Theresa Reustle

The meeting agenda included a workshop segment covering the Chairwoman's Remarks, the President's Report, an Executive Session, and a Review of Resolutions. The subsequent Commissioners' Meeting involved roll call, acknowledgment of visitors, reports from the Secretary/Treasurer for October and November 2025, and the President's Report. Key resolutions addressed the adoption of Public Housing Flat Rents and Affordable Rental Rents effective April 1, 2026. Further resolutions authorized the payment in lieu of taxes for specific projects for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, and approved travel for staff to attend the 2026 PAHRA Legislative Summit and the 2026 NAHRO Washington Conference. Additionally, resolutions covered executing contracts and purchase orders for HVAC upgrades, laundry room service/maintenance, fire alarm system upgrades, utility task vehicles, general vehicle purchases, building management system upgrades, and replacement of staff mobile tablets.

The meeting encompassed a Workshop, Annual, and Commissioners Meeting. Key discussions during the workshop included recognition of a new ROSS Service Coordinator, RHA's participation in the Reading Holiday Parade, and a detailed review of the draft 2026 Annual Plan, which was delayed due to federal issues. Proposed policy adjustments for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, specifically concerning families transitioning from COVID-related Emergency Housing Vouchers, were outlined. Potential 2026 fiscal year activities involved using the HUD Restore-Rebuild strategy at Emma Lazarus Townhomes and soliciting Project-Based Vouchers. The board agreed to schedule a special virtual meeting in January to facilitate the timely adoption of the Annual Plan. A major operational discussion centered on heating systems, particularly the need to advance the Hensler Homes project—converting its 64-year-old heating infrastructure to an all-electric heat pump system due to safety and reliability concerns. This advancement necessitates reprioritizing the rolling five-year capital plan. The Annual Meeting portion involved the election of 2026 officers, including the Chairwoman, Vice-Chairwoman, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, and Secretary-Treasurer, and the formal approval of the 2026 Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule. The subsequent Regular Meeting portion acknowledged the approval of the October 28, 2025, minutes.

This Annual Plan, serving as year two of the 2025-2029 Five-Year Plan, outlines the Reading Housing Authority's financial conditions, goals, and objectives for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2026. The plan aims to provide a foundation for residents to achieve aspirations by focusing on three strategic goals: Improving Resident Connections, Delivering Human Services with a zero-eviction philosophy, and Building Operational Capability through enhanced staff development, technology use, and risk management. Key initiatives include a software transition for improved customer service and the launch of resource centers to support self-sufficiency.

The Reading Housing Authority Board of Commissioners held a meeting that included staff recognitions and the introduction of a new ROSS Service Coordinator. An update was provided on the recent audit, which received the highest level of reporting with no internal control issues or compliance findings. The board was updated on the impacts of the government shutdown on RHA, including canceled NSPIRE inspections and minor disruptions to access in HUD's Line of Credit Controls System (LOCCS). The board discussed statistical changes related to the ongoing Yardi software implementation, a high number of vacancies, and issues related to residents not consistently reporting income changes. The board approved contracts for River Oak Apartments-Phase III Exterior Renovations, Oakbrook Homes Center for Early Education (Patton Avenue Learning Center), Exterior Signage Replacement & Upgrades at Various RHA Properties, HVAC Upgrades at Various RHA Properties, and the Exterior Electrical Replacement & Upgrades at Sylvania Homes. The board also accepted the Audit Report of Basic Financial Statements & Supplementary Information for Fiscal Year End March 31, 2025.

The Reading Housing Authority's Five-Year Strategic Plan, spanning April 2025 to March 2030, is designed to provide a foundation for residents to achieve their aspirations. The plan is structured around four key pillars: providing housing choice by expanding the housing continuum and offering diverse options; improving customer connections through enhanced services and resident satisfaction assessments; delivering comprehensive human services with increased funding, case management, and safety initiatives; and building robust operational capabilities through staff development, risk management, and organizational planning. The plan also incorporates compliance with regulations such as the Violence Against Women Act to ensure resident safety and support.