Memo- Update on Items for WSMEMO
To: Hopkins City Council
From: Stacy Unowsky, Public Housing Manager
Date: July 8, 2010
Subject: Update on Items for Work session
Wait List Closed
The one bedroom wait list for Dow Towers remains closed. We anticipate reopening it again in
2011. Currently we have about 150 applicants on the list.
Ross Update
The local HUD office is completing various forms and related paperwork prior to the final
approval and release of the funds for the three year ROSS program grant. We anticipate the
funds will be available in August 2010 and our program and staffing changes will occur shortly
after hearing the funding is in our electronic banking account.
Stimulus Activity and Capital Fund Projects
Generator Replacement The generator was replaced in 2009.
Landscape Project Work was completed fall 2009 and a few plants were replaced in
June 2010 as they did not survive. We also requested additional
mulch and maintenance of the irrigation system and that follow up
was recently completed as well.
Window Replacement A combination of County Stimulus funds and HRA Capital Funds
were used to replace all of the apartment windows and common
area windows in the hallways, laundry room and office. The
project was completed in April 2010. Final payment has been
received from the County and all related paperwork requested by
County staff and HUD has been completed.
Elevator Modernization Minnesota Housing (MHFA) funding in combination with Capital
Funds and the proceeds from the sale of 20th Ave land will be
utilized in the modernization and code compliance work on the two
elevators at Dow Towers. We estimate the total cost for the project
at $450,000.
Financial Overview
The operating subsidy was cut significantly for the 2010 calendar year. The exact amount of
subsidy was determined in May of this year. As a result, our proposed budget and related
materials will most likely require a revision later this year. The HRA is a strong financial
position, however if this trend were to continue some changes related to use of Capital Funds for
Operations and routine items may be required. Our staffing levels are comparable to other
similar sized I RA's. In relation to administrative staff, we actually have less hours worked than
most others with comparable number of units. Unfortunately, due to the significant amount of
administrative requirements it is difficult to compare Dow Towers to the private sector.
Difficult People and Situations
Recently, a number of challenging residents and issues have developed at the property. The
federal regulations and the public housing rules are quite specific on how to deal with difficult
residents. In addition, the State of Minnesota and Hennepin County Housing Court require a
tremendous amount of documentation and steps from the HRA in trying to enforce the lease and
public housing policies. We are held to a standard significantly different than other landlords.
We do not have the ability to "non -renew" a lease or terminate a lease without serious and
repeated lease violations. Staff and our Legal council review problems and make determinations
on the strength of a case prior to proceeding with eviction actions. We continue to make every
effort we can to provide decent, safe, and secure housing for our residents.
Smoke Free Housing
Many HRA's in Minnesota have decided to go Smoke Free in recent years. In 2009, HUD issued
a notice strongly encouraging HRA's to implement non smoking policies due to business and
health concerns. While careful consideration of this issue is necessary a few key facts are worth
highlighting:
• Units vacated by a smoker are approximately five times as expensive to turnover in
comparing costs for painting, cleaning, and overall preparation of the unit
• The majority of our renters are non smokers and are experiencing second hand smoke
from neighboring units and our HRA staff are routinely exposed to smoke in performing
their j ob s
Attached with your materials you will find the HUD Notice and an article regarding Secondhand
Smoke. These supporting documents illustrate the various perspectives concerning smoke free
housing. A detailed packet of materials will also be provided at the work session. Following our
discussion, we hope to determine, what if any plans to pursue in relation to Smoke Free Housing
at Dow Towers.
If you have further questions about any item related to the administration of the program please
let me know.