Minutes Housing Comm 1 23 07~~~ ~,
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MINUTES OF HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
DATE: 23 January 2007
TIME: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: Housing and Community Development Department
1805 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
Commissioner Eddy called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. following staff assurance of
compliance with Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners Present: Dorothy Culbertson Dave Kapier Char Eddy
John Plein Dorothy Schwendinger, OSF
Bill Helling Linda Frommelt
Commissioners Absent: Jim Holz Rachel Savage Angie Mozena
Staff Present:
Public Present:
David Harris
James Mihalakis
Janet Walker Jean Noel
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Welcome New Commissioner: Linda Frommelt
Commissioner Eddy introduced new Commissioner Linda Frommelt to the Commission. Linda is
the Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese in Epworth Iowa.
Review and Certification of Minutes of 28 November 2006 Commission Meetina
Commissioner Schwendinger moved to approve the 28 November 2006 Housing Commission
meeting minutes. Commissioner Culbertson seconded. Roll call. Commissioners Helling, Eddy
and Frommelt -Abstain. All others present in favor. Motion passed.
Correspondence/Public Input
None
OId Business
SEMAP Report Response
David Harris reported on the letter received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) regarding the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP)
Performance Report. He stated that the Housing Department's response identifying steps to
increase the Section 8 Voucher utilization was acceptable as submitted.
FY08 Operating Budget
David mentioned that the FY08 Operating Budget has been published. The Housing and
Community Development budget hearing is scheduled for February 27th at 8:00 p.m. in the
Library, 3`~ floor auditorium with dinner starting at 5:30 p.m.
New Business
Administrative Plan Amendments:
Janet Walker explained the proposed Administrative Plan changes.
Tiered Preference System
The proposed change will rank applications on a tiered system providing higher points for persons
residing in the community, along with removing restrictions for singles.
Eligibility of Single Person Households
This proposed change eliminates restrictions upon single person households and proposes a
change to the definition of family.
Definition of Disruptive Behavior
The proposed change defines profanity and disruptions as abusive and clarifies the denial period.
Subsidy Standards
The proposed change redefines subsidy standards to allow an appropriate Voucher unit size so
that children of opposite sex are not required to share bedrooms and to expand housing choices
for participants to locate units in vicinities outside the poverty census areas.
Repayment Agreements
The proposed change will allow one written warning for failure to report income changes or
unreported income. Second time offenders will be required to enter into repayment agreements if
unreported changes result in a difference greater than $100 of the Housing Assistance Payment.
Interim Income Changes
The proposed change removes the processing of interim changes for households reporting under
$3,000 as long as the change is reported within the required time.
Briefings
The proposed change is to suspend the group briefings in preparation of Voucher Issuance and
replace the briefings with a scheduled appointment with the Secretary to obtain the briefing
packet.
Commissioner Schwendinger moved to approve the Administrative Plan amendments as
submitted. Commissioner Helling seconded. Roll Call. All present in favor. Motion Passed.
Washington Neighborhood CommUNITY Award
David announced the CommUNITY Award that was presented to the Washington Neighborhood
Association on behalf of Faces and Voices at the Martin Luther King Breakfast. Sr. Dorothy
Schwendinger, OSF nominated and presented the award to Theresa Caldwell, President and
Avery Butter, Vice President, for their outstanding commitment, leadership and dedication in
restoring the Washington neighborhood in association with the City Housing Department and
other partners assisting with the Washington Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy.
Request for Appeal: James Mihalakis
James Mihalakis requested the Commission allow him an appeal. Janet explained that staff
proposed termination of benefits for failing to sign and submit monthly income reports required for
verification of zero income status as stated in the Section 8 Administrative Plan. The proposed
termination notice allowed for an appeal to be filed within twenty days. James failed to respond to
the notice, stating he had some medical problems making it difficult for him to follow through
within the prescribed time period.
Commissioner Schwendinger moved to grant an appeal/hearing for James Mihalakis.
Commissioner Helling seconded. Roll Call. All present in favor. Motion passed.
Janet advised James that his benefits will be re-instated throughout the appeal process and he
will be notified of the hearing date and time by certified mail. She also encouraged him to
continue submitting zero income forms as required.
Federal Building Update
David updated the Commission on the renovation of the Federal Building and shared a floor
plan designed for the Housing and Community Development Department. Expected move in date
is September, 2007.
Information Sharma
Commissioner Schwendinger announced that she has decided not to volunteer for the vacant
position available on the Community Development Commission. Commissioner Frommelt
mentioned she may be interested and will decide after reviewing more information.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Eddy motioned
to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Helling seconded. Motion passed by acclamation.
Meeting was adjourned at 4:54 p.m.
' utes taken by:
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can Noel
Housing Secretary
Re pectfully submitted by:
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David Harris
Department Director