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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/17/1979TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1979 THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, MET IN SPECIAL SESSION AT THE COURTHOUSE, VERO BEACH, FLORIDA, ON TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1979, AT 7:30 O'CLOCK P.M. PRESENT WERE WILLIAM C. WODTKE, JR., CHAIRMAN; ALMA LEE Loy, VICE CHAIRMAN; WILLARD W. SIEBERT, JR.; R. DON DEESON; AND PATRICK B. LYONS. ALSO PRESENT WERE WILLIAM W. CALDWELL, ACTING AS ATTORNEY TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN THE ABSENCE OF GEORGE G. COLLINS, JR.; AND VIRGINIA HARGREAVES, DEPUTY CLERK. THE CHAIRMAN CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCED THAT IT IS BEING HELD SPECIFICALLY TO DECIDE UPON THE NEED FOR A HOUSING AUTHORITY. THE HOUR OF 7:30 O'CLOCK P.M. HAVING PASSED, THE DEPUTY CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING NOTICE WITH PROOF OF PUBLICATION ATTACHED, TO -WIT: VERO BEACH PRESS -JOURNAL Published Weekly Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida COUNTY OF INDIAN RIVER: STATE OF FLORIDA Before the undersigned authority personally appeared J. J. Schumann, Jr, who on oath says that he is Business Manager of the Vero Beach Press -Journal, a weekly newspaper published at Vero Beach in Indian River County, Florida; that the attached copy of advertisement, being a r r the matter of r' in the lished in said newspaper in the issues of k, Court, was pub- Affiant further says that the said Vero Beach Press -Journal is a newspaper published at Vero Beach, in said Indian River County, and that the said newspaper has heretofore been continuously published in said Indian River County, Florida, weekly and has been entered as second class mail matter at the post office in Vero Beach, in said Indian River County, Florida for a period of one year next preceeding the first publication of the attached copy of adver- tisement; and affiant further says that he has neither paid nor promised any person, firm or corporation any discount, rebate, commission or refund for the purpose of securing this adver- tisement for publication in the said newspaper. Sworn to and subscribed before me this _day of _�C/ A. D. (Pusiness Manager) (Clerk of the Circuit Court, InAal River County, Florida) (SEAL) NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN thatthe Board f County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on the 17th day of July, 1979, in the County Commission Chambers in the Indian River County Courthouse to consider the adoption of a resolution declaring a need for a housing authority created under Florida Statute 421 and to transact such other matters as the commission deems appropriate regarding Chapter 421, Florida Statutes. Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida By: -s -William C. Wodtke Jr., Chairman July 11, 1979. BOOK 41 PAGE 142 J U L 17 197 . BOOK 41 PAGE 143 THE CHAIRMAN REVIEWED THE BACKGROUND OF THE STEPS TAKEN LEADING UP TO THIS MEETING TONIGHT, SPEAKING OF THE HOUSING STUDY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THEIR RECOMMENDATION FOR THE CREATION OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE MEETING HELD WITH OUR LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, AND THE SPECIAL ACT PASSED, EFFECTIVE AS OF JULY 1ST, WHICH WOULD GIVE THE COUNTY ADDITIONAL CONTROLS OVER A HOUSING AUTHORITY. HE ASKED ATTORNEY CALDWELL TO REVIEW CHAPTER 421 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES AND EXPLAIN THE SPECIAL ACT PASSED AND ITS STIPULATIONS. ATTORNEY CALDWELL EXPLAINED THAT ORDINARILY HOUSING AUTHORITIES CREATED UNDER CHAPTER 421 ARE AUTONOMOUS. THE COUNTY COMMISSION APPAR- ENTLY WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR AUTONOMOUS NATURE AND HAD A SPECIAL ACT T PASSED WHICH REQUIRES THAT PRIOR TO ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION BEING BUILT IN THE COUNTY UNDER A HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE NEW PROJECT HAS TO COME TO THE COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL, AND IF IT DID NOT OBTAIN A MAJORITY VOTE, THEN AT THE DISCRETION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, IT WOULD BE PUT TO A REFERENDUM ELECTION, IN SUCH PRECINCTS WHERE SUCH PROJECT WAS TO BE BUILT. ALSO ALL HOUSING PROJECTS MUST COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS AND CODES OF THE COUNTY. A COPY OF THE SPECIAL ACT FOR INDIAN RIVER COUNTY I -S HEREBY MADE A PART OF THE MINUTES. 1 2 3 4 �5 6 7 8 9 10', 11 12 13 14, 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 124-110-2-9 A bill to be entitled An act relating to Indian River County; establishing limitations on any public housing authority created within Indian River County under chapter 421, Florida StatVt�es; requiring approval by a majority of the,'- ©"trerning body of the area where the housing ') oject is to be located after a noticed`,�uj'b1ic hearing prior to ``11- the housing author i:t..�Ncquiring, constructing, contracting to cUrtttruct, purchasing, leasing, renting, oper.A`i:tfg, insuring or committing to the acquisition, construction, contract to construct, purchase, lease, rental or operation of any housing project involving new construction only; providing for disclosure of interested parties; providing for a referendum election upon request if the housing project is not approved by the governing body at the public hearing; requiring pompliance with Indian Rivcr County building and zoning regulations; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Any housing authority created within Indian River County under chapter 421,* Florida Statutes, shall acquire, construct, contract- to construct, purchase,. lease, rent, operate, insure or commit to the acquisition, construction, contract for construction, purchase, lease, rental or operation of any housing project involving new construction only upon the approval thereof by a majority vote 1 : I) t_(: 1.5 1.5/J. 1.5/3 1. 5 / � 1 . 5/6 1.5/3 l:enc' 1.5/;3 I CODING: Words in e.trucL' iLrougit type are Metions from existing low; word; un-dcrlinr,d.arc additions. �oaK 41 PACE 144 JUL 171979 J U L 17 197941 T,,, .: 124-110-2-9 1 of the governing -body of the area wh ere the housing project iS 1.`_/l:' 2 to be located, which vote shall be taken at a public hearing 3 which has been advertised by publi.-hing a notice thereof in a 1.5/1': 4 newspaper in general circulation in the area once only -at 5 least 15 days prior to said hearing, by posting a notice of 1.5/14 6 such proposed project in a conspicuous location on the site. of 7 the proposed project, and by mailing a copy of such notice to 1.5/1", 8 all adjacent property owners within 300 feet of the proposed 9 project no less than 10 days nor more than 15 days prior to 1.5/16 10 such hearing. At such public hearing the names of the real 11 part-ies in interest, directly or indirectly, in the proposed 12 project shall be disclosed. 1.5/13 13 Section 2. In the event such housing project is not 1.5/13 14 approved by a majority vote of the governing body at such 1.5/19 15 public hearing, then upon request of the housing authority at 16 said public hearing, the governing body shall order a 1.5/20 17 referendum election of the registered voters in the precinct 18 or precincts wherein the proposed housing project is to be 19 located. Approval of a majority of those voting in such 20 election shall constitute approval of such housing project. 21 Section 3. The cost of such public hearings and 1.5/2.'. 22 referendum elections shall be.borne by -the housing authority. 23 Section 4. All housing projects of an authority shall 1.5/24 24 be subject to the planning, zoning, sanitary and building 25 laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to the locality 1.5/25 26 in which the housing project is situated. 21 Section 5. 'Phis act shall take effect July 1, 1979. 1 1.5/27 28 29 30 31 2 CODING: words in .truck th►uugl► type arc deletions from existing low; words undcrlincd..orc additions. CHAIRMAN WODTKE INFORMED THOSE PRESENT THAT EVERYONE WOULD BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK, AND ASKED THAT THOSE WITH A WRITTEN OR PREPARED STATEMENT SPEAK FIRST. JOSEPH STEINITZ, PROPERTY OWNER IN THE 6TH AVENUE AREA, SPOKE OF HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE FIELD OF PUBLIC HOUSING, REFERRING TO THE HOUSING PROJECT IN ST. LOUIS WHICH HAD TO BE DEMOLISHED BECAUSE IT WAS MADE A SHAMBLES BY ITS OCCUPANTS, AND TO A HOUSING PROJECT IN NEWARK, N.J., WHICH WAS BOARDED UP AND OUT OF SERVICE AFTER 25 YEARS. HE STATED THE DETERIORATION WAS CAUSED BY THE TOTAL DISREGARD OF THE OCCUPANTS OF THIS TYPE OF HOUSING FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S PROPERTY. MR. STEINITZ NOTED THAT CHAIRMAN WODTKE HAD VISITED A HOUSING AUTHORITY IN OUR AREA AND FOUND IT VERY UNSATISFACTORY, AND HE FELT THE SAME THING WILL HAPPEN HERE. HE QUOTED MR. PALMERS STATEMENT AT A PREVIOUS MEETING THAT 'THERE HAS TO BE A PRACTICAL LIMIT TO COMPASSION," AND FELT THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THESE PROJECTS WHO WILL MAKE NO EFFORT TO HELP THEMSELVES, WHICH RESULTS IN THE "RAPE" OF THE TAX- PAYER. MR. STEINITZ FELT THOSE WHO ARE TRULY UNFORTUNATE AND WORTHY OF COMPASSION ARE FEW IN NUMBER AND CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF WITHOUT A PUBLIC PROJECT. HE WENT ON TO SPEAK OF PROGRAMS THAT ARE ALREADY AVAIL- ABLE TO HELP THOSE WHO OWN THEIR OWN HOUSES AND TALKED ABOUT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE. MR. STEINITZ GAVE ST. FRANCIS MANOR AS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE CAN DO AND WAS OF THE OPINION THAT WHEN THE UTILITY SITUATION IS CORRECTED, MORE RENTAL UNITS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE AND THE PROBLEM WILL CORRECT ITSELF. MR. STEINITZ THEN SPOKE OF THE PROBLEM LANDLORDS WHO WILL DO NOTHING TO BETTER THE HOVELS THEY RENT AND TALKED ABOUT FORCING THESE LANDLORDS TO BRING THEIR HOUSING UP TO CODE OR DESTROYING IT. HE STATED THAT A HOUSING AUTHORITY IS AN EXAMPLE OF SOCIALISM, AND OFFERS MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRAUD AND URGED THAT THE COMMISSION REJECT THE FORMATION OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY. LOMAX GWATHMEY READ TO THOSE PRESENT THE FOLLOWING LETTER FROM THE VERO BEACH CIVIC ASSOCIATION, WHICH HE REQUESTED BE MADE A PART OF THE MINUTES: coax 1 pnUt 146 JUL 171979 5 J JUL 171979 VERO BEACH CIVIC ASSN. P.O. Box 3381 Vero Beach, Fl. 32960 BOOK 41 PAGr 147 "The objectives and purposes shalt be to preserve, foster and promote the beauty, natural resources and good government of the City of Vero Beach and Indian River County. " July 16, 1979 The Honorable William Wodtke, Chairman and Members of the Board of County Commissioners Indian River County Court House Vero -Beach, Florida 32960 - Dear Mr. Wodtke and Members of the Board: Our Board of Directors recognizes the need for low cost housing in Indian River County, but also recognizes the inherent dangers attendant to any hurried action to implement same. We favor the formation of a County Housing Authority if the Board of County Commissioners feels there is a need for it and it is satisfied that adequate provisions have been made to assure local county control. At a local workshop session held this date we learned of a proposed_, Public Financing Authority for the County through a presentation for the Board of Commissioners made by representatives of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, H.U.D. and local advisory people. Since such an Authority would have an impact on any Public Housing Authority and since but two County Commissioners were in attendance at the workshop, we recommend any decision on either of these proposals be held in abeyance until the Board of County Commissioners has had ample opportu- nity to thoroughly study both, along with the impact of each upon the other. Sincerely yours, 1 Lc2'x Gwathmey, Vice Presiden and the Board of Directors Vero Beach Civic Association 11 ., FATHER ART BENDIXON OF THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE, DIOCESE OF ORLANDO, STATED THAT THEY HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THE CRITICAL HOUSING SITUATION IN THE GIFFORD AREA, AS WELL AS IN WABASSO. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS TAUGHT THAT EACH COMMUNITY MUST BE RESPONSIBLE TO MAKE DECENT HOUSING AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE, AND HE IS HERE TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF THE CREATION OF A LOCAL HOUSING AUTHORITY TO PROMOTE DECENT HOUSING FOR THOSE IN THE COUNTY WHO ARE OF A LOW INCOME. MS. OSSIE JACKSON, OF THE GIFFORD PROGRESSIVE CIVIC LEAGUE, SPOKE IN FAVOR OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY. SHE FELT WITH PROPER SUPERVISION SUCH A PROJECT CAN ENHANCE AND BEAUTIFY THE COMMUNITY, AND CITED AS AN EXAMPLE, A PROJECT IN BREVARD COUNTY. SHE INFORMED THE BOARD THAT THE APPLICANTS ARE CAREFULLY SCREENED AND THERE- FORE, THE MYTH OF ATTRACTING UNDESIRABLES IS UNFOUNDED. MS. JACKSON NOTED THAT POOR HOUSING BREEDS CRIME AND STATED THAT A HOUSING AUTHORITY, BY SUPPLYING ADEQUATE LOW RENT HOUSING, CAN HELP PRODUCE GOOD CITIZENS. FATHER RYAN OF ST. HELEN'S CHURCH READ INTO THE RECORD THE FOLLOWING LETTER: Booz 41 Fact, 148 JUL 17 1979 i T J U L 171979 *t Pe1En (f4urr4 2085 Talla4asscc'Abenne P.O. 'Box 2927 Vero Pcac4, 3FIloribn 32960 Mr. William Wodtke Board of County Commissioners Dear Bill: my 41 FACE 149 Trlcp4one 567-5129 July 6, 1979 Friday A VJ V i 60 co 4Z , s S �17r I would like to take this opportunity to urge your support for the great need that exists in Gifford, for decent, modern housing and an Authority to oversee its administration. This is a problem which, for too long, has been neglected and overlooked. I need not remind you of the position of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, for equality, justice and decency. The social teachings of the Church are quite definite in this regard. It would seem to me that in this county there is no need for these terrible conditions to exist when something can and should be done. With warmest regards and every good wish, I am Sincerely, A. e John Ryan Associate Pastor FATHER RYAN COMMENTED THAT ST. FRANCIS MANOR WAS FINANCED WITH GOVERNMENT FUNDS, BUT CHAIRMAN WODTKE INFORMED HIM THAT IT IS THE BOARDS UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE ARE NO FEDERAL FUNDS INVOLVED, AND THAT ST. FRANCIS MANOR IS SUPPORTED BY CONTRIBUTIONS. ROBERT RAMSDELL SPOKE AS AN INTERESTED TAXPAYER AND FELT THE STUDIES IN REGARD TO THE NEED FOR A HOUSING AUTHORITY HAVE GONE ON LONG ENOUGH. HE STATED THAT THE SUBSTANDARD HOUSING CONDITIONS IN THE COUNTY ARE WELL KNOWN, AND ALL THE SINCERE EFFORTS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM HAVE RESULTED IN NO CONCRETE ACTION. HE WISHED TO ADD HIS NAME TO THE LIST OF RESIDENTS WHO BELIEVE A HOUSING AUTHORITY IS THE FIRST AND MOST NECESSARY STEP IN SOLVING THIS PROBLEM. DEBORAH WALKER OF THE GIFFORD PROGRESSIVE CIVIC LEAGUE SPOKE IN FAVOR OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY NOTING THAT MANY CANNOT QUALIFY FOR A LOAN UNDER THE FHA SO2 HOUSING PROGRAM, AND SHE FURTHER FELT THAT MANY OF THE HOUSES ARE NOT WORTHY OF REHABILITATION AND SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED. BERNICE ,JOHNSON OF THE GIFFORD PROGRESSIVE CIVIC LEAGUE FELT THAT CREATING A HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD BENEFIT THE COUNTY AND HELP ALL CONCERNED. SHE SPOKE IN DETAIL OF THE TERRIBLE HOUSING CONDITIONS RE- VEALED IN A RECENT SURVEY OF THE GIFFORD AREA AND CONTINUED THAT A STUDY MADE IN PASCO COUNTY STATED THAT A HOUSING AUTHORITY HELPS BRING MONEY INTO THE COUNTY. SHIRLEY DOBSON SPOKE AS A CONCERNED CITIZEN OF GIFFORD AND ADVOCATED ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY TO GIVE THEM A START AND HELP BUILD BETTER CITIZENS. SHE STATED THAT THEY DID NOT WANT TO HAVE TO -LEAVE THIS COUNTY TO GET BETTER HOUSING AND DID NOT BELIEVE PRIVATE INDUSTRY CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM. RALPH LUNDY, PRESIDENT OF THE GIFFORD PROGRESSIVE CIVIC LEAGUE, PROCEEDED TO GIVE THE MANY REASONS THEY ENDORSE CREATION OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY, WHICH HE POINTED OUT HAVE BEEN PRESENTED AT MANY OTHER MEETINGS. SAFE AND SANITARY HOUSING WILL BE CREATED FOR CITIZENS WHO CANNOT NOW AFFORD IT; SLUM AREAS WHICH BREED CRIME AND DISEASE WILL BE GRADUALLY ELIMINATED; DOLLARS COME IN TO STIMULATE THE COUNTY THROUGH NEW CONSTRUCTION; ADDITIONAL MONEY WILL COME TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Boa 41 PACE 150 JUL i 71979 9 "r J U L 171979 a00K 41 pArx 151 THROUGH THE MANY AVENUES AVAILABLE TO A HOUSING AUTHORITY; AND A HOUSING AUTHORITY OPERATED BY A DEDICATED EFFICIENT STAFF WOULD NOT BE TIED DOWN POLITICALLY OR COMMITTED TO ANY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP. MR. LUNDY AGREED THAT THE BOARD HAS EVIDENCED CONCERN ABOUT THE HOUSING PROBLEMS, BUT FELT THEIR PRESENT PLANS WOULD NOT BE EFFECTIVE IN SOLVING THE PROBLEMS OF THE VERY LOW INCOME FAMILIES - THE HANDICAPPED - THE ELDERLY, ETC. HE STATED THAT A HOUSING AUTHORITY IS SIMPLY A TOOL TO USE AS SKILLFULLY AS POSSIBLE FOR THE SAKE OF THE BEST COMMUNITY WE CAN CREATE BY WORKING TOGETHER, RECOGNIZING THAT POVERTY IS A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY. HE NOTED THAT THERE ARE HOUSING PROJECTS ALL OVER THE NATION; THERE -ARE ABOUT SO IN FLORIDA, AND THEY HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESS- FUL IN MANY AREAS SO "WHY THE HASSLE IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY?" MR. LUNDY THEN TALKED ABOUT PREPARING A SPECIFIC PLAN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF HUD,, ALSO SETTING UP AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR ADMINISTRATION AND SELECTING OF QUALIFIED TENANTS, AND GIVING PRIORITY TO RESIDENTS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY WHO HAVE BEEN DISPLACED. HE NOTED UNDER THE COUNTY'S PROPOSED PROGRAMS IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO PROVIDE RELOCATION FOR POOR FAMILIES WHO ARE LIVING IN HOUSES THAT SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED. MR. LUNDY SPOKE OF THE BITTER OPPOSITION OF THOSE WHO ARE "ANTI EVERYTHING," AND NOTED THAT THERE ARE SLUMS WHEREVER YOU GO - EVERYTHING CAN `T BE A JOHN'S ISLAND, BUT PROPERLY MANAGED HOUSING AUTHORITY COULD KEEP DOWN SLUM CONDITIONS BY ENFORCING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND KEEPING SURVEILLANCE. HE STATED THAT THE CITIZENS OF GIFFORD, WABASSO AND OSLO ARE PROUD OF THEIR COMMUNITIES AND WOULD NOT SIT BY AND ALLOW A HOUSING PROJECT TO BECOME A SLUM. MR. LUNDY FELT THE GROUPS OPPOSING A HOUSING AUTHORITY HAVE NOT MADE AN HONEST ON -THE - SPOT EVALUATION OF THE HOUSING SITUATION OF THE LOW INCOME FAMILIES, AND THAT THEY ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO MAKE A NEGATIVE DECISION. MR. LUNDY CONTINUED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE SUBSTANDARD HOUSES ARE OWNED BY LANDLORDS, MANY OF WHOM LIVE IN VERO BEACH; AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THESE SHACKS EXCEPT COLLECT THE RENT. HE STATED THAT INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HAS MANY WEALTHY CITIZENS WHO DO NOT FAVOR A HOUSING, AUTHORITY AND ASKED IF, AS ONE OF THE OPPONENTS HAS SUGGESTED., WE ARE s JUST GOING TO KICK OUT THESE POOR FAMILIES WHICH ARE THE SAME POOR FAMILIES WHO TAKE CARE OF YOUR YARDS, CLEAN YOUR HOUSE, TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN, ETC. MR. LUNDY THEN NOTED THAT CITIZENS OF GIFFORD HAVE SHOWN THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING TO HELP THEMSELVES. HE LISTED THE MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM FOR THE GENUINELY NEEDY WHICH IS SUPPORTED BY CONTRI— BUTIONS — THEIR JUNK CAR CLEAN UP PROGRAM — A STREET LIGHTING PROGRAM WHERE THEY THEMSELVES PAID FOR AND PUT IN 120 LIGHTS — AND IN ADDITION, THEY HAVE RAISED MORE THAN $3,000 FOR THEIR PARK. MR. LUNDY URGED THAT THE BOARD NOT DELAY ANY FURTHER NOW THAT THEY HAVE THE SPECIAL ACT AND PROCEED WITH THE ESTABLISHING OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY. RONALD YOUNG OF GIFFORD DISPLAYED A MAP OUTLINING THE AREA WHERE THE SUBSTANDARD HOUSING IS LOCATED, AND INVITED THOSE PRESENT TO COME TO GIFFORD AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES. HE ALSO SPOKE OF WEALTHY LAND— LORDS, BOTH WHITE AND BLACK, WHO WILL DO NOTHING TO IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF THE HOUSING AND DESCRIBED IN DETAIL THE DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF THE HOUSING. MR. YOUNG STATED THAT THEY WANT A BETTER PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO GROW UP AND URGED THE BOARD TO APPROVE A HOUSING AUTHORITY. THIS CONCLUDED THE LIST OF THOSE WITH PREPARED STATEMENTS, AND THE CHAIRMAN OPENED THE FLOOR TO ANYONE WHO WISHED TO ADD ANYTHING FURTHER. REVEREND BROWN, PASTOR OF FELLSMERE CHURCH OF GOD, STATED THAT HE IS A MEMBER OF THE GIFFORD PROGRESSIVE CIVIC LEAGUE, THE AFRO— AMERICAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, AND BOARD MEMBER OF THE ECONOMIC OPPOR— TUNITIES COUNCIL, AND IS A VERY CONCERNED CITIZEN. HE QUOTED THE SCRIPTURES AND FELT WE MUST DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS ARE CONFRONTED WITH. HE STATED THAT HE IS 100% IN FAVOR OF HAVING A HOUSING AUTHORITY. ROBERT SALMON FELT SOMETHING CAN AND MUST BE DONE ABOUT IMPROVING THE LIVING CONDITIONS IN GIFFORD AND OFFERED HIS SERVICES TO HELP IN ANY WAY HE COULD. HE DID NOT KNOW IF A HOUSING AUTHORITY IS THE ANSWER, BUT IF IT WILL HELP AT ALL, HE WAS IN FAVOR OF IT. REVEREND KIPP STATED THAT HE IS 100% IN FAVOR OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY AND EMPHASIZED THAT IT IS A PROGRAM TO GIVE BETTER HOUSING TO JUL 17 iw 11 Bou 41 PAGE i5Z J U L 171979 BOTH BLACK AND WHITE ALIKE. sou 41 PAGF 15 HE SPOKE EMOTIONALLY OF THE TERRIBLE CONDITIONS SOME HAVE TO LIVE IN, WITH RATS AND SNAKES AND BROKEN FLOORS AND RAFTERS, AND FELT THE BOARD, THROUGH APPROVING A HOUSING AUTHORITY, HAS THE "KEY—TO UNLOCK THE DOOR TO BETTER THE CONDITION OF WHITE AND BLACK PEOPLE AND MAKE GIFFORD A PLACE WE CAN BE PROUD OF." MARTHA MCGRIFF INFORMED THE BOARD THAT SHE WAS RAISED IN GOVERNMENT HOUSING IN PAHOKEE AND THAT THEY HAD A PROGRAM WHERE PEOPLE CAME IN TO OVERSEE AND INSPECT, AND THEY WERE FURNISHED PAINT TO PAINT THEIR HOUSES. THE CHILDREN HAD A PARK TO PLAY IN AND EVEN A POOL. SHE STATED THAT SHE LEFT THERE IN 1963 AND THE HOUSING PROJECT IS STILL BEAUTIFUL NOW. MRS. MCGRIFF NOTED THAT SHE IS ASHAMED TO TELL PEOPLE s THAT SHE -'LIVES IN GIFFORD BECAUSE OF THE CONDITIONS THERE, AND WENT ON TO SPEAK OF THE HIGH INTEREST RATE ON MORTGAGE LOANS WHICH ARE IMPOSSIBLE FOR MOST TO PAY. SHE URGED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY. OQUILLA THOMAS STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE GIFFORD GROW AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A HOME OF HER OWN, BUT EVEN THOUGH SHE HAS A GOOD JOB, SHE CAN T AFFORD IT. SHE FELT A HOUSING AUTHORITY IS THE ANSWER AND THAT IT WOULD BE KEPT UP. GENE BYRNE, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELOR IN VERO BEACH, POINTED OUT THAT STATISTICS SHOW THERE IS A DIRECT CORRELATION BETWEEN DECENT AND ADEQUATE HOUSING AND GOOD FAMILY LIVING. HE INFORMED THE BOARD THAT HE IS A FORMER DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRISON SYSTEM AND IT IS A FACT THAT 80% OF THE INMATES OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE JAILS COME FROM SUBSTANDARD HOUSING. MR..BYRNE STATED THAT HE IS NOT A SOCIALIST, BUT SINCE IT IS OBVIOUS THAT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE HAS FAILED TO DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT THE SITUATION OVER THESE MANY YEARS, HE FEELS PERHAPS IT IS TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP IN AND HELP THESE PEOPLE GET ADEQUATE HOUSING. REV. ALLEN FOSTER SPOKE IN FAVOR OF CREATION OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY, NOTING THAT THE AMERICAN -CREED ENTITLES "ALL MEN TO CERTAIN INALIENABLE RIGHTS..." HE POINTED OUT IF THE HOUSING IS IMPROVED IN GIFFORD, IT WILL RAISE PROPERTY VALUES, AND NOTED THAT ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS RIDE DOWN U.S. I TO SEE THE TERRIBLE CONDITIONS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. HE FELT IT IS A MIRACLE THAT PLAGUES AND EPIDEMICS HAVE NOT BROKEN OUT AS YET. HABAKKUK WHITFIELD SPOKE FOR THE WABASSO PROGRESSIVE CIVIC LEAGUE AND ASKED THAT THE BOARD VOTE IN FAVOR OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY TO BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS IN GIFFORD, WABASSO, OSLO AND FELLSMERE. ROBERT SCHLITT, LIFELONG RESIDENT OF VERO BEACH, NOTED THAT CONDITIONS HAVE NOT IMPROVED IN GIFFORD IN THE YEARS HE HAS BEEN HERE. HE STATED THAT THE GIFFORD PROGRESSIVE CIVIC LEAGUE HAS SHOWN HIM THAT THEY ARE INTERESTED IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITY AND WILLING TO WORK TOGETHER TO GET THINGS DONE. HE BELIEVED THAT WE CAN HAVE A GOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THAT IT IS HIGH TIME WE PROCEED WITH IT. .JIM WRIGHT INFORMED THE BOARD THAT HE IS FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BECAUSE IT WILL BRING FEDERAL MONEY INTO THE COUNTY. HE NOTED THAT IF THE AVERAGE CITIZEN OF THE COUNTY MAKES APPROXIMATELY $9,000 A YEAR, THEY CERTAINLY CAN T AFFORD A HOUSE IN THIS COUNTY WITH THE PRICE OF MATERIALS AND THE HIGH INTEREST RATES. HE POINTED OUT THAT IF WE DON T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE FEDERAL DOLLARS, THEY WILL GO SOME- WHERE ELSE, AND FELT A HOUSING AUTHORITY IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE FUNDS TO MAKE A NICE AREA OUT OF A SLUM AREA. MARTIN -WALL NOTED THAT THIS IS A WONDERFUL CONCERNED GROUP OF PEOPLE HERE TONIGHT, AND HE FELT AFTER 12 OR 13 YEARS OF TALKING ABOUT A HOUSING AUTHORITY, IT IS TIME WE DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT. CLIFTON SMITH INFORMED THE BOARD THAT HE CAME HERE FROM AUSTRALIA AND FELT THAT THEY MUST NEVER FORGET THAT ONE OF THE GREAT STRENGTHS OF THE UNITED STATES IS A MEETING SUCH AS THIS. HE SPOKE OF THE SLOPE OF THE CURVE OF REAL ESTATE, NOTING THAT HE BOUGHT A HOUSE IN 1968 FOR $16,000 AND SOLD THE SAME HOUSE SEVEN YEARS LATER FOR $33.000. HE FELT THAT ANYONE IN THE MEDIAN INCOME RANGE OF $9,000 COULD NOT POSSIBLY AFFORD A HOUSE AND THAT FROM BOTH AN EMOTIONAL AND PRACTICAL STANDPOINT, WE MUST VOTE YES FOR A HOUSING AUTHORITY. FRAN ROSS, LIFETIME RESIDENT OF GIFFORD, AGREED THAT THIS IS AN EMOTIONAL ISSUE. SHE SIMPLY ASKED IF BETTER HOUSING FOR POOR PEOPLE IS OF SUCH AN ISSUE THAT WE HAVE TO SIT HERE AND DISCUSS IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, WHEN IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS HOW MUCH IT IS NEEDED. J U L 171979 BOOK 41 PA, 13 JUL 171979 BOOK 41 FAUF 155 CARROLL PALMER CAME BEFORE THE BOARD SPEAKING AS PRESIDENT .I OF THE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION. HE STATED THAT THE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION HAS MADE A TOUR OF WABASSO, FELLSMERE, GIFFORD; AND ARE AWARE OF THE CONDITIONS. —THEY ALSO HAVE TOURED FORT PIERCE AND ARE NOT OPERATING IN THE DARK AS TO WHAT EXISTS. HE FELT THE BOARD HAS A GRAVE RESPONSIBILITY AND MUST BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN A HOUSING AUTHORITY IS NECESSARY FOR THE COUNTY BECAUSE THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR THE DISSOLUTION OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY AND IF THE BOARD DOES ACTIVATE ONE, EVERYONE OF THE PEOPLE HERE TODAY WILL BE DEAD AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY STILL WILL BE GOING ON. MR. PALMER FELT THERE ARE TWO SEPARATE QUESTIONS INVOLVED. HE FIRST ADDRESSED THE ELIMINATION OF SUBSTANDARD HOUSING, FOR WHICH IT a IS NOT NECESSARY TO HAVE A HOUSING AUTHORITY SINCE THIS COMES UNDER THE DIRECT AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD. MR. PALMER CONTENDED THAT THE BOARD HAS BEEN LAX AND HAS NOT LIVED UP TO THIS RESPONSIBILITY OVER THE YEARS. HE NOTED THAT THE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD IN FEBRUARY A 5—YEAR PROGRAM, WHICH, IF PURSUED AGGRESSIVELY, COULD LEAD TO THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL ELIMINATION OF THE SUBSTANDARD HOUSING, AND IN SO DOING WOULD CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THAT WOULD PROMOTE BUILDING BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR. MR. PALMERS SECOND POINT WAS THAT A HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL JUST EXPAND SOCIAL WELFARE IN THE COUNTY. HE NOTED THAT FOUR OUT OF FIVE ADJACENT COUNTIES, INCLUDING ST. LUCIE COUNTY, DO NOT HAVE A PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND DID NOT SEE WHAT MAKES INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SO DIFFERENT THAT WE NEED ONE.- FSE REITERATED THAT.THERE IS NO TURNING BACK ONCE A HOUSING AUTHORITY IS CREATED AND THERE ARE A LOT OF DIS— ADVANTAGES. HE DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM OF IMMIGRANTS, WHICH HE DID NOT FEEL THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD CAN CONTROL, BECAUSE THE GUIDELINES ARE SET BY HUD WHO IS SUPPLYING THE MONEY. HE DISCUSSED THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INVOLVED AND FELT THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM FOR THE FIRST YEAR FUNDING WOULD BE $50,000475,000. HE NOTED -THAT UNLESS THE COUNTY WAS GOING TO GET THOSE FUNDS FROM THE TAXPAYERS.OF THE COUNTY, THEY WOULD PROBABLY TRY TO OBTAIN THIS FROM FEDERAL FUNDS, HE REFERRED TO THIS AS "THE SOMETHING FOR NOTHING" SYNDROME AND STATED IT IS DEFICIT SPENDING. MR. PALMER NOTED THAT THE COUNTY IS FACED WITH MOMENTOUS PROBLEMS IN REGARD l TO SEWER AND WATER AND DRAINAGE AND NEEDS ALL THE TAX RESOURCES IT CAN MUSTER FOR THESE THINGS. IT DOES NOT NEED A HOUSING AUTHORITY. MR. PALMER NOTED THAT WILLIAM KOOLAGE, A MEMBER OF THE HOUSING STUDY ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WAS QUOTED AS SAYING HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF "SO MUCH MONEY FLOATING AROUND;" HE APPARENTLY WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE AMOUNT OF FEDERAL MONIES THAT COULD BE OBTAINED -UNDER A HOUSING AUTHORITY. MR. PALMER FELT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY LOOKS GOOD TO ITS PROPONENTS BECAUSE THEY FEEL THEY ARE GETTING FREE MONEY TO OPERATE IT WITH, AND THERE IS NO "FREE If MONEY IN THIS WORLD, MR. PALMER THEN SPOKE OF ADJACENT HOUSING AUTHORITIES IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE AND BREVARD COUNTY, NOTING THAT THEY ARE MORE URBAN AND INDUSTRIALIZED AND ARE NOT COMPARABLE TO INDIAN RIVER COUNTY. MR. PALMER CONCLUDED BY SAYING THAT THE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION RESPECTFULLY SUBMITS THAT THE VOTERS OF THIS COUNTY DID NOT ELECT THIS COMMISSION WITH THE IDEA THAT IT WOULD CREATE A:PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THIS COUNTY, HE COMMENTED THAT IF THE MEDIAN INCOME IN THE COUNTY IS $9,000, THE BOARD IS PROPOSING UNDER THIS PROGRAM TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTY AND IT CANT BE DONE. HE ASKED THAT THE COMMISSION NOT ACTIVATE A PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY AT THIS TIME. VIRGINIA DUNKAK SPOKE AS AN INTERESTED CITIZEN, "A TAXPAYER, A REPUBLICAN, AND A METHODIST." SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE PUBLIC MONEY REFERRED TO BY MR. PALMER IS HER MONEY, TOO, AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO SPEND SOME OF THAT MONEY WHERE IT WILL DO THE MOST PEOPLE THE MOST GOOD AND HAVE A HOUSING AUTHORITY. REV. TOM DIAMOND OF ST. PETERS BAPTIST CHURCH IN GIFFORD NOTED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF TALK ABOUT SOCIALISM, AND HE FELT THERE IS A LITTLE SOCIALISM IN DEMOCRACY AND THAT THE PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS DICTATE THAT YOU HAVE GOT TO TAKE SOME MONEY AT THE TOP AND RECIRCULATE IT AT THE BOTTOM. HE CONTINUED THAT THIS COUNTRY IS FOUNDED ON HELPING PEOPLE. REV. DIAMOND INFORMED THE BOARD THAT HE STARTED OUT AS A MIGRANT WORKER AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO GET HIS EDUCATION BECAUSE HE WAS ABLE TO BORROW MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT. HE STATED, "IF YOU WANT ME TO PULL MYSELF UP BY MY BOOTSTRAPS, GIVE ME A BOOTSTRAP." HE DID NOT JUL 17 1979 L. 15 Bou 41 PAGE .156 k A .\ STATE, COULD HAVE ANY PRIDE WHEN THE POOR PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN CONDITIONS SUCH AS THEY ARE. HE POINTED OUT THAT WHEN A KID FROM GIFFORD TURNS OUT TO BE A THUG, HE GOES TO SCHOOL WITH EVERYONE'S CHILDREN. REV. DIAMOND NOTED THAT IF THE GOVERNMENT DIDN'T HELP THE FARMERS, WE WOULD ALL STARVE, AND IF YOU TEAR DOWN THE FRUIT PICKER S HOUSE AND DON T PROVIDE HIM ANYWHERE TO LIVE, YOU WILL HAVE NO ONE TO PICK YOUR FRUIT. HE CONTINUED TO TALK ABOUT A HOUSING AUTHORITY BENEFITING EVERYONE BY MAKING THE MONEY CIRCULATE. HE NOTED ALL THE PEOPLE OF GIFFORD MUST COME TO VERO TO BUY, BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOTHING TO SELL; THEY ARE THE BUYERS. THE REVEREND STATED THAT INDIAN RIVER COUNTY DESERVES TO SEE SOME TAX DOLLARS COME BACK AND WORK FOR THE COUNTY AND STATED THAT IT IS WRONG TO THINK IF YOU DON T SPEND THE MONEY, IT WON T BE SPENT BECAUSE IT WILL JUST BE DIVIDED AMONG OTHER COUNTIES WHO HAVE HOUSING AUTHORITIES. HE DID NOT AGREE WITH MR. PALMER THAT A HOUSING AUTHORITY CANT BE DISSOLVED BECAUSE HE ItDIDNIT KNOW OF ANYTHING THAT IS CREATED THAT WHITE FOLKS CAN T GET RID OF." REVEREND DIAMOND FURTHER NOTED THAT THE MAJOR- ITY OF PEOPLE THAT SIT ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD CAN COME FROM THE COUNTY COMMISSION, AND IF THERE IS ANY PROBLEM OF CONTROL, THERE SHOULD BE THREE ON THE BOARD FROM THE COUNTY COMMISSION BECAUSE THEY WILL HAVE THE MAJORITY VOTE AND CAN CLOSE IT UP. HE REITERATED THAT THERE IS A LITTLE SOCIALISM IN DEMOCRACY, AND FELT WE WOULD ALL GO BANKRUPT IF THERE WEREN'T. WILLIAM KOOLAGE STATED THAT HE WAS FLATTERED AT BEING QUOTED BY -MR. PALMER, BUT POINTED OUT THAT HE IS NOT PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PEOPLE, ONLY A MEMBER AND FURTHER NOTED THAT HE ALSO IS A MEMBER OF THE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION. HE CONTINUED THAT HE BELIEVES THE PRIME CAUSES OF INFLATION ARE DEFICITS AND FEDERAL SPENDING. HE NOTED THAT THE MONIES HE REFERRED TO AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSING STUDY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ARE AVAILABLE; HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIS SHARE COME BACK TO THE COUNTY AND FELT THAT IT IS ONLY FAIR FOR THE COUNTY TO REAP SOME OF THESE BENEFITS TO HELP THE COUNTY. eooa 41 FacF x.57 JUL 17 1979 SEE HOW THE COUNTY, WHICH HAS SOME OF THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN -THE STATE, COULD HAVE ANY PRIDE WHEN THE POOR PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN CONDITIONS SUCH AS THEY ARE. HE POINTED OUT THAT WHEN A KID FROM GIFFORD TURNS OUT TO BE A THUG, HE GOES TO SCHOOL WITH EVERYONE'S CHILDREN. REV. DIAMOND NOTED THAT IF THE GOVERNMENT DIDN'T HELP THE FARMERS, WE WOULD ALL STARVE, AND IF YOU TEAR DOWN THE FRUIT PICKER S HOUSE AND DON T PROVIDE HIM ANYWHERE TO LIVE, YOU WILL HAVE NO ONE TO PICK YOUR FRUIT. HE CONTINUED TO TALK ABOUT A HOUSING AUTHORITY BENEFITING EVERYONE BY MAKING THE MONEY CIRCULATE. HE NOTED ALL THE PEOPLE OF GIFFORD MUST COME TO VERO TO BUY, BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOTHING TO SELL; THEY ARE THE BUYERS. THE REVEREND STATED THAT INDIAN RIVER COUNTY DESERVES TO SEE SOME TAX DOLLARS COME BACK AND WORK FOR THE COUNTY AND STATED THAT IT IS WRONG TO THINK IF YOU DON T SPEND THE MONEY, IT WON T BE SPENT BECAUSE IT WILL JUST BE DIVIDED AMONG OTHER COUNTIES WHO HAVE HOUSING AUTHORITIES. HE DID NOT AGREE WITH MR. PALMER THAT A HOUSING AUTHORITY CANT BE DISSOLVED BECAUSE HE ItDIDNIT KNOW OF ANYTHING THAT IS CREATED THAT WHITE FOLKS CAN T GET RID OF." REVEREND DIAMOND FURTHER NOTED THAT THE MAJOR- ITY OF PEOPLE THAT SIT ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD CAN COME FROM THE COUNTY COMMISSION, AND IF THERE IS ANY PROBLEM OF CONTROL, THERE SHOULD BE THREE ON THE BOARD FROM THE COUNTY COMMISSION BECAUSE THEY WILL HAVE THE MAJORITY VOTE AND CAN CLOSE IT UP. HE REITERATED THAT THERE IS A LITTLE SOCIALISM IN DEMOCRACY, AND FELT WE WOULD ALL GO BANKRUPT IF THERE WEREN'T. WILLIAM KOOLAGE STATED THAT HE WAS FLATTERED AT BEING QUOTED BY -MR. PALMER, BUT POINTED OUT THAT HE IS NOT PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PEOPLE, ONLY A MEMBER AND FURTHER NOTED THAT HE ALSO IS A MEMBER OF THE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION. HE CONTINUED THAT HE BELIEVES THE PRIME CAUSES OF INFLATION ARE DEFICITS AND FEDERAL SPENDING. HE NOTED THAT THE MONIES HE REFERRED TO AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSING STUDY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ARE AVAILABLE; HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIS SHARE COME BACK TO THE COUNTY AND FELT THAT IT IS ONLY FAIR FOR THE COUNTY TO REAP SOME OF THESE BENEFITS TO HELP THE COUNTY. ROBERT MCFARLAND, REPRESENTING THE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION, SPOKE AGAINST A HOUSING AUTHORITY. HE FIRST DISCUSSED COSTS AND POINTED OUT THAT ALL PROPERTIES COMING UNDER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE AD VALOREM TAX ROLLS, WHICH LOSS IN LOCAL REVENUES WILL HAVE TO BE PAID BY THE OTHER PROPERTY OWNERS AND WOULD, HE ESTI- MATED, COST THE LOCAL PEOPLE 1/4 MILL IN LOCAL TAXES. HE MENTIONED THE PROBLEM OF OUT -OF -COUNTY INDIGENTS AND NOTED THAT INDIAN RIVER COUNTY IS A TARGET FOR THE INDIGENTS FROM OTHER COUNTIES AS EVIDENCED BY THE PROBLEMS THE HOSPITAL IS HAVING WITH THIS SITUATION. MR. MCFARLAND CONTINUED THAT THE PERMANENCE OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS BEEN COVERED QUITE DRAMATICALLY BY MR. PALMER, AND COMMENTED THAT 10% OF FORT PIERCE IS IN A HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND THEY ARE EXPANDING. MR. MCFARLAND NOTED THAT IT SEEMS TO BE A NATIONAL OBSESSION TO CONSIDER FEDERAL MONEY FREE, BUT IN THE LONG RUN IT COSTS US MORE TAXES. HE INFORMED THE BOARD THAT 55% OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET IS IN THE FORM OF HANDOUTS, INCLUDING WELFARE AND UNEMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS, FOOD STAMPS, AID TO INDIGENT CHILDREN, HOUSING SUBSIDIES, FREE SCHOOL FOOD, ETC., ALL OF WHICH STARTED AS TEMPORARY MEASURES TO GET PEOPLE ON THEIR FEET, BUT BECAME PERMANENT AND GREW LARGER EVERY YEAR. MR. MCFARLAND STATED THAT IF THE BOARD REALLY WISHES TO -FIND OUT WHAT THE MAJORITY WANTS, THEY SHOULD GO TO A REFERENDUM AND GET THE ADVICE OF ALL THE VOTERS, NOT JUST SMALL PRESSURE GROUPS. VICTOR HART NOTED THAT THE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION HAVE MADE A POINT OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY NOT HAVING A HOUSING AUTHORITY, BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BULK OF THE PEOPLE OF NEED IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY ARE IN THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, WHICH DOES HAVE A HOUSING AUTHORITY,AND IT WOULD BE FOOLISH FOR THE COUNTY TO HAVE ONE. HE CONTINUED THAT MR. PALMER TALKED ABOUT IMMIGRANTS AND SOCIAL GIVE-AWAYS, AND POINTED OUT THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO AID THE INDONESIANS BY ALLOWING MANY ADDITIONAL THOUSANDS OF THEM TO ENTER THE COUNTRY, AND IN ADDITION, THEY HAVE SET UP SUBSIDIES FOR THE CUBANS; SO WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO BEG FOR BETTER HOUSING FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS? HE NOTED THAT WHEN THE POOR HAITIANS DRIFT OVER, THEY ARE PUT IN JAIL, BUT THE CUBANS COME BY 17 BOOK 41 fiA.GE 158 I moo 41 pmu159 JUL 171979 CHARTERED PLANES AND ARE GIVEN SUBSIDIES. MR. HART DID NOT AGREE WITH THE STATEMENT THAT THE POOR ARE GIVEN EVERYTHING AND THEY PAY NO TAXES. HE AGREED THAT MANY MAY NOT PAY PROPERTY TAXES, BUT POINTED OUT THAT THEY COME TO-VERO TO BUY FROM THE LOCAL MERCHANTS AND HE INDIRECTLY PAYS TAXES FOR -THEM. MR. HART FELT MR. PALMER SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIS STATEMENT ABOUT A HOUSING AUTHORITY CONTINUING LONG AFTER EVERYONE PRESENT WAS NO LONGER LIVING AND COULD NOT SEE HOW IT WAS RUN. HE ASKED WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF GEORGE WASHINGTON HAD SAID HE WASN'T SURE WE COULD MAKE IT ON OUR OWN AND WE MIGHT DIE BEFORE WE SEE WHAT HAPPENS. MR. HART NOTED THAT WE NEED TO HELP PEOPLE NOW AND DID NOT FEEL THE BOARD SHOULD SiT BACK AND NOT MAKE A DECISION BECAUSE THEY MAY NOT LIVE TO SEE HOW IT WORKS OUT. MR. HART CONTINUED THAT PRIVATE INDUSTRY HAS HAD AN AMPLE CHANCE TO PROVE THEMSELVES, BUT THEY HAVE NOT, AND FELT THE FACT THAT THE CITY OF VERO BEACH DOESNIT WANT A HOUSING AUTHORITY SHOULD NOT INFLUENCE THE COUNTY. PERRY CORLEY AGREED THAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS TOOK A BIG CHANCE WHEN THEY FOUNDED OUR GOVERNMENT AND THERE HAVE BEEN SOME PROBLEMS AND CHANGES, BUT IN HIS 21 YEARS IN FLORIDA THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE SLUM CONDITIONS HE HAS SEEN. PRIVATE ENTERPRISE HAS NOT CORRECTED THE SITUATION AND APATHY HAS JUST INCREASED THE PROBLEMS. HE NOTED THAT HOUSING AUTHORITIES HAVE WORKED IN SOME AREAS AND FAILED IN SOME, BUT THEY ARE A GOOD TOOL AND CAN BE MADE TO WORK IF WE WANT THEM TO WORK. HE FELT IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS TOOL; TAKE A DEFINITE COURSE OF ACTION AND DO SOMETHING FOR OUR FELLOW MAN SO WE CAN MAKE IT A BEAUTIFUL INDIAN RIVER COUNTY RATHER THAN JUST A BEAUTIFUL VERO BEACH. BETTY KHAIL SPOKE AS "A TAXPAYER, A DEMOCRAT AND AN _EPISCOPALI,AN." SHE INFORMED THE BOARD THAT HER HUSBAND WAS IN THE MILITARY, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR DID NOT TAKE CARE OF THEM; THEY LIVED IN PUBLIC HOUSING, AND IT CAN WORK. CHAIRMAN WODTKE STATED THAT BEFORE THE PUBLIC HEARING IS CLOSED, HE WISHED TO READ INTO THE RECORD THE FOLLOWING LETTER FROM THE CITY OF FELLSMERE: r CITY OF FELLSMERE P.O. BOX 38 FELLSMERE, FLORIDA 32948 July 17, 1979 Mr. Bill Wodtke, Chairman BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Indian River County Courthouse Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Dear Mr. Wodtke: It has come to our attention that the Board of County Commissioners is considering the establishment of a County Housing Authority in an effort to alleviate some of the poor housing conditions which now exist. I would like to take this opportunity to request that in their deliberations the Board consider the following: 1. That Fellsmere area has been designated within the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council's Regional Profile - Housing Addendum April, 1978 as one of four areas within Indian River County with a "major concentration of substandard housing"; . 2. According to the most recent housing statistics compiled, 37% of the housing stock within the City of Fellsmere is substandard; and 3. That based on 1970 Census data and statistics compiled by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Florida in 1974, the average percapita income of Fellsmere residents is approximately 20% below that of the average percapita income of the County resident, and 30% below that of the State average. Based on these findings I would like to respectfully request that the Board consider the inclusion of the City offi llsmere within the jurisdictional purview of any Housing Agency or Authority created to help remedy housing problems in Indian River County. It is sincerely hoped that the creation of any such Housing Authority or Agency will be undertaken in an effort to provide housing assistance to all distressed areas of the County. I salute your efforts at addressing this difficult issue and am prepared to assist in any manner that might be helpful in your effort to improve the housing con- ditions in the Fellsmere area. Thank you very much for your consideration of this matter, and wishing you the best of success, I am /ncly, , 2-0'--- S:/ t, Jr., Mayor 4 JUL 171979 6h.-. . is BOOK J. PAGE 1.60 I r P�OK 1 PAGE JUL $71979 ON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SIEBERT, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LYONS, THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING. CHAIRMAN WODTKE COMMENTED ON THE STATEMENT MADE BY REV. DIAMOND IN REGARD TO APPOINTING THREE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND STATED IT WAS HIS UNDERSTANDING THAT UNDER CHAPTER 421 NEITHER A COUNTY COMMISSIONER NOR ANY EMPLOYEE OF THE COUNTY CAN BE APPOINTED. ATTORNEY CALDWELL CONFIRMED THAT THE CHAIRMAN'S UNDERSTANDING IS CORRECT. THE CHAIRMAN CONTINUED THAT MR. MCFARLAND STATED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE COMPLETE THINKING OF ALL THE VOTERS IS TO HAVE A REFER- ENDUM. CHAIRMAN WODTKE DID NOT BELIEVE WE HAVE HAD AN ELECTION IN THIS COUNTY IN MANY YEARS WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THE VOTERS HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO VOTE, AND FELT A REFERENDUM COULD VERY WELL BE AN INDICATION OF THE ATTITUDE ONLY OF THOSE WHO WOULD GO TO THE POLLS TO VOTE. THE CHAIRMAN NOTED THAT THE COMMISSIONERS ARE ELECTED TO SERVE, AND HE FELT THIS IS THEIR DECISION TO MAKE AT THIS PARTICULAR LEVEL. CHAIRMAN WODTKE CON- TINUED THAT THERE ARE SOME MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND MISCONCEPTIONS OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY. HE AGREED THAT PROPERTY WHICH IS OWNED ENTIRELY BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY DOES COME OFF THE TAX ROLLS, BUT THERE ARE OTHER PROGRAMS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ALSO GETS INVOLVED WITH WHEREBY SOME FUNDS ARE PAID IN LIEU OF TAXES. HE NOTED THAT'SHOULD THE BOARD DECIDE IN FAVOR OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY, A PROPOSED RESOLUTION HAS BEEN DRAFTED WHICH INCLUDES THE RECOMMENDING OF FIVE QUALIFIED ELECTORS FOR APPOINT- MENT BY THE GOVERNOR. HE FURTHER NOTED THAT THE CITY OF FELLSMERE HAS REQUESTED TO BE.INCLUDED AND URGED THAT THE BOARD AT THIS TIME DISCUSS AND, POSSIBLY THROUGH A MOTION, MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER THIS BOARD IS IN FAVOR OF WORKING TOWARDS ADOPTING THIS RESOLUTION WHEN WE DO HAVE FIVE NAMES AND ALSO HAVE CHECKED WITH THE CITY OF FELLSMERE. ATTORNEY CALDWELL STATED THAT THERE -IS NO WAY FOR A MUNICI- PALITY TO BE INCLUDED IN A COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY. HE STATED THAT IF THE BOARD DOES CREATE A HOUSING AUTHORITY, THEN POSSIBLY THEY"CAN ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH A MUNICIPALITY. , COMMISSIONER SIEBERT, SPEAKING AS CHAIRMAN OF THE ROUSING STUDY ADVISORY COMMITTEE, BELIEVED THE MUNICIPALITY CAN PREPARE A RESOLUTION AND BE -INCLUDED IF THEY ARE UNDER A CERTAIN POPULATION. CHAIRMAN WODTKE FELT THAT IS A LEGAL QUESTION WE WOULD HAVE TO ADDRESS. HE NOTED THAT IN ADOPTING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A NEED, IT REQUIRES THAT YOU NAME FIVE ELECTORS TO SERVE VARIOUS TERMS. HE DID NOT FEEL THE BOARD, SHOULD THEY AGREE ON CREATING A HOUSING AUTHORITY, WOULD BE READY TO NAME ANYONE AT THIS TIME SINCE THESE PEOPLE WILL BE THE BEST CONTROL THE COUNTY CAN HAVE OVER THE OPERATION AND WILL HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFULLY SCREENED. COMMISSIONER LYONS ASKED IF A RESOLUTION COULD BE WORDED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE NAMES WOULD BE SUPPLIED WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME, AND ATTORNEY CALDWELL WAS OF THE OPINION THAT ANY RESOLUTION CREATING A HOUSING AUTHORITY SHOULD NAME THE ELECTORS IN THE SAME RESOLUTION BECAUSE CREATING A HOUSING AUTHORITY WITHOUT FORWARDING NAMES TO THE GOVERNOR WOULD LEAVE A POTENTIAL HIATUS. COMMISSIONER LOY AGREED THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE BOARD TO COME UP WITH ANY NAMES TONIGHT AND FELT THE BOARD SHOULD JUST MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHETHER THEY WISH TO CREATE A HOUSING AUTHORITY OR NOT. THE CHAIRMAN ASKED FOR THE BOARDS COMMENTS. COMMISSIONER SIEBERT INFORMED THOSE PRESENT THAT HE WOULD SPEAK IN FAVOR OF CREATION OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY AND NOTED THAT HE ORIGINALLY WAS ONE OF THE SKEPTICS. HE THEN COMMENTED ON THE PRESENTATIONS MADE TONIGHT, NOTING THAT HE DID NOT FEEL YOU CAN TAKE EXAMPLES OF BAD HOUSING AUTHORITIES IN NEWARK, NEW .JERSEY, AND ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, AND LEGITI- MATELY COMPARE THEM TO INDIAN RIVER COUNTY. HE FURTHER NOTED THAT THE BAD EXAMPLES ARE THE ONLY ONES YOU EVER HEAR ABOUT. IN REGARD TO GUIDE- LINES BEING SET BY HUD, HE FELT THEY ARE ESTABLISHED BY HUD TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY MUST CONFORM TO LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LAW AND HAVE TO MEET SAFE AND SANITARY HOUSING CODES; THE ABILITY OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR OCCUPANCY IS THERE. COMMISSIONER SIEBERT CONTINUED THAT THERE IS THE IMPRESSION THAT PRIVATE INDUSTRY CAN TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT HE IS SICK OF WAITING FOR THEM TO DO 21 8m 41 PAGF 162 'r J U L 171979 Boos 41 PA 163 IT. HE NOTED THAT IN A STUDY JOINTLY COMMISSIONED BY THE COUNTY AND THE CITY IN 1971, THE LAST SENTENCE IN THE ANALYSIS DONE WAS THAT "POSITIVE ACTION IS PRESENTLY NEEDED TO SOLVE HOUSING PROBLEMS FOR OUR COMMUNITY RESIDENTS.n IT WAS INTENDED TO MOBILIZE THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND TAKE CARE OF THE HOUSING PROBLEM, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, AS TO THE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATIONS ADVERSE COMMENTS ON THE HOUSING PROJECT IN FORT PIERCE, HE ASKED IF THE CONDITIONS IN THAT PROJECT ARE BETTER OR WORSE THAN EXIST IN GIFFORD TODAY. COMMISSIONER SIEBERT COMMENTED THAT ST. FRANCIS MANOR WAS GIVEN AS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT COULD BE DONE BY PRIVATE INDUSTRY, BUT HE PERSONALLY WOULD CONSIDER THE 99 YEAR LEASE GIVEN THEM BY THE COUNTY FOR $1.00 A YEAR TO BE A TYPE OF GOVERNME-NT SUBSIDY. HE ASKED THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SOCIALISM WHETHER THEY ARE JUST AS AFRAID OF MEDICAID, MEDICARE, THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, ETC. HE DOUBTED THERE ARE MANY COUNTIES IN THIS NATION BETTER PREPARED FOR A HOUSING AUTHORITY THAN WE ARE BECAUSE OF THE CONTROLS GIVEN IN THE SPECIAL ACT RECENTLY PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE FOR THIS COUNTY. COMMISSIONER SIEBERT NOTED THAT IF WE HAD ATTACKED THE PROBLEM OF SUBSTANDARD HOUSING, WE VERY POSSIBLY COULD HAVE ACCUMU- LATED THE POINTS NECESSARY TO BE AWARDED A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT THIS YEAR. HE DISCUSSED THE LOSS IN REVENUE FROM TAKING THE PROPERTY UNDER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OFF THE TAX ROLLS, BUT NOTED THAT PAYMENT IS MADE IN LIEU OF TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF 10% OF THE RENTALS GENERATED, AND FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT IT WILL BENEFIT THE SURROUNDING PROPERTIES WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE AREA. COMMISSIONER SIEBERT CONCLUDED BY SAYING THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN TALKED TO DEATH AND NEGLECTED FOR 30 YEARS. HE DOES NOT WANT TO SEE IT HAPPEN FOR ANOTHER 30 YEARS AND FELT NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE THE CHANCE AND CREATE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY. COMMISSIONER LOY ANNOUNCED THAT SHE WOULD SPEAK AGAINST FORMING A HOUSING AUTHORITY AT THIS TIME. SHE NOTED THAT DURING THE PAST THREE OR FOUR YEARS THE BOARD HAS MADE A GENUINE COMMITMENT TOJ IND AVENUES TO PROVIDE FOR THE CITIZENS. THEY HAVE PROVIDED SEWER AND WATER AND THROUGH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROVIDED ROADS, DRAINAGE AND RECREATION. THE BOARD IS PROCEEDING ON A PROGRAM TO REMOVE SUBSTANDARD HOUSES. SHE CONTINUED THAT IT APPEARS WE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL.WITH OUR SECOND ATTEMPT FOR A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT; A RURAL LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM HAS BEEN APPROVED; AND A HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. COMMISSIONER LOY NOTED THAT THIS YEAR THE LEGISLATURE HAS A NEW LAW ABOUT THE COUNTY'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR AUDITS, INCLUDING PAYMENT FOR AUDITS FOR MOST OF OUR COUNTY OFFICIALS, AND SHE BELIEVED IT WILL COST $75,000 TO $100,000 FOR THIS ONE ITEM ALONE. INITIAL FUNDING FOR A HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD CREATE AN ADDITIONAL HARDSHIP ON THE COUNTY BUDGET. SHE FELT THE PEOPLE DO NOT WANT ANY MORE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS,AND THERE IS NO RETRACTMENT FROM A HOUSING AUTHORITY. COMMISSIONER LOY AGREED THAT WE HAVE NEEDS, BUT FELT WE HAVE DEMONSTRATED OUR COMMITMENT IN THIS AREA AND HAVE OPENED THE DOORS FOR PRIVATE ENTER- PRISE TO PLAY A BETTER ROLE. SHE COMMENTED THAT WE HAVE NOT ADDRESSED THE AREA OF ASSISTANCE TO THE ELDERLY, BUT FELT THIS CAN BE DONE UNDER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS. COMMISSIONER LOY STATED THAT IF THIS BOARD VOTES TO HAVE A HOUSING AUTHORITY, THEN WE SHOULD ALL WORK TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOALS, BUT HER EXAMINATION OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS LED HER TO BELIEVE THAT ITS RULES LEAVE MUCH TO BE DESIRED AND TO CONCLUDE THAT THE BEST INTERESTS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY WOULD BE SERVED IF THE BOARD RETAINED ALL CONTROL OVER HOUSING EFFORTS. COMMISSIONER LOY RECOMMENDED THAT THE BOARD CONTINUE THEIR COMMITMENT TO BETTER HOUSING BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE PROGRAMS ALREADY AVAILABLE, WORKING WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR INTEREST; EMPLOYING QUALIFIED, FULL-TIME PERSONNEL TO COORDINATE ALL ACTIVITIES IN -THIS FIELD, AND GATHERING ACCURATE INFORMATION IN REGARD TO ACTUAL HOME OWNERS WHO NEED HELP, RENTAL UNITS WHOSE LANDLORDS ARE NOT MEETING THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES, ETC. IF ALL THIS IS NOT EFFECTIVE, THEN THE BOARD STILL CAN ACTIVATE A HOUSING AUTHORITY. CHAIRMAN WODTKE STATED THAT HE FEELS VERY STRONGLY THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR HOUSING IN THE ENTIRE COUNTY AREA, NOT JUST GIFFORD. HE STATED THAT WE HAVE PURSUED A SPECIAL ACT IN ORDER TO HAVE GREATER CONTROL AND HE WISHED THERE WERE SOME WAY THE BOARD COULD SERVE AS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BUT THERE IS NOT. HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE MANY BOOK 1 pnp 1,64 JUL 171979 23 7 J U L 17 1979 41 FADE 165 FHA PROGRAMS THE BOARD CANNOT HAVE ACCESS TO WITHOUT HAVING A HOUSING AUTHORITY. THE CHAIRMAN TALKED ABOUT THE RENT SUBSIDY PROGRAM AND NOTED THAT UNDER THIS PROGRAM THE RENT THAT MUST BE CHARGED IS $156 FOR A TWO BEDROOM UNIT. WE HAVE HEARD TONIGHT THAT PEOPLE ARE PAYING $45.00 A WEEK UNDER THE PRESENT CONDITIONS; THEREFORE, IF THE RENT IS $180 FOR A STRUCTURE THAT NOW EXISTS, IT CANNOT QUALIFY FOR THE SUB- SIDIES WE HAVE. THE CHAIRMAN AGREED THAT A HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL HAVE PROBLEMS AND DOUBTED YOU CAN RESTRICT IT ONLY TO RESIDENTS, BUT WAS OF THE OPINION THE WAITING LIST WOULD BE SO LONG THAT TRANSIENTS WOULD NOT WAIT. HE AGREED THAT IT IS POSSIBLE THE BOARD HAS BEEN LAX IN GETTING RID OF SUBSTANDARD HOUSING, BUT POINTED OUT THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE THAT WHEN YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO CREATE THE HOUSING FOR THE PEOPLE TO LIVE IN. HE NOTED THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS, AND WE NEED THEM. CHAIRMAN WODTKE CONTINUED THAT OUR HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY CAN ADDRESS THE $15,000 - $30,000 HOUSE AND DROP THE INTEREST RATE TWO POINTS, AND THE RENT SUBSIDIES MIGHT TOUCH SOME OF THE MODERATE INCOME PEOPLE, BUT LOOKING AT THE TOTAL PICTURE, HE DID NOT SEE THAT WE HAVE ANY CHOICE BUT TO CREATE A HOUSING AUTHORITY BECAUSE THERE IS_..A REAL NEED WHICH HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED AND HE DID NOT FEEL WE CAN WAIT ANY LONGER. COMMISSIONER DEESON AGREED THAT THE NEED FOR BETTER HOUSING HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED. HE FELT THAT TO SAY THESE PEOPLE ARE MERELY THE VICTIM OF SLUM LORDS IS NOT ACCURATE, BUT THAT THE BLAME SHOULD BE. SPREAD AROUND TO INCLUDE THE COUNTY WHICH ALLOWS THIS TO CONTINUE. HE NOTED THAT PERHAPS ONLY THOSE WHO LIVE IN POVERTY CAN EMPATHIZE WITH THE FRUSTRATIONS THAT COME FROM LIVING IN THESE CONDITIONS. HE AGREED THAT AS AMERICANS WE ARE QUICK TO COME TO THE AID OF FOREIGN PEOPLES AND BELIEVED WE SHOULD SHOW EQUAL INTEREST IN ELIMINATING SUCH CONDITIONS IN OUR OWN BACKYARD. COMMISSIONER BEESON NOTED THAT THE HOUSING STUDY ADVISORY COMMITTEE WAS UNANIMOUS IN RECOMMENDING THE CREATION OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY BECAUSE IT PROVIDES ACCESS TO A GREAT DEAL MORS MONEY. HE AGREED THAT ONCE IT IS ESTABLISHED, YOU CAN'T ABOLISH IT, BUT FELT THE COUNTY DOES HAVE SOME CONTROL AND NOTED THAT THE HIGH INTEREST RATES PRICE THE LOW INCOME GROUP OUT OF THE MORTGAGE MARKET. COMMISSIONER DEESON FELT THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL OPERATION RESTS WITH THE SELECTION OF THE PEOPLE WHO WILL BE THE POLICY MAKERS FOR THAT AUTHORITY, AND HE STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS THE ANSWER FOR THE LOW INCOME PEOPLE. COMMISSIONER LYONS HAD NO ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS. CHAIRMAN WODTKE COMMENTED THAT IF A HOUSING AUTHORITY IS CREATED, HE WOULD LIKE THE BOARD TO PUBLICLY ASK FOR PEOPLE WILLING TO SERVE AND WOULD LIKE THE COMMISSI.'`ONERS VERY ACTIVELY TO CHECK ON ALL NAMES SUBMITTED. HE FELT RESUMES MUST BE TAKEN AND WE MUST ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO WRITE OR PHONE IN AND SHOULD TAKE WHATEVER TIME IS NECESSARY TO BE SURE WE SELECT THE RIGHT PEOPLE. COMMISSIONER LYONS REQUESTED THAT WRITTEN RESUMES BE REQUIRED. MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SIEBERT, SECONDED BY COMMIS - SIGNER DEESON TO GO ON RECORD FAVORING THE CREATION OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THAT THE COMMISSION BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT RESUMES IN WRITING BY THE MEETING OF AUGUST 8TH FOR PURPOSES OF DISCUSSION BEFORE MAKING RECOM- MENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR FOR APPOINTMENT. COMMISSIONER Loy, AS A POINT OF CLARIFICATION, INFORMED THOSE PRESENT THAT SHE WILL BE VOTING AGAINST THIS PARTICULAR MOTION AS SHE DOES NOT FEEL THIS IS THE TIME TO GO INTO A HOUSING AUTHORITY, BUT IF THAT IS THE DECISION OF THE BOARD, SHE WILL WORK HARD TO MAKE A GOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY. COMMISSIONER LYONS FELT THE BOARD SHOULD HAVE SOME TIME BEFORE THE MEETING OF AUGUST 8TH TO REVIEW AND STUDY THE RESUMES, HE SUGGESTED THAT ATTORNEY CALDWELL MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE COMMISSION AND PUBLICLY THROUGH THE PRESS A STATEMENT OUTLINING THE DUTIES INVOLVED SO PEOPLE WOULD UNDERSTAND THE JOB. ATTORNEY CALDWELL STATED HE WOULD PREPARE SUCH A STATEMENT AND SET OUT THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. - DISCUSSION CONTINUED AS TO WHEN THESE RESUMES SHOULD BE RECEIVED AND AT WHAT MEETING THEY SHOULD BE DISCUSSED. BUCK AlWAGE 166 JUL 171979 25 JUL 1719779 ROOK 1 PACE 1 .J COMMISSIONER S'.IEBERT WITHDREW HIS MOTION FOR PURPOSES OF RE- WORDING AND COMMISSIONER DEESON WITHDREW HIS SECOND. ON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SIEBERT, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DEESON, COMMISSIONER Loy VOTED IN OPPOSITION, THE BOARD AGREED TO GO ON RECORD -FAVORING THE CREATION OF A ROUSING AUTHORITY AND TO HAVE THE COMMISSION BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT RESUMES IN WRITING BY AUGUST 10TH FOR PURPOSES OF DISCUSSION AT THE MEETING OF AUGUST 22ND BEFORE MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR FOR APPOINTMENT. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING, ON MOTION MADE, SECONDED AND CARRIED, THE BOARD ADJOURNED AT 11:45 01CLOCK P.M. ATTEST: CLERK e- / (�_) CHAIRMAN .,