May 16, 2024 Meeting Minutes
For a printable version of Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 16, 2024, click here.
Lake County Housing Authority
Board of Commissioners
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
May 16, 2024
The Regular Board Meeting of the Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the County of Lake was held May 16, at Hawley Manor, 42 Hawley Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030.
Present: Dr. H. Lee Jordan, Jr., Chairman (via Teams)
Kevin Considine, Vice Chairman
LaShaundra Barnes, Commissioner
Susan Malter, Commissioner
Dr. Charles Nozicka, Commissioner
Beverly Stackhouse, Commissioner
Absent: John Idleburg, Commissioner
LCHA Staff: Lorraine Hocker, Executive Director/CEO
Damien Kelly, Consulting Chief Financial Officer (via Teams)
Michelle Perkins, Operations Deputy
Tamara Harrington, Assistant Finance Manager
Tracey Heleniak, Executive Assistant
Posting of the notice of this meeting and agenda complied with the requirements of the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2.02(a)). The notice and agenda were posted prior to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the principle office: 33928 North US Highway 45, Grayslake, IL 60030 and on the organization's website, www.lakecountyha.org.
ROLL CALL
Noting that a quorum of Commissioners was present, Vice Chairman Considine called the meeting to order at 12:43 p.m. Roll call was taken, and the following Commissioners were present: Barnes, Considine, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse. Absent: Idleburg.
Resolution 2024-31 Authorization of Amendment Under the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Housing Counseling Resource program PID #52254.
After discussion, Vice Chairman Considine introduced the following Resolution:
LAKE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT UNDER THE
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF CHICAGO HOUSING COUNSELING RESOURCE PROGRAM
PID#52254
WHEREAS, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (the "Authority") did issue to the Lake County Housing Authority (the "Corporation") a grant (the "Grant") to assist the Authority in operating the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Housing Counseling Resource Program (the "FHLB HCRP" or the "Program"), and the Authority and the Corporation did enter into a grant agreement (the "Agreement") wherein the Corporation agreement to perform Program services in return for the Grant; and
WHEREAS the Authority desires to increase the not to exceed amount of the Grant ("Grant Increase") and requires the Corporation to provide authorization to accept the Grant Increase and to enter into an amendment to the Agreement ("Amendment") in order to memorialize the Grant Increase; and
WHEREAS the Board of Directors deems it to be in the best interest of the Corporation to accept the Grant Increase; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Directors of the Corporation hereby authorizes the acceptance of, and the Corporation does accept the Grant Increase; and
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Corporation is authorized to enter-into the Amendment with the Authority, the Corporation agrees to deliver and/or execute the Amendment and any-and-all other instruments, certifications and agreements as may be necessary or desirable for the Corporation to receive the Grant Increase and perform all of its obligations and duties under the Program (including any supplements or other agreements); and
FURTHER RESOLVED that on behalf of the Corporation, the Executive Director/CEO of the Corporation, without the necessity or requirement for the signature of another person, is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute the Amendment, and all other documents, certificates and instruments relating to the Program and Grant Increase to be delivered to the Authority, in connection with the closing of the Grant Increase and take such further action on behalf of the Corporation as they deem necessary to effectuate the foregoing Resolutions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Corporation hereby ratifies, authorizes, confirms and approves any prior action of the Corporation taken in furtherance of the foregoing resolutions and any and all documents and instruments previously executed on behalf of the Corporation in connection with the Grant.
After discussion Commissioner Stackhouse moved, seconded by Commissioner Nozicka to adopt Resolution 2024-31.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse
Nays: None
Absent: Idleburg
Abstain: None
Motion: Carries
ADOPTED by the Board of Commissioners of the Lake County Housing Authority and signed in authentication of its passage, the 16th day of May 2024.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were accepted by email at publiccomment@lakecountyha.org or by leaving a voice message at (847) 223-1170 ext. 2320. Comments received by 9:00 a.m. May 16, 2024, are to be read at the appropriate time in the agenda. No public comments were received.
Vice Chairman Considine opened the floor for public comment. There were no public comments.
MINUTES 3/21/24 - Regular Meeting
MINUTES 3/21/24 - Executive Session
Commissioner Malter moved, seconded by Commissioner Nozicka, to approve the Minutes of the March 21, 2024, Regular Meeting, and the Minutes of the March 21, 2024, Executive Session. The Board voted as follows: Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Malter, Nozicka. Abstain: Stackhouse. Nays: None. Absent and Not Voting: Idleburg. Motion carries.
FINANCE REPORT AND APPROVAL OF BILLS
The list of bills for March and April 2024 were provided. CFO Damien Kelly relayed the following financial summary:
Financial Actuals and Forecasts for April 2024
CFO Kelly discussed the financial actuals and forecasts for April 2024. He explained that the April numbers were negative for Public Housing in AMPs 4 and 5 due to higher costs for REACT. The costs were higher than the previous month. In addition, he also mentioned that AMP 4 had runoff for PTO payout.
CFO Kelly also mentioned that we were set to receive a grant in the amount of $760,000 for prior HAP disbursement. CFO Kelly confirmed that we utilized Pre 2004 to fund the Yard implementation. It was confirmed that we have the resources in place to begin the transition to Yardi.
After discussion, Commissioner Malter moved seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse, to approve the list of bills, and accept the finance report. The Board voted as follows: Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Jordan, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse. Nays: None. Absent and Not Voting: Idleburg. Motion Carries.
REPORTS
The following reports for April 2024 were provided:
Maintenance, Assets Brian Snook, Director of Public Housing
Procurement Norma Carlon, Manager of Capital Improvements
Procurement
Property Disposition Derek Eovaldi, Property Disposition Coordinator
Public Housing Brian Snook, Director of Public Housing
Housing Choice Voucher, PBV , Gilma Beachem, HCV Intake Program Manager, Portability & Collections
FSS, Mainstream Vouchers & FUP Heidi Semenek, Director of FSS & Special Programs
Housing Counseling and FERA Elizabeth Werning, Manager of Housing Counseling & Ofelia Navarro, Deputy Director
Information Technology Michelle Perkins, Operations Deputy
Human Resources Christine Pryor, Senior Human Resources Generalist
FOIA/OMA, Travel-Training Tracey Heleniak, Executive Assistant/FOIA & OMA Officer
Other Matters
- The 2023 Audit process has concluded.
- Ms. Hocker attended the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless ("LCCH") full board meeting on March 5th.
- Ms. Hocker attended the HCDC Homeless Advisory Review Committee Meeting on March 8th.
- Ms. Hocker attended the CBRAP HSS Biweekly Check-In calls with IHDA.
- Ms. Hocker and Operations Deputy Perkins attended a Yardi training call on March 15th. Yardi is our new property management software.
- Ms. Hocker and Commissioner Malter attended the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") course "Orientation to Sustainable Environmental Assessment" on the UCLA campus March 25th-29th.
- On April 2nd, a fire at John Kuester Manor, 301k Osage in Wauconda, rendered the building uninhabitable. All tenants were safe and uninjured. The fire was accidental and originated from a contracted vendor installing equipment. JKM residents stayed at the Comfort Inn from Tuesday, April 2nd to Friday, April 5th with breakfast provided by the hotel. Dinner was provided by Wauconda Church on April 3rd, while the Red Cross took over on April 4th. On April 5th, the tenants moved from the Comfort Inn to the Extended Stay America Hotel in Vernon Hills, which was a more suitable long-term living option for the tenants. A full kitchen allowed the Red Cross Meal Service Team to provide groceries in place of meals on Wheels. Tenants also received starter supplies authorized by Four Seasons (paid by LCHA).
- Update - May 4th: In just 24 days, 23 out of 25 residents will be able to move back into their homes, a testament to the efficiency of The Belfor Team and Vendors. The photos below show a transformation of JKM nothing short of impressive - from the nicely illuminated halls to the finish touches, every detail has been executed with care and precision. While the fire was a tragedy and a significant setback for our residents, the remarkable renovation will undoubtedly ease the inconvenience and bring a sense of hope and renewal to those affected.
- Ms. Hocker and Operations Deputy Perkins attended the MTW 2024 Conference in Washington, D.C. April 2nd-4th. This conference is the only housing industry event focused exclusively on the Moving to Work (MTW) program.
- Ms. Hocker and Property Disposition Coordinator Derek Eovaldi attended the 2024 National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show April 8th-11th in Minneapolis. All grants that are awarded in the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes are required under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to attend New Grantee Orientation and an annual Program Manager Conference/National Healthy Homes Conference.
- On Monday, April 15th, the Lake Zurich Village Board approved the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Lake Zurich and the Lake County Housing Authority securing village sewer and water for the Midlothian Manor property.
- On April 26th, Ms. Hocker attended the annual Issues-to-Action Showcase at Waukegan High School, featuring the culmination of civics projects of the junior year government/civics students.
- General Monthly Notes:
- Ms. Hocker continues to participate in a unique leadership training series with Nan McKay & Associates for Leadership and Mid-Management Staff.
- Executive Director Hocker and Staff continue with monthly calls to review Utilization and Occupancy and Demo/Dispo, in addition to IAHA and NAHRO.
- Ethics training was held for all LCHA staff on March 20th.
- Monthly Check-in with LCCD for Special Program referrals from the COC.
Commissioner Stackhouse commended Executive Director Hocker and the LCHA's recent activity, including the community response to the JKM fire, the Move to Work initiative and the 95% voucher utilization. program. Executive Director Hocker mentioned the current transition from PIC to HIP and then HOTMA. There has already been some implementation which is included in her Executive Director File Summary. In transition from PIC to HIP and then HOTMA
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2024-30 Authorization to Add Aspire to Yardi Systems, Inc., Contract
After discussion, Vice Chairman Considine introduced the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-30
AUTHORIZATION TO ADD ASPIRE TO YARDI SYSTEMS INC., CONTRACT
WHEREAS The Lake County Housing Authority has determined that Aspire, a training feature "add on" for Yardi Systems is needed for current and future training needs; and
WHEREAS Yardi has agreed to provide year one of Aspire free of charge and requires adding the remaining four years of the 5-year contract at an additional cost of $18,625.00 per year as described in Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS it is the recommendation of Staff to accept the contract amendment to add Aspire to the Yardi Systems Inc., contract and to proceed with a 5-year contract at the total additional cost of $74,500.00; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners of the Lake County Housing Authority authorizes the Executive Director to proceed to contract with Yardi Systems Inc., as specified in Exhibit A.
After discussion Commissioner Malter moved, seconded by Commissioner Nozicka, to adopt Resolution 2024-30.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse
Nays: None
Absent: Idleburg
Abstain: None
Motion: Carries
ADOPTED by the Board of Commissioners of the Lake County Housing Authority and signed in authentication of its passage, the 16th day of May 2024.
Resolution 2024-32 Authorization for Exterior Improvements at Beach Haven Tower
After discussion, Vice Chairman Considine introduced the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION 2024-32
AUTHORIZATION FOR EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
AT BEACH HAVEN TOWER
WHEREAS, The Authority received a competitive bid through SOURCEWELL (Government sourced purchasing) for concrete and asphalt work at Beach Haven Tower located at 730 Golfview Dr., Round Lake Beach IL 60073; and
WHEREAS, the concrete and asphalt work needing to be performed is detailed in the work order attached hereto in Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Executive Director and Staff to enter in to contract with Leopardo Companies, Inc. and to proceed with the scope of work described in Exhibit A, at the cost of $89,101.63; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Commissioners of the Lake County Housing Authority authorizes the Executive Director to proceed to contract with Leopardo Companies, Inc. as specified in Exhibit A.
After discussion Commissioner Stackhouse moved, seconded by Commissioner Nozicka, to adopt Resolution 2024-32.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse
Nays: None
Absent: Idleburg
Abstain: None
Motion: Carries
ADOPTED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the County of Lake and signed in authentication of its passage, the 16th day of May 2024.
Resolution 2024-33 Approval of MOU Between Lake County Housing Authority and Lake County Workforce/Job Center of Lake County
After discussion, Vice Chairman Considine introduced the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION 2024-33
APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
LAKE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY & LAKE COUNTY WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT/JOB CENTER OF LAKE COUNTY
WHEREAS, on July 22, 2014, President Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA); and
WHEREAS, WIOA provides resources, services and leadership tools for the workforce system that improves employer engagement and competitiveness for success in the global marketplace by helping individuals find good jobs, retain employment and advance job-related skill sets; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has been designated as a local workforce development area by the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, WIOA requires Lake County to develop and submit workforce compliance plans in order for Lake County to receive WIOA Formula funding; and
WHEREAS, the Memorandum of Understanding, in cooperation with its partners, establishes a collaborative framework encouraging cooperation, collaboration, communication, policy and technical guidance and governance to assist with the efficient and effective participation in the WIOA implementation in Lake County, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Lake County and the Lake County Workforce Development Board have reviewed and approved the Job Center of Lake County Memorandum of Understanding; and
WHEREAS, Lake County Housing Authority's Family Self Sufficiency Program is a voluntary program for participants who wish to improve their financial situation emphasizing employment as well as education and training; and
WHEREAS, Lake County Housing Authority has had an ongoing partnership with Lake County Workforce Development/Job Center of Lake County for several years and wishes to continue to partner this Memorandum of Understanding;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of LCHA hereby approves the Executive Director and/or her designee to execute the Memorandum of Understanding between Lake County Housing Authority and Lake County Workforce Development/Job Center of Lake County in substantially the form attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
After discussion Commissioner Stackhouse moved, seconded by Commissioner Nozicka, to adopt Resolution 2024-33.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Barnes, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse
Nays: None
Absent: Idleburg
Abstain: Considine
Motion: Carries
ADOPTED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the County of Lake and signed in authentication of its passage, the 16th day of May 2024.
Resolution 2024-34 Authorization for LCHA Safety Equipment Surveillance Cameras Supplies and Services for Senior Buildings
After discussion, Vice Chairman Considine introduced the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION 2024-34
AUTHORIZATION FOR
LCHA SAFETY EQUIPMENT SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS SUPPLIES AND SERVICES FOR SENIOR BUILDINGS
WHEREAS The Authority created a joinder contract to establish the cost of providing safety equipment supplies and services for LCHA Senior Buildings; Hawley Manor 22 & 42, John Kuester Manor, Millview Manor, Orchard Manor, and Warren Manor.
WHEREAS three (3) quotes were received and are summarized in the information attached hereto in Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS it is the recommendation of Heartland Business Systems, and Staff to accept the responsive and responsible quote submitted by Heartland Business Systems and to proceed installing surveillance cameras under the firm quote cost of $333,523.35; for 5year term and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners of the Lake County Housing Authority authorize the Executive Director to proceed to contract with the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder as specified in Exhibit A to carry out the work as described in the Heartland Business Systems proposal.
After discussion Commissioner Stackhouse moved, seconded by Commissioner Nozicka, to adopt Resolution 2024-34.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse
Nays: None
Absent: Idleburg
Abstain: None
Motion: Carries
ADOPTED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the County of Lake and signed in authentication of its passage, the 16th day of May 2024.
COMMISSIONER ROUNDTABLE
- JKM - Commissioner Stackhouse once again thanked Executive Director Hocker and LCHA for all the work and effort put forth in handling the aftermath of the JKM fire. Executive Director Hocker was pleased with the collaboration of the community, the Village of Wauconda, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the various churches and elementary schools, and hotel. Tenants are very happy.
- NEPA - Commissioner Malter and Executive Director Hocker attended an Environmental Review training at UCLA. It gave them an understanding of that step. Any time HUD funding is used for a project there's a process with different categories and they were exposed to issues that can arise. Commissioner Malter stated she attended because she wanted to do something environmentally responsible on HUD Properties, i.e., having a garden, planting sedum on the roof, etc.
- In April, Commission Malter attended the 2024 NAHRO Conference in Washington DC. Was able to meet with her U.S. Representative Brad Schneider and discussed the need for more funding. Community project funding. Deadline for submissions has passed but should think early next year about projects that we want to reach out for. Number of projects?
FINANCE
Public Housing - $80,000 in costs
Executive Session - Personnel Matters and Litigation
(5 ILCS 120/1) Sec. 2(c)(11)
Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court...or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent.
At 1:19 p.m. Commissioner Malter moved, seconded by Commissioner Nozicka to go into Executive Session to discuss (5 ILCS 120/1) Sec. 2(c)(11) Litigation. The Board voted at 1:20 p.m.as follows: Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Jordan, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse. Nays: None. Absent and Not Voting: Idleburg. Also present: Executive Director Hocker, Operations Deputy Perkins. Motion Carries.
The board returned to open session at 1:56 p.m. and roll call was taken. Present: Barnes, Considine, Jordan, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse. Absent: Idleburg.
Vice Chairman Considine stated the Board discussed Litigation and no action was taken during the Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, Commissioner Stackhouse moved, seconded by Commissioner Nozicka to adjourn the meeting. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Motion Carries. The meeting was adjourned at 1:59 p.m.
Kevin Considine
Vice Chairman
Board of Commissioners
Lake County Housing Authority
ATTEST:
Lorraine Hocker
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer
Secretary/Treasurer