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Board Aligns on Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Direction 

Geauga Metropolitan Housing Authority (GMHA) -  12/17/2024

Meeting Info: Regular Meeting on December 17, 2024 at 4:00 pm (EST) in the Conference Room at Murray Manor at 385 Center Street, Chardon, OH 44024. This meeting was in-person only.

 

Agenda: An agenda was provided at the meeting.  It is not available online.  The documented proceedings below follow the agenda and are presented sequentially.

Proceedings:

1. Call to Order - 4:00 pm

2. Attendance: Richard Depenbrok, Board Chair, Jeff Markley, Vice-chair, and Board Members Walter Claypool, Susan Kemerrer(absent) and Michael Petruziello.

Staff Attendance: Dawn Farrell, Executive Director and Carrie Carlson, Chief Financial Officer.  Todd Petersen, Legal Counsel.

Others Present: This observer and three other members of the public were in attendance.

Observer Note: The Executive Director indicated they were recording the audio of the meeting.  

3. Pledge of Allegiance - Recited 

4. Approval of Minutes
Minutes from November 19, 2024  (regular board meeting) were reviewed and approved unanimously.

5. Financial Statements and Write-Offs
Financial statements for public housing were reviewed and accepted without opposition. December write-offs totaled $1,324.24 and were approved unanimously.

6. Commissioner’s Report

• The board members engaged in a discussion regarding the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversion: Observer Note: More information regarding RAD can be found here on the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) government website.

  • Application Status: The RAD application was already submitted. An 18-month decision window allows the board to evaluate costs, benefits, and operational impacts.

  • Financial Analysis Concerns: The board expressed the need for internal financial review by the CFO, as the current analysis was primarily done by an external consultant.

  • Future Planning: The board members emphasized creating a detailed roadmap with milestones, leveraging HUD-provided decision trees and templates.

  • Board Sentiment: A methodical approach to analyzing the decision as to whether or not to convert to RAD is needed. The GMHA needs to be prepared to accept or reject conversion when HUD determines whether or not to approve the application. It is unclear when HUD will make this determination.

7. Report of Counsel – None

8. Report of Director – Ms. Farrel

• November Programs Report:  No new employees were hired. Maintenance continues to be covered by the outside vendor chosen in October.

• Flat Rents:  Each zip code now has its own flat rate rent. 

• RAD Rents:  RAD rents for 2025, contrary to prior expectations, did not decrease. Most localities experienced decreases, but Geauga County saw an increase of approximately $94,000 on a base of around $1,000,000. If the RAD application is accepted, this increased rate can be adopted.

9. Old Business – None

10. New Business

• Personnel Policy Change:  The policy was proposed to be revised to provide clearer guidelines for nursing mothers, including private spaces and break allowances. Revisions did not change the policy but clarified details for better understanding. The board unanimously approved the change.

• Salary Study:  A comprehensive salary study was conducted by Nelrad, a consulting firm specializing in public housing employment practices. The study was commissioned to address concerns about competitive pay.

  • Discussion Points:

    • Board members raised questions about the methodology, including how the firm selected regional comparisons and whether local conditions were adequately considered.

    • Concerns were expressed about the timing of implementation and ensuring the changes are budget-neutral where possible.

  • Next Steps:

    • Discussion deferred to the next meeting to allow board members time to review the full report.

    • The CFO will provide additional analysis, including the potential budgetary impact of the proposed adjustments.

• Director Training: Authorization was granted for the director to attend training events without prior board approval, provided budget guidelines are adhered to.

• Strickland Arms -  Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards  Change Order #3:  The board unanimously approved $5,563.65 for mold damage remediation and structural repairs.

• Strickland Arms -  Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards  Change Order #4:  Zero-cost extension was granted for project completion until January 31, 2025, with the board emphasizing timely completion.

• Health Insurance:  The director sought to document the current health insurance practices in order to provide future auditors with an audit path. No change to policy is required. The board fully approved.

11. Hearing of the Public

• A Murray Manor resident, “Roberta,” praised contractor responsiveness to snow removal and her specific requests. She also voiced concerns about inadequate sidewalk snow clearing during the recent heavy snowfall.

12. Executive Session

The board entered executive session in order to discuss employment and compensation matters for public employees pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) section 121. No further details were provided in the public session.

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Next Meeting: The next meeting will be on January 21, 2025 at 4:00 pm at Murray Manor. This will be a regular board meeting

More information about the Geauga Metropolitan Housing Authority can be found here. 

Observer: David Lewis

Editor & Reviewer: Sarah McGlone

Date Submitted: 12/17/2024

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