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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Catalyst - Minutes - 09/01/1977M E M O R A N D U M DATE: September 9, 1977 TO: Fort Collins Housing Authority FROM: Alicia L. Schiager, Administrative Receptionist Qi RE: Minutes of the September 1, 1977, Special Meeting for the purpose of Orientation. I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at,7:10 p.m. by Pete Sanchez, Chairman, at the Community Building at 1715 West Mountain Ave. II. Roll Call Members Present Mary Klopfenstein Pete Sanchez Ray Hale Ken Franzen Members Absent Charlie Muenzburg III. Current Tenant Statistical Chart Staff Present John D. McGraw, Executive Director Wayne P. Taylor, Assistant for Housing Management Alicia L. Schiager, Administrative Receptionist Guests Present Jim Woods, Housing Rehabilitation Director- - - . John McGraw made the distinction between the Section 8 Program (Rent Subsidy) and the Colorado 41-1 Project (Public Housing). Ray Hale raised a question on why there are so few elderly in our programs. McGraw answered that the DMA Plaza and the Oakbrook Apartments had taken over the market of elderly people. IV. General Dispersal Concept John McGraw indicated that during the early stages of the Project, Public Hearings had been held and that the public had indicated that they wanted Public Housing well dispersed because of social impacts on existing neighborhoods, concern that physical deterior- ation occurs with large public housing concentrations and resulting property value declines, and to pr6vide low income people with opportunities to choose from a variety of housing locations. Also, it was indicated that HUD pushes for dispersal too. Ray Hale asked in regard to the dispersal concept, why all the units are on the west side of town. Fort Collins Housing Authority September 1, 1977, Special Meeting Minutes Page Two McGraw indicated that the HUD allowable costs prohibited buying land on the east side of town because of price, zoning, covenants. and restrictions and available sites. Klopfenstein added that the Housing Authority tries to make the Public Housing units look similar to other homes in the neighborhood and its not possible in more expensive neighborhoods. V. Goals and Objectives McGraw summed up the goal of the Housing Authority (see goals and objectives). Ray Hale inquired about the quality of agencies in Fort Collins and if it presented problems for the Housing Authority to work with other agencies. McGraw pointed out that the reason the Housing Authority admini- stration is under the Department of Human Resources is in part to access social programming through various private non-profit city contract agencies (pre -occupancy, during tenancy, and post- occupancy)which in turn could have good results in prevention of harm or damage to the housing units and rent arrears, etc. Hale asked if there are deficiencies in any particular areas of counseling (e.g. education, child care, etc.) McGraw responded that the availability of agencies is good, but that the agencies are seldom funded well enough to provide full services to Housing Authority clients needing full subsidies; for example, educational help from places like Voc-Tech and Child Care agencies. For these reasons, there are deficiencies. Pete Sanchez indicated that he would like to see a copy of the Revenue Sharing Funds' breakdown to the agencies so he could have an idea - - of the funding each agency gets. Other board members agreed. McGraw briefly reviewed with the Board members, the objectives of the Housing Authority according to the'Fort Collins Housing Authority, Administrative Plan for 1977." VI. Operating Budgets McGraw indicated that these can change daily according to various factors such as approval of HUD funding, changing utility allow- ances, etc. The 41-1 Operating Budget was reviewed and McGraw explained the "Flow through Utilities" process. (We pay Water and Sewer all together but tenants are charged a flat fee for them with their rent.) McGraw pointed out amendments to the budget made by HUD as listed on the memo from Wayne P. Taylor to John D. McGraw, Agenda Item VI. Wayne Taylor noted errors pertaining to the Administrative Expenses on the Projected Budget Status of September 1, 1977. The changes are as follows: 1. Another category should be added titled "Other Administrative Expenses" at $4,002; Fort Collins Housing Authority September 1, 1977, Special Meeting Minutes Page Three 2. "Tenant Services" should be $750; Utilities should be $7,983. All other administrative expenses remain the same. McGraw exp as ed the Housing Administration Program Budget of the City Human Resources Department Budget including the Service levels. He indicated that he has requested extra funding to match Social Services for a Social Worker. Also, funding has been requested for additional maintenance. McGraw explained to the Board members the Average Rent required. on the Colorado 41-1 Project for Housing Authority self-sufficiency. Pete Sanchez requested a comparative analysis of the Housing Authority Budget and the City Human Resource Department.Housing Administration Program Budget. VII. 13 Units of Public Housing McGraw made the distinction between Turnkey and Conventional. Under the Turnkey Method, the Authority hires a consulting and inspecting architect. The Housing Authority also hires a developer who provides financing, bites, plans and construction completion for the Housing Authority before the Housing Authority pays for the project. Under the Conventional Method the Housing Authority is the developer and the contracter is paid according to a time schedule and the progress that is made. An architect is hired to prepare plans and specifications. A construction inspector is hired to keep track of the builders' accomplishments on the project. Ray Hale indicated that the Turnkey Method was possibly better than conventional in that Housing Authorities are probably not equiped to be developers. Wayne Taylor defined the difference between low-income (80% of Larimer County Median income) and very low-income (50% of Larimer County Median income). He also indicated that at least 307. of the Section 8 Program and 20% of Public Housing are to be very low- income. VIIi. Waiting List Statistics The Authority reviewed reports on Tenant Statistics (see agenda packet) and comparisons were made between Section 8 and Colorado 41-1. IX. Pros and Cons of Section 8 McGraw reviewed the four types of Section 8 Programs: 1. Section 8 Existing 2. Section 8 New Construction 3. Section 8 Rehabilitation 4. Section 8 Set Aside Fort Collins Housing Authority September 7, 1977, Special Meeting Minutes Page Four X. Housing Authority Casework John McGraw reviewed the Casewco functions as follows: Generally the casework program is designed to isolate problems experienced by tenants which impair or prohibit their ability to be self-sufficient and to assist them in developing their own abilities to access appropriate community resources and to �,ohabilitate their self-sufficiency. Management staff advises tenants of the availability of casework assistance and identify symptoms of tenant social problems,(for example; inability to pay the rent or maintenance of inoperable vehicles or Housing Authority property may be symptoms of need for credit counseling, employment counseling, etc.) The case- worker meets with tenants, discusses problems and appropriate resources, helps the tenant access resources, maintains case histories and monitors tenant progress toward self sufficiency. XI. Role of the Housing Authority in City Housing Plannin Pete Sanchez suggested that letters be directed to HUD and to our Congretional delegation indicating the Authority's support for such things--as•homeownership programs and increased fair market rents for Fort Collins. John McGraw indicated that the authority's involvement in City Housing Planning should yield some good statistical facts upon which workable programs can be designed which will realistically meet the needs of our growing community. He also indicated sentiments for orienting Housing Authority efforts to address improved local understanding of local Housing and realistic programs to meet the needs now and in the near future. "Our efforts locally are more likely to yield quicker response and may help to pave the way for a more possitive response to local program ideas at the- state and federal levels". Pete Sanchez said that he believes that the Housing Authority must make a continuing effort to make HUD and our Congressmen aware. of Housing Authority dissatisfaction with current Section g fair market rents and lack of good Homeownership programs. The bid reviewed the flow chart and other planning materials provided by Ted. Rodenbeck for the City Housing Planning Task Force. The current members of the "task force" are Ted Rodenbeck, Senior Planner, City Planning Department, Jim Woods, Housing Rehabilitation Director, John D. McGraw, Human Resources Director and Housing Authority Executive Director and Susan Sanfilippo, Assistant to the City Manager. ' XII. Options for Management 1. Private 2. City Jim Woods suggested that John Hoyer of Boulder and Jack Quinn of Puebould be two good people to talk to regarding the Pros and Cons o Private vs. City management. Fort Collins Housing Authority September 1, 1977, Special Meeting Minutes Page Five XIII. Other Business A. McGraw asked the Board about a request he received from Robin Marks of Community Corrections. They would like to use the Community Building to spend a night during one of their "Weekender Programs" and also for the Housing Authority to provide them with some work they can do. The Board decided to postpone their decision until Monday, September 12, 1977 at their next regular meeting. B. McGraw indicated that the Housing Authority had received a letter from the Consumer Credit Counseling Program requesting $50.00 based on a percent of what funds they need to operate. After some discussion, Ray Hale moved to appropriate the $50.00. Mary Klopfenstein seconded and the motion carried with the following vote: Ayes; Mary Klopfenstein, Ray Hale, Pete Sanchez, Ken Franzen. C. Pete Sanchez suggested the possibility of surveying the tenants to find out how they feel about the quality of staff service and to get suggestions about issues the Board should consider. The Board agreed that it would be a good idea.. They will further discuss this at the next regular meeting. D. Pete Sanchez requested that the regular meetings be held at 4:00 p.m. The next meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. September 12, 1977 and the discussion will be deferred until then. XIV. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.