activities that benefit
presumed and documented
LMI residents on both an
area and clientele basis.
CDBG
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 25 42,896 171,584
%
0
0
0
0
0 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
DH
1.2
Acquire, demolish,
and/or clear property
for new affordable
housing.
CDBG/
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 1 0 0 %
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
New affordable
housing units.
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
%
DH
1.3
As available, acquire
and sell a Dollar HUD
Home as affordable
housing.
CDBG/
Other/
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 1 0 0 %
Affordability of Decent Housing (DH-2)
Specific Objective Source of
Funds
Year Performance
Indicators
Expected
Number
Actual
Number
Percent
Completed
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Task Force
established.
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
100 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
DH
2.1
Create an Affordable
Housing Task Force to
advise the City on
affordable housing
issues.
CDBG/
Other/
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 1 1 100 %
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Affordable units
purchased
(homeowners
assisted).
0
1
1
1
2
0
4
3
N/A
400 %
300 %
%
%
DH
2.2
Expand
homeownership
opportunities for low-
moderate income
individuals and
families.
CDBG/
Other
MULTI-YEAR GOAL 5 7 140 %
DH
2.3
Design, print, and
disseminate
Community Resource
Guide to provide
CDBG 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Residents/
Resource Guide
recipients.
150
0
0
0
0
500
100
333 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A