HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-18-2014 Ad Hoc Senior Services CommitteeTHE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS AND COMMENT
ON AGENDA ITEMS OR DURING PUBLIC DISCUSSION *
AD HOC SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
Monday, August 18, 2014, 3:30 PM
Harvat Hall / City Hall
410 East Washington Street
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. CONSIDER MOTION ADOPTING CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED
a. Minutes of the meeting on 07/30/14 (pages 3-10)
b. Correspondence
1) Charlotte Walker (pages 11-12)
3. DISCUSSION OF SENIOR CENTER EVALUATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT (pages 13-19)
4. REPORTS FROM CONTACT MEMBERS RE LOCAL AGENCIES / CONSORTIA
a) Elder Services — Dohrmann (no materials in packet)
b) Heritage Agency on Agency — Cannon (no materials in packet)
c) Johnson County Livable Communities - (no materials in packet)
d) Shelter House — Honohan (no materials in packet)
e) Pathways - Bern -Klug (no materials in packet)
f) Consultation of Religious Communities - Dohrmann (no materials in packet)
g) Free Medical Clinic — Younker (no materials in packet)
h) MECCA — Dobyns (no materials in packet)
i) Johnson County Mental Health — Dobyns (no materials in packet)
j) Visiting Nurses Association — Honohan (no materials in packet)
k) Compeer— Dobyns (no materials in packet)
5. FINAL DISCUSSION OF LIST OF AGENCIES (See 7/21 meeting packet starting on page 29)
6. DISCUSSION ON HOW CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY SERVES COMMUNITY NEEDS (pages 20-51)
7. PUBLIC DISCUSSION (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
8. PENDING ITEMS, FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
(agenda continued on page 2)
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Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee Agenda
August 18, 2014
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9. TENTATIVE THREE MONTH MEETING SCHEDULE (Please bring your calendars)
September 3
September 24
October schedule to be discussed
Special meetings
10. ADJOURNMENT
* Speakers are asked to limit remarks to five minutes and wait until
after everyone has had the opportunity to speak once before
approaching the podium again on the same topic
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MINUTES DRAFT
AD HOC SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE
JULY 30, 2014 — 3:30 P.M.
HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
Members Present: Joe Younker (Chair), Jay Honohan, Rick Dobyns, Jane Dohrmann,
Mercedes Bern -Klug, Ellen Cannon, Hiram Rick Webber
Staff Present: Geoff Fruin, Marian Karr, Dennis Bockenstedt
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Ito become effective only after separate Councii
action
None
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Younker called the meeting to order at 3:35 P.M. He reminded Members that the
City Council will need the chambers later today, so he asked that they stay on track in order to
get their meeting done by 5:00 P.M. for Council to get set up for their meeting.
CONSIDER MOTION ADOPTING CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED:
a. Minutes of the Meeting on 07/21/14 — The minutes of the July 21, 2014,
meeting were discussed. Dohrmann noted that she has some changes to the minutes.
On page 3, under "Reports from Contact Members,"— she asked to strike a few words
and that this read, "Dohrmann stated that there is a breakdown in the FY2013 report
from Elder Services (distributed) on page 10) showing funding sources." [Removing "but
that it dopa not show specific percentages" ]
b. Correspondence — (1) Martha Huffman
Honohan moved to accept the Consent Calendar as amended, seconded by Cannon.
Motion carried 7-0.
DISCUSSION OF SENIOR CENTER EVALUATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT:
Bern -Klug noted that they do not have anything to report at this time. Younker asked if the
Committee can still expect a draft report by the 18`h. Bern -Klug responded in the positive.
REPORTS FROM CONTACT MEMBERS RE: LOCAL AGENCIES / CONSORTIA:
Elder Services — Younker asked if there was anything further on this organization. Dohrmann
stated that she just wanted to add that she did request more specific information on their
budget, but has not heard back from Elder Services. She then looked up their 990 online
(distributed at meeting), but still hopes to get more detailed information. Younker noted that
they do have a late handout that summarizes the 990 report for Elder Services.
HAAA — Cannon added that she too has not received any updated budgetary information but
that she did put together a couple of handouts (distributed at meeting) from the web sites which
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Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
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indicates funding sources from each agency that funds the HAAA, as well as some budgetary
information on Johnson County.
JC Livable Communities — Karr noted that the two Cannon handouts (distributed at meeting,
HAAA and JC Livable Communities, are a page each.
Shelter House — Younker asked Honohan if he had anything further to share. Honohan noted
that he did receive the information he requested about the funding, and that he gave everyone a
copy of this handout (distributed at meeting). Younker added that at the last meeting he did ask
Honohan to see if he could obtain what requests Shelter House had made from the City, and
what the actual distribution was. This information was received for FY13 through FY15. He
asked that others try to obtain this type of information, as well, as they contact their agencies.
Pathways — Bern -Klug stated that the formal written report was on the meeting packet.
Consultation of Religious Communities — Dohrmann reported that she had no additional
information. Things are moving ahead as planned for discussion at their August meeting.
Free Medical Clinic — Younker reported that he is preparing his report for the next meeting.
MECCA — Dobyns stated that he submitted two pages on MECCA (distributed at meeting). He
added that one of the challenges substance abuse has for older Iowa Citians is that for any type
of Medicare reimbursement, specific licensed psychologist are required. This creates problems
with finding the required staff, and in helping the older population get financial help for this type
of treatment. Dobyns also spoke to the social isolation of the older population and how
substance abuse issues can go unnoticed for quite some time. Dobyns was asked if MECCA
has a sliding fee scale. He noted that MECCA does not, but that Johnson County Mental Health
does.
JC Mental Health — Dobyns spoke to the information he gathered at JCMH. With an aging
population, there will be increased mental health needs in Johnson County. Dobyns stated that
JCMH has four buildings in the area that they utilize for services, adding that he was impressed
by the number of people that are seen within a given year. There is a sliding scale for people
with limited means. Dobyns stated that the senior population accounts for a very small portion
of JCMH's services. He noted that services here are difficult to assess, much like MECCA's,
due to the sometimes isolated nature of this population, and also cognitive declines over the
years. Dobyns was asked if he knows where JCMH's funding comes from. He stated that he
does not have this information yet. He added that he has told both MECCA and JCMH that he
may be asking for this, but that he wasn't sure what all he would need.
VNA — Honohan stated that he thought about the VNA while at the Senior Center today. He
volunteered to gather information from this organization, if the Committee would like. He stated
that he will attempt to get a report done by the meeting on the 18`". Younker agreed, stating
that this has come up in other discussions. Dobyns spoke to the Medicare aspect of some of
these agencies and how much they cover on services, leaving this population without the care
they need. Through philanthropic giving, places like Iowa City Hospice can do more to help
their patients, for example. Younker suggested they include as an agenda item for the next
meeting the list of agencies. He asked that Members review this list and add any agencies they
think of. He stated that they then need to move forward with pulling all of this information
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together, how they're going to use it, and how they're going to factor it into the Committee's
report.
Audience member Ina Lowenberg then asked to make a comment. She stated that she has
helped a friend obtain services and that two of MECCA'S building are very inaccessible. She
also spoke about the COMPEER program, which matches a volunteer with a person who has a
mental illness who is stable but isolated. She suggested the Committee add this program to
their list. Dobyns stated that he would take a look at the COMPEER program.
Bern -Klug stated that she thinks most of the non -profits in the city could benefit from more
money, but that the question is what's the Council's responsibility in that. She stated that she
feels they are being asked to decide which of these agencies are the more worthy of funding,
but that this is not this Committee's call. Each of these agencies has a board of directors that is
responsible for their fundraising. She stated that she again questions what the responsibility of
this Committee is, pulling all of this information together when the City is not responsible for the
financial solvency of any of these non-profit organizations. Younker stated that their charge is
to provide a recommendation to the City as to how physical and financial resources should be
allocated to provide senior services. Through Aid to Agencies, the City does provide funding to
these various agencies that provide services. This Committee's charge is to provide a
recommendation, such as recommending that funding be shifted to focus on a specific set of
services, or something along those lines. Bern -Klug stated that her concern is the rest of the
picture, the rest of the Council's budget, and her concern that this Committee will end up moving
money around among senior -serving organizations when there is the rest of the picture that they
do not know. Dobyns stated that this is what the next part of the meeting may address, as
Financial Director Dennis Bockenstedt is present to speak with them. Honohan stated that the
way he reads the resolution he does not see them in the role of recommending where funds go,
but rather they are to make a report on how well the agencies and the Senior Center are serving
the seniors in Iowa City. Dohrmann agreed, stating that she reads it as how are needs being
met, and are there gaps in service. This Committee is to recommend ways to more effectively
serve seniors in the community. Cannon stated that she would agree with this assessment.
Younker stated that it does state that this Committee is to make recommendations to the
Council on how Iowa City should use current financial and physical resources to meet the needs
of seniors in Iowa City. Therefore, part of their charge is to make recommendations on how
these resources are used. Audience member Mary Guttman asked if there are any for -profits
serving the senior population who receive tax money. Younker stated that there aren't any he
was aware of, and he asked Fruin if he knew of any. Fruin responded that there aren't any he
knows of at this time. Honohan added that occasionally there will be a capital improvement
request from a for-profit, such as when Regency Heights got a $170,000 contribution when they
first started. Fruin noted that this type of funding is typically predicated on the provision of low-
income or moderate -income housing. As a point of clarification, Karr noted that all late
handouts distributed at the meeting will be added to the web site with materials for this meeting.
They will not be in the next packet.
DISCUSSION OF CITY FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Fruin noted that at the last meeting there were two requests with regard to budgetary pictures
for the City. One had to do with the State property tax reform and the anticipated impact that
this will have on the City. Second were the trends being seen in the HUD grants — CDBG and
HOME Fund dollars. He noted that Members have a copy of a memo from Bockenstedt
regarding the financial aspects in question, and that he is present to further clarify this for
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Members. Bockenstedt then addressed Members, beginning with an explanation of the State's
property tax reform. He explained that there are four provisions in this bill that directly impact
the City's revenues for this year and future years. The bill is being phased in over the next 10
years. Bockenstedt continued, explaining the rollback factor with residential properties and how
it plays into these changes. He also touched on the commercial/industrial side of this, noting
that these properties will go from the current 100% to 95% taxable, and will then stay at a 90%
taxable value. Starting this year, the 5% that the City loses in commercial/industrial property tax
revenue will come from the State as a reimbursement. Bockenstedt noted that in FY2017,
these funds will be frozen and will not increase in the future. It is unknown how long the State
will continue to make these reimbursements. The worst part of all of these changes, especially
in Iowa City's case, is the multi -residential piece. Bockenstedt noted that this portion of the
reform act basically takes all multi -residential properties and reduces them from 100% taxable
under the old commercial rate, to being taxed as residential properties. This will take place over
the next 10 years, as well, until these properties are at the current residential rate at that time.
Berg -Klug asked for some clarification on this, asking if this means that owners of apartment
buildings, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, for example, will no longer be taxed as a
business but rather as an individual residence. Bockenstedt noted that this is correct. The last
piece of this reform act, according to Bockenstedt, is telecommunication properties, or certain
portions of, that will no longer be taxed at 100%. Some of these properties will go to 40 or 50%
taxable. Continuing, Bockenstedt noted that the City is building contingencies, emergency
funds, into their budget in order to deal with these revenue drops. Secondly the City is
attempting to control spending — by finding ways of becoming more efficient, cutting expenses,
and controlling expenditure growth. Finding ways of reducing the City's reliance on property tax
revenues will be crucial. Bern -Klug asked what other revenue sources might be available.
Bockenstedt noted that the local option sales tax is one. There is also the utility franchise tax.
Audience member Ruth Hanson asked Bockenstedt if the local option sales tax passes, would
this make up for what the City is losing in property taxes. He responded that this is a difficult
question to answer, but that generally it would help to balance the budget. Also in the audience,
Mary Gravitt asked about the energy tax on her electric bill and where this revenue goes.
Bockenstedt stated that the utility franchise tax goes towards fire fighting service, the street
overlay program, and the electrical maintenance of right-of-ways. Gravitt responded that this
money was originally supposed to go for flood help. At this point Younker interrupted, stating
that what he would prefer to do is to allow Bockenstedt to complete his presentation and then
allow the Committee to ask questions, before allowing the public to comment. Bockenstedt
noted that he wanted to quickly address Gravitt's last question. He noted that it was the
previous local option sales tax of 1 % that went towards flood projects. This is separate from the
1% utility franchise tax that appears on utility bills.
Speaking to paratransit services, Dobyns asked Bockenstedt about Iowa City's financial portion
and where these funds come from. Bockenstedt noted that these funds come from a 95 -cent
property tax levy. Dobyns then asked about the Senior Center and where the funding for it
comes from. Bockenstedt replied, noting that this is funded through the General Fund and is
part of the General Fund operations. This is primarily supported through property tax funds, as
well. Dobyns then explained what is hoped to be accomplished with the local option sales tax
funds. Younker asked Bockenstedt if he would further explain the structure of the City's budget
for the Committee. Bockenstedt noted that the General Fund is the primary operating fund, with
the majority of revenue coming from property tax, about 60%. The remaining amount comes
from service charges and other revenues. There are also special revenue funds, which are
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restricted as to what they can be used for. Continuing, Bockenstedt explained the debt service
fund which retires the City's debt. Again, done primarily through property tax. Next are the
enterprise funds, such as water, sewer, storm water, transit, and airport. These are all meant to
be self-supporting. Internal service funds are the final part of the City's financial picture,
according to Bockenstedt, where departments charge other departments internally to help
support their operations. Bern -Klug then asked if other areas of the City, such as Parks and
Rec, Fire, Police are going to make up the loss of property tax funds, and if they have
subcommittees looking into them, as well. Bockenstedt responded that there have been
cutbacks throughout the City in anticipation of this drop in revenue. Each year the City goes
through a budget process, and each department faces a scrutinization of its funding. She asked
if the Senior Center goes through the same process, and Bockenstedt noted that they do, just
like every other department within the City. Younker interjected at this point that the
Committee's charge is not with the Senior Center itself, but rather services for seniors in the
community that both the City and other organizations provide.
Bern -Klug continued to verbalize her confusion over this issue, stating that to her things don't
add up. They are looking at senior services funded through the General Fund, such as the
Senior Center, but they are also looking at funding for programs through CDBG funds, which
neither the City nor this committee would have control over. Fruin noted that the General Fund
also funds the Aid to Agencies program, which gives money to local service agencies. He
clarified for Bern -Klug where some of the various pots of money come from. She asked if City
employees who are unionized can lose their jobs if there is a reduction in funding or if they are
protected. Bockenstedt addressed this, stating that both union and non-union positions can be
affected if cuts are made. Fruin stated that over the past three to four years, approximately 35
to 40 positions have been cut, the majority through attrition. Bern -Klug asked how many of the
Senior Center employees are union. It was stated that all but the Director are. Fruin further
explained how every two years the City Council goes through a strategic planning process that
identifies the priorities of the City. Staff then uses this plan in all aspects of the City's
operations.
Larry Rogers, resident of Ecumenical Towers, asked where the money comes from that the City
loans to individuals to build new buildings, for example. Bockenstedt briefly explained tax
increment financing and how the City receives these funds through tax dollars. He also touched
on how apartment buildings 'condominiumized' a few years ago. These changes have caused
decreases in the property tax amounts the City receives. Bockenstedt also spoke to how multi-
use buildings, with commercial on the first few floors and residential above are typically taxed.
Fruin then spoke to CDBG and HOME Funds, which are federal funds that the City receives
annually. He stated that it is difficult to know how much funding the City will receive in any given
year, as it depends on several factors. One is what will be the appropriation from the United
States Congress. Fruin then spoke to his memo to Members, page 19 of their packets, which
speaks to the appropriations that the City has received since FY2003. He added that it does
ebb and flow, but that the general trend has been a continuous decline in CDBG funds. Mary
Guttman from the audience stated that the for -profits appear to be gaining, where the non-
profits are losing. Fruin responded, stating that basically if you own property you will most likely
be receiving property tax breaks due to the change in State legislation. At the same time, the
City gets less in property tax dollars and less in federal dollars, thus leaving them less to give to
local service agencies. Fruin noted that the City of Iowa City and most every city in Iowa came
out against this State reform act, knowing what the outcome would do to them all.
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Ad Hoc Senior Services Coininittee
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Charlotte Walker of Coralville spoke to the evaluation committee and their charge, asking that
they put in their evaluation the impact on what she considers to be the 'very unfair membership
fees' at the Senior Center. She questions if this is a hindrance to participation at the Center.
Bern -Klug asked what Walker finds unfair with the fee. Walker stated that her objection is that
Parks and Rec does not have a fee for the Recreation Center for the younger population, but
that the Senior Center population does. She believes it causes problems between various
populations within the Center, as well.
Ina Lowenberg reported the Senior Center did not charge membership fees until the County
reduced its financial contribution by about half. She added that there is a 'scholarship program'
that individuals can apply for very easily, which reduces the membership fee to $10 per year.
Mary Gravitt stated that she would like to ask Fruin a question about the finance report. She
spoke to Regency Heights and how they have an answering service, but don't answer
themselves. She stated that it is impossible to get an application from them, and she
questioned that they have opened a bar in the basement. She asked if the City shouldn't get
their money back since Regency is not doing what they said they would do. Fruin stated that he
can take a look at this contract, which he believes was 15 or so years ago, to see what
requirements were imposed by the City upon Regency. Gravitt then spoke about the Free
Medical Clinic, stating that they will not serve the senior population due to them having
Medicare. As for Elder Services, Gravitt stated that they are not very good — they were out of
food just today. She would like to see them looked into.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA):
Mary Gravitt distributed a handout, noting that last week she gave everyone information on the
history of the Center and how it was built with Block Grant money. She spoke to the LEAP
program, stating that the University of Iowa had a LEAP program for seniors that has since been
closed out. Gravitt shared an audio of a speaker who was addressing the topic of social
isolation for seniors. She stated that this is what keeps the Senior Center valuable. She then
spoke about Blue Zones, stating that the Center has been 'blue' for years. Gravitt continued,
speaking to how well the Center has been able to serve its population over the years, even with
cuts in funding. She noted how programs have folded under the leadership of places like the
University, but that the Senior Center has been able to continue finding ways to provide what its
members need.
Judith Ann Knabe stated that she has paid taxes in Iowa City since 1968 and has been happy to
do so. She is now able to be a member of the Senior Center and believes it would be truly
pathetic to make the Senior Center less than it is. She added that many people have benefitted
from the Center and that many more could.
Bryson Dean stated that she is a proud member of the Center, noting as a retired physical
therapist, she lives and promotes preventative care. She spoke to the exercise room of the
Center and how many people have been able to help rehab themselves by using the equipment.
She stated that it's hard to put a cost on these types of things, and she asked that the
Committee keep values in their mind as they go through their deliberations.
David Curry, a Senior Center Member, spoke to the fact that Iowa City is a place that retirees
want to come to for retirement, and that the Senior Center is one of the desirable things about
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Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
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Iowa City. He asked that they consider keeping funding at the current levels or even consider
increasing it.
Louise Young, also an Ecumenical Towers resident and Center member, asked why the City
Council is so anxious to take the Center away from the seniors. She stated that it is not theirs to
do, that the members are the ones who started the Center and are the ones who keep it going.
Young stated that she believes it is very important to keep the Center as it is and to let the
seniors run it.
Larry Rogers noted that the next section of the agenda is for items that still need to be reviewed
One of the things he would like to know is how many of these agencies do home visits and how
many have buildings for their clients to come to. He noted that at the Senior Center all of these
can come together in one place so that everyone can use the services.
Shirley Lundell, a member of the Center for four years, shared her experience with joining the
Center. She stated that she enjoys the many opportunities the Center provides, especially the
tai chi and the exercise equipment that can help the senior population get stronger. She stated
that she volunteers several times a month at the Center, giving massages.
Donna Friedmann stated that she currently participates in a lot of activities at the Center and
has for many years. She and her husband coordinated the garden club for several years, until
staffing was withdrawn. She shared how in 1976 she looked at the empty Post Office building,
the current Senior Center, as a possible space for not only a senior center but also an arts
center. She continued to share how they got to this point, and asked that the Committee
support not only the arts, but more importantly the Senior Center.
PENDING ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS:
Bern -Klug asked if Capitol House and Ecumenical Towers should be added to their list.
Younker stated that no one has been asked to contact these agencies yet, and that he is
unaware of what types of funding, if any, they receive. Fruin stated that they do not receive any
from the City, but that senior housing would fall under the purview of this Committee should they
decide to go there. Bern -Klug asked if these two places could ask for money under the Aid to
Agencies funding. Fruin stated that they probably could, but that he is not sure where they
would fall on the priority list. Younker asked if they could receive a report from the Housing
Authority and then go from there to see what other information they need.
TENTATIVE THREE MONTH MEETING SCHEDULE:
September 3
September 24
October schedule to be discussed.
ADJOURNMENT:
Honohan moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 P.M., seconded by Webber. Motion
carried 7-0.
Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
July 30, 2014
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Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
2014
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Kev:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member at this time
TERM
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NAME
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12/1/14
X
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Joe
Younker
Jay
12/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Honohan
–5(---X
Mercedes
12/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
Bern -Klug
Hiram
12/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Richard
Webber
Ellen
12/1/14
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X
X
X
X
X
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Cannon
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Jane
12/1/14
X
XX
X
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Dohrmann
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Rick
12/1/14
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—X
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Dobyns
Kev:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member at this time
Marian Karr
From: WalkerCL04@aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2014 9:14 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: To all members of the AD HOC Senior Services Committtee
Hello Marian: below is a message I want to send to all of the members of the AD HOC Senior
Services Committee. Hopefully there is still time to have it added to the packet for the August 18th
meeting. I know of no other way to send the message to that committee. Thanks for your help.......
Charlotte L. Walker
--------------------------------
To all of the members of the AD HOC Senior Services Committee:
Membership Fee at the Senior Center
An obvious hindrance to involvement
During the public comments at end of the 7/30/14 AD HOC Senior Services Committee meeting, I
asked that the Senior Center subcommittee include an evaluation the very unfair Membership fee at
the Senior Center. Committee member Mercedes Bern -Klug asked me why I thought the membership
fee was unfair. I had made a simple short request with no intention of speaking further on that subject
since the meeting was about to end. I was already very tired and my ride home was about to arrive.
I briefly answered that the membership fee was unfair since the city does not charge a membership
fee at the city owned recreation facilities that are mainly serving younger people. I also mentioned
that the Membership fee is divider among the elders who attend and a hindrance to participation of
unknown numbers of elders who might otherwise benefit from the senior center.
Below I will add some additional points for the AD HOC committee to consider when evaluating the
fall -out from the ill-advised membership fee that might be overlooked by those who might want to
avoid looking at problems at the senior center.
1. Most all of the more popular attractions offered by the senior center are for members -only. Only a
very few things are offered for non-members. The Senior Center might as well have a members -only
rule. If the membership fee is allowed to continue, I suggest that there should be a Members -Only
sign on hall side of the doors where non-members are excluded. Its more honest to keep the
membership stigma out in the open. As things stand now, its too hard to tell where the non-members
are not allowed to go.
2. The much higher membership fee required for elders living outside of the city limits of Iowa City is
an unnecessary and unfriendly barrier to the good benefits at the senior center. To begin with, the
outsiders face somewhat increased transportation costs and the parking fees. Adding the higher
membership fee can make attending the senior center a very expensive choice.
In addition to the high membership fees for the outsiders, the Senior Center Commission was allowed
to impose a very unfair way of choosing the one county representative on the Senior Center
Commission. Currently the county member is chosen by the Senior Center Commission members
and rubber stamped by the city council. The Board of Supervisors did not resist that change but they
need to re -think that bad decision when they consider future funding for the senior center.
PAGE 12
3. When assessing the income earned from the memberships, I have not seen any clear report that
shows the costs related to maintaining a two tier status system at the senior center, such as any
advertising costs aimed at luring new members, food costs and staff time for members -only events,
mailing costs for members -only material, clerical time for membership related duties, staff time for
making sure non-members are not using members -only locked rooms or taking part in members -only
clubs or playing members -only simple things like card playing or playing pool.
Also related to evaluating the income received from the memberships, it would be good to remember
that the senior center uses money they receive from the Friends of the Center fund to make up for the
membership discounts that they give to those who ask for charity.
According to the Iowa City Finance Director on 8/7/14, the senior center received $33,388.04 (un -ear-
marked) in January of 2014 from the Friends. How much of that Friends donation slush fund went to
cover the membership discounts? Its quite possible that the use of the Friends funds inflates the
reported amounts for Membership income and at the same time requires lower income elders to
apply for charity in order to get equal benefits from the generously funded city owned senior center.
4. Though younger AD HOC committee members may not know, there is a strongly held value of
reluctance to accept charity among our older responsible people. It is not uncommon for our oldest
people to do without things rather than to endure the shame attached to asking for charity. Asking for
charity could be especially hard for those who have fallen into harder times in their old age after the
loss of a helpful spouse or loss of income due to badly performing investments.
Besides the unfair membership fee and its related exclusions, there are many other problems at the
Senior Center that need to be addressed. The city council and city manager authorizes the very
generous funds for the senior center but they do not exercise proper oversight. A hands-off policy can
lead to approval of very questionable staff and senior center commission decisions. There are some
changes needed at the senior center but that should not justify trying to get rid of it as some seem to
want to do.
Most sincerely,
Charlotte L. Walker (82 years old)
former Iowa City resident and former member of the Senior Center Commission
Coralville resident since fall of 2010
PAGE 13
Marian Karr
From:
Bern -Klug, Mercedes E <mercedes-bern-klug@uiowa.edu>
Sent:
Thursday, August 14, 2014 12:22 AM
To:
Marian Karr; Nroamer@aol.com; ebonarrow@gmail.com
Cc:
Bern -Klug, Mercedes E
Subject:
Senior Center Subcommitee FIRST DRAFT of Report attached. RE: Senior Services
Meeting next Monday
Attachments:
draft Report senior center_8-14-14.docx
Marian --
Please include the attached "first draft" of the senior center sub -committee report to be discussed on
Monday. After we receive feedback from the frill committee we (Jay, Rick Webber and me) will submit our
final report.
Thanks,
Merce
I didn't include any appendices in this draft, because some of the material that could be appended is in the 3 -ring
binder you provided to the ffiill committee.
From: Marian Karr [Marian-Karr@iowa-city.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 12:59 PM
Subject: Senior Services Meeting next Monday
I'm starting to pull the agenda together for the meeting. Please send me any reports you would like to include
in the packet prior to noon tomorrow (Thursday). My goal is to get the materials out to you by the end of the
day Thursday. Let me know if you have any questions.
Marian K. Karr, MMC
City Clerk I City of Iowa City
P.319-356-5041
F. 319-356-5497
i . I M„ ; • �'
Subcommittee members: Jay Honohan, Rick Webber, Mercedes Bern -Klug
The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center is centrally located i
a community asset that facilitates social engagement and active:Q
County.
Charge to subcommittee: Address item 8A of the City
Committee:
8A) PART 1: Evaluate the current visions (
accomplishments of the senior,center as
Vision Statement: "To be the car
programs, services, and opportu
Mission Stat
and services
intellectual growth`?`S(p. a
n,
PAGE 14
town Iowa City and functions as
Iowa City and in Johnson
rge to the Senior Services
recent
2013 Annual Report
for the highest quality
aging.” (p. 5 Annual Report)
adults by offering programs
unity engagement, and
NUrober of staff:' Same nuhiber of FTE (full4ime equivalent staff) as in 1995 (NOTE: now .50
FTE more;. maintenance employee tha,gin 1995, although the receptionist position dropped from 38
hours per Week in 1995 to 5) TE in 2014), : All positions are covered by the union except the
coordinator s`ppsition and theifemporary video specialist.
6 full-time (cobrdtoator,;pr'o'gram specialist, community outreach specialist, operations
assistant, 2 mainterldnceworkers)
1 part-time (receptionist)
1 part-time temp (video specialist at 20 hours per week)
Number of volunteers: 645 volunteers donated 24,300 hours as teachers, leaders, project
directors, building supervisors or special project volunteers (p3 Annual Report)
Number of person visits for any of the services in FY 2013: There were 126,164 person visits
1
PAGE 15
This figure includes the senior nutrition program (p.4 Annual Report).
Number of members: Current members: 1,592 persons.
Membership rate is $33 per year per individual and $20 per additional household member,
for Iowa City residents. For Johnson County—outside Iowa City limits: $60 per person per
year/ $33 per additional household member. Non -Johnson county person = $96 per year
($58 per additional in household). "Scholarships" for low income persons are available upon
request, $10 per year.
Programming. In FY 2013, in addition to many meetings and"co"imunity events, there were 360
unique classes offered through the Senior Center.
Programming at the senior center includes both,' mem"bers only';, and "open -to -the -public"
options. Many people in the community benefit froth events and activities at the senior center who
are not senior center members. Activities open f ""the general public include: noon meal through
the senior nutrition program (a program administered through Elder Servicespgency), concerts,
movies, use of the lobby area (newspapers, magazines, othe"r,ro5ources), tax aide; provided by AARP
volunteers, health insurance counseling provided by SHI p,,(S,e"'nior Health Insurance.fhformation
Program) volunteers, tech support n"i rsjngsei
Association, legal advice provided through the
which are taught by persons age 65 or oder.
for members only, including ,;;:use of the weghl
classes. There are soh
charge a reduced feet
Based on findings fr"o"m the
center members mdic"afed
written comments people:"I
cited "a ficeyariety of clas!
have been"wel"I""run; people
at
igh the Visiting Nurses
and many many classes, most of
place at the senior center are
computer room, and some
re open to the public and that
mior center survey, between 94% and 98% of current senior
re well satisfied with the program options they choose. In
tness facilities" parking, library, and wireless access. One person
s`'sand another said, "Events I attended and services I've used
and-jriendly" (page 24 of Survey Report).
Many persons reported high satisfaction with the senior center staff and programming during the public
comment periods of the Ad Hoc Committee. Many of the comments spoke to the opportunities the
senior center presents for older,pdults to socialize and become better connected to the community.
The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center is the ONLY nationally accredited senior center in the
state of Iowa.
According to the National Council on the Aging, the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center is
among the top senior centers in the country. In November 2012 The Center received national
accreditation for the second time. The Iowa City/ Johnson County Senior Center is the only senior
center in the state of Iowa to earn national accreditation by the National Council on Aging's National
2
PAGE 16
Institute of Senior Centers; and one of only 200 accredited senior centers in the USA (of out 11,000
senior centers). The senior center is in the top two percent of senior centers nationally.
The Center was assessed as having met national standards of excellence in all 9 areas:
Purpose and planning
Program development and implementation
Governance
Fiscal and asset responsibility
Facility and operations
Evaluation of center operations
Community connections
Administration and human resources
Records and reports
The national review committee considers the
the country. Their evaluation highlighted are
including:
• Multiple collaborations with
• Great utilization of 46W.mar
• Excellent volunteer
• Excellent expansion
•
• Impressive stewardship of a
The national
senior center's resbbhse to the siii?ke"stion
ng
Johnson
the con
ing.
Senior Center a model for
vas particularly impressed
efforts to brand the organization
o interesting, diverse
contains the following suggestions. The
• DeveloprifenS_of lodg=t"erm outcome measures: (Note: The 2013 senior center survey
included questions abodf'autcomes of participating in center activities)
• .:Tay staff to kegpthe facility open on week -ends and evenings. (Note: The senior
cepter director, -'has requested additional staffing.)
o Develop,a ne' y'paid volunteer coordinator position to administer and focus on this
important human asset. (Note: The senior center director has requested additional
• Investigate liability insurance for directors (Note: The Friends of the Center discussed
this and decided the insurance was not necessary because the funds run through the
Community Foundation, which greatly lowers the risk of financial misdeeds.)
• Investigate an updated electronic system for participant and program records (Note:
a new system has been implemented).
• Discuss with City Attorney re: release of personal participant information
3
PAGE 17
• Review and monitor and revise lease agreements for the kitchen area use. (This is
under review. Elder Services Agency has moved their meal preparation to North
Liberty is no longer using the kitchen in the senior center on a daily basis.)
The subcommittee agrees with the assessment of the Senior Center delivered by the National
Accreditation Committee: The Senior Center is providing excellent programming to the area and is using
resources effectively. The small number of highly motivated and qualified staff members are able to
recruit, retain, and engage a large number of members, volunteers, and general community members.
The subcommittee evaluation of the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center = A+.
8A. PART 2: To review the current demographics of participants served by
existing operations. Such evaluation should consider the 2013 Senior Survey
of Members, Former Members, and NonMembers, as well as other available
data sources from the Senior Center and determine whether segments of the
senior population are not accessing available services.
In June of 2013, 3000 surveys were mailed to current members, former members, friends of the center,
and other individuals with a Johnson County address who were on the Senior Center's Program Guide
mailing list. (The Program Guide is a promotional and informational document that includes descriptions
of classes, groups, volunteer opportunities, performance groups, special events, free professional
services, leadership opportunities, and membership benefits.) Of the 3,000 mailed surveys, 1,092
were completed and returned, for a response rate of 35%.
The 56 -page report (which includes the survey instrument) can be found at:
Respondents: Most of the respondents reported living in Iowa City: 76% live in Iowa City, 10% in
Coralville, 9% on unincorporated Johnson County and 2 percent (each) in: North Liberty, University
Heights, and "other." Most respondents were women, white, and between the ages of 60-79. Half the
respondents had earned a graduate or professional degree and half lived in a household with an annual
income of at least $50,000. Table 1 compares demographic characteristics of the senior center survey
respondents to the Iowa City population.
PAGE 18
Table 1. Comparison of Senior Center Survey Respondents and Iowa City
.*. = American Community Survey, 2008-2012 5 -year estimates for Iowa City (includes UI students),
Accessed from the U.S. census Bureau:
aring the characteristics of the survey respondents with the Iowa City population in
general; tholargest discrepancy is the under- representation of persons with less than a college
degree.
Also, although the number of older adult minorities in Iowa City is small, there is room for greater
racial and ethnic diversity among Senior Center members (there are no data on the number of
persons from minority groups who use the senior center, but who are not members who responded
to the survey). The Senior Center is aware of this and has taken action. The following is an excerpt
from the Senior Center's Survey report:
Expanding the diversity of the membership was included as a primary goal in The Center's 2010-
2015 Mission Statement and Goals. The Steering Council and Membership, Program, and
Community Outreach Working Committees have been working with staff to address issues
related to diversity and sponsoring programs to promote multiculturalism and bring new groups
into The Center. Recently a new working committee was formed that will focus its attention on
diversity issues exclusively (page 23).
Survey
Respondents
Iowa City (Census Bureau *)
Age Group
Age 50+ 1,092
Age 55+ 14,138
50-59
8%
55-59 2,966 21% of ss+
60-79
68%
60-74 5,484 39%
80-89
21%
75-84 4,695 33%
90+
3%
85+ 993 7%
Race
White
97%
84% (all ages -includes university students)
Black African American
< 1%
5% (all ages)
Asian
< 1%
7% (all ages)
American Indian
1%
< 1% (all ages)
Hispanic Origin
1%
5% (all ages)
Educational level
High school or some college
27%
41% (of persons age 25+)
Bachelor's degree
27%
28%
Graduate/Professional degree
47%
30%
Annual income
"household
income"
"family income" (all ages)
$20,000
16%
$25,000 16%
$20-49,000
35%
$25-49,000 17%
$50,000+,
49%
$50,000+ 67%
.*. = American Community Survey, 2008-2012 5 -year estimates for Iowa City (includes UI students),
Accessed from the U.S. census Bureau:
aring the characteristics of the survey respondents with the Iowa City population in
general; tholargest discrepancy is the under- representation of persons with less than a college
degree.
Also, although the number of older adult minorities in Iowa City is small, there is room for greater
racial and ethnic diversity among Senior Center members (there are no data on the number of
persons from minority groups who use the senior center, but who are not members who responded
to the survey). The Senior Center is aware of this and has taken action. The following is an excerpt
from the Senior Center's Survey report:
Expanding the diversity of the membership was included as a primary goal in The Center's 2010-
2015 Mission Statement and Goals. The Steering Council and Membership, Program, and
Community Outreach Working Committees have been working with staff to address issues
related to diversity and sponsoring programs to promote multiculturalism and bring new groups
into The Center. Recently a new working committee was formed that will focus its attention on
diversity issues exclusively (page 23).
PAGE 19
It should be noted that the senior center has been a community leader in terms of building
awareness of unique challenges faced by older adult members of the LGBT community (Lesbian,
Gay, Bi -sexual and Transgendered), through programming including classes, a film series, and a
senior TV program hosted by an older adult.
Being located next door to Ecumenical Towers (HUD apartment building) makes the senior center
extremely convenient to the low income older adults and persons with disabilities who live there.
The inside doorway that connects the Ecumenical Towers to the senior center allows tenants to
avoid having to go outside in bad weather. Another HUD development, Capital Heights, is five
blocks from the senior center. The extent to which residents at Capital Heights are using the senior
center is not known.
--the end
PAGE 20
Annual Report — 2014
04 jusing
LJTH ORITY
410 E. Washington ST'eer
Iowa City • Iowa • 52240 • 1826
To improve quality of life, the Iowa City Housing Authority acts as a
community leader for affordable housing, family self-sufficiency, and
homeownership opportunities.
Date: April 15, 2014
Annual Report — 2014
Table of Contents
Staff
Executive Summary
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
Analysis of Public Housing
Family Characteristics
Family Characteristics and Working Families
Public Housing Waiting List
Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List
Promoting Family Self -Sufficiency (FSS)
FSS Program Coordinating Committee
Promoting Homeownership
Comparison of funding for Calendar Years 2012 & 2013
Housing Authority Funding Source Summary
Partnerships and Community Collaborations
Page 2
Pages
3
4-5
6
7
8
9
10
12-13
14
15
16
17-18
19
PAGE 21
Annual Report — 2014
Staff
Housing Program Assistant Robin Butler
Housing Program Assistant Denise Kinnison
Housing Program Assistant Carri Fox-Rummelhart
Housing Program Assistant Diana Huff
Office Manager Virginia Stroud
FSS Coordinator Mary Abboud
Public Housing/Homeownership Pat MacKay
Coordinator
Housing Choice Voucher Heidi Wolf
Program Coordinator
Housing Administrator Steven J. Raclds
Page 3
PAGE 23
Annual Report — 2014
Executive Summary
Overview of the Fiscal Year 2014 Omnibus Act
Public Housing Operating Fund
The appropriations bill provides $4.4 billion for the Operating Fund for 2014,
about halfway between the $4.262 billion and $4.6 billion proposed by the
House and Senate respectively. The National Association of Housing and Reha-
bilitation Officials (NAHRO) estimates that the bill would provide Housing Au-
thorities with approximately 88 percent of subsidy eligibility.
The bill also incorporates a cost-saving measure requiring Housing Authorities to
set flat rents no lower than 80 percent of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) published Fair Market Rents (FMR), though these increases would be
phased in to ensure that a household's rental payments do not increase by more
than 35 percent per year as a result of this change.
Public Housing Capital Fund
The bill increases funding for the Public Housing Capital Fund to $1.875 billion,
$98 million more than the FY 2013 level after accounting for sequestration. This
increase effectively restores program funding to the FY 2012 level.
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV):
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Funds: The appropriations act provides
$17.366 billion for HAP renewals, an increase of more than $1 billion over the
post -sequestration FY 2013 funding level. Although a final estimate will not be
available until all Housing Authority's 2013 Voucher Management System (VMS)
data is submitted and validated, NAHRO anticipates that this funding level will
sufficient to provide all Housing Authorities with at least 100 percent of their
eligibility, a significant increase over the 94 percent proration experienced in
2013
HAP Set -Aside Fund: The omnibus allows the Secretary to set aside up to $75
million for Housing Authorities that (1) experience a significant increase in re-
newal costs resulting from unforeseen circumstances or from portability, (2)
have vouchers that were not in use during the 12 -month period in order to be
available to meet Project Based Voucher (PBV) commitments, (3) experienced
costs associated with HUD-VASH, and (4) that despite taking cost -savings
measures would otherwise be required to terminate rental assistance as a result
of insufficient funding. In addition to set-aside funds, the appropriations act also
Page 4
PAGE 24
Annual Report — 2014
gives the Secretary the authority to offset "excess' HUD -held HAP reserves for
purposes of preventing terminations.
Ongoing Administrative Fees: The appropriations act provides $1.5 billion in FY
2014, $200 million more than in FY 2013. Based on HUD's earlier estimates of
eligibility, NAHRO estimates that this funding is sufficient to provide PHAs with
approximately 75 percent of their ongoing admin fee eligibility. NAHRO remains
deeply concerned by the continuing deep prorations to Section 8 administrative
fees.
Additional Administrative Fees: The omnibus provides an additional $15 million
for additional administrative fees for administrative costs associated with Sec-
tion 8 tenant -protection vouchers, disaster -related vouchers, HUD-VASH vouch-
ers, and other incremental special purpose vouchers.
HCV Family Self -Sufficiency (FSS): The omnibus adopts the Administration's
recommendation and provides $75 million in stand-alone funding for a new
combined Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher FSS, an amount equiva-
lent to the combined historic funding for both programs.
HUD-VASH: As in 2013, the omnibus provides $75 million for new HUD -Veterans
Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers to support the goal of ulti-
mately ending homelessness among veterans.
HCV Cost-saving Measures in the FY 2014 Omnibus Act
The Act incudes three changes that directly impact Housing Authorities that
administer HCV Programs including: (1) enabling biennial Housing Quality Stand-
ards (HQS) inspections and allowing the use of alternative Federal inspection
standards to reduce duplication, (2) changing the definition of "extremely low-
income' to apply to families with incomes that are the higher of 30 percent of
the area median income or the federal poverty level, and (3) linking utility allow-
ances to the authorized voucher size of the family rather than the size of the
unit leased. The change to inspections would allow Housing Authorities to real-
ize administrative savings, while the changes to income -targeting and utility
allowances impact HAP expenditures.
HUD officials have indicated to NAHRO that, due to the complex nature of the
cost -savings measures, they anticipate releasing a separate implementation
notice within 60 to 90 days of the Act to provide Housing Authorities with spe-
cific guidance related to the policy changes.
Page 5
PAGE 25
Annual Report - 2014
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) is
funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Ur-
ban Development (HUD) with the intent of increas-
ing affordable housing choices for low-income fami- Ni N' f
lies, the elderly, & persons with disabilities. Families
with a HCV voucher choose & lease safe, decent,
and affordable privately owned rental housing. Total
number of available HCV and Veterans' Affairs Sup-
portive Housing (VASH) vouchers = 1,265.
HCV Economic Impact: For Calendar Year 2013 (CY13), the Housing
Choice Voucher program paid approximately $5.8 million in Housing Assistance
Payments (HAP) to landlords/owners of rental properties in Johnson County.
The vouchers in use, as of 1/31/2014, in Iowa City (793) represents 4.6% of the
total number of rental units (17,000) in the City of Iowa City.
Following is the Johnson County breakdown by city. Overall voucher utilimtion
in Johnson County shows: Nearly sixty percent (60.3%) were households with-
out minor children; Forty percent (39.7%) included minor children.
Voucher Utilization °% of Total
by City As of Total Johnson County Total % Total Households % Total °% Total
1/31/7014 (total Population Incorporated Vouchers Voucher without Vouchers Households Vouchers
= 1,170) Population By City Utilization Minors By City with Minors By City
Iowa City
67,867
61.9%
793
67.8%
498
62.8%
795
37.2%
Cominlle
18,907
17.2%
199
17.0%
102
51.300%
97
48.7°°%
Korth Liberty
13,374
17.7%
177
10.9°/n
71
55.9%
56
44.1°%
Solon
2,037
1.91/6
IS
1.3°%
12
80.000%
3
20.0°°%
Oxford
807
.7%
9
0.8°%
6
66.7%
3
33.300%
Hills
703
.611.
6
0.5°%
3
50.0%
3
50.000%
Lone Tree
1,300
11%
6
0.5°%
3
50.0%
3
50.000%
Tiffin
1,947
1.81/.
4
0.3°%
2
50.000%
2
50.0%
Wellman, Riverside,
Kalona
N/A
N/A
8
0.7°%
6
75.000%
2
25.0°°%
Amapa, Marengo,
Williamsburg
N/A
N/A
3
0.3°%
3
10000%
0
0.0°%
Johnson County Johnson County
Total Population 130,882 Incorporated 109,704
% of Johnson County Population Linng in Incorporated areas = 83.800%
* Source: U.S. Decennial Census 2010 (7013 Report used American Fact Finder estimates)
Page 6
Annual Report — 2014
Public Housing
Public housing was established to provide
affordable, decent and safe rental housing for
eligible low-income families, elderly persons,
and persons with disabilities. The U.S. Depart-
ment of Housing & Urban Development
(HUD) distributes federal subsidies to the
Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA), which
owns and manages the housing.
The City of Iowa City owns eighty-one (8 1) low-density units, constructed to
conform and blend into the existing neighborhood architecture. The 81 Public
Housing units represent half of 1% of the total number of rental units in the City
of Iowa City.
Public Housing Economic Impact for the City of Iowa City:
• Total CY13 rental income from Public Housing properties = $184,165.
• Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) paid to the Johnson County Assessor for
the Public Housing properties in CYI3 = $17,636.90.
• In CY13, the Housing Authority paid $285,616.93 to private sector Iowa
City contractors for the capital improvement, general maintenance and
repair of the Public Housing properties.
Total Occupied Units w/
Public Housing Total by Occupied Occupied Units minors (includes non -
Units Location 1/31/2014 No Minors school aged minors)
Grant Wood
31
28
0
28
Friendship
22
22
4
18
Village Green
I I
11
8
3
Washington Hills
5
5
0
5
Miller Orchard
3
3
0
3
Northside
2
2
0
2
Longfellow
2
2
0
2
Lucas Farms
2
2
0
2
Wetherby Friends
& Neighbors
I
1
0
1
Creekside
I
1
0
1
Pepperwood
I
1
0
1
TOTAL
81
78
12
66
Page 7
PAGE 27
Annual Report — 2014
Family Characteristics
ICHA Participant Characteristics. Definition of Participant (participant
family): A person or family that has been admitted to the Iowa City Housing
Authority's HCV, VASH or Public Housing program and is cumendy assisted in
the program.
Head of Household (HOH) Characteristics. Total Families =
1,244 as reported to HUD: September 1, 2012 — December
31, 2013 (multiple category reporting eliminated — like char-
acteristics will equal 100%):
• White HOH
= 746 (60%)
• Households Without Children
= 716 (58%)
• One Person Household
= 659 (53%)
• Worldng Households
= 572 (46%)
• Disabled HCH
= 535 (43%)
• Households with Children
= 528 (42%)
• Non-Disabled/Non-Elderly HCH
= 506 (41%)
• Female HCH with Children
= 463 (37%)
• Black/African American HCH
= 448 (36%)
• Elderly & Disabled HCH
= 129 (11%)
• Elderly HCH
= 74 (6%)
• Hispanic HCH
= 50 (4%)
• All Other Races HCH
= 37 (3%)
Income Sources: Total Families = 1,29S as reported to HUD:
September 1, 2012 — December 31, 2013 (All Family Members:
Many Families Have Muhiple Sources of Income):
• Social Security (SS)/Supplemental Security (SSI) = 63%
• Employment =46%
• Family Investment Program (FIP/Welfare) = 9%
• With any Other Income = 19''
• No Income = 4%
* Child Support, Self -Employment, Unemployment Insurance, Other Non -Wage
Sources.
As of February 4, 2014, only 20 of the total 1,305 assisted households are report-
ing FIP as the sole source of household income. This equals 1.5% of all currently
assisted households.
Page 8
PAGE 28
Annual Report — 2014
Family Characteristics (continued)
Length of Participation as reported to HUD:
September 1, 2012 — December 31, 2014:
• Less than I year = 195 (16%)
• 1 to 5 years = 442 (36%)
• 5 to 10 years = 314 (25%)
• 10 to 20 years = 236 (19%)
• Over 20 years = 49 (4%)
Residence prior to admission — Currently Assisted: Based on
the residence identified on the preliminary application and/or
prior residence for port -ins. Residency preference does not
apply to HUD/VASH participants (ICHA jurisdiction is Johnson
County, Iowa County, & Washington County North of HWY 92):
• ICHA Jurisdiction
= I,103 (85%)
• All Other State of Iowa Counties
= 82(7%)
• State of Illinois
= 67(5%)
• All Other States
= 34(3%)
• None Reported
= 19 (1%)
Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) information
2012-2013; Total Enrollment & Free/Reduced (FIR) Lunch:
• Total ICCSD Enrollment PK -12
=13,159.83
(3.0% increase from 2012-2013)
• Total ICCSD Eligible for FIR (35.4% of total)
= 4,520
(8.3% increase from 2012-2013)
• Total ICHA (All Programs) Minors K-12 *
= 857
(3.2% decrease from 2012-2013)
• Total ICHA (All Programs) K-12 Eligible FIR
= 827
(3.9% decrease from 2011-2012)
• Total ICHA Minors K-12 (Public Housing only)
= 94
(1.0% decrease from 2012-2013)
• Total ICHA Minor K-12 (Public Housing only)
Eligible FIR (1.0% decrease from 2012-2013)
= 87
* Total may include children enrolled in the Clear Creek Amana School Diarict, or chil-
dren who have received scholarships to attend Regina Elementary and High School.
Page 9
PAGE 29
Annual Report — 2014
Public Housing Waiting List January 15, 2014
Applicant (applicant family): A person or family that has applied for admis-
sion to the Iowa City Housing Authority's Public Housing program but is not yet
a participant Elieibft for housing programs is not estabfrshed until applicants reach
the top of the wading fist and their Proliminn Application for Assistance is processed.
The Iowa City Housing Authority's jurisdiction is Johnson County, Iowa; Iowa
County, Iowa; and, Washington County, Iowa, North of Highway 92. The gen-
eral applicant pool from which the Housing Authority draws to determine pro-
gram eligibility are elderly, disabled, and families with children under the age of
18 who are residents (have a legal domicile) or are employed, in our jurisdic-
tion.*
When vacancies exist, the Housing Authority draws applicants from this pool by
date and time of application and only those applications of families who qualify
for the bedroom size of the available Public Housing units. The eligibility deter-
mination process includes verification of residency, family composition, eligibility
status, and a national criminal background check conducted through the Iowa
Department of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The waiting list reopened on October 11, 2013
Public Housing Waiting List
Number of % of Fami-
Families lies
Elderly, disabled, and families with children under the
age of 18 who are residents (have a legal domicile) or
are employed, in our jurisdiction. 422 @ 100%
Elderly
34
8%
Disabled
191
45%
Families w/minor Children
242
5T/
White - Head of Household
185
44%
Black - Head of Household
186
44%
Multiple races or none reported—Head of Household
39
9%
All Other Races - Head of Household
12
3%
Hispanic
25
6%
@ An additional 3,329 applicants are on the list in lower
preference
categories.
Page 10
PAGE 30
Annual Report — 2014
HCV Waiting List January 15, 2014
The HCV waiting list shares the majority of the characteristics described in the
Public Housing section. There is a great deal of duplication as the majority of
applicants apply to both lists. For HCV applications, bedroom size is not taken
into consideration. When vouchers are available, the Housing Authority draws
applications, by date & time of application, from the applicant pool that contains
elderly, disabled, and families with children under the age of 18 who are resi-
dents (have a legal domicile) or are employed, in our jurisdiction *
The eligibility determination process includes verification of residency, family
composition, eligibility status, and a national criminal background check conduct-
ed through the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bu-
reau of Investigation.
The waiting list reopened on October 11, 2013.
Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List
Number of % of Fami-
Families lies
Elderly, disabled, and families with children under the
age of 18 who are residents (have a legal domicile) or
are employed, in our jurisdiction. 268 @ 100%
Elderly
15
6%
Disabled
107
40%
Families w/minor Children
181
68%
White - Head of Household
96
36%
Black - Head of Household
140
52%
Multiple races or none reported
25
9%
All Other Races - Head of Household
7
3%
Hispanic
19
7%
@ An additional 6,068 applicants are on the list in lower preference categories.
Page I I
PAGE 31
Annual Report — 2014
Program Coordinating Committee — 2013
Advisory Board for the Iowa City Housing Authority's Family Self -Sufficiency
Program (FSS).
• Jon Weih, Student Life Director, Kirkwood Community College.
• Karla Fay, Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank.
• Cindy Lynch, Midwest One
• Hmadi Elshazali, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County.
• Jan Koch, 4Cs Home Ties.
• Ladiester LaMaster, Horace Mann Elementary Family Resource Center.
• Lynette Jacoby, Social Service Director, Johnson County.
• Laura Martinez, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County.
• Shannon Miner, Iowa City Community School District..
• Bruce Teague, CEO, Caring Hands & More.
• Heidi Cuda, Mid -Eastern Iowa Council on Chemical Abuse (MECCA).
• Roger Goedken, Successful Living.
• Jessica Greving, Residential Mortgage Network, Inc.
• Ray Truitt, Iowa Workforce Development.
• Mary Ann Peddle, Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP).
• Dana Lehman, Children of Promise Mentoring Program.
• LaTasha Massey, Community Projects Specialist, Johnson County.
• Anthony Moore, Public Housing Tenant.
• Judith Bryant, HCV Program Participant.
• Cathy Fitzmaurice-Hill, Horimns Consumer Credit Counseling Ser-
vices.
• Christine Thompson, Kirkwood Community College, Iowa City Learning
Center.
• Royceann Porter, Shelter House.
Page 12
PAGE 32
Annual Report — 2014
Promoting Self -Sufficiency
The lack of safe, decent, and affordable housing
undermines quality education, public health, and
economic growth. Affordable housing is a contrib-
uting factor to stabilizing families. Stable families are
better equipped to take advantage of educational
opportunities. With opportunities for and access to
advanced education and training, families increase
their employability. Sustainable employment offers
opportunities to attain self-sufficiency. Economic
self-sufficiency leads 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 savings through an escrow savings program.
Current FSS Enrollment Data (1/31/2014):
• Total FSS participants =126
• Participants with an escrow savings account = 94 (75%)
• Average monthly escrow savings deposit
(participants with an escrow balance) = $185
• Average escrow savings account balance
(participants with an escrow balance) = $2,582
• Highest escrow savings account balance = $20,304
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).
FSS Workshops Conducted:
• April 2013: Money and Self -Sufficiency. Collaborated with Hawkeye Com-
munity Action Program (HACAP).
Page 13
PAGE 33
Annual Report — 2014
Promoting Self -Sufficiency (Continued)
April 2013: "ABCS OF RESEARCHING AND APPLYING FOR A JOB IN
2013". Collaborated with Shelter House, Iowa Department of Community
Corrections, AmeriCoprs, WiderNet Project, City of Iowa City Human
Rights Commission, Successful Living, and Iowa Workforce Development
November 2013: Resume and Job Application Workshops: Collaborated
with Iowa City Public Library, Shelter House, City of Iowa City Human
Rights Commission, Broadway Neighborhood Centers, and Successful Liv-
ing.
Homebuyer Education Conducted in Partnership with the Io-
wa City Area Association of Realtors:
• The Homebuyer Education program was developed by the Iowa City Area
Association of Realtors and the Iowa City Housing Authority. It is available
via the internet Those completing the course receive a Mortgage Readi-
ness Certificate. The course is required for families interested in participat-
ing in the Housing Authority's homeownership programs.
FSS Homeownership: Through our FSS program, many families have used
their escrow savings accounts and private mortgages to attain homeownership
independent of the Housing Authority programs. Fifty-nine (59) FSS graduates
have moved to homeownership; forty-seven (47) independent of the Housing
Authority Homeownership programs and twelve (12) participated in Housing
Authority Homeownership programs.
Page 14
PAGE 34
Annual Report — 2014
Promoting Homeownership
HCV Homeownership Program: Eligible participants have the option of
purchasing a home with their HCV assistance rather than renting.
• Thirty -Five (35) HCV Vouchers were used to purchase homes since
January 2003; Nineteen (19) HCV Vouchers are currently active.
Tenant -to -Ownership Program (TOP): The Tenant -to -Ownership
Program is funded by HUD. The TOP program offers opportunities for low to
very low-income families to purchase single-family homes owned by the Housing
Authority.
• Twenty-six (26) homes were sold and ten (10) 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.
• Sixteen (16) homes (10 "Universal Design' homes) were built and sold
since May 1999.
UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership: The UniverCity Neighbor-
hood Partnership is a cooperative effort of the City of Iowa City and the Uni-
versity of Iowa focusing on neighborhoods located near the University campus
that retain a single-family character and a demand for single-family housing, but
that also have a large renter population.
In May 2011, the Iowa City Housing Authority provided $102,276 to UniverCity
for down payment assistance. From May 2011 April 2013, the City of Iowa
City provided $82,276 in down payment assistance to 12 families.
In Calendar Year 2013, the Iowa City Housing Authority provided $150,000 to
the UniverCity program for the rehabilitation of 3 homes purchased by the City
of Iowa City.
In Calendar Year 2014, the Iowa City Housing Authority is providing $40,000 to
the UniverCity program for the rehabilitation of I homes purchased by the City
of Iowa City.
Page 15
PAGE 35
Annual Report — 2014
Comparison of Calendar Year (CY) 2013 & 2014 Funding
The United States Congress allocates funding and passes laws for all housing
programs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD)
role in the locally administered housing programs is to allocate money to local
housing authorities and to develop policy, regulations, and other guidance that
interprets housing legislation. The Actual Funds Received for CY13 and
Estimated Funding for CY14:
Housing Choice Voucher Program CYI3
• Annual Contributions Contract = $6,377,564
• Self-Sufficiency/Homeownership Grant = $121,721
• Port -in Administrative Fees = $2,105
Public Housing CYI3
• Operating Subsidy = $238,457
• Renta Income =$184,165
• Capita Funds Program (CFP) _ $102,356
Fraud Recovery CY 13 = $58,422
Total Housing Authority Funding CY 13 = $7.084.790
Housing Choice Voucher Renewal CYI4 (Estimate)
• Annual Contributions Contract = $6,987,389
• Self-Sufficiency/Homeownership Grant = $119,673
Public Housing CY 14 (Estimate)
• Annual Capita Funds Program (CFP) _ $102,356
• Renta Income =$193,088
• Performance Funding System Operating Subsidy = $252,274
Total Housing Authority Funding CYI4 (Estimate) = $7.654.780
Page 16
PAGE 36
Annual Report — 2014
Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA) income and cash sources.
The uses of the cash sources are based on relevant HUD notic-
es and signed agreements between the Housing Authority and
HUD.
Public Housing Operations
Under Section 9(3) of the Housing Act of 1937, Operating Funds are available
to the ICHA for the operation and management of the Public Housing program.
These funds assist the ICHA in bridging the gap between the rent collected and the
operating expenses of the program. Operating cash is only available for the use
and benefit of public housing units and residents.
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Fees
Administrative fees are available to the ICHA for the operation and management
of the HCV program. Starting January 31, 2004, HUD and Congress, through the
approval of the Annual Appropriations Act, restricted the use of administrative fee
income to activities related to the HCV tenant -based rental assistance and related
development activities (PIH Notice 2008-15).
Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)
HUD provided funds to cover the housing subsidy paid to owners/landlords
directly by the ICHA on behalf of the participating family. The family pays the
difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount sub-
sidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the ICHA,
a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.
Housing Authority Capitol Fund Grants
HUD provides funds to the ICHA to improve the physical condition, upgrade
the management and operation, and carry out other activities for Public Housing
developments. Capital Funds are calculated and allocated by an established for-
mula.
Public Housing & HCV Family Self -Sufficiency (FSS)
The FSS program is a tenant self-sufficiency incentive program. ICHA establishes
rash accounts for tenants that will be available to the tenant with the accrued in-
come if the tenant completes the program. ICHA's contributions to these accounts
are funded by HUD through the Authoritys regular funding process. FSS cash is
not available to ICHA for any other use.
Page 17
PAGE 37
Annual Report — 2014
Affordable Dream Homeownership Program (ADHOP)
On September 3, 1993, the ICHA entered into a Section 5(h) Agreement with
HUD. The purpose of this program is to create affordable home ownership oppor-
tunities throughout Iowa City. This agreement authorizes the ICHA to sell Public
Housing units and use the sales proceeds to construct or purchase homes for reha-
bilitation to continue the cycle. To ensure affordability, the ICHA provides a se-
cond mortgage for the homeowners.
Broadway Sales Proceeds
ICHA received approval from HUD for the sale of 18 units at 1926 / 1946 Broad-
way Street Per the approved plan submitted to HUD, the sales proceeds were to
be used for the development of 18 low density scattered site replacement units that
would be more efficiently and effectively operated as lower income housing. There
is no other permissible use of these funds per the agreement
Public Housing Tenant Security Deposits
The ICHA holds security deposits until tenants vacant units. At that time, the ten-
ants receive a full or partial refund depending on such factors as remaining rental or
other charges outstanding and reimbursement of damage repairs. Tenant security
deposit cash is not available to ICHA for any other use.
HUD/Veterans' Affairs Supportive Housing
Tenant based rental assistance funds targeting homeless veterans participating in
VA Case Management Services.
Page 18
Annual Report — 2014
Partnerships and Community Collaborations
• University of Iowa School of Social Work.
• Women's Resource and Action Center (WRAC).
• Montessori School.
• Goodwill of the Heartland.
• Farmers & Merchants Bank.
• Habitat for Humanity.
• Iowa Women's Foundation.
• Iowa City Junior Service League.
• Shelter House STAR Program.
• Iowa State University (ISU) Extension.
• Liberty Bank.
• Iowa City Area Association of Realtors.
• Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP).
• Midwest One 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.
• Iowa City Public Library.
• Iowa City Human Rights Commission.
• Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP).
• Johnson County Department of Public Health.
• Horizons Community Credit Counseling.
Current Homeownership Programs Lender List:
• Midwest One Bank
• Liberty Bank
• West Bank
• Farmers & Merchants Bank
• Cornerstone Mortgage
• Freedom Security
• U. S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA)
• American Bank & Trust
• Hills Bank
• Countrywide Home Loans
• UI Community Credit Union
• Habitat for Humanity
• Residential Mortgage Network
Page 19
PAGE 38
Annual Report — 2014
-171 using
UTHORITY
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City • Iowa • 52240 •1826
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
PAGE 39
Ausing
uTHOR,Tv
410 E. Wushingtun Sireet
Iowa City - Iowa • 52240.7826
PAGE 40
Who We Are
& What We Do
PHONE: 319-356-5400
FAX: 319-356-5459
TDD: 319-356-5404
INTERNET ADDRESS: www.icgov.org/icha
Monday — Friday 9:00am — 5:00pm
Date: April 17, 2014
PAGE 41
Iowa City Housing Authority
Staff List
Housing Program Assistant Robin Butler
Housing Program Assistant Denise Kinnison
Housing Program Assistant Carri Fox-Rummelhart
Housing Program Assistant Diana Huff
Office Manager Virginia Stroud
Self -Sufficiency Programs Mary Abboud
Coordinator
Public Housing Coordinator Patricia MacKay
Housing Choice Voucher Program Heidi Wolf
Coordinator
Housing Administrator Steven J. Rackis
Page 2
Iowa City Housing Authority
PAGE 42
The Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA):
A division of the City of Iowa City, administers and manages
federally funded Section 8 and Public Housing programs.
The ICHA covers an area which encompasses Johnson
County and half of Iowa and Washington counties. Funding
is provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Devel-
opment (HUD).
Established in 1969, the ICHA serves over 1,200 families a
year. Participants qualify based on income guidelines. Of
the program participants, approximately 50% are disabled or
elderly. The ICHA has managed Public Housing units since
1981.
Section 8
The Section 8 program provides long-term rental assistance.
Under this program, assistance follows the client to any eli-
gible rental unit; however, clients are responsible for finding
their own rental unit. Section 8 does not offer immediate as-
sistance. For immediate housing contact the Shelter House
at 319-351-0326.
Public Housing (effective September, 2011)
Under Public Housing, assistance is unit specific. The City
of Iowa City owns 81 public housing units; the ICHA serves
as the landlord.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
It is essential that the ICHA is notified in writing of any
change of address. Names will be removed from the waiting
list if any correspondence is returned.
Page 3
PAGE 43
Iowa City Housing Authority
PREFERENCE CATEGORIES (Adopted June 19, 2012)
The Housing Authority may admit an applicant for participa-
tion in the program either as a special admission or as a wait-
ing list admission. All applications will be maintained in the
following order of preference and then in order of date and
time of application.
The Iowa City Housing Authority will select families based
on the following preference **:
A. Displaced: Individuals or families displaced by gov-
ernment action or whose dwelling has been exten-
sively damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster
declared or otherwise formally recognized pursuant
to federal disaster relief laws. For the State of Iowa
only.
B. Families with children under the age of 18 or elderly
or disabled families who are residents (have a legal
domicile) in the Iowa City Housing Authority juris-
diction 24 CFR 982.207(b)(1);
C. Adult families (2 or more household members) with
no children under 18 years of age who are residents
(have legal domicile) in the Iowa City Housing
Authority jurisdiction;
D. Elderly, or disabled families who are not residents
(do not have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City
Housing Authority jurisdiction 24 CFR 982.207(b)
(1);
Page 4
PAGE 44
Iowa City Housing Authority
E. Families with children under the age of 18 who are
not residents (do not have legal domicile) in the
Iowa City Housing Authority jurisdiction;
F. Adult Families (2 or more household members) with
no children under the age of 18 years of age who are
not residents (do not have legal domicile) in the Iowa
City Housing Authority jurisdiction 24 CFR 982.207
(b)(1);
G. Single, non -elderly, non -disabled families with no
children under 18 years of age regardless of
Residency.
** Exception may be given to the following:
1 . Families referred by the Mid Eastern Council on Chemical
Abuse (MECCA).
2. Public housing tenants who have resided in their Public Hous-
ing unit longer than 1 year and whose total tenant payment is
higher than $499 (See Section 19 Homeownership).
3. If HOME Investment Funds received from the State of
Iowa and City of Iowa City to provide Tenant -Based -
Rental -Assistance are depleted, participating families
will be admitted into the HCV program.
NOTE: The use of a residency preference will not have the pur-
pose or effect of delaying or otherwise denying admission to the
HCV program based on the race, color, ethnic origin, gender, reli-
gion, disability, or age of any member of an applicant family.
Page 5
PAGE 45
Iowa City Housing Authority
IS THERE A WAITING LIST?
Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers)
Depending on funding availability, there may be a Section 8
waiting list.
Public Housing (Units owned by ICHA)
Public Housing maintains a waiting list. Eligible applicants
who have met all the requirements will be offered a unit up-
on availability.
To apply to the Iowa City Housing Authority waiting list for
Section 8 and/or Public Housing go to www.icgov.org/icha
and complete applications online. To review your status
within 30 days of submitting your application call 1-866-569
-6309 or go online at www.waitlistcheek.com.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible for Section 8 or Public Housing, a household
must meet family composition and income requirements. In
addition, the ICHA will conduct a criminal background
check.
Family Composition: (must meet one of the following)
• A single person 62 years or older.
• A disabled person 18 years or older who is not declared
as a dependent by a parent or guardian or who is a de-
pendent living in a group home or similar supervised res-
idence (at the time applicant applies).
Page 6
PAGE 46
Iowa City Housing Authority
• A household with a child or children who resides in the
unit 51% of the time. (A child who is temporarily away
from the home because of placement in foster care is
considered a member of the family).
• Two or more elderly persons or disabled persons living
together, or one or more elderly or disabled persons liv-
ing with one or more live-in aides.
• Two or more persons related by blood, marriage, domes-
tic partnership, adoption or placement by a governmental
or social service agency, as defined by City of Iowa City
code.
• A single adult that is not part of another household.
Family Income. (effective 12-18-2013)
To qualify for housing assistance, a household's income
must be under *50% of the local median income. Priority
will be given to households with income under **30% of the
local median income. In Johnson County, the median in-
comes according to family size are as follows.
Family Size *50%Income **30%Income
1 $27,850
$16,700
2 $31,800
$19,100
3 $35,800
$21,500
4 $39,750
$23,850
5 $42,950
$25,800
6 $46,150
$27,700
7 $49,300
$29,600
8 $52,500
$31,500
(For family incomes in Iowa and Washington counties,
please contact the ICIIA or visit the ICIIA web site at
http://www.icgov.org/icha
Page 7
PAGE 47
Iowa City Housing Authority
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants for Section 8 and for Public Housing must com-
plete an eligibility application when their name reaches the
top of the waiting list. The ICHA will verify all information
and conduct a criminal background check. This process
takes approximately 30 to 180 days. Once a family is
deemed eligible, they must attend a briefing (orientation)
session. Applications are available at the ICHA. Public
Housing applicants must also supply housing references.
HOW MUCH WILL I PAY?
If qualified for rental assistance, clients generally pay 30%
of their adjusted monthly income for their portion of the rent.
Monthly incomes are adjusted if specific deductions apply:
this could include elderly, disability, child, childcare or med-
ical deductions. Minimum rent is $50. At the initial lease -
up or any move once on the program, a client is not allowed
to pay more than 40% of their monthly adjusted income to-
wards their rent. The ICHA cannot pay rental assistance un-
til a client's unit passes inspection and they reside in the unit.
INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS NEEDED
All applicants must provide the following information or
documentation for all household members:
• Income and assets
• State -certified birth certificates
• Social Security cards
• Declaration of Citizenship
• Photo ID (if over 18 years old.) for identification only.
Page 8
PAGE 48
Iowa City Housing Authority
If applicable, clients must also provide:
• Disability or Handicap information
• Marriage certificate or Domestic Partnership certifi-
cate
• Divorce decree
WHERE PARTICIPANTS MAY LIVE
The ICHA's jurisdiction covers Johnson County and parts of
Iowa and Washington counties. Within these areas, clients
may live in any unit that meets the following criteria:
• The landlord participates in the Section 8 program
• The unit passes inspection.
• The unit complies with program bedroom size guide-
lines
• The unit's rent is such that the client does not pay
more than 40% of their monthly adjusted income to-
wards rent.
PORTABILITY
Section 8 assistance can be transferred to another location.
To transfer your Section 8 assistance to another city, you
must have been on the ICHA's program for one year, or you
must have proof that your legal residence at the time you ap-
plied for Section 8 assistance was within the ICHA's juris-
diction.
Page 9
PAGE 49
Iowa City Housing Authority
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM (FSS):
FSS is a voluntary program open to all families receiving
Section 8 or Public Housing assistance through the ICHA.
This program is designed to help families become self -
supportive and to move off of public assistance. When a cli-
ent's portion of the rent goes up due to an increase in earned
income, HUD matches the amount of the increase and the
ICHA places it in an escrow savings account. When the cli-
ent meets specific goals, the client receives the accumulated
funds with interest. Goals must be met within five years or
less.
HCV HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM:
The HCV Homeownership program permits eligible partici-
pants in the HCV Program, including participants with porta-
ble vouchers, the option 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 payments may be used to
purchase new or existing single-family units, condominiums,
cooperatives, lofts, and, or manufactured units within John-
son County:
AFFORDABLE DREAM HOME OWNERSHIP
PROGRAM (ADHOP):
The Affordable Dream Home Ownership Program operated,
managed and funded solely by the ICHA. It offers an oppor-
tunity for income eligible families to purchase newly con-
structed or newer homes.
Page 10
Iowa City Housing Authority
OTHER FEDERAL PROGRAMS
HUD also provides Section 8 funds to some privately owned
apartment complexes: Pheasant Ridge, USDA Rural Devel-
opment (formerly Farmers Home Administration), and some
elderly complexes. For more information about any of these
developments a person must contact them directly. The
ICHA does not maintain, manage, or administer these prop-
erties.
TERMINATION OF ASSISTANCE DUE TO CRIMI-
NAL ACTIVITY (24 CFR 982.553 & 982.555):
The ICHA may terminate assistance for criminal activity by
a household member as authorized in HUD regulations if the
ICHA determines, based on a preponderance of the evidence,
that the household member has engaged in the activity, re-
gardless of whether the household member has been charged,
arrested or convicted for such activity.
The ICHA must give a participant family an opportunity for
an informal hearing to consider whether the termination de-
cision due to criminal activity is in accordance with the law,
HUD regulations and ICHA policies. Evidence may be con-
sidered without regard to admissibility under the rules of evi-
dence applicable to judicial proceedings.
The Iowa City Housing Authority Informal Hearing proce-
dures are in the HCV Administrative Plan: Section 15.4 C.
Hearing Procedures, Page 71. A copy of our Hearing Proce-
dures is available upon request or viewed online at
www.Icgov.org/icha. Select Housing Authority Documents.
S:excelICHA Brochure.pub
Page I I
PAGE 50
PAGE 51
Iowa City Housing Authority
Ausing
UTH0RI
410 R, Washington .Street
Iowa City • Iowa • 52240 • 1826
To improve quality of life, the Iowa City Housing Authority
ads as a community leader for affordable housing, family
self-sufficiency, and homeownership opportunities.
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
Microsoft Publisher
Housing Authority
About the Division
• The Housing Authority works to improve the quality of life for clients, acting as a
community leader on affordable housing by providing information and education,
housing assistance, and public and private partnership opportunities. The Housing
Authority is a division of the City of Iowa City established in 1969 to administer
housing assistance programs throughout its jurisdiction, including all of Johnson
County and portions of Iowa and Washington Counties.
• We currently assist more than 1,200 low-income families to acquire and maintain
affordable housing through rental and ownership programs. Rental assistance
includes the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing Programs.
Homeownership opportunities exist under the Tenant -to -Owner Program, Affordable
Dream Homeownership Program, and the Housing Choice Homeownership Program.
Participation in all programs requires the family be within federally established
income guidelines.
• The Housing Authority works with approximately 450 landlords. There are 1215 HCV
and 50 Veterans Supportive Services (VASH) vouchers with a total Housing
Assistance Payments (HAP) contract in excess of $6 million to landlords within the
Housing Authority jurisdiction. We mange 81 Public Housing units and Peninsula
Apartments a 10 unit building for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Preference Categories/Application
Information
The Iowa City Housing Authority will select families based on the following
preferences:
• Displaced: Individuals or families displaced by government action or whose
dwelling has been extensively damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster
declared or otherwise formally recognized pursuant to federal disaster relief
laws. This preference is only for disaster victims in the State of Iowa;
• Families with children under the age of 18 or elderly or disabled families who
are residents (have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City Housing Authority
jurisdiction 24 CFR 982.207(b)(1):
• Adult families (2 or more household members) with no children under 18 years
of age who are residents (have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City Housing
Authority jurisdiction;
• Elderly, or disabled families who are not residents (do not have a legal
domicile) in the Iowa City Housing Authority jurisdiction;
• Families with children under the age of 18 or who are not residents (do not
have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City Housing Authority jurisdiction;
• Adult families (2 or more household members) with no children under 18 years
of age who are not residents (do not have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City
Housing Authority jurisdiction;
• Single, non -elderly, non -disabled families with no children under 18 years of
age regardless of residency.
Preference Categories/Application
Information
Preference Category Definitions:
• Disabled household: A household whose head, spouse, or sole member is a
person with disabilities; or two or more persons with disabilities living together;
or one or more persons with disabilities living with one or more live-in aides.
• Elderly household: A household whose head, spouse, or sole member is a
person who is at least 62 years of age; or two or more persons who are at least
62 years of age living together; or one or more persons who are at least 62
years of age living with one or more live-in aides.
• Domicile: The legal residence of the household head or spouse as determined
in accordance with state and local law.
Family Characteristics
ICHA Participant Characteristics. Definition of Participant (participant family): A
person or family that has been admitted to the Iowa City Housing Authority's HCV, VASH
or Public Housing program and is currently assisted in the program.
Head of Household (HOH) Characteristics. Total Families = 1,244 as reported to
HUD: September 1, 2012 — December 31, 2013 (multiple category reporting
eliminated — like characteristics will equal 100%):
• White HOH
• Households Without Children
• One Person Household
• Working Households
• Disabled HOH
• Households with Children
• Non-Disabled/Non-Elderly HOH
• Female HOH with Children
• Black/African American HOH
• Elderly & Disabled HOH
• Elderly HOH
• Hispanic HOH
• All Other Races HOH
= 746 (60%)
= 716 (58%)
= 659 (53%)
= 572 (46%)
= 535 (43%)
= 528 (42%)
= 506 (41%)
= 463 (37%)
= 448 (36%)
= 129 (11%)
74 (6%)
50 (4%)
37 (3%)
HCV Waiting List August 18, 2014
Number of
%of Families
Families
Elderly, disabled, and families with children
under the age of 18 who are residents o
(have a legal domicile) or are employed, in 417 @ 100%
our jurisdiction.
Elderly
34
8%
Disabled
129
31%
Families w/minor Children
301
72%
White - Head of Household
156
37%
Black - Head of Household
206
49%
Multiple races or none reported
14
3%
All Other Races - Head of Household
41
10%
Hispanic
25
6%
@ An additional 9,236 applicants are on the list in lower preference categories.
Public Housing Waiting List August 18, 2014
Number of Families % of Families
Elderly, disabled, and families with children
under the age of 18 who are residents (have a 486 @ 100%
legal domicile) or are employed, in our
jurisdiction
Elderly
35
7%
Disabled
180
37%
Families w/minor Children
324
67%
White - Head of Household
194
40%
Black - Head of Household
228
47%
Multiple races or none reported—Head of
11
2%
Household
All Other Races - Head of Household
47
9%
Hispanic
33
7%
@ An additional 3,329 applicants are on the list in lower preference categories.
Housing Resources for Elderly/Disabled
Citizen Building (Section 8 Voucher accepted) --------------------------------------------338-7600 Ext 1
319 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240
Autumn Park Apartments (Project Based) 337-7176
3042 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City, IA 52240
Ecumenical Towers (Project Based) 338-7450
320 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240
Capitol House Apartments (Project Based) 338-2127
320 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240
Coral Village (Project Based) 351-2386
1799 Fifth St., Coralville, IA 52241
Regency Heights (Section 8 Voucher accepted) ---------------------------------------------------466-9999
Elderly -55 and older only
1010 Scott Park Dr#101, Iowa City, IA 52240
Concord Terrace (Section 8 Voucher ai
1259 Shannon Dr, Iowa City, IA 52246
887-1010
Liberty Housing Co. (Section 8 Voucher accepted) ---------------------------------------------- 351-1250
425 N Dubuque St, North Liberty, IA 52317
East Side Village (Project Based)
401 E Linn, Lone Tree, IA 52755
629-4689
Jefferson Point (Section 8 Voucher accepted)-----------------------------------------------------
626-3263
45 W Jefferson St, North Liberty, IA 52317 www.burnshousing.com
Emerson Point (Section 8 Voucher accepted)-----------------------------------------------------
466-0200
1355 Shannon Dr, Iowa City, IA 52240 www.burnshousing.com
Meadowlark Apartments (Section 8 Voucher accepted) ------------------------------------------465-6171
1761-1767 Racine Ave, Solon, IA 52333
480-6676
North Liberty Living Center (Section 8 Voucher accepted) ----------------------------------319-665-2402
410 Ashley Court, North Liberty, IA 52317
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August 10, 2014
To: Members of the Ad Hoc Senior Services Commission
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
I've been following your commission work via reading your meeting minutes and am coming to
realize the significant impact financial constraints are making on government budgets and that
it is only to worsen. A main reason I am writing you now is to express my concern about the
financing of services to all seniors, not only the 1,600 senior center members. Clearly
government is not going to have the funding to be helpful to all seniors. I am much concerned
we recognize the needs of the home -bound senior (such as served by Elder Services, Iowa
City Hospice, Pathways). These people cannot avail themselves of senior center services.
They need just very basic help to keep them in their own homes — such as nutrition, personal
care, etc. This is what keeps them out of the vastly more expensive care centers. These are
people who become the "invisible" ones — not seen, not heard from. Certainly socialization
such as is available at the senior center is important, but it seems to me that basic help for the
home -bound should be a higher priority in the face of funding crises.
I appreciate that you commission members have a difficult and complicated job and one that
brings out some strong feelings. I was amazed in mid-July with the bad judgment shown by
the publishing of an angry letter in the Press Citizen and Gazette denouncing by name one
individual member of your commission and learning that this letter was written by the city -
appointed member of another city commission serving seniors. This was ungentlemanly to say
the least and a terrible example to others! I felt embarrassed just reading the public letter.
While I am a Johnson County, not an Iowa City resident, the senior center serves all of
Johnson County. The county Board of Supervisors helps support the senior center also.
While I personally don't make use of the senior center, my husband does because he plays in
the New Horizons Band which practices there. I'd been a member of the senior center some
time in the past, however I have not been involved in it for a few years now. I left not finding it
a warm environment. Another reason for not utilizing it at all is that the expensive parking and
the heavy traffic are just too much of a hassle. I totally avoid going to the downtown area. The
senior center has a good parking program available, although I've sometimes seen "NASCAR"
type drivers roaring through the ramp who leave one in serious doubt about one's safety. I
decided it is far easier to make use of some great activities offered by the rec centers and
libraries in Coralville and North Liberty or the Trueblood recreation area. Iowa City library and
rec centers also have excellent selections of activities.
Thank you for your work.
Eve Casserly
1615 Pine Ridge Court
Coralville, IA 52241-1064
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NOTES ON VNA
Director Sue Ellen Novotny.
E-mail: novotnys@vnaic.org
General Information:
Two programs:
1) Home Health Care
a) Nurses, Health Professionals, Skilled services
to home bound elderly and disabled. Primarily paid
for by Medicare, Medicaid, Medical Insurance
supplements including new federal insurance program.
b) Home health care aids including shopping, laundrey
etc. for elderly and disabled. Not financed by
insurance programs.
Average 24,000 plus visits a year.
2) Community Health Clinics throughout Johnson County for
60 and older includes blood tests, blood pressure,
foot care, etc. Senior Center is one of the sites
for this program and is open M -W -F 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
for walk-in appointments. Blood tests are on specific
dates in the program guide. Foot care by appointment
only and a fee of $12.00 at Center.
Budget will be coming and information regarding elderly who are
funds from State Public Health which has been decreasing.
Note: Mercy Hospital also has a program as in 1 (a) above but
they do not have a program like 1(b).