Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The Live Oak City Council convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 8, following a ceremony honoring law enforcement agencies, including the Live Oak Police Department, for their efforts to keep the community safe following the pursuit of a homicide suspect on Friday, Feb. 7. The Wednesday, April 16, edition of Riverbend News highlights the ceremony. One of the first items discussed was the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which had its second reading during a public hearing. “It is an honor to be here to facilitate the second public hearing for the City of Live Oak’s CDBG housing rehab application,” Jeffrey Winter with Cornerstone Community Partners said. “I would like to thank Clerk [John] Gill as well as Finance Director [JoAnne] Luther for providing information and documentation needed to finalize the draft applications.” The second hearing was to solicit public comment on the draft application. The city is pursuing $1.5 million for the CDBG grant in the housing rehabilitation category to help repair 21 homes within the city. During public comments, Linda Williams, a Live Oak resident, said that she was in favor of the CDBG grant and requested the city council to take the grant offer seriously. “It’s something that is needed here in this city,” she said. “And I am hoping that you, as you sit up here, will consider accepting this grant and do whatever it is for this grant to go through as quickly as possible.” Anita Williams was the last to come forward regarding the grant, inquiring about the process for choosing the 21 homes under the CDBG grant. Winter responded that the decisions will be based on the city’s housing assistance plan, and the applications under review will be considered using the same criteria. He also added that his team will work with the city to update the housing assistance plan before they open up applications. City Councilwoman Vanessa Brown-Robinson asked how 21 homes were determined under the grant. Winter responded that a particular formula was used to determine the number of homes eligible, which helps maximize the grant. Councilman Tommie Jefferson asked what the necessary square footage would be to be eligible, with Winter responding that it would vary. Councilwoman Gladys Owens asked if those applying would have to own the homes or if renters would be eligible. Winter responded that the grant is intended for owner-occupied single-family homes; however, provisions could be worked out where rentals may be eligible, and he could go over that information with the city. While discussing the potential for rentals to be addressed in the CDBG grant, Linda approached the podium once again, addressing her concerns about the issue. She stressed that homeowners should benefit from this and not renters, who may not take care of the properties like owners. “When you consider this grant, think about homeowners,” Linda said. Following the CDBG public hearing, several items were discussed, one of which was the appointment of Kenny Beasley to the Live Oak Housing Authority Board. Beasley replaces Brantley Helvenston, who resigned from the board last month. Beasley’s term will end in 2028. Later, during the council meeting, a special meeting was called for a second reading of the second CDBG Public Hearing for the neighborhood revitalization grant. The special meeting was held on Tuesday, April 22. The next Live Oak City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, located at 101 SE White Ave.