HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Catalyst - Minutes - 12/16/2021Housing Catalyst
Housing Catalyst Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
Dec 16th, 2021 7:30 am - 9:30 am
I.Attendees
Commissioners: Cathy Mathis, Jennifer Wagner, David Bye, Emily Francis,
Ann Green, Lizette Mill, Anne Nelsen, Hep Wilkins
Legal Counsel: Jim Martell
Staff: Julie Brewen, Michele Christensen, Tonya Frammolino, Julie Francis,
Kristin Fritz, Rachel Gaisford, Carly Johansson, Angelika Lintner, Traci
McGraw, Carri Rattazzi
II.Call to Order
Chairperson Mathis called the meeting to order at 7:31 am.
III.Citizen Input
There was no citizen input.
IV.Approval of Minutes from November 18, 2021, Board
Meeting
Commissioner Hep Wilkins moved to approve the minutes.
a.Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan
Director of Housing Choice Voucher Programs Traci McGraw discussed
Housing Catalyst's updated Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan.
Approval by this Board is being requested. Updates and revisions were
made to the detail and order of information in the Plan. Significant updates
are listed in the summary memo provided to the Board. The regulations
are complicated, and now this tool is available to staff. There are links
directly to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for ease of access to
information.
Ms. McGraw thanked Commissioners David Bye and Ann Green for their
assistance and participation in reviewing and updating this plan. Traci
expressed her appreciation for their insightful assistance, and providing
thoughtful input. Both Commissioners Bye and Green agreed that this was
a significant undertaking, and they learned quite a bit (and even had fun)
in assisting with this project. They expressed their gratitude in being
included in this important project. Ms. McGraw also acknowledged
Communications Manager Rachel Gaisford for her help in updating the
document.
Commissioner Bye commented that the Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with Homeward Alliance needs some clean-up. Chief Operating
Officer Michele Christensen noted that some HUD benchmarks and
deadlines needed to be met under very short deadlines, but said that the
document will be revisited to make cleaner and more robust.
Commissioner Bye moved to approve HC RES 2021-12-01 Adoption of
Revisions to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan.
Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Emily Francis seconded, and the motion
was passed unanimously.
V.Staff Updates
a.Development Report
1.Development Committee Update
Chief Real Estate Officer Kristin Fritz shared the pipeline SmartSheet
showing project plans over the next five years and discussed the
progress of the ongoing and upcoming projects.
Of particular note is a funding opportunity through the Colorado Division
of Housing designed to secure land for development. Housing Catalyst
will submit an application in March of 2022. Chief Executive Officer Julie
Brewen noted that Housing Catalyst is working with the City on
opportunities and both entities feel this is a great opportunity to take
advantage of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. More information
will be presented to the full Board at future meetings as this project
moves forward.
In response to a question from a Board member, Ms. Fritz explained the
meaning of Lease-up: that once construction is completed, the building is
fully occupied by qualified residents.
Going forward, a pdf version of this SmartSheet will be included in the
Board packet of each meeting, with a full review on a quarterly basis. It
was noted that the Development Committee reviews this at every
meeting.
VI.Legislative Issues/Updates
a.Colorado Legislative Update
Chief Operating Officer Michele Christensen provided an update on
legislative activity in Colorado. She noted that there is a lot of work being
done around ARPA funds. At the State level, there are three active task
forces. Housing Catalyst is currently waiting for the state legislature’s
Housing Task Force to come out with recommendations for Governor Polis.
There are approximately $400 million available to be allocated.
Locally, several entities are working to prioritize and submit proposals for
use of these funds. There are common themes among the groups, but no
definitive plan yet. Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Emily Francis noted
that in January the City Council will see a draft report, with a final report
expected in late February to early March.
Ms. Brewen is working with Larimer County agencies for which there is
approximately $18 million in ARPA funds available.
b.National Legislative Update
Ms. Christensen reported that HUD extended many waivers, which allows
for more flexibility around Housing Choice Voucher administration.
The Build Back Better bill has moved out of the House to the Senate. There
are a significant amount of funds set aside for housing programs, so
progress of this bill is being watched closely.
c.Fort Collins City Council Legislative and Business Update
Commissioner Francis noted that the Land Use Code revisions will be
reviewed by City staff and Council in February and that there has been a
lot of public engagement. The City Manager position has been posted;
interviews are expected to occur in March.
VII.Legal Issues
Attorney Jim Martell indicated that there are no legal issues.
VIII.Other Business/Upcoming Events
Executive Coordinator Julie Francis reported on a Boardable issue around
Daylight Savings Time. She is working with Boardable to fix this issue. In
the meantime, these meetings are noted on calendars between March
and October at the incorrect time. This is expected to be fixed soon.
Chairperson Mathis reminded everyone to return their feedback on Ms.
Brewen's performance review. This is due to HR Director Angelika Lintner
by the end of this week. Ms. Lintner will then consolidate the information
and provide it to the Board Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for their
meeting with Ms. Brewen in early January.
The next Finance Committee is scheduled for December 20, 2021.
The next Development Committee is scheduled for January 3, 2022.
IX.Adjournment
Chairperson Mathis adjourned the meeting at 8:16 am.
a.Next Housing Catalyst Board of Commissioners Meeting Date: January
20, 2022
X.Contact: Julie Francis - jfrancis@housingcatalyst.com