May 15 2024 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
I. REGULAR MEETING
Chairman James Cloar called the regular meeting of the Tampa Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to order at 8:35 a.m. Other Board members present were Sul Hemani, Ben Dachepalli, Robert Edwards, Parker Homans, Mae F. Walker, and legal counsel Ricardo Gilmore. Commissioner Lorena Hardwick arrived during presentations of employees of the month.
The Chair began by asking everyone for a moment of silent prayer and/or personal meditation; those in attendance were also asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance; recital of the agency's mission statement followed.
II. MINUTES
A motion to approve the Minutes of the regular Board Meeting of April 17, 2024 was made by Commissioner Edwards and seconded by Commissioner Hemani:
Commissioner Walker
Present
Commissioner Cloar
Yes
Commissioner Homans
Yes
Commissioner Hemani
Yes
Commissioner Dachepalli
Present
Commissioner Edwards
Yes
III. PUBLIC FORUM (3 minutes limit allotted per speaker)
None to come before this forum.
IV. EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
Administration ~ Tina Loomis
Properties ~ Heriberto (Eddie) Velazquez
V. SPECIAL RECOGNITION (Geraldine Barnes Award)
Recipient ~ Harlie Williams
VI. RESOLUTIONS
The Sr. VP/COO, Leroy Moore presented resolution 2024-4303 and introduced the new Chief Financial Officer, Scott Pontz.
2024-4303 | A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT THE SR. VICE PRESIDENT/CFO.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemani and seconded by Commissioner Edwards:
Commissioner Walker
Yes
Commissioner Cloar
Yes
Commissioner Homans
Yes
Commissioner Hemani
Yes
Commissioner Hardwick
Yes
Commissioner Edwards
Yes
Commissioner Dachepalli
Yes
Human Resources Director, Kenneth Christie presented resolutions 2024-4304 and 2024-4305.
2024-4304 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITION TO THE PERSONNEL POLICY NO. 452: WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY.
Commissioner Edwards took issue with some of the words used in the whistleblower policy, adding that he would vote no on resolution 2024-4304. Attorney Ricardo Gilmore provided further insight resulting in the resolution not requiring any changes. Other Commissioners considered the attorney's added comments and moved to vote on the resolution.
A motion was made by Commissioner Homans and seconded by Commissioner Hemani:
Commissioner Walker
Yes
Commissioner Cloar
Yes
Commissioner Homans
Yes
Commissioner Hemani
Yes
Commissioner Hardwick
Yes
Commissioner Edwards
No
Commissioner Dachepalli
Yes
2024-4305 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE IN THE PERSONNEL POLICY NO. 421: RELEASE OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dachepalli and seconded by Commissioner Hardwick:
Commissioner Walker
Yes
Commissioner Cloar
Yes
Commissioner Homans
Yes
Commissioner Hemani
Yes
Commissioner Hardwick
Yes
Commissioner Edwards
Yes
Commissioner Dachepalli
Yes
Assisted Housing Director, Margaret Jones presented resolution 2024-4306.
2024-4306 | A RESOLUTION APPROVING SECTION 8 MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (SEMAP) CERTIFICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2024.
A motion was made by Commissioner Edwards and seconded by Commissioner Dachepalli:
Commissioner Walker
No
Commissioner Cloar
Yes
Commissioner Homans
Yes
Commissioner Hemani
Yes
Commissioner Hardwick
Yes
Commissioner Edwards
Yes
Commissioner Dachepalli
Yes
The Sr. VP/COO, Leroy Moore presented resolutions, 2024-4307, 2024-4308 and 2024-4309.
2024-4307 | RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ZION VILLAGE EQUITY AND FINANCING CLOSINGS.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dachepalli and seconded by Commissioner Edwards:
Commissioner Walker
Yes
Commissioner Cloar
Yes
Commissioner Homans
Yes
Commissioner Hemani
Yes
Commissioner Hardwick
Yes
Commissioner Edwards
Yes
Commissioner Dachepalli
Yes
2024-4308 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF TAMPA (THA) TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER (TBHC) TO BE OPERATOR OF THE ST. JAMES CHURCH LOCATED AT 1202 N. GOVERNOR STREET, TAMPA, FLORIDA.
A motion was made by Commissioner Edwards and seconded by Commissioner Hemani:
Commissioner Walker
Yes
Commissioner Cloar
Yes
Commissioner Homans
Yes
Commissioner Hemani
Yes
Commissioner Hardwick
Yes
Commissioner Edwards
Yes
Commissioner Dachepalli
Yes
2024-4309 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF TAMPA (THA) TO NEGOTIATE AND AWARD A CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT TO CVR ASSOCIATES INC. FOR STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN CONSULTANT.
The COO provided additional information regarding the interview process, adding that he was very involved in this process. Attorney Gilmore also added that just like with any consulting firm or contractors doing business with THA, arrangements can be made in advance to have them attend Board meetings to answer questions from the Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Edwards and seconded by Commissioner Dachepalli:
Commissioner Walker
Yes
Commissioner Cloar
Yes
Commissioner Homans
Yes
Commissioner Hemani
Yes
Commissioner Hardwick
Yes
Commissioner Edwards
Yes
Commissioner Dachepalli
Yes
Real Estate Development Director, David Iloanya presented resolution 2024-4310.
2024-4310 | A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF TAMPA TO ADVANCE CAPITAL IN THE FORM OF MEMBER LOANS TO ROBLES PARK VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC (RPVDGLLC) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OPERATING AGREEMENT TO FURTHER THE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF THE PROJECT.
Additional information regarding consulting fees, when these firms are not from the local sector, was provided by COO Leroy Moore. A report from the consulting firm detailing work done was requested by Commissioner Edwards.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hardwick and seconded by Commissioner Edwards:
Commissioner Walker
Yes
Commissioner Cloar
Yes
Commissioner Homans
Yes
Commissioner Hemani
Yes
Commissioner Hardwick
Yes
Commissioner Edwards
Yes
Commissioner Dachepalli
Yes
VII. PRESIDENT/CEO'S REPORT
- Finance and Related Entities
The Sr. VP/CFO, Scott Pontz briefly addressed the Board regarding the budget report to be presented at the next meeting.
The President/CEO informed Board members regarding a Wage Comparability Study that is done for the agency every three years. Human Resources Director Kenneth Christie was on hand to answer questions.
- Operations and Real Estate Development
The Sr. VP/COO, Leroy Moore reported on Encore, West River, and Roble Park Village.
There was an eviction in progress at one of the buildings at the Encore for dollars owed. The COO added that staff were already reviewing proposals due to ample interest to fill that space.
RED Director, David Iloanya was asked to inform Board members regarding a groundbreaking event for the Rome Yard, hosted by the Related Group on Tuesday, May 21.
VIII. LEGAL MATTERS
None to come before this forum.
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None to come before this forum.
X. NOTICES AND UPDATES
None to come before this forum.
XI. NEW BUSINESS
Public Relations & Strategic Communications Director, Rose Lugo addressed Board members regarding rescheduling of the June Board meeting due to the Juneteenth Holiday, now scheduled for June 26.
Additionally, the director informed Board members of an event on Monday, June 17 at the African American History Museum, formerly the St. James Church at Encore.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before this Board, the Chair declared this meeting of the THA Board of Commissioners adjourned at 10:01 a.m.
