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Minutes Housing Comm. 3 22 05 ~ 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. - .. -~~~Aaioill"nmerit-~--~ ~-~ - -- -- - ------~----~ n ------ 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: ~\\~ David Harris Department Director -- . .