November 20, 2024 Regular Board Meeting Minutes - Amended

WAUKEGAN HOUSING AUTHORITY
AMENDED REGULAR MINUTES
November 20, 2024

The Board met in a live meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 @ 1707 N McAree Rd Board Room, Waukegan, Illinois @ 5:30 p.m. Those present were as follows:

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Eleanor Murkey
Kittie Harden
Pauline Redd
Michelle Obleton

ABSENT
Jesus Gerena 

ALSO, PRESENT
Charles Chambers, CEO
Martin Walker, Attorney
Celester Rodney, Director of Human Resources  

1. ROLL CALL:
   5:31PM There being a quorum present, the Acting Chairman Michelle Obleton called the meeting to order.
   
   
2. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES OF October 2024 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES:
   Motion by Murkey and seconded by Harden to approve Regular board minutes for Oct. 2024 Passed and approved as written. 
   
   
3. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
   Presented as written, Chambers discussed HOTMA and new standards to be implemented in 2025, also discussed certifications in inspection and management.
   
   
4. SECTION 8 REPORT FOR October 2024:
   Presented as written. Chambers discussed the Co-Op Agreement which was effective as of Nov. 1, 2024. No need to transfer vouchers to or from partnered municipalities or housing authorities.  WHA is keeping FSS and 3 mandatory FSS slots.
   
   
5. HOUSING MANAGERS REPORT FOR October 2024:
   Presented as written by Chambers, he further discussed Harry Poe working on a finance plan and maintaining above 94.8% lease up to at least 96%.
   
   
6. DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT REPORT-BLUFFS AT SOUTH SHERIDAN FOR October 2024:
   Chambers reported and Murkey posed the question of outstanding rent. Chambers reiterated that tenants are on payment plans but he's also concerned with treatment by current management companies, some of which need to be cut.
   
   
7. DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT REPORT- ARMORY TERRACE FOR October 2024:
   Per Chambers, working on the sale of 215 MLK but first seeking approval from HUD, move involves 8 off-site storage units, but WHA is 90-95% moved in. 
   
   
8. DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT REPORT- RAVINE TERRACE FOR October 2024:
   As written per Chambers.  New construction has begun, and they are making progress.
   
   
9. FSS COORDINATORS REPORT FOR October 2023:
   As written per Mrs. Rodney
   
   
10. COMMUNITY OUTREACH REPORTS FOR October 2024:
    Presented as written by Ms. Rodney.
    
    
11. TENANTS OWING ONE OR MORE MONTHS RENTS:
    Presented as written by Charles, discussion regarding old vs. newer tenants gaining access to new buildings.
    
    
12. VACANCY REPORTS:
    Presented as written by Charles. WHA is currently at capacity.
    
    
13. WAUKEGAN HOSUING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION UPDATES:
    Chambers discussed he was working on staffing and management. Motion to accept reports and updates as written and otherwise presented by Murkey, seconded by Harden.
    
    Roll Call:
    AYES
    Eleanor Murkey
    Kittie Harden
    Pauline Redd
    Michelle Obleton
    
    NAYS
    None.
    
    Passed and approved. 
    
    
14. NEW BUSINESS:
    
    
    1. APPROVAL OF CASH RECEIPTS FOR OCTOBER 2024:
       Motion by Murkey and seconded by Redd.
       Motion Passed and approved.
       
       Roll Call:
       AYES
       Eleanor Murkey
       Kittie Harden
       Pauline Redd
       Michelle Obleton
       
       NAYS
       None.
       
       
    2. APPROVAL OF MONTHLY DISBURSEMENTS FOR OCTOBER 2024:
       Motion by Redd and seconded by Harden.
       Motion Passed and approved.
       
       Roll Call:
       AYES
       Eleanor Murkey
       Kittie Harden
       Pauline Redd
       Michelle Obleton 
       
       NAYS
       None.
       
       
    3. DISCUSS FINAL AUDIT REPORT - no findings per Chambers
       
       
    4.  DISCUSS NSPIRE INSPECTION RESULTS - first inspection passed, second inspection passed as  well and with increased results.
       
       
    5. APPROVAL OF THE 2025 FIVE-YEAR AND ANNUAL PLAN - must be approved separately during a special meeting. 
       
       
    6. BAD DEBT WRITEOFFS FOR PH AND HCV.
       Motion by Redd and seconded by Harden.
       Passed and approved.
       
       Roll Call:
       AYES
       Eleanor Murkey
       Kittie Harden
       Pauline Redd
       Michelle Obleton
       
       NAYS
       None.
       
       
15. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
    N/A
    
    
16. COMMISSIONERS TIME:
    Harden- WHA is giving away turkeys for Thanksgiving, food trucks, 1st come first served.
    
    
17. EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS SAFETY AND PERSONNEL CONCERNS:
    The Board entered executive session at approx. 6:00PM, and said minutes are collected in a separate file.
    
    
18. ADJOURMENT:
    Motion by Redd and second by Murkey to adjourn. Oral vote was had Motion Passed and Adjourned at approx. 7:00 PM. 

Charles J. Chambers, Jr., Executive Director/CEO
Eleanor Murkey, Chairman