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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-07-06 EHA MINUTESI. CALL TO ORDER ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Regular Meeting July 6, 2005 The Regular Meeting of the Englewood Housing Authority Board of Commissioners was called to order at 4:52 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2005, at 3460 South Sherman Street, Suite 203, Englewood, Colorado, 80113, by Vice Chair Shelley Thompson. Vice Chair Thompson recognized the change in status for Commissioner Arterburn from alternate commissioner to full commissioner. II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: III. STUDY SESSION Nothing presented. IV. MINUTES Shelley Thompson, Vice Chair Ernie Arterburn, Commissioner Charles Carter, Commissioner Rodger Hara, Commissioner Beverly Bradshaw, Ex Officio None Dawn Shepherd, Executive Director Elisabeth Borden, The Highland Group Jo Hamit, Administrative Manager Dean Rohr, Operations Manager Geula Sherman, Financial Services Manager James Woodward, Englewood City Council Visitors Aidan and Shay A. Regular Meeting held June 1, 2005. EHA BOC Regular Meeting 07-06-05 MOTION COMMISSIONER HARA MOVED TO ACCEPT AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD JUNE 1, 2005 AS WRITTEN. COMMISSIONER CARTER SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Nays: Abstained: Absent: Arterburn, Carter, Hara, Thompson None None None The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. IV. ELECTION OF CHAIR Vice Chair Thompson stated that she may need to leave early and, due to the vacancy of the Chair of the Board, would like to conduct the election of Chair at this time. Nominations were opened for the position of Chair of the Board. Commissioner Hara nominated Commissioner Thompson for the position of Chair. Commissioner Hara moved that nominations cease. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Carter. The election of Commissioner Thompson as Chair was declared by acclamation. Nominations were opened for the position of Vice Chair of the Board. Commissioner Arterburn nominated Commissioner Hara for the position of Vice Chair. Commissioner Arterburn moved that nominations cease. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Carter. The election of Commissioner Hara to the position of Vice Chair was declared by acclamation. V. PRESCHEDULED VISITORS Chairman Thompson welcomed Elisabeth Borden, Principal of the Highland Group consulting firm, who was present to provide an overview of the limited market study on low to moderate income senior apartments. She explained that the methodology used in her study mirrors the methodology used by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHF A) for a tax credit project. The study examines the current demographics as well as projections five years into the future, and also examines the competition in detail. The study also looks at supply and 2 EHA BOC Regular Meeting 07-06-05 VI. demand for the product. Ms. Borden stated that none of the existing comparable units cited in the study would be competitive with a new low/moderate income senior project in the market area. She said that the location for such a project is very positive, and that the site could support between 90 to 160 units. Commissioner Hara explained the advantage of using tax credits for a project, noting that the tax credits create an equity source. The tax credits are generally sold to an investor, who can utilize them on a dollar-for-dollar offset against federal income taxes. He said that, with the use of tax credits, the project must maintain its status as "affordable" for a minimum of 15 years. Vice Chair Thompson thanked Ms. Borden for her presentation. DIRECTOR'S REPORT A. Narrative Noted. B. Financial Reports Noted. c. Program Reports Noted. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS, MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS A. Authorization to Issue Request for Qualifications for Pennsylvania Street Project EID Shepherd said that she has discussed the proposed project with Bob Simpson, Community Development Director from the City, regarding the size and number of units, and they have determined that a project between 60-100 units is desirable. Commissioner Hara pointed out that with 60 units or less, the wage rate could be calculated at a residential level as opposed to a commercial wage rate at four or more stories, which tend to be considerably higher. In addition, the construction costs are less with less than four stories. Commissioner Arterburn asked if it is feasible to add a retail component to such a project. Commissioner Hara said it does happen, but such a component must be self- sufficient, and tax credits cannot be used. There was a brief discussion regarding parking, and it was noted that underground parking is considerably more expensive than surface parking. Commissioner Hara said there are several options on how to structure the project. He said the first would be for the housing authority to own the project and have the developer design and build it. The second option would be to enter into a partnership with the developer where the housing authority's contribution to the partnership is the land. A third option is to sell the land to a developer with the housing authority remaining 3 EHA BOC Regular Meeting 07-06-05 as a limited partner with right of first refusal. Following a brief discussion, there was a general consensus among the Board that the first option, with the housing authority retaining ownership, is the most desirable. MOTION COMMISSIONER HARA MOVED THAT STAFF BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR A TAX CREDIT PROJECT AT THE PENNSYLVANIA PROPERTY AT HAMPDEN AND PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE STRUCTURED AS DISCUSSED. COMMISSIONER CARTER SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Nays: Abstained: Absent: Arterburn, Carter, Hara, Thompson None None None The Chair declared the motion carried. B. Resolution No. 9, Authorizing Demolition of and Special Allocation of Funds for Two Residential Structures and Authorizing Selection of Demolition Contractor 0/M Rohr reviewed photographs of two residential properties that staff proposes for demolition. The first property at 2184 West Warren has been in the authority's housing stock for years. 0/M Rohr stated that the structure 's foundation has been seriously compromised, and has created a number of structural problems that will be costly to repair. The structure continues to shift and settle each year. He said that the house was recently vacated and is not expected to be re-rented. The next structure is a small house at 3532 South Pennsylvania, which has been determined by an engineering report to be unsafe for occupancy. 0/M Rohr said there is no asbestos in either structure, so demolition cost estimates are less than anticipated. EID Shepherd said that staff has asked county staff members if there is a possibility of obtaining funds for demolition through CDBG funding. County staff does not approve grant funds for demolition, unless the demolished structure is expected to be replaced with new affordable units. 0/M Rohr said that one bid has been obtained, which is extremely reasonable, and at least two additional bids will be obtained before proceeding. MOTION COMMISSIONER ARTERBURN MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO. 9, APPROVING A SPECIAL ALLOCATION OF FUNDS BE APPROVED IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,420 FOR DEMOLITION OF THE TWO PROPERTIES AT 2184 WEST WARREN A VENUE AND 3532 SOUTH PENNSYLVANIA STREET, AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SELECT A DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR FOR THE 4 EHA BOC Regular Meeting 07-06-05 PROJECT AT A AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $12,420 BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER CARTER SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Nays: Abstained: Absent: Arterburn, Carter, Hara None None Thompson The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. C. Resolution No. 10, Approving the Write-off of Uncollectible Tenant Accounts Receivable for Various Housing Programs F/S/M Sherman reported that approximately twice each year, the Board is asked to approve the write-off of delinquent accounts that are deemed uncollectible. She said that efforts to collect the money continues, but the accounts are written off the books. If the money is collected, it is reported as other income. F/S/M Sherman reviewed the amounts for each program, noting that the total write-off will be for $9,024.55 . MOTION COMMISSIONER ARTERBURN MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO. 10, APPROVING THE WRITE-OFF OF UNCOLLECTIBLE TENANT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,024.55 BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER CARTER SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes : Nays: Abstained: Absent: Arterburn, Carter, Hara None None Thompson The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. VIII. INFORMATION AGENDA Visuals were noted. AIM Hamit reported that she accepted the award for the Simon Center calendar at the Colorado NAHRO Conference in Pueblo on June 9. 5 EHA BOC Regular Meeting 07-06-05 IX. GENERAL DISCUSSION A. Commissioner's Choice Commissioner Arterburn inquired about the dates of the Board meetings, and asked if the dates at the beginning of the month pose a burden on staff. EID Shepherd said that the reporting is a month in arrears, so it really does not create a burden for staff. Commissioner Hara asked if anything is planned to recognize Commissioner Norden' s service on the Board. EID Shepherd said that Commissioner Norden was invited to tonight's meeting, but she was unable to attend. Staff did purchase a gift certificate to Tall Grass Day Spa in Evergreen and crystal clock with an engraved plate. Commissioner Hara asked staff to inquire if she would like to have lunch with the Board at some date in the future. B. Director's Choice EID Shepherd reported on the status of the Family Self-sufficiency (FSS) Grant application. She said she did receive some positive news from HUD in Washington and, although there is no firm answer, officials have said that HUD will not consider any of the other applications until it is determined whether EHA's application is accepted for consideration. EID Shepherd said that staff from both Senator Allard's and Senator Salazar's offices have been extremely helpful in the process of getting the application accepted. Vice Chair Hara suggested that letters of thanks be drafted and sent to the both senators. EID Shepherd said staff should know something within the next two weeks. EID Shepherd reported that, in the past few weeks, she has contacted a number of housing authorities that administer vouchers for EHA, and she has been successful in getting a number of vouchers absorbed by the housing authorities, which will result in a savings to EHA of approximately $7,000. EID Shepherd also stated that two building attendants have been hired at Simon Center, and she is planning to interview four potential candidates for Orchard Place. EID Shepherd said that five potential candidates are in the pipeline for the homeownership program. C. City Council Communication Commissioner Bradshaw asked for feedback on how the ART shuttle is working. EID Shepherd stated that residents are using it frequently. AIM Hamit said it is very helpful 6 \ EHA BOC Regular Meeting 07-06-05 for staff when traveling to downtown meetings and trainings at HUD. Commissioner Bradshaw said the City Council is planning an Ice Cream Social for members of Boards and Commissions in August, and more information will be forthcoming. She also said that a rental registration is being considered by Council for people who own rentals in Englewood. X. EXECUTIVE SESSION Nothing presented. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. 7