Peoria Housing Authority Observer Report

Chair Cannon called the meeting of the PHA Board of Commissioners to order at 4:30pm. Meeting was held electronically via Zoom with public notice of the meeting posted in the Peoria Journal Star as well as on PHA website with log in information.  Meeting Agenda was available on the PHA website.  Chair Cannon, Vice Chair Brown and Kadar Heffner were present in person; Helen King participated via electronically.  Chairman Cannon read a statement regarding the meeting being held electronically pursuant to Executive Order 2020-07 signed by Governor Pritzker and guidance provided by Legal Counsel due to the coronavirus pandemic.
There were no public comments; this observer participated via Zoom.  There was one new employee introduced to the Board, Marsh Moses, who is an Assistant Manager for Sterling Towers.  
Chief Executive Office, Jackie Newman, reported PHA was keeping in touch with State government, Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control, and HUD regarding Covid-19 precautions via webinars and conference calls.  Weekly updates with PHA staff is being done electronically.  PHA offices are currently closed to the public through April 30.  Director Newman discussed steps being taken for income verification so that families are not not paying more than required if work status or hours have been reduced.  She also discussed that PHA staff cannot mandate adherence to social distancing and hand washing at high rise housing facilities, such as Sterling Towers.  Education on these strategies are available, as well, as sanitizing stations in common areas.  Managers are available to follow up on resident concerns.
Security concerns were discussed regarding Harrison units.  

​It appears that non-residents continue to congregate without maintaining social distancing.  Security staff are working with Chief Duncan on this.    PHA is also working on parking policy for visitors with designated area.  PHA staff have met with Fire Chief Taylor to block off one entrance to Harrison, while continuing to ensure Fire Department has access to area.  Director Newman and Chairman Cannon are setting up a meeting with Peoria City officials to discuss security and collaboration on these issues.
Director Newman discussed the need to continue to serve families with housing needs and screen emergency placements.  Providing technology in units for students to continue online learning was concern.  Peoria Public Schools are delivering devices to students but concerns for WIFI availability.
During Board comments portion of meeting, Commissioner Heffner commented on reduced security incidents during the month of February.  Chair Cannon recognized improved security in place at Harrison and that Taft calmer.
Consent agenda approved; three resolutions passed unanimously for scattered site flooring replacement, awarded contract for architectural and engineering services, and authorization to renew commercial property and commercial liability policies with HAI group with 5% reduction in expense from prior year.  No closed session.  Meeting adjourned at 5:07 p.m.
 Connie Romanus, Observer