Patricia Domask

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the interim chairman, James Mateni, filling in for the absent interim chairman Brewer. The agenda approved included centering thoughts, a report from the interim CEO Angelo Hurlock, public testimony on general matters, and subsequent committee meetings for Finance and Audit, Real Estate, and Tenant Services. The board formally welcomed new Commissioner Lesan Cobb, who is also a homeowner resident, and provided introductions for recently appointed commissioners Juliana Gonzalez Cruy and Janza Malone. Key discussions involved the transition process, including engaging an external firm for a national search for the next CEO, planned to conclude by the end of the first quarter next year. Updates were provided on internal initiatives such as a comprehensive employee survey to assess support and connectivity to the mission, and extensive board visits to nearly 60 CHA properties to identify areas for improvement. The interim CEO highlighted recent successes, including a ribbon-cutting for the remodeled Irene McCoy Gaines, coat distribution to 5,000 youth through Operation Warm, networking at the annual CHA and Springboard to Success event, the launch of a new CHA website, and the grand opening of the Follia Residences at the Chicago Lighthouse, which includes significant project-based voucher commitments. The interim CEO also emphasized plans to increase accountability and improve services through resident surveys and turning listening into action.

This special board meeting was convened for the reconsideration of the elevator item deferred from the March 15 regular board meeting, as well as personnel matters. The primary agenda item involved authorization for the entity to participate in the Omni Cooperative elevator modernization, maintenance, and repair contract with Otis Elevators for a base term of three years, with two one-year options. Discussions focused on the contract value ($3.346 million for three years), the turnkey modernization program, remote elevator monitoring, and Otis's compliance with MWDDBE requirements through direct participation with subcontractors for drywalling/repair and cab installation. Significant discussion also centered on workforce development, specifically outlining a pathway for residents to gain prerequisites (like welding, OSHA, CPR) to qualify for the union apprenticeship program, which is anticipated to start accepting candidates in 2023. Commissioners inquired about guaranteed training positions, starting wages, and the location of the affected buildings.

The meeting began with administrative announcements regarding commissioner participation by video conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the planned return to in-person meetings in September 2021 unless extensions are made. The Finance and Audit Committee meeting was called to order, and a motion was passed to hold the meeting remotely. The committee then moved into a closed session to discuss audit reviews, personnel matters, and pending litigation. Upon returning to open session, the committee approved the minutes for the May 18, 2021, regular and closed meetings. The main business involved a recommendation to accept and submit the Chicago Housing Authority's (CHA) Financial Statement Audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2020, which received an unmodified opinion from Ernest & Young. The meeting also featured significant discussion and presentations on community investments, including a resource center and library, affordable housing projects setting a blueprint for equitable city development, workforce development initiatives like the Jobs Plus program, and support for residents through initiatives like Operation Warm 2020 (coat distribution) and language access services for limited English proficiency populations.

The public comment session addressed several concerns raised by participants. Topics included challenges faced by residents attempting to transition off Section 8 housing, specifically regarding utility allowance disputes and difficulty in recognizing Powers of Attorney for income reporting. Participants also raised issues concerning promised coats for seniors and alleged retaliation in CAC elections, calling for investigations from OIG and HUD. Other major discussions involved the need for staff and Board accountability, requests for the audit report, concerns about migrant spending and housing applications, and issues related to contract pricing models, Section 3 program operations, and payment delays within construction programs. One resident also reported a sustained internet service outage following testing by a vendor.

This document outlines the Chicago Housing Authority's (CHA) Moving to Work Annual Plan, detailing five sections that include projections for unit delivery, anticipated development and capital construction, financial information, updates on ongoing MTW activities, and proposals for new MTW activities. Key proposals include a flat medical deduction for elderly and disabled households, utilizing voucher size to determine payment standards, sampling HQS inspections, and expanding eligibility for triennial re-examinations. The plan also emphasizes resident services, including relocation support, economic independence, earning power, academic achievement, and stability and quality of life initiatives, with specific outcome targets for 2021.