AUGUST 20, 2008

                                                                      WAYNESBORO, PA 17268

                                                                      PUBLIC HEARING RE: 2007 CDBG PROGRAM                                                                       MODIFICATIONS

Council President Craig Newcomer recused himself, and Vice-President Harold Mumma presided over the hearing. He 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, Charles McCammon and Ronald Martin

           (Mayor Starliper was absent)

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

                       Denny Benshoff, Maintenance Superintendent

                       Dan Sheffler, Zoning-Code Enforcement Officer

                       Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services

                       Melissa Dively, Borough Solicitor (Salzmann Hughes, PC)

                       Mark King, Police Chief

                       Dave Martin, Fire Chief

Mr. Mumma stated that the purpose of the hearing was to provide an opportunity for citizens to comment on changes to the distribution of 2007 Community Development Block Grant funds. The Borough intends to add a new project described as Public Service - Maranatha Homeless Services. The Borough will be moving $10,000 from the existing Administration line item into the new Public Service - Maranatha Homeless Services line item. Moving the $10,000 from FY 2007 Administration will reduce the funding for this line item to $19,958.

The hearing was advertised in accordance with rules and regulations of the CDBG Program in The Record Herald newspaper on August 13, 2008. Members of the public wishing to make comments were asked to state their name and address for the record.

Amos Miller, 309 W. Sixth Street - Mr. Miller raised concern over the fact that he is unfamiliar with the Maranatha organization and their services. He noted that they are not listed with the other human service agencies in Waynesboro’s “Welcome Guide”, as are the Food Pantry, Welfare Association, New Hope Shelter, etc.

Councilman Mumma noted that representatives of Maranatha were in attendance and planned to give a presentation. He was hopeful that they would be able to provide answers to questions that are raised.

Natalie Newcomer, 31 W. Third Street - Mrs. Newcomer noted that Maranatha began in Waynesboro in 1991. Their office has been located at 43 Philadelphia Avenue since the 1980's (when they were previously named Financial Counseling Services). They decided to do transitional housing approximately nine (9) years ago, because they found that many people in Waynesboro needed housing. They receive three (3) HUD grants, in the total amount of $543,632. HUD encourages communities to be involved, and that is why they are requesting CDBG funds (to be used for their cash match).

Christina Newcomer, 115 W. Second Street - Ms. Newcomer stated that their program has been 73% successful (most other HUD programs are 50% or less). There are currently 15 scattered sites, which they rent to homeless families with children, for a period of 18-24 months. Clientele are interviewed thoroughly (they currently have a waiting list of 25 families). They are required to either have a job, or be looking for a job or enrolled in a work program. They must either be a high school graduate or studying/working toward earning their GED, and their children must be enrolled in structured day care. The apartments must be kept clean (and are inspected twice a month). Maranatha works with other agencies in Waynesboro and Chambersburg for various services to assist their clients in becoming self-sufficient, functional and successful within the community.

Amos Miller asked if there would be a representative from another agency who could speak on Maranatha’s behalf. He again noted that the money “should go to something we know about”. Natalie Newcomer noted that money has been provided from donors in Waynesboro since they have been in business.

Mr. Hamberger stated that Erik Genga (Mullin & Lonergan Associates, Inc.) usually explains the process to be followed for program modifications, however he is ill and could not attend the meeting. When CDBG funds are used for a sub-recipient, the sub-recipient must sign an agreement confirming that they will be in compliance with all rules and regulations of the program, and they will benefit the target population (low/moderate income) for residents of the Borough of Waynesboro. Once the hearing is held, Council will sign the documents (if they approve the modification) and forward them to DCED for review. If there are any questions or additional information is required, DCED will inform the Borough.

Councilman Martin questioned how many apartments Maranatha currently rents. Natalie Newcomer responded that they have 15 scattered sites (and of those 15, there are approximately four people from Waynesboro in two apartments).

Councilman Greenawalt questioned if the Borough of Chambersburg provides funding for Maranatha. Mrs. Newcomer commented that they, as well as Franklin County, have provided funding in the past.

Hearing no further comments, the hearing closed at 7:32 p.m.

                                                                      Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                      Melinda S. Knott

                                                                      Administrative Assistant