2-28-08

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO Minutes of Special Commission Meeting Thursday, February 28, 2008

440 Turk Street San Francisco, California

A regular meeting of the Housing Authority Commission of the City and County of San Francisco met at 440 Turk Street, San Francisco, California, on Thursday, February, 28 2008, at 4:00 p.m.

Vice President Gans called the meeting to order at 4:16 p.m.

1.

ROLL CALL PRESENT:

NOT PRESENT:

Neola Gans, Vice President Rev. Amos Brown, Commissioner Millard Larkin II, Commissioner (excused at 4:30) Jane Hsu, Commissioner Dwayne Jones, Commissioner Matthew Schwartz, Commissioner George R. Brown, Commissioner

A quorum was present.

ALSO PRESENT:

2.

Ms. Mirian Saez, Interim Executive Director Mr. Tim Larsen, Assistant General Counsel

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Interim Executive Director requested a change in the agenda. She requested that Item 13D be moved from an Information Presentation to an Action item. Commissioner A. Brown moved to approve the request and Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. This request was passed unanimously.

3.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

January 08, 2008 Special Commission Meeting: Commissioner Larkin moved to approve and Commissioner A. Brown seconded the motion. Commissioner Schwartz abstained. The Minutes for the January 08, 2008 Commission Meeting were approved.

January 31, 2008 Special Commission Meeting: Commissioner Jones moved to approve and Commissioner Hsu seconded the motion. The minutes for the January 08, 2008 Special Commission Meeting were approved.

February 28, 2008 FINAL MIN

Commission Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 2 February 7, 2008 Special Commission Meeting: Commissioner Schwartz moved to approve and Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. The minutes for the February 7, 2008 Commission Meeting were approved.

4.

ELECTION OF NEW COMMISSION PRESIDENT

Tim Larsen, Assistant General Counsel explained the election process to elect a President. Vice President Gans opened the floor for nominations. Commissioner Schwartz nominated Vice President Gans for president and stated that it would be a natural transition into the position.

Commissioner Jones nominated Commissioner A. Brown. With that last nomination, Commissioner Larkin moved that the nominations be closed and Commissioner A. Brown seconded the motion. This motion was approved.

After discussion, it was concluded that Secretary Mirian Saez run the election and she opened the floor for votes for Neola Gans. Commissioner Schwartz, Commissioner Hsu and Commissioner Gans voted in her favor. She then opened the vote for Commissioner A. Brown. Commissioner Hsu, Commissioner Larkin and Commissioner Jones voted in his favor.

Due to an obvious confusion by Commissioner Hsu voted twice. Ms. Saez again opened the floor for voting for Commissioner Gans. Commissioner Schwartz and Commissioner Gans were in favor. She then opened the floor for votes for Commissioner A. Brown. Commissioner Larkin, Commissioner Jones, Commissioner A. Brown and Commissioner Hsu voted in favor.

Commissioner Amos Brown was voted President of the San Francisco Housing Authority Board of Commissioner by a four-to-two vote.Commissioner Brown accepted the position noting that he would do his best to uphold the laws set forth by the City of San Francisco in attempts to ensure the productivity of the Housing Authority in reference to its residents. President A. Brown took change of the meeting.

5.

SWEARING IN OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

President A. Brown administered the oath of office to Interim Executive Director Mirian Saez.

Commissioner Larkin extended his congratulations to newly elected President A. Brown and his thanks to Vice President Gans. He was excused from the meeting.

6.

GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS

Mirian Saez informed the Commissioners of the mail she received highlighting some events for the Commissioners including the Black History Reception, a notice from the Fire Department as well as a letter regarding our independent audit.

Commission Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 3

7.

REPORT OF SECRETARY

Mirian Saez informed the Commissioners that after her three weeks as Interim Executive Director she has the following to report: With regards to personnel, Deputy Director Naja Boyd continues to be on medical leave and given her absence, Ms. Saez will seek temporary assistance.

Section 8 Director, Tony Ucciferri, was also reported out on medical leave. Ms. Saez introduced the Commission and the public to Commander Leroy Lindo and detailed his experience on the Gang Task Force, the Domestic Violence Task Force, the Housing Task Force.

Commander Lindo informed the Commission and Ms. Saez that he looked forward to the challenges working with the Authority and members of the Police Department. He informed the Commission that he would focus on crime in the developments and deal with the 2% of the public housing residents that are troublemakers.

Ms. Saez went on to report on the Section 8 Utilization Report and a Vacancy Report from public housing, stating that there are 300 units in Section 8 to be filled and that were another 370 units to be filled in public housing. She informed the Commission that the Eligibility Department’s action plan to fill the units will be to close the doors of the Eligibility Department in order to get through the files and purge the waiting list. Purging the waiting list will improve our referral efforts and lease up. She also informed the Commission that the Housing Asset Management Plan (AMP) for the public housing properties intends to be fully implemented by the end of March.

Ms. Saez informed the Commission of the status of the efforts of the Transition Team. One such effort will be presented for approval tonight on a way to resolve the issue of non-payment of rent.

She stated that staff was working to secure a service agreement with 311. 311 has the technology to provide customer service to the residents and she informed the Commission that an informational presentation would be presented next month and a roll out plan would be scheduled for next April.

Ms. Saez also reported on a recycling plan at Sunnydale, Alemany and Alice Griffith which will hire and train residents to manage newly built recycling areas. With a grant from the Department of Environment for equipment and monies from others to hire employees, the Housing Authority stands to net savings in the operating budget once the recycling plan is implemented.

On Administrative matters, Ms. Saez reported that she would be out of the office on Monday and Tuesday next week and she would be attending a meeting in Washington DC the following week.

Rene Latosa would be acting as Executive Director during her absence. She also requested that the Commission Meeting be on March 11, 2008 and that the Development Committee meeting be scheduled for Thursday March 6, 2008. This concluded the Report of the Secretary.

Commissioner Schwartz expressed his interest in working on some of the Committees especially the Development Committee. Ms. Saez informed the Commissioners that President A. Brown

Commission Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 4 could elect any member to any committee. With suggestions from Vice President Gans, President A. Brown nominated Commissioner Schwartz to the Development Committee and Commissioner Jones to the Personnel Committee. President A. Brown entertained a motion and Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. This appointment was passed unanimously.

Ms. Saez informed the Commission that there was an informational material regarding SF HOPE Funds in the Commission package. Commissioner Jones requested that Ms. Saez inform the public of the plans on implementing regarding SF Hope Funds.

8.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Diversity Committee President A. Brown stated that there was a Diversity Committee Meeting on February 26, 2008 and invited Belinda Jeffries, Administrator of Resident Services to come and present on the Diversity Committee Meeting. Ms. Jeffries informed President A. Brown that there would be a presentation under New Business. President A. Brown moved to change the order of items on the Agenda with the Report of the Diversity Committee coming during the New Business.

Commissioner Schwartz moved to approve the motion and Commissioner Gans seconded. This motion was approved.

Finance Committee No report.

Personnel Committee No report.

Development Committee No report.

6.

REPORT OF GENERAL COUNSEL

Mr. Tim Larsen, Assistant General Counsel, stated that there would be a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

7.

TENANT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

City Wide Council - Senior/Disabled Public Housing Tenants Association (PHTA) Kimberly Hill-Brown, President of the Tenant Housing Association, reported on the upcoming events with the Tenant Association. She stated that Mayor Gavin Newsom would be present at Garfield Park for March Gladness. She also reported that there was a Family Youth Summer Resource Fair and invited the Commissioners to attend.

Commission Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 5 8.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: LIMITED TO 2 MINUTES NOTE: The public will have the opportunity to comment on agenda items prior to any action taken by the Commission pursuant to the San Francisco Housing Authority Rules Governing Public Testimony adopted 2/23/95 as Resolution No. 4423. Prior to adjournment, after Item No. 11, the public will have the opportunity to comment on items not on the agenda.

There were no public comments on agenda items.

9.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None 10.

NEW BUSINESS-

A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH BAYVIEW PAINTING FOR EXTERIOR PAINT STABILIZATION AT CAL 1-8, WESTSIDE COURTS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $189,600 Barbara Smith explained how the competitive process was administered. She informed the Commission that the San Francisco Housing Authority worked with Bayview Painting in the past and had maintained a positive reputation. The bid was 25% lower then cost estimate of $250,000. She explained that they were the lowest bidder and they agreed to stay within the amounts specified in the estimate. Vice President Gans moved to approve this item with Commissioner Jones seconding the motion. This resolution was approved unanimously.

B. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A TWO YEAR CONTRACT WITH ASIAN NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN, TO PROVIDE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES ON AN AS-NEEDED, TASK ASSIGNMENT BASIS FOR THE PING YUEN AND PING YUEN NORTH DEVELOPMENTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $100,000 Barbara Smith explained how the competitive process was administered. She informed the Commission that the San Francisco Housing Authority had worked with Asian Neighborhood Design Painting in the past and had maintained a positive reputation. Asian Neighborhood design was the highest ranked firm by the evaluation panel and they will be helping with the HOPE SF Repair Funds. Specifying security and safety improvements. She explained that they were the lowest bidder and that they agreed to stay within the amounts specified in the estimate as well as employee some housing residents through a non-profit business enterprise. Commissioner Schwartz moved to approve this item with Vice President Gans seconding the Motion. This resolution was approved unaminousy.

C. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION: PHA PLAN

Commission Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 6 An informational presentation was presented by Belinda Jeffries, Administrator of Resident Services regarding the PHA Plan. Ms. Jeffries explained that the document acted as the guidelines for how the authority works in regards to the HUD regulations. She informed the Commissioners of the submittal process and timeline for the Plan which is approximately four months long. She informed the Commissioners that he Authority will provide them with informational updates in increments provided to them in a schedule. Commissioner Gans wanted to know how many residents were on the Advisory Board and Ms. Jeffries explained that there were approximately 60 residents, mostly seniors on the Board. She also advised the Commissioners that they were actively recruiting residents from the family sites.

Ms. Saez stated that the there was a comment posed at the Committee Meeting regarding translation services provided for the residents. She informed the Commission that the Authority was following the guidelines set forth by HUD but that we would be utilizing the services of 311 in attempts to expand the languages service.

D. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPROVE THE “RESIDENT BACK ON TRACK” INITIATIVE. Ms. Saez introduced this item and instructed Ms. Jeffries to continue to present on the “Resident Back on Track” Initiative. Ms. Jeffries outlined the program stating that it would allow residents who are concerned about displacement during revitalization with an opportunity to get into good standings with their rent and stop arrearages. She stated that the program would encourage timely rent payments as well as establish clear procedures for nonpayment rent evictions. Ms. Jeffries stated that the program would utilize a new system of payment plans and resident incentives through HOPE SF Resident Assistance Program.

Commissioner Schwartz congratulated the Authority for bringing in other city agencies to help address the non-payment of rent issue and he wanted to know who would provide the case management for the clients. Ms. Jeffries as well as Ms. Kimberly Whicaulf from Communities of Opportunity went on to explain that the program works in two levels with the Office of Fair Housing providing case management on the first level and collaborations with other non-profits such as Bay Area Legal Aid, the Housing Rights Committee, Catholic Charities, Mayors Office of Community Development providing further case management services on the second level.

Commissioner Jones commented on the pride he has for the steps we are taking to mitigate the issues residents are facing.

Ms. Saez advised the Commissioners of two comments that were posed at the Committee meeting. One comment requested a preamble for the Initiative and informed the Commissioner that the preamble was added to the Initiative. Another comment was to encourage the residents to manage timely rent payments, which has been emphasized as a main goal of the Initiative.

Commission Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 7 Commissioner Schwartz moved to approve this New Business Item with Commissioner Jones seconding. This item was approved UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Saez invited the Commissioners to attend the launching of the program at Hunters View on March 5, 2008.

11.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA

President A. Brown accepted a late comment on agenda items from Marie Harrison, representing Hunters View Tenant Association. Ms. Harrison expressed her concerns on behalf of the residents stating that with adoption of the “Resident Back on Track” Initiative, all non-payment of rent evictions should be halted.

Ms. Saez addressed the issue and informed the Commissioners that a meeting was scheduled to discuss. Since this comment did affect the prior approval of this item President A. Brown opened the floor for a motion. Commissioner Schwartz restated his motion with Commissioner Gans seconding. This item was approved unanimously.

13.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS

There were no Commissioner Comments and Reports 14.

CLOSED SESSION

A Closed Session was scheduled with the Interim Executive Director and Agency Counsel under Government Code Section §54956.9 (b)(1) to update the Commission on the status of personnel matters. The Commission went into Closed Session at 5:21 p.m.

15.

RECONVENING OF COMMISSION MEETING

The Commission reconvened from Closed Session at 6:30p.m. Mr. Larsen stated that President A. Brown, Vice President Gans, Commissioner Hsu, Commissioner Jones, and Commissioner Schwartz were present. The Commission made the decision that the Personnel Committee will begin screening resumes received for the Executive Director and narrowing down the candidates.

16.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission Schwartz moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. President A. Brown adjourned the special meeting of February 28, 2008, at 6:32p.m.

Mirian Saez, Secretary/ Interim Executive Director

Rev. Amos Brown, President

Commission Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 8