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B. Staff Report
Thorn asked about updates on the Opportunity Campus. Hollis explained that the city is still working on the ARPA contract, but they are making progress. Hollis said his understanding is that they have received a significant level of donations and have lined up state and tax credit funds, but they are waiting to hear back from the county as the county did not fund the project in the first round of ARPA allocations.
Hollis said they have several partners on board, and multiple redesigns have been based on their input. RATI will merge into VAC, but Turning Point and Loaves and Fishes will stay independent. Partners like Burrell have agreed to lease space at the market rate. They will offer space to Turning Point and Loaves and Fishes below the market rate. The funding from leases is an essential part of their business plan. Hollis said he has worked hard to ensure funding was made available for RATI to operate year-round and Turning Point to operate all day so that these services would be available at the campus. Hollis said they are moving ahead with the project, assuming that the city contract will be executed and hoping the county will reverse course and provide funding.
Thorn asked if there is a way to go to the Opportunity Campus site and view the plans.
Hollis said he would speak with VAC about this and let the commission know.
Clarke inquired about the Pallet shelters. Hollis said that the Pallet shelters had not been ordered. Hollis explained that the issue is not just obtaining the pallet shelters but also the costs of preparing the site and the operating the shelters. Hollis received a quote from RATI to operate the Pallet shelters as transitional shelter tied to the RATI congregate shelter. He gave this information to City leadership. Hollis said the site preparation for the Pallet shelters is part of the scope of work for the design/build RFP for the Ashely St. Center improvements. Hollis said he personally thinks funding...
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