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9 <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said that a meeting of all players needs to be convened and there is a <br />need to better coordinate what we do. <br /> <br /> He said this is one of the biggest issues that confront the City and he hopes that <br />the next Council and City Manager will put it on the front burner. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton congratulated the committee for creating a process that embraced <br />the entire community at a time of crisis in our schools. She suggested that we never <br />speak the words “achievement gap” again, and that we get away from the deficit model of <br />looking at kids and move toward a success, talent development model. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling asked what the opportunities are for breaking down racial <br />segregation in the schools. <br /> <br /> Dr. Edwards said it has to do with teaching the same material, staff making <br />themselves accessible, and expectations. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said it is important to note that some recommendations have already <br />been acted on such as the summer program partnership between the Schools and Parks <br />and Recreation. <br /> <br />APPROPRIATION <br />: $150,000 – REQUEST FROM HABITAT FOR HUMANITY <br />FOR PATON STREET HOUSES <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said he has a potential conflict of interest as he owns property in this <br />area, but feels he can make a fair judgment. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said that Habitat for Humanity has requested the City’s help with a <br />project on Paton Street. He said the PUD has been approved and additional units have <br />been acquired. He said this is an exciting project and will have an impact on housing <br />affordability. He said there will be a building blitz with six contractor teams working <br />together. He said the money from the City will be part of the mortgage for five houses <br />and the City will hold the third deed of trust. He said the money will be returned to the <br />housing initiatives fund if the houses are sold. <br /> <br /> Mr. Overton McGee, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, said that the <br />proposal is to forgive the loan after thirty years. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch, Mr. Tolbert said that originally one of <br />the houses was to be sold at market rate, but now they will all be affordable, but it is <br />recommended that the $150,000 from the City be spread out over five of the houses. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Hamilton, Mr. McGee said that the first <br />mortgages will start at $90,000. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton asked if clients are having trouble paying real estate taxes, and Mr. <br />McGee said yes, and he would suggest that taxes be deferred for those making less than <br />$25,000 a year. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said this is a community effort and the proposal goes in the right <br />direction. He made a motion to approve the appropriation. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton seconded the motion and the $150,000 appropriation for Habitat for <br />Humanity for the Paton Street project was carried over to the next meeting for <br />consideration. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch asked if Council wants to discuss forgiving the loan after 30 years, and <br />Mr. Caravati said he wants to think about it and talk to staff before making a decision. <br /> <br />PUBLIC <br /> <br /> <br />