Minutes_Housing Commission 12 3 14MINUTES OF HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
DATE: 3 December 2013
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: Housing and Community Development Department
350 West 6th Street, Suite 312, Dubuque, IA 52001
Chairperson Holz, following staff assurance of compliance with Iowa Open Meeting Law, called the meeting
to order at 4:01 pm.
Commissioners Present:
Commissioners Excused:
Staff Present:
Sister Dorothy Schwendinger
Anna Fernandes Robert McDoneel
Jim Holz(phone)
Rick Baumhover Ricardo Woods
Teresa Bassler
Erica Haugen
Maddy Caimey.
Janet Walker
Kris Neyen
Hollie Ohnesorge
Amy Eudaley
Patricia Foster
Alvin Nash
Teresa Drury
Public Present: Joe Ferrentino (Iowa Legal Aid)
Review and Certification of Minutes of 22 October 2013 Commission Meeting
Commissioner Eudaley inquired about a sentence under "Review and comment on the New
Administrative Plan Draft" pertaining to doing away with local preference points. Janet Walker
explained that this was a recommendation by staff. According to the regulations for having local
preference points, they have to be based on the consolidated plan, what the need is, and it has to be
supported. We do not have the supporting information right now and that is why we would remove the
points but, we have not done so, yet.
Commissioner Eudaley motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner Schwendinger seconded.
Commissioner Foster abstained. All others present in favor. Motion passed.
Correspondence/Public Input
Alvin Nash read aloud the resignation letter from Commissioner Judie Root. Commissioner
Schwendinger motioned to approve and accept Commissioner Root's resignation and requested a thank
you letter be sent from the Housing Commission. Commissioner McDonnel seconded. All others
present in favor.
Alvin Nash reminded the Commission members and staff members that there are now two vacancies
on the City of Dubuque Housing Commission.
Old Business
Comments on the new Affordable Housing Definition Draft
Commissioners received a copy of the New Affordable Housing Definition Draft and Alvin Nash
explained he was looking for written and verbal comments on the draft. Alvin Nash indicated the goal
is to redefine the definition of affordable housing. The definition needs to be broader and more
inclusive of the population and the demographics in the community. Commissioners gave their
suggestions for some changes in wording and Alvin Nash took them into consideration.
New Business
Family Self - Sufficiency Presentation
Hollie Ohnesorge and Maddy Caimey of Family Self- Sufficiency gave their presentation on the
program. Through the program, the City of Dubuque and the head of each participating family ente
into a five -year FSS contract of participation that specifies the rights and responsibilities of both
parties, as well as goals and services for each family. HUD requires that two goals be met through FSS,
the fast of which is to seek and maintain suitable employment: The second is that all members of the
household be free of cash welfare for 12 consecutive months prior to graduating from the program.
Participants are able to set other goals according to their personal plans and ambitions. An interest -
bearing FSS escrow account is established for each eligible participating family Families earn escrow
if their portion of the monthly rent is increased due to an increase in the households' earned income.
The escrow is credited to this account monthly during the term of the contract. Once the family
completes the contract, the balance of the escrow account is paid to the head of the family. Most
participants complete their contracts within two and a half years.
Information Sharing
Crime Reports
Commissioners received a summary of Cpl. Koch's crime reports
Letter to Participants
Commissioners received the letter previously sent out to the Housing Choice Voucher participants
from the City Manager and the Housing and Community Development office. It consisted of the
summary of changes from the Housing Commission meeting held on June 25, 2013.
Section 8 Management Assessment Program Certification (SEMAP)
Commissioners were provided a copy of the SEMAP report from HUD showing our total score of
104% and our overall performance rating is high.
Project Concern Pamphlet
Commissioners were provided a copy of Project Concern's pamphlet.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm.
Minutes taken by:
Teresa Drury
Recording Secretary
Respectfully submitted by:
Alvin Nash
Department Director