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06-18-20 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA
June 18, 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 June 18, 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 May 21, 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 his report included Sources and Uses for Central Plaza Apartments, Cypress and 7th, and Escalante Meadows for the Board's information. A presentation from Atwater Infrastructure on New Market Tax Credits for Escalante Meadows was also included in the packet. Our Cloud System went down on June 4, 2020. The system has been restored and most of the data has been recovered. All clients of CIO experienced this shutdown, the company has identified this as an anomaly and has hired a forensic team to uncover the root cause. The anti­virus software has been changed and we are working on a 2-part login system to increase security.

We had expected to receive Certificate of Occupancy for building one at Depot Street today, however, due to a problem with the laundry room fan wiring, it won't happen until sometime next week. We are in communication with prospective tenants and service providers to coordinate move-ins.

The Executive Director reported on the distribution of "disaster" tax credits. It looks like the distribution will be going mainly to Sonoma and Butte Counties.

APPROVAL OF OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT REPORTS
MOTION by Commissioner Lizarraga, second by Commissioner Doyle to approve the operation and management reports. Commissioner Burns commented on the Constellation Annual M & V Report. All voted aye. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES

Resolution No. 2864 - Approval of Expenditure List as submitted, including meeting expenses. MOTION by Commissioner Hobbisiefken, second by Commissioner Doyle to adopt Resolution No. 2864. Irene Melton answered several questions related to expenditures on the current list. Commissioner Doyle noted that the COVID-19 expenses are high. The Executive Director stated that we hope to get some reimbursement and may also pursue FEMA funds. All voted aye. Motion carried.

COMMISSIONERS' ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Commissioners' oral communications.

NEW BUSINESS

Consider and Approve $35,000 Funding Request from Partners in Housing Solutions. Motion by Commissioner Hobbisiefken, second by Commissioner Mercado to approve $35,000 fund request. Bob Havlicek stated that this is an annual request; this organization offers special help to place clients with private landlords which is very helpful for our agency. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Resolution No. 2865 - Approving and Authorizing the Executive Director or Designee to take all needed actions to apply for funding with the California State HCD under the Housing for a Healthy California Article I Program and to serve as General Partner in Escalante Meadows LP. MOTION by Commissioner Mercado, second by Commissioner Lizarraga to adopt Resolution No. 2865. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Resolution No. 2866 - Approve setting forth the Authority's Official Intent to Issue Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds to Undertake the Financing of Escalante Meadows in Guadalupe, CA. MOTION by Commissioner Hobbisiefken, second by Commissioner Mercado to adopt Resolution No. 2866. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, MOTION by Commissioner Burns, second by Commissioner Hobbisiefken to adjourn the meeting at 6: 18 p.m. All voted aye. Meeting adjourned.  

James E. Pearson
Chair

Robert P. Havlicek Jr.
Secretary/Executive Director