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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-07 EHA MINUTES•• • • I. CALL TO ORDER ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Regular Meeting May 7, 2003 The Regular Meeting of the Englewood Housing Authority Board of Commissioners was called to order at 4:35 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at 3460 South Sherman Street, Suite 101, Englewood, Colorado, 80110, by Chairman Debi Medlock. II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: III. STUDY SESSION Debi Medlock, Chair Don Bobeda, Commissioner Shawn Leonard, Commissioner Beverly Bradshaw, Ex Officio Ed Sanborn, Commissioner Norleen Norden, Vice Chair Cheryl St. Clair, Executive Director Jo Hamit; Administrative Manager Geula Sherman, Financial Services Manager Kyle Logan, Swanhorst and Cutler, LLC Wendy Swanhorst, Swanhorst and Cutler, LLC Kyle Logan and Wendy Swanhorst, from the auditing firm of Swanhorst and Cutler, LLC were present to summarize and review the audit report for fiscal year 2002. Kyle Logan reported that the agency received an unqualified opinion with no major findings. He reviewed several key areas of the report. Both Mr. Logan and Ms. Swanhorst stated that the review went very smoothly, and that the agency staff was very helpful during the process. Commissioner Bobeda suggested that staff investigate the notion of paying off several debts, since the investment earnings are so low at the present time. IV. MINUTES A. Regular Meeting held April 2, 2003 . • • • EHA BOC Regular Meeting 05-07-03 MOTION COMMISSIONER SANBORN MOVED TO ACCEPT AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD APRIL 2, 2003 AS WRITTEN. COMMISSIONER BOBEDA SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Nays: Abstained: Absent: Medlock, Bobeda, Sanborn None Leonard Norden The Chairman declared the motion carried. V. PRESCHEDULED VISITORS VI . None DIRECTOR'S REPORT A. Narrative Report 1. Orchard Place: EID St. Clair stated that both buildings are enjoying a number of activities organized by the service coordinator. The elevator contractor is working on upgrade work on the elevators at the building. 2. Simon Center: EID St. Clair reported that the ceiling leak in the community room has been repaired. She referred to photographs of the repair that were included in the packet. 3. Public Housing Family Duplexes: Nothing new to report 2 • • • EHA BOC Regular M eeting 05-07-03 4. Waiting Lists: The waiting list for the one-bedroom units is open; all other wait lists are closed. At the present time, there are 100 names on the Section 8 waiting list; however, there are only a handful of vouchers available . Therefore, staff does not anticipate opening the waiting list until 2004 . There are no names on the family duplex list, but because those units tum over so rarely, staff does not expect to open the list until there is a vacancy. 5. Section 8 Existing: Melody Millburn was hired as the new Section 8 Administrator and will be responsible · for the ongoing processes for existing participants . She worked previously at the Tulsa, Oklahoma Housing Authority. Shannon McGinty will be responsible for the occupancy and initial lease-up functions of the Section 8 Program operations . EID St. Clair reported on the project at Castle Creek Commons in Douglas County, where the owner has opted out of the HUD contract. Seventy tenants will receive vouchers and will have the choice ofremaining in the project or relocating . The first group of 50 tenants are being processed and will have until June 14 to decide to remain or relocate. Staff understands that approximately half of the tenants intend to stay in the project. Phase II will begin August 14 . The Douglas County Housing Authority has been formed and is working to become operational during 2003. The new housing authority will eventually assume the duties for administering the above-referenced tenants , as well as the county 's other 38 vouchers. 6. Normandy: EID St. Clair reported that staff is working to repair the intercom system. She reported that there are currently nine vacancies, and staff is seeing more interest from potential residents in the last month . Commissioner Bobeda suggested that staff look at remodeling the lobby/entryway to attract new tenants. 7. Off-Site properties: Nothing new to report. 8. Administrative: Cliff Braun, Lead Maintenance Technician, was promoted to Maintenance Administrator following the departure of Dean Rohr. A new maintenance technician, Michael Lebron, has been added to the staff. Commissioner Bradshaw asked about the status of the employee policies . EID St. Clair stated that the agency's legal counsel will be reviewing a draft of the policies over the next month . 3 • • • EHA BOC Regular Meeting 05-07-03 9. Agency Goals and Strategic Plan: Nothing new to report. B. Financial Reports EI D St. Clair reported that the public housing operating subsidy is available for draw down, but is not reflected on the current month reports. FISIM Sherman stated that the agency will receive funding at 90% rather than the 70% that was anticipated previously. Several budget amendments will be presented to the Board at the June, 2003 meeting. C. Program Reports Noted. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS, MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS Nothing presented. VIII. INFORMATION AGENDA IX. EID St. Clair reported that the photographs included in the packet show the repair of the pipe in the Simon Center community room. GENERAL DISCUSSION A. Commissioner's Choice Commissioner Sanborn reported that there is a new recycling dumpster across the street in the St. Louis parking lot, and he suggests that perhaps each floor of the building could have a grocery cart located in the trash room for recycled items, such as newspapers , magazines, etc . He said one person could be appointed from each floor to take the carts over to the dumpster on Monday mornings . EID St. Clair said she would have no problem with the idea, as long as the carts are marked as recycling carts and that they are returned to the building after being emptied. She said she will discuss it with the property manager. Commissioner Sanborn also asked about the fence around the south patio, and about removing the chips in the garden areas in order to plant flowers . EID St. Clair stated that there has been no action on the fence, and she will speak to staff about finding time to plant the flowers . Commissioner Sanborn asked ifthere was money in the budget to replace the square tables in the community room with round tables. EID St. Clair stated that, at this time, she could not justify the expense. Commissioner Bobeda asked ifthere has been any progress on the Simon Center conversion for assisted living units. EID St. Clair stated that she will address the issue under Director's Choice. Commissioner Bobeda also asked if the housing authority would be participating in 4 • • • EHA BOC Regular Meeting 05-07-03 the Area Vocational School (AVS) program for student-designed/constructed house . EID St. Clair stated that the city still has some lots, but city staff has asked the housing authority if we might have some lots for 2004 school year starting with the design phase. Commissioner Leonard remarked that there are some good buys on the real estate market at the present time, and the agency might want to consider purchasing them . They are mostly single-family homes or lots with inexpensive homes. B. Director's Choice · EID St. Clair stated that she had several copies of the Colorado state rules for assisted living residences. In addition, it may be possible to apply to HUD for assistance for a conversion project. EID St: Clair suggested that this be a topic for the goals and objectives discussion slated for July, 2003. EID St. Clair reported that the computer firm leasing upstairs is planning on moving out, but she does not anticipate any problems leasing the space. She said there are four suites upstairs, and the tenant on the east end may request additional space. EID St. Clair stated that there is currently federal legislation that would create a block grant situation with the state receiving the funding for housing programs, and allocating it to housing authorities. She said it is moving forward and has a good chance of becoming a reality. If this change takes place, it will mean that the state will retain a portion of the HUD administrative fee, leaving housing authorities with less dollars available for staffing and other program expenses. It will remain to be seen how dramatic the effect will be on housing authorities in the future if this legislation passes . C. City Council Communication Commissioner Bradshaw showed an artist's rendering of the RTD Elati Street maintenance facility being built on the General Iron Works property. She reported that the South Suburban Park Foundation bike bridge dedication took place on May 3. The former city hall site has sold and will be the location for a three-story medical/day surgery facility with restaurants on the main floor. The Jubilee II celebration for Englewood's 100-year birthday begins on May 9 and extends through May 13. Commissioner Bradshaw stated that the City is in the process ofredoing the Unified Development Code that will allow for better use of the land. The revised code is expected to be published in July. The City won an award from the Department of Commerce for urban/suburban excellence in economic development for City Centre. Regarding the city budget, there have been no staff layoffs, and council is looking at other alternatives, such as occupational tax, furloughs, and use of personal leave. Commissioner Bradshaw reported that Table Steaks is progressing with their space in the former CheckerN ell ow Front building on West Floyd. The water park project near Belleview Park has broken ground . 5 EHA BOC Regular Meeting 05-07-03 • X. EXECUTIVE SESSION Nothing presented. • XI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION COMMISSIONER BOBEDA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MAY 7, 2003 AT 6:58 P.M. COMMISSIONER SANBORN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED. Debi Medlock, Chair 6