Minutes Housing Comm 12 21 04
MINUTES OF HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
21 December 2004
4p.m.
Carnegie-Stout Public Library Board Room
Chairperson Kapler called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. following staff assurance of compliance with
Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners Present: Angie Mozena Harry Neustadt John Plein
Bill Helling Dave Kapler Dorothy Schwendinger, OSF
Commissioners Absent: Dorothy Culbertson Char Eddy Danita Grant
Jim Holz
Staff Present: David Harris Tusdee Blus Janet Walker
Public Present: Jo Ellen Reed Sarah Davidson
Review and certification of Minutes of 26 October 2004 Commission Meetin!!
Commissioner Plein moved to approve the 23 November 2004 Còmmission meeting minutes.
Commissioner Schwendinger seconded. Roll call. All present in favor. Motion passed.
Correspondence I Public Input
Jo Ellen Reed and Sarah Davidson, both Section 8 participants, were present for the meeting to provide
input regarding the suggested reduction in voucher payment standards. Ms. Reed presented her
position as to how the proposed changes would impact her. She passed out background documentation
she felt would further depict her plight.
Sarah Davidson addressed the Commission regarding the same. She shared some of her thoughts as
to the future of the Section 8 program and her hopes of what it could become. She stated that her
current unit is not accessible. She felt in an ideal situation, an accessible living space would be designed
to provide her and others with disabilities a communal living environment (separate bedrooms, with one
kitchen, bathroom, etc.).
Both Sarah and Jo Ellen would like to see contractors on future projects solicit the input of disabled
persons.
David Harris addressed Sarah's concerns with her current unit and its non-compliance with ADA
guidelines. He stated that Kelly Larson of Human Rights has gathered information on this issue and
suggested that Sarah contact her with regard to accessibility violations. He also felt that we could offer
the property owner a grant for accessibility improvements. Also, David stated that communal living is
now allowed under Section 8 program regulations. And finally, he noted that John Gronen's Dubuque
Casket Company project will offer persons with disabilities accessible units and supportive services.
Jo Ellen questioned the impact of changing the voucher payment standards on persons of higher
income, and whether it would force them off of the Section 8 program. Janet Walker stated that income
has always affected participants due to the fact that the higher their income goes, the more they are
responsible for. Once their income allows them to pay their entire rent, and this occurs for 6 months, the
tenant is then no longer eligible to receive Section 8 assistance.
Jo Ellen commented that if the payment standards are lowered, she felt the "poorest of the poor" would
receive the same increase as those who have higher incomes ($500/mo. vs. $1,000/mo.) She asked if a
safety net could be built into the system, and David stated that our safety net is our reserves, which he
noted would be depleted within 2 - 3 years if changes are not made (I.e. lowering the payment
standards). Jo Ellen suggested creating a committee to address the current and future problems of the
Section 8 program.
Commissioner Mozena spoke to the landlord's perspective regarding the decrease in VPS (voucher
payment standards). She stated that landlords are frustrated with tenants who destroy their apartments.
Jo Ellen made the suggestion that classes be required of tenants to instruct them on how to take care of
their living space. Janet noted that there are restrictions on what we as a housing authority can require
and she was not certain that this would be allowable as a requirement of participation.
Janet then addressed questions from the Commission on how the voucher payment standards would
actually change. Commissioner Helling asked where our reserves come from and David stated that it is
a surplus acquired from under-spending since 1976 ($10,000 per year average profit). However, he also
stated that HUD is examining the option of taking that money back and only allowing a one week
reserve.
At this time, David asked Janet to explain the VPS spreadsheet provided to the Commission in their
packet. (For further discussion, see the item under "Old Business").
Old Business
Amended Voucher Payment Standards
Janet detailed the spreadsheet, noting the options that we have taken to combat the funding cuts, the
current deficit, and the current budget compared. She also reviewed the upcoming months and what we
have to do to maintain the 100% lease-up. The fourth page lists possible solutions to come up with
additional funds. It also states what the VPS reductions would be based upon 90%, 95% and 100%, and
notes the funding we've already filed for from HUD's central fund. She explained the hard-to-house
numbers. Also she noted the net results for each option listed on the spreadsheet.
David stated that if the Commission would approve the changes now, we could realize the full impact of
the results for a complete 12 month period. Janet noted that HUD's intent is to make the tenants'
payments higher and increase their responsibility, in an effort to spend less on the program. The effects
will be widespread and could result in people doubling up (moving home) and increased pressure on
faith-based agencies or homeless shelters to help those who drop out of the program. However, HUD is
making this a directive and we have to take action to keep the program running within the guidelines we
are given.
Commissioner Neustadt asked about varying the percentages between the bedroom sizes (one and two
bedroom to 100%, three four and five to 95% or even 90%), as opposed to a straight percentage
decrease across the board. David stated that he could provide these calculations. Chairperson Kapler
asked how would this impact the tenants and landlords, and Janet stated that at the higher percentage
(100%) for the one bedroom units will only decrease the payment standard by $29, which would be the
tenants' increase in their rental payments. New tenants going on the program and unit changes would
be immediately affected. Either the landlords would have to lower their rents or the tenants would have
to incur the increase.
Commissioner Mozena stated that the $29 figure seemed more reasonable and easier to handle for the
tenants and landlords, and that perhaps there could be a compromise with landlords lowering their rents
and tenants paying higher amounts. Chairperson Kapler asked that Janet and David provide some
variations on the scenario presented with regard to the percentages, and asked if the Commission would
have more time to consider this. They were reluctant to make a decision at this time. Janet advised them
that if they do not make a decision now, the soonest their decision would take affect would be February
1 st The Commission asked if the City Manager or the City Council would need or want to hear these
options, and David said normally the Council would not be involved in this type of decision process.
Commissioner Helling suggested that the Commission would like to table the discussion until the next
meeting. David noted that the longer the decision is delayed, the higher the deficit will be for FY'2006.
Commissioner Mozena asked if the decision were made, could they change it. Janet stated that they
could change it at any time, but that whenever a decision is made on the payment standards, letters of
notification must go out to both the landlords and tenants with appropriate notice and we would have to
keep track of the different timeframes under each decision. It could become an administrative burden.
David asked exactly what information the Commission would like to have at the next meeting, which
Janet confirmed would be to work out the numbers for 1) 1 & 2 bedrooms at 100%, and others stay the
same; and 2) 1 & 2 bedrooms at 100%, and the others at 90% and 95%.
Commissioner Helling asked if there should be a special meeting to further discuss this issue. The
Commission made the decision to meet January 11, 2005 at 4:00 pm at the City of Dubuque Housing
Department.
New Business
Request for Appeal: Heather Tindell
Janet stated that Ms. Tindell did not appeal in the timeframe necessary. She was evicted from her unit
and will not be ineligible until April 2007. She is requesting to be allowed back onto the program before
2007.
Commissioner Helling motioned to deny Ms. Tindell's request for a hearing. Commissioner Plein
seconded. Roll call. All present in favor. Motion passed.
Information SharinQ
VA Definition of Non-Service Connected Disability
Janet clarified for the Commission that the Non-Service Connected disability means the person
developed a condition that has nothing to do with the military but they are determined disabled. Service
Connected is anything that was connected with military work and it happened during military service.
Adiournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Plein moved to adjourn.
Commissioner Mozena seconded. Motion passed by a voice vote. Meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Minutes taken by:
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Tusdee Blus
Assisted Housing Secretary
~~~I~y submitted by:
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Department Director