Resident Advisory Board

Agenda & Minutes

September 27, 2023

Meeting Date & Time

Date: September 27, 2023

Location: Zoom Video

In Attendance:

Members: Michael Harris (Chair), Royce McLemore, Kevin Gladstone, Mark Galperin, Edmond Clark, Thos Chapman, Lynnette Frary, Tanya Rouin

Guests: MHA Staff – Kathleen Wyatt (Director, Housing Operations), Adrian Chorley (Director, Housing Development/Revitalization), Yashica Simpson-Franklin (Public Housing Property Manager), Susanne Joyce (Manager - HCV), Antoinette Terrell (Director, Asset Management), Elizabeth Campbell (Deputy Director – Public Housing). 

Absent: Regina Talton (unexplained), Sharon Hayes (excused)

Ms. McLemore brought the meeting to order at 3:43 p.m., because the Chair was having technical difficulties joining. Attendees introduced themselves, then the Chair joined. 

1. Minutes:  

The Chair asked if any member objected to accepting the draft minutes for August 23. Motion by Ed Clark to approve the minutes, seconded by Kevin Gladstone. All approved.

Discussion on the following items took place with motions or actions indicated.

2. Reports of Officers, Boards, and Standing Committees:

Agency Plan Comments and Responses: Ms. Wyatt opened the discussion to ask if there were questions about the RAB comments and MHA responses. Mr. Clark explained how the items were identified on the table (Item/Section/Page) since he compiled them. There was a brief discussion on Nan McKay doing PH inspections, since there have been complaints about their efficiency in performing annual reexams. Ms. Wyatt explained MHA’s intent to look at other vendors and attempts to hire in-house positions to perform the annual reexam work. Ms. McLemore asked about the County inspectors as an alternative. Ms. Terell explained that the County does not have adequate staffing. Other questions on the Comments/Responses will be addressed at future meetings after members have had more time to review them.

Other questions on the Comments/Responses will be addressed at future meetings after members have had more time to review them. 

3. Unfinished Business

Proposed Bylaws and Budget: The members started a discussion on the draft by-laws that Mr. Clark distributed on July 18. Some felt the draft is unnecessarily lengthy at 18 pages. Brief discussions were held regarding term limits, officers needed, and the indemnification clause. Mr. Clark insisted the 18 pages and the indemnification clause were necessary. Members agreed to table the issue until they have had an opportunity to provide their suggestions for reducing the size of the draft.

A brief discussion of the budget took place with members contemplating an increase in the stipend and Ms. Wyatt explaining that the RAB is not a line item on a budget, but that MHA will pay reasonable expenses presented by the members.

Members agreed to table further discussion on the budget until they have had time to contemplate their suggestions for the stipend and other items. The Chair reported that County of Marin meetings do not supply food unless the meeting lasts for 4 or more hours.

4. Resident Council Update:

Ms. McLemore reported that WHAP was awarded the landscaping contract for GGV. Also, the GGVRC received furniture for their office.

5. Special Orders:

There were no further reports or special orders.

6. New Business:

A discussion was begun regarding the inadequate laundry facilities at Venetia Oaks. This will be included as an item at the next meeting with a response about the budget available to address what is needed.

Mr. Harris suggested a joint letter from MHA and the RAB is in order to Regina Talton to determine if she wants to remain on the RAB, as no one has heard from her since the June meeting.

The members agreed that further outreach to the PH complexes is necessary to recruit members from the AMP2 properties, and that more recruitment is needed for Section 8 as well.

7. Closing Comments:

The Chair recommended that members watch a documentary on PBS about The Fillmore, since it portrays an example of urban renewal similar to what is anticipated in Marin City with the 825 Drake project, etc.

He also reiterated that members are expected to read all documents sent to them in order to participate meaningfully in the discussions.

8. Adjournment:

With no further business before the Board, the Chair concluded the Meeting at 5:16 p.m. Note is made that the next Regular Meeting of the RAB is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25th. The meeting will likely take place on Zoom due to the current COVID threat.

Items for the October agenda will include continuation of the discussion of the proposed bylaws and budget, the PH budget for laundry facilities at Venetia Oaks, and anticipated policy changes. Other suggested items are welcome to be submitted at least one week before the meeting.

Certification: Kathleen Wyatt

Date: September 29, 2023