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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-27 Housing PACKET Ashland Housing Commission Regular Meeting Agenda June 27, 2012: 4:30 – 6:30pm Council Chambers – 1175 East Main Street 1. (4:30) Approval of Minutes (5 min) May 23, 2012 2. (4:35) Public Forum (5 min) 3.(4:40)New Officer Election (15 min) 4.(4:55) Fair Housing Materials for New Student Orientation and Fair Housing Ordinance Update (15 min) 5. (5:10) 2012 Goal Review (15 min) 6. (5:25) Preservation Property Update (10 min) Linda Reid/Regina Ayars 7. (5:35) Jackson County Homeless Count Overview(10 min) Linda Reid-Housing Program Specialist 8.(5:45)Liaison Reports discussion (20 min) Liaison Reports Council (Carol Voisin) Staff(Linda Reid) General Announcements 9.(6:05)RVTV-PSA Update (15 min) Regina Ayars th 10.(6:20)July 25, 2012 MeetingAgenda Items (5 min) Commissioner items suggested(5 min) Quorum Check – Commissioners not available to attend upcoming regular meetings should declare their expected absence. 11.(6.25)Upcoming Events and Meetings th First Reading of the Fair Housing Ordinance, City Council-Aug. 7, 2012 Next Housing Commission Regular Meeting 4:30-6:30 PM; July 25, 2012 12. (6:30) Adjournment In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting(28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). Housing Commission Memo Title:Election of Officers Date: June 27, 2012 Submitted By: Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist Section 2.10.050. Election of Officers, Secretary, and Subcommittees. At its first meeting of the year the advisory commission or board shall elect a chair and a vice chair who shall hold office at the pleasure of the advisory body. Neither the chair nor vice-chair shall serve as an officer for more than two consecutive terms. Without the need for an appointment, the head of the City Department staffing the commission, committee or bard shall be the Secretary and shall be responsible for keeping an accurate record of all proceedings. The Department head may delegate such tasks to a staff liaison. Subcommittees may be formed for the purpose of gathering information and forming a recommendation to be brought forward to the full advisory body. Provided however, only the full body can make recommendations to the City Council. Subcommittees must comply fully with the requirements or Oregon Public Meetings law. (Ord 3003, added, 02/18/2010) Housing Commission Memo Title:Fair Housing Materials for Students Date: June 27, 2012 Submitted By: Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist I have included a variety of fair housing handouts for your consideration to include in an educational handout/packet for new student orientation at SOU. The Basic Rule of Fair Housing In most housing transactions, it is against the law to discriminate on thebasis of any “protected class.”That means housing discrimination is illegal when a personis treated differently because they are a member of a protected group or class of people covered by fair housing laws. Discriminatory Actions Refusing to rent, sell, or finance Refusing to give information, discouraging from renting, or lying about availability Applying different rules, privileges, standards, and/or qualifications Making discriminating statement (spoken or published) Steering to certain housing Harassing, intimidating, threatening, or coercing Refusing to let a person with a disability make modifications necessary to use the dwelling Refusing to make reasonable changes in rules, policies, practices, or procedures so that a person with a disability can have equal use of the dwelling Who must comply? Protected Classes On-site managers In the entire U.S.: Owners Physical or Mental Disability Property managers Race or Color Maintenance staff National Origin or Ancestry Real Estate Agents Religion Insurers, Appraisers, Home Sex(including Domestic Violence Survivors**) Owner’s Association Familial Status (the presence of children under 18 in the household, or pregnancy) Boards Lenders In Oregon: Advertising media Marital Status Neighbors Source of Income (In some circumstances) Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity Zoning and permit departments In Washington: Marital Status Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity Honorably Discharged Veterans / Military Status How is the law enforced? Filing an agency complaint within In some cities and counties: one year, or a lawsuit within two Age years of the date of the Occupation discrimination. **In addition to federal protection Oregon State Law (ORS Chapter 90) provides specific rights to Domestic Violence Survivors in rental transactions. HUD Complaint Hotline 1-800-877-0246 The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect theviews of the Federal Government. on our Please inquire if needed. southwest Washington. What is the Fair www.FHCO.org/translations.htm. or for those who need translation. protect against illegal Housing Council? housing discrimination. fair housing laws which housing consistent with This brochure can be made available in (FHCO) is a nonprofit civil rights organization serving Oregon and alternative formats for those with disabilities, Additional translated materials are available at We promote equal access to The Fair Housing Council of Oregon Our mission:To eliminate illegal housing discrimination across Oregon and southwest Washington. We carry out our mission by:Providing education and enforcement assistance related specifically to fair housing laws. We offer additional information at:www.FHCO.org/hs_consumer_info.htm, as well as easy ways to get involved at www.FHCO.org/get_inv olved. You can also join the FHCO website, purchase merchandise, or schedule special events that help fund our efforts and spread the message of fair and equitable housing for all. www.FHCO.org800/424-3247 Ext. 2 Entry Visit www.FHCO.org www.FHCO.org discrimination. providers know and Look for these logos 800/424-3247 Ext. 2. as a sign that housing Did You Know? If your civil rights have been studies, labs, research... hindered by illegal housing respect the law. You’re busy with classes, call the Fair Housing Hotline at violated in a housing transaction, Life shouldn’t be complicated or Our website offers extensive FAQs, links, and additional information. We conduct a poster contest each year. information at www.FHCO.org/contest.htmWe offer tours of sites of historic discrimination. Learn more at www.FHCO.org/tours.htm We created a traveling exhibit that chronicles the history of housing discrimination in Oregon. www.FHCO.org/anywhere_but_here.htm We also offer fair housing classes for all audiences, as well as self-testing services for housing providers. ected class. One can, e such a preference. are available. discrimination? We Can Help! Call our Hotline at 800/424-3247 Ext. 2 : experienced illegal housing and language interpretation live on campus in a dormitory, share a nearby house with roommates, rent your own an apartment, own your own condo or house, or even live with your family? Complimentary TTY-accessible Have you or someone you know The call is free. The service is free. College students are “housing consumers” Do youIn any case, you are a housing consumer and are protected from illegal housing discrimination. What if you’re renting a house and looking for roommates?Most fair housing laws apply to roommates as well. You can’t state a preference (in writing, in an ad or flyer, online, verbally, etc.) for any protin fact, have a preference in roommates based on familial status, gender, or sexual orientation, but you still cannot stat Testers pose Yes. The amount will Learn more at: www.FHCO.org We need people like you! ©2010. FHCO. All rights reserved. and local fair housing laws! Help Fight Illegal Become a fair housing tester. Development Department, and the FHCO. What’s more, you can help. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under federal, state, Housing Discrimination! This brochure was supported by a HUD Community Development Block Grant from the Oregon Business The purpose of testing:as housing consumers—somewhat like a “secret shopper”—in order to gather evidence. It is often the only way to prove if a housing provider is violating fair housing laws. Are testers paid? depend on the kind of test conducted. We also reimburse for any mileage and long distance calls required. How often you test will depend on your availability and the type of complaints we receive. Will I be trained?Yes! Testers must complete free training. Learn more at:www.FHCO.org/pdfs/TesterBrochure.pdf illegal housing discrimination. for your rights. One in every ten Don’t let housing We Can Help! have experienced you out. Stand up discrimination shut Oregonians feel they are not illegal. Either way, it is illegal. deliberate or unintentional. protected class and related to housing, it is illegal. It may be illegal. For example, pets and How Do I Recognize obvious or very subtle; it could be so “no pets” or “no smoking” rules smoking are not protected classes When discrimination is based on a However, discrimination is not always Housing Discrimination? The following, if based onprotected class, are just a few illegal examples: Being turned down for a home or unit. Being told a place is not available when it is. Being directed to a home or unit in a certain area, section of a complex, or neighborhood. Being charged higher rates or offered less favorable terms than others.Being harassed or intimidated in your home because of protected class status.Being denied a reasonable request directly related to a disability. (kids under 18) (honorably discharged vets.) (physical or mental) housing discrimination. Housing Rights? Visit www.FHCO.org for updates. What Are My Fair Discrimination is illegal in any home, treats you differently, or Fair housing laws prohibit illegal reasons listed below, it is illegal. That is, if someone denies you a harasses you because of one of the housing situation if it is based on, or The fair housing laws are subject to change. adversely affects, a “protected class.” Federal Protected Classes: Race, Color, National Origin ReligionGender and Sexual Harassment Familial Status Disability Also Protected in Oregon: Marital Status Legal Sources of Income Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity Domestic Violence Survivors Also Protected in Washington: Marital Status Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity Military Status Domestic Violence Survivors Local Jurisdictions: www.FHCO.org/pdfs/matrix_ore.pdf, and www.FHCO.org/pdfs/matrix_wash.pdf. s and Contractors whom must abide laws! fair housing laws? comply with fair housing laws. illustrates the point that, basically, The list below is not exhaustive but Campus housing Those Who Sublease a Unit Roommates Property Owners and Sellers Landlords and Property Managers Maintenance CrewSales Agents and Brokerage Offices Multiple Listing Services Housing Industry Trade Associations Builders and Developers Condo and Homeowners’ Associations Mortgage Lenders and Appraisers Home Insurance Companies Designated Senior Communities Long Term Care Facilities Governmental Jurisdictions Any employees or contractors who work for a housing provider Housing consumers! Your neighbors can’t, for example, harass or intimidate you based on a protected class. ...with federal, state, and local Who Must Comply...Basically everyone must comply with fair housing everyone should know about and must Following is a list of “housing providers,” all ofby fair housing laws:Plus: Even: 506 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 1111, Portland OR 97204 Phone: 503/223-8197 or 800/424-7428 (TTY) Fax: 503/223-3396 Website: www.FHCO.org Email: information@FHCO.org Injunction-- Discriminatory Act-- Complainant gets Gather independent housing evidence or verification, and talk with your local fair housing resource Damages--Money File Law Suit- to Complainant -you have Trial two years Monitoring & Training of Provider File Agency Complaint --you have one year* Attorney Fees and Costs Attempt to Conciliate* Injunction-- Finding of Complainant gets Cause* housing Admin. Law Damages-- Judge Money to Informal Resolution Complainant Hearing Monitoring & Or can electÈ Training of Provider Trial in Federal Fair Housing or State Civil PenaltyÏ Enforcement Flow Court Fine to U.S. Chart Example Government HUD Complaint Hotline 1-800-877-0246 The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. *You can elect to withdraw from this process & file a private lawsuit The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government. \\\\Server\\public\\Education and Outreach\\E & O Forms\\Flyers\\FH Enforcement Flow Chart 2009.doc Revised on 11/5/2009 INFORMATION SHEET OUR MISSION The Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) is a private nonprofit corporation with the mission of increasing access to housing by eliminating illegal housing discrimination. We conduct outreach, education and enforcement activitiesto further fair housing in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. “FAIR HOUSING” IS ABOUT CIVIL RIGHTS Fair Housing laws are federal, state, and local laws that prohibit housing discrimination. It is illegal to treat a person differently in a housing transaction because the person is a member of a “protected class.” (Please refer to our separatespreadsheet for a complete and current listing of protected classes.) Fair housing laws apply to housing-related activities involving rentals, sales, lending, insurance, land use regulations, zoning, and development to name a few. Types of illegal actions include denial of housing, refusal to negotiate, providing false information, evicting, applying different rules or standards, advertisements or statements, harassing, intimidating, and steering. To ensure equal opportunity to people with disabilities, fair housing laws providethat people with disabilities have the right to make their housing physically accessible and to request reasonable changes in rules or policies. Fair housing laws are different than Landlord-Tenant laws, Fair Credit Reporting laws, and other regulations that may be applied to housing activities. Additionally, sometimes what appears to be illegal discrimination or differential treatment may not actually be illegal. For example, if a landlord decided they did not want to rent to smokers, this would not be considered illegal discrimination, because smokers are not currently a protected class under any fair housing laws. However, if repeated violations of other housing laws appear to be targeted to certain individuals because of their membership in a protected group (such as people who are members of one race or people who all speak languages other than English) this may be a violation of the fair housing laws. FAIR HOUSING COUNCIL OF OREGON PROGRAMS: Enforcement FHCO staff receives complaints of housing discrimination over a toll free hotline that serves Oregon and Clark County, Washington. FHCO analyzes potential discrimination complaints and assists individuals in pursuing their rights. FHCO has staff that speakEnglish and Spanish. FHCO also has a Tele-Typewriter (TTY)system and translation assistance for over 100 languages. When possible, FHCO conducts testing or other investigations that may provide independent evidence of a fair housing violation. “Testing” is a proven method for investigating fair housing complaints. Trained testers are closely matched except for the protected class status in question and are sent to the rental or sales agent specified in the allegation. Differences in treatment can provide enough evidence to successfully resolve a fair housing complaint through administrative systems or the courts. FHCO staff referindividuals whose fair housing rights have been violated to the appropriate enforcement resource. We refer complainants to attorneys, the Fair Housing Enforcement Hub at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Civil Rights Division of the Oregon Bureau of Laborand Industries (BOLI). FHCO provides technical assistance and serves as a resource to a pool of attorneys who take fair housing referrals. Outreach and Education FHCO provides fair housing information and materials to housing advocates, social service agencies, landlords, property management companies, real estate agents,home owner association boards, and public officials throughout Oregon and Clark County, Washington. FHCO publishes a newsletter, “The Promise of Opportunity”, which reports on recent fair housing cases and regional fair housing news. FHCO and supportive funders sponsor an annual Fair Housing Poster Contest open to Oregon students grades 1-8, and raises awareness of the history of discrimination and that history’s impact on our lives today through our historical bus tour, “Fasten Your Seatbelts… It’s Been a Bumpy Ride,” and our traveling display, “Anywhere but Here: A History of Discrimination in Oregon.” FHCO offers training on all aspects of fair housing law. Each year, FHCO conducts several low cost or no-cost trainings open to the public throughout Oregon. FHCO also has a fee-for-service training program available to property management companies, landlord and real estate associations,homeowner association boardsand housing authorities. For additional information about the Fair Housing Council of Oregon, contact us by phone, in person, or via email or fax. Or, visit our website: www.fhco.org. You will find all of our contact information on the front page of this booklet. If you need special accommodations or translation/interpretation assistance to access our services, we are happy to make special arrangements. WE DO NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE Most of our staff members are not attorneys, so we do not give legal advice. However, we can give you general information, technical assistance, and guidance that will further help you to understand fair housing laws or to access additional legal or professional resources. Housing Commission Memo Title:Expiring Use Unit Update Date: June 27, 2012 Submitted By: Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist #OF COMPLEX #OFTOTAL COMPLEXNAMESUBSIDIZED STATUS ADDRESSUNITS UNITS 245TOLMANNotsellingstillunder CREEKRD.ASHLEYAPARTMENTS2040contract 2301SISKIYOUNotsellingstillunder BLVD.ASHLEYSENIOR4162contract 721N.MAINSTSUNVILLAGE1212Optingoutofcontract DONALDE.LEWIS 500YMCAWAYRETIREMENTCENTER4040Unknown Housing Commission Memo Title:2012 Point in Time Homeless Count Results Date: June 27, 2012 Submitted By: Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist The Continuum of Care has tallied up and been authorized to release the results of the point in time count (PIT) survey of the homeless population throughout Jackson County. I have included the data that has been made available. Memo DATE: 6/25/2012 TO: Housing Commission FROM: Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist RE: Housing Commission goals 2012 The following goals and associated priority rankings were identified by the Housing Commission on December 17, 2011 in an effort to forward to the City Council specific items for consideration in establishing the Council goals for the coming year. The Housing Commission would also like to encourage the council to provide input to the Housing Commission on these goals, which will be put forward for adoption at the Housing Commission’s regular meeting to be held on January 25, 2012. 1. Education and Outreach- RVTV Project 2. Preservation of vulnerable properties 3. Landlord Tenant Brochure. 4. Housing Trust Fund Innovative Funding Source. 5. Implement Action Plan steps based on the results of the Updated Housing Needs Analysis DEPT. OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Tel: 541-488-5305 20 E. Main Street Fax: 541-488-6006 Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900 www.ashland.or.us