Board of Commissioners

You can follow along on the CHA’s youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChiHousingAuthority/videos

The meeting is starting up now. Angela Hurlock says that unless there are changes in COVID-19 precautions, future meetings will be held in person. However, they ask that public comments be submitted online and the public participate remotely.

The Board has a quorum. This is the final remote meeting, so the board voted to approve todays meeting online as according to the previous state orders.

Moving onto a report from Tracey Scott, CEO of CHA. “Many ribbon cuttings this year for new housing and program opportunities in 2022,” Scott said.

“Last week, I’m happy to announce, that both the Senate and the House passed the budget bills […] this is a 6.7% increase […] the bill provides $53.7 billion,” Scott said, which is an increase from FY21.

“We also received emergency housing vouchers, […] our partners in distributing these include All Chicago and Chicago Network of Community Care,” Scott said. All 1,165 vouchers have been distributed to Chicago families and over 285 have been housed.

Scott: While CHA can issue the vouchers, we rely on private homeowners to offer their houses.

“On March 1st, CHA reopened all of its community rooms [in senior housing] to residents in all buildings,” Scott said. They hope that this will allow seniors to get back to being social, which is good for their mental health.

In closing, Scott recommends everyone continue to wear masks.

Moving onto agenda item no1: Recommend to approve the FY21 Moving To Work (MTW) Annual Report and authorization to submit the report to HUD.

Some highlights from the report: Capital expenditures included upgrades and repairs at public housing properties, CHA continues to offer initiatives that allows 52 families to purchase a home, and 606 residents enrolled in Chicago City Colleges.

“44,000 residents made a move toward self sufficiency,” said Jennifer Hoyle, Deputy Chief of Strategy and Insights.

Debra Parker is expressing that they don’t think the project based voucher program is doing what it was planned to during the Plan for Transformation.

“If we’re gonna ask them to consider it done, we need to go out with a bang,” Parker said. “I’ve been trying my best to figure out where these 25K units are,” Scott said, adding that the South Side still looks neglected.

Hoyle said that unit delivery will continue after the “activity is closed” and they’re just proposing that this “just not be tracked as it’s own MTW,” she said.

“What number did they give us to make this satisfaction?” Parker asked. Hoyle doesn’t have an exact number, but she guesses around 5K.

Tracey Scott is jumping in, pointing out there’s a difference between the MTW report and the MTW plan — the plan has more information and details.

Parker is asking why 5k was included in the count, “that’s barely liveable,” Parker said.

“MTW agreement was amended in 2012 or 2013 to include project based vouchers,” Hoyle said.

“If you go to em, I don’t know whose been to them, but I have — They shouldn’t be counted,” Parker said. “I just wanna see to it before we start clapping that we’re done.”

Parker asks for a list of the 25k units to be submitted to the commissioners.

Comm Washington: “We had to give our blood when we sat at the table to try to figure this out,” she said, referring to the Plan for Transformation. “We signed on the dotted line, they gon’ give us what we asked for.”

Comm Harris is asking about the 270 total units delivered in 2021…

Hoyle: they’re all leased project based vouchers.

Moving onto item no2: Authorization to enter into an agreement with T-Mobile to provide mobile equipment and services to CHA (including smart phones, tablets and hotspots).

In this contract, CHA will have 5G coverage throughout the city with unlimited voice and data services. It is a three year contract with zero cost to CHA.

Comm Harris is asking for info on how this helps residents. Debra King: firm commitment of $116 thousand meant to provide $16k in scholarships for students, a 6-8 week training program that involves next tech and CDL training (one student per year, values at $15k per year) …

“It would be wonderful if we could get some internships,” James Matanky said.

Comm Francine Washington is asking for the phones to be distributed based on need, to their employees that move around instead of those that have a landline phone on their desk already.

“The training they’re getting is not relevant to working at T-Mobile,” Parker said. The CDL training will be applicable to working at multiple providers.

“You can go out and get a CDL license, give us something we don’t have,” Comm Washington said.

Moving onto agenda item no3: recommendation to purchase insurance coverages for CHA’s Property Managers Insurance Program.

Jennifer Maul, Manager of Risk Management is answering questions.

There’s a 7% increase from last years premium, and they’re required to provide $500,000 this year

“As far as the property managers are insured for their own liability outside of the scope of CHA,” Maul said.

Nothing has been voted on so far, someone just asked “are we just chatting with one another,” in the chat.

Moving onto agenda item no4: Recommendation to award contract for professional screening service — Reccomended awardee is RentGrow Inc, dba Yardi Resident Screening. Cheryl Burns is presenting.

Total cost is anticipated at $3.5 million for a 3-year base term

Comm Harris is asking about the software, “what due diligence is done to ensure we’re getting the best value?” since the Yardi software has been used since 2008. Burns said IT will be looking through the software

“They not held up to the section 3 requirement, […] do you know what the give-back is to offset section 3?” Parker asked.

Debra King: They’ve committed to the Work Education Fund in the amount of $210,000 for computer training and youth coding activities, additional support to residents. “How’s the residents being solicited?” Parker said.

“Procurement team is working on that,” Scott said. They’re above the percentile — at around 10% of the $200,000

“Give our people a job and teach them how to work,” Washington said. “Stop giving them peanuts.” “We need to negotiate better.”

“That’s what’s up,” Sherry Guine said in the chat.

“The CHA needs a negotiator because …” Washington said.

“I would love to echo that we ask for internships and training instead of money back,” said James Matanky

“We gotta find better ways to use the money,” Parker said, suggesting they use their funds to train more people to where they can then continue on their own instead of just training one or two people all the way through to employment

Now moving onto agenda item no5: Authorization to participate in the Omina Cooperative Elevator Modernization, Maintenance and Repair contract with Otis Elevators

“I don’t think there’s a benefit of adding these companies when we know Otis can do it,” Matanky said.

“When we did the evaluation regarding the use of minority and women-owned businesses,” Ellen Sargent said, “Were adding an average of 100,000 for a total of 8 elevators that are recommended to be awarded to Otis in this contact.”

“Why don’t we seek a waiver and fix more elevators before complying with this?” Matanky said. “Why don’t we just have Otis come in to take care of them all.”

“this should’ve been done years ago,” Matanky said.

“If the board is willing to entertain, we can waive that requirement,” Scott said.

“We’re just adding a layer of expense on for an item that is so inappropriate,” Matanky said.

“I would ask that in order to waive that requirement we get more background on what it would take,” Scott said — directing toward Eric Garrett, who’ll give the info to the commissioner

Matanky asks if it’s possible to vote on this now, if not then at the next meeting.

Scott said there’s no particular requirement for a vote, rather the board just has to express interest. Parker said she’s worried this will “open a pandora’s box” where MBE’s are forgotten

It raises the expenses by $700,000 to do these added companies — “We’re paying more for Otis to sub out work as opposed to doing it all themself,” Sargent said.

Angela Hurlock is asking why Otis can’t fit the MBE themself, as a major company. She’s tabling this, as an executive decision, to see why this company can’t meet the MBE. “This is Chicago,” she said.

“The contractor should be posed the question how they can get closer to what we’re asking for without the $700,000,” Hurlock said.

“We have 98 elevators in our modernization program, and Otis would be getting 8 of them,” Sargent said. There’s 42 outstanding after that.

“To say you can’t meet a WMBE requirement is asenine to me,” Hurlock said, “We’re in Chicago.”

“What makes OTIS SO SPECIAL?” “You have one contractor we tried to use BLACKBALLED FOR NO DAMN REASON… THIS IS TAMIKO HOLT!” said in the chat.

“We are committed to MBE, WMBE requirements and once you waive them it does become a slippery slope,” Matthew Brewer said. “There are other contractors we haven’t waived it for so where do we draw the line?”

Parker agrees that Otis is the best for elevator services, and added she doesn’t think there’s been this much public discussion by the board ever.

Moving onto item no6: Recommendation to approve contract amendments with AGB Investigative Services, Inc and Kates Detective for professional security services.

This is an extension of the already existing contract, “this would allow us to get through the transition without having lapse in services until a new contract can be awarded,” said Eric Garrett

They’re asking for 6-7 months. “It’s too much,” Washington said.

“We are not looking to go past August,” Garrett said.

“I hope not. We’re tired,” Washington said.

“These same two names, they just not enough,” Parker. “It’s not fair to anyone else with a security firm.”

“It seems like a monopoly,” Parker said “What’s the hold up? Why do we need to give them 6-7 months?”

Garret said based on the timing of board meetings, planning for minimum interruption as possible, they’re looking at the contract not being done until June or July

Now onto item no7 : Recommendation to approve contract extension with Skytech, Inc for security services at CHA properties.

“All the properties should be treated equal across the board with the services,” Washington said.

Moving onto item no 8: Recommendation for action necessary for the closing of Albany Terrace and Irene McCoy Gaines Apartments. “Plan to rehabilitate these buildings as a co-development,” said Ann McKenzie, Chief Development Officer.

“This is going to be substantial rehabilitation of these buildings,” McKenzie said. This is to increase the bond authority to $90M to pay for the construction on these buildings.

“I hope these people are reading our comments. Otis, this board has not committed to any meetings with tenants or coalitions regarding services. They are not transparent at all,” said in the comments by C Starks.

“Why can’t we get more real jobs when they’re building on our land?” Parker said. “We’re paying to get folks jobs at McDonalds — that’s a waste of money.”

“Everyone is saying we’re all going to look at it, I just want someone to do something about it,” Washington said.

Matanky: If you’re seeing that we’re not able to meet requirements and objectives of hiring out people might there be l someone who isn’t part of the union we can work with?

James Bebley; We’ve previously required the developer to do some of the work

Moving onto item no9: recommendation for action necessary for closing of Westhaven Park II D including to loan an amount not to exceed $12,160,000; to loan Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit equity and to execute a RAD project-based housing assistance payment contract

“This is a transit oriented development right where the Greenline will be added at Damen,” said Ann McKenzie — this will provide all of the rental units promised to return to the Henry Horner homes.

“This is an elevator building, high design, much of that is covered by the TIFF,” “It’s two different levels, when you go above 80ft there’s some differences in construction cost,” said McKenzie (cost is over $400,000 a unit).

The developer owns these units but at the end of lease everything goes back to the CHA. “Our loan helps pay for part of the construction cost,” McKenzie said. It’ll be “Repaid through available cash flow, at the end of the day if they want to sell it, we’ll have to be repaid”

“If that’s my dirt but it’s your building, i’m confused on how much money I’ll be able to make off the dirt,” Parker said.

“We want commitments,” Parker said “It’s our land.”

“We do not cover all of the cost, it’s also covered by low-income house tax credit,” McKenzie said, “[Cost per unit paid by CHA] has been going down.”

“Ann, I’ll be glad when you get your cataracts taken care of,” Washington said. “Three projects simultaneously? Really?”

“I know what you’re saying, but I know what happens in the real world,” Washington said. “I don’t get the unit cost — that makes me so mad.”

“I thought things changed but it depends on the side of town you live on, and the color of your skin.”

“It upsets me. It don’t change.”

“I need to be public in saying that will not be tolerated,” Hurlock said of insults between commissioners. “I respect you commissioner Washington, but I also respect our staff.”

“I’m sorry, but it don’t change. Someone needs to change something for me,” Washington said.

Parker: At the end of the day, they wanna get things done. But they’re getting things done for the public and we want to get things done for our community.

“We’re about to pass this amendment and once it’s passed it’s a done deal,” Parker said “When do we have a real say at the table?”

“While we’re speaking publicly, I need folks to understand that it’s a very expensive transaction — not necessarily the best one,” Scott said.

Now moving into public comment: there are three signed up. Each has 2 minutes to speak.

The first speaker is asking about a raccoon infestation in Oak Park. He’s asking about the name and contact information for the current management of the property and who is setting the traps, how long they’ll be monitored, and he’d like a status update on the empty property

Comments will be listed on the website before the next meeting. Tamika Holt is next.

She’s having some audio issues, so moving onto Carla Jackson.

“The rental payment that you all emailed residents about […] from what i’m seeing is this doesn’t work for the residents because a neighbor of mine is about to be put out,” she said. “My concern is, if this is not done in a timely manner — why are you giving them to us?”

“If y’all are going to send us this information and by the time we seek it out, people are getting put out,” Jackson said. “I just think y’all need to sit down with these people and lay down ground rules.”

Trying for Holt again — no response. There were four written comments.

Ope — Holt is here!

“Matanky, you and the elevator situation, I understand your frustration but imma need you to speak to your staff about what’s going on because you’re not getting the full story,” Holt said. She’s a contractor working on the elevators, she said.

“Don’t go for what you’re being told on the surface,” Holt said. She also wants to know what the plan is with the PPP letters. “I’ve been waiting on y’all to make action,” she said.

“The children do not have any day so in what their parents did,” Holt said about the “aggressive” PPP letters, adding that now these kids are at risk of being unhoused.

Sheri Brock submitted a comment about the raccoon issue in Oak Park.

Before voting on agenda items, Hurlock is thanking the public for the comments — they’ll be listed on the website.

Hurlock makes a motion to approve agenda items no 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 (all except no 5).

Matanky is not voting on item no6 because his own business works with ABG

Items no 1,2,3,4,7,8,9 are approved unanimously, no 6 approved by majority. They’re going to have a special board meeting on no5 — otherwise Hurlock is suggesting negotiations on the item.

“in quite detail we’ve noted the boards comments and concerns,” Scott said. “I would ask that we approve this motion with the caveat that we take those concerns into account […] so it would not be a blanket approval at this point but subject to approval”

“If they’re not able to make movement, are we approving with this initial proposal?” Matanky asked. Scott said no, that the CHA requirements must be met.

Matanky is asking for caveat that the price does not go up — “I just wish we could do all our contracts like this, not just Otis elevators,” Washington said.

“That’s what the new Real Estate Committee is intended to do,” Hurlock said.

Meeting has to be posted with 48 hours notice, Matanky said we should have a special meeting when they’re ready — “instead of just hiring someone that fills a blank, maybe we can work toward some change.”

They will schedule a special meeting on the elevator item, it is deferred to be discussed and voted on later.

May 17th meeting will be conducted in person — persons wishing to comment must register in advance either via email or phone — registered speakers will have the option to address the board in person or remotely. you can also submit written comments.

The board is now going into closed session for approximately 75 minutes.