Winooski Housing Authority

The meeting included updates on activities during COVID-19 operations, including hazard pay for staff and concerns about tenant isolation. The board discussed waiting for the Governor's extension regarding social gatherings before opening community rooms. There was a RAD update, approval of an electrical contract for family units, and approval of a lease with the Winooski School District. The board reviewed HUD waivers related to income verification, inspections, paperwork access, and public meetings. Other business included updates on software, landlord payments, contract awards, and work delays due to the pandemic. The use of HCV vouchers as project-based vouchers and strategies for dealing with potential COVID-19 cases in buildings were also discussed.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on the financial position of the Voucher Program, noting projections are difficult due to external factors like family income changes and uncertainty regarding the congressional budget; expenses are currently covered through December, but January presents a challenge, potentially exacerbated by a new city fee. The Board reviewed the draft Annual Plan for FY 27, acknowledging funding uncertainty and discussing improvements for future recertification visits, specifically involving interpreter scheduling. Initial considerations were given to an organizational chart restructure merging maintenance and property management departments and a proposed 5% health insurance increase. Updates were provided on securing managed IT services with Symquest and new phone contracts. Notification only reports were given for Emergency Management and Unapproved Guests policy deferrals.

The meeting included the approval of the agency's five-year and annual plan, with a resolution authorizing the Chair to sign the confirmation. A commissioner volunteered for the bylaw review.

The Board of Commissioners meeting involved a review and subsequent approval of the Agency Plan. The Executive Director and Chair summarized feedback received on the plan. Following confirmation that no changes were necessary, the Agency Plan was accepted as written.

The key discussion item involved the review and adoption of changes to the Administrative Plan language concerning the reduction of vouchers due to insufficient funding. The motion to adopt these changes passed unanimously.