Marcus Patel

The key discussion topics for this regular meeting include the adoption of the agenda, a period for public comments, and reports from Commissioners and Officers of the Board. The Consent Agenda covers approval of the January 14, 2026, minutes, claims, personnel transactions, and Resolution No. 2665 regarding employer contribution fixation under the Public Employees Medical and Hospital Care Act (PERS). Under the Executive Director section, reports will be presented on government funding changes and social media efforts. Additionally, authorization will be sought for the formation of a Scholarship Selection Committee for the 2026 Max Bacerra Scholarship Awards Program. The document also references the minutes of the January 14, 2026, meeting.

This five-year PHA Plan outlines the mission to improve the quality of life for low-income residents of Kern County by providing safe, affordable housing and fostering self-sufficiency and homeownership. Key strategic areas include expanding the supply of affordable housing through new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation, providing permanent supportive housing for at least 1,500 more persons experiencing homelessness, and assisting 100 households in obtaining homeownership. The plan also focuses on strengthening internal operations by reducing employee turnover by 10%, improving employee satisfaction, ensuring outstanding customer service with 75% satisfaction, and achieving positive financial outcomes across all properties.

This document outlines the Capital Fund Program's Five-Year Action Plan for the Housing Authority of the County of Kern, detailing planned expenditures and work statements from 2025 to 2029. The plan focuses on capital fund administration and significant new construction projects, including the replacement of Plaza Towers Annex and Plaza Towers under the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, alongside general administration of the capital fund program.

The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda included several key actions. The Consent Agenda involved approvals for personnel transactions, revisions to the LIPH Admissions and Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy, approval of the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee Supplier Diversity Plan, and authorization of an agreement with Alvarez & Womble Construction, Inc for SB 721 Repairs. A Public Hearing was scheduled to receive comments regarding the Housing Authority's Annual Plan to HUD for FY 2025/2026, the 5-Year Plan 2025-2029, and related action plans. The Board was scheduled to adopt resolutions finalizing the 5-Year Plan and Capital Fund Program Action Plan. Financial matters included a presentation of the Draft Agency Audit Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024. Executive Director items included authorizations for allocating Project-Based Vouchers for Fairfax Development and Newman Gardens, and a report on Alternate Housing Types goals. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss potential litigation and a claim rejection related to Christina Sparks.

The planned Regular Meeting agenda includes recognition of the Ravi & Naina Patel Foundation for their support of resident services programs, followed by public comments. The Consent Agenda covers approval of March 12, 2025 minutes, claims, personnel transactions, approval of COLA adjustments to the Personnel Policy, a shortfall status update, and authorizations for agreements regarding tenant improvements for a Community Kitchen and replacement of a diesel storage tank. A Public Hearing is scheduled regarding job vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts. Finance items include resolutions for approving Low-Income Public Housing and other operating program budgets for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The Executive Director's section features updates on development activity, a resolution to apply for Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Funds, and approval of agreements for IT services. The meeting concludes with a Closed Session to discuss potential litigation.