Minutes Housing Comm 1 11 05
.,
MINUTES OF HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
11 January 2005
4 p.m.
Housing and Community Development Department
Chairperson Kapler called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. following staff assurance of
compliance with Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners Present:
Angie Mozena
Bill Helling
Jim Holz
Dorothy Culbertson
Harry Neustadt John Plein
Dave Kapler Char Eddy
Dorothy Schwendinger, OSF
Commissioners Absent:
Danita Grant
Staff Present:
David Harris
Janet Walker Tusdee Blus
Public Present:
Sarah Davidson
Kelly Larson Beth Hilkin
Review and Certification of Minutes of 21 December 21 2004 Commission MeetinCl
Commissioner Helling noted correction in New Business section, last line of text, "and will not be
ineligible". It should read "eligible". Commissioner Schwendinger motioned to approve the 21
December 2004 minutes as corrected. Commissioner Mozena seconded. Roll call. All present
in favor. Motion passed.
Correspondence I Public Input
None
Old Business
Section 8 Funding Issues
Chairperson Kapler summarized the staff's memo. He reviewed what was discussed at the
December Commission meeting.
David explained that the Administrative Reserve has a $300,000 balance. Our program reserve
account has been reduced by HUD to a one week balance.
Chairperson Kapler stated that whatever decision is made, communication needs to be made to
the landlord, tenants, City Manager, and City Council. He noted all four options for reducing
Voucher Payment Standards presented by staff would be implemented with 12 month notice;
current unit changes and new participants would see the effect immediately.
As the Commission discussed the possibilities and ramification of the four options, Chairperson
Kapler commented that he didn't feel comfortable with the fact that there is no grace period for
unit changes.
David noted that with regard to subsidy standards (changing bedroom size qualifications), one
bedrooms would not be effected. Also noted by the Commission was that some participants
could be "hit" twice - they could be downsized to a smaller unit and have a decrease in their
voucher payment standard if they choose to move now.
Janet Walker stated that persons with disabilities can still get a doctor's note to receive a larger
bedroom size. Commissioner Eddy asked if the rent could be negotiated between the tenant and
landlord and Janet confirmed that it could, but stated that if it is over the Voucher Payment
Standard, we can't approve the unit for assistance, She stated that Staff must also be able to
find rent reasonables for that unit or we cannot assist there. Commissioner Eddy and
Chairperson Kapler stated that landlords must be willing to meet halfway.
Janet then noted the changes made to Section X of the Administrative Plan, changing the age of
a child requiring a separate sleeping room from age 10 to 13.
Chairperson Kapler mentioned the possibility of cutting staff and stated that he doesn't feel that
is a viable option, as it would impact the quality of service our program could provide and would
also eventually cut families from the program - elimination of a case worker would inevitably lead
to elimination of their case load, which equates to elimination of vouchers (families).
Commissioner Helling asked how contact would be made with the landlords. Janet stated that
we would send a mass mailing and also at renewals. David sated that he and Janet would meet
with the Landlord's Association, the City Manager, etc.
Commissioner Holz moved to approve the revised Voucher Payment Standards for the Housing
Voucher Program utilizing Option #3 reducing all units to 95% of the Fair Market Rent, to
approve the Revised Subsidy Standards and the Revised Applicant Selection and Eligibility
Guidelines as proposed by Staff. Commissioner Helling seconded. Roll call. Chairperson
Kapler, Commissioners Eddy, Neustadt, Plein, Schwendinger - Nay. All others present in favor.
Motion failed.
Administrative Plan Amendments: Revised Subsidy Standards
Commissioner Holz motioned to approve the Revised Subsidy Standards reducing bedroom
sizes as appropriate as proposed by staff. Commissioner Helling seconded. Roll call. All
present in favor. Motion passed.
Administrative Plan Amendments: Revised Applicant Selection and Eligibility Guidelines
Commissioner Holz moved to approve the Revised Applicant Selection and Eligibility Guidelines,
giving a preference to families earning more than 30% of area median income as proposed by
staff. Commissioner Helling seconded. Roll call. All present in favor. Motion passed.
Reduced Voucher Payment Standards
Commissioner Holz provided additional support for his original motion to approve Option #3 for
revision of the Voucher Payment Standards, stating that he didn't feel there should be
differences based upon family size.
Kelly Larson, who was present from the Human Rights Department, stated she had concerns
with some of the options presented and felt that only scenarios which did not differentiate based
upon family size were ones that would not potentially violate fair housing laws.
Commissioner Holz made a motion to accept Option #3 with regard to the Revised Voucher
Payment Standards for the Housing Voucher Program. Commissioner Mozena seconded. Roll
call. Chairperson Kapler - Nay. All others present in favor. Motion passed.
ReQuest from Gronen Development for Endorsement of Washin!lton Court Proiect
John Gronen was present to discuss his project and to solicit Commission endorsement for the
project, which will be located on Washington Street, between 17'h and 18th Streets. He has
suggested that he may set up a local group to receive input upfront regarding persons with
disabilities. He anticipates construction to begin in September 2005 and to be completed within
one year.
Commissioner Schwendinger moved to support the request for endorsement of the Washington
Court Project. Commissioner Mozena seconded. Roll call. All in favor. Motion passed.
.
5:35 p.m. Commissioner Culbertson left the meeting.
Information Sharina
David noted the additional handouts that he had provided, including US Bank letter (news
release) promoting a homeownership event. We have been asked by US Bank to participate in
an event involving a mobile exhibit sponsored by Freddie Mac. The Commission asked that this
item be included on the next meeting agenda.
Adiournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Eddy moved to
adjourn. Commissioner Helling seconded. Motion passed by a voice vote. Meeting was
adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Minutes taken by:
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Tusdee Blus
Assisted Housing Secretary
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David Harris
Department Director