Friday, June 29, 2018

Housing Authority 6/28 Meeting

 The June Board of Commissioners meeting was an overwhelmingly positive affair (agenda here). First, a couple highlights: Apparently these meetings are being broadcast on Urbana TV (website here, live streaming here). I haven't found any previous videos on-line, but I'll update if there are any on demand options available.

The Executive Director reiterated his commitment to improving housing opportunities for those reentering the community from the criminal justice system and working with local organizations and government towards that end. He mentioned specifically meeting with Esther Patt of the CU Tenants Union on the subject. She had a letter to the editor explaining her concerns in the News-Gazette yesterday as well. Previous post on the City of Champaign rule here.


Meeting Write-Up

Commissioners Adair and Rose were absent. Commissioner Walker arrived a couple minutes after the 3 o'clock start. The agenda was approved and public comment on agenda items was offered with no takers. I didn't quite follow what was going on with the minutes, but the agenda had a note that they'd be approved next month.

New Business
There was a vote moved until after closed session (5.a. of New Business on the agenda) to allow the full board to vote on the motion with additional information from conversations the new Executive Director had with some of the players involved in those sale and lease agreements.

The land swap with the Atkins group had a last minute change from the verbal agreement to after it was approved by their committee. The additional cost was described as shocking and upsetting, but still within the realm of being a positive deal for the Housing Authority. From the memo (on page 23 of the agenda packet file):
After the April board meeting we confirmed with the Atkins Group that we were in agreement with their request for the land  swap, exchanging the Newton Drive site for the Interstate Drive site. Jean Kenol has been working with their attorney since that time.

On Tuesday, we received an e-mail indicating that they would only proceed with the swap for additional compensation. Needless to say, we were shocked, that at the last hour, they presented a different deal than what they had previously resented and that we had been working on finalizing for weeks.

We really have no alternative at this point, we have  ompleted all site design, financing applications and HUD applications based on the  Interstate Drive site and we have to meet critical deadlines with HUD and for the sale of Skelton. In  looking  at this  more  calmly,  even  with  the additional compensation, it is still a good deal for HACC.
Northern agreed with that assessment. Commissioners Turnbull and Henry advised caution in the future and to consider ways to avoid sending a signal that sellers can pull stunts like this in the future. The swap was approved unanimously. All votes today appeared to be by roll call and unanimous as far as I could tell. Everything on the agenda passed prior to the closed session. I don't know how the resolution moved to after that fared.

Additional work on one of their RAD construction projects was approved for improvements not in the original plan and some added expenses while having to work around tenants being moved around.

A revenue generating project at Oakfield Place in Henry, IL was discussed with benefits and risks and guarantees of operating expenses if there are losses. It fills a demonstrated need in an area without its own Housing Authority and will provide funds for HACC projects. The resolution passed moves forward on the project by authorizing the ratification of an agreement and a payment of a reservation fee, etc.

An intergovernmental agreement with Urbana was passed for supportive housing for people with special needs in Urbana and working with the City of Urbana. Danielle Chynoweth thanked the Board and staff for its work with the City on this issue and explained a specific housing crisis and barriers between disability benefits and affordable housing available. An additional resolution to option the property involved in that agreement also passed.

A resolution approving the financial closing of the Bristol Place property passed. This covers all the needed resolutions and authorizations to finish the deal now that the City of Champaign Council approved what needed to be done on their end.

Reports
The Executive report was introduced by the Chair who took a moment to thank the new Executive Director for hitting the ground running. Northern played a promotional video for a senior housing project in Mahomet (available on the HACC YouTube channel here). It attempted to address both the need for more senior living options as well as concerns that arise in many communities by the ideas they may have about public housing.

Northern then discussed many of the meetings he has had since starting as the new director, from local police, community meetings, the CU Tenants Union, and so on. He described a major initiative to reach out and build relationships with the community. When discussing working with the U of I he mentioned a recent project with their Fab Lab Summer Camp he thought might be a good match for some of their communities.

He talked about needing to use the tools available for transparency to address community concerns. He also discussed constituent services to address concerns and complaints from tenants in a more organized way. In response to questions by Chynoweth he said this wouldn't be a new office, but part of the duties of the executive office.

He mentioned that he was going to check out the CU Fresh Start program at a meeting tonight (latest on their Call-ins here). He said to all those listening that if he hadn't met with you already, you're on the list. He'll be meeting everyone.

He also brought up a Lifetime Achievement Award from Lake County for his 24 years working in housing. Turnbull mentioned positive mentions about the new director from their communities. He spoke of setting aside vouchers and working on other ideas for reentry in response to Chair Lewis asking for his thoughts. He pointed out he's focused on the subject and working with the Reentry Council. He pointed to the problem with stigma and explained that we're all human and we all know people who've been through the system. He described this board as being on board and him being on board to improve opportunity for reentry. Turnbull suggested looking at all parts of reentry with the Housing Authority again to look for solutions and options.

The departments then gave their reports. Some highlights included a discussion about the time it takes to move people through emergency shelters to supportive units which are permanent housing. One issue is power and water bills that have to be in the resident's name and requires past delinquencies to be resolved through payment or relevant programs. How to start that process earlier was being looked at to avoid unnecessary delays.

Issues of vacancies and difficulties for those on extended waiting lists to maintain paperwork, contact information, etc over a two year period were discussed as well as intern possibilities through the U of I and Human Service Council. Training for job skills and retention were discussed with Turnbull recommending an option for professionalism training. Facilitating appointments more, as opposed to just sending folks out who may get overwhelmed or fail to connect to the services they need was mentioned as a strategy going forward.

Bed bug eradication and prevention was discussed. Screening for new furniture and protocols for tenants being moved due to construction were described. Orken has "bed bug smelling dogs" that can identify infected units without disruption to target those and neighboring units for treatment. Unfortunately there appeared to be a general dismay at how pervasive they are. One person said he no longer buys upholstered furniture, the director talked about special suits he had to wear in the past, and one staff member said the Housing Authority may never get rid of them altogether.

In an update on the audit, it was reported that the folks performing it will be finishing it up tomorrow and that there will be a presentation in July. The audit is due in September.

Wrap-Up
Northern pointed out that they're still looking a buyer for the HACC building (the one we were sitting in for the meeting on Park) and he thanked his assistant. The general public comment appeared to be introducing a new employee.

The board then went into closed session. I wasn't able to stick around for the vote afterward.

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