A primary concern during the meeting revolved around out-of-cycle funding for affordable housing initiatives. One member emphasized the urgency of this funding. This sparked a debate among the committee members about the implications of allowing out-of-cycle funding. Concerns were raised about fairness and process, with one member cautioning against proceeding with out-of-cycle funding, arguing it could undermine the established eligibility process communicated to the public.

Some members expressed a strong desire to utilize available funds to address the housing crisis, while others were concerned about opening the door to numerous out-of-cycle requests, potentially complicating decision-making and fairness. The argument was made that merely having funds available does not necessitate immediate expenditure if the projects do not represent significant impacts.

Ultimately, a motion was proposed not to pursue out-of-cycle funding unless it pertained to emergencies, favoring a review of the proposal after the current application cycle concluded. This motion was seconded and passed.

In addition to the housing debate, the committee addressed several project extension requests. The Greater Fall River Art Association, represented by Dana Barnes, requested a two-year extension for their porch renovation project. Barnes detailed the challenges in securing a licensed contractor to complete the project, despite having finished the granite work and replaced the leadline. The committee voted to grant the extension unanimously, recognizing the need for additional time to coordinate the installation of an ADA-compliant lift.

Similarly, the Antioch School’s vice principal, Diane Carer, requested an extension due to delays caused by back-ordered shingles for their roofing project. Carer explained that the architect and construction contractor were ready to proceed once the building permit was issued. The committee acknowledged the urgency of the roofing work, as the school had not seen significant roofing repairs since 1999, and unanimously approved a two-year extension.

The Barnabas Blossom Workshop also sought an extension, citing delays due to prioritizing architectural work at another project site, the Anonda Farm Bioreserve Discovery Center. Despite questions about the absence of a representative and the involvement of different architectural firms, the committee proceeded with a motion for a two-year extension. However, one member abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest related to prior involvement with T2 Architects.

The Fall River Museum and the Central Fire Station projects were combined in a vote due to their shared funding mechanism. Despite the absence of a museum representative, the committee was informed that renovations for both sites were ongoing. A collective motion to approve extensions for both projects passed without objections.

Another topic was the discussion on the timeline and criteria for funding applications. Members proposed adjusting the timeline for funding applications to better align with project timelines, particularly for outdoor projects. Suggestions included maintaining the September 1st eligibility date while moving the application deadlines up to allow for a more efficient process. This proposal aimed to ensure timely project approvals and better preparation by contractors for the spring construction season.

The meeting also included routine procedural matters such as the approval of Coalition membership dues and the adoption of new eligibility dates for funding for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. A finance report highlighted that just under $3 million was currently available in the fund balance, reflecting how the committee conservatively budgets revenue in light of increasing participation from other communities in the program.

Lastly, committee officer elections were conducted, with John Brand nominated and unanimously approved as chair, Kristen Cana Oliveira as vice chair, and Alexander Silva as clerk.