OC Housing Authority minutes 083115

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Public Hearing-Annual and Five Year Plans (continued) Audrey Spencer-Horsley mentioned that we are currently organizing a Resident Advisory Board. The organizational meeting was August 12, 2015. She stated that the feedback was good. She summarized that the meeting included discussion about campaigning to get more landlords and provide training for tenants on how to search for housing and how to communicate with landlords. There was also the suggestion to put more information on the website for landlords. Mark Marcoplos asked if people apply for Housing Rehabilitation. Audrey explained that the County through funding from the State Finance Agency has a small rehabilitation program that provided for three to four houses. She said the Department advertised and interested persons could submit applications which far exceed who can be assisted. She estimated there was over 30 applications. She also stated that the State has very specific rehabilitation requirements and it is a challenge to find properties that fit. Qualifying can be hard because most houses are only allowed $45,000 and often the work needed to bring the property up to code far exceeds that amount. Mark discussed how construction can be expensive. Audrey stated that maybe the Board of Commissioners can supplement some of the cost to assist more people under this Program. Audrey said the County also has an Urgent Repair Program funded by the County for limited repairs for owner households that are elderly and or disabled. She said requests far exceed the funding and resources for that Program as well. Evelyn Johann asked if the purpose of the program is to keep people in their home. She said yes that is one of the primary objectives. Audrey explained that repairs include roof repairs and ramps for example. Jean Bolduc asked if there were any further questions or comments regarding the Annual and Five Year Plans; and there were none. Audrey Spencer-Horsley stated that the Plans would be submitted to HUD for approval upon signature by the Chair. Jean Bolduc closed the Public Hearing. A motion to approve the Annual and Five Year Plans was made by Mark Marcoplos and seconded by Evelyn Johann and was unanimously approved. HAP/Budget Review Audrey Spencer-Horsley presented the financial report. She reviewed with the Board the VMS HUD report and answered questions. She said that at least 34 port-ins have been absorbed. She stated that HUD has had questions about lease up being down. She said that they have asked for additional information and the she has responded to all HUD's concerns and described the plans being implemented to improve the numbers for lease up. Participants use to have four months to look for housing, they now have sixty days,but they can ask for an extension... Tammy Jacobs wanted to know why the change from four months to sixty days and Audrey explained that trying to streamline as much as possible the lease up process and time. There was discussion about the number of vouchers on the street and the total HUD budget.