Ana Mejia

The annual board meeting included several special presentations concerning the organization's operations and future. Presentations covered an introduction to Big Waters Land Trust and their youth programming, a review of SHA's compensation and benefits program compared to peer agencies, and a historical overview detailing SHA's growth, re-development projects, and staff expansion over the last 20 years. Updates were provided by the City Commission Liaison regarding the downtown Sarasota project and community feedback on public parking in the new McCown Tower design. Public comments highlighted concerns over poor lighting at McCown Towers, the need to reinstate the wellness check program, resident concerns regarding unit design (lack of natural light) and unit width in the new McCown Tower plans, and inquiries about past evictions due to rent increases. Old business focused on obstacles and necessary cost comparisons for upgrading the exterior east stairwell at the McCown Annex. Development updates included progress on The Lofts on Lemon (Phase II), Cypress II, and other multi-phase projects. New business involved addressing the shortfall of Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) funding and outlining options to mitigate subsidy loss for affected families.

The regular board meeting included a special presentation by the Education Foundation regarding programs and services for SHA student residents, with several students presenting on their college plans and scholarships. The City Commission Liaison provided updates on current SHA projects, including Lofts on Lemon II, Amaryllis IV, and Central Gardens/22nd Street, and discussed the potential need for rezoning McCown Towers and partnership opportunities on a downtown Sarasota affordable housing project. Public presentations addressed concerns regarding the counting of repaid loans in resident bank accounts during recertifications, the relocation of residents from demolished courts residences, and an urgent medical need for a resident relocation to a first-floor unit. The Board approved resolutions for the Whistleblower Policy and the Bertha Mitchell IFB Contract Approval, following discussions on handicapped unit availability and HVAC relocation impacts. Old Business updates covered pending litigation that may secure $15 million in funding for the McCown New Tower/Parking Garage, commencement of pre-construction work for Lofts on Lemon Phase II, and the start of construction for Amaryllis III/Cypress II/Courts II. The Board also unanimously approved signing an agreement for the donation of flower tree sculptures for Lofts on Lemon I and II developments. Program Updates, including financial statements and various reports, were accepted by consent.

This Annual PHA Plan outlines the organization's mission, goals, and objectives for serving low-income families. Key strategic pillars include expanding the housing choice voucher program and increasing the portfolio of affordable housing units through redevelopment initiatives. The plan also focuses on improving youth education and development, enhancing access to early childhood education, increasing homeownership rates among low-income residents, and deconcentrating poverty through community revitalization efforts.

The special meeting focused primarily on Resolution 25-06 concerning the closing and construction of Amaryllis Park Place III (also referred to as Cypress Square II). Discussions involved clarifying naming conventions for development phases, detailing the project scope of 108 units across three buildings, and reviewing funding sources, which heavily rely on a 4% bond deal supplemented by funds from Lee County, storm-related funding, construction loans, and developer fees. Legal counsel provided clarification on the bond indenture, and staff reported awaiting investor/lender approval for requested project-based vouchers. Separately, in Old Business, the decision to cancel the contract for additional office space was reported due to the discovery of a 24-year-old roof in poor condition that could not be insured, leading to a rejected request for a $25,000 credit. Concerns were also raised regarding potential reductions in the HUD budget and future uncertainty surrounding the HUD bill and Section 8 programs. The potential for utilizing underutilized space within the current building or at Cyprus Square for office planning was discussed.

The Regular Meeting included several key actions taken by consent, such as the approval of Resolution 25-07 for writing off uncollectible accounts totaling $51,662.65, Resolution 25-08 approving the FY2026 operating budget which included a recommended 4% merit increase, and Resolution 25-09 to amend the HCV Admin Plan to incorporate tri-annual recertifications for fixed-income households, pursuant to HOTMA legislation. Old Business involved a revision to the Resident Advisory Board/Resident Council Draft Budget, where the Professional Services line item was modified to Professional Development/Training and reduced by half. New Business included the approval of resident-led Zoom meetings as a replacement for formal ad hoc Resident Interest Board Committee Meetings.