HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-4-2007 CHA MINUTESCaldwell Housing Authority
Minutes of "Regular" Meeting
December 4, 2007
Board Members Present:
Estella Zamora, Andy Rodriguez, Dana Schuck, Patricia Benedict, Sid Freeman
Staff Present: Mike Dittenber, Ayde Cortina
Members absent: Rick Wells
Quests: None
In order of business:
Roll call and call to order
Estella Zamora calls the meeting to order at 12:OOpm. Shortly after the meeticig was called to
order at 12:05, Sid Freeman.
2 Review of November minutes
Mike provided the Board with an electronic copy (via e-mail) of the minute for the month of
November. Estella asked if everyone had an opportunity to read the minutes of both the regular
meeting and the special meeting prior to the meeting. Everyone present answered in the
affirmative.
At 12:02pm Estella asked if there was a motion to accept the minutes. Patricia made motion to
accept the minutes of both November meetings; seconded by Dana; and unanimously approved
by all present.
3 Financial Report
Ayde Cortina provided the financial report to the Board of Directors. There were no unusual or
non - typical financial occurrences during the month of November. Ayde gave a further
explanation of the debt reserves used: Holliday Engineering for drinking water and waste water
findings, and CESCO pump for the LMI pumps for the chlorination station. Ayde indicated that
after bills were paid, there was approximately $12,071.77 in the bank. Mike also pointed out that
CHA did not made a payment to reserves during the month October, explaining that CHA had
enough in reserves and would start making payments again once there was more income from
increased rent and occupancy.
Estella asked if there were any questions. There was none so he asked if there was a motion to
accept the financials as presented. Sid made the motion; seconded by Andy; and unanimously
approved.
4 Directors Report
Mike indicated that the sick leave and vacation policy was in effect and the changes will be good
for the organization. He also indicated performance evaluations were completed for each
employee.
Mike explained that effective January 1 5 `, 2008 the new rent rates went into effect.
CHA continues to get hit hard by graffiti every month. CHA may need to consider long -term
solutions to security.
The store is struggling during the winter time. The manager expresses some concerns about
finances, but anticipates he will be able to survive the winter. Estella wanted to know if the store
was providing food prepared at another place. Mike indicated that was not the case because of
the failed business relationship with Manual Ortiz. Mike also mentioned that vendors are not
resupplying the store as frequently as necessary and is limiting his ability to make a profit.
Mike explained that Terry Reilly Heath Services gave notice that they were vacating the offices
at the Community Center. Mike was going to offer the other offices to SW District Health first,
but might consider another organization like Probation and Parole. Estella said she would not
prefer Probation and Parole at Farmway Village, but thought an organization like Even Start
would be more appropriate. Andy indicated Jette Rogers might be able put the word out to other
organizations who might be interested.
Mike indicated DEQ was interested in information regarding our drinking water and waste water
certification. Mike indicated he is still working on the requirements of his certification and
should be able to adequately address the issues in the coming months.
The EPA is requiring CHA to get a storm water permit for our storm water that runs into the
drainage ditch adjacent to our property. They want to meet with CHA in the coming weeks. Sid
asked if the storm drains worked. Mike said they work, but not very good. Sid asked if we knew
where the storm drains dumped. Mike indicated it dumped into the drain ditch (now known to be
different). Patricia indicated CHA should have the storm drains cleaned before their arrival.
Mike reported that the drinking water situation was great. The chlorine pumps are turned down
to a minimal level and the chlorine residual is steady enough to indicate the problem has been
adequately addressed. Dana asked if fixing the leak on the main water line could have affected
the outcome. Mike indicated that the 3 leaks repaired this last summer where substantial to
correcting the problem.
Mike again indicated the need to address the long -term issues of the masonry units. He also
indicated Rural Development gave an eligibility waiver and is waiting for IHFA to issue a
similar waiver.
Mike provided a Power Point presentation on security issues at CHA. He indicated
approximately $1,700 worth of damages in the last week from graffiti. Andy said the 24 -hour
rule should apply. That is no graffiti should be left on a building more than 24 hours. Mike
indicated that graffiti was removed as quickly as possible considering the availability of paint
and personnel. Sid suggested that if no one knew who sprayed the gafitti, that everyone living in
that complex should share the cost of having the graffiti removed; Patricia agreed.
Mike then showed them photo from the security system and the inadequate camera angles and
suggested that new cameras and different camera angles would be appropriate. Patricia thought
it might be worth our efforts to see if a private security company can be hired. Mike also
suggested one of the maintenance personnel could serve as a night watchman. Estella and Sid
thought that having staff do any kind of security work was dangerous and that staff should be
insulated form that type of activity.
Mike suggested more cameras and different camera angles may be beneficial. He also indicated
that it might be necessary to block off the southwest entrance to the property except to
emergency personnel. Mike said new cameras would also be able to provide surveillance on the
bus stop and al the entrances. He estimated the cost to install new cameras to be several
thousand dollars.
Andy again suggested that making the people who were "tagged" pay for the damages might be
appropriate because those being "tagged" are done so for a reason. And as long as no one wants
to come forth with who is doing the vandalism, the cost should be passed on to the tenants. Sid
agreed that making them pay for the damages might jog some memories. Estella thought the
Sheriff's Office should play a more pro - active role. Patricia suggested there would be an
increased law enforcement presence if this was occurring in a predominantly white
neighborhood. Dana thought that CHA could redirect some of those illegal activities into public
art or village murals. Mike reminded everyone that because CHA is tax exempt, we are not
entitled to public services. Therefore, CHA must pay for law enforcement services beyond the
Sheriffs requirement to respond to incidents of crime.
Finally, Mike suggested a several - pronged approach might be the most effective; to include
better cameras, better lighting, traffic re- routing, tenant billing, etc.
Executive Session
At 1:25pm Estella made a motion to go into executive session; seconded by Andy.
Mike was asked to leave the room during executive session. At 1:1Opm Mike was invited back
into the room. At 1:35pm Andy made a motion to exit session; seconded by Dana; end of
executive session.
6 Adjourn:1 :35pm