Peoria Housing Authority Observer Report

  ​May 24 meeting started on time with three Board members absent. James Fassino, Chair, present. Agenda available on website; minutes of April meeting approved. These were not on website prior to meeting; March minutes available. Public comment available at beginning of meeting. Nicole Livsey, HCV FSS Coordinator, introduced PHA resident who had completed program and is entering nursing school in fall. Five members of community present; PJS reporter present.
  Jackie Newman, Executive Director of Springfield Housing Authority, gave overview of her site visits to PHA properties. Ms. Newman is currently under contract to direct PHA for twelve months after resignation of prior PHA Director.
  Financial report shows collections are up 8.7% over prior period; this is due to asset management staff handling collections. 

Other improvements reported were improved organization of warehouse, cost of labor to prepare units and occupancy of units available. Housing choice vouchers not utilized effectively and changes made to improve this. Expense for recertification of employees recognized. Bids for security in process; grant received for this expense. Modernization and development project under budget due to coordination of services in repairs with contractors.
  Resolution #052418-01 Intergovernmental agreement with City of Peoria for construction and operation of splash pad at Harrison development was approved. Ground breaking 5/31/2018 at 2 PM. This project is budget neutral to PHA according to Theresa Switzer, CFO.
​Connie Romanus, Observer