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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-26 - Minutes -IV V VI. VII Fayetteville Housing Authority Call to Order Meeting Minutes BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR SESSION —July 27, 2023, 5:00 PM The Fayetteville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Regular Session was called to order on Thursday, July 27th, 20223 at 5 pm via Zoom Roll Call Commissioners Cole, Woods, and Humphrey were present, as well as Executive Director Sherburne. Chair Terry was absent for the meeting. Also present were members of the public and FHA staff. Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved as presented. Announcements: Vice Chair Cole reviewed meeting decorum protocols. Public Comment Hillcrest Resident Jen Cole commented that the Hillcrest Tower security guards have been helpful with incidents that include calls to 911 in the past and urged the board to keep that in mind while voting. Mr. Thomas Key, Hillcrest Resident, commented on the need for a night guard on the grounds. Monique Jones followed up on a conversation she had previously with Executive Director Sherburne regarding serving the Willow Heights Community. Hillcrest Resident Holly Perry expressed concern about the possible removal of the call lights in the units. Jasmine asked about the pause in the waitlist. Executive Director Sherburne noted that while they could not answer questions during public comment that they could call the FHA office for an answer. Hillcrest Resident Teresa Heiss asked how they were supposed to keep unwanted people out of the building. Consent Agenda: Meeting Minutes were unanimously approved Reports A. Board Chair Terry was absent and did not notify Vice Chair Cole regarding any upcoming issues. M. Fayetteville Meeting Minutes BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Housing Authority REGULAR SESSION —July 27, 2023, 5:00 PM Per FHA Development Board Chair Terry, the property transaction for 1211 Street (Red Bud Garden) is in the process of working with the buyer. Anyone with questions or additional interest are invited to attend the FHA Development Regular Session next month. C. Staff Reports — Executive Director Sherburne gave a shoutout to the amount of public participation in today's meeting. L He reviewed the number of vacancies and leases for Public Housing and PBRA, and the number of work orders. He went over the number of HAP contracts and status for the Housing Voucher programs. He is working with the COC and community partners to cover a processing gap for those that are at risk of homelessness for the EHV program. He gave an overview of the current waitlist numbers. ii. The Public Housing leasing documents have been updated. He noted that the in -person portion of the 2021/2022 audit has been completed. The auditors noted an improvement between the years and Executive Director Sherburne commended staff for their work. iii. He gave an overview of the financials, noting that Director of Finance Wheeler has been working with HUD to provide a general depository agreement. D. Hillcrest Resident Council Report — Resident Council President McPherson said that he had submitted a letter of concerns with signatures concerning the upcoming resolutions and wanted it to be read into the minutes. Executive Director Sherburne noted that the Resident Council Report was a space to review events, fundraising, and other activities the Resident Council has undertaken. VIII. Old Business A. Transition to in -person board meetings: Vice Chair Cole suggested tabling the motion for next session due to Chair Terry's absence. Commissioner Humphry expressed her frustration at the voting delay. There was further discussion regarding schedule flexibility and possibly voting on this item during the next agenda session. Vice Chair Cole motioned to make this item an action item for the August 10th Agenda session. The motion passed and the Board will vote on this item at the next agenda session. IX. Fayetteville Housing Authority New Business Meeting Minutes BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR SESSION —July 27, 2023, 5:00 PM A. Capital Needs Assessment (CNA) review and proposed Capital Funds use i. Executive Director Sherburne reviewed the Capital Needs Assessment for Hillcrest Towers, Lewis Plaza, and Willow Heights. He highlighted immediate needs at all three properties, and discussed the ductwork issues at Willow Heights. ii. He presented an overview of 2023 — 2027 work items with an estimated cost. It is a rolling plan that will be updated annual with the option to submit amendments to HUD. B. Resolution 1284: Authorizing Removal of Hillcrest Towers Call -for -Aid System i. Executive Director Sherburne read the resolution, noting that the current system lacks a monitoring system and creates liability. HUD has authorized the removal in accordance with NSPIRE standards. He gave an overview of the current set up, noted its flaws, and said that he would like to have Mary, Community Engagement Specialist, work with community partners to get residents signed up for Life Alert or another alternative. ii. Commissioner Woods opened discussion by asking how the current system works. There was further discussion about how an alternative could work. Executive Director Sherburne noted that he will not be removing them until the alternative system is in place. iii. Commissioner Woods motioned to pass Resolution 1284, Commissioner Humphrey seconded. The motion passed unanimously. C. Resolution 1285: Authorizing Termination of Security Services at Hillcrest Towers and Attempt to Find Alternative Solutions for Residents L Executive Director Sherburne read the Resolution, noting that the contract with Professional Security Services has expired and had been providing sub -standard service. There is a plan to install an electronic building access system to limit after-hours access to residents, staff, emergency services, and authorized guests. He discussed safety concerns with the current security system. Fayetteville Meeting Minutes BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Housing Authority REGULAR SESSION —July 27, 2023, 5:00 PM ii. Commissioner Woods suggested reaching out to the police department to provide additional security. Executive Director Sherburne's previous experience with the police has been that they are not staffed enough for an extra patrol on the property. There was discussion about having someone available at night to answer emergency calls. Commissioner Humphrey discussed her experience as a resident at Hillcrest with the current guards and their work, with herself and other residents not feeling safe in the building after hours. There was further discussion regarding how the electronic system works. iii. Commissioner Woods suggested taking a resident survey regarding their perception of the current security guard company. Executive Director Sherburne noted that as potentially crossing into operations. He gave an estimated timeline of when the electronic system would be installed and operational. Commissioner Cole requested an estimation of complaints regarding the security service — there are complaints daily against security, and sometimes multiple a day. iv. Commissioner Woods motioned to pass the resolution. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. X. Final Comments & Announcements Executive Director Sherburne commented that the office is always open for questions for the public. XI. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 pm.