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October 17, 2024 Meeting Minutes

For a printable version of Lake County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Minutes of the Regular Meeting October 17, 2024, click here.

 

Lake County Housing Authority
Board of Commissioners

Minutes of the Regular Meeting
October 17, 2024

The Regular Board Meeting of the Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the County of Lake was held October 17, 2024, at 33928 North U.S. Highway 45, Grayslake, IL 60030.

Present:
Kevin Considine, Chairman
Susan Malter, Vice Chair
LaShaundra Barnes, Commissioner
Dr. Charles Nozicka, Commissioner
Beverly Stackhouse, Commissioner

Absent: John Idleburg, Commissioner

LCHA Staff:
Lorraine Hocker, Executive Director/CEO
Michelle Perkins, Operations Deputy
Asia Dzierzynski, Accounting Manager - via Zoom
Tamara Harrington, Assistant Finance Manager
Christine Pryor, Senior HR Generalist
Katrina Gofron-Ellison, 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, October 15, 2024, at the principal 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, Chairman Considine called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. Roll call was taken, and the following Commissioners were present: Considine, Barnes, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse, as well as LCHA members Hocker, Perkins, Dzierzynski, Harrington, Pryor, Gofron-Ellison. Absent: Commissioner Idleburg

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. October 17, 2024, are to be read at the appropriate time in the agenda. There were no public comments.

Chairman Considine opened the floor for public comment. There were no public comments.

MINUTES 9/12/24 - Regular Meeting and Executive Session Minutes

Vice Chair Malter moved, seconded by Commissioner Dr. Nozicka, to approve the Minutes of the September 12, 2024, Regular Meeting. The Board voted as follows: Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse. Abstain: None. Nays: None. Absent and Not Voting: Idleburg. Motion carries.

FINANCE REPORT AND APPROVAL OF BILLS

Accounting Manager Dzierzynski presented an overview of the August financials, mentioning the needs to review the August numbers and preliminary September numbers due to the ongoing audit.

August

  • For August, there was a net loss of $35,000, with the biggest contributor being repairs and maintenance.
  • AMP 3 ended with a net income of just over $9,000, with AMP 4 had a net income of $12,600. AMP 5 had a net loss of $17,000, due to reduced tenant revenue and higher maintenance costs.
  • Public Housing had a total net loss of $30,000, while HCV ended with a net income of $83,000 due to higher-than-budgeted advocacy and no mid-month cap check.
  • Housing Counseling and Business Activities also reported positive net incomes, while COCC had a small loss due to invoices from the blackout period.

September

  • Ms. Dzierzynski noted a net income of $43,043 for AMP 2, driven by repairs and maintenance.
  • AMP 3 had a net income of $21,004, while AMP 5 had a net loss of $12,000, due to increased vacancy expenses.
  • Public Housing had a net income of approximately $7,000, while HCV had a net loss of $50,000.
  • Housing Counseling and Business Activities reported positive net incomes, while COCC had a net loss of $9,500.
  • The consolidated total for September was a net loss of $89,000, with the biggest contributors being the HCV and AMP 5 losses.

After discussion, Commissioner Stackhouse moved seconded by Commissioner Dr. Nozicka, to approve the list of bills, and accept the finance report. The Board voted as follows: Ayes: Barnes. Considine, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse. Nays: None. Absent and Not Voting: Idleburg. Motion Carries.

Yardi Software Update

  • Operations Deputy Perkins reported that Yardi has been working well and simplifying compliance tasks.
  • Over 1,600 residents and 400 landlords are registered in the system, with the implementation of P2P for payment processing and invoicing.
  • The RFTA online and other digital features are being phased in, with a goal to have all pieces online by 2025.
  • Operations Deputy Perkins also proposed revising the board packet to include data-driven reports from the Yardi system, making it easier to prepare and more consistent.

REPORTS

The following reports for September 2024 were provided:

Maintenance, Assets-Brian Snook, Director of Public Housing

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-Elizabeth Werning, Manager of Housing Counseling

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

ED Report for September 2024

  1. On September 12th, Ms. Hocker attended the Lake County Partners Investor Event. This event was to show appreciation to fellow Lake County Partners investors for their continued support, investment and leadership.
  2. Ms. Hocker attended the Illinois Association of Housing Authorities (IAHA) 2024 Annual Meeting in Bloomington-Normal October 18th-20th. Topics during the meeting included HOTMA, HUD updates, Legislative update, a state of the state for Affordable Housing, an ED roundtable and Human Resources session, including AHRMA Workers Comprehensive.
  3. A mandatory All-Staff Meeting was held on September 25th. In attendance was Andrea from USI, who gave a presentation to staff regarding updates to LCHA's Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits for 2025. Seena from AFLAC spoke next to give an overview of AFLAC Benefits and additional offerings. Finally, Ms. Hocker gave a review of upcoming initiatives, policies and organizational updates, and fielded questions from staff.
  4. On September 26th, Ms. Hocker attended the Home Illinois Annual Meeting webinar from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
  5. General Monthly Notes:
    1. Ms. Hocker and Staff continue with monthly calls to review Utilization and Occupancy and Demo/Dispo, in addition to IAHA and NAHRO
    2. Monthly Check-in with LCCH for Special Program referrals from the COC
    3. Ms. Hocker attended the CBRAP HSS Biweekly Check-In calls with IHDA.

NEW BUSINESS

After discussion, Chairman Considine introduced the following Resolution:

RESOLUTION 2025-01

AMENDING HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PAYMENT STANDARDS

WHEREAS, HUD has published both Fair Market Rents (FMRs) and Small Area FMRs for Fiscal Year 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Authority must use the Small Area FMRs; and

WHEREAS, the Authority is required to set the Housing Choice Voucher Payment Standards between 90% and 110% of the published Fair Market Rent; and

WHEREAS, Payment Standards are set within this range of the published FMRs to strike a balance between funding limits and improving voucher utilization; and

WHEREAS, the Authority is committed to sustaining opportunity areas to our clients by using the Small Area FMRs that are zip code specific;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Payment Standards be set as indicated below; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these changes in the Payment Standards be made effective January 1, 2025.

PROPOSED VOUCHER PAYMENT STANDARDS

ZIP 0 1BR 2BR 3BR 4BR 5BR
60002 1250 1340 1510 1940 2280 2622
60010 2190 2340 2640 3390 3980 4577
60011 1470 1570 1770 2280 2670 3070
60013 1440 1539 1737 2232 2619 3012
60015 2190 2340 2640 3390 3980 4577
60020 1370 1470 1660 2130 2500 2875
60021 1872 1998 2259 2898 3411 3923
60030 1630 1740 1970 2530 2970 3415
60031 1630 1740 1970 2530 2970 3415
60035 2070 2220 2530 3220 3810 4381
60040 1790 1910 2160 2770 3260 3749
60041 1190 1280 1460 1925 2200 2530
60042 1674 1782 2016 2592 3042 3499
60044 1566 1674 1890 2430 2853 3281
60045 2190 2340 2640 3390 3980 4577
60046 1500 1600 1800 2350 2700 3105
60047 1970 2110 2390 3060 3600 4140
60048 1710 1830 2070 2660 3120 3588
60050 1422 1521 1719 2205 2592 2981
60051 1771 1903 2167 2761 3267 3756
60060 1660 1770 2000 250 3020 3473
60061 1890 2030 2310 2940 3480 4002
60064 1190 1280 1440 1850 2170 2495
60069 1971 2106 2376 3051 3582 4120
60073 1590 1700 1920 2470 2900 3335
60074 1377 1476 1665 2142 2511 2888
60081 1420 1530 1740 2220 2620 3013
60083 1728 1845 2097 2682 3159 3633
60084 1370 1470 1660 2130 2500 2875
60085 1134 1215 1368 1755 2061 2370
60087 1330 1430 1610 2070 2340 2794
60089 1990 2140 2440 3110 3680 4232
60096 1230 1320 1500 1910 2260 2599
60099 1280 1380 1570 2000 2370 2725
             



After discussion Vice Chair Malter moved, seconded by Commissioner Dr. Nozicka, to adopt Resolution 2025-01.

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 17th day of October 2024.


After discussion, Chairman Considine introduced the following Resolution:

RESOLUTION 2025-02

AMENDING NEW TENANT PAID UTILITY ALLOWANCE SCHEDULE


WHEREAS, the Authority is required to assess the adequacy of its tenant paid utility allowance schedule annually; and

WHEREAS, the assessment has been completed and a finding made that there was a decrease in gas of 15% and changes are warranted. The increase in changes in all other utilities were under the 10% threshold and do not require changes;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the attached tenant paid utility allowance schedule be approved for the Housing Choice Voucher Program effective January 1, 2025; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the new schedule shall also be approved for the Low Rent Program effective January 1, 2025, subject to the receipt and consideration of resident comment period.

After discussion, Vice Chair Malter moved, seconded by Commissioner Dr. Nozicka, to adopt Resolution 2025-02.

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 17th day of October 2024.


After discussion, Chairman Considine introduced the following Resolution:

RESOLUTION 2025-03

AUTHORIZATION FOR FY 2024/SEPTEMBER COLLECTION LOSSES-
PUBLIC HOUSING

WHEREAS, the policy of the Housing Authority of the County of Lake, Illinois is to write-off accounts of tenants that have been terminated from the program or the former tenant's location is unknown;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following tenant accounts are to be transferred to the allowance for doubtful accounts and sent to the Authority's collection company.

Account # Amount AMP
0137-10 $26.98 2
0158-9 $554.87 2
0183-12 $3,164.00 2
     
0197-9 $3,015.15 3
0215-6 $1,128.92 3
0218-8 $415.80 3
0258-18 $4,443.88 3
0269-9 $2,784.62 3
0221-18 $4,391.65 3
0253-9 $83.87 3
     
0289-7 $7,275.84 5
0295-6 $532.47 5
0457-8 $6872.17 5
     
     
  $34,690.22  

After discussion Vice Chair Malter moved, seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse, to adopt Resolution 2025-03.

Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Idleburg, 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 17th day of October 2024.

 

After discussion, Chairman Considine introduced the following Resolution:

RESOLUTION 2025-04

AUTHORIZATION FOR FY 2024/SEPTEMBER COLLECTION LOSSES-
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER

WHEREAS, the policy of the Housing Authority of the County of Lake, Illinois is to write-off accounts of tenants that have been terminated from the program or the former tenant's location is unknown;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following tenant accounts are to be transferred to the allowance for doubtful accounts and sent to the Authority's collection company.

Account # Amount Program
2891-1 $3,482.00 HCV
0967-2 $845.00 HCV
0721-1 $1,309.00 HCV
0553-2 $3,840.00 HCV
     
     
  $9,476.00  


After discussion Vice Chair Malter moved, seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse, to adopt Resolution 2025-04.

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 17th day of October 2024.


COMMISSIONER ROUNDTABLE

NAHRO Conference, September 26-September 28, Orlando

  • Commissioner Stackhouse shared her experience at the recent NAHRO conference, highlighting the challenges and successes of the event.
  • Commissioner Stackhouse mentioned the importance of advocacy and the impact of policies on families.
  • The conference provided valuable networking opportunities and insights into other housing authorities' practices.
  • She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the conference and the positive experiences gained.

Property Disposition

  • Executive Director Hocker provided details on the disposal units, noting that 43 units have vouchers attached, 5 have been sold to tenants and 14 have been sold in private sales.
  • Chairman Considine emphasized that the County is not losing affordable housing units, just changing ownership.
  • Operations Deputy suggested keeping updated statistics on disposal to track the impact on affordable housing.


EXECUTIVE SESSION - PERSONNEL MATTERS, LITIGATION, AND REVIEW OF EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

(5 ILCS 120/2) Sec. 2(c)(1)
The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees.

(5 ILCS 120/2) 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 1:00 p.m. Vice Chair Malter moved, seconded by Commissioner Dr. Nozicka to go into Executive Session to discuss (5 ILCS 120/2) Sec. 2(c)(1) Personnel, and (5 ILCS 120/2) Sec. 2(c)(11) Litigation. The Board voted as follows: Ayes: Barnes, Considine, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse. Nays: None. Absent and Not Voting: Idleburg. Also present: Executive Director Hocker, Operations Deputy Perkins, Executive Assistant Gofron-Ellison. Motion Carries.

The Board returned to Open Session at 1:16pm and roll call was taken. Present: Barnes, Considine, Malter, Nozicka, Stackhouse, Hocker, Perkins, Gofron-Ellison.

Chairman Considine stated the Board discussed Litigation and Executive Session Minutes and no action was taken during the Executive Session.


ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, The Board voted unanimously in favor adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 1:17pm.

Kevin Considine
Chairman
Board of Commissioners
Lake County Housing Authority

ATTEST:

 

Lorraine Hocker
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer
Secretary/Treasurer