HRA Board of Commissioners

HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH ST. PAUL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 26, 2017 The Special Meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of South St. Paul was held on June 26, 2017 in the Training Room of the South St. Paul City Hall. Chairperson Hansen called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. The following Commissioners were present: Bill Flatley, Marilyn Rothecker, Tom Seaberg, James Francis and Lori Hansen. Absent: Joe Forester and Todd Podgorski. Staff was represented by: Branna Lindell, Shelly Anderson and Edie Kleinboehl. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Commissioner Seaberg and seconded by Commissioner Flatley to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. CONSENT It was moved by Commissioner Rothecker and seconded by Commissioner Francis to approve the consent agenda as follows: A. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes – April 24, 2017 B. Approval of Certificate of Completion and Release of Forfeiture – North Concord Properties, LLC (820 North Concord Street) Correspondence re above is recorded as Document No. 6632. Motion carried. GENERAL BUSINESS A. Approval of Revisions to Public Housing Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (i) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Ms. Lindell reported the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) updated the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) requirements. VAWA provides protection in instances of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or stalking of victims. HRA Minutes June 26, 2017 Page 2 of 3 In order to ensure residents are notified of the act, applicants and residents of public housing must be provided a copy of the “Notice of Occupancy Rights under VAWA”. The notice includes a form to report such incidents. Additionally, we are required to have an Emergency Transfer Plan in place in the event someone needs it. Copies of the VAWA Act, the reporting form and Emergency Transfer Plan outlining procedures will be provided to residents including all applicants starting June 30, 2017. It was moved by Commissioner Flatley and seconded by Commissioner Rothecker to approve the revision to the ACOP regarding the Violence Against Women Act compliance. Motion carried. Correspondence re above is recorded as Document No. 6633. (ii) Smoke-Free Housing Ms. Lindell reported the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development mandated federally funded public housing buildings become smoke-free as of July 30, 2018 (no exceptions). Tobacco products consisting of lit tobacco, hookahs and water pipes are prohibited inside apartment units, common areas and all areas within 25 feet of the buildings. Designated smoking areas in the front and rear of each building will be identified with signage, benches and ashtray receptacles. Ms. Lindell noted an extension of the patio on the north side of John Carroll will be necessary to meet the 25’ requirement which will be done using Capital Funds. Discussion ensued regarding providing smoking shelters. Ms. Lindell reported the mandate does not require building enclosed shelters or open structures with a roof. Ms. Lindell reported the organization Live Smoke Free: Smoke Free Multi-housing is providing resident resources to transition from smoking to smoke-free. A one year notice is being provided to accommodate those who wish to move or cease smoking. To implement the policy, a Smoke-Free lease addendum will be provided to the residents at their annual recertification appointment. In preparation of the deadline the Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) must be updated. It was moved by Commissioner Francis and seconded by Commissioner Flatley to approve the revision to the ACOP regarding Smoke-Free Housing. Motion carried. (Commissioner Rothecker dissented). Correspondence re above is recorded as Document No. 6634. ADJOURNMENT HRA Minutes June 26, 2017 Page 3 of 3 There being no further business to come before the Commission it was moved by Commissioner Seaberg and seconded by Commissioner Flatley to adjourn. Chairperson Hansen declared the meeting adjourned at 6:42 P.M. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ ______________________________ Todd Podgorski, Secretary Lori Hansen, Chairperson Dated: July 24, 2017