HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
COMMISSION OF
10400 Detrick Avenue
(240) 773-9025
03 - 08
A regular meeting of the Housing Opportunities
Commission of Montgomery County was conducted on
Present
Richard Y. Nelson, Jr.,
Chair
Y. Monroe Galloway, Chair
Pro Tem
Ralph D. Bennett, Jr.
Michael J. Kator (late)
Absent
Norman Cohen, Vice Chair
LaKeyia L. Thompson
Also
Attending
Lillian Busch Bonnie
Hodge
Lynn Hayes Winnie
Thomas
Guests
Maria
Campoy
Ayesha
Ali
Roberto
Pinero
David
Lewis
Chair Nelson called for consideration of the Consent
Calendar. He noted that item C had been
moved to the Deliberation Calendar.
Commissioner Bennett moved adoption.
Commissioner Galloway seconded the motion. Affirmative votes were cast by
I. CONSENT
CALENDAR
A. Approval
of Minutes of
B. Approval of 2003 Tony Davis
Scholarship Awards - The
following Resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION: 03-69 RE: Approval of
2003 Tony
WHEREAS,
in recognition for the many accomplishments
and extensive community volunteer work performed by former HOC employee, Tony
Davis, who was tragically killed in 2000, HOC established the Tony Davis Scholarship
Awards Program in his memory; and
WHEREAS,
the Tony
Davis Scholarship Awards Program annually provides two $5,000 awards to high
school seniors who are residents of either public housing or participate in the
Housing Choice Voucher Program and who also demonstrate excellent academic
achievement, participation in extra-curricula activities, a record of good
school attendance and other criteria; and
WHEREAS,
through a variety of distribution methods including direct mail, information
regarding eligibility and documentation was made known to all graduating youth
of Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program; and
WHEREAS, a Selection Committee, composed of three
Commissioners, the Executive Director, and the Chief of Staff, was convened on
June 12, 2003 to review applicant information; and
WHEREAS,
the
Selection Committee, after careful review of academic records, attendance
records, recommendations from school personnel and HOC staff, 500 word essays
written by applications, SAT scores, participation in school and community
activities, and college acceptance information, recommends to the Commission,
two outstanding candidates for the Tony Davis Scholarship Award: Ayesha Ali and
Maria Campoy; and
WHEREAS,
Ayesha Ali
and Maria Campoy have significant
accomplishment during their high school years and significant achievements both
in school and in their communities and have set high personal academic and
career goals, they fulfill the high standards as envisioned in Tony Davis’
memory and the establishment of the Tony Davis Scholarship Award;
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the
Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County affirm the recommendation
of the Tony Davis Scholarship Award Selection Committee for Ayesha Ali and
Maria Campoy to each receive a $5,000 Scholarship Award.
C. Ratification of Sole Source Contract
for Telephone Upgrade - The following Resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION: 03-70 RE:
Ratification of Sole
Source Contract
For
Telephone Upgrade
WHEREAS, the
Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) has a need to
migrate the existing telephone system away from its current vendor due to lack
of technical support in North America; and
WHEREAS, the
Procurement Policy allows the Executive Director to approve sole source
procurements only up to $50,000; and
WHEREAS, the
contract exceeds the Executive Director’s approval authority and the Commission
was polled on
WHEREAS, the Commission approved, by
acclamation, entering into a sole-source contract with Altura in the amount of
$65,166.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED
that the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County approves:
1.
Ratification of Sole Source contract with Altura for the telephone
upgrade
to
HOC’s existing telephone system.
D. Adoption
of Retirement Resolution for Mary Jane Roberts - The following
Resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION : 03
- 71
RE:
Retirement Resolution for
Mary Jane
Roberts
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Roberts began her career with the Housing
Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County on
WHEREAS, Mary Jane,
through a Ryan White grant, single-handedly and willingly accepted the
challenge of housing and monitoring the services to HIV/AIDS residents as her
first assignment with HOC, allowing these persons to live in dignity and
self-sufficiently; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane continued her remarkable tenure at HOC with
the HOC Transitional and Supportive Housing Program where she initiated the
very first HUD funded HOC Program for Abused Persons starting with just three
households; and
WHEREAS, the initial Abused Persons Program was the forerunner
of the many Supportive Housing Programs now serving 170 families and single
adults, and as a model for the County operated Betty Kranke Center, serving
families facing domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane has been the sole specialist for the
Turnkey Program in conjunction with the County’s Mental Health Services Office,
ensuring housing and services for 12 participants since 1989; and
WHEREAS, in her devotion and passion to see residents improve
the quality of their lives through education, training, and employment, Mary
Jane has been the sole program monitor, supporter, advocate for the Jesup Blair
Transitional Housing Program since its inception in 1991; and
WHEREAS, through the
Jesup Blair Program, she has successfully developed partnerships with the
Department of Human Services for case management services, the Department of
Housing and Community Affairs and the Park and Planning Office for property
preservation issues, the Park Police for security problems, and the Silver
Spring Historical Society regarding preservation issues. These partnerships have ensured that the
residents and the property are carefully treated and nurtured; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane through the years has assisted hundreds of
residents attain self-sufficiency while increasing their self esteem and confidence,
despite their personal and individual conditions; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane has significantly contributed to the
writing and preparation of numerous grant applications, utilizing her talent as
an excellent writer and editor; and
WHEREAS, as a testament to Mary Jane’s flair for color and
design, the residents for whom she has been responsible have showcase
apartments at low cost; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane has been a compassionate, conscientious,
and committed employee, ably serving the interests of her clients, while
upholding the high standards of professionalism within HOC;
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the
Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County extends its sincere
thanks and appreciation for the many contributions of
E. Adoption
of Retirement Resolution for Lillian Busch - The following Resolution
was adopted:
RESOLUTION : 03
- 72 RE: Retirement Resolution for
Lillian Busch
WHEREAS, Lillian Busch began her employment
with the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County in September,
1996 as a Volunteer Administrative Aide at the Arcola Towers Apartments, a
Public Housing senior community located in Wheaton; and
WHEREAS, while at
Arcola Towers, Lillian worked with the residents and management staff to ensure
a high quality of life for the residents, helping them with their shopping and
daily lunch; and
WHEREAS, on
July 21, 1997, Lillian accepted a part-time career position as Office Assistant
II on the 124 corridor where she helped coordinate the day-to-day operations of
three HOC multifamily properties; and
WHEREAS, on September 16, 1998, Lillian accepted a
part-time manager trainee position at Camp Hill Square Apartments, a 51-unit
Section 236 multifamily property in Gaithersburg; and
WHEREAS, on
August 16, 1999, Lillian accepted the
position of Resident Manager I at Camp Hill Square and was subsequently
instrumental in transforming the property into what is now not only a home to
many, but also a community in which the quality of life is very high; and
WHEREAS, on
WHEREAS, Lillian
served the Camp Hill Square Board of Directors during her tenure, always
ensuring that the property was a reflection of their vision and demonstrated
how a property should be managed, both efficiently and effectively; and
WHEREAS, Lillian
worked closely with her residents, including taking children on trips to the
bowling alley and to the local parks while also planning two pizza parties each
year for “Out of School” and “Back to School” celebrations where the Camp Hill
Board, the Community, the Police and the Recreation Department came together
for an afternoon of celebration; and
WHEREAS, Lillian
worked closely with staff and colleagues at the adjoining HOC properties,
always working in the best interests of the residents, while achieving a name
of endearment, “Mother Busch”, from her co-workers.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Housing Opportunities Commission of
Montgomery County extends its sincere thanks and appreciation for the many
contributions Lillian Busch has made during her career to the Housing
Opportunities Commission and its residents.
Her commitment to excellence will be missed.
II. INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Tony Davis
Scholarship Presentations
Jerrilyn
Matthews, Senior Administrator for Resident Services, gave brief remarks about
the history of the Scholarships. She
explained that the Scholarships are given in memorial of Tony Davis, an HOC
employee who was tragically killed in 2000.
Mr. Davis was well-known and recognized for his extensive volunteer work
in the Middlebrook community.
Ms.
Matthews further explained that the scholarship fund provides two $5,000 scholarships
to high school seniors who demonstrate excellent academic achievement,
participation in extra-curricular activities, and a good record of school
attendance. Candidates were also
required to submit a 500-word essay, references, and a letter of acceptance to
a college or university.
Ms.
Matthews recognized David Lewis, one of the first students to receive the
scholarship in 2002. Mr. Lewis was
applauded for successfully completing his first year at
This
year the selection committee reviewed over 20 applications for the 2003
awards.
Chair
Nelson presented the 2003 Scholarship plaques to Ayesha Ali and Maria
Campoy. Both of the young women are
public housing residents.
Chair
Nelson stated that the Agency has occasion to celebrate when two students are
able to do well and move forward to college despite many obstacles in their
lives.
Upon
presenting the award to Ms. Ali, Chair Nelson noted that she graduated with a
3.38 g.p.a. She was a member of the
National Honor Society, the Drama Club, the Bible Club, SADD,
Upon
presenting the award the Maria Campoy, Chair Nelson noted that she graduated
with a 2.96 g.p.a. He noted that Ms.
Campoy completed 325 hours of community service. Chair Nelson pointed out that Ms. Campoy
missed much of her 8th grade school year due to brain surgery. Ms. Campoy went on to high school where she
was president of the NAACP Youth Council and a volunteer at an AIDS
clinic.
Chair
Nelson stated that Ms. Campoy will attend
Chair
Nelson congratulated both winners and their parents and stated that the Agency
is proud to award the scholarships to such deserving students.
Presentation
of Retirement Resolutions
Chair
Nelson recognized two staff members who are retiring from the Agency. He read their resolutions which noted their
accomplishments and contributions to the Agency. Additionally, each was presented with a
framed copy of their resolution and an Agency clock.
Housing
Choice Voucher Program Lease-Up Initiative Wrap-up Report
Bill
Murphy, Director of Rental Assistance, introduced Lynn Hayes, Rental Assistance
Manager. He explained that Ms. Hayes was
responsible for managing the activities for the Lease-up Initiative. Ms. Hayes wrote the final report and, as
such, made the final presentation.
Ms.
Hayes stated that during the Lease-up Initiative, 4,000 families were called
up. There was a 55% response rate. Of the families that responded, 91% were
determined eligible to participate in the program. Of the eligible families, 76% attended a
Voucher issuance session and received a Voucher. Overall, 1,520 Vouchers were issued in seven
months.
Ms.
Hayes explained that there was a 79.9% success rate. Leasing in-place was done by 34% of the
families. The average search time for a
unit was 63 days. Seventy – six percent
of units passed the initial inspection.
Of the 17 term employees, six have been retained as full-time career
employees. Approximately 258 new
landlords have been added to the program.
Of
the allocated $2 million budget, approximately $886,000 was actually
spent. The final utilization rate was
96.3% by the
Ms.
Hayes noted that some of the factors which contributed to the success of the
Lease-up Initiative were: the increased
Voucher Payment Standard, partnerships with other agencies, 48-hour inspection
guarantee, promotion of leasing in-place, the marketing campaign, the landlord
hotline, application assistance fee, free credit reports, the PEAP program, the
Voucher Expo, good housing stock and extended working hours by dedicated staff.
Chair
Nelson congratulated Ms. Hayes on a well-written report. He congratulated the entire Rental Assistance
Division for a job very well-done. He
stated that the Commission is pleased that 1,200 additional families are
housed. He acknowledged the involvement
of the Agency, as a whole, in working to accomplish the goal. He again expressed the appreciation of the
Commission.
Mr.
Murphy acknowledged the managers of the Rental Assistance Division: Rose Matthews, Program Coordinator; Winnie Thomas, Lead Inspector; Lisa Hudson, Financial Management Supervisor;
Bonnie Hodge, Program Coordinator; Joy Flood, Assistant Director of Rental
Assistance; Eileen Hartnett, former Administrative Assistant for Rental
Assistance. Mr. Murphy thanked Ms. Hayes
for her work as leader and motivator for the Initiative.
In
response to a question by Commissioner Bennett, there was a brief discussion of
the waiting list.
Mr.
Minton stated that the Lease-up Initiative was operated in text-book
fashion. He stated that the program was
superbly managed. Chair Nelson noted
that it was also done at half of the projected budget.
A.
Executive Director's Report - Mr. Minton added the
following items to his written report.
1)
The Econo Lodge site plan will be reviewed by the Gaithersburg Planning
Board during the week of July 14th.
2)
HOC will testify at the Montgomery County Planning Board on July 10th,
in support of Affordable Housing as an exception in the Annual Growth
Plan. Dan Sachs will provide testimony
for HOC.
3)
Mr. Minton presented the artist’s rendering of the Fougler Pratt
building which HOC financed in the fall of 2002.
4)
Jerrilyn Matthews presented Mr. Minton with a T-shirt from the students at the summer
program which is operated at
5)
Zachary Smith, Director of Legislative and Public Affairs, has
resigned. He has taken a position with
the D. C. Housing Authority. Mr. Minton
stated that Mr. Smith will be sorely missed.
B. COMMISSIONER EXCHANGE
Commissioner
Bennett requested copies of the Harvard /
C. COMMUNITY FORUM - no comments made.
III.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
none
IV. DELIBERATION
A.
Approval of Amendment to
Personnel Policy – HOC Drug Testing Policy –
Staff has proposed pre-employment drug testing for all employees. Commissioner Kator inquired about the reasons for HOC to do broader testing than any of the other agencies surveyed. Mr. Minton stated that a broader approach was taken to maintain equitable treatment for all staff and all positions. He went on to state that the Agency holds drug use as a basis for eviction or termination of subsidy, which cannot be appealed. He stated that the Agency certifies to HUD and grant funders that HOC maintains a drug free workplace. Furthermore, Mr. Minton stated that a very large number of employees have access to residents’ homes and / or responsibility of driving residents in Agency vehicles. Additionally, staff conducts programs with children and youth. Taking all of that into consideration, Mr. Minton stated that the Agency has a responsibility to conduct some screening for drugs. He went on to state that instances in the past has made it clear that HOC had employees who abused illegal drugs.
Commissioner Kator pointed out that Montgomery County Government does not require testing of all employees. He went on to state that Commissioners are not required to submit to drug testing. He inquired about the inconsistency in policy for Commissioners and staff. Mr. Minton stated that there is a difference in roles – Commissioners do not interact with clients regularly and the liability issues are not the same. Mr. Minton stated that staff cannot control the requirements for Commissioner appointments. However, the Agency can set policy for employees of the Agency.
In
response to a question from Commissioner Kator, Mr.
Commissioner Kator asked whether an applicant on prescription medications would have to reveal a medical condition to the Agency which he or she would rather keep confidential. He provided the example of an individual with AIDS. Mr. Minton explained that applicants would be required to fill out a form prior to being tested. The information on the form is kept confidential between the MRO and the applicant.
Mr. Kator explained that his concerns with the intrusiveness of the testing outweighs the benefits of the testing. He stated that pre-employment testing is less likely to detect a drug abuser because such a person would simply choose not to submit to the test or to refrain from drug use until after the test. He went on to state that a person taking prescription medication who may or may not wish to reveal their condition, may opt out of taking the test. Mr. Minton informed the Commission that a medical examination is a requirement for employment. Therefore, disclosure will be required with or without drug screening. Mr. Minton further stated that a person who does not wish to take the drug test will have effectively self-selected out of employment with HOC.
Commissioner Kator stated the proposed policy will likely have the effect of merely screening out candidates who would rather not have government intrusion into their lives. He stated that there is no real benefit to pre-employment testing. He stated that the other categories of testing (reasonable suspicion, post accident, return to work) are adequate to cover the concerns of maintaining a drug free work environment.
Chair Nelson stated that although limited to certain categories of employment, pre-employment drug testing is carried out at most of the agencies surveyed by staff.
Chair Pro Tem Galloway inquired about FBI background checks. Patrick Mattingly, Director of Human Resources, stated that the Agency does a criminal background check on applicants, but it does not send cards to the FBI.
Commissioner Bennett stated that he fully respected Commissioner Kator’s arguments; however, he stated that he is not inclined to use the Agency policy as the arena for testing those reservations. He stated that his inclination is to support staff’s recommendation.
Commissioner Bennett moved adoption of the resolution. Chair Pro Tem Galloway seconded the motion. Affirmative votes were cast by Commissioners Nelson, Bennett and Galloway. Commissioner Kator voted in opposition to the resolution. Commissioners Thompson and Cohen were necessarily absent and did not participate in the vote.
RESOLUTION:
03 – 73 RE: Approval
of Amendment to Personnel Policy Chapter 1700, Section 1760 – Drug
Testing Program Chapter 1300, Conduct of Employees, Disciplinary
Code - Section 1331
WHEREAS, the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery
County, Maryland is firmly committed to providing a drug-free environment for
staff; and
Whereas, HOC seeks to
prevent the use of illegal drugs or abuse of prescription drugs and alcohol
among its employees in the work place; and
WHEREAS, the Executive Director has recommended that the
Personnel Policy be amended to include a Drug Testing Program; and
WHEREAS, the Drug Testing Program will be administered as
defined in the Alcohol and Drug Testing Guidelines that were provided at the
June 4, 2003 Commission Meeting, and
WHEREAS, the Housing Opportunities Commission wishes to conduct
pre-employment drug testing to promote a drug-free work environment.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the
Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, Maryland that the
Alcohol and Drug Testing Guidelines be approved as provided to the Commission
at the June 4, 2003 Commission Meeting:
BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED by the Housing
Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, Maryland that the Personnel
Policy be amended as follows:
Chapter 1700
Add New Section:
1760 Drug Testing Program
Chapter 1300
Delete:
1331 Evidence
of current, excessive use of alcoholic beverages affecting
job performance or current use of illegal drugs.
Add New Language:
1331 Use of illegal drugs or abuse
of prescription drugs or alcohol.
B. Adoption of Revisions to 2001 ABC and
2002 ABC Mortgage Purchase Program -
Earl DeMaris, Chief Financial Officer, introduced Tom DeBrine, Manager of the Single Family Program. Mr. DeMaris stated that several proposed changes to the Single Family Mortgage Purchase Program have been submitted to the Commission to increase the use of funds.
Mr.
DeMaris stated that staff recommends authorization of the following items: a
zero-point interest rate product, a reduction of the single family interest
rates, reduction of the number of
products offered, and withdrawal of an additional $300,000 from the single
family indenture for additional closing cost assistance with HOC first
mortgages, an unused proceeds bond call of $6.9 million to retire bonds from
2001 and prior, and increase income limits to $59,360 for a one-person
household size, $84,800 for a two-person household, $97,520 for three-or-more-person
household. Additionally, the Commission
is asked to approve sales price limits of $303,300 for new construction and
$255,600 for existing properties. Staff
is also recommending a re-financing program for HOC mortgage holders which
would be funded by taxable bond funds that are available. Finally, staff is recommending that the
Executive Director be authorized to adjust single family interest rates by 50
basis points (up or down) and also be authorized to conduct a solicitation of
additional lenders. The authority given
to the Executive Director would remain in effect until
Chair Nelson informed Commissioner Kator that a worksession was held prior to the meeting to discuss all of the proposed changes to the Single Family Program. He stated that the three Commissioners who were present reviewed the information and are supportive of the measures.
Mr. DeMaris confirmed that the changes to the program are being recommended based on the unprecedented reduction in interest rates. Commissioner Kator stated that interested rates have recently risen. He asked what impact the increased rates would have on the proposed changes to the program. Mr. DeMaris explained that staff has asked for the Executive Director to have the authority to adjust the rates to accommodate for future fluctuations in the rate. Chair Nelson stated that the Commission also has the ability to change the policy at any time.
Commissioner Bennett moved to adopt the resolution. Commissioner Kator seconded the motion. Affirmative votes were cast by Commissioners Galloway, Nelson, Bennett, and Kator. Commissioners Thompson and Cohen were necessarily absent and did not participate in the vote.
RESOLUTION:
03 - 74 RE: Adoption of Revisions to 2001ABC and
2002ABC Mortgage Purchase Programs