March 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes

Porter County Coalition for Affordable Housing
Tuesday, March 9 ,2010
United Way of Porter County

Present: Madge Whickar (United Way), Kathryn Seftsma (NCIRCC), Mary K. Isaacs (The Caring Place), Caroline Shook (Housing Opportunities), Linda Stack (Horizon Bank), Cherie Davich (HealthLinc), Janet Stewart (Spring Valley Shelter), Erin Miller (Spring Valley Shelter), Darrell Franklin (Spring Valley Shelter), Jim Drader (New Creations), Karen Gilmore (Porter-Starke Services), Tom Isakson (New Creations), Brenda Sheetz (Porter County Community Foundation), Bill Oeding (City of Valparaiso), Bob Franko (Porter-Starke Services/Housing Opportunities).

Mr. Oeding gave a presentation on the City of Valparaiso's new Rental Registration program. He estimates that there are 6,000-7,000 people living in over 5,000 rental units within the city. In recent years the City has learned of several issues where people are living in substandard conditions which may be unsafe for the resident, and unsafe for first-responders who may need to access the property. Also, there are a number of units that it is unclear as to who actually owns the property. Therefore, the City is anticipating moving forward with the program that will require a rental unit to be registered with the City (including an one-time $10 registration fee per unit) that lists the basic ownership information, and then be subject to an inspection once every 3-5 years ($25 per inspection/unit). The inspections will only look at basic safety components such as an intact roof, hot water availability, heat availability and electrical service. Mr. Oeding said that group homes already under inspection by the Fire Commissioner due to state standards are waived from this program. Mr. Oeding requested that if the PCCAH is supportive of this program to send a letter of support to his office. (Late entry - a letter on behalf of the Coalition supporting the City's efforts was sent to Mr. Oeding later that week).

Bob Franko gave a brief update on the progress of the Christian Community Action/Housing Opportunities/Porter-Starke Services collaboration on assisting with the Spring Valley Shelter, and the future of the Shelter.

Kathryn Seftsma gave an update on NCIRCC's efforts in Jasper County.

Tom Isakson reported on the status of New Creation Business Adovates and the ongoing collaboration with the churches who provide shelter for men. He thanked Housing Opportunities for its work with the HPRP program and discussed how it has benefited New Creation.

Madge Whickar said the United Way will be receiving a donation of a number of computers that can be given to local agencies to assist with seniors.

Next meeting: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. at the United Way of Porter County.