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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-9-2008 CHA MINUTESCaldwell Housing Authority Minutes of "Regular" Meeting December 9, 2008 Board Members Present: Estella Zamora, Dana Schuck, Sid Freeman, Andy Rodriguez, Jim Blacker Staff Present: Mike Dittenber, Ayde Cortina Members Absent: Patricia Benedict Guests: Deputy Heather Leavelle Location: Acapulco Restaurant In order of business: Roll call and call to order The meeting was moved from its normal location in the private room to some table in the general seating area because of a Christmas part by the Caldwell School District. The meeting was called to order by Estella at 12:05pm. 2 Review of the November minutes Estella asked if everyone had an opportunity to read the minutes. All responded in the affirmative. Estella asked if there was a motion to approve the minutes. Jim so moved, seconded by Dana and unanimously approved by those present at 12:06pm Financial Report Ayde gave a summary of the financials to the Board and compared actual expenses with the budget expenses. At the conclusion of Ayde's budget review, Mike directed the Board's attention to "General Statement of Financial Situation" where he explained the CHA had $328,000 in the reserve account, only $4,000 short of what was required with approximately $46,000 in the general account. Mike also explained that as the year is winding down, the expenses are starting to align more with the budget. Mike explained that several line item expenses were higher than anticipate because of reasons beyond CHA's control, such as: Electricity; water treatment; fuel; legal expenses and health insurance. Jim asked if the increased costs were budgeted for in the 2009 budget recently approved. Mike indicated all increased expenses are included in the new budget, but reminded the Board that the budget cannot account for unforeseen 2009 expenses. Estella asked if there were any other questions about the budget. Being none, Estella asked for a motion. The motion was made by Sid and seconded by Andy. The budget was unanimously approved by those present at 12 :20pm. 4 Special Report Deputy Leavelle from the Canyon County Sheriff's Office attended the meeting and said the Sheriff is going to redirect patrol efforts at the Housing Authority. She indicated she will try to make a greater presence at CHA and would bring her dog in for a walk around CHA from time to time. She also thought it might be a good idea to have a K -9 presentation at CHA similar to what they do in Middleton. Director's Report Mike first spoke about the two masonry units that were remodeled. He told the Board he had a slideshow presentation that would track the remodeling, and he would show it at the end of the meeting. Andy explained that it is difficult for him to break away from work to visit CHA, but thought it would be appropriate for the Board meeting to be held at CHA from time to time so the Board members could see what is going on. Estella asked Mike if he could make the necessary arrangements so the Board could meet at CHA in January for a "Working Tour" of the place. Sid explained the he did visit the new unit shortly after it was completed and said the maintenance staff at CHA did a great job, and the new staff have a lot of skill. Andy reminded the Board that with greater skills comes greater pay and the Board should keep that in mind during the next budget process. Mike said he would like permission from the Board to start remodeling other units. MOTION by Andy --That CHA be authorized to remodel more units as long as the costs stay within the budgeted amount and the remodel is done in accordance with the law. Seconded by Sid, and unanimously approved by those present. Mike told the Board that CHA lost its second eviction lawsuit, and that Statewide legislation may be the only remedy. There was much discussion about the case, and Andy suggested Mike contact some service agencies that might be able to do some pro- active programs for youth as a possible solution to the gang problem in lieu of legislation. Sid thought that new legislation was needed, but would eventually like to see more activities for youth at CHA. Mike informed the Board that Bailey and Company had completed the audit and that Jared will be at the January meeting to discuss the results. Mike reported that the Housing Authority now has 146 rental vouchers for the 247 units of housing. Mike explained to the Board that the store has not paid their rent, the tenant is in jail, and there appears to he no commitment by the tenant's wife to bring the account current. Jim asked if the Housing Authority could run the store. Mike indicated CHA could run the store. Estella suggested that Mike contact Compos market or Azteka market to see if they are interested in running the store. Mike expressed his desire to keep the store open at almost any cost. Mike thought the legal negotiating would be settled in the coming weeks. Mike informed the Board that the new employees would start water training after the first of the year. b Executive Session The Board went into executive session at 1:30 and returned from session at 1:35pm. Mike showed the PowerPoint presentation of the reconstruction. Meeting Adjourned at 1:45pm.