Vincent M. Bufis

The meeting covered agency-wide updates regarding HUD budget allocations and the potential for opening the Section 8 waiting list. Key topics discussed included the transition to a new inspection vendor, Nan McKay, and a review of rent increase policies, including rent caps and rent reasonableness standards. The session also addressed upcoming landlord symposium events and featured a Q&A segment regarding specific procedures for rent increase submissions, the prohibition of renting to relatives, and requirements for notifying the Housing Authority during tenant disputes or eviction court processes.

The board received and reviewed reports from the Executive Director and the Attorney. Several resolutions were approved, including authorization for routine expenditures, a service contract for emergency generator maintenance, a change order for engineering and architectural services for roof fan replacement at Highland View Apartments, a contract for accounting and financial advisory services, and the purchase of a condominium property.

The board discussed the relocation of the Board Room to a new, more efficient space and the potential repurposing of the old office for file organization. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the management of the Assisted Housing Department, specifically issues related to conflicting procedures, and the recommendation to hire an independent consultant to review operations, procedures, and compliance. The board also addressed various resolutions, including approvals for routine expenditures, legal services agreements, software agreements, and a grant agreement for security deposit assistance.

The board meeting covered several operational and financial topics. Discussions included staffing updates regarding administrative vacancies and employee performance evaluations, alongside a recognition of staff response during a safety-related incident. In assisted housing and finance, the board addressed budget adjustments, program participation metrics, and revised financial reporting models for the Housing Choice Voucher program. Field operations provided updates on vacancy reports and capital funding, while information technology initiatives were discussed, including plans for on-line rental payments and internal agency evaluations. The board reviewed and approved resolutions regarding routine expenditures, professional consulting services for interior design, e-procurement software, and the renewal of the Executive Director's employment contract. Additionally, the attorney reported on eviction matters and affordable housing unit re-sales.

The board received an update regarding a successful lender inspection at the Upper Saddle River Senior Residence and discussed charitable donations provided to veterans. The attorney presented an amendment to the management agreement between the Housing Authority of Bergen County and the Housing Development Corporation to incorporate newly acquired properties. Consent agenda items approved included routine expenditures, a grant agreement for the replacement of decks and retaining walls, a contract for HVAC maintenance services, and the amendment to the management agreement for specific Hackensack properties.