Stacy Schmitz

The Board of Commissioners discussed and approved the auditor's reports for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and a contract for generator replacement at Empire Apartments. Additionally, the Board reviewed activity reports detailing the status of various rental properties, voucher programs including the Bring it Home program, single-family rehab programs, and recent SEMAP scores. General updates included information on staff training and occupancy vacancy rates across various housing funds.

The board discussed operations during the study session. The regular meeting addressed the write-off of uncollectible resident accounts receivable, the formal approval of interfund transfers and loans to satisfy HUD reporting requirements, and the approval of a change order for the Wilson Domestic and Sanitary Pipe Replacement Project. Additionally, the board approved a new 60-month Managed Account Program contract for copiers and printers, and received a report on activities concerning the rental portfolio, voucher programs, and single-family rehab programs.

The board conducted its annual meeting to address organizational and administrative tasks, including the election of board officers and the review of the code of professional conduct and ethics. The meeting included the designation of board committees, official newspaper, official depository, legal representation, and auditors. Additionally, the board discussed setting commissioner compensation for the upcoming year and established the meeting calendar for 2025. An annual report for 2024 was presented, covering various housing initiatives, department reports, and performance metrics related to management and assessment programs.

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 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.