Gerald Cichon

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners for Housing Opportunity Management Enterprises (HOME), along with Paisano Housing Redevelopment Corporation (PHRC) and EP Fortysixforty9 PFC Residential, was held as a hybrid meeting. Key discussions included a Homeownership Program Presentation. The consent agenda covered the renewal of a contract for Escrow, Title and related services, the authorization of a new contract for Real Estate Brokerage Services procured via RFP, and an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement with Richmond Housing Authority. Regular agenda items involved updates on Development and Construction, discussion and potential adoption of the HOME 2026-2030 Strategic Plan (HOME Resolution No. 312), and action regarding the formation of Blue Flame Group. Significant actions related to property included discussions and approval actions concerning the Forty649 Apartments financing via Residential Development Revenue Bonds (HOME Resolution No. 324 and EP Forty649 PFC Residential No. 001 Resolution) and support for the purchase of Palomar West Apartments, including the potential formation of EP Palomar West PFC. The board also planned to discuss the annual performance evaluation and employment terms for the Chief Executive Officer. Anticipated executive session topics included consultation with legal counsel, deliberation on real property/market opportunities, and personnel matters regarding the CEO evaluation.

The meeting included discussions and possible actions on various topics, including contract renewals and modifications for financial advisory and construction services, resolutions approving the 2026 employee health benefits plan and agency budget, and the establishment of EP Forty649 PFC. Also addressed were amendments to bylaws and signature authority levels, approvals related to a Master Trust Indenture and apartment acquisitions, the establishment of a Technology and Services Unit, and the financial closing and construction of the South Mesa Hills I Apartments. The board may convene in an executive session to discuss legal matters, housing needs, and market opportunities.

The meeting includes discussion and action on various topics such as authorizing the Contracting Officer to sign a new Contract for Bond Counsel RFQ, Scattered Sites Property Clean-Up RFP, Housing Quality Standards and NSPIRE Inspection Services RFP, and approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Participate in the 65th Family District Court Family Drug Court. It also covers updates on Development/Construction, annual procurement training to Commissioners, demolition and disposition of the existing Siesta Gardens Site, and the 2023 Yearly Utility Allowance Schedule for the Housing Choice Voucher program. Additionally, there will be Secretary's reports including a legislative and CDBG update, and Chief Financial Officer Quarterly reports. The Board of Commissioners may also go into executive session to discuss pending litigation matters and potential lease, sale, or exchange of real estate.

The meeting included discussion and possible action on the HOME fiscal year 2024 budget, revisions and updates to the HOME Accounting and Budget Policy Manual, and revisions and updates to the EP Home PFC Procurement and Contracting Policy for Properties Governed Solely by State Law Procurement. The board also considered transferring the title of the 1600 Montana Ave property to Paisano Housing Redevelopment Corporation, renewing a lease agreement with Emergence Health Network for the property, and authorizing applications for low-income housing tax credits. Additionally, there were discussions on a new contract for EP Patriot Place IIA, a change order for the HVAC contract at Cielo Tower, and authorizing the issuance of Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds for the South Mesa Hills Apartments project. The meeting also covered an update on Scattered Sites and a Groundbreaking Recap. The board went into an executive session to discuss pending litigation matters and potential real estate transactions.

The Housing Opportunity Management Enterprises (HOME) is inviting public comments on proposed changes to the Housing Choice Voucher Payment Standards, which will become effective November 1, 2024. The public can review the Housing Choice Voucher Payment Standards at HOME's Central Administrative Offices and on its website. Written comments may be submitted during the review period.