October 18, 2001

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on October 18, 2001, at 9:00 a.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Present were: Chairman Susan Carlson, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Randy O'Brien, Nancy Higgs, and Jackie Colon, County Manager Tom Jenkins, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

REPORT, RE: WEKIVA PRESENTATION

Assistant County Manager Peggy Busacca stated Jeff Jones, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, had a family emergency and is unable to attend the meeting; staff is ready to make a presentation that would have been a follow-on to Mr. Jones' presentation; and recommended Mr. Jones' and staff's presentations be done at the same meeting, which will be rescheduled on October 31, 2001, if Mr. Jones is available on that date.

REPORT, RE: FEASIBLITY STUDY FOR PROPOSAL TO INCORPORATE PORT ST.
JOHN

Commissioner Scarborough stated the University of Central Florida (UCF) did the feasibility study for the proposal to incorporate Port St. John; Representative Randy Ball's office would like to take the issue to Tallahassee on October 24, 2001; it would not allow the Board to fully review it before it goes to Tallahassee; however, no action will be taken on it for months, which will give the Board an opportunity to receive the full report and comment. He noted David Laney from UCF wants to make sure it is within the terms of the Contract; and he is present to answer any questions. Commissioner Scarborough stated if there are no questions, then they can proceed.

REPORT, RE: TRANSFER OF STATE MONIES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Commissioner Scarborough stated at the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council yesterday, Chairman Randy Moore indicated everyone needs to be vigilant in watching the transfer of State monies into the budget; when a county enacts a local penny gas tax 2 ½% is taken as a handling fee; approximately 10 years ago the State also dipped in for 7 ½% as an emergency; and it has not removed that emergency after 10 years. He noted some of the revenues that may be attacked at the State level are going to be subtle; the County needs to watch it very carefully; he is most concerned of the State's creativity; and when everything adds up, the County is going to be on the short end of the stick.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated this is one area where the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) is shining strong and watching what is going on very closely; and in addition to having Guy Spearman and Carol Laymance monitoring it, the FAC is on top of the whole issue. Commissioner Scarborough stated he is under the impression that the County needs a central coordinating group so that all of the information is available; there is going to be a tremendous attack on local government this year; and Brevard County needs to be prepared for it.

Chairman Carlson stated the Board needs to put Ms. Laymance on heightened alert. Mr. Jenkins stated Ms. Laymance does not have the budgetary knowledge, but she can advise Stockton Whitten anytime anything comes along so that the information can be disseminated.

Commissioner Higgs stated it would be helpful to the Board and Ms. Laymance for staff to enumerate in writing all of those revenues the County is getting from the State so they can be fully aware of what they are.

REPORT, RE: CHARTER AMENDMENTS

Commissioner Higgs stated she has been asked by a number of groups to speak on the Charter amendments; she has explained the amendments and her position, which is against the three Charter amendments that are up for consideration by the public; and since she is taking a position on the amendments and is also appointed to the Canvassing Board, it may be in the best interest if someone else could serve on the Canvassing Board as she does not want the Board to be in a position of not seeming to have a neutral party before the Canvassing Board.

Chairman Carlson stated she does not know how many other Commissioners have been speaking in the community and taking a position; she spoke to the Satellite Beach community the other evening; they requested a position from her, which was similar to Commissioner Higgs', with justifications and based on legal counsel opinion; and she does not feel that she would be qualified to sit on the Canvassing Board either. Commissioner Scarborough stated he is taking every opportunity he has to explain his concerns.

Chairman Carlson requested advice from the County Attorney. County Attorney Scott Knox responded somebody from the Board needs to sit on the Canvassing Board. Commissioner O'Brien stated he is in the same position as Commissioner Scarborough is. Chairman Carlson inquired what position are the Commissioners placed in for serving or not serving on the Canvassing Board. Attorney Knox responded someone needs to be on the Canvassing Board. Commissioner O'Brien stated there is a judge appointed to the Canvassing Board and there is an election for judges on the ballot; and it is not contrary to his position of who should win or lose. Commissioner Higgs stated she does not want to put the Board or herself in a position of being criticized because she is vocal on the issue; if the Board comes up with a better solution, she will be happy to let someone else go; but she is not neutral on the Charter amendments and they are on the ballot. Commissioner Colon stated there were some Canvassing Board meetings where not everyone was present; the judge was not present but she was there; perhaps the Board needs to discuss the issue with Supervisor of Elections Fred Galey; and if the Commissioners feel a certain way about the amendments, it may be one of those opportunities where a Commissioner would not be sitting on the Canvassing Board. Commissioner Higgs stated the Canvassing Board needs to have three people on it; last November, the Board saw the importance of canvassing boards in the election system in Florida; some people were criticized because they had taken a role in the election; she wants to be sure the Board knows that that is where she is; and she will be fair in regard to the laws, but she will have taken a position on the Charter amendments and will be vocal trying to explain to the public that she does not believe such amendments are in the best interest of the people.

Commissioner Scarborough stated he does not mind sitting on the Canvassing Board, but if it falls within the purview of him not being able to take every opportunity he has to explain his concerns, he does not want to take that position either; a lot of people are not fully informed; the Commissioners are given an opportunity to speak on many occasions; and they can add these concerns to any talk they make. Commissioner Higgs stated she would be negligent if she did not share with the constituents and people in the County how she feels about the Charter amendments; she is doing that and wants the Board to know that; and if it wants someone else to represent the Board on the Canvassing Board she will happily step aside and let someone do that. Chairman Carlson stated at this time the Board does not have any other alternatives in having a Commissioner on the Canvassing Board; and whoever sits there may or may not get criticized for positions otherwise taken. She inquired if any of the Charter amendments get voted in and if or when they are challenged, does it put the Board in a different position; with Attorney Knox responding negatively.

RESOLUTION, RE: RECOGNIZING LAW ENFORCEMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND ARMED
FORCES PERSONNEL IN A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S HEROES

Chairman Carlson stated her office has been working on a gathering to pay tribute to those fallen on September 11, 2001; recently a constituent inquiry was made about having a ceremony in Brevard County in honor of the firefighters and police officers, and in remembrance of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack; and after several contacts with possible participants were made, it became clear to her and her office that there was a great community interest and need for such an event. She noted some of the people that stepped forward initially were the Florida Marlins offering the Space Coast Stadium as a venue at no cost, including parking attendants, cleanup, etc.; an inquiry into the music possibilities was met with strong approval and support, resulting in availability of an orchestra at no cost; a committee was formed to feel out the other aspects of what could be done in terms of a program; and Florida TODAY has also stepped forward. Chairman Carlson stated there has been an amazing amount of support throughout the community on different things that would provide a first class program for the people that need to understand and want to come together to show their strength and unity in face of the attacks that have occurred on the nation; even though a lot of individuals are contributing funds to the event, the County may come up short; private sponsors have been contributing; and hopefully she will not have to come back to the Board and ask for any funds. She read aloud a resolution recognizing law enforcement, public safety, and armed forces personnel in A Tribute America's Heroes.

Chairman Carlson passed the gavel to Vice Chairman Scarborough.

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to adopt Resolution recognizing November 11, 2001, Veterans Day, as A Tribute to America's Heroes and encouraging Brevardians to gather together on Veterans Day, to express their appreciation to and admiration of the men and women who bravely and selflessly serve others, and to their families who give them love and support. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Vice Chairman Scarborough passed the gavel to Chairman Carlson.

Chairman Carlson stated her office thought it could get most of the costs covered as there was an outpouring of pro-bono types of things; there is an agenda for the event; the pieces that will cost potentially will be fireworks; the Marlins will pay for half of the fireworks display; someone is volunteering their time to do the sound staging for the event, but due to a lot of the contracts being canceled, he or she cannot do it completely pro-bono; and there is a staging cost of approximately $7,800. She noted the County is getting corporate sponsorships; and if there is anyone interested in helping out in the event, it would be appreciated. Chairman Carlson requested a motion for funding in case the County cannot cover expenses, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to authorize funding in an amount not to exceed $10,000, if necessary, for A Tribute to America's Heroes gathering on Veterans Day, November 11, 2001, at Space Coast Stadium. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated Scott Printing in Cocoa is donating the cost of printing the tickets; Florida TODAY is publicizing and printing the program at no cost; there are several radio stations promoting the event; and in addition to the Marlins helping to pay for fireworks and cleanup costs at the Stadium, the County has received significant community support as well.

Commissioner Colon expressed appreciation to Chairman Carlson and her staff for working hard in putting the event together; and stated the Board is grateful. Chairman Carlson stated there are some special people in the community who have wonderful talents; they are being brought together for the event; the community is going to be very impressed; and those individuals who are being honored need the recognition. Mr. Jenkins expressed appreciation to Gordon Prentiss, a volunteer who is coordinating the staging and production, and Sondra Jackson, wife of Randy Jackson, who is coordinating the music; and stated Duwayne Lungren has been working on the event as well. Chairman Carlson stated her office staff, including Yvette Torres, has been working tirelessly on the event.

*County Attorney Scott Knox's absence was noted at this time and Assistant County Attorney Shannon Wilson was present.

DISCUSSION, RE: HOMELESSNESS

Housing and Human Services Director Gay Williams stated the impetus for today's workshop on homelessness started last September; over the course of the last year, the workshop has been rescheduled several times; however, during the intervening time, the community has had time to put together a coalition of agencies involved in providing services to those seeking self-sufficiency. She noted U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that a consolidated plan be developed in order to receive federal funding under various programs, such as Community Development Block Grant and HOME; utilizing the Consolidated Plan, Brevard County developed a State Housing Initiative Program Plan, which also addresses local housing assistance; both of the Plans identify, through an in-depth assessment, the needs of the community; and the economic growth within the County has created increasing demands on local infrastructure and public services related to affordable housing. Ms. Williams stated the current Consolidated Plan addresses homelessness as one of the special needs populations; the Plan further points out that the highest priorities for addressing the needs of homeless persons and families will be in the development and support of the following: (1) a continuum of housing from emergency shelter to transitional and permanent housing; (2) support services that enable homeless people to become as independent as possible; and (3) outreach assessment, and permanent housing linked to services are also critical needs for homeless people with special needs. She noted a fully developed continuum of care provides homeless persons with an array of housing choices and supportive services; over the last year, the community, with the assistance of H.O.P.E., has developed that continuum of care; during this process, the emphasis has been on creating new and enhancing existing relationships; and the result was the submission of a HUD continuum of care grant. Ms. Williams stated the living wage continuum is included on Page 2, Tab 3 of the booklet; the living wage study is familiar to the Board; the chart underscores the importance of providing a wide array of services to those persons in the community who are in service sector jobs, which traditionally provide low wages and limited benefits; the chart shows how families can move through the continuum from subsidized to unsubsidized self-sufficiency; it shows where the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, food stamps, Medicaid, Kids Care, earned income tax credits, child care, and housing assistance are needed throughout the continuum; and housing and child care are continuance. She noted if an employer who, based on the market, is unable to pay a wage that would allow self-sufficiency, the supported programs are important to retaining a workforce; for those interested in providing a quality of life in Brevard County, this study supports the continued need for the investment in the supportive services; and this investment can prevent or reduce homelessness. Ms. Williams stated based on studies conducted by various universities and research institutions, people who are homeless are more likely to access costly health services and spend on an average four days longer per hospital visit; people who are homeless spend more time in jails or prisons for petty crimes which is much more costly; and homeless children attend less school, score lower on standardized testing, and are less healthy than other non-homeless children.

Lisa Inbornone, Director of H.O.P.E. Services, stated approximately one year ago H.O.P.E. launched the effort between Housing and Human Services, Department of HUD, community builders, and the Coalition for Hungry and Homeless to begin the process to try to figure out how the County could address the issues of homelessness; the goals were clearly to build the consensus between stakeholders who were involved in the process and to develop a comprehensive strategic plan; and the plan would also allow individuals to pull together the goals to look for major external funding if they were able to develop a comprehensive approach to the homelessness. She noted the reason H.O.P.E. got involved was because it has experience in facilitation and grass roots solutions to problems; H.O.P.E. opened a consolidated clinic on Hickory Street across from the hospital; the numbers of homeless decreased from approximately 250 to 50 people; and 95% of the uninsured individuals that H.O.P.E. provided health care to were the working poor. Ms. Inbornone stated H.O.P.E. was using the dollars that HealthFirst provided to it, in its partnerships with the health department, wisely and efficiently; it was delivering care to those individuals who were trying to help themselves; as it went into a paperless medical system, it helped H.O.P.E. to define who it was delivering the care to and to develop concrete statistics; and it found that there were large numbers of individuals using the emergency room for episodic and chronic care. She noted H.O.P.E. concluded that it is missing a large group of people in the delivery of health care through a system that was supposed to be addressing the needs of all of those individuals; it is a very complex issue and different for each

person who enters the process; and the County needs to develop a concrete continuum of support services to be able to address each of the human needs of individuals that find themselves homeless. Ms. Inbornone stated the development of a task force and community building process was put into a corporate strategy at the HealthFirst level; HealthFirst allocated $50,000 in resources this past year to facilitate the process and write the continuum of care grant through HUD; the first meeting was in the Fall of 2001; and there were 98 individuals in attendance. She noted Martha Gormon is a grant writer and has a tremendous amount of experience in health care issues in communities and building a solid foundation on federal and State grant programs; with her guidance, the community was brought together; the 98 individuals included representatives of State and local government agencies, not-for-profit providers, faith-based community, business, housing development, health care providers, several formerly homeless persons, and concerned citizens; and they developed guiding principles, vision statement, and defined homeless. Ms. Inbornone stated the vision of Brevard County that was developed launches everyone on the same sheet of paper; it says what they are going to be about over the next five years as they develop the process; and the vision is that the Brevard County Continuum of Care Planning Committee Work Group is committed to assisting individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, by providing housing stability and the means to achieve self-sufficiency to improve the quality of life in Brevard County over the next five years, and implement and expand a comprehensive continuum of care system of partner services to prevent and alleviate the tragedy of homelessness. She noted on top of having the monthly meetings and regular attendance of the agencies, a steering committee was created based on the attendance at the general meetings of the community leaders and stakeholders; they tried to have a representative from each of those groups on the committee; and a list is available of the individuals who served. Ms. Inbornone stated there was a period of education for the steering committee members; they were asked to be an impartial review to any proposals or funding sources that came through the process and to select those to be submitted for this year's continuum of care funding application; and an actual point-in-time homeless count was done. She noted the recommendation came through HUD; the process had never been completed in Brevard County before; the homeless count did several things for the County, including bringing everyone together as agencies that deliver care to individuals, and figuring out a comprehensive way to define and count exactly what kind of individuals on any given night represented those without shelter in the County; and alliances and partnerships were forged between these agencies that did not exist before. Ms. Inbornone stated the point-in-time count was conducted on February 22, 2000; the count was 2,095 which closely represents the numbers presented by the Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless in the past; and advised of individuals she has met who are homeless in Brevard County, the safety and health issues, increased utilization of the emergency room, and why the County needs to spend its time, energy and resources on the homeless.

Lisa Rice, Project Administrator for H.O.P.E., stated a continuum of care graph was put together by the processes through the continuum of care grant; Brevard County has a pro-rata share of HUD dollars that is at $428,262; this year HUD told the communities if they have a permanent housing project that is ranked as their number one priority, they would receive a bonus of $500,000 to the community; Brevard County has put the permanent housing project as a number one priority; and it hopes to bring at least $928,262 in the allocated funds from HUD. She noted the grant went further than that and asked for a little over $1.2 million; the County expects to hear about the grant in December, 2001; the vision behind the continuum of care is that there is a seamless service system that would be set in place, beginning from the entry point called Homeless Management Information System (HEMIS); it moves through emergency shelter, support services, transitional housing, training, and permanent housing, where they would hope at that point, the individuals would be self-sufficient; overlaid over all the pieces is case management; and without case management, it does not move people from one step to the next. Ms. Rice stated there are also different funding sources available for each piece; within the continuum of care grant, the HEMIS project was ranked third; HUD is requiring that anyone who receives HUD funding within the next three years be on and have a HEMIS within their community; HUD has not allocated any funding dollars for HEMIS at this point, but H.O.P.E. is hopeful that HUD will provide the funding for it. She noted the grant amount was $195,742, which requires a local match of approximately $55,000; it is a two-year funded grant; it is a key to providing the case management services across the continuum; and the strategy is that the HEMIS will provide a one-stop intake system, not just for homeless clients, but anyone who comes in for social services. Ms. Rice stated the HEMIS also includes the case management and tracking of outcomes; there are tons of reports that can be pulled from the system; the HEMIS is a mechanism to track and present the services back to community stakeholders; and there are other local funding sources being reviewed for a match, including United Way, Brevard County, H.O.P.E., and other social service agencies. She noted the next piece of the continuum is with emergency shelters; in the continuum of care process, the group ranked the priorities as medium for individuals and high for families; emergency shelters are not funded through the continuum of care HUD grant; however, they are funded through another mechanism called Safe Haven grants. She stated local initiatives are vital to the success of establishing emergency shelters; there are 94 emergency shelter beds available throughout Brevard County; 19 of those are faith-based and would not receive any kind of federal funds at this time; there is a current strategy that is being worked on right now by the Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless; and it is working on purchasing and renovating the Space Coast Motel in Cocoa. Ms. Rice noted the County is working on a relationship with the faith-based community in the hopes of developing more cold night agreements; there are some things that are in the strategy and are being worked forward, which meet with the County's Consolidated Plan saying that emergency shelter and the Plan are priority number two under the Homeless and Special Needs Section, and the County wants to expand the beds by 10; and these kinds of agreements that are being worked on and the Space Coast Motel purchase and renovation would feed into meeting the goals of the Board. She stated supportive services is something that has to be available throughout the entire continuum; it is case management, job skills, mental health, and a variety of things; supportive services are scattered throughout Brevard County; and there is a wide variety of services being provided throughout the County. Ms. Rice advised of closings that have happened in emergency and transitional housing beds since February, 2001; stated they closed due to financial reasons; some were not fully functioning; and a couple of them ended up restructuring what they do and are no longer offering housing at this point, but are offering other supportive services. She stated HUD does not usually fund just a supportive services only project; the HEMIS project is a supportive services only project; staff is hoping HUD will look at it differently because it is making such project a requirement within three years; the current situation with supportive services is that there is a wide variety of those providers; and there are limited case management connections between them and little connection with the private interest industry to help pull the businesses in and help with some of the needs. Ms. Rice stated the group of providers needs to continue to meet together, including the business industry and government entities, to see if they can formulate some plans so that the next time there is a continuum of care grant or any other kind of grant opportunity, they are ready with some type of plan; there is a Robert Wood Johnson grant that has passed its first stage; and it is now into the part where they get to write a full proposal off for mental health services within

Brevard County. She noted being connected with the Commission on Mental Health will help try to determine what the best course of action is within those kinds of areas; the Brevard Job Link can connect with people for training and job opportunities; case managers need to maximize that contact; and in the strategy for supportive services, the Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless has done an outstanding job in establishing a network of service providers who work together on specific projects and client needs. Ms. Rice stated there is also a coalition in North Brevard for human services that also gathers information from service agencies and resources; they network together as well on specific client needs; however, in both of those networks, there is very little connection with the business and government entities; and in the strategy, there needs to be a better network between the social service agencies, business, faith-based, and government leaders. She noted part of the strategy means using the HEMIS system to track what is being done, including the trends; putting the network together will expand opportunities, such as the Robert Wood Johnson opportunity, and grants from outside funding sources; for transitional housing, the continuum of care process ranked it as low for individuals and high for families; and there is a grant proposal which was ranked number two, called the Wynn Housing Proposal. Ms. Rice stated it is a two-year term grant which has a match of approximately $55,000; it is a transitional housing program that also has supportive services involved in it; when it is combined with the other currently funded Wynn Housing Programs, there are 54 units; in the strategy under the Consolidated Plan, the Board wants to expand by 30 beds for families and individuals; and the Wynn Housing Project would help the Board in achieving that goal. She noted under the strategy, staff wants to look at using a network to reduce the "not in my backyard" syndrome; it is not stating that the County needs to go into a different area necessarily where there has not been any kind of a housing project before; but there are lots of areas that can support these types of activities, such as the Space Coast Motel's renovation. Ms. Rice advised the County has a training program right now for people who are going to be first-time homebuyers; part of the strategy under the training area is to increase the service service awareness to families and individuals, and also increase the awareness for front-line staff, including human resources representatives, Employee Assistance Program representatives, and people who are supervisors of a person who is going through a crisis; and there is a course that can be taught called Homelessness 101, which teaches people how to deal with people in crisis, how to recognize that they are in crisis, and what to do, including assisting them in a case management service. She noted the private sector is listed as part of the possible funding sources; many companies expend money on job training; permanent housing was ranked high in the continuum of care priority; one project ranked number one is a Wynn permanent housing with supportive services for persons with disabilities; and in this Program it defines disabilities as elderly, frail elderly, those with substance addictions, mental illness, and duly diagnosed physically or mentally disabled people; and the local match for the project will be approximately $36,000, which is a three-year grant. Ms. Rice stated there will be 22 units of housing on scattered sites that would be leased from the landlord by the Wynn Housing Program and rented out by qualified individuals; staff expects to receive the $500,000 bonus that was stated from HUD that would be available to communities; the Consolidated Plan has permanent housing as a number one priority for homelessness; and for the first time since 1995, Brevard County received new vouchers; however, they were quickly taken and there is a waiting list for Section 8 housing. She noted in the strategy for permanent housing, staff is looking at a network that is going to analyze and develop recommendations for funding sources in the private sector and through development incentives, such as real estate tax incentives and zoning incentives; it needs to be examined thoroughly by the community and County staff; and Brevard County needs to have a connection between the Fannie Mae Advisory Board, the Continuum of Care network, and the County's Consolidated Plan.

Nancy Sharifi, Deputy Director of Fannie Mae, stated Fannie Mae is a private entity with a public mission; it is in the business of housing; it has committed to spend $2 trillion dollars to serve 18 million households over the next 10 years; and she represents the Central Florida Partnership Office, which opened in 1997. She noted approximately $2.5 billion dollars has been invested in Brevard County, which includes tax credits for affordable multi-family housing, and single-family mortgage business which is the largest section of the business targeted to low and moderate income families; in September, 1999, Fannie Mae formed an advisory council to address the needs of Brevard County, explore housing partnerships, and investment opportunities; the Board was provided a list of the persons that joined Fannie Mae during the course of the meetings; and there is a wide representation of housing providers, including the private sector, non-profit entities, and local government. Ms. Sharifi stated Commissioner Higgs attended the first meeting; various mayors were also in attendance; the goals of the Advisory Council were to insure the success of current housing programs, have open ideas on how to tackle the housing problems in Brevard County, and explore how everyone can work together to address the housing issues; during the meetings, a lot of issues discussed included trying to support existing housing programs, expanding such programs, and increasing partnership opportunities that would also involve the public sector; and it is done through innovative strategies and new ways of looking at affordable housing issues. She noted it would leverage more of the County's resources, which are limited; the only way to address permanent housing for Brevard County residents is to receive cooperation from the public sector; the cruise and hotel industries are having serious problems trying to maintain employees due to the fact there is not enough affordable housing available for them or the available housing is too far from the main centers of employment; and the Advisory Council recommended strategies that would involve educating employers on housing issues that affect employees, and how they can use housing strategies to attract new employees and retain employees. Ms. Sharifi stated Fannie Mae has assisted teachers and is exploring with County staff some initiatives for teachers; the Advisory Council discussed homebuyers education programs that could be available for cruise line industry employees; and it could bring a lot of benefits to the community. She noted concerning existing housing programs, the Advisory Council indicated that the down payment assistance programs are very successful; the Council recommended the use of repayable loans at variable interests based on a person's income where the programs could get some income back from the persons that get down payment assistance based on the actual need; the repayable loans could be from zero to three percent interest instead of giving them out in the form of grants; and the Council suggested the re-evaluation of housing counseling programs to include more credit, budget, and long-term financial education. Ms. Sharifi stated some Advisory Council members felt that more requirements should be imposed in obtaining housing assistance, such as implementing programs in which individuals would acquire new skills to manage their financial responsibilities and demonstrate some type of improvements in acquiring skills so they can move into permanent housing, and supporting Habitat for Humanity and the continuum of care strategy to prevent homelessness; new ways to implement affordable housing strategies should include non-traditional housing partners, universities, faith-based organizations, and other programs that have been implemented throughout the nation with non-traditional housing entities; and the Council wants to create a new housing strategy that involves key elected officials and more programs that address rehabilitation needs for disabled, elderly, and handicapped populations. She noted the Advisory Council requested Fannie Mae to create new mortgage pilots that offer more flexibility and address the housing financing needs of the members of the community; the other main issue was education and awareness; and there was serious concern about certain lending practices that target elderly and low-income persons. Ms. Sharifi stated the way to address it is through more education efforts in the community; the Council suggested incorporating more long-term money management and counseling programs, working with the School Board to mandate a budget and financial curriculum in all public and middle schools, and educating employers on the economic advantages of giving housing benefits to their employees; the main issue of the Advisory Council was the need for multi-family affordable rental; and the Council felt more partnerships needed to be explored with for-profit developers, including the benefits of mixed income communities, and more options to replace the aging housing stock.

Jackie McPhillips, Fannie Mae Advisory Board and Principal with Heritage Companies, stated her Company has been based in Cocoa Beach for the past 13 years; it is a national affordable housing advocate and provider, predominately affordable rental housing and affordable for sale housing; and in the last 13 years, her Company has not had one affordable rental development in Brevard County. She noted there are a lot of misconceptions of what is affordable housing; many local governments do not have a good comprehension today of what affordable housing is; the Florida Housing Coalition recently received a grant from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to come up with all types of information and go around the State to visit local governments to educate on the programs available, advise what local governments must do to assist in securing funding for affordable housing from State governments, and show all the requirements the owners have to abide by in order to receive any State funding; and it would be a good educational process. She recommended the Board contact the Florida Housing Coalition and ask to be one of the first counties as the Coalition gets ready to start going around the State; and the Board could have a workshop on all of the issues that the Coalition could share as it would be very informative. Ms. McPhillips stated some of the statistics show Brevard County and its need for affordable housing; the Brevard County Housing Finance Authority ordered a market study, which reflected all the unincorporated and incorporated areas throughout Brevard County; such study of November, 1999 reflected that there was an additional need at that time for over 9,800 rental units under affordable housing; and it is from the zero to 60% incomes. She noted the Affordable Housing Study Commission in 1999 showed that there were a little over 31,000 renter households between the zero to 80% in Brevard County; 67% of that number are over burdened, meaning that their household costs of rent and utilities exceed 30% of their gross household income; and Brevard County is in the top five of all median counties as far as having the greatest cost burdened renter households. Ms. McPhillips stated the Brevard Consolidated Plan for 2000-2005 showed that there was an unmet need from the zero to 80% median income in Brevard County of a little over 8,600 households; almost 7,000 or 4% of all of the households in the County are currently substandard, including lack of plumbing and kitchens; and there is a major problem in Brevard County. She expressed appreciation to the Board for taking action and having funding available for elderly housing; stated there is a need for elderly, homeless, and special needs housing in Brevard County; the greatest need is in family housing; and they are not necessarily unemployed people, but the working class, including entry level school teachers, policemen, and government employees. Ms. McPhillips recommended the Board become educated on what is happening today in affordable housing; stated it could be very easy by inviting the Florida Housing Coalition to set up a workshop and have all of its materials prepared; requested if the Board agrees to address the need for family housing in 2002, it do the same thing it did in 2001 and have a request for proposal for the development community, with financial assistance, and waivers of impact fees or other fees that will allow developers to apply for some of the available financing from Florida Housing Finance Corporation; and stated the County needs to revitalize some of the older existing housing stock and build new housing stock. Ms. McPhillips stated some of the families are living from paycheck to paycheck; and because of the event of September 11, 2001 and some individuals getting laid off, the problem is going to get exacerbated.

Commissioner Colon inquired what does a community do to protect itself from the wrong type of affordable housing coming into the neighborhood; stated she comes from a community that has experienced that, which has not been pleasant; and inquired what is in place now. She noted a lot of developers are taking advantage of the incentives available from the federal government; once the affordable housing is built, sometimes the areas then go downhill; it is very important to help as the need is there; and reiterated what is being done to protect the community. Ms. McPhillips responded there is a difference between old affordable housing and new affordable housing; the County is trying to prevent slumlords; there are a ton of them out there; and usually the reason it happens is due to the current owner of the properties being more interested in cash flow than what the properties look like and how they are maintained.

She stated there are all kinds of stop guards now; she is a developer and her Company owns in excess of 75 rental developments; and she would welcome the Board visiting any one of them at any time, as well as other affordable developers that have secured funding from respective State agencies. Ms. McPhillips stated the Florida Housing Finance Corporation comes out on an annual basis and checks the developers' files to make sure all of the residents are income qualified; it goes inside the units to check a number of different things and issues a report annually that the owner has to sign; and if certain things need to be done, the Corporation advises the developers of it, and it must be taken care of. She reiterated there are issues now to make sure that the developments are always well maintained; companies have to start off with initial reserve funds, as well as initial operating funds; every month at least $200 or $250 per unit must go into a reserve fund; there are always adequate funds there to replace the roof when it needs it, repaint when necessary, etc.; and today's affordable housing that receives funding through State agencies must comply with a number of different issues, including maintenance of the assets. Commissioner Colon stated it is not just the maintenance, but the quality of life and how it affects people; it includes what takes place in the apartment complex or the affordable housing, such as loud music, people not putting curtains on their windows, and individuals hanging out outside; it looks like the projects; and it is not acceptable. She noted it is not just about the bricks anymore; and it defeats the entire purpose because the teacher, police officer, and government employee will not want to move in there because the people who are managing the places have let it go. Ms. McPhillips stated there are all types of safeguards; management is the key on affordable housing; there must be fair and good firm property management; and her Company has them and so do all other affordable housing developers. She noted by the Board scheduling a workshop with the Florida Housing Coalition, all of these issues can be discussed; there are many other areas where the Coalition enforces that the communities not only have nice assets and be well-maintained, but the whole lifestyle of the residents that live there is improved; and on a quarterly basis, her Company brings in health care professionals and educational services.

Discussion ensued concerning the screening mechanisms for applicants to go into affordable rentals and housing, the costs for renting apartments, and hourly wages of certain persons.

Commissioner O'Brien stated Country Club Apartments on Merritt Island is affordable; there are units available for rent for those individuals making $7.00 per hour; one individual working 40 hours a week can make $14,400 per year; and one person can afford to live in such apartment.

He noted a combined income would be $28,000, if two people each made $7.00 per hour; and they could afford a $600 per month apartment. Commissioner Colon inquired about the family housing; stated it can be difficult for a single father who has to pay child support; and the family is where the main issue is, including the husband and wife who work, have two children, and need to have at least a two-bedroom apartment. She stated after the September 11, 2001 event, the County needs to watch very closely as a community what to do; the State needs to help Brevard County; it cannot do it alone; and unfunded mandates are what hurt the community. Commissioner O'Brien stated last year the Board was told that Melbourne is the most affordable housing City in the nation; and the Board is told one thing one year and another thing another year. Ms. McPhillips stated she is in a lot of areas countrywide and has seen a lot more affordable cities than the City of Melbourne; so she is not sure what the report was.

Chairman Carlson stated there is an Affordable Housing Council; and it would be nice to hear from them to get its perspective.

Ms. Sharifi stated there will be a Housing Summit; the Fannie Mae Advisory Council is going to sponsor the Summit next year; it will bring nationwide speakers; and extended an invitation to the Board to attend such Summit.

Ms. Inbornone stated a tremendous amount of work has been done, but there is a lot more work that needs to occur; the energy has been created and new partnerships and alliances have been developed; and the only way Brevard County is not going to let things happen in terms of rundown housing is to have a group of people from cross sections and interests, including health care, mental health, and other support services, to be intimately involved in any kind of project and for everybody to buy off that this is the thing to do and not let developers go off without being part of it.

Ms. Rice stated the Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless has done tremendous work in making people aware of what is happening in Brevard County with regard to the homeless population; out of need, the Coalition has become a service provider; now it is looking for the establishment of a commission on homelessness; and the commission is the network. She noted the network commission on homelessness would look at the feasibility of different funding sources, a comprehensive approach to the supportive services, continuing the continuum of care process throughout the year, linking the individuals together every time the opportunity exists, looking at different funding services and ways to bring businesses and government leaders together with the service providers, and reviewing expanding the HEMIS Program to other service providers. Ms. Rice stated the State has allocated $25,000 to each coalition in the State; in Brevard County, the Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless is the one which would receive those funds; it has stated its support of a matching financial agreement with the County to help establish this commission based upon such commission focusing on those leadership and networking items outlined; however, there is a special session that starts on Monday; and it is very likely that those funds will be cut. She noted there is also financial support that H.O.P.E. is seeking; such support is specifically for the HEMIS system; the Board has started that process as it has purchased the system, on a limited basis, for the Family and Children Services workers; and it will be implementing it with its housing programs in the near future. Ms. Rice stated if the continuum of care process is meant to be a broad-based effort, it would represent the true needs of the community with regard to homelessness; therefore, theoretically, the priorities that would be identified in the continuum of care process should match up with the priorities that are set with CDBG, CBO, CAA, and the Affordable Housing Council; and the first two recommendations, implementing a policy and restricting the funding allocations, mean that H.O.P.E. would like the Board to ask that those different funding Advisory Boards look at the continuum of care priorities before they allocate funds. She noted it does not mean that they cannot allocate funds wherever they want to allocate them to; but it means that when an agency receives funding from one of those, that they would be a part of the continuum of care process, including bringing to the table their ideas, new thoughts on how to resolve situations with the homeless population, and their data on how they are serving people.

Ms. Rice stated the reasons for the two recommendations are that H.O.P.E. believes it will help the Board meet one of its consolidated plan goals, which is to try and align all of the areas of needs and priorities; it will not restrict any of the individual funding advisory boards from doing what they feel is necessary when they see a great need; the Board would be promoting partnerships across the spectrum of existing service providers and linking in service providers who have never been a piece of the continuum of care process before; and coming together with data, ideas and a commitment to the community, they will be able to develop better resources and leverage for more outside funding.

The meeting recessed at 10:50 a.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m.

*County Manager Tom Jenkins' absence was noted at this time and Assistant County Manager Don Lusk was present. *Assistant County Attorney Shannon Wilson's absence was noted at this time and Assistant County Attorney Kim Brautigam's presence was noted.

Greg Amelo, Executive Director for Coalition for the Homeless, stated he represents a statewide organization of homeless service providers and advocates; there are 29 local homeless coalitions and 18 HUD-funded continuums of care across the State of Florida; and the continuum of care, if it is a strong partnership that integrates private, local, State and federal resources into a comprehensive and seamless array of services, not only helps improve quality of life and alleviates suffering for homeless people, it saves resources in every other system and every other program relating to homelessness, including the mental health system, welfare system, criminal justice system, workforce system, foster care system, and housing system. He noted homelessness itself, as a direct characteristic, is associated with longer in-patient hospital stays; at least 70% of homeless people are uninsured and the cost associated with serving them and providing them care is shifted to other systems and taxpayers pay for it; the time and costs associated with arrest, booking, court costs, and incarceration of homeless people have been shown to be extremely significant; and a number of studies have shown that homeless people's actions are criminalized because they perform behaviors that some people perform in their own homes, but they have no homes in which to perform them and end up in the criminal justice system. Mr. Amelo stated instead of getting housing and treatment that they need, they often end up in a costly and less than desirable environment; they end up discharged and back on the street in the same situation in which they were, without any of those core issues being addressed; the provision of permanent housing is a priority in the continuum of care process per Congress; and various groups in Brevard County have taken steps to access the funding. He noted it has been shown to take people out of miserable situations in hospitals, jails, streets, and the revolving door between them and make them productive citizens; when adding in the cost of building and maintaining permanent supportive housing, such housing paid for itself entirely just on the basis of the cost savings achieved and the direct systems that the people were using previously; and supportive housing more than pays for itself in every single system. Mr. Amelo stated studies done in Denver and Ohio showed when a developer has capacity and experience, when the neighborhood is a partner, and when services are an integral component of supportive housing, property values do not go down; in most of the neighborhoods where the study was undertaken, property values increased; and crime did not increase.

He noted tax credits and other programs serve individuals at or near 60% of area median income, which includes people with incomes of $26,000 to $32,000 a year; the people who are most unable to secure housing on the open market have incomes at, near, or below 30% of area median income at $14,000 to $16,000 a year or less; and at $1,200 a month, one could afford a $360 unit, including utility cost. Mr. Amelo stated these individuals are trying to move back into self-sufficiency and the community, and have the hardest time affording 30% of their income on housing; State programs are not serving extremely low income and the homeless as well as they could; public housing authorities are stretched to the maximum; and everywhere in Florida, the Section 8 waiting lists are at least six months to two years long, and 25% of the housing authorities in Florida report a two-year or more wait to get into housing once on the list.

*Assistant County Attorney Kim Brautigam's absence was noted at this time and Assistant County Attorney Shannon Wilson's presence was noted.

Mr. Amelo stated housing alone is not going to end homelessness, but the County cannot end homelessness without housing; now for the first time there is a State office on homelessness; there are some new programs coming out; it was mentioned that the funding for the programs is threatened; and everyone will know at the end of this week or the first of next week whether a new homeless challenge grant program has been preserved. He noted after reviewing the 850 pages of State proposed budget cuts, a $5 million homeless housing assistance grant and the $25,000 for each of the local homeless coalitions in Florida is not currently being considered for elimination, which he hopes it brings some encouragement; everyone will know for sure next week if the programs will go forward, and it looks like they will. Mr. Amelo stated there is federal involvement and increased State involvement; and with the engagement of the Board and work of the community, there is a movement to move to the next level with respect to the issues in Brevard County.

Discussion ensued concerning mentally ill persons, supportive housing, secured environment, contributions to development and the community, employment, chronically homeless individuals, and willingness to access certain services.

Motion by Commissioner Colon, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to establish a Commission on Homeless to accomplish the tasks listed in staff's presentation, including bringing back a resolution for the Board to adopt creating such Commission, with no request for additional County funds; however if the State does allocate the funds that the Legislature approved last year of $25,000, staff will bring it back to the Board for approval. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Chairman Carlson requested staff elaborate on the financial support issue. Assistant County Manager Don Lusk stated there is a software program staff has been looking at in terms of managing the County's various social services offices and doing case management in a computerized fashion to track items; staff has begun the process of purchasing the program; this particular recommendation has more to do with letting staff continue that process; and staff will be working in the community with other providers to find other resources to make sure other agencies come on line on the system. He noted it is the entry point into the system so that the

County can track people and make the most efficient use of the resources; and staff is looking for the Board's support on that issue.

Commissioner Higgs noted since the Board has already allocated the monies, it does not need to make a motion; with Mr. Lusk responding that is correct.

Chairman Carlson stated the County is looking at grant opportunities to get additional dollars; and there are other types of software packages that have the label of HEMIS.

Commissioner O'Brien stated Exhibit 1 on Page 22 includes in-kind services; and inquired are the funds already obligated or committed, or are they funds staff is looking for. Ms. Rice responded they are funds that are in a written commitment, obligated if the funding comes through from HUD. Commissioner O'Brien stated a great deal of praise needs to be given to the Salvation Army, Daily Bread, Builders of Florida, Brevard Housing Authorities, Junior League, Women's Center, Brevard Job Link, Child Care Association, Brevard Charity Sharing Center, Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, Crisis Services of Brevard, and HealthFirst Foundation; and inquired if the $30 million total are committed funds for the homeless. Ms. Rice responded it serves the homeless and the full continuum of care.

Motion by Commissioner O'Brien, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to authorize staff to continue to educate the various boards which allocate funds (Community Development Block Grant, Community Based Organizations, Community Action Agencies, and Affordable Housing) to look at the priority needs identified in the Continuum of Care Plan. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Commissioner O'Brien stated of the 2,000 homeless, 515 individuals are veterans; the CBO Program has almost annually said it is not going to give the veterans any money for the homeless program in Melbourne; every year the Board has given a minimum of $5,000; hopefully, somebody will point out to CBO that close to 20% of the homeless are veterans; and the County should be supporting the veterans homeless facility in Melbourne.

Commissioner Colon requested Mr. Lusk let the groups know that the Board is not tying their hands and telling them where the funding is going; the groups need to be partners now and part of the continuum of care process; and lack of communication is not good.

Motion by Commissioner O'Brien, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to authorize staff to require those agencies funded through Community Development Block Grant, Community Based Organizations, Community Action Agencies, HOME or SHIP dollars to participate in the Continuum of Care process. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to implement one-year, three-year, and five-year action plans as noted in Exhibit 1: Goal, Action Steps, Responsible Person/Organization, and Target Dates: and authorize staff, through the Commission on

Homeless and existing Departmental functions, to assist in implementing the delineated goals. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Commissioner Higgs stated she heard yesterday about an initiative that would add a small surcharge to the bail bond; such surcharge would be put into a drug abuse treatment fund coming back to the counties where those funds are collected; the Board may want to look into the issue and endorse the concept; and it would be a dedicated funding source that would come back to the County to be used for drug treatment attached to jail bonds. Chairman Carlson inquired is there a time frame; with Commissioner Higgs responding the Board needs to do it quickly for its Legislative package. Chairman Carlson requested Commissioner Higgs provide the information under reports at a Board meeting.

Commissioner Colon inquired if it is possible to have the School Board included as a part of this, as discussions have included the curriculum in schools and the partnership needs to be there. Ms. Inbornone responded the Steering Committee and monthly participation meetings included School Board staff representation. Commissioner Colon suggested the Board get a presentation from the Family Housing Finance Coalition. Ms. Rice stated it deals more with the affordable housing and initiatives that are available. Commissioner Higgs stated if the Affordable Housing Council has specific information and action items that the Board needs to discuss, Mr. Lusk and the Council can bring the specific issues to the Board. Chairman Carlson stated staff needs to find out from the Council if the County is taking advantage of all grant opportunities and dollars that are available.

Motion by Commissioner O'Brien, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to direct staff to provide the measurable significant outcomes for those Programs receiving funding from Brevard County. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Chairman Carlson expressed appreciation to County staff and everyone present at today's meeting for all of their hard work.

EXTENSION AGREEMENTS WITH FLORIDRON (INDIAN LANDING) LTD., INC. FOR
INDIAN LANDING SUBDIVISIONS, PHASES II AND III

Bruce Moia, Land Development Code, stated the developer for Indian Landing Subdivisions, Phases II and III was not able to finish the infrastructure parts of the Agreements, which will expire prior to the October 30, 2001 Board meeting; and requested the Board extend the Agreements. He noted staff has a cash bond for the improvements to guarantee that they will be completed.

Motion by Commissioner O'Brien, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to execute Extension Agreements with Floridron (Indian Landing) Ltd., Inc. for infrastructure improvements for Indian Landing Subdivisions, Phases II and III. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chairman Carlson stated the Cape Canaveral Chapter of the Retired Officers Association has contributed $1,000 to the Tribute to America's Heroes; and expressed appreciation to the Association. She further advised that District 4 is having a town meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at Viera.

EXECUTIVE SESSION, RE: BREVARD COUNTY V. MIORELLI

Assistant County Attorney Shannon Wilson requested the Board cancel the executive session on October 18, 2001, at 11:30 a.m. for Brevard County v. Miorelli; and readvertise and reschedule it to October 30, 2001, at 11:30 a.m. as the Notice of Appeal and Motion for the Fifth District Court of Appeal documents have not been received by County staff.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner O'Brien, to cancel executive session on October 18, 2001, at 11:30 a.m. for Brevard County v. Miorelli and reschedule same to October 30, 2001, at 11:30 a.m. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

ATTEST:

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SUSAN CARLSON, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
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SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

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