Peoria Housing Authority Observer Report

6/28/2018: ​Regular meeting of PHA Board of Commissioners held at Frank Campbell Community Center began promptly at 4:30 PM with all Commissioners present with exception of Doug Draeger. Meeting led by James Fassino, Chair. Mr. Fassino reported that Mr. Draeger had submitted his resignation to the Board due to potential conflicts of interest.    Ms. Jackie Neuman, Executive Director of Springfield Housing Authority present.
   PHA working on Master Development Agreement for all PHA units to meet HUD requirements.
  Security: reviewed number of housing units allowed ‘off line’’; currently at 9 units which are used for storage, resource and maintenance as well as Harrison substation. Maximum off line units to meet HUD requirements would be 10. Security expense increased slightly due to activity at Harrison. Ms. Neuman discussed need to plan for increase in security at specific locations that may be hot spots during May-September period and build in cost of cameras to capital budget. This has proved effective at Springfield locations.

   ​Collections decreased 7% from prior month. Review of data identified seasonal drop in residents at Harrison. Plan to focus on collections next two months. Occupancy budgeted at 90%, actual 88.9%. Unplanned expense of inspector contract identified. 
   Highlights of budget meeting were reviewed (meeting on this date at 3:00 PM): currently revenue ahead of budget at this time, housing choice voucher reserves, planning 2019 budget, developing detailed reports for commissioners. Current wait list is 22; 41 vouchers used with 25-30 more available end of July. Reviewed agreement for residents with behind in rent as well as changes in income as they affect rent. Audit recently completed with 3 findings for response: waiting on written findings. Anticipate housing voucher program finding; no loss in funding. Improvement in HCV program.
   Human Resources: interviews scheduled for current openings; preparing offers based on interviews. Overtime increased due to staffing vacancy.
   Publicity: discussed ways to celebrate good things happening at PHA locations by using Facebook, and press release to highlight positive events.
   Board approved resolutions for collection write off AR at Harrison and Taft due vacancies and clean up; implement updated HCV occupancy standard policy; approved Illinois prevailing wage ordinance. Resolution to resolve claim by local lock shop deferred; Resolution to release closed session minutes deferred by S Ahmad, PHA Legal. 
   Resolution to amend admissions and continued occupancy no smoking policy was thoroughly discussed and approved. Residents were notified of change in policy no smoking within 25 ft. of PHA property in May by flyers and postings at each site, as well as newsletter and general meetings. In addition, each resident will sign off on policy in July with lease renewals. Residents are able to attend cessation classes for smoking. This policy will bring PHA sites in compliance with HUD policies. Residents will be given up to 5 violations of policy before lease terminated.
Meeting ended at 5:30 PM; Board members moved into Executive session at this time.
Next regular Board meeting July 28, 2018 at 4:30 PM. Finance meetings are open to public and are held at 3::00 PM on date of Board meeting.
​Connie Romanus, Observer