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Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the Board of Commissioners of the
Housing Authority of the City of Everett
October 23, 2006
Meeting Called to Order
The Regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the
City of Everett was called to order by Chair Lyle Ryan following lunch at 12:40 p.m. on
Monday, October 23, 2006 at Broadway Plaza Apartments, 3020 Broadway, Everett,
Washington.
Commissioners Present at Roll Call:
Chair Lyle Ryan Commissioner George Perez, Jr
Commissioner Jay Cole Commissioner Barbara Yates
Commissioner David Dorsey Commissioner Todd Taylor
Also in attendance were:
Staff:
Executive Director Bud Alkire Brenda McLeod
Al Ashley Tom Eadie
Rick Dorris Chris Neblett
Sandra Back
Ellen Michaud
Guests:
Bruce Jones, Attorney
Werner Rae, President of Bakerview Resident’s Council
Edie Scott, President of Broadway Plaza Resident’s Council
Gretel Sloan, Everett Housing Authority HR Consultant
David Tieszen, Everett Housing Authority Employee
Teena Ellison, Everett Housing Authority Employee
Mohammed Al-Maly, Everett Housing Authority Employee
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Administration of Oath of Office to Commissioner Perez
Chair Ryan administered the oath of office to George Perez, installing him as
Commissioner for a five year term beginning October 7, 2006.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Ryan called for approval of the minutes for the Regular Meeting held on
August 28, 2006. A motion to accept the minutes of this meeting was made by
Commissioner Yates and seconded by Commissioner Perez. Upon being put to a vote,
the motion was passed and the minutes were approved.
Employee Recognition
Chairman Ryan presented an anniversary pin to Housing Authority employees David
Tieszen and Mohammed Al-Maly each for 5 years of service.
Communications
President Rae, of the Bakerview Resident Council, said that residents continue to
participate in activities that he has coordinated. The exercise class is going well, the
luncheon held on Wednesdays has been a great success, and he is looking forward to
the upcoming potlucks for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. He hopes for more
resident participation in future meetings of the resident council, and has taken some
steps towards this end.
The president of the Broadway Plaza Resident Council, Edie Scott, reported some
upcoming events for residents: a pumpkin carving for Halloween, a casino trip to take
place on November 15th, and a bake sale.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Alkire called attention to the professionalism of Housing Authority
staff following the shooting incident that took place at Grandview last week. He noted
that Family Services Coordinator Teena Ellison came off of vacation within an hour of
the incident to open the Rec Center to the children in order to redirect their attention
from the scene of the shooting and the presence of the media. Mohammed Al-Maly,
the Resource Aide at Grandview, played a big part in the success of this effort. The
tenant in whose home the shooting occurred was a short-term tenant at Grandview
whose whereabouts are currently unknown, but the Housing Authority is in the process
of regaining control of the unit where she resided. The victim of the shooting is
currently hospitalized.
Wetland Resources is doing an updated analysis of the Jade Park property. A survey
will be updated to include the wetlands information, and this consultant will present
recommendations regarding potential development of this site.
Executive Director Alkire wished to remind the members of the Board that officers will
be elected at the upcoming November Board meeting.
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Facilities Director’s Report
Facilities Director Dorris was not present at the meeting. The portion of his report
regarding the status of the fire damaged units at 1219 and 1221 Hemlock was
addressed by Executive Director Alkire. His recommendation is that the Housing
Authority will do the work necessary to restore both units. It was determined that this
was a better plan than the option of cutting them off from the attached units that were
not damaged. Although restoring these units may not appear to be the most desirable
course of action in light of future redevelopment plans for the site, it was the most
sensible of the available options.
Commissioner Dorsey asked for an update regarding potential sites that the Housing
Authority has considered for acquisition. There is not an abundance of sites due to the
current price of real estate, but there have been some in south Everett with a sale price
that would make them possibilities, including an eight plex.
Public Comments
Chair Ryan asked for comments from the floor. Ellen Michaud, Everett Housing
Authority’s Director of Housing Management, wished to bring attention to the fact that
the Housing Authority will be receiving an award from the 21st Annual Partnership
Forum on November 2nd. This award is in recognition of the accomplishments of Teena
Ellison for the promotion of diversity training in the community. She will not be able to
accept this award, so Director Michaud inquired as to whether Chair Ryan would be able
to be present to accept this award. Chair Ryan said that he will get back with her
regarding his availability.
Consent Agenda
Commissioner Yates made a motion to adopt the consent agenda, and Commissioner
Cole seconded the motion. The consent agenda included the following items:
1. Section 8 Payments for the months of August, September 2006
2. Summary of Vouchers for the month of August, September 2006
3. Travel Authorization No. 06-25
4. Travel Authorization No. 06-26
5. Training Authorization No. 06-29
6. Travel Authorization No. 06-20
7. Travel Authorization No. 06-21
8. Acceptance of Report of Executive Director Regarding Staff Reassignments
9. Acceptance of Report of Executive Director Regarding Baker heights Unit
Restoration
10. Approval of bid award to Bayside Floor Supply Company for Broadway Plaza
East floor replacement in the amount of $23,200
Upon being put to a vote, the motion passed unanimously and the Consent Agenda was
approved.
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Items for Individual Consideration
Resolution 1112 Authorizing one year extension of legal services contract with Newton
Kight, LLP
Executive Director Alkire said that this resolution was necessary due to the expiration of
a two-year contract with the Housing Authority’s legal counsel, Newton Kight, LLP, and
that both parties have agreed to a one year extension of that contract, with no change
in the amount of the monthly retainer. Commissioner Perez moved that the resolution
be adopted. Commissioner Yates seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Resolution 1113 Approving Contract with Sky Resources Group, Inc. to provide human
resources services to the Housing Authority.
This resolution accepts the proposal by the human resources consulting agency, Sky
Resources Group, in response to a request for proposals issued by the Housing
Authority. Sky Resources’ was the sole proposal submitted, and the Housing Authority
has been pleased with the quality of services received over the past seven years. The
recommendation is for a two year contract to Sky Resources. Commissioner Yates
moved the resolution be adopted. Commissioner Perez seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
Resolution 1114 Designating Check Signers and Voucher Auditors for All Housing
Authority Bank Accounts.
Executive Director Alkire reported that the list of individuals approved to sign checks
and voucher audits was in need of updating to reflect current staff employed at the
Housing Authority. It was also determined that Commissioner Dorsey and
Commissioner Perez needed be added to this list of authorized signatories.
Commissioner Taylor moved the resolution be adopted. Commissioner Yates seconded
the motion, which passed unanimously.
Resolution 1115 Authorizing Travel by the Executive Director
This resolution will authorize Executive Director Alkire to attend quarterly meetings of
the Association of Washington Housing Authorities and of the Housing Authorities Risk
Retention Pool Board of Directors, to which he has been elected. This authorization will
eliminate the need to obtain Board authorization for travel and expenses each time the
Executive Director attends a meeting of these organizations. Commissioner Yates
moved the resolution be adopted. Commissioner Cole seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
Resolution 1116 Adopting Payment Standard for the Housing Choice Voucher Program
Section 8 Director Sandra Back presented this resolution to the Board. She reported
that this resolution is in response to trends in the local rental market marked by less
availability of units and rising rents. HUD notifies Housing Authorities of Fair Market
Rent rates on an annual basis, and dictates that payment standards (on which rent
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subsidies are based) must fall within 90 to 110 percent of the FMR. In the recent past,
the Housing Authority has kept the payment standard below 110 percent of FMR due to
an abundance of vacancies and lower rents; however, market conditions now require
that payment standards be raised to 110 percent of FMR. This will ensure that Section
8 participants are able to continue to find safe and affordable housing in the
community. Commissioner Dorsey moved the resolution be adopted. Commissioner
Perez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Resolution 1117 Authorizing Computer Training with Progenixx, Inc.
Executive Director Alkire said that this resolution approves training for Housing
Authority staff in the ECS system, the software used by the housing and maintenance
departments for data entry and reporting purposes. This will be a four day training
provided by Progenixx, Inc. at the Colby office. It will provide training in updates and
other areas of the ECS software to enable the staff to perform their jobs effectively.
Commissioner Yates moved the resolution be adopted. Commissioner Perez seconded
the motion, which passed unanimously.
Other New Business
A memo to the Executive Director was distributed by Facilities and Procurement
Administrator, Brenda McLeod, requesting acceptance of the completion of work
replacing the domestic hot water boiler at Broadway Plaza East. This project was
completed by C. D. Construction and an inspection completed. Commissioner Taylor
moved this item be accepted, and Commissioner Yates seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
A memo from the Executive Director was presented to the Board of Commissioners
regarding the reclassification of Administrative Specialist Gwen Danforth’s position.
Over the past few years growth in the agency has resulted in changes to personnel
procedures that have required Gwen to spend the majority of her time dealing with
human resource related matters. She has indicated that she would like to concentrate
on this area, and two years ago she completed her certification as a Professional in
Human Resources. A new job description has been prepared reflecting the changes in
her job responsibilities. Finance Director Al Ashley and HR Consultant Gretel Sloan have
recommended this reclassification of her position, from Administrative Specialist to
Human Resources Analyst effective August 1, 2006. Commissioner Yates moved this
item be accepted, and Commissioner Dorsey seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously.
Policy Discussions
A review of year-end budget reports was the last agenda item discussed. Executive
Director Alkire began with the statement for ParkRidge Condominiums. He noted that
the total revenues from the sale of this property after expenses, expenditures, and
transfers resulted in a net profit of approximately $1,000,000. This figure will be
further reduced by approximately $50,000 due to the current expenditures for installing
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the hot tub. The profit from this sale is currently in the Park Ridge Fund, and it will be
allocated into a discretionary fund as the Board directs once the sale is finalized.
Executive Director Alkire also presented the final budget status of the Smelter Site as of
9/30/2006. This reflects final estimated expenses against final estimated net revenues,
excepting the cost of the final survey required by the State Department of Ecology.
Although the site has been sold, a survey to show where the CAP was placed, the area
covered by buildings, and the clean up of the uncovered portion of the site is required
to be paid by the Housing Authority to fulfill the terms of the grant that was obtained
from the Ecology Department. In addition, EHA will continue to incur legal expenses
related to our claim against Asarco pending before the bankruptcy court. Executive
Director Alkire noted that approximately $200,000 was spent out of the original
$450,000 additional spending that was approved by the Board for this project.
Finance Director, Al Ashley presented the budget/financial reports for the year ended
June 30, 2006. Finance Director Ashley reviewed each budget report and provided
comments regarding the budget variances for those programs where the expenditures
exceeded revenues.
Executive Director Alkire closed the regular meeting with the observation that the fourth
Monday in December will fall on Christmas Day. As a result, the Board meeting for that
month will need to be canceled, or take place one week earlier, on December 18 th. The
Commissioners indicated that they would like to have the meeting tentatively scheduled
for December 18th.
Chair Ryan closed the general session at 1:45 PM. The Board convened in executive
session at 2:00 PM and reconvened into regular session at 2:20 PM. A motion was
made that in recognition of the Executive Director’s work performance from May 2004
to April 2006, the Board proposes an increase in the Executive Director’s annual salary
of 16.02 percent, to $96,500, effective November 1, 2006. Commissioner Dorsey
moved that this be accepted, and Commissioner Yates seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously. The regular session ended at 2:25 PM.
Chair, Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Secretary
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