FEBRUARY 20, 2008

                                                                WAYNESBORO, PA 17268

                                                                PUBLIC HEARING RE: 2008 COMMUNITY                                                                 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

Council President Craig Newcomer called the public hearing to order at 7:15 p.m. with the following in attendance:

Borough Council Members – Benjamin Greenawalt, Jason Stains, C. Harold Mumma, Craig Newcomer, Charles McCammon and Ronald Martin

          Mayor Richard Starliper

          Borough Staff – Lloyd R. Hamberger, II, Borough Manager

                     Denny Benshoff, Maintenance Superintendent

                     Dan Sheffler, Zoning-Code Enforcement Officer

                     S. Leiter Pryor, Director of Borough Utilities

                     Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services

                     Melissa Dively, Borough Solicitor (Salzmann Hughes, PC)

                     Dave Martin, Fire Chief

Borough Manager Lloyd Hamberger explained that this is the first of two (2) required public hearings for the 2008 CDBG program. The purpose of this hearing is to accept any proposals for the use of CDBG funds. The second hearing will be held at Council’s first meeting in April, at which time they will authorize planned uses for the grant money. Erik Genga, of Mullin & Lonergan Associates, Inc. (the Borough’s consulting firm), was present to explain the program further. Mr. Genga began by distributing handouts regarding the program to Council and the public in attendance.

Mr. Genga stated that CDBG funds are federal monies, provided by HUD and managed by PA DCED, which are distributed to communities and counties throughout Pennsylvania. Any projects funded by this program must meet one of three criteria: (1) Benefit to low/moderate income individuals; (2) Address slum and blight issues; or (3) Meet emergency needs. He noted that the Borough of Waynesboro’s allotment for this year is $159,088 (there was a slight across-the-board decrease in funding this year). The Borough of Waynesboro has traditionally used CDBG funds for street/sidewalk improvements and a facade improvement program. The application deadline is May 9^th. The purpose of the first public hearing is to make the public aware of the available funds, and to accept any requests for use of the money. At the second public hearing, the public will be notified of specific projects to be funded.

An individual from the public asked, if a non-profit organization is currently under HUD for transitional and emergency housing for the homeless, would they take precedence over highway and traffic problems (and who would make that decision)? Mr. Genga noted that there is no precedence ... but 15% of the CDBG funds can be utilized for public service items.

Mayor Starliper asked if the Borough has received any requests for funding yet? Mr. Hamberger noted he has not. He further noted that funding over the last several years was used for street improvements, handicapped curbing and accessibility at the library, facade improvements, and funding for a portion of the Borough/Washington Township Joint Comprehensive Plan study. In addition, funds were provided to the homeless shelter for insurance costs for their transportation needs.

Erik Genga added that, through HUD’s definition, low and moderate income people make approximately 30% median income; however, ADA improvements and elderly projects are automatically defined as low-income (and therefore automatically qualify).

Hearing no further comments from the public or Council, the hearing adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

                                                                Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                Melinda S. Knott

                                                                Administrative Assistant