Housing Commission

MINUTES HOUSING COMMISSION PURPOSE OF MEETING: The five-member Commission is appointed by the City Council for three-year terms. The Housing Commission maintains awareness of housing needs and opportunities, including affordable housing; proposes housing policy initiatives and changes; investigates fair housing complaints and conciliates these complaints; mediates conflicts relating to the Virginia Residential Landlord & Tenant Act and offers reconciliatory services in conflicts relating to other housing laws. DATE OF MEETING: February 21, 2017 PLACE OF MEETING: Oak Room, City Hall MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chairman Idrobo at 6:30 p.m. THOSE PRESENT: Commission Members Staff Julio Idrobo, Chair ___X__ Dana Lewis __X_ Tori McKinney Vice Chair __ x__ Council Liaison M.T. Gutmanis __x ___ Letty Hardi – Council _Liaison__x_ _ Don Brobst ___ __ Planning Commission Liaison Brenda Heffernan ___x __ Lindy Hockenberry ______ ___ Student Representative FCHC Liaison _ Camille Borja ________ Thom Vaccaro__ _ __ Visitors Jason DaRosa` Garon King Chairman Idrobo called meeting to order at 6:35 pm. Introductions were given to visiting guests. Approval of Minutes - The January minutes were approved with two changes. Old Business CDBG Week and Fair Housing Month - April 17-22 2017 - Staff Lewis discussed possible activities for the month of June in celebration of both events. The group decided to have a Fair Housing Training for property managers, two proclamations and attend the Community Services Council luncheon on Tuesday April 25. Merrill House Update and Tenant Organizing – Council Liaison Letty Hardi gave an overview of what the AIMCO Owner of Merrill House presented to the public Economic Development Committee meeting. It was not a formal presentation. Commissioner Gutmanis shared that each Merrill House resident was given information that something is coming down the pike. She is concerned. Letty says that there is no proposal on the table. Commissioner Idrobo is concerned that this is private property with no affordability protections. Gutmanis shared that the letter stated they received stated that people would have a choice of an 11month or 15 month lease renewal, which is a change in policy. Letty reiterated that if a project is going to happen then it will need to go before council. Falls Church - Parents of Disabilities Group Update – Chair Idrobo met with the City parents of Adults with Disabilities. It was a group of about 15 parents that are concerned about the lack of projects that are being developed to house adults with disabilities in the City. They are concerned about the care of their children as they age. Housing Commission Annual Report for 2017 – Chair Idrobo shared that this needs to be completed this year and that he will work on preparing. Housing Commission Planning & Events for 2017 – The group discussed events for the year and looked at a calendar of events and everyone was in agreement that we should try to accomplish the list. In addition, Julio shared that the Human Services Advisory Council has requested a joint meeting to discuss the affordable housing policy and the timeline for revision. Sprague Liaison Reports – • Commissioner Heffernan – The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors is hosting a housing fair for the community. • Student Liaison Borja - She is writing a housing blog for George Mason High School. • Commissioner McKinney – Housing assessments are up 3.6%. Staff Report – Staff Lewis shared flyers for the upcoming Northern Virginia housing Expo to be held on March 18. MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 8:20 p.m. SIGNATURE OF RECORDER: Dana Lewis City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703 248-5005, (TTY 711).