Monthly Report – January 1999

# of Neighborhood Organizations assisted: 6

# of Faith-Based Organizations assisted: 1

# of Municipal Agencies assisted: 1

# of Non-Profits assisted: 4

The NTAC hired Ms. LaTonya Burton on January 4, 1999 as the Interim Community Planner. Patricia Nolan previously held the position but has since moved on to pursue a career in Chicago. Ms. Burton is a graduate of the Department of Urban Planning at University of Illinois and a proud East St. Louis native. During this month, Ms. Burton completed the following projects: NTAC Newsletter; a grant for Dorris Helping Hand Shelter; worked on the Alta Sita Neighborhood Improvement Initiative; assisted ESL CAN print maps of East St. Louis for the Code Enforcement 2000 Public meeting; assisted Carver Community Center and Citizens for a Decent Community (Washington Park Neighborhood Organization) apply for 501c3 status; and provided non-profit organization management training to Young Adults Concerned.

Mr. Damon Smith’s last day as the Director of the NTAC was January 15, 1999. I (Craig A. Miller, Sr.) have taken over the duties of the director for an interim period of approximately 2.5 months. During this month, the NTAC staff attended an ESLARP strategic planning meeting and attended America’s Millennium Project Workshop coordinated by Illinois State Representative Wyvetter H. Young.

The NTAC staff met with ASNI members to discuss the implementation the ANSI Neighborhood Improvement Initiative. Ms. Burton assisted with the coordination of the upcoming (February 9, 1999) ANSI Neighborhood Improvement Initiative Meeting. This meeting will allow neighborhood residents, local leaders, and businesses to participate in a grass roots planning process. On January 29^th and 30^th, the NTAC staff along with University of Illinois (ESLARP) faculty and students canvassed the Alta Sita Neighborhood inviting neighborhood residents to the February 9^th neighborhood improvement initiative meeting. NTAC/ESLARP also surveyed the Alta Sita community in order to document data.

The NTAC staff attended a workshop coordinated by Illinois State Representative Wyvetter H. Young regarding the organization of a core group of citizens committed to launch AMP from a grassroots base in East St. Louis.

Ms. Burton assisted Mr. Canada, President of CFDC, apply for 501c3 status.

NTAC provided computer access to the Director of Citizens for the Future, David Wilson. Mr. Wilson created budgets for the organization and used Internet access to research potential funders.

I (Craig A. Miller, Sr.) executed pre-construction administration duties for the Carver Community Center roof replacement project. The Owner and Contractor Agreement was drafted and a building permit fee waiver was obtained from the City of East St. Louis. The Contractor’s proof of insurance, surety bond, and registration with the City of East St. Louis were also submitted to the funder of this project (CDBG) under the direction of the NTAC. Ms. Burton assisted Carver Community Center apply for 501c3 status.

Ms. Burton wrote a grant for repairs to the shelter in the amount $5,300.00. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) fund the grant.

I (Craig A. Miller, Sr.) prepared a cost estimate for the EPDC single family dwelling. Additional administrative duties regarding this project were executed. The construction of this dwelling will begin in March of 1999.

The City of East St. Louis, St. Louis, Wellston (St. Louis County) were awarded a Federal Empowerment Zone Designation. The NTAC attended a meeting with the Secretary of HUD (Mr. Cumo) regarding the EZ Designation.

I (Craig A. Miller, Sr.) executed pre-construction administrative duties for the phase two development of the Artisanal Village project. Neighbors United for Progress performed lead-base paint inspection/risk assessment at the Dunham Museum under the direction of the NTAC.

NTAC staff assisted Ms. Deborah Hunt, President of ONV with non-profit organization management training.

I (Craig A. Miller, Sr.) assisted WIPNO hire another real-estate company (Cheryl Oliver Real-Estate) to appraise the 1240/1242 Gaty Avenue Building. The first appraiser hired, Mary Lybarger, failed to complete the appraisal in a timely manner. Feasibility studies were executed for the proposed renovation of WIPNO’s Parsonage Building located at 1235 Gaty Avenue.

Ms. Burton provided non-profit organization management training to Young Adults Concerned and informed this organization how to apply for 510c3 status.

*See attached bills and time sheets