HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Catalyst - Minutes - 05/21/2020Minutes
Housing Catalyst Regular Board Meeting
Thu May 21st, 2020
7:30am - 9:00am MDT
Virtual Meeting Via Zoom
In Attendance
I. Attendees
Commissioners: Nicole Staudinger, David Bye, Cathy Mathis, Jennifer Wagner, Hep Wiilkins,
Emily Gorgol, Ann Green
Staff: Julie Brewen, Duane Hopkins, Michele Christensen, Kim Iwanski, Brian Heckart, Kristin
Fritz, Traci McGraw
Attorney: Jim Martell
Guest: Lindsay Ex
II. Call to Order
Chairperson Staudinger called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m.
III. Citizen Input
There was no citizen input.
IV. Approval of Minutes from April 16, 2020
Commissioner Mathis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Housing Catalyst Board
meeting on April 16, 2020. Commissioner Wagner seconded and the motion passed
unanimously.
V. Staff Updates
a. Financial Review
Duane Hopkins presented an overview of the first quarter financials and the stress test
analysis for March and April. Rent collections are improving in April and May than they had
been earlier in the year. Resident support and engagement with property management
has created more stability in rent collections than other housing authorities are
experiencing. Even though there is an eviction moratorium, staff have continued to
reiterate with residents that continuing to pay rent is vital as they will be liable for it later.
b. Development Updates
Julie Brewen provided an overview of the current development projects and private
activity bond requests. The City is prioritizing requests for new construction over
substantial renovation. CARE Housing's Swallow project received a recommendation for
city funds that will now go to City Council. Staff are continuing to work through Section 18
plans and plans to renovate and recapitalize on our Impala development. Staff are
working with social sustainability on how finite resources can be used to achieve our
affordable housing goals.
1 . Spark Overview
Kristin Fritz spoke about upcoming meetings for the Spark development. The first
public neighborhood meeting in early June will be conducted virtually.
c. Other Staff Updates
Julie Brewen introduced Brian Heckart, Housing Catalyst's new Director of Accounting.
Julie Brewen gave an overview of current operations. Housing Catalyst offices will be open
by apointment only through the next 3-6 months. Staff are being rotated in the offices The
new work protocol has allowed us to delay the search for new office space.
Michele Christensen discussed additional mainstream vouchers we've received for people
experiencing homelessness. Staff is requesting a waiver to allow us to accept referrals
directly from our partners for people who have a higher risk of contracting coronavirus
due to medical conditions.
VI. Discussion Items
No other discussion items.
VII. Legislative Issues/Updates
a. Colorado Legislative Update
Julie Brewen mentioned that the Department of Housing received $10 million for eviction
and foreclosure prevention.
b. National Legislative Update
Additional funding for housing is part of the current funding package being considered in
Congress. Staff is watching to see the final funding bill Looks like.
c. Fort Collins City Council Legislative and Business Update
Commissioner Gorgol thanked Julie Brewen and her team for prioritizing the needs of the
community during this difficult time. She gave an update on Hughes Stadium, which will
go back to transitional zoning. She said Lindsay Ex is now the interim housing manager for
the next 9-12 months. The City has moved to a one-year budget process because of the
unknown upcoming budget shortfall. The mobile home park zoning district was discussed
at a work session and will be addressed further before the end of July.
VIII. Legal Issues
Jim Martell discussed one discrimination case that has been filed by a resident.
Julie Brewen has been fielding several unemployment claims from previous staff members.
IX. Adjournment- Next Meeting Date: June 18, 2020
Chairperson Staudinger adjourned the meeting at 8:45 a.m.