Housing Commission

MINUTES HOUSING COMMISSION City of Falls Church 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: September 16, 2020 PLACE OF MEETING: Virtual MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chair Jordan Hicks at _____6:35____ pm THOSE PRESENT: Commission Members Staff Jordan Hicks, Vice Chair ___X__ Dana Lewis _X_ Joshua Shokoor __ X____ Ripal Patel ___X__ Peter Davis _____x_ __ Planning Commission Liaison Kristina Martinez ___X__ Meredith Anderson __X__ Student Liaison FCHC Liaison Jessie Cummings ______x____ Thom Vaccaro____ Jillian Kendrick _______x____ Council Liaison Guest: Letty Hardi _ __X___ Phil Duncan- Resident ___x___ Brannon McLaughlin ____x___ Minutes from the August 18, 2020 were ____Approved_______ Proceedings: Meeting called to order by Chair Hicks at ____6:35___ pm OLD BUSINESS Tenant sub-committee Planning Continuation – Commissioner Pete Davis led discussion. IT says they will do the email address. Pete has laid out what should be on the auto return and will assist Lewis with another details. Lewis will prepare the auto reply and update the group at the next meeting. Recruitment of Housing Commission Member Update – Chair Jordan Hicks shared that we have two new members that have been sworn in. The two new members are Kristina Martinez and Meredith Anderson. The group introduced ad welcomed them. In addition, we have been assigned our two new student representatives from George Mason High school are: Jessie Cummings and Jillian Kendrick, also present. NEW BUSINESS COVID Vulnerable Populations Rental Assistance Update – Staff Lewis shared updated information on how HHS has been serving City residents in need. Updates included: RENT & FORECLOSURE ASSISTANCE HHS continues to use City Cares Act funds (must be spent before 12-20) before our CDBG funds (spent before 6-21). Coty has received word that it may be receiving $63,500 in additional CDBG CARES ACT funds. More details at next meeting. CURRENT - Assistance provided as of September 16:  Rent payments- $210,000 total  May - $2,800, June - $22,657, July - $45,675, August - $40,805, September - $54,293  47 unduplicated clients and 138 rental checks provided to landlords  Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) administers the Governors Rental and Foreclosure Prevention program for the City (through the Northern Virginia Family Services)  The CDC issued eviction moratorium applies wherever there is not a more protective state moratorium in effect.  HHS has still not heard of any new City evictions for September as of yet. Property managers in the City have made payment arrangements with tenants who are in need and referring to HHS.  Virginia has signed onto to the Presidents supplemental unemployment insurance program (additional $300 per week for 3 weeks not to exceed $900). Details to come.  HHS participated this week in the Northern Virginia Eviction Workgroup. It looks like the City is doing well with our response times and bi-lingual capabilities  FOOD - provided to 48 persons. Winter Hill has requested additional food support (vegetables and fruit) for seniors. HHs will provide.  UTILITIES -$2,957 utility assistance provided to 16 residents  EMPLOYMENT – According to the Virginia Employment Commission it is estimated 1,360 City residents or 9.5% of the population have experienced unemployment at some point during COVID. Housing Update – Staff Lewis shared that the first draft of Housing Preservation report has been received and is being reviewed internally by staff. Commissioners requested to see it before it is shared with the combined meeting which will include other commissions. Commission adjourned to view the Planning Commission - Housing Policy Presentation: Jenny Schuetz, Brookings Institute: http://fallschurchva.gov/pc Adjourned –____7:15_____ pm