Minutes of the Public Housing Authority Commission meeting held on June 24, 2024
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Meeting Minutes
Public Housing Authority Commission
Regular Meeting
June 24, 2024, | 6:00 p.m.
Chandler City Council Chambers
88 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Hartke at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Commissioner Attendance
Appointee Attendance
Chairman Kevin Hartke
Joshua Wright, City Manager
Vice Chairman OD Harris
Kelly Schwab, City Attorney
Commissioner Angel Encinas
Dana DeLong, City Clerk
Commissioner Christine Ellis
Commissioner Mark Stewart
Commissioner Matt Orlando
Commissioner Jane Poston
Commissioner Lisa Loring
Scheduled/Unscheduled Public Appearances
None.
Consent Agenda and Discussion
1.
Approval of Minutes
Move the Public Housing Authority Commission approve the Public Housing Authority
Commission regular meeting minutes of May 6, 2024.
2.
Resolution No. HO179 Approving the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Family
Self Sufficiency Action Plan Effective July 1, 2024, and Certifying Compliance with the Related
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Regulations
Move Public Housing Authority Commission pass and adopt Resolution No. HO179
Approving the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Family Self Sufficiency (FSS)
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Action Plan Effective July 1, 2024, and Certifying Compliance with the Related United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regulations, and Further Directing
All Other Action Necessary to Carry Out the Purposes of this Resolution.
LEAH POWELL, Neighborhood Resources Director, presented the following presentation.
• 2024 Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Action Plan
• Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program
o FSS is a voluntary initiative to assist families in achieving economic independence and
self-sufficiency
o Open to both Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Programs
o 5 –7 year program with 4 years as the average length
o HUD provides funding for two FSS Specialist positions
• FSS Program Components
o Participants’ Goals Include:
o Education and job training
o Money management
o Career advancement
o Improved life skills
o Preparation for homeownership
o Interest-bearing escrow account
• Recent Accomplishments
• 2024 Accomplishments
o Nine graduates
o Average household income increase from $22,302 to $115,036 (416% increase)
o 4 College degrees
o One new homeowner
• Success Stories
• John
o Earned GED and becoming certified behavior health technician
o Gained full-time employment
o Using escrow to purchase home
o Both daughters pursuing careers in medical field
• Judith
o Promoted from CNA to Designated Care Provider
o 193% increase in income
o Daughter enrolled in college nursing program
• Jasmine
o 113% Increase in income
o Earned Master’s Degree
o Purchasing first home
o AZNAHRO/AHADA Award of Excellence Recipient
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COMMISSIONER ELLIS asked how many people are on the waiting list to join the program.
MS. POWELL said at least 20 people, and sometimes it is even double the amount that can be
served.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS asked about shortening the program to expedite exits and reduce the
backlog. There are condensed education programs that can be completed in 18 months to two
years and asked to investigate this option.
MS. POWELL said the biggest challenge is having only two staff members who can handle 60 cases
each. They can explore other available programs for educational pursuits and welcome partners
to provide training for families. The main challenge is the time families take to achieve their goals.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS asked about shortening the five-year program to increase the number of
partners involved.
MS. POWELL said the program is five years, but the average duration is currently four years. Some
families have extenuating circumstances and may need more time. Efforts are ongoing to improve
the program, and the department is seeking community partners to provide more support.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS thanked Ms. Powell and her team for their excellent work on the program,
and making the program a priority.
MS. POWELL thanked Commissioner Ellis for the support and commented that Chandler had more
graduates than other cities in the last couple of years.
VICE CHAIR HARRIS said when a constituent needed support, the team got on it immediately and
was able to help them find the housing they needed for their family. Vice Chair Harris expressed
gratitude for the team, encouraging them to keep up the excellent work and continue moving
forward.
CHAIRMAN HARTKE said it was inspiring to hear these amazing stories and to see individuals
pursue their goals. He expressed gratitude to the city for allowing the program to positively impact
the lives and futures of many generations.
3.
Resolution No. HO180 Authorizing the Submission of a Certification to the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development for its Desire to Renew the Designations
of 127 North Kingston Street (Kingston Arms Apartments) for Occupancy by Elderly or Near
Elderly Families
Move Public Housing Authority Commission pass and adopt Resolution No. HO180
Authorizing the Submission of a Certification to the United States Department of Housing
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and Urban Development for its Desire to Renew the Designations of 127 North Kingston
Street (Kingston Arms Apartments) for Occupancy By Elderly or Near Elderly Families.
4.
Resolution No. HO181, approving the Eleventh Amendment to the lease agreement
between the City of Chandler and Maricopa County authorizing a two-year lease extension
for space in the recreation building at 660 S. Palm Lane, Chandler, Arizona, for use as a
Head Start Facility
Move Public Housing Authority Commission pass and adopt Resolution No. HO181,
approving the Eleventh Amendment to the lease agreement between the City of Chandler
and Maricopa County authorizing a two-year lease extension for space in the recreation
building at 660 S. Palm Lane, Chandler, Arizona, for use as a Head Start Facility.
5.
Resolution No. HO182, Approving the Tenth Amendment to the Lease Agreement between
the City of Chandler and Maricopa County Authorizing a Two-Year Lease Extension for
Space in the Recreation Building at 130 N. Hamilton Street for use as a Head Start Facility
Move Public Housing Authority Commission pass and adopt Resolution No. HO182,
Approving the Tenth Amendment to the lease agreement between the City of Chandler and
Maricopa County authorizing a two-year lease extension for space in the recreation building
at 130 N. Hamilton Street for use as a Head Start Facility.
Consent Agenda Motion and Vote
Commissioner Loring moved to approve the Consent Agenda of the June 24, 2024, Regular Public
Housing Authority Commission Meeting; Seconded by Commissioner Orlando.
Motion carried unanimously (8-0).
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 6:11 p.m.
ATTEST: _______________________
______________________________
City Clerk Mayor