Melissa Hernandez

This Administrative Plan for the Housing Authority of the City of Laredo outlines policies for the operation and administration of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. It provides written policies governing the admissions and continued occupancy of HCV program participants, aiming to increase the availability of decent, safe, and affordable housing, improve community quality of life, and promote self-sufficiency. The plan covers various programs including Tenant-Based, Project-Based, HUD-VASH, Foster Youth to Independence, Family Self-Sufficiency, Emergency Housing, Mainstream, Stability Vouchers, and Special Housing Types, while emphasizing nondiscrimination and equal housing opportunities.

The meeting included standard opening procedures such as the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. A session was reserved for Citizens Comments with a three-minute limitation per speaker, where visitors could address the Board. A key segment involved a public hearing to receive comments and input regarding the proposed Annual PHA Plan and Five-Year Action Plan for fiscal years 2026-2030. The consent agenda covered several items, including approving the writing-off of non-collectible accounts for vacated units, consideration of the 2026 Housing Choice Voucher Program Payment Standard amounts, authorization for contract extensions with Roger's Cabello Towing & Storage Co. and Praetorian Security & Investigations, LLC., and approval of updated policies such as the Procurement Policy, Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act Policy (VAWA), Emergency Transfer Plan, Assistance and Service Animal Policy, Pest Eradication Policy, Maintenance Plan, and Pet Ownership Policy, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan. Action items included finalizing and adopting the Annual PHA Plan and the 2026-2030 PHA Five Year Action Plan, approving the Capital Fund Program Amendment to the Consolidated Annual Contributions Contract for Calendar Year 2025, and discussion regarding the implementation of a hiring freeze for management and supervisory positions pending the Executive Director's performance evaluation. The agenda also reserved time for a potential executive session to discuss attorney-client matters, real property, or personnel matters.

The Board meeting included a dispensation of initial administrative items such as the Pledge of Allegiance and declaration of quorum. Key discussions focused on action items, including the approval for writing-off non-collectible amounts for vacated Public Housing, Russell Terrace, Meadow Elderly, and Farm Labor units spanning from October 1, 2022, through March 31, 2023. Furthermore, the Board awarded two RFPs: RFP No. 2023-0130-2 for Integrated Pest Management & On-Call Services to JD's Pest Control, and RFP No. 2023-0130-1 for Landscaping & Ground Maintenance to Airstream Professional Misting Systems.

The meeting included the opening formalities, such as the invocation and pledge of allegiance. A public hearing was held to receive comments regarding the proposed Annual PHA Plan and Five-Year Action Plan for fiscal years 2024-2028, which was subsequently closed. The Consent Agenda included the ratification of the renewal for Commercial Liability and Property Insurance, approval of Public Housing Flat Rents effective January 1, 2024, and authorization for staff travel to an Executive Directors Meeting and a training session. Action items included awarding the Unarmed Security Services Contract to Praetorian Security & Investigations. Discussions in Executive Session led to the approval of a favorable performance evaluation for the Executive Director and finalization of her employment contract. Furthermore, the Board approved the recommendation to hire Gustavo Rojo-Buendia as Assistant Executive Director.

The meeting included considerations for extending contracts with multiple companies for various services such as civil engineering, land surveying, structural engineering, mechanical, electrical & plumbing engineering, environmental, geotechnical & materials testing services. Also, there was consideration to award a Physical Needs Assessment & Energy Audit and Project Management Services. The board also discussed extending a contract for General Legal Counsel Services.