Peoria Housing Authority Observer Report

The PHA Board of Commissioners was conducted electronically.  Chairman Cannon called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM.  Commissioner William Purham was absent.  Chief Executive Officer, Jackie Newman, was present.  Meeting information was posted online, as well as in the Peoria Journal Star classified section.
There were no community comments.  Two new employees were introduced:  one for Accounts Receivable and an Assistant Asset Manager for Harrison.  There were no Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) graduates.  Note:  minutes are posted on website.
Chief Executive Ms. Newman reported she and her staff have been on calls with regional and national HUD offices every other week to keep updated with executive orders for Covid-19.  A draft transition plan for sheltering place is being developed with staff and adapting changes and procedures for safety of residents and staff.  In addition, Phase 3 Individual Development Accounts IDA) application has been submitted.  One example of program using IDA grants is the FSS program; low income families who qualify receive housing vouchers and training to build assets to achieve economic self-sufficiency. 

​Chairman Cannon commented there was not much activity at Carver Center Covid 19 testing site and asked if transportation was an issue for residents and inquired how residents received communication on testing sites, times and symptoms of the coronavirus.  Director Newman will follow up to ensure residents receive information.  Chairman Cannon will assist with options for coordinating transportation if needed. 
Consent Agenda used for Department Reports; approved unanimously.  In other business, Resolutions were approved for collection loss write offs; proposed 2020 utility voucher program; proposed utility allowance schedule for public housing; renovation of scattered site bathrooms; award contract for modification of Sterling Towers East Booster Domestic Water Pump; award contract for Plaster and Drywall Repairs PHA Wide; award contract for roof replacement of ten homes at Harrison Homes and replacement of flooring and bathroom repairs at IFB Scattered Sites.  Chairman Cannon acknowledged these repairs are part of on-going maintenance and will improve properties for betterment for residents and families.
Board Comments:  Commissioner Kadar Heffner observed that once staff are gone for the day at housing sites, groups have been gathering.  Pinnacle Security has been present at Taft and Harrison properties.  PHA working with Peoria Police Department task force stationed at Harrison to deter unwanted activity:  thirteen arrests for criminal trespass, release citations ongoing.  PHA is also working with Peoria Fire Department to install bollards at Trewyn and Oregon Streets to be one way; these can be lowered for emergency access. There was no closed session.  Meeting adjourned at 5:09 PM.  The next meeting  June 1, 2020 at 4:30 PM.
​Connie Romanus, Observer