During the meeting, it was revealed that 34 out of 42 HRA-owned properties required various levels of repair, with 13 undergoing substantial renovation. The total spent on repairs to date is over $1 million, averaging nearly $29,000 per property. expenses included siding and exterior work, plumbing, and paint and wall repair. The board’s approval shifts $1.2 million from the HRA’s development fund to cover these costs, which will contribute to a total capital investment of $1.35 million for the year.

The Assistant HRA Administrator outlined the reasons for the significant repairs, emphasizing a combination of deferred maintenance, low unit turnover in assisted rental units, and substantial weather-related damage. A new capital planning process, including added staff capacity and inspections, was cited as crucial in identifying and addressing these issues.

There was a discussion among board members about the importance of maintaining safe and habitable housing conditions.

The board also addressed the need for a robust future capital plan to prevent similar issues. The new approach includes tracking the life expectancy of critical components like roofs and appliances and improving the use of insurance for repair costs. Furthermore, the board discussed conducting more frequent inspections to stay on top of maintenance needs.

In another significant decision, the board moved to align the HRA’s procurement policies with the city’s policies, rescinding the outdated 2013 HRA procurement policy. This change aims to eliminate conflicts with state statutes and streamline procurement processes.

The board also discussed the incorporation of emergency authority privileges into the city’s financial management policies. This would allow the HRA administrator and CFO to authorize emergency purchases up to a certain amount without requiring multiple bids, akin to the city manager’s current authority.