Minutes_Housing Commission 5 26 20 Copyrig hted
J uly 6, 2020
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 1.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUM MARY: Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission and Work Groups of
4/28, 5/28, 6/9; City Council Proceedings of 6/15, 6/22, 6/29;
Community Development Advisory Commission of 6/17; Housing
Commission of 5/26; Historic Preservation Commission of 6/18; Library
Board of Trustees Council Update No. 198 of 5/28 and No. 199 of 6/25.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
and Work Group of 4/28/20
Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
and Working Group of 5/28/20
Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission of Supporting Documentation
6/9/20
City Council Proceedings of 6/15/20 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 6/22/20 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 6/29/20 Supporting Documentation
Community Development Advisory Commission Supporting Documentation
Minutes of 6/17/20
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes of 6/18/20 Supporting Documentation
Housing Commission Mlnutes of 5/26/20 Supporting Documentation
Library Board of Trustees Council Update No. 198 of Supporting Documentation
5/28/20
Library Board of Trustees Council Update No. 199 of Supporting Documentation
6/25/20
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
6/1/20
MINUTES FOR HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
DATE: Tuesday, May 26 2020
TIME: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: Housing and Community Development Department
350 West 6'h Street, Room 250; Dubuque, IA 52001
Chairperson Rick Baumhover called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. following staff assurance of
compliance with lowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners Present: Rick Baumhover Amy Eudaley David Wall
Janice Craddieth Coralita Shumaker (4:18 p.m.) Gail Weitz
Hilary Dalton Suzanne Stroud Sam Wooden
Commissioners Absent: Michelle Becwar
Staff Present: Alexis Steger Tonya England Kris Neyen
Gina Hodgson Jerelyn O'Connor
Public Present: Amanda Hohmann
Certification of Minutes —April 28, 2020 Housinq Commission Meetinq
Commissioner Amy Eudaley moved to approve the Minutes for the April 28, 2020 Housing Commission
Meeting with the following change: Suzanne Stroud did not attend the April 28, 2020 Meeting.
Commissioner David Wall seconded. Roll call. Eight (8) in favor. Motion passed.
Correspondence/Public Input
None
New Business
a) Housing Commission Meeting Time
The Housing Commission discussed changing the meeting time. The Housing Commissioners
decided to leave the meeting time at 4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
There was no vote.
b) Administrative Plan Chapter 3 Summary
Gina Hodgson, Assisted Housing Supervisor, reviewed the proposed changes in Administrative
Plan Chapter 3. (A copy of the Administrative P/an Review is attached.)
Commissioner Suzanne Stroud motioned to approve the proposed changes for Chapter 3 of the
Administrative Plan. Commission Janice Craddieth seconded. Eight (8) in favor. Motion passed.
c) Administrative Plan Chapter 7 Summary
Hodgson summarized the proposed changes in Administrative Plan Chapter 7.
Commissioner Craddieth motioned to approve the proposed changes for Chapter 7 of the
Administrative Plan. Commission Eudaley seconded. Nine (9) in favor. Motion passed.
d) Administrative Plan Chapter 8 Summary
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MINUTES FOR HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
Hodgson summarized the proposed changes in Administrative Plan Chapter 8. She also added
she met with Ben Pothoff, Housing Inspection Supervisor, for guidance with updating and clarifing
information in this chapter.
Commissioner Stroud motioned to approve the proposed changes for Chapter 8 of the
Administrative Plan. Commission Coralita Shumaker seconded. Nine (9) in favor. Motion
passed.
e) Administrative Plan Chapter 9 Summary
Hodgson discussed the proposed changes in Administrative Plan Chapter 9.
Commissioner Stroud motioned to approve the proposed changes for Chapter 9 of the
Administrative Plan. Commission Craddieth seconded. Nine (9) in favor. Motion passed.
f) Administrative Plan Chapter 10 Summary
Hodgson explained the proposed changes in Administrative Plan Chapter 10.
Commissioner Craddieth motioned to approve the proposed changes for Chapter 10 of the
Administrative Plan. Commission Eudaley seconded. Nine (9) in favor. Motion passed.
g) Administrative Plan Chapter 11 Summary
Hodgson summarized the proposed changes in Administrative Plan Chapter 11.
Commissioner Craddieth motioned to approve the proposed changes for Chapter 11 of the
Administrative Plan. Commission Hilary Dalton seconded. Nine (9) in favor. Motion passed.
h) Administrative Plan Chapter 12 Summary
The proposed changes in Administrative Plan Chapter 12 were summarized by Hodgson.
Commissioner Eudaley motioned to approve the proposed changes for Chapter 12 of the
Administrative Plan. Commission Shumaker seconded. Nine (9) in favor. Motion passed.
Reports
a) Community Development Advisory Commission Report
Commissioner Craddieth stated the Community Development Advsory Commission reviewed and
approved large neighborhood grants. They received information about a new short-term
rental/mortgage assistance program for those who were working in January 2020.
Alexis Steger, Department Director, added the applications will be accepted for the short-term
rental/mortgage assistance while funding is available and landlords may refuse to accept funding
from this source of income. Steger will forward a link to information and the application for this
program to the Housing Commissioners.
b) Rehab Report
Kris Neyen, Rehabilitation Programs Supervisor, reported the sale of 396 Locust Street is
pending. 2407 Queen Street and 2243 Central Avenue are being fnalized for an appraisal.
Neyen will be hosting her first virutal home workshop on Monday.
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MINUTES FOR HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
c) Neighborhood Services
Jerelynn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist, reported seven (7) large
neighborhood grants were approved. O'Connor stated many neighborhood group are not meeting
in person due to COVID-19; many are utilizing social media.
d) Assisted Housing Waiting List Statistical Summary
Cate Richter, Assisted Housing Coordinator, reported there are no applicants on the Housing
Choice Voucher (HCV) Waiting List for all applicants have been pulled from it.
e) Housing Choice Voucher Participant Statistical Summary
Richter stated she was experiencing computer issues; therefore, the Participant Statistical
Summary was provided. She will submit a report for April and May at the next regular Housing
Commission Meeting.
f) Denial/Termination Meeting Results
Richter reported there was no update.
g) Equitable Poverty Prevention Plan Update
Steger reported traditional meetings could not be held due to COVID-19; work is being completed
to change the outreach plan.
h) Continuum of Care Special Needs Assistance Program
Amanda Hohmann, Regional Homeless Coordinator with East Central Development Corporation,
explained the Continuum of Care Special Needs Assistance Program is at 13 households.
Hohmann stated they just received the new contract. At this time, they are not sure if funding will
be available to add new households to the program. A few households have expressed interest in
moving to different units; the deposits for the new units will come out of the funding.
Information Sharinq
a) Saint Stephen's has planned a Drive-thru Food Pantry for Saturday, May 30, 2020
Adlournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Eudaley moved to
adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Craddieth seconded. Motion passed by voice vote. Meeting
adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Minutes taken by:
-Tanya E �land/r��
Recording Secretary
Respectfuliy Submitted:
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Gina Hodgson, Assisted Housing Supervisor
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Housing & Community Development Department
Public Housing Authority
Administrative Plan Review
Spring 2020
Proposed Changes — Chapter 1 Overview
. Mission statement more concise
The PHA's mission is fo provide decent, safe, and affordable rental housing and
to provide opportunities that promote self-sufficiency, economic independence
and homeownership opporfunities for eligible participants.
o Removal of VCA requirements no longer in effect, such as noting that we will not
decrease the size of the program without HUDs approval.
• Removal of Ordinance Language for the Commission and the Federal
Regulations from Chapter 403A, to reduce the size and frequency of which the
admin plan will need to be updated. All are still referenced and apply.
� Removal of all the history of switching from Housing Commission governing the
program to City Council. Old information and cumbersome.
Proposed Changes- Chap4er 2 Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
. Intro
o Removing information specific to Alvin Nash within the VCA
explanation
o Updating Outreach Method and Rationale with current
demographics
• 2-11 .A. Overview
City of Dubuque, Housing & Community Development Dept. 2
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
o Requests for reasonable accommodations will be reviewed by
housing staff, instead of one designated staff person.
• 2-11.C. Request for An Accommodation
o Change timeframe for decisions to be made on accommodation
requests from 20 days to 10 days.
• Suggested wording: Whenever possible, reasonable
accommodation decisions will be made within 10 business
days of the receipt or request or necessary verifications.
. 2-IV.D PHA Staff Training
o Remove the VCA required trainings when the obligation has ended.
• Exhibit 2-2: Marketing Outreach Resources
o Update resources listing with current organizations and contact
information to include Resources Unite, Fountain of Youth, Dream
Center, etc.
. Remove programs no longer serving our community.
Proposed Changes - Chapter 3 Eligibility
. Adopt all 6-19 Model Admin Plan language
+ Rernoval of Displaced Family full definition, by recommendation of Nan McKay
Admin Plan Guide — remove change - mistake not in this section.
3-I.J GUESTS [24 CFR 5.100] Original PHA policy stated: "A guest can remain in
the assisted unit no longer than 15 consecutive days or a total of 30 cumulative
calendar days during any 12-month period. With landlord permission and
notification to the PHA, guests may be allowed to stay up to 90 cumulative days
in a 12-month period. Requests should be made in writing when possible and
approved by the PHA prior to the individual moving into the unit." — We changed
it to read the following: "A guest can remain in the assisted unit no longer than 15
consecutive days or a total of 30 cumulative calendar days during any 12-month
period." Removed the above in yellow.
. Include remaining family member, otherwise eligible to take over as head of
household, must be 18 yrs or older
o Removal of duplicate language on recertification of live-in aids
• Adding definition of vulnerable youth: an individual who meets the U.S.
Department of Education's definition of independent student in paragraphs (b),
(c), or (h), as adopted in Section II of FR Notice 9/21/16:
• Definition of Vulnerable Youth expanded based on Nan McKay direction to
include the following statement: The individual is an orphan, in foster care, or a
City of Dubuque, Housing& Community Development Dept. 3
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
ward of the court, or was an orphan, in foster care, or ward of the court at any
time when the individual was 13 years of age or older
• Removal of requirement to have Circles/FSS staff review files before denial of
assistance
• Add ineligibility timeframes for participants with serious program violations
o Any family member has committed any serious program violations such as
having an unauthorized person residing in the household or failed to report
income within the last three years.
. Removal of denial period for those who have committed fraud/bribery
• Removal of PIH Notice for Screening Eligibility per model �
• Removal of Sex Offender website
• Removal of restrictive timeframes for notifications of decisions (10 days) to allow
for circumstances out of PHA control — replaced with "PHA will promptly notify"...
. Removal of biennial reporting due to VCA, as lifted by HUD
Proposed Changes — Chapter 4 Applications, Waiting List and Tenant Selection
• Remove requirement to notify applicants if they do not win the lottery for the HCV
waitlist
. Removal of outdated wording on methods of receiving applications
o Add methods of contact when an incomplete application is received (phone or e-
mail)
• Remove requirement to update all waitlist annually
o Add "update all waitlists as needed"
. Include Random Selection Process to Selection Methods
• Remove date and time selection criteria in Selection Methods
0 4-III.C. Local Preferences — added below bullets to our PHA policy:
o The PHA will offer a preference to any family that has been terminated
from its HCV program due to insufficient program funding.
o When an emergency is declared that restricts movement of residents, the
PHA may provide preference to applicants living within the City of
Dubuque or other local area defined by the emergency restriction areas to
ensure residents' ability to avoid homelessness. As soon as the
emergency declaration has expired this local preference will no longer be
applicable.
• Add notification of selection by phone, email, first-class mail, or additional contact
person
o If unable to reach family using all methods listed above, family will be
removed from waitlist
• Removal of duplicate definitions in Application Interviews
Proposed Changes — Chapter 5 Briefings
City of Dubuque, Housing& Community Development Dept. 4
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review,Spring 2020
• Adopt all 6-19 Model Admin Plan language
• Add option for verbal agreements between PHA and landlord when approving the
addition of an adult member to assisted household
. Remove 10-day requirement for determinations to allow additional time as
needed
. Remove additional PHA Policy in Terminations and Extensions, as new adopted
model covers this in detail
• Change initial voucher issuance time from 60 days to 90 days
. Remove restrictive response and determination timeframes
o Add "will promptly advise of decision/determination"
. Change maximum voucher issuance days to 180 days
Proposed Changes — Chapter 6 Plan Income
• Adopt all 6-19 Model Admin Plan language
• Remove additional PHA Policy in Calculation of Disallowance. Clarification and
definitions provided in adopted model
• Add 50% income exclusion for the second 12-month period of Earned Income
Disallowance (24-month term)
• Add required income changes processed following the first 12 months of Earned
Income Disallowance period
• Add PHA Policy to all sections regarding minimum rents and financial hardships
that we don't have a minimum rent option
a Add Determination of Hardship definitions
• 6-III.C. Changes in Payment Standards — Decreases — added below paragraph
to our PHA policy:
o Should the Payment Standards decrease by 10% or more during the term
of a HAP contract the PHA will provide a 12 month notice of decrease at
the next annual re-exam.
Proposed Changes — Chapter 7 Verification
• Adopt all 6-19 Model Admin Plan language
• Introduction PHA Policy (pg. 7-1):
o Remove: Assistance shall be provided to a family that is limited by
disability or the family does not possess the ability (LEP, illiterate) — No
PHA Policy needed in introduction because it is covered in the model
statement already.
• 7-I.B. Overview of Verification Requirements (pg. 7-3)
o Remove: PHA Policv— Forms of verification listed are now part of
Model language, no policy needed because it would be duplicative.
. 7-I-C. Up-Front Income Verification (UIV)
o EIV Income Reports (pg. 7-5 & 7-6)
City of Dubuque, Housing & Community Development Dept. 5
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
� Adding to current PHA Policy model language to include Income
Verification Tool (IVT) used for verification of income
discrepancies.
o Upfront Income Verification Using Non-HUD Systems (pg. 7-7)
• Add: Verify Advantage & Verify Fast as additional UIV resources
currently used by PHA.
• 7-I.D. Third-Party Written and Oral Verification
o Imputed Assets (pg. 7-10)
• Add: Value of Assets and Asset Income (24 CFR 982.5161—
adopting model language with PHA Policy to include
explanation of how to handle family net assets of $5,000 or less.
This detail explains that a self-certification is acceptable, but a
third-party verification will be completed.
. 7-I.E. Self-Certification
o Family Declaration of Assets under $5,000 (pg. 7-12)
• Remove section Repetitive; The old admin plan language goes
into too much detail about how to third-party verify assets.
Model language is adopted that covers this more succinctly.
• 7-II.B. Social Security Numbers
o PHA Policy (pg. 7-14)
• Remove - Note to PHA staff with guidance regarding how to
determine amount of time PHA will allow applicant or participant
to provide SSN documentation. This note is only guidance to
assist PHA staff in defining their own policy and does not belong
in an admin plan.
• Remove: Explanations of 24CFR 5.216(h)(2) & Notice PIH
2012-10 — any reference to a specific CFR or PIH Notices are
still used, but language from the legislation is not copied into the
admin plan, since it can be changed.
o PHA Policy (pg. 7-16)
� Replace current PHA Policy with the following language to align
with current PHA procedures, including being a resource for
families to easily obtain copies of SSN documentation for other
benefits:
Once an individual's status is classified as "verified"in HUD's
E/V system, the PHA will retain copies of documentation in
tenant file. Notice: PIH 2O18-24
Old admin plan states PHA would remove and destroy
documents with Social Security Numbers on them.
City of Dubuque, Housing & Community Development Dept. 6
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
• 7-II.C. Documentation of Age (pg. 7-17)
o Explanation of 24 CFR 982.516(a)(2)(iv)- reference to specific CFR is
still used, but language from the legislation is not copied into the admin
plan, since it can be changed.
o PHA Policv — Remove self-certification requirement if other
documentation of age is used (not birth certificate); documentation
alone is sufficient.
. 7-II.D. Family Relationships
o PHA Policy (pg. 7-18)
• PHA may not require written documentation by physician or
other recognized agency for verification of pregnancy. Only seif-
certification is needed. Old Admin plan requires it so that
language must be removed. Replace current wording with the
following:
Written or verbal self-certification by Head of Household is
sufficient verification of pregnancy.
o Marriage PHA Policy (pg. 7-17)
• Remove additional wording to simplify requirements for
certification. Examples removed due to inability to list all
possible situations.
o Separation or Divorce PHA Policy (pg. 7-18)
� Remove additional wording that doesn't provide any guidance, it
just makes the admin plan longer.
o Absence of Adult Member PHA Policy (pg. 7-18)
� Remove additional wording that doesn't provide any guidance, it
just makes the admin plan longer.
o Foster Children and Foster Adults PHA Policy (pg. 7-18)
� Remove additional wording that doesn't provide any guidance, it
just makes the admin plan longer.
• 7-II.H. Verification of Preference Status
o PHA Policy (pg. 7-24)
• Replace Policy with the following, as updated in 4-II.C. Local
Preferences (provide COVID and other type emergency ability
to have a local preference temporarily):
The PHA will offer a preference to any family that has been
terminated from its HCV program due to insufficient program
funding. The PHA will verify fhis preference using the PHA's
termination records.
When an emergency is declared that restricts movement of
residents, the PHA may provide preference to applicants living
within the City of Dubuque or other local area defined by the
emergency restriction areas to ensure residents' ability to avoid
City of Dubuque, Housing & Community Development Dept. 7
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
homelessness. As soon as the emergency declaration has
expired this local preference will no longer be applicable.
Proposed Changes — Chapter 8 Housing Quality Standards and Reasonableness
Determinations
• Adopt all 6-19 Model Admin Plan language
• 8-I.A. General HUD Requirements
o Modifications to Provide Accessibility PHA Policy (pg. 8-4)- Remove
• Remove "note" type wording that doesn't change policy.
• 8-I.B. Additional Local Requirements
o PHA Policy (pg. 8-5)
• Replace Residential Housing Code and City of Dubuque
Housing code with:
Property Maintenance Code of the City of Dubuque
• Remove explanation of specific forms used for inspections,
because these can always change, not policy related.
• Replace wording for failed and inconclusive items to be more
understandable and will now read as follows (no policy
changes):
In the case of any failed inspection, inspection results will be
sent to both the owner and the tenant and will list any
deficiencies. Units with failed inspections will have a re-
inspection completed prior to approval of any payments or
within the PHA specified timeframe.
• Replace "licensed under the Dubuque Housing Code" with the
following:
Only units with current rental licenses issued in accordance with
the Property Maintenance Code of the City of Dubuque will be
acceptable.
• Grammar updated and specific references to the Board updated
to reflect actual board name.
• Replace all "Housing Code" and all irrelevant code references
with the following guidance so admin plan is always consistent
with new code adopted by the City of Dubuque:
City of Dubuque, Housing& Community Development Dept. 8
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review,Spring 2020
International Property Maintenance Code, herein referred to as
the Property Maintenance Code of the City of Dubuque.
• 8-I.C. Life-Threatening Conditions
o PHA Policy (pg. 8-7)
• Replace current PHA Policy referring to life threatening
conditions, to reflect the adopted property maintenance code for
the City of Dubuque.
• 8-I.D. Owner and Family Responsibilities
o PHA Policy (pg.8-8)
• Updated with new IPMC code.
o Family Responsibilities PHA Policy (pg. 8-8)
• Replace all instances of the word Shall with May because it is
not a requirement but an option for enforcement.
o Owner Responsibilities PHA Policy (pg. 8-9)- Remove
• Remove entire PHA Policy, as information is addressed with
newly adopted Model language.
• 8-II.A. Overview
o Types of Inspections PHA Policy (pg. 8-10)
• Remove PHA Policy, as all information is addressed in other
subsections.
� Remove Inspection of PHA-Owned Units, we don't own units
(pg. 8-12)
o Inspection Costs PHA Policy (pg.8-12)
• Replace current policy to the following to reduce repetition:
The PHA will not charge a fee for failed re-inspections.
o Notice and Scheduling PHA Policy (pg. 8-13)
• Replace Owner/Family with Landlord/Tenant
o Owner and Family Inspection Attendance PHA Policy (pg. 8-13)
� Replace current policy with the following, as all other information
is addressed is 8-II.D.:
An adult must be present for all inspections.
• 8-II.B. Initial HQS Inspection
o PHA Policy (pg. 8-14)
• Replace current policy with the following, to be consistent with
current procedures.
o Initial Inspection Results and Reinspection's PHA Policy (pg.8-14)
� Replace current policy with the following to be consistent with
current procedures and include weather related extensions:
City of Dubuque, Housing & Community Development Dept. 9
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
Initial Inspections must be completed, passed, and have no
outstanding licensing fees due before granting final approval of the
selected dwelling unit and prior to approval of any payments.
A request for Appeal or Modification to the Code shall be allowed
as fo/lows:
For exterior repairs, if the owner has proof of materials on order or
repairs to be completed under contract and the interior of the unit is
code-compliant, the unit will not be delayed from going on the
program, pending appeal for a time extension. Proof of orders and
contracts should be included with the appeal request. Weather-
related extensions will also be considered.
Units pending requests for modifications under Section 404
(Occupancy Limitations) of the Property Maintenance Code such as
ceiling heights, light and ventilation, room sizes and widths, etc.
shall not enter into a HAP Contract until the modification has been
approved by the Code Official.
If any HQS violations are identified, the owner and family will be
notified of the deficiencies and the owner will be given a time frame
(normally 30 days) to correct them.
lf the time period for correcting the deficiencies (or any PHA-
approved extension) has elapsed, or the unit fails at the time of the
reinspection, the PHA will notify the owner and the family that the
unit has been rejected and that the family must search for anofher
unit. The PHA may agree to conduct subsequent reinspection's, for
good cause, at the request of the family and owner.
Following a failed �einspection, the family may submit a new
Requesf for Tenancy Approval after the owner has made repairs, if
they are unable to locate anofher suitable unit.
• 8-II.D. Special Inspections
o PHA Policy (pg. 8-16)
• Remove entire policy, as special inspections are addressed in
previous sections with almost exact verbiage as current plan.
a 8-II.F. Inspection Results and Reinspection's for Units Under HAP Contract
o PHA Policy (pg.8-18)
• Remove Facsimile from forms of notification, only phone, email
or letter are used.
• Remove 30-day timeframe for written notice.
City of Dubuque, Housing & Community Development Dept. 10
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
o Extensions PHA Policy (pg.8-19)
• Replace Appeals Board with:
Housing Board of Appeals
• 8-II.G. Enforcing Owner Compliance
o HAP Contract Termination PHA Policy (pg.8-21)
• Remove all information regarding life-Threatening Conditions,
as these are address in 8.I.C.
City of Dubuque, Housing & Community Development Dept. 11
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
Proposed Changes — Chapter 9 General Leasing Policies
• Adopt all 6-19 Model Admin Plan language
• 9-I.B. Requesting Tenancy Approval
o PHA Policy (Pg. 9-3 & 9-4)
� Add: Include e-mail as an acceptable means for updating
missing information/documents and corrections terms of RTA or
lease.
• 9-I.E. Lease and Tenancy Addendum
o PHA Review of Lease PHA Policy (pg. 9-11)
• Replace: The regulations do not require the PHA to review the
lease to determine if the lease complies with State and local
law. Due to staffing and potential liability, replace policy with the
following:
The PHA will not review the owner's /ease for compliance wifh
state/local law.
• 9-I.F. Tenancy Approval
o PHA Policy (pg. 9-12)
• Replace restrictive 10 business day timeframe for determination
with the following:
PHA will promptly notify landlord and tenant if RTA has been
denied.
• Update methods in which to accept corrections to RTA to
include e-mail.
. 9-I.H. Changes in Lease or Rent
o PHA Policy (pg. 9-14)
= Replace 1st paragraph of policy with the following to remove
restrictive timeframes for determination of rent increases:
Where the owner is requesting a rent increase, the PHA will
promptly determine whether the requested increase is
reasonab/e. The owner will be notified of the determination in
writing if the request is denied, the amount of increase is /ess
than requested, or effective date is not correct.
Proposed Changes — Chapter 10 Moving with Continued Assistance and Portability
City of Dubuque, Hausing & Community Development Dept. 12
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
. Adopt all 6-19 Model Admin Plan language
. 10-I.A. Allowable Moves
o PHA Policy (pg. 10-1)
• Remove entire PHA Policy, as additional guidance is not
needed in this section.
• 10-I.C. Moving Process
o Approval PHA Policy (pg. 10-5)
• Replace restrictive 10 business day timeframe for notification of
approval with the following:
Upon receipt of a family's notification that it wishes to move, the
PHA will determine whether the move is approvable in
accordance with the regulations and policies set forth in
sections 10-I.A and 10-I.8. The PHA will promptly notify the
family in writing of its determination.
o Voucher Issuance and Briefing PHA Policy (pg. 10-5)
� Replace restrictive 10 business day timeframe for issuance of a
voucher with the following:
For families approved fo move to a new unit within the PHA's
jurisdiction, the PHA will prompfly issue a new voucher.
o Zero HAP Families Who Wish to Move PHA Policy (Pg. 10-6)
• Add the following PHA Policy, adopted with new model
language:
If a zero HAP family requests to move to a new unit, the family
may request a voucher to move. However, if no subsidy will be
paid at the unit to which fhe family requests to move, the PHA
will not enter into a HAP contract on behalf of the family for the
new unit.
. 10-II.B. Initial PHA Role
o Voucher Issuance and Term PHA Policy (pg. 10-12)
• Change initial voucher term from 60 days to 90 days
o Voucher Extensions and Expiration PHA Policy (pg. 10-13)- Add
• Add the following language to place a cap on the maximum
number of days for an extension:
However, 180 days will be the maximum amount of time granted
on a voucher.
o Sending Documentation to the Receiving PHA Policy (pg. 10-15)
• Remove part of policy advising PHA will notify family in writing
of any information provided to receiving PHA. Current procedure
is written notification to family that file has been sent to receiving
City of Dubuque, Housing & Community Development Dept. 13
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
PHA and direction for tenant to contact receiving PHA to follow-
up.
Proposed Changes — Chapter 11 Reexaminations
• Adopt all 6-19 Model Admin Plan language
• 11-I.B. Scheduling Annual Reexaminations
o PHA Policy (pg.11-2)
• Replace The first annual recertification and any recertification
for families reporting zero income must be a face-to-face
interview with the following. We don't currently conduct face-to-
face interviews for zero income families nor would current
workload allow time to do so; also allow for video interviews:
The first annual recertification must be an interview either in
person or via technology.
o PHA Policy (pg. 11-3)
• Remove requirement to have Zero Income families meet with
FSS Coordinators during annual reexaminations. Workload and
scheduling does not allow for the coordination of this with every
zero income family, families are referred to FSS Coordinators by
Housing Specialists at any time.
o Notification of and Participation in the Annual Reexamination Process
PHA Policy (pg.11-3)
• Add in-person or via technology for annual reexamination
Interviews to allow alternative communication.
• Remove requirement for families to meet with FSS Coordinators
at annual reexamination. Families are referred to FSS
Coordinators by Housing Specialists at any time.
• Remove requirement for families with documented history of not
reporting correctly, prior family obligation violations or with zero
income to have in-person interview. Specialist do not currently
require in-person interviews for these reasons.
• Add e-mail as means for accepting documents.
• 11-I.D. Determining Ongoing Eligibility of Certain Students
o PHA Policy (pg.11-6)
• Add Vulnerable Youth to students whose parents' income
wiil not be reviewed. Addition was also made to previous
chapters to include this population of youth.
• 11-II.B. Changes in Family and Household Composition
o New Family and Household Members Requiring Approval PHA
Policy (pg.11-9)
City of Dubuque, Housing & Cammunity Development Dept. 14
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
• Add Promptly as expectation for providing written approval to
family.
� Replace restrictive 10 business day timeframe for
determination to the following:
The PHA will promptly make its defermination after receiving I
all information required to verify the individual's eligibility.
Proposed Changes — Chapter 12 Termination of Assistance and Tenancy
• 12-I.C. Family Chooses to Terminate Assistance
o PHA Policy (pg. 12-2)
• Remove Note and update policy to the following:
The request to terminate assistance should be made in
writing and signed by the head of household, and spouse or
co-head if applicable. However, often times the requests are
made by voice mail or by telephone. Staff will request
confirmation in writing or by e-mail but will follow the notice
requirements in Section 12-11-F based upon verbal
communications. In all cases and before terminating the
family's assistance, the PHA will follow the notice
requirements in Section 12-II.F. Informa/hearings are not
obligated and shall not be provided.
. 12-I.E. Mandatory Policies and Other Authorized Terminations
o Drug-Related and Violent Criminal Activity PHA Policy (pg.12-7)
• Add the following to criminal activities that may be cause for
termination on a case-by-case basis:
17) Federal Weapons Offenses
18) Human Trafficking
19) Gun Trafficking
• 12-II.D. Criteria for Deciding to Terminate Assistance
o Consideration of Circumstances PHA Policy (pg.12-12)
• Update staff present for review to the following, as we no
longer have Circle Initiative Program:
When considering the circumstances and reviewing alternative choices to
terminafion of assisfance, fhe Assisted Housing Coordinator, Assisted
Housing Specialists and Gaining Opportunities staff will meet to make the
City of Dubuque, Housing & Community Development Dept. 15
Public Housing Authority, Administrative Plan Review, Spring 2020
decision prior to proposal of termination to consider whether there are
other alternatives that can be presented.
• Add in factors being considered when making a decision to
terminate the following:
The length of time since the violation occurred, including the
age of the individual at the time of the conduct, the family's
recent history and the likelihood of favorable conduct in the
future.
• 12-II.F. Termination Notice PHA Policy (pg.12-16 & 12-17)- Combine
� Combine PHA Policies with no change and place after
model language.