Funder's Forum -
04/01/2015
Tri-County LTR Funder's Forum minutes
April 1, 2015
The Funders Forum meeting of Tri-County Long Term Recovery was called to order at 8 a.m. by Chairman Jim Fassino. In attendance were Darius Alemzadeh, John Bates, Terry Bibo, Josh Burnett, Kristi Cape, Capt. Katherine Clausell, Ben Davidson, Shelley Epstein, Fassino, Bruce Fitzgerald, Kevin Gramm, Roger Holzhauer, Kristy Howell, Matt Moehle, Josh Monda, Tricia O'Neal, Jennifer M. Orban, Lu Ori, Tom Pelger, Alyssa Pollock, John Rothfusz, Paul Seidl, Christine Serangeli, Barb Slagel, Tim Slagel, Pam Tomka, Jeff Turnbull, Amber Wells.
March minutes: Approved.
Chairman's remarks: Fassino introduced Amber Wells of the American Red Cross, who began coordinating disaster case management in mid-March. He said she has helped smooth the transition and the staff has many cases ready for review.
Cases considered: Nineteen cases involved unmet, non-soil needs, including insurance deductibles, fences and construction loan interest. One of the cases included landscaping materials, with the proviso that this client is older, gardening is her main form of recreation, and she had spent her insurance funds on soil remediation. Fassino said landscaping normally has not been considered a priority, but would be presented to the funders so they can make their own decisions. He added that there are several cases with big insurance shortfalls coming up in the next few months.
A total of $49,138.12 was pledged, completely funding 14 cases, and partially funding the remaining five cases. (Note: After the forum, LTR's executive committee voted to increase its contribution and complete one of the five cases, bringing the total pledged to $53,138.12.)
Nine soil remediation reimbursement cases were presented, ranging from $449.49 to $8,841.30. A total of $39,372.24 was pledged, completely funding up to eight cases. The remaining case had been presented at an earlier forum and received funding in addition to that earlier amount.
There were 13 soil remediation quote cases, ranging from $800 to $46,385. Funders agreed to spend up to $65,806.24 to fund those projects. Depending upon the quote selected by the homeowner, that may completely fill the need for five of them.
Wells said many clients are having difficulty finding landscapers to do the work. The lower-priced contractors are booked. Getting anyone to do soil remediation may be pushed into fall or even next spring. Ori explained another difference in price is that many homeowners are opting for sod, although digging deeper and seeding would be preferable.
Long Term Recovery Community meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at LTR Center.
Funders' comments: None.
Case management comments: Howell said she likes the slightly different procedure with commitment letters because it helps keep track of the amounts pledged. Wells said letters will indicate when the amount is an estimate and when it is final. She also said cases coming in are more complex and take more time. Fassino asked Pollock to give a little background about the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), which may provide a framework for LTR to go dormant. A meeting was held March 25 with a representative from Adams County; subcommittees are exploring the possibilities, looking for other members and considering bylaws. Pollack said the next meeting has not been set, but will probably be held at the end of May.
Next Funders Forum: 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, at LTR center.
The meeting adjourned at 9 a.m.