Karen Rizer

The Board discussed and took action on several items, including the authorization of a loan for Empire Apartments, the selection of project-based vouchers for Vista on Pinecone, and approval of a housing tax credit sub-allocator joint powers agreement. Additionally, the Board awarded contracts for lawn maintenance services and attic fire suppression replacement at Westwood One. A comprehensive report on activities was presented, covering updates on the rental portfolio, relocation planning for Empire Apartments, voucher program performance, and single-family rehabilitation initiatives.

The regular meeting agenda included approval of the current agenda and previous study session and regular meeting minutes from August 25, 2025. Key discussion items involved the review of the 2025 Financial Report and the approval of a contract for asphalt replacement at the HRA Main office. New business focused on the approval of a resolution authorizing the continuation of employee units in public housing (Empire and Wilson Apartments), approval for concrete replacement at four scattered site homes, and authorization for the Board Chair to negotiate the Executive Director hiring and contract with Lori Lindberg. A report on activities covered a cooking fire incident at Al Loehr Apartments, notification of funding for Empire Apartment's water and sewer line replacement, and staff participation in upcoming community events like Project Connect and the Veterans StandDown.

The meeting agenda included a Study Session to discuss the Preliminary Pay 2026 Tax Levy and the COCC Budget. Key new business items for the Regular Meeting included the approval of a Joint Powers Agreement with St. Cloud Technical and Community College for a home build project, approval of a contract for the construction of a single-family home at 152 19th Avenue North, approval of a contract for common area furnace and air conditioner replacement at Swisshelm Village Two Apartments, approval of Resolution 2025-09 concerning acceptance of the HUD Continuum of Care DV Rapid Re-housing Grant, approval of a Subrecipient Agreement with Lutheran Social Services for administering the aforementioned grant, approval of Resolution 2025-10 adopting the Special Tax Levy for 2026, and approval of Resolution 2025-11 authorizing a loan for Wilson Apartments. The board also reviewed a request for approval regarding reduced payment standards for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program to correct a rounding error that previously set standards above HUD maximums.

The Regular Meeting agenda included several action items. Key discussions involved the approval of Resolution 2026-02, which requests the City of St. Cloud to amend Ordinance No. 988 regarding the authority to exercise powers conferred by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 462C.01 to 462C.07 for single-family and multifamily housing programs. This resolution was necessitated by revisions to the Municipal Housing Act. Other new business included the Approval of Environmental Review Policy and a Report on Activities. The meeting structure also provided for a preceding Study Session focusing on the Community Development Block Grant Program and an overview of the City of St. Cloud 2025 Comprehensive Plan Road Map. Public comments were reserved for an Open Forum, with potential follow-up reports referred to Administration.

The document details two concurrent meetings: the Annual Meeting and the Regular Meeting, both held on the same day. The Annual Meeting agenda focused on organizational matters, including the Election of Board Officers for 2026, Review and Approval of Professional Responsibilities and the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, Designation of various Committees and Officials (Newspaper, Depository, Legal Representation, Auditors), setting Commissioner Compensation for 2026, discussion of future meeting times, and presentation of Annual Reports for 2025 covering performance metrics (SEMAP/PHAS scores), waiting lists, goals progress, and property management statistics (vacancy rates, resident demographics). The Regular Meeting agenda included approval of the agenda, previous meeting minutes (Study Session and Regular Meeting from December 17, 2025), approval of a Pay Equity Report and a Change in Capitalization Threshold for Equipment, approval of an Amended and Restated Exclusive Letter of Intent, and approval for a Change Order on the Wilson Domestic and Sanitary Pipe Replacement Project. New Business included approval of contract for Design/Engineering Services for the Empire Apartments Pipe Replacement and approval of a Resolution for the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) Certification.