Housing & Redevelopment Authority - March 14, 2017 Minutes
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Fargo, North Dakota was held March 14, 2017 at 1 :30 PM in the Main Conference Room, 325 Broadway, and Fargo, North Dakota.
FHRA Staff Present
Lynn Fundingsland, Amy Rissmann, Scott Noeske, Pat Kovarik, Kathleen Steig, Jill Elliott, Steve Eickhoff, Marguerite Ronsberg, Kris Visness
FHRA Board Members Present
Michael Leier, Karen Moore, Thomas Jefferson,Tonna Horsley
Consent Agenda
Resolution #2017-03-01
Motion to add one more staff member to the Consent Agenda to attend the Regional NAHRO in Vail, CO., Jefferson/Leier
BE IT RESOLVED, the Consent Agenda is approved amendment.
Reports
Financials
Mr. Noeske presented the financial reports. He reviewed the income statement actual to budget and discussed the differences. Mr. Noeske also reviewed the balance sheet actual to last month and discussed the changes in cash position.
In reviewing the vacancy numbers, the board asked about ways which we have considered to fill the units at a faster rate. Some units need more maintenance than others before a new tenant can move in. There is often a delay in the background checks for tenants which is a bottleneck. Commissioners suggested that property management have better communication with the State for faster processing of the background checks.
Capital Projects
For scattered site, additional capital remodels are underway. Work on RAD continues with 2015 Capital Funds remaining obligated to New Horizons Project. Other continuing projects are funded by the 2016 Capital Fund. Inspection for REAC of 14-4 is scheduled for 3/27/17 and 3/28/17. For New Horizons Project, the first draft of Scope of Work is complete and the architect is working on preparing bid documents.
Deputy Director
Ms. Elliott explained the nearly $5 million in hospitalization funding which Sanford saved due to operation of the Medical Respite Program.
Old Business
New Horizons/RAD Progress
For New Horizons, an RFP for an investor has been sent issued. By the end of the month FHRA should have an investor identified. For tenant relocation, FHRA will help with moving costs and hook up of utility costs for tenants who temporarily relocate, we have an RFP out soliciting for a consultant to assist with tenant relocations.
Resolution #2017-03-02
Motion to approve a resolution for the Federal Home Bank agreement and participation in the LIHTC program. Leier/Jefferson
BE IT RESOLVED, the motion is approved for Federal Home Bank agreement and participation in the LIHTC program.
Legislative Updates
Mr. Fundingsland testified twice for a bill for the HIF program appropriations and preservation. FHRA could be eligible for up to three million dollars to put towards the High Rise's rehabilitation if the program is preserved This can affect the amount which FHRA needs to borrow for rehab of the High-Rise building. The status of the bills is not available. Mr. Fundingsland will provide a list to Commissioners of legislators involved.
The regular meeting was closed and the Public Hearing opened.
Public Hearing to consider resolution authorizing sale of high-rise parcel.
Policy requires a Public Hearing associated with the request that HUD release any claim to the parcel at the Lashkowitz high rise being considered for sale and allow acceptance of the purchase offer presented. After discussion, the Public Hearing was closed.
Resolution #2017-03-03
Motion to close the public hearing. Jefferson/Horsley BE IT RESOLVED, the motion is approved to close the public hearing authorizing the sale of high-rise parcel.
2017 Budget
All asked if there was any discussion on the 2017 budget. Commissioner Leier asked if fiscal conservative budgeting prohibits FHRA from development. Does the budget support our continued process of staff development? There were questions on some disparities of 2016 to 2017 income. Mr. Noeske and Mr. Fundingsland explained that is due to some unpredictability related to HUD funding. The President's skinny budget cuts the public housing capital fund by one third. It is difficult to forecast what will happen in the next couple of years. The President's budget reduces overall HUD funding by 14%.
New Business
Consider reduced hours for Executive Director
Resolution #2017-03-04
Motion to ratify employment contract for Executive Director from the 2/28/17 employment contract consideration meeting. Leier/Horsley
BE IT RESOLVED, the motion is approved to ratify the employment contract for Executive Director from the 2/28/17 employment contract consideration meeting.
Nelrod Commissioner Training
The board members discussed the commissioner training at the Nelrod event. What steps are being taken to revise internal policies and procedures after HUD makes changes? Are those changes being communicated to Commissioners. They also expressed an update on the status of any other policies, such as employee policies. The directors will send policy information to board members.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for April 11th, at 1 :30 PM.