HomeMy WebLinkAboutOCHA Board Minutes 7-21-21 ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD
Minutes
July 21, 2021,6:00 PM
Virtual Zoom Meeting
Members Present: Evelyn Johann, Michael Webb, Corey Root
Absent: Tammy Jacobs,Paul Reynolds,Adejuwon Ojebuoboh
Staff Present: Corey Root, Director, Housing&Community Development, Blake Rosser,
HCV Program Manager,Alycia Brown,HCVP Coordinator
Welcome/Introduction
Blake Rosser called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm.
Blake Rosser inquired who was the vice chair for OCHA. Evelyn Johann responded not knowing
who is the vice chair. Blake Rosser stated Phil Venable has resigned from the OCHA board. Due to
the absence of boardmembers and no quorum to take place, Blake proposed to proceed with updating
present members and manage the meeting.
Introduction of meeting attendees:
Blake Rosser—HCVP Program Manager
Alycia Brown—HCVP Coordinator
Corey Root—Executive Program Director
Evelyn Johann—Board Member
Michael Webb—Board Member
HCV Program Manager/County Report
General Department Updates
Corey Root—
Service providers working with other program partners and services in regards to Emila Sutton's
work and contribution. Corey appreciates the partners in and out of area. Emila reorganized the
Housing & Community Development and the OCPEH was moved under the OCHCD. Emila
combined the county and municipalities' separate programs of rental assistance under one program
called the `Emergency Housing Assistance Program'. This program creation was a response to
COVID. OCPEH staff has increased from one staff member to 4 and developed new programs under
the OCPEH. Corey's goal is to continue the work begun by Emila Sutton.
Changes of HCV personnel; Blake as the new HCVP manager. Katricia Welliford,the new Housing
Specialist and Tim Stone as the new HCVP HQS Inspector.
Blake introduced and explained the changes of the admin plan by HUD allowing these changes with
the COVID waivers. Changes to the admin plan would need to be voted on before the end of the
year. Unless waivers are extend.
Utilization and voucher issuance report to be presented at the next board meeting.
Emergency voucher issuance discussed—preference category 19 vouchers are awarded. Ease of the
process of issuing vouchers. In addition to EHV voucher, $3500 service fees for each voucher.
Admin fees to LIP—recruitment tool. Housing inventory is very low. $1000 signing bonus - $500
renewed contracts - $200 renew current tenants.
Blake described the Landlord Incentive Program. Successful overall. Landlords are appreciative of
the program. A positive response overall for recruitment.
No questions offered from board members.
Blake shared the two year tool—explain the use of the spreadsheet pointing out the reserves.
Michael Webb inquired about the FMR and increase to 110%-Blake answered we are currently at
100%.
Blake mentioned the submission of the VMS report. Blake explained the finances of the program—
UNP has not been reported correctly—outside consultant and in house finance department working
to get finances in order. Explained the expenses that were in our accounts were incorrect.
Blake announced the Homeownership voucher program to be reactivated in the near future.
Blake announced more HUD VASH vouchers are to be issued and in the process of working with
VA office to request more.
Other Business
The board received applications to review to fill vacancies on the board. Staff will call to see if the
applicants are still interested in serving on the board.
Recruitment of board member—brainstorm, ideas
Corey as Executive Director roles—nonvoting member—should not vote on any items—if that was
followed in practice—what are the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Director—who should
be the Executive Director—Blake will follow up
Evelyn had not attended the board trainings—Michael did review the power point presentation but
did not actively attend.
Questions—Expectations or board—how has the board meeting run in the past—what is expected—
what can do going forward
Report presented has changed—utilization report—Evelyn non personal meeting an organizational
chart—last discussion how difficult to streamline the problems—chart is much easier for her
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted: Alycia Brown