Patrick Blackwell

The meetings covered several recurring and unique administrative and operational topics. Key discussions involved the recognition of employees of the month, the approval of moving services contracts, and change orders for building renovations including corridor lighting at Brackenridge Hall and infrastructure work at Millview Acres. The Board addressed policy amendments for the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy, the disposition of units under the Section 18 program, and the renewal of various insurance policies including fiduciary, cyber liability, and property coverage. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved the monthly write-offs for uncollectible tenant accounts, finalized the appointment of board officers for the calendar year, and evaluated a proposed partnership with Computer Reach to expand digital access and workforce development for residents.

Key discussions included special recognition for an employee, Marie Gahagen, for her flexibility during organizational consolidation. Old business involved an update on the Fiduciary Liability Insurance premium, confirming the amount remains $9,071. New business resolutions authorized the award of contracts for Authority-Wide Moving Services to Dan Farr Moving Services (ACHA-1726-A) and Metro Movers (ACHA-1726-B). Additionally, the Board approved a change order (EC-5) to Sargent Electric for $41,545.00 to replace corridor lighting at Brackenridge Hall, authorized the write-off of $47,335.30 in Tenant Accounts Receivable losses for December 2025, and approved the renewal of Flood Insurance policies via NFIP/HAI, noting a premium decrease due to the removal of Hays Manor from coverage. A motion was also passed to change the start time of the February 20, 2026, meeting, and Board Officers for Calendar Year 2026 were appointed.

The agenda for the Board of Directors meeting included standard items such as Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Employee of the Month recognition and Public Comment. Key discussion items involved potential resolutions: Resolution No. 6 of 2026 concerning policy amendments to the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy regarding lifetime ineligibility for certain offenses; Resolution No. 7 of 2026 for the disposition of 6 units at Caldwell Station; and Resolution No. 8 of 2026 to write off Tenant Accounts Receivable collection losses totaling $63,437.05 for January 2026. Additionally, the Board was set to address a motion to approve the Executive Director's salary, discussed in Executive Session and made retroactive to January 1, 2026.

This Annual Agency Plan for the Allegheny County Housing Authority for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 serves as a comprehensive roadmap detailing the organization's policies, rules, and services for low-income families. Key components include revisions to various PHA Plan elements such as housing needs, financial resources, rent determination, and operational management. The plan also outlines new activities, including housing development initiatives, demolition and disposition plans, and capital grant programs. Furthermore, it incorporates a progress report that tracks the achievement of strategic goals focused on financial sustainability, enhancing resident quality of life, maintaining high performance standards, expanding affordable housing options, and fostering a positive organizational image. The document also includes detailed Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policies (ACOP).

The meeting agenda includes requesting approval of professional liability insurance coverages for the period of January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2027, as well as individual property insurance coverages for the same period. Additionally, the agenda addresses requesting approval to write off collection losses from tenant accounts receivable for November. The agenda also covers general items and the meeting's adjournment.