The meeting’s most pressing topic was the One Roof housing development in Luten, which has been struggling with rental difficulties impacting its financial stability. During the meeting, a representative from the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reported that discussions with One Roof Community Housing had occurred in January, leading to two primary requests. The first request, which received prior approval, involved selling an adjacent vacant parcel. The second, more complex request sought amendments to existing restrictions to allow more flexibility in renting four of the sixteen housing units, instead of just one, to individuals who are not necessarily employed in Cook County.

These proposed amendments raised questions about the existing workforce housing restrictions, which were initially established because the project received taxpayer funding. These restrictions aimed to prioritize housing availability for workers employed within Cook County. Concerns were raised about potential impacts on income and occupancy levels, although assurances were provided that rent levels would remain stable, avoiding the conversion of units into vacation homes. Ultimately, a motion was made and seconded to accept the request from One Roof Community Housing and recommend amendments to the EDA.

In other matters, the HRA approved a policy concerning paid time off, sick, and safe time for its employees, a mandate driven by state legislation from 2023. This policy aims to ensure that employees have access to necessary leave benefits. The motion to approve the policy was made and seconded, receiving unanimous support.

The HRA also welcomed Jeffrey Brand as the new executive director. His contract was approved following careful consideration by the Personnel Committee. Brand’s introduction was accompanied by the approval of a consulting contract with Jason Hill, who will provide services through the end of 2025. Hill’s role is considered vital for ensuring a smooth transition and retaining knowledge about ongoing projects, as his contract was presented at a discounted rate and passed without objection.

A resolution was also discussed to expand signatory rights on the HRA’s bank account at Grand Marais State Bank. Previously, only one individual held signatory responsibilities, which was deemed uncomfortable. The proposed resolution aimed to designate the chair, vice chair, and secretary as additional signatories. The motion to approve this resolution was moved, seconded, and carried, thereby broadening the oversight of financial transactions.

Further discussion focused on the EDA’s need to gather more background information on existing workforce restrictions to understand their implications and the proposed changes. The EDA is expected to pass a resolution at its next meeting on March 18th, with additional information to be shared with both the HRA and the EDA before then. This ongoing dialogue underscores the necessity of a collaborative approach to resolving the issues faced by the One Roof housing development.

The meeting included an introduction of Chris Verda from the Furor Law Firm, who serves as the HRA’s legal counsel. Verda provided an overview of the open meeting law, emphasizing transparency and public access to board activities. He cautioned against discussing official business outside of regular meetings, advising board members to respond individually to executive director inquiries to avoid potential violations of the open meeting law.

The topic of conflicts of interest was also addressed, with Verda advising board members to disclose any potential conflicts promptly and abstain from related discussions or votes.

As the meeting concluded, Commissioner O’Brien presented the financials, noting the balance in the bank account and the year’s revenues. O’Brien shared an anecdote about discovering a $127,000 check for property taxes due to an overlooked document, underlining the need for more regular account checks by the executive director.