Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-01 Public hearing NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at 7:00 p.m., on the 1St day of April, 2008, in City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk; at which hearing the Council will consider: An Ordinance amending Title 3, Entitled "City Finances, Taxation and Fees," Chapter 4, entitled "Schedule of Fees, Rates, Charges, Bonds, Fines and Penalties," Article 5, entitled "Solid Waste Disposal," of the City Code to increase solid waste charges. Copies of the proposed ordinance are on file for public examination in the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to make their views known for Council consideration are encouraged to appear at the above-mentioned time and place. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK Finadm/nph solid waste inc.doc Public Notice Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 1St of April, 2008, in Emma J. Harvat Hall, 410 E Washington St, Iowa City, Iowa or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk; at which hearing the Council will consider: 1. The Iowa City Housing Authority's updated Annual Plan advising HUD, its residents and members of the public of the needs of low-income and very low- income families, and their strategy for addressing those needs in the upcoming fiscal year; The Iowa City Housing Authority's 5 Year Public Housing Capitol Improvement Plan. Copies of the plan and an Environmental Review Record for Capitol Fund expenditures will be on file for public examination in the office of the Iowa City Housing Authority, City Hall, Iowa City, Iowa, by February 14, 2008. Persons wishing to make their views known for Council consideration are encouraged to appear at the above-mentioned time and place. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK E-• .-. us In UTHORITY Phone: (319) 3 56.5400 F1I:~'.• (319 356.5459 I7~D: (319) _356.5404 410 E. W ashin~ton Street • Nava City • lon~a • 52240.1826 Thursday, March 27, 2008 TO: City Council FROM: Steven J. Rackis, Housing Administrator SUBJECT: Iowa City Housing Authority Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Plan The Public Housing Reform Act requires submission of both aFive-Year and an Annual Plan. The Five-year PHA (Public Housing Agency) Plan describes the agency's mission and the long- term plan for achieving that mission over the subsequent five years. The Iowa City Housing Authority's current 5-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2005 - 2009 was submitted to HUD in April 2005. The Housing Authority participated in the consultation process organized and offered by the City of Iowa City Community Development Office in the development of CITY STEPS, Iowa City's Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs, and Services for Low-Income Residents 2006-2010. In the summer and fall of 2004, five (5) public hearings were co-sponsored by CITY STEPS and the Iowa City Housing Authority's Resident Advisory Board. The strategies for meeting the Housing Authorities mission, goals, and objective are detailed in the Iowa City Housing Authority's 5-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2005-2009 and are contained in CITY STEPS Iowa City's Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs, and Services for Low- Income Residents. • Copies of the 5-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2005 - 2009 are available in print in the ICHA Iowa City Housing Authority office and the Internet via the e-documents section of the ICHA website: www.ic~ov.or ~ icha The Annual Plan provides details about the PHA's current programs and the resident population served, as well as the PHA's strategy for addressing the housing needs of currently assisted families and the larger community. A copy of the Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Plan is attached and is also available in print in the ICHA Iowa City Housing Authority office. Once adopted by City Council copies will be available on the Internet via the e-documents section of the ICHA website: www.ic~ov.or~/icha Annual Report - 2008 .~ usin UTUTH~~~ d!0 E. 14'~rslrin~inn Seri=r~ To improve quality o f li fe, the Iowa City Housing Authority ads as a community leader for affordable housing, family self-sufficiency, and homeownership opportunities. Date: Tuesday, April I, 2008 Annual Report - 2008 Table of Contents Pages Staff 3 New Initiatives: "Good Neighbors- Strong Neighborhoods" 4 Funding S Analysis of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program 6 Analysis of Public Housing 7 Promoting Self-Sufficiency 8-9 Promoting Home Ownership 10-I I Family Characteristics I2 Family Characteristics & Working Families 13 Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List 14 Public Housing Waiting List 15 Program Coordinating Committee Members 16 Partners and Other Community Collaborations 17 Executive Summary 18-19 Page 2 Iowa City Housing Authority __ Staff Housing Assistant Joan Kramer Housing Program Assistant Robin Butler Housing Program Assistant Denise Kinnison Housing Program Assistant Carri Fox-Rummelhart Housing Program Assistant Stephanie Thomas Housing Program Assistant Kym Stevenson Housing Program Assistant Diana Huff Office Manager Virginia Stroud Self-Sufficiency Programs Mary Abboud Coordinator Public Housing/ Deb Briggs Homeownership Coordi- nator Housing Choice Voucher Heidi Wolf Program Coordinator Housing Administrator Steven J. Rackis Page 3 Annual Report - 2008 __ New Initiatives: "Good Neighbors-Strong Neighborhoods" The Iowa City Housing Authority and the City of Iowa City Neighborhood Services launched a new initiative: "Good Neighbors-Strong Neighborhoods". The idea is to partner with Neighborhood Associations to develop strategies to promote the peaceful enjoyment of the neighborhood for all residents. Primary "stakeholders" included: Grant Wood Neighborhood Association; Wetherby Neighborhood Association; Iowa City Community Schools; Johnson County Neighborhood Centers; City of Iowa City Parks & Recreation; Burns & Associates; Saddlebrook; Iowa City, City Council; Iowa City Police; Reclaiming Roots; Iowa City Area Association of Realtors; The University of Iowa; Habitat for Humanity; Iowa Department of Human Services. Through 3 strategy meetings, the "stakeholders" decided to focus on the Grant Wood Neighbor Association. The neighborhood needs identified were: I. More programming at the Grant Wood Family Resource Center; 2. Lack of Atten- dance at Neighborhood Association meetings; &, 3. Need to create a "pride in property" by renters and owners. Regarding programming at the Grant Wood Resource Center, parents of stu- dents attending Grant Wood elementary & Housing Authority program partici- pants residing in the Wetherby & Granr Wood Neighborhoods were surveyed. The City of Iowa City Parks & Recreation Department, Iowa City Community Schools & the Grant Wood Neighborhood Association created ongoing activi- ties scheduled for evenings & weekends. These new activities are published in the Winter/Spring 2008 Parks & Recreation Activities Guide. Utilizing new marketing techniques (e.g., flyers distributed door-to-door & and personal phone calls) the initial attendance increased from 4 to over 20. This Spring we will reassess the results of these efforts. Reclaiming Roots organized & lead the neighborhood clean-up efforts. On Octo- ber 20, 2007, 31 families received yard & household assistance from 61 volun- teers. 20 homes used the hazardous waste trailer with a total of 3,219 pounds of waste removed. For Phase 2 of the "Good Neighbors-Good Neighborhoods", we hope to partner with Reclaiming Roots & the Wetherby Neighborhood Association. Page 4 Iowa City Housing Authority ..__ Funding The United States Congress allocates funding and passes laws for all housing programs. The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Developments (HUD) role in the locally administered housing programs is to allocate money to the local housing authorities and to develop policy, regulations, and other guid- ance that interprets housing legislation. The Actual Funds Received for CY07 and Projected funding for CY08: Housingshoice Voucher Program CY07 • Annual Contributions Contract = $5,991,887 • Self-Sufficiency/Homeownership Grant = $ 117,271 • Port-in Administrative Fees = $5,028 Public Housin¢ CY07 • Rental Income = $ 169,407 • Capital Funds Program (CFP) _ $ 155,093 • Performance Funding System Operating Subsidy = $214,505 • Resident Opportunities Self-Sufficiency Grant = $55,555 HOME Funds CY07 (Tenant Based Rental Assistance) _ $294,605 Fraud Recovery CY07 = $22,610 Total Housing Authority Funding CY07 = $7.024.688 Housing Choice Voucher Renewal CY08 • Annual Contributions Contract = $5,888,326 • Carryover Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) _ $470,772 • Self-Sufficiency/Homeownership Grant = $ 118,294 Public Housing CY08 • Capital Funds Program (CFP) _ $143,602 • Performance Funding System Operating Subsidy = $103,490 HOME Funds CY08 (Tenant Based Rental Assistance) _ $179,823 Total Housing Authority Funding CY08 = $6,904.307 Page S Annual Report - 2008 Housing Choice Voucher Program The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) is funded by the U.S. Department Housing and Urban - Development (HUD) with the intent of increasing ~~~ _ ~~,~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ affordable housing choices for low-income families, ~G "C~ r~j~ -~f the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Families ~4~ r`~~- with a HCV voucher choose and lease safe, decent, ~~~~ ~ ~ IVi~ - ~~, ~~ ~ I~;~ - and affordable privately owned rental housing. All' ~ ~ j participants must be income eliYible and have no incidents ofyiolent or drug related criminal activity for the past five (5) years. Total number of available HCV vouchers = 1,2t4. HCV Economic Impact for the City of Iowa City: • For CY07, the Housing Choice Voucher program paid approximately $3,800,000 in Housing Assistance Payments to landlords/owners of rental properties in the City of Iowa City. • An additional $1,800,000 was paid to all other landlord/owners of rental properties participating in our HCV program (i.e. North Liberty, Coral- ville). City # of Active ': % of Active ! General % of Vouchers ~ Vouchers as % Population, '; Johnson as of ' of 2/2812008 ! as of ~ County' 2/28/2008 6/28/2007* ; Incorporated '; ~ Iowa City 888 68% 62,649 ( 64% ~; . ~._._~.~._~. _ _, _~ ___ ~_._.._~__ ... __ _-_.._a Coralville 268 20% ! 18,017 > 18% ~° _. ty 9,994 ! 10% rth Liber 87 ` 7/ No _ _. .~ _... ~ __.. i Johnson County N/A ` N/A~ 98, 113 ;Incorporated Total I , 309 Vouchers * Sources: State of Iowa Data Center, Population Estimates 6/68/2007. Page 6 Iowa City Housing Authority Public Housing Public housing was established to provide affordable, decent and safe rental housing =' ~ for eligible low-income families, the eld- ~ ~ ~:~ erly, and persons with disabilities. The Federal Department of Housing and Ur- '~ -_ ban Development (HUD) distributes fed- eral subsidies to the Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA), which owns and man- ages the housing. The City of Iowa City owns eighty-one (81) public housing units; the ICHA serves as the landlord and rents these units to eligible tenants. They are low- density units scattered throughout Iowa City and were constructed to conform and blend into the existing neighborhood architecture. Unit type Single Family Duplex/Zero Lot Multi-Family Town House Number of units: 33 36 8 4 Public Housing Economic Impact for the City of Iowa City: • The 81 Public Housing units represent I/2 of I% of the total number of rental units in the City of Iowa City. • Total CY07 rental income from our Public Housing properties = $169,407. • Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) paid to the Johnson County Assessor for the Public Housing properties in FY07 = $12,000. • In CY07, the Housing Authority paid approximately $300,000 to private sector Iowa City contractors for the capital improvement, general mainte- nance, and repair of the Public Housing properties. ......_._.-._... . Page 7 Annual Report - 2008 Promoting Self-Sufficiency The lack of safe, decent, affordable housing under- mines quality education, public health, and eco- nomic growth. Affordable housing is a contributing factor to stabilizing families. Stable families are bet- ter equipped to take advantage of educational op- portunities. Opportunities for and access to ad- vanced education and training increases employabil- ity. Sustainable employment offers opportunities to attain self-sufficiency. Economic self-sufficiency leads I to a better society and strengthens the "sense of community." Through our Self-Sufficiency programs, the Housing Authority is helping low income families bridge the economic gap by building assets, improving employ- ment opportunities, and transitioning from renters of units to owners of homes. The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program; Promotes self-sufficiency and asset development by providing supportive services to participants to in- crease their employability, to increase the number of employed participants, and to encourage increased in savings through an escrow savings program. Resident Opportunity Self-Sufficiency (ROSS): A grant-funded program that provided participants with resources to improve their employ- ment skills through job coaching and educational opportunities. The program also links clients to resources to meet such needs as child care, transportation, education and job training opportunities, employment, money management and other similar needs necessary to achieve economic independence and self- sufficiency. The ROSS program officially ended on August 31, 2007. The Housing Authority continues to monitor grant opportunities to replace the services funded through the ROSS program. Current FSS Enrollment Data: • Total FSS participants = 128 • Participants with an escrow savings account = 87 (68%) • Average monthly escrow savings deposit (participants with an escrow balance) _ $170 • Average escrow savings account balance (participants with an escrow balance) _ $2,476 • Highest escrow savings account balance = $16,899 Page 8 Iowa City Housing Authority __ _.. Promoting Self-Sufficiency (Continued) Workshop Accreditations: • "A Framework for Understanding Poverty -Bridges out of Poverty": Na- tional Association of Social Workers Continuing Education (NASW CE) Approved. • "Money Smart": Federal Deposit and Insurance Corporation (FDIC). FY2007 FSS/ROSS Services or Activities and Outcomes • 130 families participated in FSS/ROSS; 84 of these families increased their earned income. • 15 families completed their FSS Contracts of Participation: ~ 15 Eliminated cash Welfare Assistance; ~ 10 moved to non-subsidized rental housing. • 16 persons enrolled in a Generalized Education Degree (GED) program: 8 obtained a GED. • 80 persons participated in educational development; 12 received certifica- tions from post-secondary schools. • 10 persons completed post-secondary classes: ~ 7 obtained an Associates Degree; ~ 3 obtained a Bachelor's Degree; ~ 15 earned income greater than 50% of their previous annual in- come; ~ 15 moved to non-subsidized rental housing. • 50 persons enrolled in Financial Management Counseling; 20 improved their credit scores. • 70 persons received Employment Counseling; 40 were placed in employ- ment: ~ 40 remained employed for 6 months; ~ 25 remained employed for I year; ~ 10 were employed part-time; ~ 30 were employed full-time. • 70 persons enrolled in Credit Repair Counseling; 20 improved their credit scores. • 70 persons enrolled in Homebuyer Education; 8 purchased a home. • 15 families explored the HCV Homeownership option; 3 purchased a home. Page 9 Annual Report - 2008 Promoting Homeownership HCV Homeownership Pro- gram: The HCV Homeownership program permits eligible participants in the HCV Program, including partici- pants with portable vouchers, the op- tion of purchasing a home with their HCV assistance rather than renting. Eligible participants for the HCV Homeownership Program must have completed at minimum a one-year lease term with HCV rental assistance. HCV homeownership assistance pay- ments may be used to purchase new or existing single-family units, condomini- ums, cooperatives, lofts, and/or manufactured units within Johnson County. • Twenty-eight (28) HCV Vouchers were used to purchase homes since January 2003; Tenant-to-Ownership Program (TOP): The Tenant-to-Ownership Program is funded by HUD. The Tenant to Ownership Program offers opportu- nities for low to very low-income families to purchase asingle-family homes owned by the Housing Authority. • Twenty-six (26) homes sold and nine (9) resold since May 1998. Affordable Dream Home Ownership Program (ADHOP): The Affordable Dream Home Ownership Program is operated, managed and funded solely by the ICHA. It offers opportunities for income eligible families to pur- chase newly constructed or newer homes. • Twelve (12) homes (four "Universal Design" homes) were built and sold since May 1999. Two (2) "Universal Design" Homes are currently on the market. Four (4) "Universal Design" homes will be built in Longfellow Place for Fall 2008 ownership. __ Page 10 Iowa City Housing Authority Promoting Homeownership (Continued) Family Self-Sufficiency: Through our FSS program, many families have used their escrow savings accounts and private mortgages to attain homeowner- ship independent of the Housing Authority programs. Fifty-eight (58) FSS graduates have moved to homeownership forty-six (46) independent of the Housing Authority Homeownership programs; twelve (12) participated in Housing Authority Homeownership programs. Since 1998, one Hundred and Twelve (I 12) families became home- owners through their participation in the four (4) Iowa City Housing Authority Homeownership programs. The Iowa City Housing Authority continues the partnership with the Iowa Area Association of Realtors to deliver the Homebuyer Education program. The Homebuyer Education program is offered twice per year with attendance capped to a manageable 50 families/session. Fannie Mae, The Federal Home Loan Association, the Iowa Finance Authority, and the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have certified our curriculum and require first time homebuyers to attend and complete the course before they finalize loans. Habitat for Humanity, the University of Iowa Community Credit Union, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, and Keokuk State Bank also require first time homebuyers to attend and complete the class. If a developer is seeking HOME or CDBG funds to acquire or develop homeownership opportunities, the City of Iowa City Planning and Community Development Department will require the homebuyers of these properties to attend and complete a program approved by the City of Iowa City. The Iowa City Housing Authority successfully completed the Iowa Homeowner- ship Education Project (IHOEP) Program Certification fulfilling the six compo- nents of a successful homeownership education program. With this certification, the Housing Authority applied for and secured a grant of $4,429 from IHOEP to deliver the Homebuyer Education Program. Through this grant, grant funds re- ceived through the National Association of Realtors, fees charged to non- Housing Authority participants, we are meeting our goal of maintaining the Homebuyer Education program as aself-sustaining program. Page I Annual Report - 2008 Family Characteristics ICHA Participant Characteris- tics. Definition of Participant (participant family): A person or family that has been admitted to the Iowa City Housing Authority's HCV or Public Housing program and is ~~ currently assisted in the program. (%~ ..~. Head of Household Charac- ~ f ' f '~„ ~ t ,~ ~ ~ ~ ~ (, teristics. Total Families = 1,345 as reported to HUD: October I, 2006 January 31, 2008. (Totals do not add up to 100% because individuals can be counted in multiple categories): • Elderly, Disabled, Working = 1,157 (86%) • White Head of Household = 847 (63% ) • Elderly and/or Disabled = 820 (b l %) • Disabled = 673 (50%) • With Minor Children = 659 (49%) • I person households = 632 (47%) • Female Head of Household with Children = 605 (45%) • Working = 578 (43%) • African American Head of Household = 484 (36%) • Disabled and/or Elderly and Working = 350 (26%) • Elderly = 161 (12%) Income Sources (All Family Members: Families Have Multiple Sources of Income): • Social Security (SS)/Supplemental Security (SSI) = 59% • Employment = 43% • Family Investment Program (FIP/Welfare) = 14% • With any Other Income = 19°~* • With FIP/Welfare as Sole Source of Income = 4% * Child Support, Self-Employment, Unemployment Insurance, Other Non-Wage Sources. Page 12 Iowa City Housing Authority Family Characteristics & Working Families Currently assisted families (Length of Par- ticipation) • Less than lyear = 5I2 (38%) ~'~~; • Ito 2 years = I I S (9%) • 2 to 5 years = 310 (23%) • 5 to 10 years = 272 (20%) • 10 to 20 years = 116 (9%) • Over 20 years = 14 (I %) Where did they live prior to admission (Participants as of 2/28/2008)? • Johnson County, Iowa = 1,017 (74%) • All Other State of Iowa Counties = 139 (10%) • State of Illinois = 167 (12%) • All Other States = 47 (03%) Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) Information: • Total ICCSD Enrollment K-12 = 11,718 • Total ICCSD Eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch (25.8% of total) = 3,023 • Total ICHA children K-12 age = 1,063 • Total ICHA Children Eligible for Free/Reduced = 1,034 Businesses employing 10+ Housing Authority Participants. • Goodwill Industries of SE Iowa 74 • University of Iowa including Hospitals & Clinics 62 • Reach For Your Potential 33 • Hy-Vee 31 • Iowa City Community School District 25 • Team Staffing 22 • Durham School Services 17 • Employment System 16 • Wal-Mart 15 • ACT 14 • McDonald's 12 • Mercy Hospital 10 Page 13 Annual Report - 2008 Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List February 28, 2008 # of families % of total families Waiting list total 2,934 Extremely low income <=30% AMI 2,72p 93% Very low income >30% but <=50% AMI 204 7% Low income >50% but <80% AMI 6 .20% Families with children 2,066 70% Elderly families 59 2% Families with Disabilities 521 18% Race/ethnicity-Black 2,206 75% Race/ethnicity-White 615 21 Race/ethnicity-Asian 12 <I% Race/ethnicity-All Other 29 I% Characteristics by Bedroom Size 0 BR 443 15% I BR 898 3 I 2 BR 988 34% 3 BR 490 17% 4 BR 98 3% 5+ BR 15 <I% Applicant (applicant family): A person or family that has applied for admis- sion to the Iowa City Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) or Public Housing program but is not yet a participant in the program. Eli ibilii or housin~proerams is not established until Applicants reach the top of the waitine list and their Preliminary AbDlications ~r Assistance are processed. Page 14 Iowa City Housing Authority Public Housing Waiting List February 28, 2007 # of families % of total families Waiting list total 1,906 Extremely low income <=30% AMI 1,772 93% Very low income >30% but <=50% AMI 122 6% Low income >50% but <80%AMI 7 < I Families with children 1,231 65% Elderly families 55 3% Families with Disabilities 469 25% Race/ethnicity-Black 1,348 71% Race/ethnicity-White 488 26% Race/ethnicity-Asian 10 <I% Race/ethnicity-All Other 25 I% Characteristics by Bedroom Size IBR 693 36% 2 BR 856 45% 3 BR 272 14% 4 BR 84 4% 5+ BR I < I Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA) waiting list geographic distribution: HCV- ICHA Jurisdiction = 30% (884 families) HCV-Outside ICHA Jurisdiction = 70% (2,053 families) Public Housing-ICHA Jurisdiction = 37% (704 families) Public Housing-Outside ICHAJurisdiction = 63% (1,202 families) Page I S Annual Report - 2008 __ Program Coordinating Committee - 2008 Advisory Board for the Iowa City Hous- ing Authorities' Self-Sufficiency Programs: Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Resident Opportunity &Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) PCC Mission Statement: To ensure wide access of supportive services that enable families to achieve sell-sufficiency by securing commitments of public and pri- vate resource. • Amy Correia, Social Services Director, Johnson County. • Jon Weih, Student Life Director, Kirkwood Community College. • Karla Fay, Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank. • Laz Pittman, Attorney, INS Immigration. • Cindy Lynch, Iowa State Bank Home Loan Center. • Linda Severson, Human Services Planning JCCOG. • Hanan Abdelgadir, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County • Judith Siebert, Cornell College & Back on Track Solutions • Ladiester LaMaster, Horace Mann Elementary Family Resource Center • Lynette Jacoby, United Action for Youth • Perla Flores, Neighborhood Centers of Johns County • Shannon Hammen, Roosevelt Elementary Family Resource Center • Steve Federspiel, Liberty Bank Page 16 Iowa City Housing Authority Partners and Community Collaborations Iowa City Housing Authority Programs and Services: n • • • • • University of Iowa School of Social Work. Women's Resource and Action Center (WRAC). Montessori School. Goodwill Industries of SE Iowa. Farmers & Merchants Bank. Iowa City Area Realtors. Habitat for Humanity. Iowa State University (ISU) Exten- sion. Iowa City Junior Service League. Liberty Bank. Iowa Women's Foundation. Hawkeye Community Action Program (HACAP). STAR Program. Iowa State Bank. Foster Grandparents Program. The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC). "Good Neighbors-Strong Neighborhoods". Reclaiming Roots. City of Iowa City Parks & Recreation City of Iowa City Neighborhood Services Current Homeownership Programs Lender List: • Iowa State Bank • Liberty Bank • West Bank • Countrywide Home Loans • Cornerstone Mortgage • Freedom Security • American Bank & Trust • Hills Bank • University of Iowa Credit Union • Farmers & Merchants Bank • Habitat for Humanity • U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Page 17 Annual Report - 2008 Executive Summary Legislation to reform the "Section 8" Housing Choice Voucher Program passed the United State House of Representa- tives in July 2007, by a vote of 333-83. A companion to the Section 8 Voucher Reform Act (SEVRA) is now being consid- ered by The United States Senate. Highlights of the legislation include: • Consistent with the last two appro- priation acts, Housing Authorities annual appropriations are based on actual leasing and costs in the last com- pleted calendar year. Appropriations are adjusted by HUD's formula annual adjustment factors. • Housing Authorities administrative fees will again be based on the number of units leased in the Calendar Year v. a prorated fee structure based on each Housing Authority's share of the total fees earned in 2003. • The legislation directs HUD to set Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for smaller communities, rather than vast metropolitan areas, to ensure that voucher payment standards accurately reflect local market conditions. • Families' portability rights remain, but the financing of "portability" moves changes. "Receiving" Housing Authorities are required to "absorb" the vouchers of families moving to that community. Housing Authorities that incur additional subsidy costs due to portability would receive additional funds. After the voucher is absorbed, the initial Housing Authority would be able to reissue the voucher to a family on their waiting list. • Changes the funding policy to provide additional funds to Housing Authori- ties related to costs of Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) escrow savings ac- counts. Currently, the costs are taken from the Housing Assistance Pay- ments (HAP) budget. • Administrative fees for FSS Coordinators would be distributed by formula rather than through a competition in which HUD can change the criteria annually, as has occurred in recent years. • Homeownership assistance for families that are not elderly or disabled is limited to 10-15 years, depending on the term of the mortgage. • Housing Authorities may use funds to assist a participating family to meet downpayment costs. On average, the maximum would not exceed$7,000 in 2007, and would be less for families with higher than average incomes. • Families that voluntarily enter into FSS contracts are required to work in order to receive their escrow savings. Otherwise, work requirements are Page 18 Iowa City Housing Authority Executive Summary (Continued) not permitted, unless a Housing Authority is in the Moving to Work Dem- onstration and HUD approved the policy change. The House rejected an amendment to impose 20-hour work requirements after 7 years by a vote of 197-222. • Time limits are not permitted for rental assistance, unless a Housing Au- thority is in the Moving to Work demonstration and HUD approved this policy change. The Iowa City Housing Authority once again achieved "High Performer" status for both the HCV and Public Housing programs. In 2007, the Housing Authority implemented HCV program changes designed to increase eligible families' ability to more quickly find and lease-up suitable units. As a result, the- Housing Authority maintained a 100% lease-up rate of HCV participants for the Calendar Year 2007. The utilization of HOME Funds for Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) shortens our waiting list for residents in our jurisdiction. Leveraging these funds to serve more families provides the Housing Authority with the opportunity to maximize the amount of HCV funds we receive from HUD. Regarding the placement of a police officer in a Public Housing unit, anecdotal comments from Public Housing tenants in the Whispering Prairie/Whispering Meadow neighborhood suggest the placement has had a calming effect on the neighborhood. Tenants also report that the officer has served as a valuable re- source to the neighborhood; especially, in the area of improved communications with the Iowa City Police Department. In July 2008, we will run a comparative analysis of 2007 & 2008 crime statistics in the neighborhood. On a lighter note, the Housing Authority is contemplating changing our logo. We would like to highlight the continuum of services we provide -housing assistance, self-sufficiency, homeownership! Kay Irelan of Planning & Community Development designed the following draft logo & letterhead: ~- .~ hOIISl11~ dll~fl0(I~y 41(jf,4v~ r7in~tonstreet. ~tnv~cin. lo~s~~ i22~0.1ii?6 Page 19 Annual Report - 2008 usln UTH~~ =110 E. FVu.+lii~i,grurr Sncrr (o~+'u Citr l~,rEr<~ ??2-10 • 11i?(i We provide: • Information and education, • Housing assistance, • Public and private partnership opportunities. Phone: (319) 356-5400 FAX: (319) 356-5459 Web: www.icgov.org/icha Page 20 Good Neighbors Strong Neighborhoods A Pilot Program for Neighborhood Associations Key Steps 1.Identify “players”that have a vested interest in the neighborhood 2.Bring “players”to the table, and “sell” them on ideas of being involved 3.Identify needs of this neighborhood 4.Identify who can provide what resources 5.Plan the big event “The Players”for Grant Wood Neighborhood •Grant Wood Neighborhood Association •ICHA •ICPD •Human Rights Department •Iowa City Association of Realtors •Iowa City Park and Recreation Department •City Council •Habitat for Humanity •Housing Fellowship •Burns and Associates •Reclaiming Roots •DHS •Saddlebrook •Iowa City Community School District •University of Iowa Students and Faculty •Juvenile Court Services •Lakeside Manor Apartments •Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County •Hy-Vee •Mid-American Energy •Iowa Utilities Board Planned Strategy Meetings •Scheduled meetings •Identified discussion topics •Followed agenda •Provided minutes to all via e-mail Agenda Minutes Good Neighbors –Strong Neighborhoods Monday, August 13, 2007 5:00 –7:00 PM Grant Wood Elementary Large Gymnasium (east end of bldg.) 1930 Lakeside Dr. 5:00 –5:10 PMWhat are we doing here? 5:10 –5:20 PMIntroduction of participants. 5:20 –5:30 PMHousing Authority’s Fall plans for properties in the Whispering Prairie/Whispering Meadow neighborhood. 5:30 –5:40 PMActivities and timetable for Reclaiming Roots activities in the Whispering Prairie/Whispering Meadows neighborhood. 5:40 –5:50 PMAssociation of Realtors “Tool Shed”. 5:50 –6:20 PMIdentification of neighborhood concerns and existing activities. 6:20 –6:50 PMWho, What, When, Where? How do the stakeholders address these concerns? What can we do in the next month, 6 months, and 12 months? How do we develop positive neighborhood environment? 6:50 –7:00 PMWrap-up. Identified Needs for Neighborhood 1.More programming at Grant Wood Family Resource Center and Gym 2.Lack of attendance at Neighborhood Association meetings 3.Needed to create a “pride in property”by renter and owners Identified what resources were needed and who would secure them 1.More Programming: Surveyed residents of the Mark Twain and Grant Wood school districts Targeted active participants through direct mailing and at ice cream social Iowa City Park and Recreation Department worked with ICCSD and GWNA RESULTS: Ongoing activities scheduled for evenings and weekends Created listing in Iowa City Park and Recreation Book 2.Isolation/Low attendance at meetings: Created new marketing techniques to draw people to the GWNA meetings Flyers were distributed door to door Renters were called personally RESULTS: Attendance increased from 4 to over 20 Discussion of “accepting label being placed on neighborhood”or choice to “write their own label” Example of Flyer 3.“Sprucing up”Efforts: Lawn maintenance Reclaiming Roots, City of Iowa City: ICHA, Solid Waste, Streets, Landfill, Iowa City Area Association of Realtors, and community volunteers Basic Weatherization Reclaiming Roots (Mid-American Energy grant), local volunteers Hauling away unwanted items Reclaiming Roots and local volunteers RESULTS: •On Saturday, October 20: th •31 families were assisted with lawn maintenance and hauling away unwanted items •Used 2 large dumpsters and 180 yard waste bags •20 families used Hazardous Waste Trailer •Total of 3,219 pounds of household hazardous waste was removed •On Monday, October 22nd: •Leaf pick-up crews •On Tuesday, October 23: rd •Street Sweepers The Big Event •Preparations: –Recruited volunteers: 61 helped on October 20 th –Tools/lawn care equipment: •Volunteers brought –Spin off: Tool Borrowing Shed sponsored by ICAAR –Coordination of activities: •Reclaiming Roots assigned teams to specific homes –Spin off: Families who received help continued with volunteers to help the next family –Donated Lunch: •Hy-Vee provided meat, grill, and employee to run grill. Realtors provided the rest of lunch The Big Event Results from the Big Event •Spark was ignited for neighborhood involvement •Volunteers and residents equally benefited •Comments regarding the beauty of the neighborhood •Comments from ICPD of fewer calls and calmness in the neighborhood •Inquiries about upcoming events Follow-up •ICHA and other “players”will continue to offer support to the Grant Wood Neighborhood Association •All families receiving help from volunteers received special invitation to GWNA meeting to provide feedback about event •Assist GWNA with winter events •Include article about event in association newsletter c~ , i , NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 1st day of April, 2008, in the Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk; at which hearing the Council will consider: 1) Resolution to adopt the Iowa City Housing Authority's Admissions and Continued Occupancy (ACOP) Policy. 2) Resolution to adopt the Iowa City Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan. Copies of the policies will be on file for public examination in the office of the Iowa City Housing Authority, City Hall, Iowa City, Iowa, by March 18, 2008. Persons wishing to make their views known for Council consideration are encouraged to appear at the above-mentioned time and place. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK 4-0 - 10 Phone: (399) 3.56.5400 ' ll ~ ~~~': (319) 356 ~ 5459 l_.i~ S 1 ~ 17~D: (399) 3.56•_5404 U T H O R I TY 410 1'. lY~arbin,~ton .Street • lozva City • 1 orva • 52240.1826 DATE: Thursday, March 27, 2008 TO: City Council FROM: Steven J. Rackis, Housing Administrator SUBJECT: Approval of Amendments to the Iowa City Housing Authority's Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) for Public Housing. This Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy defines the Iowa City Housing Authority's policies for the operation of the Public Housing Program, incorporating Federal, State and local law. If there is any conflict between this policy and laws or regulations, the laws and regulations will prevail. The Iowa City Housing Authority maintains credibility with applicant and participant families, the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the community in which we operate by enforcing program requirements. When families or Housing Authority staff fails to adhere to program requirements, the Housing Authority must take appropriate action. The action that is appropriate depends on the particular case of circumstances. The Iowa City Housing Authority addresses program errors, omissions, fraud, and abuse through both prevention and detection. Preventative measures are the most effective way to deter widespread program irregularities. In an effort to maintain the highest level of program integrity, our proposed changes to ACOP include a rewrite of Section 8.3 Suitability Criteria; 8.4 Grounds for Denial Section 8 Tenant Termination Criteria; and. Section 20.3 Penalties. In addition, we propose adding "Good Cause" language to state the policy and guidelines utilized by the Housing Authority follows when reviewing untimely action or excuses for the failure to act as required (e.g., late appeals, request to reschedule hearings, etc.). The full text of these sections follows, with substantive modifications and additions underlined: 8.3 PUBLIC HOUSING TENANT SELECTION CRITERIA In selecting families for admission to its Public Housing_pro~ram, the Housing Authority responsible for screenin fg amily behavior and suitability for assistance. The Housing Authority may consider all relevant information. The tenant selection criteria and information are reasonably related to individual attributes and behavior of an applicant and not related to those which ma by e imputed to a particular group or category of persons of which an applicant may be a member. This policYtakes into account the importance of screening for program integrity, and the demand for assisted housing by families who will adhere to program responsibilities. In selection of families for admission to its Public Housing program, the Housing Authority may consider all relevant information, which may include, but not limited to: a) An applicant's past performance in meeting financial obligations, especially rent; b) A record of disturbance of neighbors, destruction of property, or living or housekeeping habits at prior residences which may adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of other tenants; and c) A history of criminal activity involving crimes of physical violence to persons or property and any other criminal acts which would adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of other tenants. d) A history of abusing alcohol or drugs which would adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of other tenants. e) A history of fraud or intentional misrepresentation in connection with any Federal housing assistance program. 8.4 GROUNDS FOR DENIAL A. Life-Time Bans 1) The Housing Authority Must Prohibit Admission To Public Housing If Any Household Member: a) Is subject to a "lifetime" registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program. b) Has ever been convicted of drug-related criminal activity for manufacture or production of methamphetamine on the premises of Federally assisted housing. 2) The Housing Authority May Prohibit Admission To Public Housin Ig f Any Household Member a) Is subject to "any" registration requirement under a State sex offender registration pro rg am. B. Ability to Comply with Lease Applicants must provide information demonstrating their ability to comply with the essential elements of the lease. The Housing Authority mawprohibit admission to Public Housing for failure to provide this information. 1. A credit check of the head, spouse and co-head; 2. A rental history check of all adult family members; 3. A check of employment history of all adult family members; 4. A criminal background check on all household members, including live-in aides. This check will be made through State or local law enforcement or court records in those cases where the household member has lived in the local jurisdiction for the last five (5) years. All family members over the age of 18 must sign an affidavit certifying that that no family members (including minors) have participated in any criminal behavior listed in this section. 6. The Housing Authority may require a home visit to provide the opportunity for the family to demonstrate their ability to maintain their home in a safe and sanitary manner. This inspection considers cleanliness and care of rooms, appliances, and appurtenances. The inspection may also consider any evidence of criminal activity. C. Documentation Requirements The Housing Authority must prohibit admission to Public Housing if: 1. The family fails to supply any information that the Housing Authority or HUD determines is necessary in administration of the Public Housing program, including submission of required evidence of citizenship or eligible immigration status (as provided by 24 CFR part 5, subpart E). "Information includes any requested certification, release or other documentation. 2. If the family fails to supply any information requested by the Housing Authority or HUD for use in a regularly scheduled reexamination or an interim reexamination of family income and composition in accordance with HUD requirements. 3. If the family fails to comply with the requirements of 24 CFR part 5, subpart B of this title regarding family verification and disclosure of social security numbers and family execution and submission of consent forms for obtaining wage and claim information from State Wage Information Collection Agencies (SWICAs). 4. If any information supplied by the family is not true and complete. D. Eviction/Current Criminal Activity and Alcohol Abuse The Housing Authority must prohibit to Public Housing to: 1. For an applicant for three (3) years from the date of the eviction if any household member has been evicted from Federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity. However, the Housing Authority may admit the household if the Housing Authority determines: I. The evicted household member who engaged in drug-related criminal activity has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program approved by the Housing Authority; II. The circumstances leading to the eviction no longer exist (e.g., the criminal household member has died or is imprisoned. 2. If the Housing Authority determines that any household member is currently engaging in illegal use of a drug (For purposes of this section, a household member is "currently engaged in" the criminal activity if the person has engaged in the behavior recently enough to justify a reasonable belief that the behavior is current). 3. If the Housing Authority determines it has reasonable cause to believe that a household member's illegal use or pattern of illegal use of a drug may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents. 4. If the Housing Authority determines it has reasonable cause to believe that a household member's abuse or pattern of abuse of alcohol may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents. E. Discretion to Deny for Criminal Activity (3-year period of ineligibility). If any household member is currently engaged in, or has engaged in within five years before the admission the following criminal activity the HA may deny assistance, based on a preponderance of evidence, regardless of whether the household member has been arrested or convicted for such activity: 1. Drug-related criminal activity (defined at 24 CFR 5.100) [Note the exception for victims of domestic violence provided for below in section H.]; 2. Violent criminal activity (defined at 24 CFR 5.100); 3. Other criminal activity which may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents or persons residing in the immediate vicinity; 4. Other criminal activity which may threaten the health or safety of the owner, property management staff, or persons performing a contract administration function or responsibility on behalf of the PHA (including a PHA employee or a PHA contractor, subcontractor or agent); 5. Criminal Street Gang Activity as defined in Chapter 723A of the Iowa Code or a law of any city, county, or state that substantially corresponds to this section; 6. 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 a law of any city, county, or state that substantially corresponds to this section; 7. Forgery or fraudulent criminal acts as defined in Chapter 715A of the Iowa Code or a law of any city, county, or state that substantially corresponds to this section; 8. Disorderly house as defined in Section 8-5-5 of the City Code or a law of any city, county, or state that substantially corresponds to this section; 9. 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 state that substantially corresponds to this section; 10. Required to register under a State sex offender registration program. With respect to criminal activity, the Housing Authority ma~quire an applicant to exclude a household member in order to be admitted to the housin program if that household member has participated in or been culpable for actions described in 24 CFR 960.204 that warrants denial. If a person is denied for any reason listed above, the person will be ineligible for assistance for three years after the date of the denial notice. F. Discretion to Deny for Other Miscellaneous Reasons (I-year period of ineligibility). The Housing Authority may prohibit admission: I. If any member of the family has ever been terminated from assistance under a Section 8 program or evicted from federally assisted housing. 2. If any member of the family has committed fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any Federal housing program. 3. If the family currently owes rent or other amounts to the Housing Authority or to another PHA in connection with Section 8 or public housing assistance under the 1937 Act. 4. If the family has not reimbursed any PHA for amounts paid to an owner under a HAP contract for rent, damages to the unit, or other amounts owed by the family under a Section 8 assisted lease. 5. If the family has engaged in or threatened abusive or violent behavior toward Housing Authority personnel. 6. If a Welfare-to-Work (WTW family fails willfull~nd persistently, to fulfill its obligations under the WTW voucher pro rg am. 7. If the Housing Authority determines that is has reasonable cause to believe that a household member's abuse or pattern of abuse of alcohol may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents. 8. Use of an alias in the commission of a crime, in the application for government benefits or assistance, or to mislead or defraud a creditor. If a person is denied for any reason listed above, the person will be ineligible for assistance for one year after the date of the denial notice. G. Additional Considerations The following applies to the Housing Authority's determination to approve or deny admission due to the action or failure to act by members of the family. In the event of the receipt of unfavorable information with respect to an applicant, consideration shall be given to the time nature and extent of the applicant's conduct (including the seriousness of the offense). In a manner consistent with the Housing Authority's policies procedures and practices, consideration may be given to factors which might indicate a reasonable probability of favorable future conduct, including~but not limited to: a) Evidence of rehabilitation• and b) Evidence of the applicant family's participation in or willingness to participate in social service or other appropriate counseling service programs and the availability of such pro rg~ams; c) The effect the denial will have on family members not involved in the criminal activity and the extent to which the offendin fg amity member and ~plicant have taken personal responsibility and have taken all reasonable steps to prevent or mitigate the offending behavior. 2. In determining whether to deny admission for ille ag 1 drug use or a pattern of illegal dru ug se by a household member who is no ton eg r engaging in such use, or for abuse or a pattern of abuse of alcohol by a household member who is no loner enga~in~ in such abuse the Housing Authority consider whether such household member is p_articipatin~ in or has successfullycompleted a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program or has otherwise been rehabilitated successfully (42 U.S.C. 13661). For this purpose, the Housing Authority may require the applicant to submit evidence of the household member's current participation in or successful completion of a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program or evidence of otherwise__ having been rehabilitated successfully. H. Exception for Victims of Domestic Violence Although the HA may deny Section 8 assistance if a member of the tenant family has en~a ed in violent criminal activity, there is an exception for victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence includes threatened domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking as those terms are defined in 42 U.S.C. 1437d. The Housing Authority deny the voucher assistance to the member of the household who committed the domestic violence but not to the victim. The Housing Authority may, however, deny the assistance to the victim for other reasons not premised on the act of domestic violence. 20.3 PENALTIES Tenants terminated by the Iowa City Housing Authority will be denied all forms of rental assistance and are ineli ig ble for any assistance for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years pending the determination of the ICHA or the Hearing Officer. Severity and duplication of the violation will be taken into consideration when determining the duration of the penalty and the tenant will be notified in writing of the decision. G. Determination of Good Cause: Purpose• To provide substantive Quidelines for the determination of good cause for permitting untimely action or excuses the failure to act as required for good cause shown (e.g. late appeals, request to reschedule hearings, etc.). Substantive Guidelines• In determining whether good cause has been shown for permitting an untimely action or excusing the failure to act as required the Housing Authority may consider any relevant factors including but not limited to whether the party acted in the manner that a reasonably prudent individual would have acted under the same or similar circumstances, whether the party received timely notice of the need to act whether there was admmistratwe error b_y the Housing Authority whether there were factors outside the control of the party that prevented a timely action the efforts made by the~arty to seek an extension of hme by promptly notifying the Housing Authority the party's inability (i e physical and/or mental disabilrty) to take timely action the len¢th of time the action was untimely and whether any other interested party has been prejudiced by the untimely action However good cause cannot be established to accept orpermit an untimely action or to excuse the failure to act as required that was caused by the party's failure to keep the Housing Authority directly and promptly informed by written, si ned statement of his or her current and correct mailing address in person by mail, by facsimile machine or by Housi~~Authority-approved electronic means. A written decision concerning the existence of wood cause need not contain findings of fact on every relevant factor but the basis for the decision must be apparent from the decision. 1'horte.• (399) 35~ ' I=~1L1': (399) 356.5459 ~.i, S 1 n "I7~I~: (319) .3 56•_5404 u T H O R I T Y 410 ~•. [Y'asfiin{tan Street • I ou~a City • 1 ova • 52240.1826 DATE: Thursday, March 27, 2008 TO: City Council FROM: Steven J. Rackis, Housing Administrator SUBJECT: Approval of Amendments to the Iowa City Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan. The purpose of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan is to establish policies, consistent with Federal regulations, for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Family Self- Sufficiency, and HCV Homeownership programs administered by the Iowa City Housing Authority. The provisions of this Administrative Plan govern administration of the all HCV programs administered by the Iowa City Housing Authority. The Iowa City Housing Authority administers the HCV programs in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) of Iowa City, which includes all of Johnson and parts of Iowa and Washington Counties in Iowa. The primary objective of these programs is to provide decent, safe, sanitary and affordable rental housing for low income households and to provide these households with housing choices and the opportunity to move outside of areas with a concentration of low income households. The Iowa City Housing Authority maintains credibility with applicant and participant families, property owners, the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the community in which we operate by enforcing program requirements. When families, owners, or Housing Authority staff fails to adhere to program requirements, the Housing Authority must take appropriate action. The action that is appropriate depends on the particular case of circumstances. The Iowa City Housing Authority addresses program errors, omissions, fraud, and abuse through both prevention and detection. Preventative measures are the most effective way to deter widespread program irregularities. In an effort to maintain the highest level of program integrity, our proposed changes to the HCV Administrative include a rewrite of Section 4.8 HCV Tenant Selection Criteria, 14.0 Section 8 Tenant Termination Criteria, and Section 15.1 Penalties. In addition, we propose adding "Good Cause" language to state the policy and guidelines utilized by the Housing Authority when reviewing untimely action or excuses for the failure to act as required (e.g., late appeals, request to reschedule hearings, etc.). The full text of these sections follows, with substantive modifications and additions underlined: 11 4.8 SECTION 8 TENANT SELECTION CRITERIA (24 cFR 982.ss2 & 982.553) In selecting families for admission to its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, the Housing Authority is responsible for screening family behavior and suitability for assistance. The Housing Authority may consider all relevant information The tenant selection criteria and information are reasonably related to individual attributes and behavior of an applicant and not related to those which may be imputed to a particular group or category of persons of which an applicant may be a member This policy takes into account the importance of screening for grogram integrity and the demand for assisted housing by families who will adhere to program responsibilities. Under federal regulations found at 24 CFR 982 552 the Housing Authority must deny certain applicants and it has the discretion to den others based on certain actions or inactions by family members Denial of assistance for an applicant may include any or all of the following: denying listing on the Housing Authority waiting list denying or withdrawing a voucher refusing to enter into a HAP contract or approve a lease and refusing to process or provide assistance under portabilityprocedures. MUST DENY-LIFE TIME BAN The Housing Authority must deny assistance if any household member is subject to a "lifetime" registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program. MUST DENY -3 YEAR PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY The Housing Authority must deny assistance: 1) For a family evicted from housing assisted under the program for serious violation of the lease. 2) If the family fails to sign and submit consent forms for obtaining information in accordance with 24 CFR, part 5, subparts B and F. 3) If a family member does not establish citizenship or eligible immigration status. 4) If any family member fails to meet the eli ig bility requirements concerning individuals enrolled at an institution of higher education as specified in 24 CFR 5.612. S) For three years from the date of eviction, if a household member has been evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity. However, the Housing Authority may admit the household if the Housing Authority determines: a) That the evicted household member who engaged in drug-related criminal activity has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program approved by the Housing Authority; or b) That the circumstances leading to eviction no longer exist (for example, the criminal household member has died or is imprisoned). 6) If the Housing Authority determines that any household member is currently engaging in illegal use of a drug. 7) If the Housing Authority determines that it has reasonable cause to believe that a household member's illegal drug use or a pattern of illegal drug use may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents. 8) If any household member has ever been convicted of drug-related criminal activity for manufacture or production of methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing. If a person is denied for any reason listed above, the person will be ineligible for assistance for three years after the date of the denial notice. MAY DENY-LIFE TIME BAN The Housing_ Authorit}% may deny assistance if any household member is subiect to "any" registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program. MAY DENY -THREE (3) YEAR PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY A. Criminal Activity If any household member is currentl~enga~ed in or has engaged in within five years before admission the following criminal activity the Housing Authority may deny assistance based on a preponderance of evidence regardless of whether the household member has been arrested or convicted for such activity: 1. Drug-related criminal activity (defined at 24 CFR 5.100) [Note the exception for victims of domestic violence provided for below in section E.]; 2. Violent criminal activity (defined at 24 CFR 5.100); 3. Other criminal activity which may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents or persons residing in the immediate vicinity; 4. Other criminal activity which may threaten the health or safety of the owner, property management staff, or persons performing a contract administration function or responsibility on behalf of the Housing Authority (including a Housing Authority employee or a Housing Authority contractor, subcontractor or agent); 5. Criminal Street Gang Activity as defined in Chapter 723A of the Iowa Code or a law of any city county or state that substantially corresponds to this section; 6. Theft in the 3rd degree or higher or fraudulent practice in the 3rd degree or higher as defined in Chapter 714 of the Iowa Code or a law of any city county, or state that substantial corresponds to this section; 7. Forgery or fraudulent criminal acts as defined in Chapter 715A of the Iowa Code or a law of anXcity county or state that substantial) c~ orresponds to this section; 8. Disorderly house as defined in Section 8-5-5 of the City Code or a law of any city, county or state that substantially corresponds to this section; 9. Disorderlyconduct as defined in Section 8-5-1 of the City Code or section 723.4 of the Iowa Code or a law of and city counter or state that substantially corresponds to this section. If a person is denied for any reason listed above, the person will be ineligible for assistance for three years from the date of the denial notice. B. Family Obligations (1-year period of ineligibility) The Housing Authority may deny assistance for the violation of any obligation of a family under the program, which is: I) Supplying required information ("Information" includes any requested certification, release or other documentation). a) The family must supply any information that the Housing Authority or HUD determines is necessary in the administration of the program, including submission of required evidence of citizenship or eligible immigration status (as provided by 24 CFR part 5). b) The family must supply any information requested by the Housing Authority or HUD for use in a regularly scheduled reexamination or interim reexamination of family income and composition in accordance with HUD requirements. c) The family must disclose and verify social security numbers (as provided by 24 CFR part 5, subpart B, of this title) and must sign and submit consent forms for obtaining information in accordance with 24 CFR part 5, subpart B, of this title. d) Any information supplied by the family must be true and complete. 2) fraud and other program violation. "the members of the family must not commit fraud, bribery or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with the programs. 3) Crime by household members. The members of the household may not engage in drug- related criminal activity or violent criminal activity or other criminal activity that threatens the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of other residents and persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises. 4) Other housing assistance. An assisted family, or members of the family, may not receive Section 8 tenant-based assistance while receiving another housing subsidy, for the same unit or for a different unit, under any duplicative (as determined by HUD or in accordance with HUD requirements) federal, State or local housing assistance program. If a person is denied for any reason listed above, the person will be ineligible for assistance for one year from the date of the denial notice. C. Miscellaneous Reasons (1-year period of ineligibility) The Housing Authority may deny assistance: 1. If any member of the family has been evicted from federally assisted housing in the last five years. 2. If a Housing Authority has ever terminated assistance under the program for any member of the family. 3. If any member of the family has committed fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any Federal housing program. 4. If the family currently owes rent or other amounts to the Housing Authority or to another Housing Authority in connection with Section 8 or public housing assistance under the 1937 Act. 5. If the family has not reimbursed any Housing Authority for amounts paid to an owner under a HAP contract for rent, damages to the unit, or other amounts owed by the family under the lease. 6. If the family breaches an agreement with the Housing Authority to pay amounts owed to a Housing Authority, or amounts paid to an owner by a Housing Authority. (The Housing Authority, at its discretion, may offer a family the opportunity to enter an agreement to pay amounts owed to a Housing Authority or amounts paid to an owner by a Housing Authority. The Housing Authority may prescribe the terms of the agreement.) 7. If a famil~participatin~n the FSS program fails to complywithout good cause, with the family's FSS contract of participation. 8. If the family has engaged in or threatened abusive or violent behavior toward Housing Authority personnel. 9. If a welfare to work (WTW) family fails willfully and persistently to fulfill its obligations under the welfare-to-work voucher program. 10. If a familymember has violated a public housing_requirement including but not limited to community service requirements. 11. If the Housing Authority determines that it has reasonable cause to believe that a household member's abuse or~attern of abuse of alcohol may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enioyment of the premises by other residents. 12. Use of an alias in the commission of a crime in the application for government benefits or assistance or to mislead or defraud a creditor. If a person is denied for any reason listed above, the person will be ineligible for assistance for one year after the date of the denial notice D. Additional Considerations In determining whether to deny assistance because of action or failure to act by members of the family: The Housing Authority may consider all relevant circumstances such as the seriousness of the case, the extent of participation or culpability of individual family members, mitigating circumstances related to the disability of a family member, and the effects of denial or termination of assistance on other family members who were not involved in the action or failure. Such consideration also includes the effect the denial will have on family members not involved in the criminal activity and the extent to which the offending_ family member and applicant have taken personal responsibility and have taken all reasonable stems to prevent or mitigate the offending behavior. 2. The Housing Authority may impose, as a condition of continued assistance for other family members, a requirement that other family members who participated in or were culpable for the action or failure will not reside in the unit. The Housing Authority may permit the other members of a participant family to continue receiving assistance. 3. In determining whether to deny admission for illegal use of drugs or alcohol abuse by a household member who is no longer engaged in such behavior, the Housing Authority consider whether such household member is participating in or has successfully completed a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program, or has otherwise been rehabilitated successfully (42 U.S.C. 13661). For this purpose, the Housing Authority may require the applicant or tenant to submit evidence of the household member's current participation in, or successful completion of, a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program or evidence of otherwise having been rehabilitated successfully. 4. If the family includes a person with disabilities, the Housing Authority decision concerning such action is subject to consideration of reasonable accommodation in accordance with part 8 of this title. E Fxception for Victims of Domestic Violence Although the Housing Authoritymay dew Section 8 assistance if a member of the tenant family has en~,a~ed in violent criminal activity there is an exception for victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence includes threatened domestic violence dating violence and stalk~n~ as those terms are defined in 42 U S C 1437f The Housing Authority may deny the voucher assistance to the member of the household who committed the domestic violence but not to the victim. The Housing Authority maX however denv the assistance to the victim for other reasons not premised on the act of domestic violence. 14.0 SECTION 8 TENANT TERMINATION CRITERIA (24CFR 982.552 & 982.553) Under federal re ulations found at 24 CFR 982 552 the Housing Authority must terminate the Section 8 assistance of certain families and it has the discretion to terminate others based on certain actions or inactions by family members Termination of assistance for a participant may include any or all of the following refusing to enter into a HAP contract or approve a lease, terminating housing assistance payments and refusing to process or provide assistance under portability_,procedures. MUST TERMINATE -LIFE TIME BAN The Housing Authority must terminate assistance if any. household member is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program. MUST TERMINATE -3 YEAR PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY The HA must terminate assistance: 1) For a family evicted from housing assisted under the program for serious violation of the lease. 2) If the family fails to sign and submit consent forms for obtaining information in accordance with 24 CFR, part 5, subparts B and F. 3) if a family member does not establish citizenship or eligible immigration status. 4) If and family member fails to meet the eligibility requirements concerning individuals enrolled at an institution of higher education as specified in 24 CFR 5.612. 5) For three years from the date of eviction, if a household member has been evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity. However, the Housing Authority may admit the household if the Housing Authority determines: a) That the evicted household member who engaged in drug-related criminal activity has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program approved by the Housing Authority; or b) That the circumstances leading to eviction no longer exist (for example, the criminal household member has died or is imprisoned). 6) The Housing Authority determines that any household member is currently engaging in illegal use of a drug. 7) The Housing Authority determines that it has reasonable cause to believe that a household member's illegal drug use or a pattern of illegal drug use may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents. 8) If any household member has ever been convicted of drug-related criminal activity for manufacture or production of methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing. If a person is terminated for any reason listed above the person will be ineligible for assistance for three nears from the last day housing assistance is paid• if no assistance is currently bem aid the 3 ear eriod of ineli ibilit be ins with the date of the termination notice. MAY DENY-LIFE TIME BAN The Housing Authority ma~deny assistance if andhousehold member is subiect to a registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program. MAY TERMINATE - 3 YEAR PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY A. Criminal Activity If any household member is currently engaged in, or has engaged in within five years the following criminal activity, the Housing Authority may terminate assistance, based on a preponderance of evidence, regardless of whether the household member has been arrested or convicted for such activity: I . Drug-related criminal activity (defined at 24 CFR 5.100) 2. Violent criminal activity (defined at 24 CFR 5.100) [Note the exception for victims of domestic violence provided for below in section E.] 3. Other criminal activity which may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents or persons residing. in the immediate vicinity; 4. Other criminal activity which may threaten the health or safety of the owner, property management staff, or persons performing a contract administration function or responsibility on behalf of the Housing Authority (including a Housing Authority employee or a Housing Authority contractor, subcontractor or agent) If a person is terminated for any reason listed above, the person will be ineligible for assistance for three years after the date of the termination notice. B. Family Obligations (1-year period of ineligibility) The Housing Authority may terminate assistance for the violation of any obligation of a participant family under the program, which is: 1) Supplying required information ("Information" includes any requested certification, release or other documentation): a) The family must supply any information that the Housing Authority or HUD determines is necessary in the administration of the program, including submission of required evidence of citizenship or eligible immigration status (as provided by 24 CFR part 5). b) The family must supply any information requested by the Housing Authority or HUD for use in a regularly scheduled reexamination or interim reexamination of family income and composition in accordance with HUD requirements. c) The family must disclose and verify social security numbers (as provided by 24 CFR part 5, subpart B, of this title) and must sign and submit consent forms for obtaining information in accordance with 24 CFR part 5, subpart B, of this title. d) Any information supplied by the family must be true and complete. 2) The family must not breach Housing Quality Standards as described in 24 CFR 982.404(b). 3) The family must allow the Housing Authority to inspect the unit at reasonable times and after reasonable notice. 4) The family may not commit any serious or repeated violation of the lease. 5) The family must notify the Housing Authority in writing and the owner 30 days before the family moves out of the unit, or terminates the lease on notice to the owner. 6) The family must promptly give the Housing Authority a copy of any owner eviction notice. 7) Use and occupancy of unit. a) The family must use the assisted unit for residence by the family. The unit must be the family's only residence. b) The composition of the assisted family residing in the unit must be approved by the Housing Authority. The family must promptly inform the Housing Authority of the birth, adoption or court-awarded custody of a child. The family must request in writing Housing Authority approval to add any other family member as an occupant of the unit. No other person [i.e., nobody but members of the assisted family] may reside in the unit (except for a foster child or live-in aide as provided in paragraph (h) (4) of this section). c) The family must promptly notify the Housing Authority in writing if any family member no longer resides in the unit. d) If the Housing Authority has given approval, a foster child or a live-in-aide may reside in the unit. The Housing Authority has the discretion to adopt reasonable policies concerning residence by a foster child or a live-in-aide, and defining when Housing Authority consent may be given or denied. e) Members of the household may engage in legal profit making activities in the unit, but only if such activities are incidental to primary use of the unit for residence by members of the family. f) The family must not sublease or let the unit. g) The family must not assign the lease or transfer the unit. 8) Absence from unit. The family must supply any information or certification requested by the Housing Authority to verify that the family is living in the unit, or relating to family absence from the unit, including any Housing Authority requested information or certification on the purposes of family absences. The family must cooperate with the Housing Authority for this purpose. The family must promptly notify the Housing Authority of absence from the unit of more than 30 days. 9) Interest in unit. The family must not own or have any interest in the unit. 10) Praud and other program violation. The members of the family must not commit fraud, bribery or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with the programs. 11) Crime by household members. The members of the household may not engage in drug- related criminal activity or violent criminal activity or other criminal activity that threatens the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of other residents and persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises. 12) Alcohol abuse by household members. The members of the household must not abuse alcohol in a way that threatens the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of other residents and persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises. 13) Other housing assistance. An assisted family, or members of the family, may not receive Section 8 tenant-based assistance while receiving another housing subsidy, for the same unit or for a different unit, under any duplicative (as determined by HUD or in accordance with HUD requirements) federal, State or local housing assistance program. 14) Any increases in household income must be reported to the HA in writing within 30 days of the change (Examples: employment start date; receipt of government benefits such as FIP, Social Security, SSI, or unemployment benefits) 15) The family may not allow any person to use the address of the assisted unit to receive mail. If person is terminated for any reason listed above the person will be ineligible for assistance for one (1) near from the last day housi~~assistance is paid• if no assistance ~s currently bem aid the I- ear eriod of ineli ibilit be ins with the date of the termination notice. C. Miscellaneous Reasons (1-year period of ineligibility) The HA may terminate assistance for any of the following reasons: 1. If any member of the family has been evicted from federally assisted housing in the last five years. 2. If a Housing Authority has ever terminated assistance under the program for any member of the family. 3. If any member of the family has committed fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any Federal housing program. 4. If the family currently owes rent or other amounts to the Housing Authority or to another Housing Authority in connection with Section 8 or public housing assistance under the 1937 Act. 5. If the family has not reimbursed any Housing Authority for amounts paid to an owner under a HAP contract for rent, damages to the unit, or other amounts owed by the family under the lease. 6. If the family breaches an agreement with the Housing Authority to pay amounts owed to a Housing Authority, or amounts paid to an owner by a Housing Authority. (The Housing Authority, at its discretion, may offer a family the opportunity to enter an agreement to pay amounts owed to a Housing Authority or amounts paid to an owner by a Housing Authority. The Housing Authority may prescribe the terms of the agreement.) 7. If a family participating in the FSS program fails to comply without good cause, with the familYs FSS contract of participation. 8. If the family has engaged in or threatened abusive or violent behavior toward Housing Authority personnel. 9. If a welfare to work (WTW~ family fails willfully and persistently to fulfill its obligations under the welfare-to-work voucher program. 10. If the Housing Authority determines that a household member's abuse or pattern of abuse of alcohol may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents. If a~erson is terminated for any reason listed above the person will be ineligible for assistance for one (1) year from the last day housing assistance is paid• if no assistance is currently bem~ paid the 1-year period of ineligibility begins with the date of the termination notice. D. Additional Considerations In determining whether to terminate assistance because of action or failure to act by members of the family: 1. The Housing Authority may consider all relevant circumstances such as the seriousness of the case, the extent of participation or culpability of individual family members, mitigating circumstances related to the disability of a family member, and the effects of denial or termination of assistance on other family members who were not involved in the action or failure. Such consideration also includes the effect the termination will have on family members not involved in the criminal activity and the extent to which the offendi~Lfamily member and participant have taken personal responsibility and have taken all reasonable stems to prevent or mitigate the offending behavior. 2. The Housing Authority may impose, as a condition of continued assistance for other family members, a requirement that other family members who participated in or were culpable for the action or failure will not reside in the unit. The Housing Authority may permit the other,members of a participant family to continue receiving assistance. 3. In determining whether to terminate assistance for illegal use of drugs or alcohol abuse by a household member who is no longer engaged in such behavior, the Housing Authority consider whether such household member is participating in or has successfully completed a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program, or has otherwise been rehabilitated successfully (42 U.S.C. 13661). For this purpose, the Housing Authority may require the applicant or tenant to submit evidence of the household member's current participation in, or successful completion of, a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program or evidence of otherwise having been rehabilitated successfully. 4. If the family includes a person with disabilities, the Housing Authority decision concerning such action is subject to consideration of reasonable accommodation in accordance with part 8 of this title. E. Exception for Victims of Domestic Violence Althou h the Housin Authorit ma terminate Section 8 assistance if a member of the tenant family has e ~a~ed in violent criminal activity there is an exception for victims of domestic violence Domestic violence includes threatened domestic violence datm~ violence, and stalkin as those terms are defined in 42 U S C 1437f The Housing Authority may terminate the voucher assistance to the member of the household who committed the domestic violence but not to the victim. The HA ma however terminate the assistance to the victim for other reasons not premised on the act of domestic violence. 15.1 PENALTIES Tenants terminated (or applicants denied) by the Iowa City Housing Authority will be denied all forms of rental assistance and are ineli ig ble for assistance for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years pending the determination of the ICHA or the Hearing Officer. Severity and duplication of the violation will be taken into consideration when determining the duration of the penalty and the tenant will be notified in writing of the decision. An applicant will be denied for 1 or three years from the date of denial. A participant will be denied assistance for 1 or three (3) years from the date of the last Housing Assistance Payment• if no assistance is currently being paid the 1-year period of ineli ig bility begins with the date of the termination notice Upon denial/termination an applicant~articipant will be removed from all ICHA waiting lists. Determination of Good Cause: Purpose: To provide substantive guidelines for the determination of good cause for permitting untimely action or excusing the failure to act as required for good cause shown (e.g. late appeals, request to reschedule hearings, etc.). Substantive Guidelines: In determining whether good cause has been shown for permitting an untimely action or excusing the failure to act as required, the Housing Authorit~ay consider any relevant factors including, but not limited to, whether the party acted in the manner that a reasonablyprudent individual would have acted under the same or similar circumstances, whether the party received timely notice of the need to act, whether there was administrative error by the Housing Authority, whether there were factors outside the control of the.part.~that prevented a timely action, the efforts made b~party to seek an extension of time b~promptly notifying the Housing Authority the party's inability (i.e., physical and/or mental disability) to take timely action, the length of time the action was untimely, and whether any other interested party has been prejudiced by the untimely action. However, good cause cannot be established to accept or permit an untimely action or to excuse the failure to act, as required, that was caused bX the party's failure to keep the Housing Authority directly and promptly informed by written, signed statement of his or her current and correct mailing address in person, by mail, by facsimile machine, or by Housing Authority-approved electronic means. A written decision concerning the existence of good cause need not contain findings of fact on every relevant factor, but the basis for the decision must be apparent from the decision.