Mississippi AssociAtion oF Housing And RedevelopMent
Transcription
Mississippi AssociAtion oF Housing And RedevelopMent
Winter/Fall 2014 Mississippi Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials In the INFORMER From the President Executive Directors Meeting Legislative Luncheon Occupancy Workshop Commissioners Conference Transitional Meeting SERC Mississippi PHA's HUD Happenings Recognitions Calendar Photo by: Onita Howell 2 3-5 6 7 8-9 10 11 12-13 14 15 16 from the PRESIDENT T he 2013-15 term is off to a great start. I have chosen “Strength in Unity, Achieved through Diversification” as the theme of this term. It is when we work together and combine our diverse backgrounds that we become more inclusive and stronger as a group. Even as a Housing Industry we must diversify to become stronger. I applaud those housing authorities Lucious Cameron who are taking HUD’s challenge to use the new program Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), to diversify their portfolios. While I am optimistic, I also am mindful and understand that the RAD program does not work for all housing authorities. In October 2013 we had a wonderful Executive Director’s Retreat in beautiful Natchez, Mississippi. Special appreciations go out to Central Mini Group Co-Chairs: Mary Johnson, Executive Director of Forest Housing Authority and Ben Washington, Executive Director of Vicksburg Housing Authority, who together, coordinated a remarkable executive director’s retreat. I also want to thank Alan Ingram, Executive Director of Natchez Housing Authority and his entire staff for hosting this event and showing our group a wonderful time in their historic 2 City of Natchez. The tours were great, the food was excellent and the fellowship was even better. We also had a great team building/brainstorming session, which helped us as executive directors, from across the state, to develop a list of concerns facing large, medium and small housing authorities. These items of concern were then used to develop an agenda for the MAHRO Transitional Meeting held at Ridgeland, Mississippi in November 2013. The transitional meeting was well attended by the MAHRO executive board, committee chairs and committee members alike. I am very motivated and inspired by the diverse and creative ideas, which came from the committees working together to develop strategies to help MAHRO meet its goals for this 2013-15 term. MHARM under the leadership of Tommy Robinson, Executive Director of Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV (MRHA4) with Philip Rutledge and the wonderful staff of Arthur J. Gallagher, conducted another informative Insurance Workshop also this past January in Ridgeland. Immediately following the insurance workshop, MAHRO conducted its Legislative Luncheon lead by Rusty Walker III, MAHRO Legislative Committee Chairman. Rusty presented a very informative and compelling case to the Continued on page 4 Lucious Cameron President Judy Mellard Vice President Mike Proffitt Secretary/Treasurer Alan Ingram Past-President Ginger Ming–V.P. Housing Willie Clark–V.P. Commissioners Stan Beasley Director Thomas Coleman Director Bob Farrar Director Brian Power Director George Smith PAC Member Royal Ann Spencer PAC Member Tommy Robinson PAC Member Alrick Young PAC Member Kaye Judson–V.P. Professional Development Maggie Forrest–V.P. Member Services Betty Reed Director MISSION STATEMENT: The Mississippi Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (MAHRO) shall provide education, training, and support to its membership. MAHRO shall foster the highest standards of ethical behavior, service, and accountability by its members. 3 FROM THE PRESIDENT continued from page 2. Congressional and Senatorial Aids in attendance, asking for reduced federal regulations. Housing Authorties and the housing industry in general are facing reduced funding and increased regulations. We all know that federal regulations cost money to implement, money which we just don’t have. Special thanks go to Kaye Judson, Executive Director of West Point Housing Authority for her coordination of venues and accommodation for these past events as Vice President of Professional Development. Brian Power, Maintenance Director at MRHA4 and MAHRO Education and Training Committee Chair is putting the final touches on the Annual Maintenance Conference scheduled for February 19-20th, which should take place at the release of this edition of the Informer. As you can see your MAHRO Board and Committees are hard at work for our State of Mississippi and we are just getting started. I want to thank you again on behalf of all of the MAHRO Board and Committees for allowing us to serve in our designated titles. Sincerely yours, MAHRO President Lucious Cameron welcome Executive Directors to Natchez. Special thanks to Alan Ingram and his staff for putting together a wonderful tour of Natchez for the Executive Directors. Lucious MAHRO President Executive Directors were invited to take different strings and tie them on another persons string necklace. Tell that person something they admired about them. 4 The MAHRO Executive Directors Retreat attendees in Natchez were given the opportunity to tour two antebellum homes while in town on Thursday afternoon of the retreat, just after lunch. The first home toured was Rosalie, which is a part of the Natchez National Historical Park that is still being developed. This beautiful old home was just three blocks from the Natchez Grand Hotel, where the retreat was being held, and was the first stop on the tour. Once off the tour bus, the attendees were separated into two groups, in order to make the guided tour more personable and accommodating, where there would not be too many people crowded into the rooms as the tour progressed. The tour guides were extremely cordial and completely knowledgeable about each and every room and each piece of the furnishings, going into explicit detail about each thing, including ownership from the date Rosalie was built. The grounds were beautiful and perfectly maintained, with the back side yard overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. The second and final home toured was the most magnificent home that Natchez boasts out of all its mansions, Longwood. This mansion was never completed as the Civil War began while it was under construction, and the upper floors were left just as they were while under construction. The downstairs floor was the only one completed, and the entire group was led on a tour by a tour guide who knew all there was to know about Longwood itself and the history surrounding it. Even though unfinished, parts of an upper floor were open to also be toured on our own, as well as the beautifully maintained grounds. Both homes led to many, many different photo opportunities for all the attendees. The entire group enjoyed the tour and the weather could not have cooperated any better for the occasion. Thanks to Past President Alan Ingram for hosting the tour and submitting this article and Onita Howell for photography. 5 The Annual Mississippi Housing Luncheon was held May 15, 2013 at the Hilton in Jackson, Mississippi. Past President Alan Ingram hosted the event along with Legislative Chairman Ron Turner. U.S. Senators and Representative from Mississippi included Kim Coalter from Senator Thad Cochran's office and Theresa Love from the office of Senator Roger Wicker. Congressmen Greg Harper's office was represented by Sarah West and Brande Burnette represented Congressman Alan Nunelee. MAHRO Legislative priorities for the luncheon included topics related to Public Housing Subsidies, Section 8 Rental Assistance, Capital Fund discussions, Asset Management to name a few. This meeting in Mississippi allows a much more effective way of presenting concerns in this ever-changing industry. With budget deficit and debt crisis, significant steps must be taken to reform assisted housing programs and to preserve as much of the existing housing inventory as possible. The luncheon provides MAHRO the opportunity to discuss these issues that affect PHA's around the state and assure that adequate assistance remains available to low income households. MAHRO Past President Alan Ingram and 2013 Legislative Chairman Ron Turner present the Legislative priorities to the group. Officers and members gathered in the lobby prior to the Legislative Luncheon. 6 In conjunction with the 2013 Legislative Luncheon, MAHRO/HUD held the Occupancy Workshop at the Hilton in Jackson, May 17, 2013. Breakout sessions began at 8 a.m. with a public housing session with Holly Knight discussing how occupancy impacts financials. Bailey Smulh, Portfolio Mgmt. Specialist of the Jackson HUB office, spoke about MASS Star Tool and UML/UMA tool. Bonnie Lovorn, PHA revitalization specialist presented issues involving community service, tenant selections, ceiling/flat rents, and income targeting. The Section 8 Housing Choice Funding session agenda included 2013 sequestration funding, increase HAP utilization, as well as HUD's new guidance on streaming administrative practices for agency operation. Panel discussions on PHA related policies included topics such as rent collections/occupancy issues, Joyce Magarity of Attala County; tenant accounts receivables, Roberts Knox of McComb; occupancy/ MASS Score, Kaye Judson of West Point. The 2014 Occupancy Workshop is scheduled in May 14-16. EMERGING | Leaders "Rising to the Challenge" An Emerging Leaders breakfast meeting was also held during the Occupancy Workshop/Legislative Luncheon in May, 2013. The group discussed their ideas and hopes for this new group of potential leaders. MAHRO's believes these new leaders will take their talents along with the seasoned leaders and play active roles in carrying forward the professional leadership within the organization. The new 2013-2015 committee is under the Professional Development leadership of Kaye Judson, Executive Director of the West Point Housing Authority: They include: Chair: Helen Werby, Biloxi Housing Authority Members: Melissa Jordan, MRHA VII Keith Quin, MRHA VII Sheila Jackson, Jackson Housing Authority Janine Lee, Bay Waveland Housing Authority MAHRO Past President Alan Ingram and Emerging Leaders meet for an early breakfast Sevetrius James MRHA VII before the Occupancy Workshop. Janine Lee Bay Waveland Felicia Jackson Laurel 7 MAHRO Transitional Meeting–2013-15 The MAHRO Transitional Meeting was held November 18, 2013 at the Embassy Suites in Ridgeland, MS. President Lucious Cameron greeted the group and thanked all who agreed to serve as a MAHRO committee member. The full-day agenda began with the Executive Board meeting with Committee Chairs to present MAHRO goals and objectives for the 2013-15 term. After lunch, a general meeting with all in attendance, started with each chair presenting their portfolios and introducing their committees and agendas for the 2013-2015 term. Goals included: • Working with Legislators to increase funding and decrease regulations. • Provide quality affordable training • Provide more training covering RAD conversion & tax credit housing • Continue work to train “Next Generation” of MAHRO & Housing Leader (via Emerging Leaders) • Mobilize our voice in numbers at state annual plan meetings (QAP, Consolidated Plan, etc) • Work to include housing authorities & Tax setoff agencies • Provide vehicle for sharing of information & best practices (i.e. web site) The meeting continued with members of each committee choosing one committee project to focus and implement their goals and objectives. Committee members were energized and ready to serve MAHRO for the upcoming term. 10 2013 SERC-NAHRO Encouraging A New Sound! SERC-NAHRO 2013 Annual Conference was held in the Mega City of Atlanta, Georgia. The theme for this year's conference was "Encouraging a New Sound!" With housing changes everyday the conference provided sessions that included health care reform, green physical needs assessment, resident services, issues affecting older residents and other topics within our public housing agencies. The annual "Battle of the States and Vendors" golf tournament was once again won by the state of West Virginia. Mississippi took the 2nd place. Past President Thomas Rowe thanked all the members for the support and dedication for his past two years of SERC leadership. Rising to the Challenge "Rising to the Challenge"! Mississippi's Ailrick Young, is ready to "rise to the challenge" as the new SERC-NAHRO president for the next two years. Under Young's leadership, the SERC-NAHRO Fall Workshop was held November 2013 in South Carolina. The Professional Development Committee worked hard to ensure that educational sessions concentrated on changes that Public Housing Agencies are facing at HUD. Mississippi members support and will work hard with President Young to bring the very best of their talents and service to make sure everyone is prepared for the upcoming two years. Judy Mellard and Jeff Adams are the Mississippi representatives for the SERC-NAHRO Professional Development Committee. 11 MAHRO PHA'S Brookhaven Groundbreaking Ceremony Excerpts from "The Leader" 7/26/13—By JULIA V. PENDLEY, DAILY The Brookhaven Housing Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony July 2013 for Phase I of the new Southview Housing Development on Turner Street across from Alexander Junior High School. The site, which previously held Carver Heights Apartments until 2010, will eventually have 38 units available. The first phase will involve 15 units along a new road with a cul-de-sac. Mike Proffitt, executive director of the Housing Authority, said the housing will be specifically for the elderly in need. He stressed the importance because of the extremely long waiting list. Currently, it takes about 18 months before units are available, and placement is determined on a first-come, first-serve basis. He explained the reason is that it is hard to tell who has the greatest need. The demand stems from a continuously growing elderly population coupled with the need to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing for these families, he said. "This is something we've been dealing with for some time," said Robert Tyler, chairman of the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Jones-Zander, Ltd. is the architectural firm that designed the complex, and Smith Painting and Contracting Inc. will handle the construction. The construction will include three phases, each with its own cul-de-sac. All units will be either one or two bedrooms, and some for wheelchair access. Brookhaven Housing Authority Executive Director Mike Proffitt speaks during the Southview Development groundbreaking ceremony. FOREST | Housing Authority “The Buzz” By: Audrey Boyd Forest Housing Authority/ROSS Services Coordinator Program is gaining prominence to helping the community become successful, engaged, and responsible. The program provides opportunities and support to help the residents’ gain the success and knowledge they need to meet the challenges we face daily. We are closing the gap with these programs to help our community gain good health, wealth, safety, and knowledge. We are promoting different programs from the elderly & disabled, working to non-working, and youth residents. This is having a positive immeasurable and enduring role that’s impacting the community. Seminars with professionals such as doctors, lawyers, business owners, judges, law enforcers, nurses, nutritionist, engineers, professional footballers, mental health therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, clergies, credit & financial advisors, and more to share and motivate the residents. Their approach inspired many to get back into the workforce, to farther their education, convince the youth to do the possible and impossible, assist the elderly & disabled with good healthy living. They encouraged the residents to recognize their strengths and capitalize on them. Furthermore, The Forest Housing Authority/ROSS Program would like to identify some events and ongoing classes of particular GED with East Central Community College, computer class and elderly & disabled exercise class onsite, Fun Days with the youth, elderly, and disabled, Youth Explosion, Mother’s Day “A Reason to Smile Day”, Father’s Day “Daddy and Me Day” events. In addition, we would like to recognize businesses and organizations that donated their time, motivational and informational speeches, and monetary donations. We appreciate your active commitment and support. “Our Future depends upon ourselves so keep focus and never give in”. 12 MAHRO PHA'S LAUREL Fresh peas loading into a bushel, okra being weighed and watermelons cut to taste are just the beginning opening activities of the Fresh Food on the Block Farmer’s Market located at the Townley Center of the Laurel Housing Authority. Now in its 4th year, the Market supplies the community with fresh fruit and vegetables all grown by local farmers. Meeting every Wednesday from 8:30-11:00A, June through November, customers can walk or drive up to purchase the freshest produce. The Market was started by the Pinebelt Association for Families (PAFF), a 501c3 nonprofit that works with grandparents raising grandchildren. Seeing a need to provide fresh foods for these kinship families living on a fixed income, Dr. Forster, the Executive Director began working with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) to bring the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to Laurel. The SFMNP provides a once-a-growing season $25 worth of free fruits and vegetables to low wealth senior citizens 60 years and older living on less than $1,723 a month, though most live on Social Security of $800 or less. The voucher program has now expanded to include other seniors in the community and now serves over 100 families bringing $2,500 into the local economy. Special thanks to Purvie Green, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Kay Guy, Director of Laurel Housing for making this program a success. For more information Sylvia Forster, PhD, Executive Director, PAFF: (601) 606-8785. Out with the Old...In with the New! Excerpts from "The Chronicle" 7/30/13–LAUREL, MS –By Eloria Newell James/Staff Writer They tumbled down. The Laurel Housing Authority received the green light to proceed with a $12.5 million development. As a result of this approval, physical work began midsummer to demolish some of the units of the Laurel Housing Authority on Ferrill Street. Members of the Laurel Housing Authority Board and city officials look on as workers began demolishing housing units of the Laurel Housing Authority. Photo/Eloria Newell James (Photo/Eloria Newell James) Workers begin demolishing housing units of the Laurel Housing Authority. The demolition is needed to prepare for the construction of 130 new units as a part of a $12.5 million project. 13 HUD | Happenings A fter 11 years of service, Holly Knight retired and joined the world of private development as an associate with the Bennett Group. She is sorely missed by all. As the Interim Hub Director, I have learned that not only did she leave big shoes to fill; she also has one of the most amazing teams in the Department. We want you all to know that as we adjust to the one constant we know which is “change” we in no way want that to negatively affect our customer service or technical support for your efforts. If you have any suggestions about what we can do differently or better or would like to share a few thoughts with me, please do not hesitate to contact me. I want to share a summary of HUD updates that may be useful as well get used to FY14. First of course is the budget: The largest upset of course was the lack of funding for RAD. • Rental Assistance Demonstration received no additional funding but received an extension in a General Provision. The question has been raised to HQ on what will become of any applications approved over the original 60,000 unit cap. We will let you know when we get an answer. The HCV Program is being prorated tentatively at 99% for HAP and administrative fees at 75%. There is funding for VASH, Tenant Protection Vouchers and Mainstream Vouchers included. In regards to Operating Subsidy, the bill provides an approximately 85.5 percent proration to cover day-to-day operations. Also on the Public Housing Low Rent side, the General Provision language allows PHAs to inspect units not less than biennially (instead of annually) was included. The General Provisions (GP) authorizing the changes in definition of “extremely low-income” and changes to utility allowance calculations were also included. Holly Knight retires HUD Update The bill includes and general provision (Sect. 212) that will allow for the proposed consortium of PHAs, but not fungibility between the Public Housing Operating Fund and the Public Housing Capital Fund. The bill includes the GP authorizing the Marcia Lewis Interim HUB Director flat rent policy, savings associated with which were budgeted at $40 million. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION NOTICE PIH Notice 2014-01 was issued on January 9, 2014. This notice supersedes those parts of PIH-2011-48 (HA) “Guidance on Reporting Public Housing Agency Executive Compensation Information and Conducting Comparability Analysis” that refers to the HUD52725 form. There are key changes and the information must be submitted to the Field Office for uploading to HUD’s SharePoint site. PHARS HUD is still utilizing the PHARS process to work through issues with agencies achieving substandard or troubled status through PHAS scoring. This includes but is not limited to developing actions plans; communicating with the entire Board and local official at the same time as communication occurs to the ED and/or developing other strategies to change behavior. The local HUD Offices will also now complete a quarterly risk assessment that will then be augmented with data from LOCCS, PIC and VMS and other REAC systems and every PHA will be issued a risk score. Based on the score, the HUD office has determine a treatment plan that may include tolerate the risk, do remote reviews, do an onsite review or complete some other type of treatment. Corinth Housing Authority The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Corinth recently appointed Dianne Timbes as their new Executive Director. This position was vacant due to the retirement of Donald E. Morgan. With over 27 years experience in Public Housing, Dianne is no stranger Diane Timbes to the Housing Industry. Dianne held the position of Chief Financial Officer at the Authority until being appointed Executive Director. Dianne is married to Chip Timbes. Together they have four children and two grandchildren. Mississippi Regional Housing V 14 Over 23 years experience with the housing authority, Sonda is no stranger to the Housing Industry. Worked in all phases of the housing authority, Held position of Administrative Director until appointed ED. Married to Larry Davis for 36 years, one daughter, Stacey Davis. Sonda attends Northcrest Baptist Church, Sonda Davis enjoys traveling, and supports her husband Larry who is a Recording Artist/Songwriter. Johnny Johnson receives national honor Johnny Johnson, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV, was recently awarded the Elizabeth B. Wells Memorial Award at the National Conference of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Johnson was chosen from housing and community development agencies and officials throughout the United States who administer a variety of affordable housing and community development programs at the local level. The award, established in 1987, honors a Commissioner who has demonstrated excellence as an advocate in developing the support necessary to ensure the continuation and expansion of housing or community development programs. Mr. Johnson is the Lowndes County Commissioner of the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV. He has served on the Board of Commissioners since 1989 and has served as Chairman since 2010. In 2012 Mr. Johnson was awarded the Mississippi Commissioner of the Year award by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He was also awarded the 2012 Commissioner of the Year Award by the Southeast Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials which represents ten states. Johnny and his wife Fairie live in Columbus. Kay Guy retires Excerpts from "The Chronicle" LAUREL, MS Executive Director Kay Guy and Assistant Director/SERC President Ailrick Young at the retirement celebration. Kay Guy with her granddaughter, Elizabeth Bailey. Lucious Cameron, Kay Guy, Alan Ingram and Ron Turner. David Miller retires After five and half years as Executive Director, David Miller has retired from the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority Region V. David has served the housing authority for over 32 years and worked as the Section 8 director for most of those years. David is active in the theatre and even stared in a 1978 movie "Attack of the Killer's Tomatoes". At the time he had no idea the movie would have such a following and to this David with his wife Deborah. 15 Sonda Davis presents David Miller award for service. Laurel Housing Authority Executive Director Kay Guy retired after 40 years of service. Local residents, officials and colleagues within the housing industry filled the room at South Central Place to honor her service to the community. Many attending the event talked about Guy's accomplishments over the past four decades and the achievements made at the Laurel Housing Authority. "It has been a great mission for me." Guy said about her tenure with the housing authority. "I've enjoyed helping others." MAHRO wishes Kay all the best in her retirement and celebrates her service to the Public housing community. Former directors George Smith, Judy Pinson and David Miller. day it is still a very popular film. The housing authority has a large community support. Friends, co-workers and businesses gathered to wish him well and many thanks and accolades were shared. The Laurel Housing Authority celebrated 75 years of service to the citizens of Laurel. Kay Guy, executive director of the housing authority, said "the Laurel Housing Authority has been working to make a difference in people’s lives for seven and a half decades and are continuing on that quest." FROM THE by Floyd Johnson–circa July '97 This is an article Floyd wrote in 1997. Floyd must have a crystal ball because this article is a timeless piece. Several weeks ago I attended a seminar of Community Officials discussing ways to attract industry. A statement was made that successful communities in this endeavor have to become incubators for industry. As I sat there I quite naturally thought about how the incubator concept could apply to Public Housing and theme "Make a Difference". The more I thought about it the more I was convinced that we in public housing are already successful incubators for making a difference. This has especially been true since the inception of Self Sufficiency Programs and the myriad of subprograms under it such as JOBS, drug elimination and prevention, home ownership, literacy and child care. The word incubate means a: to cause to develop, b: to give form and substance to something. By linking new ideas with talent, vigilance and motivation we in Mississippi have caused to develop and given form to many programs that help residents achieve self sufficiency thereby. "Making a Mississippi Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials The MAHRO Informer is an official publication of the Mississippi Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Please submit articles to: MAHRO Informer [email protected] www.mahro.org Difference". Motivation is the key word here. Ideas, vigilance and talent are meaningless without the will, desire and determination to put them into action. To paraphrase John Viscount Morley, "Great economic and social forces flow with the tidal sweep over Communities (housing authorities) that are only half conscious of that which is befalling them. Wise men (PHA Officials) are those who foresee what time is thus bringing and endeavor to shape institutions (PHA's)...in accordance with the change that is silently around them." We in public housing in Mississippi along with our HUD professionals in the Jackson area office have led the way in "Make a Difference". However, we have to be on guard that the temperature in the "Making a Difference" incubator does not cool. Motivation and vigilance are paramount or we will find ourselves as John Vincent Morley stated, "with the tide sweeping over and half conscious of that befalling us". Floyd Johnson, Editor MAHRO Informer Calendar of Events EDITOR April 13-15, 2014 Commissioner's Conference Point Clear, AL May 12, 2014 Legislative Luncheon/Board Meeting Ridgeland, MS May 13-14, 2014 MAHRO Occupancy Workshop Ridgeland, MS June 1-4, 2014 PHADA Annual Conference New Orleans, LA June 13-14, 2014 SERC Committee Meeting Orlando, FL June 15-18, 2014 SERC Annual Conference Orlando, FL July 17-19, 2014 NAHRO Summer Conference Tampa, FL August 12, 2014 MAHRO Executive Board Meeting Biloxi, MS August 13-15, 2014 MAHRO Annual Conference Biloxi, MS