Julie Velazquez

The board meeting included the swearing-in of a new commissioner and a public participation session addressing resident concerns regarding vehicle towing policies and property maintenance issues at the Graham Apartments. The Executive Director provided updates on financial operations, the successful securing of $10 million in Capital Improvement Funding for the Mount Pleasant redevelopment, and ongoing efforts to improve maintenance and occupancy rates. The board received a project update on the RAD initiative, which involves state and federal funding, prevailing wage requirements, and upcoming resident assessments for the next phase. Additionally, the board approved resolutions authorizing an amended contract for basement waterproofing, the submission of a HUD application for the public housing portfolio, and the engagement of a bond financial advisor.

The Board conducted a swearing-in ceremony for its Commissioners and addressed public concerns regarding recent board appointment notifications. The Executive Director presented a report covering agency stabilization progress, recent property inspection results, and strategies to improve occupancy rates. Furthermore, an update on the RAD redevelopment program was provided, detailing funding structures, Phase I construction plans, and relocation protections. The Board also approved resolutions to write off uncollectable rents for the previous quarter and to authorize the procurement of new fleet vehicles.

The meeting included the acceptance of the Executive Director's and Finance Expenditures report for November 2025, which detailed end-of-year operations, maintenance project status, and a temporary pause on using a contractor for unit turnovers pending procurement review. An update on the RAD redevelopment project confirmed guidance from HUD for financial plan submission and discussions with City representatives regarding the cooperation agreement. New business involved a detailed RAD update, noting the validity of the environmental review and the intention to proceed with the second-lowest responsive bidder, Pac Group, LLC, for general contracting, with a construction budget around $57 million. The Board also reviewed and approved the projected 2026 operating budget, which anticipated a net income of $98,975 and detailed revenue assumptions for various programs, balanced against expense increases including labor, utilities, and insurance. Resolutions were approved for the submission of the 2026 Project-Based Federal Low Rent Operating Budget and ratification of a one-year ground lease option for Phase II of the Mount Pleasant RAD project.

The primary discussion item involved the approval of Resolution #25-017, which authorizes the amendment of the contract with Censere Consulting LLC. This amendment is for Censere Consulting LLC to perform a comprehensive agency management review (AMR) for the Housing Authority at a fixed fee not to exceed $120,000.

The meeting addressed numerous public concerns primarily focused on safety, maintenance, and resident communication. Specific issues included persistent maintenance problems like ceiling leaks, challenges in forming a tenant council, repeated front door break-ins, and package theft due to unsecured delivery locations. Staff was directed to follow up on inspections, review security footage, and propose solutions for package security and parking enforcement. Operational updates included the temporary shutdown of a building due to heating system failure, eviction proceedings for unauthorized occupants, and progress on roofing and siding improvements at Kennedy Apartments. New Business included advancing the RAD project timeline, and the approval of resolutions establishing the 2026 housing choice voucher program payment standard at 100% of HUD's FMRs, revising flat rent rates, and amending the contract with Censere Consulting LLC for legal services related to the Mount Pleasant Redevelopment project.