Minutes_Housing Commission 5 25 10MINUTES OF HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
DATE: 25 May 2010
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: Housing and Community Development Department
350 West 6 Street, Suite 312, Dubuque, IA 52001
Chairperson Kapler, following staff assurance of compliance with Iowa Open Meeting Law, called the
meeting to order at 4:01 pm.
Commissioners Present:
William Helling Lynn Sutton
Dorothy Culbertson Jim Holz
David Kapler Lisa McAllister
Sister Dorothy Schwendinger, OSF
Commissioners Absent: Judie Root Linda Frommelt
Char Eddy
Staff Present: David Harris Cpl. Mike Kane
Janet Walker Jessica Kieffer
Public Present: none
Welcome New Commissioner: Lisa McAllister
New Commissioner Lisa McAllister was welcomed to the Housing Commission.
Review and Certification of Minutes of 27 April 2010 Commission Meeting
Commissioner Schwendinger moved to approve the minutes. Commissioner Sutton seconded.
Commissioners Culbertson, Holz, McAllister and Helling abstained. All others present in favor.
Motion passed.
Correspondence/Public Input
None
Old Business
Public Relations/Landlord Incentives/Resident Advisory Board
David commented that many of the points previously discussed would be covered in agenda item
6c. Section 8 Visioning Project.
New Business
NAHRO Award of Merit
David shared the exciting news that the "Bridges Initiative" has been awarded the national
NAHRO Award of Merit in Housing and Community Development. It has been entered in the
National Awards of Excellence competition. The "Bridges Initiative" includes three programs:
the Bridges Out of Poverty, Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin' -by World, and Circles initiatives.
Commissioner McAllister commented that the programs are excellent and really assist
participants in reaching their goals; the programs provide a realistic opportunity to change your
life.
Financial Report
David explained that the Section 8 finances have potential for a short-fall in housing assistance
payments (HAP) for the current fiscal year. Projections include a gradually reduced program size
based on non - renewal of vouchers over the course of the year and by year -end could result in a
balanced budget. The City Council approved a reduction in program size to 900 housing
vouchers. Re- issuance of vouchers has been "frozen" since December and a balanced budget is
close to being achieved.
HUD reviews expenditures monthly and has made available `set - aside' funds to housing
authorities nationally. Janet made application and has received notification of a $477,000
additional allocation.
David and Janet participated in a phone conference with HUD personnel to discuss options to
solidify finances. These options were shared with Commissioners, including: developing a
termination policy to participating households for lack of sufficient funds, continuing to not re-
issue vouchers at turn-over, to bill other housing authorities for port-ins to our program,
consideration of implementing a minimum rent, and to re- assess the family's rent contribution
during the contract year at any time the household income increases.
Commissioner Kapler questioned if other housing authorities have any of these options already in
place. Janet commented that she would reach out to other housing authorities to learn of policies
adopted for termination practices and minimum rents.
Section 8 Visioning Project
David explained that he and Janet are participating in a `leadership course' for City program
managers sponsored through the local Dale Carnegie Training affiliate. Their exercise is to
develop a plan for sustainable improvements to a department initiative and they elected to focus
on the Section 8 Program. Section 8 staff was convened and a list of ways to improve the
program was developed. This list was shared with the Commissioners to criticize, amend,
eliminate and to add other ideas. Commissioner Holz suggested that a meeting with landlords
and the Commissioners be performed to further plan and brainstorm. David explained that he
would like to meet with the Landlords Association to build a consensus and incorporate ideas
into a policy document which could serve as a blueprint for an improved Section 8 program.
Information Sharing
Complaints Received
Commissioners received a summary of the complaints the Housing Department has received
since the last meeting. Outcomes of the complaints were discussed.
Adj ournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at
5:04pm. All present in favor.
Minutes taken by:
( Jessica Kieffer
Recording Secretary
Respectfully submitted by:
David Harris
Department Director