Brownsville Housing Authority

The document is a Board Packet for a Regular Meeting, which includes minutes from a previous meeting held by the Brownsville Housing Opportunity Corporation (BHOC) on May 28th, 2020. Key discussions and actions included presenting a consolidated summary of the Operating Budget for BHOC for Fiscal Year 2021, noting significant increases in revenue and expenses largely driven by General Contractor income and expenses related to Poinsettia Gardens at Boca Chica and Trail Village projects. The Board also discussed major replacement reserve work projects for RAD properties. During the Executive Session, the Board discussed LIHTC Allocations for Poinsettia Gardens and Trail Village, and the El Jardin Project. Subsequent action approved the Construction Contract related to the 2019 9% LIHTC Allocation for Trail Village. Furthermore, the Board reviewed administrative recommendations to approve several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) concerning partnership definitions and funding allocations between BHOC, various Resident Councils (Citrus Gardens Annex, Linda Vista, Sunset Terrance, Las Brisas, Rose Gardens, Scattered Sites), and the Resident Advisory Board (RAB). The packet also detailed the acceptance of the BHOC Fiscal Year End 2019 Annual Audit.

The Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville's Five-Year PHA Plan outlines a strategic direction to increase opportunities for affordable, quality housing and support self-sufficiency through collaborative partnerships. Key pillars include expanding the supply and improving the quality of assisted housing, increasing housing choices, providing an improved living environment, promoting self-sufficiency and asset development, and ensuring equal opportunity and affirmatively furthering fair housing.

The meeting agenda included several key items, beginning with the Oaths of Office for newly appointed or confirmed Commissioners. Action items involved the consideration and possible approval of resolutions for the Revised Housing Choice Voucher Program's Regular and Energy Efficient Utility Allowance Schedules, effective June 1, 2021, following an analysis showing a greater than 10% change in natural gas rates. Another action item was the adoption of a resolution to amend the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy to allow for Remote Video-Assisted Inspections, detailing the procedure and technology needed, including a budget impact for electronic devices. The Board also considered and approved a resolution for the 2021 Annual Plan and Five-Year Action Plan for the Capital Funds Program, noting adjustments to the 2022 CFP Budget due to a reduction in Public Housing units, with most Capital Funds planned for the demolition of the Bougainvillea Development. Approval was sought for the job description and investment in the part-time position of BiblioTech Lab Specialist. Additionally, the Board approved the updated HACB Organization Chart, clarifying staffing levels and transitions related to the RAD Team. Finally, the Board approved an extension of the Bank Depository Services Contract with BBVA until July 31, 2021, to allow for pending review of RFPs for new services. Financial reports for the month ending March 2021 and quarterly reports for HACB LIHTC Properties were also presented and reviewed. The Board recessed for an Executive Session to discuss matters including tax credit projects and the CEO Contract, subsequently tabling action on the CEO Contract discussion.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included the minutes of the March 29th, 2021, meeting and consideration for an extension to Hazard Pay for identified positions through May 30th, 2021. A primary action item regarding the award of a contract for "On Call Architectural & Engineering Services" was tabled. The board proceeded with the presentation of Letters of Re-Appointment, Statements of Appointed Officers, and administered the Oath of Office to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Resident Commissioner for new terms. Financial Reports for March 2021 were presented, detailing performance across Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Non-Profit Corporations, and various grant programs, as well as the Quarterly Report of Investments for the period ending March 31st, 2021. An Executive Session was held to discuss the development of housing tax credit projects (Poinsettia Gardens at Boca Chica, Trail Village, El Jardin) and the CEO Contract, which resulted in the subsequent approval of the Second Amendment of the CEO's Employment Contract. The meeting concluded with discussions regarding future agenda items, including the HACB Audit, Salary Comparability Analysis, and Budget Workshop, and the plan to initiate Phase I of the Re-Opening of HACB Offices on June 1st, 2021.

The Board addressed several key items, including the approval of consent agenda items, which included extensions to Sick Leave Flexibility provisions and Hazard Pay provisions through November 29, 2020. Action items involved approving an agreement with Bexar County for developing a digital library (BiblioTech Center) at three locations, which requires a subsequent MOU with the City of Brownsville's Library Department. The Board also approved advertising an Invitation for Bids for the Victoria Gardens Office Remodel and tabled a related action item. Financial reports for September 2020 covering Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Non-Profit Corporations were presented, along with a Quarterly Investment Report ending September 30, 2020. The Board convened in Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and LIHTC project development. Other actions included approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas for a Pregnant Post-Partum Intervention Program, approving a revised Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) effective December 1, 2020, to incorporate a homeless preference via MOU with Good Neighbor Settlement House, and approving revised Utility Allowance Schedules for Public Housing and Tax Credit Properties effective January 1, 2021. The CEO also celebrated her work anniversary.