11-19-97 v SUMMARY OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION, CITY STAFF, AND
FEDERAL HUD REPRESENTATIVES HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS AT 2:00 PM
ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1997
Present: Suzanne Shaughnessy, Mayor
Rick Beaver, Commissioner
Mike Borno, Commissioner
John Meserve, Commissioner
Theo Mitchelson, Commissioner
Also: Jim Jarboe, City Manager
David Thompson, Director of Public Safety
Maureen King, City Clerk
Also: Jim Walker. Area Coordinator, U.S. HUD (Ph. 232-2626)
Gary Causey, Program Manager, U.S. HUD (Ph. 232-1205)
Reubin Patchett, Community Planning& Development Dir.
U.S. HUD (Ph. 232-1205
Wanda Lanier, Emergency Services&Homeless Coalition
(Ph. 390-3271)
The meeting which was held for the purpose of discussing the homeless situation in the Beaches
area, was called to order at 2:10 PM by Mayor Shaughnessy.
Jim Walker gave a brief overview of the activities of his office and indicated that the national
budget for U.S. HUD was over $1 billion for the next year and homelessness was their number
one priority. He reported that they had already met with representatives from the other beach
cities and indicated their primary purpose in calling the meeting was to listen to the concerns of
the beaches communities. He indicated that there were several other non-profit organizations
which offered assistance in the beaches area, but as resources shrunk, it was important to share
resources to save money and to eliminate duplication of services.
Wanda Lather indicated she is the associate executive director of the YWCA of Jacksonville
would coordinate the services to the Beaches area. She stated that applications for funds would
be more successful if made in concert with other entities, and for that reason, she would like to
see the three beach cities working together. She indicated that her organization focused mostly
on assistance to families, including providing transitional housing and other services to help get
them on their feet
Jim Jarboe felt that Jacksonville should not be left out of the loop since human services was
addressed in the interlocal agreement between Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville. He felt that many
homeless people had problems with alcohol, drugs or mental illness and it was important to break
that cycle.
PAGE TWO
SUMMARY OF MEETING WITH HUD REPRESENTATIVES
November 19, 1997.
David Thompson indicated that many of the services offered to the homeless in the Beaches area
were coordinated through BEAM. He said the largest concentration of homeless at the Beaches
area was in Jacksonville Beach, with Atlantic Beach having approximately 15 - 20 individuals and
no families that he was aware of
Discussion ensued regarding the services offered by Mission House and it was felt that Mission
House was an excellent source of assistance for people who demonstrated that they were willing
to help themselves.
It was felt that transportation was a problem and that the homeless at the Beach would have
difficulty getting to work. Mr. Walker advised that the Homeless Coalition was putting together
a pocket directory of services and resources available. He indicated that U.S. HUD could help
this community and he felt it would be helpful to have a city official attend the monthly meetings
of the Beaches Coalition. Commissioner Mitchelson agreed to attend these meetings and to keep
the City Commission informed. Jim Jarboe indicated he would contact Mayor Delaney regarding
the homeless situation at the beach.
Gary Causey pointed out that CDBG funds could be used for counseling and other services in
addition to the housing rehabilitation currently being undertaken with CDBG funds in Atlantic
Beach. He also suggested the city call his office to report any problems with existing HUD
homes.
Following further discussion, Mr. Walker indicated he would schedule a further meeting to get as
many of the agencies as possible together.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:20 PM.
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CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
7:15 PM -November 12, 1997
Call to order
1. Discussion and possible action in connection with a sculpture in Bull
Memorial Park (Mayor Shaughnessy)
411/ 2. Any other business
Adjournment
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