Minutes Housing Comm. 3 22 05
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MINUTES OF HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
22 March 2005
4 p.m.
Housing and Community Development Department
Vice-Chairperson Eddy called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. following staff assurance of
compliance with Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners Present:
Angie Mozena
Bill Helling
Jim Holz
Harry Neustadt John Plein
Char Eddy Dorothy Culbertson
Dorothy Schwendinger, OSF
Commissioners Absent:
Danita Grant
Dave Kapler
---Staff Pre-sent:
David Harris
Cpl. Scott Simpson
Janet Walker Tusdee Blus
Officer Chris Gorrell
Public Present:
Meisha Kimbrough
Review and Certification of Minutes of 22 February 2005 Commission Meetina
Commissioner Helling motioned to approve the 22 February 2005 minutes as submitted.
Commissioner Schwendinger seconded. Roll call. Commisioners Holz and Plein abstained. All
others present in favor. Motion passed.
Correspondence I Public Input
None
Old Business
Public Hearing to Review Comment on PHA 5-Year Plan for Fiscal Year 2005 - 2009;
Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2005
Janet Walker reviewed the PHA Plan, noting it is a comprehensive plan listing our policies,
programs, our operations and our strategies for meeting local needs and goals. There are two
parts: the 5-Year Plan, which must be consistent with the Consolidated Plan, and the Annual
Plan. The 5-Year Plan describes our mission and agency long-range goals and objectives, and
our approach to managing the program and providing services.
She directed the Commission to some of the highlights and changes in the Plan, noting the
section on the waiting list, and how it is currently running. Also noted was the progress and
goals met, which is the first time we have been required to list this information. She further
pointed out the Inspector certification section, which is also new to the Plan.
4:05 pm - Commissioner Mozena arrived.
At this time, Commissioner Holz motioned to open the public hearing. Commissioner Helling
seconded. Roll call. All in favor. Motion passed.
Vice-Chairperson Eddy asked if there were any comments or questions regarding the PHA Plan
as submitted. As there were none, Commissioner Holz moved to close the public hearing.
Commissioner Schwendinger seconded. Roll call. All in favor. Motion passed.
Report of Meeting of Resident Advisory Board
Janet spoke about comments made at the Resident Advisory Board (RAB). She stated that we
will be asking RAB members for guidance on policies in the future. They have already
suggested changes, including the implementation of minimum rental payments for participants
($10) and a' mandatory interim income change regardless of amount. Janet stated that if the
RAB gives guidance, we can write it into the Administrative Plan.
Janet also suggested some additional cost reduction measures for the Commission to consider,
including the number of hearings allowed to participants. She said that we as a Housing
Authority are liberal at allowing two hearings. Commissioner Culbertson felt that it could be
worth considering. David Harris provided input, stating that he felt we could cut down on the time
to schedule the hearings by establishing a sign-up system for the Commissioners that staff could
use to simply assign a Commissioner to a hearing, without waiting until the next Commission
meeting to do so. He also commented on the participant's right to appeal. Commissioner
Schwendinger also suggested that perhaps David could be taken out of the appeal process and
the Commissioners could hear them all. The issue will be addressed placed on the agenda for
the next Commission meeting.
Housing Trust Fund Committee Report
---JfjjpIiCiition to/FA-for LocarHousing-Trus1Funds' --- --.-----------.
Commissioner Holz and Vice-Chairperson Eddy, as board members, were asked to give
an overview of the application. Vice-Chairperson Eddy explained that this is a second
round application, which is for the remaining IFA funds. The Trust Fund Committee and
David have worked with other groups to put together the application for the Washington
Street area. Vice-Chairperson Eddy stated that in her opinion, it appears to be a strong
application. She further noted that the money is to assist with the purchase and
rehabilitation of low-income units and rental properties, including both homeownership
and rental. The amount of the application is $200,000.
Grant to Gateways to Home for Purchase of Washington Neighborhood Center
The grant is to purchase the Washington Neighborhood Center and convert it to two
units. This is a for a $30,000 grant. David noted this is part of the Five Points efforts,
which includes properties within that block.
Commissioner Neustadt motioned to approve the grant to Gateways to Homes.
Commissioner Schwendinger seconded. Roll call. All in favor. Motion passed
Report of Meeting of Landlord Association
David spoke regarding his meeting with the Landlord Association. He said the reaction has been
positive. Some landlords have said they will no longer participate in the Section 8 program, but
the majority are willing to continue and may be willing to lower rents. He stated that they also
voiced concerns with:
1) our support of tax credit projects (i.e. the Casket Company project).
2) participant's recertification of income to allow them to absorb some of the
decrease in assistance.
Meisha Kimbrough asked if Dubuque is the only housing authority decreasing Voucher Payment
Standards (VPS) or bedroom sizes. Janet stated that we are exercising our right to modify our
Administrative Plan to accommodate the funding cuts handed down by the federal government,
allowed by HUD. She also noted that tenants are only obligated to a dollar figure (the VPS) and
not locked into a bedroom size. They are able to choose a larger bedroom size if it falls within
their specific VPS guidelines.
Reauests for Appeals: Jodv Kieffer I Meisha Kimbrouah
Meisha Kimbrough will be heard by Commissioner Helling, Commissioner Schwendinger will be
present as an observer. Jody Kieffer will be heard by Commissioner Neudstadt, with
Commissioner Mozena present.
Information Sharina
Iowa Housing Coalition Annual Conference
Commissioner Holz will be attending the State Housing Trust Fund conference June 13 -
14 in Des Moines. David will provide information to the Commissioner as soon as
possible.
Also noted was the NAHRO conference, coming up April 17 - 19 in Davenport. This will
provide Commissioner training, if any of the Commissioners would be interested.
Reports from Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
David stated these were included for information only. No discussion.
David also noted the Senate and House passed resolutions to oppose elimination of the
CDSG program.
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There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Holz moved to
adjourn. Commissioner Helling seconded. Motion passed by a voice vote. Meeting was
adjourned at 4:42 p.m.
Minutes taken by:
~Bk
Tusdee Slus
Assisted Housing Secretary
Respectfully submitted by:
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David Harris
Department Director
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