Live reporting by
Heather Alder
Commissioners discuss measures to improve DHC’s 39.36% rent collection rate; Phases I and II development of new housing Villages at Parkside approved.
Good morning #DETROIT !! I will be live tweeting our DHC Board of Commissioners meeting starting @ 10am for #DetroitDocumenters @DetDocumenters media partners: @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @media_outlier @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit
07:07 AM Nov 16, 2023 CST
Information to join the meeting can be found here dhcmi.org/regular-board-…
dhcmi.org/regular-board-…
IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage this morning is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.
Still waiting—-tried a different devise to confirm it wasn’t just my system…still no meeting via zoom
Tried to join via phone and it stated I have joined the meeting, yet nothing being spoken…still nothing on zoom meeting either
They opened meeting (lots of echos due to all my different devises being connected 😂😂) & announced they do not have a quorum so can’t start meeting and they will come back on when they have one, & back to blank screen for meeting.
They are starting!!!! All members in attendance except Commissioner Achsah Williams.
First action - 1. Approval to Execute Change Order 2 for Additional Funding to Contract 3070 with Qualified Construction Corporation for Nine (8) Scattered Site Unit Renovations – Resolution No. 3210- $7350 added to care for tree damage to property-
First item - 1. Approval to Execute Change Order 2 for Additional Funding to Contract 3070 with Qualified Construction Corporation for Nine (8) Scattered Site Unit Renovations – Resolution No. 3210
Item is for additional funding (+$7000) to care for tree damage from storm. Commissioner Aaron Seybert ? Why they must come to them for small amount- must be presented if over 10% of contract- offers idea to come to board for 10% or a set amount.. Item approved
2. Revision of the Payment Standards Used in the Housing Choice Voucher and Section 8 Programs – Resolution No. 3211- to meet HUD 2023-2024 standards. Commissioner Seybert has more ideas for DHC & asks “how long from application to residency ?”and would this action delay that?
Commissioner Serbert asked how to modify to 120% instead of 110% FMR…was advised and….They modified to make resolution 120% of HUD FMR (fair market rate).
Next agenda item- Approval of Tenant Accounts Receivable Write-Off – Resolution No. 3212
Next agenda item—- Authorization to Renew Commercial Property Insurance from the Housing Authority Risk Retention Group and HAI Group – Resolution No. 3213.
Commissioner Seybert ? Increases…advised increase in properties, and damages…” “Sheraton issue” (?) Then asked if has to maintain separate policies than the city…25% increase.. was advised must be separate. Insurance rate going up 25%!!!!! Item approved.
Final action item—- Approval to Execute a Real Estate Development Agreement Between DHC and Ginosko Development Company for Phases I and II Development of New Housing on Vacant Land at the Villages at Parkside, Village I – Resolution No. 3214
Commissioner Seybert ? Contract set ups for 1 yr then multiple??? Advised 1 yr master agreement- they know 1st 2 phases to build up to 200 new units…the rest of the buildings they are not certain what they will be doing with them at this time.
Commissioners seem to have many concerns regarding this property- They are asking questions advising they “want more details” as they can get them. ….approved-
Lots of discussion of follow up action item regarding delinquent accounts and the “overwhelming” job of catching up. The goal is to “get current and stay current”.
Still discussing goals of clearing delinquent accounts and get them to 3-5%. Commissioner Seybert discussing his desire to clear this issue. States the shouldn’t be afraid to ask for extra help. Was advised we need staff. Goal for more staff.
President Richard Hosey ? If we are working with MSDHA? Advised we have reached out but no response yet. Commissioner Seybert said let them know if they run into a roadblock they can reach out to them or staff.
Monthly Reports continuing. Real Estate Management representative discussing collections…Covid policies…and “family signed a lease” rent is due at the 1st of the month …found lease enforcement was down. Working on that… “collections is now a standing topic” monthly
The Real Estate management representative said regarding collections “Your going to tell me why you didn’t collect 97% & it better be a good reason” If not meeting #’s (whatever those may be) “We Target You”. “More meetings with me & more reporting”.
President Hosey ? appropriate time to communicate with tenants regarding delinquent account. Why do we wait 4 months? Was advised they talk with them on recent past due. Dealing w/high balance cases then easier to deal with current. Expectation is collect every month.
Commissioner Seybert ? How can we reward the high performers? Can we thank them personally, can I buy them lunch? President Hosey advised he wanted to give them monetary incentives.. Was advised these are Union job force- contract language must be followed.
Commissioner Seybert said it’s a hard job collecting and should be awarded for hood work. Real Estate representative expressed that is their job and can’t incentivize what you are being paid to do. President Hosey asked to find best practices. Developing collection procedure
President Hosey asked why can’t they reach out to high performing Housing Commissions? Was advised they are dealing with 7 companies with over 3400 properties- Meeting with highest performing company to find out how they are such high performers-
IT monthly report- Short as hard to hear- Procurement- nothing to add ? If Dec meeting- Advised It is scheduled- Commissioner Seybert ? For IT and Procurement- ? How to read reports and see if we are going in the right direction- List doesn’t give much info.
Pres Hosey explained prior to pandemic more ? Line items diligently & it improved spending..found more to the $ than item- Pandemic hit and that changed- Getting back to that. Commissioner Seybert explaining what he is wanting on reports to IT & procurement representatives
Commissioner Seybert advised “I have been chatty today” “ too much coffee”
1 public comment from representative from Friends of Parkside advising of grants received and activities. No other public comments?!?!?! No Commissioner comments… Meeting ADJORNED
AGAIN—— IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage this morning is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.