HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Catalyst - Minutes - 01/21/2021Housing Catalyst Board of Commissioners Meeting
January 21, 2021
Attendees
Commissioners: Cathy Mathis, Hep Wilkins, Jennifer Wagner, Ann Green, Emily Gorgol, David Bye
Staff: Julie Brewen, Michele Christensen, Kristin Fritz, Duane Hopkins, Traci McGraw, Justin Corey, Brian
Heckart, Carly Johannson, Josh Suppes, Carri Ratazzi, Kim Iwanski , Sam Seitz, Jeanna Nixon, Daniel
Covey
Legal Counsel: Jim Martell
Guest: Lindsay Ex
Call to Order
Vice-Chairperson Mathis called the meeting to order at 7:31 a.m.
Approval of Minutes from December 17, 2020
Commissioner Bye noted a correction to the minutes regarding two resolution numbers. Commissioner
Bye made a motion to approve the Housing Catalyst Board of Commissioners meeting minutes from
December 17, 2020, with the corrections. Commissioner Wilkins seconded, and the motion was passed
unanimously.
Action Items
Firearms Policy
Chief Executive Officer Julie Brewen explained the purpose of this policy is to provide consistency and
guidance. The policy will drive the language in the property leases, resident handbooks and standard
operating procedures. Legal Counsel Jim Martell further explained the format for this policy came from
case law and the Housing Development Law Institute. Commissioner Bye noted two changes in policy
language, which Mr. Martell will modify.
Commissioner Bye made a motion to remove a sentence in Section III, paragraph D, “However, the
failure to post a sign in a Sensitive Area shall not render this Policy inapplicable as to that Sensitive
Area.” No board members seconded his motion.
Commissioner Gorgol made a motion to approve the policy with the two amendments noted earlier:
1) Insert the word “not” in paragraph 1C; and 2) Remove section 7 from 2c. Commissioner Green
seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously as amended.
Election of Officers
Commissioner Wilkins made a motion to nominate Commissioner Mathis as Chairperson, Commissioner
Wagner as Vice-Chairperson, and Ms. Brewen as Secretary. Commissioner Green seconded, and the
motion was passed unanimously.
Standard of Conflict Policy
Mr. Martell also presented a new Conflict of Interest policy. Mr. Martell also presented a revised Conflict
of Interest Statement form, which will make it easier for board members to document any conflict or
interest or perceived conflict of interest.
Commissioner Wagner made a motion to approve the Standard of Conflict policy and form.
Commissioner Gorgol seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously.
Commissioners were asked to complete the Conflict of Interest Statement and return to Kim Iwanski.
Department Resilience in 2020 and Vision for 2021
Directors and/or managers from each Housing Catalyst department provided a summary of their
department’s achievements in 2020 and their main priorities for 2021.
Other
CFO Resignation
Ms. Brewen announced that Chief Financial Officer Duane Hopkins has a new career opportunity and
will be leaving the organization in February. Chairperson Mathis and Commissioner Bye commended Mr.
Hopkins on his work at Housing Catalyst and congratulated him on his new position. Mr. Martell noted
that Mr. Hopkin’s work has elevated Housing Catalyst’s development with LIHTC financing.
Staff Appreciation to the Board
Director of Asset Management and Property Operations Justin Corey spoke on behalf of the leadership
team, thanking the Board for the NoCo Nosh gift cards sent out earlier this month to all Housing Catalyst
staff.
Legislative Issues and Updates
Colorado: Ms. Brewen said staff and industry groups are watching eviction moratorium legislation and
rent assistance fund distribution.
National: Mr. Hopkins noted that one of the executive orders signed yesterday was the extension of the
CDC’s eviction moratorium. The stimulus package being proposed has significant funding that will
impact our industry and residents.
Fort Collins: Commissioner Gorgol provided an update on City Council matters. At the upcoming work
session, City Council will review the Housing Strategic Plan. The City is engaging in a partnership with a
down payment assistance program. In 2021, the City will begin to update the land use code, with a focus
on housing. The Montava developer is coming forward to propose an alternative water use for that
development in an effort to creatively address its water challenges.
Adjournment
Chairperson Mathis adjourned the meeting at 8:51 a.m.