City of Highland Park Housing Commission met Nov. 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
CALL TO ORDER
At 6:34 p.m., Chairman Berkun called a meeting via remote (virtual) access of the Highland Park Housing Commission, Peers Housing Association, Ravinia Housing Association, and the Sunset Woods Association to order. Each of the Commissioners also serves as Directors of each of the Housing Associations. Staff read an introduction for remote meeting procedures and noted public comments may be emailed to city@hpil.com or phoned into at 847.432.0867. The City web site is www.cityhpil.com. Staff was asked to call the roll.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Chairman Berkun, Commissioners Abreu, Bernstein, Dennison, Fernandez Sykes, Paushter, & Valbrun
Councilperson Present: Stone
Student Reps Absent: Fishman, Keysers
Staff declared that a quorum was present.
Staff Present: Later, Coleman
Guests Present: Harold Eich/ERES
Rob Anthony/CPAH
Kevin Beard/EREG
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the Housing Commission – October 6, 2021 &
Special Meeting of the Housing Commission – October 26, 2021
Commissioner Fernandez Sykes moved to approve the October 6, 2021 regular meeting minutes and October 27, 2021, special meeting minutes as presented. Commissioner Abreu seconded the motion.
On a roll call vote:
Voting Yea: Chairman Berkun; Commissioners Abreu, Bernstein (only for October 27, 2021), Dennison, Fernandez Sykes, Paushter, & Valbrun
Voting Nay: None
Abstain: Bernstein (only for October 6, 2021, as she stated she was not present) Chairman Berkun declared that the motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
Deputy Director Later announced that Betsy Lassar and Julia Campbell are in the audience. Both advised they are present to observe this evening.
There was no Business from the Public.
SCHEDULED BUSINESS
1. Items for Omnibus Vote Consideration
• Payment of Invoices
• Ratification of Payments
Deputy Director Later advised there is nothing outstanding.
2. Peers, Ravinia, Sunset Woods Associations, & Housing Trust Fund
• Consideration of ERES Management Reports and Financials
Deputy Director Later noted Harold Eich is present from ERES if anyone has questions.
Commissioner Dennison inquired about high water bills. Mr. Eich explained this is an over accrual in the previous months.
Mr. Eich shared:
∙ Unit 111 at Peers is rented
∙ the camera project at Ravinia has been completed; working with Comcast
∙ St. Johns’ unit repair is complete and resident has moved back in
Commissioner Bernstein asked about vacancies at Peers. Mr. Eich said there is one scheduled move-in next week and perhaps another by month-end. He noted winter is a factor in filling vacancies.
• Housing Trust Fund Financials
Deputy Director Later advised nothing is outstanding.
• Sunset Woods Financials
Deputy Director Later advised nothing is outstanding.
• Other Association Business
Deputy Director Later advised nothing is outstanding.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Approval of CPAH Operating Grant Drawdown Request #3
Commissioner Abreu recused himself at 6:46 p.m. Commissioner Dennison advised he had a previous relationship with CPAH. Councilperson Stone shared she is on the Board of CPAH as a liaison.
Deputy Director Later announced that Rob Anthony is present from CPAH.
Commissioner Paushter asked about CPAH receiving 95 applications in the third quarter and how that compares to previous quarters/years. Mr. Anthony said he could provide a comparison but noted the available units in new developments impact the number of applications received. In the beginning with Albion, there were many applications. Now, there are only two units left to fill.
Commissioner Bernstein moved to approve the disbursement of $21,250 of the Operating Grant to CPAH to reimburse CPAH for the third quarter drawdown as stated in the drafted Resolution No. 07-2021. Commissioner Paushter seconded the motion.
On a roll, call vote:
Voting Yea: Commissioners Bernstein, Dennison, Fernandez Sykes, Paushter, & Valbrun
Voting Nay: None
Abstain: Chairman Berkun
Chairman Berkun declared the motion passed unanimously.
2. Approval of CPAH Scattered Site Grant Drawdown Request #2 – 757 Barberry and 1341 Arbor
Commissioner Dennison referenced Page 93 of the packet regarding the sales agreement between the buyer and CPAH. He asked if the building is being purchased with the land being left behind. Mr. Anthony advised the gross purchase price is the appraised value. The subsidy is similar to the land value. He expounded.
Commissioner Dennison noted this disagrees with Page 95 where it states two different sales prices. Deputy Director Later advised there was an adjustment. Mr. Anthony indicated the initial price and it was adjusted to the true price.
Commissioner Bernstein referenced Page 47 regarding the Ferndale house. Deputy Director Later stated the Arbor address is correct and CPAH had submitted a revised letter with the correct address but that letter was mistakenly not included in the packet. Mr. Anthony said CPAH has purchased four of the five units committed and the last (fifth) one will soon be under contract.
Commissioner Dennison moved to approve the disbursement from the Housing Trust Fund for a payment to CPAH for expenses for Scattered Site Affordable Housing at 757 Barberry and 1341 Arbor as stated in the drafted Resolution No. 08-2021. Commissioner Fernandez Sykes seconded the motion.
On a roll call vote:
Voting Yea: Commissioners Bernstein, Dennison, Fernandez Sykes, Paushter, & Valbrun
Voting Nay: None
Abstain: Chairman Berkun
Chairman Berkun declared the motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Abreu returned to the HC meeting.
Chairman Berkun asked Mr. Anthony about:
∙ opportunities for energy savings. Mr. Anthony said they are currently saving with high-efficiency mechanicals and windows.
∙ solar panels. Mr. Anthony stated he has not reviewed this to a great extent but could provide information that CPAH has collected on the subject.
Chairman Berkun asked that this be an agenda item for the next meeting where Mr. Anthony could return with comments and research regarding tax credits. Mr. Anthony said from preliminary research, tax credits must be after the purchase..
Commissioner Bernstein inquired about the proposed townhome development. Mr. Anthony noted current preliminary site planning, and zoning approval would be applied for.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Financial Advisory Services Discussion – Kevin Beard, EREG
Deputy Director Later stated Mr. Beard is present for the discussion.
Mr. Beard shared the direction is clear. He understands the HC is seeking proposals to refinance Peers and Ravinia. Mr. Beard explained same (as this would lower interest rates, pay off subordinate debt, etc.). He asks for feedback.
Commissioner Dennison asked about the Mark-to-Market for Ravinia. Mr. Beard said this would remove overall complications. He explained same (restructuring of prior debt, etc.). Deputy Director Later shared the Mark-to-Market subordinate loan is what is being looked at and explained same. She said Sunset Woods has a mortgage with the First Bank of Highland Park, which is up for renewal in 2022.
Chairman Berkun asked about the use agreement. Mr. Beard said the City Attorney has likely read the use agreement. Affordability restrictions will remain in place. Option 3 contract was explained. Peers could be renewed under any Section 8 option.
Mr. Beard explained the refinancing with Ravinia. Rents are locked into inflationary increases as opposed to market rate. Deputy Director Later added the HAP agreement determines how rents are calculated. Ravinia rents are inflationary increases, and Peers are a real-estate assessment and adjusted to the market.
Mr. Beard said the next step is to draft a solicitation which will be sent to FHA originators. He recommends making a decision based on interaction with Evergreen, to allocate staff to comprise the loan package, work with the HUD process, etc. Good rates will be sought (not much variation from vendors). Prepayment penalties will be negotiated for FHA loans. He explained same.
Chairman Berkun asked if the local banks could be included. She noted a solicitation will be sent to financial agencies, and proposals will be compiled and compared for the HC.
Commissioner Bernstein inquired about the timeline. Mr. Beard said he thought the solicitation could be completed within two weeks and a two-week response date is reasonable. Deputy Director Later shared if this is not ready for the December HC meeting, then Special Meetings could be arranged. Information will be collected and provided to EREG. She stated the goal and priority is to have this to the HC by year end.
Chairman Berkun asked if there are any audience comments. There were none.
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Director Later advised the tenant at 2753 St. Johns has moved in and cameras are up at Ravinia. She discussed energy kits are being offered by the Mayors Caucus for households at or below 80% AMI. Planner Coleman obtained test kits (that include light bulbs, power strips, showerheads, etc.). The kits could reduce annual energy costs by $75-100. Videos are available offering installation assistance, etc. and property maintenance staff are available to assist residents. Deputy Director Later shared that Planner Coleman is doing a very good job in coordinating this.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Dennison moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m. Commissioner Bernstein seconded the motion.
On a roll call vote
Voting Yea: Chairman Berkun, Commissioners Abreu, Bernstein, Dennison, Fernandez Sykes, Paushter, & Valbrun
Voting Nay: None
Chairman Berkun declared that the motion passed unanimously.
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