Bethlehem Housing Authority

The agenda for the Re-Organizational Meeting includes standard opening procedures such as Call to Order, Pledge to the Flag, and Roll Call. Key discussion points involve the Treasurer's Report, including a review of the check register for December listings and a financial report, as well as the Parkridge Lease under Old Business. Committee reports are scheduled from the Scholarship committee, Resident Advisory Committee (RAB), and Resident Council. A significant item under Resolutions is the review and approval of the Annual Audit for the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2025. The meeting will conclude with miscellaneous reports and public comments.

The document serves as a notice for the upcoming Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Bethlehem Housing Authority. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Monocacy Tower Community Room and will also be accessible via Zoom. The Executive Director is John Ritter.

The meeting covered the treasurer's report for November, which was approved, noting favorable expenses despite slightly higher operating costs due to colder weather. Discussions on the Section 8 program addressed leasing figures being lower than the previous year and challenges in locating available units, alongside exploration of Project-Based Vouchers. Updates on federal funding indicated programs are funded at the 2025 level through January. Financial reports also detailed projected lower Operating Fund subsidies and HUD's proposed changes to subsidy drawdown procedures, which could affect reported income. The Authority received a clean audit report. Discussions involved the pending Parkridge lease, which was tabled due to the solicitor's absence. In the Executive Director's report, the demolition of the First Tee building was approved, with plans to integrate its redevelopment into the Choice Neighborhood project, allowing for the reallocation of $2.5 million to Parkridge renovations. Efforts to reactivate the Authority's 501(c)(3) status were mentioned. Additionally, the Board approved the Five-Year Annual Plan, which includes a strategic goal for financial contingency planning, and discussed the initial focus of the Project-Based Voucher program on new construction.

Key discussions during the meeting included inquiries regarding the services provided by Wise Consulting Services for the Yardi conversion and an explanation of the asbestos testing and abatement procedures undertaken during renovations at the Pembroke buildings, noting asbestos tile presence in five out of eight tested units. The financial report indicated a cash increase of approximately $300,000 due to Capital Fund drawdowns for salaries and a favorable investment strategy involving CD reinvestment. Concerns were raised regarding the HUD Section 8 budget shortfall and the temporary halt on issuing new vouchers. Old Business focused on the Deputy Executive Director position, including discussions about the board's involvement in the selection process via resolution, which the Executive Director confirmed compliance with. Additionally, discussions addressed delays in finalizing the Lynfield Community Center Lease due to necessary reviews of expanded usage involving a food bank kitchen and community room activities. Committee reports covered the successful summer program, upcoming homework club, baseball activities, and a successful Community Day. Resolutions were passed approving the Employee Health Insurance Renewal, the vacated tenants accounts write-off, and the HVAC Preventive Maintenance Contract, noting that the maintenance contract received only one bid. Public comments featured concerns about staff morale following public criticism, the handling of tenant complaints, especially anonymous ones, and the necessity for clear communication between the agency and community leaders regarding resident issues and financial matters like fund recaptures.

Key discussions during the meeting included the financial report for March 2024, noting significantly higher-than-budgeted income due to increased rent subsidies and interest rates on newly positioned Certificates of Deposit (CDs) for better yield. The Section 8 report indicated a current shortfall, with the leasing cap set at 425 units pending further meetings with HUD. Old Business covered the finalization and upcoming posting of the deputy executive director position, and progress on the Lynfield Community Center lease application. In reports, the Chairperson updated the board on the Choice Neighborhood Steering Committee meeting and the need for an Executive Session to discuss By-Law revisions and Conflict of Interest Disclosures. The board also received training on essential housing authority awareness topics. New business involved addressing challenges with the current grass-cutting contractor, leading to the approval of the second bidder for the 2024 contract. Resolutions were tabled regarding approving a contract to replace roofs at Marvine and hiring an additional Clerk Typist II for the Family Development Office, though the motion to hire the Clerk Typist passed. Committee reports highlighted activities such as promotion of the scholarship program, the upcoming summer camp, and logistics for a food truck fundraiser. A public comment concerned delayed mail delivery and potential late fees for rent.