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Galveston Housing Authority

Board Meeting

May 21, 2012

Galveston Housing Authority4700 Broadway

Galveston, TX 77551www.GHATX.org

Opportunities Always Happen

Galveston Housing Authority4700 BroadwayGalveston, TX 77551

Table of Contents

Finance Report

April 23rd

April 4th

April 13th

#2632 New Minimum Rental Policy for HCV

#2631 New Minimum Rental Policy for Public Housing

Financial Statements; Check Register; VMS Report; Grant Report

#2633 Amending HCV Program Payment Standard

#2634 Authorizing the ED to Enter Into Inter-Agency Agreement

#2635 Approval of Grievance Officer for HCV Program

#2636 Approval of Grievance Officer for Public Housing

Resident Services

Section 3 Report

Executive Staff Report

Modernization

PIO

Resolutions

Secretary Report

AgendaMinutes

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MEETING OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS

ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTER – COMMUNITY ROOM 4700 BROADWAY, GALVESTON, TX 77551

MAY 21, 2012 – 1:00 P.M. Take notice that a special meeting of the Housing Authority of the City of Galveston, Texas will be held as stated above by the Board of Commissioners to discuss, consider, and formally act upon the following agenda(s), as required by the Open Meetings Law. The public is invited. A closed Executive Session will be held pursuant to Government Code Chapter 551, Sub-chapter D., Section 551.071; 551.072 or 551.074.

1. Call to order by presiding officer indicating date and time

2. Determination of a quorum

3. Notice of posting

4. Declaration of Conflict of Interest

5. Public Comments with respect to agenda items

6. Approval of Minutes of previous meetings: April 4, 2012; April 13, 2012; April 23, 2012

7. Financial statements: April 2012

A. Consolidated Financial Statement 1. Central Office Cost Center (COCC) 2. Asset Management Project (AMP) #1 – Oleander Homes/Palm Terrace 3. Asset Management Project (AMP) #2 – Gulf Breeze/Holland House 4. Asset Management Project (AMP) #3 – Magnolia Homes/Cedar

Terrace/Scattered Sites 5. Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program 6. Island Community Center (ICC) 7. Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) - Ike

B. Check Register C. Voucher Management System (VMS) Submission D. Grants status

8. Adjourn into Executive Session

9. Reconvene into open meeting

10. Discussion Items

a. New Minimum Rental Policy for Public Housing b. New Minimum Rental Policy for HCV c. Amending HCV Program Payment Standard d. Authorizing the ED to Enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement e. Approval of Grievance Officer for HCV Program

Agenda/May 21, 2012 - Page 2

f. Approval of Grievance Officer for Public Housing g. Other

11. Resolutions - Approval of

a. #2631 – Approval of New Minimum Rental Policy for Public Housing b. #2632 – Approval of New Minimum Rental Policy for HCV c. #2633 – Approval of Amending HCV Program Payment Standard d. #2634 – Authorizing the ED to Enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement e. #2635 – Approval of Grievance Officer for HCV Program f. #2636 – Approval of Grievance Officer for Public Housing

12. Secretary’s report

a. Executive Staff Report b. Section 3 Report c. Resident Services d. Modernization e. PIO f. Committee Reports (Communication, Finance, Development, Human Capital,

Resident Services, etc.) g. Other

13. General public comments

14. Commissioners’ comments

15. Call for adjournment by presiding officer indicating date and time

On May 18, 2012, a notice of this meeting was sent to City Hall for posting and sent to the media. Stanley A. Lowe Executive Director **Interpreter service for the hearing impaired or Spanish-speaking will be provided upon request within 24 hours notice. If interested, please call 765-1905. In accordance with the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), persons in need of a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding shall, within three days prior to any proceeding, contact the Executive Director’s office at 4700 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77551 or 765-1905. **Servicios de interpretación para personas con discapacidad auditiva o interpretación en español estará disponible cuando se solicite con 24 horas de anticipación. Si está interesado, por favor llame al 765-1905. De acuerdo con la Ley de Estadunidenses con Discapacidades, si una persona necesita alojamiento especial para participar en esta junta tiene que contactar a la oficina del Director Ejecutivo con tres días de anticipación al 465-1905 o en la oficina ubicada en 4700 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77551.

MEETING OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTER – COMMUNITY ROOM 4700 BROADWAY GALVESTON, TX 77551 MAY 21, 2012 – 1:00 P.M. A G E N D A EXECUTIVE SESSION

1. Call to Order by Presiding Officer Indicating Date and Time

2. Pursuant to Section 551.071 for the purposes of Consultation With Attorney

3. Pursuant to Section 551.072 for the purposes of Deliberation about Real Estate

4. Pursuant to Section 551.074 for the purposes of Personnel Matters - to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of an employee

5. Adjournment by Presiding Officer Indicating Date and Time

I hereby certify that this agenda is correct.

__________________________________ PRESIDING OFFICER

Minutes of Special Meeting of

The Housing Authority of the City of Galveston, Texas Island Community Center – Community Room

4700 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77551 April 4, 2012 – 4:00 p.m.

The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Galveston, Texas (GHA) met as stated above. Chairperson Massey called the special meeting to order at 4:02 pm. and declared a quorum was present. She further clarified that the meeting was duly posted. The following commissioners were noted present: Betty Massey, Chairperson; Tom LaRue, and Dr. Jeff Temple. Chairperson Massey noted that Vice-Chair James Dennis would be joining the meeting shortly. Commissioners Absent: Teresa Banuelos Others Present: Stanley Lowe, Executive Director Robert Bastien, Legal Counsel Chairperson Massey stated that due in part to the suggestions of Fredell Rosen, a Galveston citizen, the GHA Board Meeting Books, which contain the resolutions and information given to the Board in preparation for each meeting, would be available online before the meeting. In addition, one hour before each scheduled Board meeting, the executive staff of the Housing Authority will be available for Housing Authority residents to present questions and concerns. Chairperson Massey noted that Vice-Chair Dennis had joined the meeting, and that Commissioner Banuelos was listening to the meeting but would not participate. Public Comments Glenda Garrison stated that she knows of at least three residents in her building that are purchasing illegal drugs and using it on the property. She further stated that residents use sticks and other items to prop open the doors so that others they know can come into the property at their Stanley Lowe, Executive Director, stated that security concerns are of the utmost importance and are being addressed. He further stated that 30 days from now Ms. Garrison’s concerns would no longer be an issue. Commissioner LaRue asked if a tenant is propping the door open against the rules, can they be evicted? Mr. Lowe responded that if the person is caught, and the evidence can be substantiated, then they can be evicted. He further stated that no resident should ever have to live in fear, and GHA is taking measures to make sure that does not happen.

Minutes of Meeting/April 4, 2012 – Page 2

Fredell Rosen stated that she appreciates the acknowledgement of the previous lack of information on the GHA Agendas, but it is very hard to discuss or give a public comment because of the lack of specific information about the pending resolution. She would appreciate having more information on the web site in time for a person to decide whether or not to attend a meeting and make an intelligent remark. Commissioner LaRue commented that the resolution that is before the Board today did not make any changes to the initial phases of the master development plan, and that everyone is so cautious about the GHA that much is being made out of something that is very little, in his opinion. Chair Massey stated that the resolution is a work in progress, which is what needs to be addressed in executive session, and includes the addition of two tools to be used in the replacement of affordable housing, Housing Choice Vouchers and Project Based Vouchers. The Board adjourned into Executive Session at 4:15 and reconvened the open meeting at 6:30 p.m. Resolutions – Approval of #2618 – Approval of GHA Employee Personnel Policy – Randi Jensen, Human Resources Manager, read the resolution and stated the Board has had an opportunity to review the resolution and staff is recommending approval. #2619 – Approval of GHA Employee Statement of Confidentiality – Ms. Jensen read the resolution and stated the Board has had an opportunity to review the resolution and staff is recommending approval. #2620 – Approval of GHA Employee Statement of Conflict of Interest – Ms. Jensen read the resolution and stated the Board has had an opportunity to review the resolution and staff is recommending approval. #2621 – Approval of GHA Commissioner Statement of Conflict of Interest – Ms. Jensen read the resolution and stated the Board has had an opportunity to review the resolution and staff is recommending approval. Vice-Chair Dennis moved approval of Resolutions 2618, 2619, 2620, and 2621, and Commissioner Temple seconded. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue, Temple NAYS: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENCES: Banuelos #2622 – Approval of GHA Administrative Plan for the HCV Program – Frank Garcia, HCV Supervisor, read the resolution and stated the Board has had an opportunity to review the resolution and staff is recommending approval.


Vice-Chair Dennis moved approval, and Commissioner LaRue seconded. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue, Temple NAYS: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENCES: Banuelos #2623 – Approval of a Five-Year and Annual Agency Plan – Courtney Beck, Section 3 Coordinator, read the resolution and stated the Board has had an opportunity to review the resolution and staff is recommending approval. Vice-Chair Dennis moved approval, and Commissioner LaRue seconded. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue, Temple NAYS: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENCES: Banuelos #2624 – Public Statement/Approval of Amending the Adopted Master Plan – Robert Bastien, Legal Counsel, read the resolution. Vice-Chair Dennis moved approval, and Commissioner Temple seconded. Joe Jaworski, Ex-Officio member of the GHA Board of Commissioners, read a statement as follows: “Shortly after my election in May, 2010, a well-connected Galvestonian offered me some unsolicited advice. He said, ‘Appoint your Housing Authority Commissioners and then run away from the issue.’ I looked at him squarely in the eye and I said, ‘Well that’s not why you run for office.’ Thinking back on it now, I believe that friendly advice is a good example of why cold-war era public housing projects were allowed to exist here in Galveston as late as 2008, and poverty thrive here in Galveston, even as other cities fixed theirs. I ran on a promise of facing the issues head-on, and I want to deliver on my promises. I’m here today after studying and working on the issue of Galveston’s poverty and delivery of affordable housing for over two years, first as a candidate, then as a Mayor. To borrow from the Bible, when I was a candidate, I spoke like a candidate, I thought like a candidate, I reasoned like a candidate. But when I became Mayor, through the process of reasoning with our national and state government, learning, and being accountable for my words and actions, I gave up the way a candidate behaves. I took on the job you elected me to do. As a candidate, I said, it’s not about doing what is easy, it’s about doing what is right. But as your Mayor, I’ll tell you, doing the right thing is not always easy. Galveston should have, and must have, decent affordable housing for its elderly, disabled, and low income workers. Galveston’s private landlords meet some of those needs, and they partner with the Housing Authority, and earn millions of dollars a year doing so. And it is an industry. But that private market can’t serve all the needs that need to be served. It’s been that way for decades; it’s that way everywhere in the United States. That’s why it’s so frustrating to see our most enriched section 8 landlords leading the fight against the Housing Authority’s plans to provide decent


affordable homes in quality mixed income developments for our low income working families. The State of Texas is now our partner in our recovery. The General Land Office has always been a valued partner in renourishing our beaches, revealing our Seawall plans, providing electricity, managing oil spill responses. Led by our former state senator Jerry Patterson, we have good friends in Austin. But the GLO has been given a task that they’ve never had before. Manage housing and infrastructure repair and reconstruction in the City of Galveston. I’m happy that they’re helping the city in the delivery and reconstruction of homes and infrastructure. We need a steady partner in that effort. But the rebuilding of public housing, a highly technical experience, is not something the GLO has ever had to do. And I know that their leadership would agree with me that it’s a learning process. I’m aware that the GLO’s emphasis is on efficiency and deadlines and conciliation agreement minimums, 569, one-for-one replacement. But we need to be sure that when the GLO is done with managing Galveston’s CDBG funds, that will rebuild Galveston’s private homes and infrastructure, and again let me say how happy I am to have the GLO as a partner in that effort, we need to be sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past when we rebuild low income affordable housing. The diversion of up to 8.8 million dollars of GHA’s construction budget to a CDBG administrator complicates matters greatly. The budget was already short, and the GLO just made it shorter. To build new projects here in Galveston would be a horrible mistake, so any plan that causes Galveston to house low income families all together in a non-mixed-income environment is not a good plan. It is not a plan I will support; in fact I will fight it. I showed that when some of my City Council colleagues demanded that we rebuild projects at the former sites of Magnolia Homes and Cedar Terrace. I admire the tenacity of the housing advocates who negotiated agreements after Ike regarding the replacement of public housing units. I hope they will understand and believe me when I say I recognize my duty to all Galvestonians. I’m the Mayor of all the people who reside in zip codes 77550 to 554, rich, middle income, poor, and I would expect that they know that HUD’s best practices call for mixed income development as the only real way to provide fair housing and defeat poverty from repeating generation after generation. But if all you want to do is build projects, even nice shiny new ones, I will fight that effort too. To the citizens of my city: I hear you. I understand you’re afraid and you’re suspicious whenever the subject of public housing comes up. Those projects that were built in the 40s and 50s didn’t look so good in 2008, and you will never forget them. But they are gone, and they are not coming back. We have a job to do, and if we’re going to do it, let’s do it in a way that will help the Island grow, economically, socially and spiritually. I learned from our Scattered Sites hearing in this very room that neighbors don’t want scattered site public housing. They came in groups to be heard and to protest the Housing Authority’s plans to scatter public housing throughout their neighborhoods. Of course at that hearing, notably absent were the council members who demanded that we scatter public housing. They didn’t want to jump in the frying pan and face the music with me. But I heard you, I heard you loud and clear. And here’s the way I feel about it: It is not the way forward. It is inefficient, and it will not help reverse poverty. So let’s drop scattered sites as an alternative. Since we should and must build affordable housing in Galveston, that leaves us with two choices: projects or mixed income development. I will fight projects. I will fight for mixed income development. Seeing how the various advocates, pro and con are turning this whole development mission into a political fight, where we have for example Galveston’s Section 8 landlords lobbying our state senator and government to defeat GHA’s


good plans to build in a mixed income environment, I have asked my Housing Authority Commissioners and their Executive Director to take action and present a plan that accomplishes their mission with the funds available in a way that works for Galveston, and in a way that will meet HUD’s approval. I trust them to do their job. I didn’t attend the executive session. I will work with them to make it happen. That’s what a Mayor does. I’m proud to lead this Island as your Mayor. I may not get paid for doing it, but it’s an enriching experience. The delivery of decent affordable housing is only one story currently being told in Galveston. It might dominate the public discussion but delivering jobs, population growth and rebuilding homes and infrastructure are what we are about as a City. A small but important part of that story is rebuilding affordable housing. I am counting on the various advocates, pro and con, and the representatives of the government charged with overseeing that effort to stop the bickering and move forward with a reasonable, forward-thinking plan put forth by the Galveston Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Thank you.” Commissioner LaRue stated that he was concerned that the public has an understanding of how the numbers have changed and the various components of those numbers. He further stated the this new plan has actually increased the percentage of market rate units, up to 44% market rate units. He stated some people lump together the tax credit units and public housing units, but since he sees the tax credit units as more for moderate income workforce housing, he takes the tax credit units and lumps them with the market rate units, for a total of 55%. GHA has always tried to push that number as high as possible, because it is that economic group that helps make mixed income developments successful. Commissioner Temple thanked the Mayor for fighting for mixed income, and stated he wanted to reiterate that this is a reasonable and forward-thinking plan. He further stated he hopes GHA, the Galveston community, and the housing advocates can all come together and realize that this is what is best for Galveston and what will lead Galveston on a path to success. Vice-Chair Dennis stated that after Hurricane Ike, Tarris Woods was the Councilman that appointed him to the Galveston Long-Term Recovery Committee. He further stated he knew from that moment that housing was going to be the biggest issue on Galveston Island. He stated that if the map of what New Orleans did was followed to the tee, every mistake they made would be repeated, and up to this point that is exactly what has been done. GHA has a chance now to stop in their tracks and do the right thing, which is mixed income. He further stated that he would fight for mixed income. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue, Temple NAYS: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENCES: Banuelos Chair Massey read a statement on behalf of the Board as follows:


“The Galveston Housing Authority remains firmly committed to providing housing for our residents displaced by Hurricane Ike and to the replacement of units destroyed in that natural disaster. GHA is equally committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing and the implementation of a plan that is fiscally responsible in both the long and short term. With these commitments, GHA announces an amendment to its November 2011 development plan. Under this amended plan, (1) GHA will implement the 5-phase Mixed Income Initiative which will include 287 units of public housing, 143 units of moderate-income housing, and 288 units of market rate housing. The total hard unit count for this rebuilding effort is reduced from 971 to 718 units; (2) GHA will request the conversion of 170 existing Housing Choice Vouchers from HUD for permanent use as either Tenant or Project-Based purposes; and (3) GHA will eliminate the scattered sites initiative. The housing needs of 170 households who resided in public housing developments on Galveston Island at the time of Hurricane Ike are now being successfully met through GHA’s Housing Choice Voucher program as families transitioned from disaster housing assistance into the voucher program. GHA has requested HUD to make these 170 temporary vouchers permanent. To accomplish its plan, GHA has been negotiating with the General Land Office over the past several months for the release of $109 million in CDBG Disaster funds earmarked for replacing public housing on Galveston Island. Unfortunately, GLO has attached severe and unworkable requirements to the release of these funds that would require rebuilding old-style public housing projects on the Magnolia Homes, Cedar Terrace and Oleander Homes sites. Time and time again, GHA has informed GLO that warehousing Galveston’s low-income citizens north of Broadway is NOT an option. It is not in the best interests of those Galvestonians, and it is not in the best interests of this community as a whole. GHA is fighting to create an environment in which people can move in, up and out of public housing, not remain there for generations. Galveston’s old public housing projects were not healthy places for residents, and they were not a healthy part of our community. GHA will not allow the GLO to condemn Galveston to repeat the mistakes of the past. With all due respect, GLO officials can go home at the end of the day; Galveston is our home. Therefore, GHA is prepared to take the necessary action to protect our community from the construction of housing projects and to access the funds designated to replace lower income housing on Galveston Island. In conjunction with this decision, GHA has discontinued its scattered sites initiative; announces its intention to file a Move to Work application at the end of June; and requests the City of Galveston to partner with the Authority to address the community issues in the Sandpiper Cove area.


We believe these actions executed together, not in increments, will provide the best, high quality communities to those displaced more than 3 years ago by Hurricane Ike. These actions, in conjunction with other community efforts, will set Galveston on the right path for the future.” General Public Comments David Miller stated that the Resolution just past has been needed, and puts some teeth in things that were needed, giving the authority to get it done right and have the law on the side of the Housing Authority. He further stated he is able and willing to help. Cornelia Harris-Banks offered her congratulations to the Board, Directors, and staff. She stated that the entire community has been considered by the action of the Board. Joe Compian asked for clarification in the numbers, and the Board members stated that they would answer after the meeting. Leon Phillips offered his thanks to the Board and Mr. Lowe and stated that it has been a long time coming. He stated that about a year ago he did not care how the units were replaced, but someone pointed out to him that if that happened, it would look like Sandpiper Cove in a year. He further stated he is thankful for the new path and for the Housing Authority standing fast. Steve McIntyre asked for more clarity in the numbers, including more detail on the Housing Choice Vouchers. Commissioners’ Comments Commissioner LaRue stated he acknowledges the time that has passed since the Hurricane, and that the mixed income plan continues to move forward regardless of the changes in the plan. He further stated 287 public housing units and 143 tax credit units is 430 hard units, plus 170 project based vouchers is 600 total hard units, plus the 40 we currently have at The Oaks. Mr. Lowe stated how happy he is to be here and to live in Galveston. He further stated he has had opportunity to meet with residents and will be implementing a tenant opportunity program as well as a security program. He plans to meet with residents at Holland House as well as all the voucher residents and residents on the waiting lists, as well as local ministers. He does not look at the discussion of public housing as a segregated manner, but as a whole community. This will be a direct net investment of capital into the Galveston community, and a net gain of resources. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Minutes of Special Meeting of

The Housing Authority of the City of Galveston, Texas Island Community Center – Community Room

4700 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77551 April 13, 2012 – 1:00 p.m.

The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Galveston, Texas (GHA) met as stated above. Chairperson Massey called the special meeting to order at 1:05 pm. and declared a quorum was present. She further clarified that the meeting was duly posted. The following commissioners were noted present: Betty Massey, Chairperson; James Dennis, Vice-Chairperson; and Teresa Banuelos. Chairperson Massey noted that Dr. Temple would be joining the meeting shortly. Commissioners Absent: Tom LaRue Others Present: Stanley Lowe, Executive Director Robert Bastien, Legal Counsel Declaration of Conflict of Interest There were no conflicts of interest by Commissioners. Chairperson Massey stated that every Commissioner would be signing a formal written Conflict of Interest statement and thanked Stanley Lowe, Executive Director, for preparing those statements. Public Comments Steve McIntyre stated that he would like a copy of the new Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy, as well as information on which housing authorities’ policies were used in creating the new document, so that they might follow up with residents from those authorities. He further stated that he mentioned to his wife that Reno and Cavanaugh is on the Agenda, and that she said it was an excellent choice, as it is the best housing law firm in the country, and Mr. Cavanaugh was the former HUD Secretary under President Carter. The Board adjourned into Executive Session at 1:10 p.m. and reconvened the open meeting at 2:40 p.m. Chairperson Massey noted that Commissioner Banuelos was no longer present and Dr. Temple had joined the meeting but would be leaving after the action on the Resolutions. Resolutions – Approval of #2625 – Awarding a Contract for Moving to Work Grant Services not to Exceed $50,000 – Mona Purgason, Deputy Executive Director, stated that the Board had previously discussed the Moving to Work designation, which gives Housing Authorities more flexibility. She further stated that Rod Solomon out of Washington, DC has agreed to work with GHA to help craft the application. He co-authored some of the language in the Moving to Work legislation. Ms. Purgason requested the Board’s approval of the resolution to procure Mr. Solomon’s consulting services.


Commissioner Temple moved approval, and Vice-Chair Dennis seconded. The motion passed unanimously among the Commissioners present. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, Temple NAYS: None Abstentions: None Absences: LaRue, Banuelos #2626 – Awarding a Contract for Legal Services to Reno & Cavanaugh – Robert Bastien, Legal Counsel, stated that Reno & Cavanaugh would be providing specialized legal services to GHA. He further stated that Reno & Cavanaugh were one of the firms that had responded to the original RFP for Specialized Legal Services, and the proposed services fit within the description of the RFP. This will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the legal services currently being provided to GHA by Coats Rose. Vice-Chair Dennis moved approval, and Commissioner Temple seconded. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, Temple NAYS: None Abstentions: None Absences: LaRue, Banuelos Commissioner Temple left the meeting and the remaining Board members continued to discussion items only. Discussion Items Development Committee Update – Deyna Sims-Hobdy, Director of Real Estate Development, stated that the Board had approved a revised plan, called Plan C, which calls for the new construction of 718 housing units in mixed income format over five phases, including 287 public housing units, 288 unrestricted market rate units, and 143 low income tax credit or workforce, of which 72 may be project based voucher units, and 170 conversion vouchers. The estimated budget is $165 million for the five phases. 61% of the CDBG-DR funds in the deal are for housing and infrastructure. Ms. Sims-Hobdy further stated there are meeting minutes in the Board packet reflecting a meeting with Bob Voelker, a GLO representative. There is misinformation in the press and the public that states GHA refused to meet with the GLO. The meeting minutes confirm that information is incorrect and erroneous. Moving to Work Application – Melinda Oliver, Procurement Manager, stated top priorities of GHA for the first year of activities under Moving to Work include the following: under Self-Sufficiency, a work requirement and rent reform. Under Efficiency, streamline mixed financing processing rules contained in the proposed rule to GHA projects, allow tax credit income certifications, recertify incomes of elderly and disabled every two years. Under


Housing Choice, to promote voucher deconcentration by allowing payment standards up to 120 percent of FMR in highly concentrated areas. Year two possibilities include energy audits in voucher units, landlord incentives and disincentives if they do not agree with the energy audits, simplify the medical deduction to elderly and disabled households, the exclusion of up to $25,000 of assets for rent calculation, and a site-based waiting list. Ms. Purgason stated there was a timeline included in the Board Packet. She further stated the goals for year one and two are reflective of HUD’s goals under the program, which are Self-Sufficiency, Efficiency, and Housing Choice. Resident Services – Odelia Williams, Resident Services Director, thanked the GHA for giving her the opportunity to work with residents. She stated there was a follow up meeting with residents at Gulf Breeze with staff and the Executive Director. She highlighted areas where residents had concerns: security, building improvement, and tenant programs, and the action items are outlined in the Resident Services priorities report in the Board Packet. For security, some of the action items are: purchasing an ID badge system, state of the art cameras, sirens on the doors, establishing a public safety ambassadors team with residents on each floor, and residents from both developments signed up for that. They are continuing to evaluate the security measures with curators and the police department. A resident handbook with information about personal safety will be developed. In building improvements, an action item is providing a schedule for maintenance and renovation issues. Under tenant programs, GHA is looking into incorporating the tenant councils so they can have programs and a funding stream for their activities, as well as some of the proceeds from the laundry rooms. Resident services will also be establishing volunteer programs with local organizations and individuals. Chairperson Massey asked if there has been a meeting with Holland House, and Ms. Williams stated there will be meetings with Holland House and The Oaks. Mr. Lowe stated it is his intention to meet with every resident that wants to meet, including every current resident, former resident, and those on the waiting list in the next 30 days. Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy – Melinda Oliver, Procurement Manager, stated the last ACOP was adopted in 1998 with the latest revision approved in 2004. Since then regulations have changed and resolutions have been approved, which have not been incorporated. GHA used nationally-recognized Nan McKay’s best practices model as the format for crafting the new ACOP. The new ACOP is comprehensive and includes updated regulations from HUD, the HUD public housing and occupancy handbook, HUD public housing notices, as well as resolutions passed by the Board. There are no new policies or procedures in the ACOP. The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

Minutes of Meeting of

The Housing Authority of the City of Galveston, Texas Holland House Community Room

2810 61st Street, Galveston, TX 77551 April 23, 2012 – 3:00 p.m.

The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Galveston, Texas (GHA) met as stated above. Chairperson Massey called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m. and declared a quorum was present. She further clarified that the meeting was duly posted. The following commissioners were noted present: Betty Massey, Chairperson; James Dennis, Vice-Chairperson; Tom LaRue; Teresa Banuelos; and Dr. Jeff Temple. Commissioners Absent: None Others Present: Stanley Lowe, Executive Director Robert Bastien, Legal Counsel Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings March 19, 2012 Commissioner LaRue moved approval, and Commissioner Temple seconded. Robert Bastien, Legal Counsel, stated the March 19 minutes should reflect the Board’s approval of Stanley Lowe as Executive Director as well as Secretary. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue, Banuelos, Temple NAYS: None Abstentions: None Absences: None March 30, 2012 Commissioner LaRue moved approval and Vice-Chair Dennis seconded. AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue NAYS: None Abstentions: Banuelos, Temple Absences: None Financial Statements BIL Bruney, Finance Director, stated the Total Operating Revenue $1,941,371 for the month of March, 2012 and $20,605,107 Year To Date. Total Operating Expense is $2,210,588 for the month of March, 2012 and $20,735,897 Year to Date. The deficit Year to Date is $130,790. The total assets is $45,741,561 and total of liabilities and net assets is $45,741,861.


Stanley Lowe, Executive Director, asked Mr. Bruney if there were any unusual or outstanding issues to be dealt with in Finance. Mr. Bruney replied there was nothing unusual, but the outstanding issue of the Bank Fees needed to be addressed. Chairperson Massey agreed and stated she did not understand why we were paying such a large amount in bank fees, $443,607.73 Year to Date. Commissioner LaRue stated that is something he has asked before as well. Chairperson Massey stated the issue of the RFP for Banking Services had been pulled from the Workshop Agenda as a discussion item, but is something that needs to be addressed. Chairperson Massey asked about the Operating Subsidy, which had revenue of $686 for the month of March, 2012, and $1,274,277 Year to Date. Mr. Bruney answered the Federal Fiscal Year begins January 1, and that was the point at which the operating subsidy was reduced. Resolutions – Approval of # 2627 – Approval of an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Galveston – Deyna Sims-Hobdy, stated this resolution is seeking approval of an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Galveston, creating a Park and Ride from the Island Community Center parking lot. Commissioner LaRue moved approval, and Commissioner Temple seconded. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue, Banuelos, Temple NAYS: None Abstentions: None Absences: None . # 2628 – Adopting a New Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy – Melinda Oliver, Procurement Manager, stated this resolution would adopt a new ACOP and rescind the previous ACOP. Commissioner Temple moved approval, and Vice-Chair Dennis seconded. Chairperson Massey asked how the policy would be updated. Ms. Oliver stated there will be changes made to the written policy each time there is a resolution passed or new regulations are put in place. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue, Temple NAYS: None Abstentions: Banuelos Absences: None #2629 – Amendment to Procurement Policy Vice-Chair Dennis moved approval, and Commissioner LaRue seconded.


Commissioner LaRue asked if the locality that has jurisdiction over the Housing Authority is the City of Galveston, which has a procurement threshold of $25,000. Robert Bastien, Legal Counsel, stated that by state statute, the Housing Authority is an independent political subdivision of the State of Texas. The new threshold is well within the state limit, which is $100,000. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue, Temple NAYS: Banuelos Abstentions: None Absences: None #2630 – Approval of Submitting an Application to HUD for FSS Funding – Hernita Johnson, HCV Supervisor, presented the resolution to the Board. Vice-Chair Dennis moved approval, and Commissioner LaRue seconded. The following vote was recorded: AYES: Massey, Dennis, LaRue, Banuelos, Temple NAYS: None Abstentions: None Absences: None General Public Comments Deborah Bacon – Gulf Breeze – stated several months ago residents were required to obtain vehicle stickers for the parking lot, however, there is now no parking available because of providers and visitors, and the residents have to park a distance from the building. She further stated there is no security in the parking area. She further stated there are a lot of empty homes in Galveston that perhaps can be used for low income. Secretary’s Report Officer Papillon stated she had suggested the building curators have walkie talkies to communicate with officers. She further stated there are several security issues that need to be addressed. Vice-Chair Dennis stated he had walked the premises during the break and noted a broken door lock, which Maintenance staff will repair. Commissioners’ Comments Commissioner Banuelos stated she would like to explore options for FSS for Low Income Public Housing residents. The Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:45 p.m. and reconvened the open meeting at 4:50 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

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