City of Highland Park Housing Commission met September 5.
Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:
Meeting Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Meeting Location: Pre-Session Conference Room, City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL
Call to Order
At 6:30 p.m., Vice Chair Arnold called the regular meeting of the Highland Park Housing Commission, Peers Housing Association, Ravinia Housing Association, Walnut Housing Association, and the Sunset Woods Association to order. Each of the Commissioners also serves as Directors of each of the Housing Associations. Vice Chair Arnold asked Staff to call the roll.
Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Vice Chair Arnold, Commissioners Abreu, Adler, Bernstein & Saret
Commissioners Absent: Chairman Ross & Commissioner Berkun
Councilwoman Present: Holleman
Student Rep Absent: Goldin
Staff declared that a quorum was present.
Staff Present: Later
Guests Present: Kim Ulbrich/CPAH
Also Present: Cerabona
Business from the Public
There was no Business from the Public.
Approval of Minutes
Regular meeting of the Housing Commission – August 1, 2018
Commissioner Bernstein moved to approve the August 1, 2018, meeting minutes. Commissioner Adler seconded the motion.
On a roll call vote:
Voting Yea: Vice Chair Arnold, Commissioners Abreu, Adler, Bernstein & Saret
Voting Nay: None
Vice Chair Arnold declared that the motion passed unanimously.
Executive Session meeting of the Housing Commission – August 1, 2018
Commissioner Adler moved to approve the August 1, 2018, Executive Session meeting minutes.
Commissioner Bernstein seconded the motion.
On a roll call vote:
Voting Yea: Commissioners Abreu, Adler, & Bernstein
Voting Nay: None
Present: Vice Chair Arnold & Saret
Vice Chair Arnold declared that the motion passed unanimously.
Scheduled Business
1. CPAH Grant Request
Vice Chair Arnold introduced Kim Ulbrich, Executive Director, with CPAH. Ms. Ulbrich stated she made a formal operating request of $85,000 (a standard grant amount). She provided history on the Housing Trust Fund. This is 30% (60% of CPAH’s staff time is in Highland Park). Ms. Ulbrich distributed the Annual Report, explained other tasks (as follows) and programs, and mentioned neighbors raved about a family living in Affordable Housing:
Maintain waiting lists (including inclusionary lists)
12 residents in match-savings program
Critical Home Repair Fund (being used by 4 people)
Manage rental properties
Tenant education
Marketing (properties, program, etc.).
Senior Planner Later referred to Ms. Ulbrich’s letter and audit in the packet.
Some HC questions are:
How long is the waiting list? Ms. Ulbrich stated the bulk waiting list is 160. She gave an example and explained there are variables (whether it’s a family, individual, etc.).
How does one get on the waiting list? Ms. Ulbrich stated many are referrals, already know of CPAH, etc. She advised those who purchase learn about the program through word of mouth. The 15th anniversary is approaching, and there will be an event to celebrate on October 11, 2018.
Does the waitlist include everything (Section 8)? Ms. Ulbrich advised – yes
Does the hospital participate? Ms. Ulbrich advised that the hospital in the past has not allowed marketing materials in their facilities. However, many employees there could be eligible for CPAH and inclusionary homes.
Commissioner Adler moved to grant the request. Commissioner Saret seconded the motion.
Commissioner Saret asked if CPAH would ask for the same size grant next year. Ms. Ulbrich stated – not necessarily; this can be discussed in November. The $85,000 is 30% and dispersed in a lump sum.
On a roll call vote:
Voting Yea: Commissioners Abreu, Adler, Bernstein & Saret
Voting Nay: None
Abstain: Vice Chair Arnold
Vice Chair Arnold declared that the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Ulbrich departed the meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Senior Planner Later noted Boards & Commission training is scheduled for November 7, 2018, and would be presented by Holland & Knight.
2. Items for Omnibus Vote Consideration
• Payment of Invoices
o Softer Lite Window Company $325,522.31 (materials, installation; certified by architect)
Senior Planner Later advised this nearly completes the Peers’ refund. She noted the project is ahead of schedule and should be completed by October 31, 2018. Senior Planner Later reminded the construction meeting notes and photos are in the packet. The windows push out at the bottom rather than a double hung model.
Commissioner Bernstein moved that the payment be approved and paid. Commissioner Abreu seconded the motion.
On a roll call vote:
Voting Yea: Vice Chair Arnold, Commissioners Abreu, Adler, Bernstein & Saret
Voting Nay: None
Vice Chair Arnold declared that the motion passed unanimously.
• Ratification of Payments
Senior Planner Later paid the following 3 checks; 1 invoice arrived yesterday:
Two to Illinois Charity Bureau Fund/Attorney General $ 30.00 ($15.00 each)
NFP Property & Casualty (Dir. & Oper. insurance premium) $192.60
Ravinia Housing $ 10.00
Commissioner Adler moved to ratify the payments. Commissioner Saret seconded the motion.
On a roll call vote:
Voting Yea: Vice Chair Arnold, Commissioners Abreu, Adler, Bernstein & Saret
Voting Nay: None
Vice Chair Arnold declared that the motion passed unanimously.
4. Peers, Walnut, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods Associations
• Consideration of Management Reports for Peers, Walnut, and Ravinia
For Peers, Senior Planner Later advised the window replacement schedule had to be changed due to inclement weather. New furniture installation and painting in the lobby areas have been undertaken, all within budget.
For Walnut, Senior Planner Later stated bids are being received for tuckpointing. She advised that Evergreen would make a recommendation.
Commissioner Saret stated the monthly luncheons should be catered by companies in Highland Park. Senior Planner Later advised they are.
For Peers, Commissioner Bernstein raised the question, regarding accounts receivable, if residents have a difficult time paying their rent. Senior Planner Later responded there are payment plans in Ravinia, for example. She noted there is no policy to evict. Councilwoman Holleman stated there could be reasons to be forced out rather than not just paying rent (i.e. hoarding, upkeep, etc.). She noted tenants are aware that resolutions are preferred. Senior Planner Later noted there is an income re-certification every year.
Senior Planner Later stated there is nothing outstanding for Ravinia, and Sunset Woods.
• Housing Trust Fund Financials
Senior Planner Later advised nothing is outstanding.
• Sunset Woods’ Financials
Senior Planner Later advised nothing is outstanding.
• Other Association Business
Senior Planner Later advised, regarding the land purchase at 515 Roger Williams, Red Capital requested using the sales proceeds for the first mortgage. She read the opinion of Chairman Ross (who submitted a recommendation). He suggests an 80-20 split of the proceeds if Red Capital will not allow 100% of the proceeds to go to the project reserves. The total mortgage is near $1 million. Councilwoman Holleman stated if the deal doesn’t get done, there is no payment.
Senior Planner Later discussed her recent conversation with HUD regarding the appraisal. Councilwoman Holleman stressed the need for HUD to utilize the existing appraisal. She stated the buyer may back out at this point. Discussion took place on what happens to the parcel if the buyer backs out.
Senior Planner Later stated the buyer has approval on parking, and building permit plans review have been completed. HUD wants to determine the value of the property wither their own appraisal. According to the information she received from HUD, when the signed mortgage release papers are executed, and HUD receives them, an internal appraisal will be conducted.
Commissioner Adler moved to approve an 80-20 split. Since there was no second, the motion was withdrawn.
Senior Planner Later stated she will ask Red Capital to go with an 80-20 clause if not the entire 100% of the sales proceeds going towards reserves. Senior Planner Later believes the buyer is waiting for the appraised value to move forward.
Other Business
Commissioner Adler summarized the recent Sunset Woods’ meeting. He stated the subject about evicting the given resident never arose. It was a pleasant meeting that lasted 1 hour & 15 minutes. Commissioners thanked Commissioner Adler for attending.
Adjournment
Commissioner Saret moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Commissioner Abreu seconded the motion.
On a roll call vote
Voting Yea: Vice Chair Arnold, Commissioners Abreu, Adler, Bernstein & Saret
Voting Nay: None
Vice Chair Arnold declared that the motion passed unanimously.
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