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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-07-2013 Housing and Community Development CommissionAGENDA HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, MEETING ROOM A 123 S. LINN STREET, IOWA CITY THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013 6:30 P.M. 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Approval of the January 3 & 17, 2013 Minutes 3. Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda 4. Staff/Commission Comment 5, Monitoring Reports • MECCA — Security Improvements (Dragoo) • Habitat for Humanity — Acquisition and Rehab. (Dragoo) • Neighborhood Centers of JC —Aid to Agencies (Zimmermann Smith) 6. Discussion Regarding FY14 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Requests • Review Project Rankings • Discuss Average Allocation Worksheet • Develop FY14 CDBG/HOME Budget Recommendation to Council 7. Review updates and amendments to the Iowa City Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan and Admissions and Continued Occupancy (ACOP) Plan. • Recommendation to City Council 8. Adjournment MINUTES PRELIMINARY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JANUARY 3, 2013 — 6:30 PM EMMA HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Chappell, Michelle Bacon Curry, Cheryll Clamon, Jarrod Gatlin, Holly Hart, Jim Jacobson, Rachel Zimmermann Smith MEMBERS A BSENT: Scott Dragoo, Charlie Drum STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Hanson, Roger Lusala, Ron Berg, Beth Ritter Ruback, Tracey Achenbach, Phoebe Trepp, Jim Swaim, Lynette Jacoby, Kafi Dixon, Diane Dingbaum RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL: Zimmermann Smith moved to approve a recommendation to City Council to approve an Annual Action Plan Amendment to allow FY13 economic development funds to be used for a facade improvement program in the downtown urban renewal area. (Passed 7-0) CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chappell at 6:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 15, 2012 MINUTES: Zimmermann Smith moved to approve the minutes with minor corrections. Hart seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT: Hightshoe reminded the Commission of some important dates for CDBG/HOME applications and application workshops. DISCUSSION REGARDING FY14 AID TO AGENCIES FUNDING REQUESTS: Chappell recused himself from this discussion because of a conflict of interest HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION January 3, 2013 PAGE 2 of 8 Hightshoe explained to the Commission that tonight they will be determining the process they will follow to make their Aid to Agencies allocations on January 17. Hightshoe said in the past two years there haven't been significant changes in the process/allocations. She said the commission elected to have an open allocation process. There may be a growing number of applicants for the same limited pool of funds. The Commission discussed and concurred that they would recommend that Extend the Dream apply through the CDBG process rather than Aid to Agencies as their application was for roofing and flooring. There is limited availability for operational costs and this application is eligible for CDBG public facility funds. Hightshoe stated she would forward notice to Extend the Dream that this application would not be considered for Aid to Agency funds; but encouraged to submit a CDBG public facility application. The Commission decided that they would like a spreadsheet with all their preliminary funding recommendations. Jacobson said he said he had concerns with the relative amounts asked for from Iowa City versus Coralville. He said he was looking at the proportion of requested money to populations served. He said another concern of his is overlap of services with some of the applications and if the applicant has connected the dots well in terms of CITY STEPS. Bacon Curry said that duplication and overlap of services has been an ongoing discussion. Hart asked if there was any prior documentation staff may have concerning overlap of services. Hart asked if there had been concerns expressed by the City Council. Hightshoe said duplication of services is a concern for most funders. If there are any specific questions about duplication or overlap with a certain application, she requested members forward her the question and she will contact the agency for a written response that will be shared with all the commission members. Zimmermann Smith remarked that to her the Johnson County Youth Social Services Program and the Fast Track Program seemed like the same things, although one of the agencies had a specific, targeted goal that appealed to her more than the agency with the more nebulous goal. Hart said that there may be agencies that have very similar activities but they might not serve the same clientele. Jacobson stated that he can't tell that from the applications. The Commission decided that applicants should be encouraged to come to the January 17'h meeting so the Commission can ask questions. Beth Ritter Ruback from the Crisis Center said she believes the Commission should make it mandatory that agency representatives be present at the January 171h meeting. She said based on the discussion the Commission is having now, she would feel bad if one of their colleagues missed the chance to receive funding due to their absence. Hightshoe said she would notify all the agencies that they are strongly encouraged to attend because of the issues that are being discussed tonight. One of the applicants said the process was different this year. He was under the impression that they were applying for funding from Iowa City, Johnson County and United Way, If Iowa City has different criteria than United Way and other funders, he suggested their own application so that applicants could better respond to questions about the Consolidated Plan. He also HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION January 3, 2013 PAGE 3 of 8 remarked that the amount of space on the United Way form limited the amount of information he could provide. Crisis Center representative said she feels that the process of joint applications may not serve their purpose well with the passing of Linda Severson, who served as a liaison to all of the agencies in the cities and in United Way and brought a body of knowledge with her that made it possible to do joint applications. Hightshoe said the commission will review the process and will be discussed in April. Bacon Curry recommended a committee to evaluate the process. Many of the funding agencies present wanted to provide feedback. HOUSING TRUST FUND OF JOHNSON COUNTY Achenbach stated they use to apply independently directly to the City Manager/Council for funds. They are now included in this process. Jacobson asked how the projects that the agency funds differ from the projects that CDBG funds. Achenbach stated they at times fund the same projects due to financial gaps and not enough funding. They are the only housing trust fund in Johnson County, thus can apply annually for state funds which brings in more money for housing projects in the County. She said they offer four funding rounds a year. She said she thinks that the money they make available lessens the amount a builder would have to ask from the City. She said they are a source of funding just like City funding. Bacon Curry asked what the funds are that they, and no one else in Iowa, can apply for. Achenbach explained that they are appropriated every year through the State Legislature for housing trust funds and the Iowa Finance Authority is given the job of disbursing them. Jacobson asked if they have to ask the City for a certain minimum or maximum level of funding. She said they are required to meet a local match and are required to have approximately $60,000 as a local match for their State application. 2. SHELTER HOUSE Phoebe Trepp said their facility has expanded and their need has also grown. She said with their expansion their operating costs have increased. Bacon Curry asked Trapp to address the prior HCDC concern that when the new larger facility was built, how Shelter House would cover the increase in operating costs. She said Shelter House had responded that they believed revenues from new programs and energy efficiency improvements would assist them cover increased capacity costs. Trepp said there is revenue coming in from established and new programs and they are looking at new sources for the coming year. Kafi Dixon said the new building was a community need, and it was time for that growth for Shelter House. Hightshoe asked if the lodge properties would be self-sustaining. Trepp said the hope is that they will be once they are fully occupied. She said the plan is to put away enough income generated by these properties to expand and potentially get another property. She said even if the income necessary for operations isn't being generated, the need is still there, and no one else is providing this service. Jacobson asked them to explain the wages they pay the clients who work for them. 3. CRISIS CENTER OF JOHNSON COUNTY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION January 3, 2013 PAGE 4 of 8 Bacon Curry mentioned that this allocation is higher than last year's. She asked if the Crisis Center has statistics on how many of the households that received emergency assistance for rent also receive some sort of subsidized housing. She said if they were receiving both kinds of aid, that's a problem in the system that needs to be looked at. Ritter Ruback said that for emergency services, they are the last resort and have to show that they have applied for other assistance. She said she will be able to provide some of the statistics Bacon Curry was interested in. 4. MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Jacobson asked for more details in how their program ties in with CITY STEPS. Roger Lusala explained that they rank pretty high because they provide services for youth with disabilities as well as job training and mentoring services. He informed the Commission that the City employs youth from this program at the library, Mercer Park and the Rec Center. The school district also is an employer of their youth. Zimmermann Smith asked if the requested money is specifically for the kids on the Fast Track program. Lusala explained how the Fast Track and Youth Leadership programs work. Gatlin asked how good their retention rate for employees was. Lusala said most youth they employ or train come back year after year. Gatlin said he would like to see the retention rates for the agencies they are employed with. Jacobson asked if any of their kids belong to other programs. Lusala said if a kid is part of another program, they will collaborate with them. Jacobson asked how the carry-over fund balance worked and Lusala explained that it is actual costs for Medicaid and they have to pay back what they don't use. Lusala explained the staff salary numbers. 5. JOHNSON COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES. Lynette Jacoby explained that she is requesting $10,000. Bacon Curry asked if she had numbers for what percentage of youth that they train retain employment. Jacoby explained that the goal of the program is for summer employment and many students have commitments to their education once school starts in the fall. She said that many of the children in this program come from poverty and haven't developed a work ethic, so the program teaches comprehensive training, including how to communicate, how to dress, preparing a resume, etc. Jacoby said none of the money stays with the county but goes out to collaborating agencies. She explained how this collaboration was facilitated with the other agencies. Zimmermann Smith said this program has been going on for six years, and it would be great for anyone who was going to give them money to see the long-term impact of the programs and who they may have helped. She thought it would be a good idea to conduct surveys to get this information. Jacoby said she and Latasha Massey had spoken about their intention of a six-month follow-up to track some of the successes in them finding and keeping employment. Jacobson said for all the agencies, he would like to see more hard data and even anecdotal evidence in their applications. In response to a question by Gatlin, Jacoby talked about how their application process works and that due to the large number of applicants, students are not allowed to re - enroll. 6. NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS OF JOHNSON COUNTY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION January 3, 2013 PAGE 5 of 8 Dingbaum said with the increased funding request, they would allocate more resources to families and child care positions. Gatlin asked if she could provide any more data that would show improvement in the total number of students that are moving from an IEP to general education. Dingbaum explained how they are following students in the various programs. Jacobson wanted to know why there was such a discrepancy between the amounts requested for Iowa City versus Coralville. Dingbaum said most of their clients are in Iowa City. She said she would have to get back to him on how they decided how much to ask for each city. BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS Bacon Curry wanted to know if they don't fully fund the request, what happens based on locality. Scott Hanson said it's an understanding of where there funding is coming from and how they are allocating that funding. Bacon Curry asked if Iowa City kicks in an additional $8,000 this year and Johnson County and Coralville fund nothing, will they spend all of the $8,000 in Iowa City. Hanson replied that they would. He said the more money they receive, the more kids they can serve. He explained that Johnson County funding can go for Iowa City and Coralville and outlying areas. He said with the additional funding, they can serve the 94 children who are waiting. He said they are also requesting funding from other sources, including North Liberty, where they serve a large number of children. He said that finding volunteers is not difficult, and that the volunteers each submit $20.00 to pay for the cost of the background checks. He said they just recently got a new database system, and can provide more local data as time goes on. Bacon Curry asked what they will do for staff if they get 94 more children on board. Hanson said they have some capacity for growth built in and will be adding staff if they reach a certain level. 8. UNITED ACTION FOR YOUTH Jim Swaim explained how the carry-over was computed. He said one of the primary things they use local money for is to match other grants so they are aggressive in going after Federal or State grants that relate to their mission, and there are still a good number of these grants available. He said they are successful with three different anonymous foundations. He said they have had to reduce their drop -in days, and there has been an increase in the number of kids who have signed up for a structured workshop they found out about on a drop -in day. Swaim said on the Prevention and Youth Development work they are doing, they really are collaborating with MECCA, Neighborhood Centers and Big Brothers/Big Sisters through the county on a comprehensive youth development effort. He said they have also recently been doing a lot of mental health counseling through the schools due to recent events. He said they also got a trauma informed special care grant through the county. The grant is designed to improve the response among teens and children and their families to the varieties of trauma that they are encountering, which he feels is especially critical now in Iowa City. MECCA SERVICES Ron Berg discussed their carry-over rate. Berg discussed contracts for funding and how they patch their money together from a variety of sources. He explained how and why they will be ending their affiliation with I -Care in March. Gatlin recommended that any questions the Commission has for applicants who are not present should be emailed to staff, who will collect the information and disperse it to the Commission. The Commission agreed. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION January 3, 2013 PAGE 6 of 8 DISCUSS FY13 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT FOR CDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS • Recommendation to City Council Chappell rejoined the meeting. Hightshoe reminded commission members that the City is under a Workout Plan, required by HUD, to spend down the money it has in their line of credit. While staff is working with CDBG subrecipients, the City must also look at City projects receiving CDBG funds. There is currently $144,000 in the Economic Development Fund for working capital loans for small businesses. The City has not received an application these last few months and no applications are pending. Staff has reviewed what other economic development activities are eligible and potential interest from applicants. Staff recommends the FY13 economic development allocation (approximately $70,000) be used for commercial facade improvements in the downtown urban renewal area. The City Council Economic Development Committee recommended that half of the $144,000 remain available for working capital loans for small businesses and the other half be used for the facade improvement program. She said based on our Citizen Participate Plan, HCDC is asked to make a recommendation to Council as facade improvements require an Annual Action Plan Amendment to change the national objective for these funds from benefitting low -to -moderate income to prevention of slum and blight. Chappell asked if the proposal is for outright grants. Hightshoe said City assistance is limited to 40% of total project costs up to $50,000. The City assistance is in the form of a grant. She said she estimates that the funds will assist two or three facade improvements. Zimmermann Smith moved to approve a recommendation to City Council for an Annual Action Plan Amendment to allow FY13 economic development funds to be used for a facade improvement program in the downtown urban renewal area. Bacon Curry seconded. A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0. Monitoring Reports • HACAP - Playground Zimmerman Smith reported that the project was completed in mid -October and they are happy with the results. HACAP said it appreciates the Commission's support of the project, and it has made the area a happier place for many of the homeless children who live in townhomes. • Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County — Aid to Agencies Zimmerman Smith reported she didn't hear back from Brian Loring and will follow up with him. • Community Mental Health Center - Accessibility Zimmerman Smith reported that the Commission is familiar with this project and that it is being transitioned into something other than the original plan. • DVIP — Facility Rehabilitation HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION January 3, 2013 PAGE 7 of 8 Hart reported that kitchen rehabilitation and flooring replacement project is in the design phase, and they are in discussion with an architect. They have a timeline in place. They hope to have contractor by February 15t and have construction complete by April 15tn They explained how they will accommodate staff and programs while under construction. • FY12 Habitat for Humanity — Land Acquisition Hart reported that Mark Patton said they bought five lots in Saddlebrook and one additional lot at 316 Fourth Avenue, which was dedicated several weeks ago. He said the five lots cost $142,500, and the one on Fourth Ave. cost $25,000. He said the remaining $12,500 will be spent on construction costs on the Fourth Avenue property. He said a minimum of three will begin construction immediately. • FY11 Shelter House —Rental Rehabilitation Hart reported that the Ashley Street project is done and all the work is beautiful. She said they are eager to conduct a tour for the Commission to show how the money was spent. • FY11 Isis Investments LLC — Rental Housing Hart reported that they held meetings with JAY to fill the units with teen parents. They purchased a duplex on Esther Court on August 1, 2012, at a cost of $200,000. A total of $103,565 in CDBG funds was used for the downpayment and soft costs. As of November of 2012, rehab of both units was complete. The units are leased. They hope to find additional property to complete the acquisition phase of the project within the next two months. Identifying properties for purchase in eligible areas has been difficult. Hightshoe said if a property isn't identified by March, that money will be available for reallocation. • FY11 Wetherby Condos South LLC — Rental Housing Hart reported the Broadway Condominium's name has been changed to Orchard Place. They are hoping to have a building inspection and get the certificate of occupancy soon. Hightshoe added that they got their certificate on December 13th, 2012. Hightshoe said all the interiors were gutted and redone. ADJOURNMENT: Zimmermann Smith moved to adjourn. Bacon Curry seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0. MINUTES PRELIMINARY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JANUARY 17, 2013 — 6:30 PM IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, MEETING ROOM A, 123 S. LINN STREET MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Chappell, Michelle Bacon Curry, Scott Dragoo, Charles Drum, Holly Jane Hart, Rachel Zimmermann Smith, Cheryll Clamon, Jim Jacobson MEMBERS ABSENT: Jarrod Gatlin STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe, Doug Ongie OTHERS PRESENT: Ewa Bardalh, Rebecca Neades, Lucas Benson, Barbara Vinegrade, Ron Berg, Scott Hansen, Tracey Achenbach, Mary Palmberg, Kristie Doser, Jo Bowers, Elizabeth Haas, Susan Gray, Roger Lusala, Lynette Jacoby, Phoebe Trapp, Crissy Canganelli, Jeff Kellbach, Beth Ritter Rubach, Karla Miller RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: The following FY14 Aid to Agencies budget is recommended for City Council approval (passed 7-0). Consideration of this recommendation will be placed on the May 7 City Council agenda. Agency FY14 Funding Request r+Eoc �;17lzors Rec mrnenda[ian --ivn�nun o; Ccoi J_ Ji Jf=rc 51,85: Ar, n`Southea=r cr.a 3,7F3 ^nPeerc :chnson Lcuntr - - - EiWt, e ahn-in Ecun*r -5.5=:, 7H 'o,re -: c ence (vnc on P:ea C Je� er e nc. - E,ter*d dhe wrean F n damn nut E-:g.C.e (-CLIi-n3 1LIST E00J C'Ji - n,1 '1 CSCUI2E 2PI d2fc r Free Had ca :ohnscn {ourti`cz _ _ :may--- 1:1cVor's Icu-h EPr0gri-� MELC 3,G22 _- Ne gh )6rhOCd 0' iC -di I :'z}�ea Eh �eniei J5i„ - zaFle -I i"C o -_ I'I ♦ hE i `JSe -I c - '.52- -he 'v ea, --nie` - Un CeJ a cR'Cf mull-, Toral Reques 5625,262 $378,100 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JANUARY 17, 2013 PAGE 2 of 5 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chair Andrew Chappell at 6:30 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. REVIEW OF THE FY14 ALLOCATION PROCESS AND PROFORMA STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT: Hightshoe stated the CDBG/HOME applications are due Friday, January 18" at noon with a question and answer session with applicants scheduled February 21 ". The Commission will review allocations and make funding recommendations on March 7". If not able to finalize a recommendation at the March 71h meeting, the commission will meet again on March 141". After the commission submits a funding recommendation, Hightshoe will draft a FY14 Annual Action Plan for HUD. After a 30-day comment period, Council will review and approve a final budget at their May 7 meeting. Approved projects can start after July 1". Any rental projects must submit a proforma and comply with the City's new underwriting criteria. HUD requires all grantees to establish underwriting criteria for their housing projects. Hightshoe explained the proforma and the various line items. Any problems with the proforma will be identified in the staff's analysis of the project. MONITORING REPORTS: Dragoo will report on MECCA and Habitat for Humanity in February. Zimmermann Smith will report on the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County in February. Clamon reported on the FY11 Habitat for Humanity CDBG funds to remodel and upgrade the Industrial Park facility purchased in December 2011. Habitat hopes to draw the remaining funds in the next month Hightshoe said it could open by the end of January. Clamon reported on FY12 United Action for Youth. UAY purchased and rehabilitated two adjoining properties, Work finished and hoping to move clients (teen parents, homeless teens) in this month. DISCUSSION REGARDING FY14 AID TO AGENCIES FUNDING REQUESTS: Chappell left the room due to a conflict of interest. Discussion of setting parameters for application and approval process. Idea of forming a committee to review process and determine next year's process. Will get applicant feedback. Discussion of allocations based on community need, average amount versus funding request. Commission discussed The Dream Center request for $39,300. Benson explained organization's mission to design a community and organize resources for single fathers. Commission agreed to $0 at this time. Commission discussed Big Brothers Big Sisters request for $40,000. Majority of commission agreed to fund at average allocation. Commission discussed The Crisis Center of Johnson County request for $49,540. Commission indicated $ 38, 000. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JANUARY 17, 2013 PAGE 3 of 5 Commission discussed Domestic Violence Intervention Program request for $52,500 Commission agreed with average allocation. Commission discussed Elder Services Inc. request for $60,000, $48,819 average allocation agreed. Commission discussed Free Lunch Program request for $2,000, proposed $2,000, agreed. Commission discussed Hillcrest Family Services request for $4,000. Discussion over the small amount of money requested, decreased funds, however additional applicants. Commission suggested $0. Commission discussed Housing Trust Funds of Johnson County request for $8,000, commission agreed to fund $8,000. Commission discussed Family Resource Centers request for $50,000, Vanden Berg explained that a federal grant allowed the organization to establish centers in every Iowa City school, but the grant has expired, Applicant concerned with serving the same amount of children with less staff time. Hightshoe clarified that the activity was an eligible CDBG activity, but the commission is no longer allocating any funds in the competitive CDBG round as all CDBG operational funds are now in the Aid to Agency pool of funds. Once funding decisions are made, staff determines which of the agencies will receive CDBG funds as opposed to City general funds, Typically based on what type of reporting the agency does for other funders so as not to increase reporting requirements. Family Resource Centers was also seeking funding from the other cities in the district. Discussion of $25,000, commission member suggested any leftover money could go towards this project. Commission agreed to fund at $10,000, Commission discussed Iowa City Free Medical/Dental Clinic request for $10,000, agreed to $7,500. Commission discussed Johnson County Social Services request for $10,000. Hightshoe requested clarification of this program compared to Mayor Youth's employment program. Commission agreed to fund each at $6,000 for each. Commission discussed MECCA request for $33,022, source of income was considered. Agreed to average allocation of $16,880. Commission discussed Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County request for $70,000 agreed to average allocation $51,000. Commission discussed Pathways Adult Day Health Center request for $5,000, acknowledged importance of the service to the community and the need. Agreed to $4,000. Commission discussed Rape Victim Advocacy Program request for $15,400. Agreed to average allocation of $10,325. Commission discussed Shelter House request for $64,500. Commission agreed to average allocation of $32,525. Commission discussed United Action for Youth request for $65,000. Commission agreed to $53,500. Commission addressed application process and received input from applicants. Applicants suggested less redundant questions, discussion about application process coinciding with CDBG/HOME. Commission will follow up with a committee and feedback from applicants in April. Commission member wants to streamline funding allocation. Request staff to see how other cities allocate these funds. Zimmermann Smith motioned to recommend the following FY14 Aid to Agency budget to City Council. Hart seconded. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JANUARY 17, 2013 PAGE 4 of 5 Agency PM Poudu Request HCDC 1/17,,l= Remmmen nwil I Zs Caomm n Cecrd. On d Q e 12 ZA ya5� It _ - -To"S' 5 - aI; ._cur - Comm: c V o elite n 2 m on F Clan JL,i.. E A Se': :e_ nz. Went the ymm `eun:la: an Nw E _ C e ,e Lw,dl Fiup a —, crest; Eam-5erp.:Es L!5 ng low Fmd CP - .i, y Amu ce :. - Stz Free Wed ca Qeno C nY M oter'S "outh Erp. Frog='aim - _ Fade, d. t Ca, Qa :h C enre is CA Q coo We 1 CC 1 ud aqFaya11 _ —_ =5 Shererww As 5 _ _ -he coam C=_omer Taal Request: $QTM2 snlloa Vote taken, motion carried 7-0, ADJOURNMENT: Bacon Curry moved to adjourn. Hart seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0. DATE: February 26, 2013 TO: Housing and Community Development Commission FROM: Steven J. Rackis, Housing Administrator SUBJECT: Updates and amendments to the Iowa City Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan and Admissions and Continued Occupancy (ACOP) Plan INTRODUCTION: fhe propose of the HCV Administrative Plan is to: Establish policies for issues not covered under Federal regulations for the Section 8 Voucher, and Family Self -Sufficiency programs administered by the Iowa City Housing Authority. The provisions of this Administrative Plan govern administration of the Section 8 Voucher and Family SCIf-Sufficiency programs administered by the Iowa City Housing Authority. This plan conforms to all current HUD regulations. The Authority will comply with any subsequent changes in I IUD regulations pertaining to program administration. If such changes conflict with the provisions of this policy, HUD regulations will have precedence. ACOP defines the Iowa City Housing Authority's Program, incorporating Federal, State and local law. or regulations, the laws and regulations will prevail. HISTORY/BACKGROUND: policies for the operation of the Public Housing If there is any conflict between this policy and laws City Council is the governing board of the Iowa City Housing Authority. `Significant amendments" and "substantial deviationshnodifications" to the HCV Administrative flan and ACOP require the approval of City Council. When City Council established the Housing and Community Development Conunission (HCDC), the duties included *'review policies and programs of the Public Housing Agency and Community Development Division and make recommendations regarding the same to the City Council". RECOMMENDATION: The Iowa City Housing Authority is proposing changes to the following Sections of our Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan and Admissions and Continued Occupancy (ACOP) flan. HCV: Section 4.8 Section 8 Tenant Selection Criteria Section 9.2 Annual Income Section 10.1 Acceptable Methods of Verification ACOP: 8.4 Public Housing Tenant Selection Criteria 12.0 Verification 1. Proposed changes to IICV Section 4.8/ACOP Section 8.4 Family/Tenant Selection Criteria: Under federal regulations found at 24 CFR 982.552 and 24 CPR 960.204, the Housing Authority must deny certain applicants and it has the discretion to deny others based on certain actions or inactions by family members. 'fhe I lousing Authority proposes the following changes to our selection criteria that falls into the may deny category (complete selection and termination criteria are attached): Modify: • Add clarification that our policies for denial of assistance includes all laws enacted at every governmental level for the following criminal activity: Criminal Street Gang Activity as defined in Chapter 723A of the Iowa Code or any federal, state, city law that substantially corresponds to this section; ➢ Theft in the 3'd degree or higher or fraudulent practice in the 3`d degree or higher as defined in Chapter 714 of the Iowa Code or any federal, state, city law that substantially corresponds to this section; Forgery or fraudulent criminal acts as defined in Chapter 715A of the Iowa Code or any federal, state, city law that substantially corresponds to this section; i> Disorderly conduct as defined in Section 8-5-1 of the City Code or section 723.4 of the Iowa Code or a law of any city, county, or stale that substantially corresponds to this section if the activity constitutes violent criminal behavior. 2. Proposed changes to HCV Section 9.2 A. (4) Annual income: Ilousing and Urban Development (HUD) published NOTICE PIH 2O13-03 (HA) on January 22, 2013. This notice establishes guidelines intended to simplify the income determination and rent calculation process, which, together, should reduce Housing Authority staff burden and lower Housing Authority operating costs, if approved, the following changes will remain in effect until the HUD established deadline of March 31, 2014, or if HUD extends the deadline or HUD makes the changes permanent. Annual income as defined in 24 CFR 5.609 and HUD Guidebook 7420.10G is used to determine tenant rent. Add: When conducting an annual review, in cases where the family income displays a consistent fluctuation, up and down, the Ilousing Authority will use the actual income received and earned in the last 12 months to determine the families' annual income. For the purpose of verification, the Housing Authority will use the income reported in HUD's Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system. 3. Proposed changes to HCV Section 101 Acceptable Methods of Verification/ACOP 12.0 Verification: Ilousing and Urban Development (HUD) published NOTICE PIH 2O13-03 (HA) on January 22, 2013. This notice establishes guidelines intended to simplify the income determination and rent calculation process, which, together, should reduce Housing Authority staff burden and lower Housing Authority operating costs. If approved, the following changes will remain in effect until the HUD established deadline of March 31, 2014, or if HIJD extends the deadline or HUD makes the changes permanent. The Iowa City Housing Authority will verify information related to waiting list preferences, eligibility, admission and level of benefits prior to admission. Periodically during occupancy, items related to eligibility and rent determination shall also be reviewed and verified. Add: The Housing Authority will accept a family's declaration of the amount of assets less than $5,000, and the amount of income expected to be received from those assets. The Tenant Information Packet will serve as the declaration. If the family has net family assets in excess of $5,000, the PHA will obtain supporting documentation (SEE 10.2 "hypes of Verification) from the family to confirm the assets.