Minutes Housing Commission 7 22 08MINUTES OF HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
DATE: 22 July 2008
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: Housing and Community Development Department
350 West 6`" Street, Suite 312, Dubuque, IA 52001
Commissioner Kapler, following staff assurance of compliance with Iowa Open Meeting Law, called
the meeting to order at 4:01 pm.
Commissioners Present: John Plein Judie Root William Helling
Linda Frommelt Char Eddy Dave Kapler
Jim Holz Dorothy Culberston
Dorothy Schwendinger, OSF
Commissioners Absent:
Staff Present:
Public Present:
Angela Mozena
David Harris Jessica Cole
Janet Walker Cpl. Pablo Ramirez
Keith Kettles of Mt. Pleasant Home
Kim Vondal on behalf of Laverne Balle
Review and Certification of Minutes of 24 June 2008 Commission Meeting
Commissioner Helling moved to approve the minutes. Commissioner Culbertson seconded.
Roll call. Commissioner Holz and Commissioner Eddy abstained. All others present in favor.
Motion passed. ,
Public Input
None
Old Business
Housing Commission Appointments
David announced that Commissioner Helling and Commissioner Frommelt renewed for another
term. An application for Lynn Sutton was submitted and she will join the Commission in
August.
New Business
Section 8 Administrative Plan Amendments
Janet explained the survey that was passed out to the Commission Members showing other Iowa
Housing Authorities' policies on appeals, hearings and participant termination based on criminal
activity.
1. Sanctions for Drug-Related Behavior of Guests
Janet discussed that the proposed amendment would tighten the language in the Administrative
Plan to include clear and present danger, lengthening the ineligibility period and assisting in
getting the violators of severe crimes off the program faster. Pablo Ramirez, the Section 8 Police
Investigator would decide based on the criminal activity if it was a clear and present danger. It
was also discussed that the change would assist in the public perception of the program, showing
that violators of severe crimes are not allowed to stay on the program.
Commissioner Eddy questioned if the time given to file for an appeal should be changed from 20
days to 10 days. It was discussed that 15 days would be better. Commissioner Holz motioned to
approve the proposed amendment as well as to amend the appeal time from 20 days to 15 days.
Commissioner Root seconded. All present in favor. Motion approved.
2. Streamlining Appeal Process
Janet explained that there were two Informal Review/Hearings proposals. The first proposal
would only allow one review/hearing with the Department Director. It would also allow for only
one cancellation request within a shorter period of time and expedite the decision notice time.
The second proposal would allow for two reviews/hearings/appeals, one with the Director and
one with a Housing Commissioner. The second proposal would also allow for one cancellation
request within a shorter time period and expedite the decision notice time for faster decisions
based upon more serious offenses. Commissioner Holz motioned to approve proposal #1.
Commissioner Root seconded. All present in favor. Motion approved.
Section 8 Management Assessment Plan (SEMAP) Report for FY2008
Janet noted that all of the paperwork needs to be completed by August 27, 2008 and
Commissioner Schwendinger asked if we would pass. Janet indicated that we should rank as a
High Performer. Commissioner Holz motioned to approve the report. Commissioner Eddy
seconded. All present in favor. Motion approved.
Request for Appeal by Laverne Ball
Janet gave a brief overview of Mr. Ball's Section 8 file, stating the tenant hadn't filed for an
appeal within the required 20 days so his housing benefits were terminated. Kim Vondal spoke
on Mr. Ball's behalf that there were family/personal issues affecting Mr. Ball which is why he
did not appeal within the appropriate timeframe. Commissioner Eddy moved to grant the
opportunity to appeal. Commissioner Kapler seconded. All present in favor. Motion approved.
Janet questioned if the Commission was granting permission to reapply and go back on the
waitlist and Commissioner Root motioned to reinstate Mr. Ball. Commissioner Eddy seconded.
All. present in favor. Motion passed.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Kapler moved to
adjourn the meeting at 5:04 pm. All present in favor. Motion passed by voice vote.
• Minutes taken jby:
Jessica Cole
Recording Secretary
Res ectfully submitted by:
avid Harris
Department Director