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07-16-20 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA
July 16, 2020

As permitted under the Governor's Executive Order N-25-20, dated March 12, 2020 due to concerns of COVID-19 ("Executive Order"), the members of the Board of Commissioners will participate in the meeting via a teleconference connection at locations that may be located outside of the Agency's jurisdiction. Such locations shall not be publicly disclosed, nor shall such locations be open to the public as is expressly authorized by the Executive Order. 

The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara met in regular session on July 16, 2020 via teleconference. Chair Pearson convened the meeting at 5:00 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following Commissioners were present: Robert Doyle, Larry Hobbisiefken, Lisa Knox-Burns, John Lizarraga, Henry Mercado and James Pearson.

Also present were Bob Havlicek, Secretary/Executive Director, Jackie Bordon, Executive Secretary, Irene Melton, Director of Finance, John Polanskey, Director of Housing Development, Sanford Riggs, Director of Operations and Irene Vejar, Director of Human Resources.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Burns, second by Commissioner Mercado to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 18, 2020. All voted aye. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
No public comments were received.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
Mr. Havlicek offered to answer questions related to his written report. He noted that building one at Depot Street is 100% occupied; we expect building two to be completed July 27, 2020 depending on the elevator certification. The same contractor is doing the work at Depot and Parkside, we are pleased with the quality of work, just not the timeframe.

Sanford Riggs, Director of Operations, reported on the emergency rent payments that we are administering for the County of Santa Barbara. These funds will assist with up to three months' rent for eligible families; we expect to assist approximately 100 households with the available funds.

Tax Credit Applications have been submitted for Cypress & Seventh, Harry's House and Escalante Meadows. It looks like Cypress & Seventh may receive funding.

Commissioner Burns asked about the proposed project in Santa Ynez. The Executive Director reported that an appeal was filed by a neighbor and that a Planning Commission Hearing is scheduled for August 12, 2020.

APPROVAL OF OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT REPORTS
MOTION by Commissioner Hobbisiefken, second by Commissioner Lizarraga to approve the operation and management reports. All voted aye. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES

Resolution No. 2867 - Approval of Expenditure List as submitted, including meeting expenses. MOTION by Commissioner Mercado, second by Commissioner Hobbisiefken to adopt Resolution No. 2867. Irene Melton answered several questions related to expenditures on the current list. All voted aye. Motion carried.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 
The Executive Director offered that the publication "Homelessness in Santa Barbara County - Our Everyday Epidemic" was shared to give a perspective. 

COMMISSIONERS' ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Pearson asked about the website update; Sanford Riggs explained that we are working to make the website more user friendly to all.

Commissioner Doyle requested that photos of Depot be shared with the City of Sant Maria; he will send Jackie the contact information.

Commissioner Doyle asked about potential workers compensation claims while staff work from home. The Executive Director stated that the exposure is minimal, but we will check with our insurance carrier.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution No. 2868 - Approval to Write-Off Uncollectible Tenant Accounts Receivable for the period ended June 30, 2020. MOTION by Commissioner Hobbi!iefken, second by Commissioner Doyle to adopt Resolution No. 2868. All voted aye. Motion carried.

MOTION to Accept the Audited Financial Statements of the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara for the period ended December 31, 2019. MOTION by Commissioner Burns, second by Commissioner Hobbisiefken to accept the Audited Financial Statements. Irene Melton gave an overview of the audited financial statements and answered questions. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, MOTION by Commissioner Hobbisiefken, second by Commissioner Mercado to adjourn the meeting at 6:38 p.m. All voted aye. Meeting adjourned.

James E. Pearson
Chair

Robert P. Havlicek Jr. 
Secretary/Executive Director