Maintenance Handbook
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Maintenance Handbook
Danny Z. Huerta said:
Date: 10/16/18
Sub: Gardner's Power Blowers
Greetings Mr. Sholy,
This issue with the "leave blowers" that nowadays are commonly used by gardeners to help expedite their workloads at each of their work sites every week.
Now, since the Thomas Fires, in January 2018 the city of Ventura's Council voted to ban/suspend all "Blowers" activities within the city limits of Ventura. This is due to obvious fire risks these leave blowers could spark fire(s) within nearby dry grasses, shrubs, forage areas etc.
Now, I had been in touch with a long and dear friend of mine whom happens to be mayor of Ventura, Neal Andrews. As far he knows the band/suspend is still very much in effect. Thereby all present and any future activities by "leave blowers", until the city of Ventura finds such activity no longer possess a threat to the well being of its citizenry, dwellings and all properties both private & government sectors. To Mr. Andrews and the rest of the Council are concerned, the band on leave blowers are still in effect and maintains the right to legally enforce penalties on those who willfully and intentionally violates its band/suspension of leave blowers by operators and those authorizing operators contracts within the city limits.
Now, I and we the residents had to put up with these leave blowers for months now, and besides of all the health concerns and other related issues with these blowers pose, I and WE the residents of our AMP3 (and other AMPs)feel that these leave blowers must cease immediately UNTIL the city of Ventura Council approves the lifting of the ban/suspension when it is appropriate to do so.
Again, until your department and CEO can provide evidence, in writing, justifications in not abide with the band on leave blowers, they can continue. HOWEVER, if there is no supporting evidence or giving special release from such ban/suspension in writing, such leave blowers must cease immediately! Otherwise, your department and the Authority will be hold accountable for your continual use of these leave blowers, as it flagrantly abuses the current ban/suspension on leave blowers.
I am further advising all residents to document in writing and by witnesses or/and photographs, videos (contains photo date & time stamp) of all such activities. I had personally been documenting such activities for some months now and it all seems "business as usual” as it was in the pri-Thomas Fires.
If the leave blowers continue operating illegally within the Authority properties within the city limits of Ventura, I will be forced to raised this matter with the Commission and the Ventura City Council to find a resolution on the matter.
BTW: The Authority’s gardener comes by tomorrow (Wednesdays/Thursdays. Will it be "business as usual" or just do the right thing and stay out of trouble with the City? Choice is yours.
Thank you for your time and interests of the residents.
All the best,
Danny Z. Huerta
J. b . f . I said:
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Date: 10/16/18
Sub: Gardner's Power Blowers
Greetings Mr. Sholy,
This issue with the "leave blowers" that nowadays are commonly used by gardeners to help expedite their workloads at each of their work sites every week.
Now, since the Thomas Fires, in January 2018 the city of Ventura's Council voted to ban/suspend all "Blowers" activities within the city limits of Ventura. This is due to obvious fire risks these leave blowers could spark fire(s) within nearby dry grasses, shrubs, forage areas etc.
Now, I had been in touch with a long and dear friend of mine whom happens to be mayor of Ventura, Neal Andrews. As far he knows the band/suspend is still very much in effect. Thereby all present and any future activities by "leave blowers", until the city of Ventura finds such activity no longer possess a threat to the well being of its citizenry, dwellings and all properties both private & government sectors. To Mr. Andrews and the rest of the Council are concerned, the band on leave blowers are still in effect and maintains the right to legally enforce penalties on those who willfully and intentionally violates its band/suspension of leave blowers by operators and those authorizing operators contracts within the city limits.
Now, I and we the residents had to put up with these leave blowers for months now, and besides of all the health concerns and other related issues with these blowers pose, I and WE the residents of our AMP3 (and other AMPs)feel that these leave blowers must cease immediately UNTIL the city of Ventura Council approves the lifting of the ban/suspension when it is appropriate to do so.
Again, until your department and CEO can provide evidence, in writing, justifications in not abide with the band on leave blowers, they can continue. HOWEVER, if there is no supporting evidence or giving special release from such ban/suspension in writing, such leave blowers must cease immediately! Otherwise, your department and the Authority will be hold accountable for your continual use of these leave blowers, as it flagrantly abuses the current ban/suspension on leave blowers.
I am further advising all residents to document in writing and by witnesses or/and photographs, videos (contains photo date & time stamp) of all such activities. I had personally been documenting such activities for some months now and it all seems "business as usual” as it was in the pri-Thomas Fires.
If the leave blowers continue operating illegally within the Authority properties within the city limits of Ventura, I will be forced to raised this matter with the Commission and the Ventura City Council to find a resolution on the matter.
BTW: The Authority’s gardener comes by tomorrow (Wednesdays/Thursdays. Will it be "business as usual" or just do the right thing and stay out of trouble with the City? Choice is yours.
Thank you for your time and interests of the residents.
All the best,
Danny Z. Huerta
J. b . f . I said:
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Will Sholy said:
@Mike Limon,
Thank you for the information!You are correct. (805) 626-5663 is the only number residents need to use for maintenance issues at any time. It sounds like they tried to contact a different Locksmith if they were asking for an account number. The locksmith we have under contract does not need the account information. The service is only for after hours and holidays. He can provide a receipt and bills the Housing Authority first then we send a bill to the tenants. The contractor is Tim's Mobile Locksmith.
Please let me know if you have any other concerns. Thank you
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@Mike Limon,
Thank you for the information!You are correct. (805) 626-5663 is the only number residents need to use for maintenance issues at any time. It sounds like they tried to contact a different Locksmith if they were asking for an account number. The locksmith we have under contract does not need the account information. The service is only for after hours and holidays. He can provide a receipt and bills the Housing Authority first then we send a bill to the tenants. The contractor is Tim's Mobile Locksmith.
Please let me know if you have any other concerns. Thank you
flag like reply
Mike Limon said:
Dear Will Sholy,
On Sunday Sept 15, I received a phone call from a friend who is on the CWRAB Board. She informed me that one of her neighbors at The Palms was locked out of her apartment and tried calling the old maintenance number but nobody answered it. She was asking me for the correct phone number to call. I informed her that there is only one number to call now, (805) 626-5663, day or night. I did a follow-up call today asking if the woman was able to get a locksmith. I was told yes, but with some difficulty. After being connected with the locksmith company they were asking her for a contact account number with Housing. Are we supposed to know this contract number? I would think that this contracted locksmith already has that information. Should any resident become locked-out of their unit, what is the correct procedure to contact the locksmith and what information should we provide them other than our name, address including apartment number and telephone number? Are they a 24 hour service? Will the locksmith give us a receipt and bill the Housing Authority? What is the name of the Locksmith Company to ensure that we have the correct provider?
Thank you Will.
Mike Limon-Gregory Gardens
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Dear Will Sholy,
On Sunday Sept 15, I received a phone call from a friend who is on the CWRAB Board. She informed me that one of her neighbors at The Palms was locked out of her apartment and tried calling the old maintenance number but nobody answered it. She was asking me for the correct phone number to call. I informed her that there is only one number to call now, (805) 626-5663, day or night. I did a follow-up call today asking if the woman was able to get a locksmith. I was told yes, but with some difficulty. After being connected with the locksmith company they were asking her for a contact account number with Housing. Are we supposed to know this contract number? I would think that this contracted locksmith already has that information. Should any resident become locked-out of their unit, what is the correct procedure to contact the locksmith and what information should we provide them other than our name, address including apartment number and telephone number? Are they a 24 hour service? Will the locksmith give us a receipt and bill the Housing Authority? What is the name of the Locksmith Company to ensure that we have the correct provider?
Thank you Will.
Mike Limon-Gregory Gardens
flag like reply
Will Sholy said:
@Danny Z. Huerta,
Thank you for your comments! Here are my responses below.
1) Windows: Understanding if I break a window that’s my responsibility and pay for all incurred costs. Ok. Now, since the RAD conversations finalized in early January 2017, there have been some problems with resident’s new windows; they lose gas within its windowpane’s. Now, it’s my understanding that these windowpanes are known to occur and should be reported to VHA’s maintenance department and put in an order to replace malfunctioned windowpanes. Is this a non-fault of the resident(s) due to the faulty mechanisms with these windows?
Any normal wear and tear or mechanical failure with no signs of abuse are of no charge to the resident. So, in your example, no charge would go to the resident because they are not at fault. Only in instances where abuse or neglect is obvious would a tenant be charged. For example, holes in walls resulting from punching or a roach infestation resulting from hoarding.
2) Look-Outs: Ms Pendiebury’s comments in regards with these new prices for all kinds (cards & keys) of “lock-outs” I totally agree; and countless others gravest concern are with these astronomical costs for “lock-outs”! Now, I would entertain the thoughts for maybe family-units who work could subsidize those “lock-outs” fees that residing within VHA’s properties/stock. Whereas, residents residing in either Sec. 8 and/or with Sec. 19 status daily live with limited and under a fixed income these spiked fees are unbearable for these folks. Maybe, with these Sec. 19 folks could be some kind of tear or phases/times, like from 1 to 3 or so, where resident(s) have locked themselves out for the first time pays a ‘first time’ costs, and if the same resident again locks him/herself out would have to pay a ‘second time’ costs. This would go up to third category which would be the demanded costs within this new policy. With section 8/Sec/ 19 managers would definitely know those residents with memory lose and other possible impediments to cause them to be forgetful. Maybe, be allowed to make copies with their keys if VHA would be opened to it with these situations - to handle them in a case to case basis.
This cost is the price of the contractor we hired to take care of the Locksmith issues after hours. Of course these charges can be adjusted or even waived in certain cases. The section about Re-payment agreement under the Tenant Charges section in the Handbook says you may work out an agreement with your Property Manager. It would be best if each tenant had a spare key to keep hidden or to keep with a neighbor. That way they could avoid charges.
3) Light Bulbs: During the RAD meetings and discussions, there was never any mention of certain lighting fixtures would require costs out of pocket for instance the fan/light bulb in the new restrooms. Now, it comes to my attention which there’s different kind of light bulbs. For instance, the main light/w fan in the restroom is a one of a kind fixture that has a light box unit which both is attached within each other. These kinds of light would definitely need to be replaced by VHA’s maintenance department and incurred charges with the resident. BUT, if these lights were that of universal kind, the kinds we are all used to replace by ourselves or a relative. The rest of the lighting systems in our units are those of the new low-voltage bulbs and with these we can replace them ourselves. In Sec. 19, mangers discourage residents from repairing/replacing bulbs for not injuring ourselves and of course liability reasons with VHA, understandable; but at what costs? There’s a dire need to have a meaningful meeting of the minds, our minds and VHA’s to look at things from our daily realties.
$6.00 is the flat cost to replace any light bulb. This cost will go to tenants who are perfectly able to change a light bulb, but would rather have us change it. Tenants who are physically unable to change bulbs themselves will have these charges waived since they do not have the option. A failure with any permanent light fixture that does not have interchangeable bulbs would be considered wear and tear and we can change it with no charge.
Mr. Sholy, I know that you’d mentioned that your department relied with a way to calculate this new replace/repair costs through a system called Market Survey. Does this “market survey” technique consider folks living with limited income, fix income, literacy and communication abilities, being a senior citizen, physically and mentally challenged persons? Let me know when it does…
I will supply a copy of the market survey. For example, the average cost of a plumber is around $85-$100 per hour. A Handyman $50-$60 per hour and they usually have a 1 hour minimum. We are charging $40 per hour in 15-minute increments. Most repairs in units take less than 1 hour. We did consider that residents are low income and are faced with certain challenges. Please remember, if repairs in a unit are normal wear and tear it’s not going to be a charge.
4) Pest control: During the recent mega and historical fire, The Thomas Fire, resident’s city-wide were demanded to respect no leave-blowers are to be allowed during this temporary order. Now, within our AMP3 a Sec. 19, elderly folks, which are the bulk of us here have chronic respiratory and allergies and with this leave-blowers blowing these pesticides and herbicidal into our units air by way through our screens and windows! I strongly feel that our residents here should have the right to have a vote on whether or not to allow the leave-blowers onto our space to always have the best air possible.
The leaf blower ban was lifted as of July 9th. Our pest control contractor is very careful about the products that he uses and how he applies them. He would never spray product while a leaf blower is present. Once the product is dry there is no risk of contamination. If we were to stop using leaf blowers we would start experiencing more issues with landscaping. We had to sacrifice not cleaning many areas because we were not able to use leaf blowers for time that the ban was in place. Using rakes and broom was too time consuming for the landscapers and they could not get the job done without them.
5) Emergency Operator’s: It has been my experience and that of many others with this one same old problem when trying to communicate with those emergency operators; they are not bi-lingual!!!! Even though there’s a 65-70% white population within the VHA’s stock and about 20+% Hispanic and 2% & other ethnicities, we have historically had many residents whom first language is Spanish. Very few are literate to read in Spanish and but those non-English speakers maintain itself (community) in an oral tradition; with the spoken word. So, it’s vital and that of the highest priority to have, with no exceptions to fully bi-lingual emergency operators; it’s a MUST.
I did address this issue with the answering agency. There has been a shortage on Spanish speaking answering agents, and we have a temporary solution in place right now. We have a menu set up to select English or Spanish. When selecting Spanish it is forwarded to a Spanish speaking agent and if one is not available at that time it is forwarded to the maintenance tech as an emergency and they will respond.
6) The Draft Maintenance Hand Book’s Spanish Version: After consulting with our Spanish language expert, there are some areas for improvements. We belief that in the future when there are needs to re-evaluate the Spanish translations that comes out from your Spanish Translator software, should be re-evaluated by a VHA’s Spanish reader(s) and our resident Spanish expert(s) in order to secure clarity for all residents in order to be on the same page with understanding any changes with policy and regulations in the short-term and long term for future non-English speakers/residents.
I am aware that some area may have not been translated well and I have had some of our other employees whom are Spanish speaking review these sections are clarify them.
I am sorry, but I cannot comment on this section about
flag like reply
@Danny Z. Huerta,
Thank you for your comments! Here are my responses below.
1) Windows: Understanding if I break a window that’s my responsibility and pay for all incurred costs. Ok. Now, since the RAD conversations finalized in early January 2017, there have been some problems with resident’s new windows; they lose gas within its windowpane’s. Now, it’s my understanding that these windowpanes are known to occur and should be reported to VHA’s maintenance department and put in an order to replace malfunctioned windowpanes. Is this a non-fault of the resident(s) due to the faulty mechanisms with these windows?
Any normal wear and tear or mechanical failure with no signs of abuse are of no charge to the resident. So, in your example, no charge would go to the resident because they are not at fault. Only in instances where abuse or neglect is obvious would a tenant be charged. For example, holes in walls resulting from punching or a roach infestation resulting from hoarding.
2) Look-Outs: Ms Pendiebury’s comments in regards with these new prices for all kinds (cards & keys) of “lock-outs” I totally agree; and countless others gravest concern are with these astronomical costs for “lock-outs”! Now, I would entertain the thoughts for maybe family-units who work could subsidize those “lock-outs” fees that residing within VHA’s properties/stock. Whereas, residents residing in either Sec. 8 and/or with Sec. 19 status daily live with limited and under a fixed income these spiked fees are unbearable for these folks. Maybe, with these Sec. 19 folks could be some kind of tear or phases/times, like from 1 to 3 or so, where resident(s) have locked themselves out for the first time pays a ‘first time’ costs, and if the same resident again locks him/herself out would have to pay a ‘second time’ costs. This would go up to third category which would be the demanded costs within this new policy. With section 8/Sec/ 19 managers would definitely know those residents with memory lose and other possible impediments to cause them to be forgetful. Maybe, be allowed to make copies with their keys if VHA would be opened to it with these situations - to handle them in a case to case basis.
This cost is the price of the contractor we hired to take care of the Locksmith issues after hours. Of course these charges can be adjusted or even waived in certain cases. The section about Re-payment agreement under the Tenant Charges section in the Handbook says you may work out an agreement with your Property Manager. It would be best if each tenant had a spare key to keep hidden or to keep with a neighbor. That way they could avoid charges.
3) Light Bulbs: During the RAD meetings and discussions, there was never any mention of certain lighting fixtures would require costs out of pocket for instance the fan/light bulb in the new restrooms. Now, it comes to my attention which there’s different kind of light bulbs. For instance, the main light/w fan in the restroom is a one of a kind fixture that has a light box unit which both is attached within each other. These kinds of light would definitely need to be replaced by VHA’s maintenance department and incurred charges with the resident. BUT, if these lights were that of universal kind, the kinds we are all used to replace by ourselves or a relative. The rest of the lighting systems in our units are those of the new low-voltage bulbs and with these we can replace them ourselves. In Sec. 19, mangers discourage residents from repairing/replacing bulbs for not injuring ourselves and of course liability reasons with VHA, understandable; but at what costs? There’s a dire need to have a meaningful meeting of the minds, our minds and VHA’s to look at things from our daily realties.
$6.00 is the flat cost to replace any light bulb. This cost will go to tenants who are perfectly able to change a light bulb, but would rather have us change it. Tenants who are physically unable to change bulbs themselves will have these charges waived since they do not have the option. A failure with any permanent light fixture that does not have interchangeable bulbs would be considered wear and tear and we can change it with no charge.
Mr. Sholy, I know that you’d mentioned that your department relied with a way to calculate this new replace/repair costs through a system called Market Survey. Does this “market survey” technique consider folks living with limited income, fix income, literacy and communication abilities, being a senior citizen, physically and mentally challenged persons? Let me know when it does…
I will supply a copy of the market survey. For example, the average cost of a plumber is around $85-$100 per hour. A Handyman $50-$60 per hour and they usually have a 1 hour minimum. We are charging $40 per hour in 15-minute increments. Most repairs in units take less than 1 hour. We did consider that residents are low income and are faced with certain challenges. Please remember, if repairs in a unit are normal wear and tear it’s not going to be a charge.
4) Pest control: During the recent mega and historical fire, The Thomas Fire, resident’s city-wide were demanded to respect no leave-blowers are to be allowed during this temporary order. Now, within our AMP3 a Sec. 19, elderly folks, which are the bulk of us here have chronic respiratory and allergies and with this leave-blowers blowing these pesticides and herbicidal into our units air by way through our screens and windows! I strongly feel that our residents here should have the right to have a vote on whether or not to allow the leave-blowers onto our space to always have the best air possible.
The leaf blower ban was lifted as of July 9th. Our pest control contractor is very careful about the products that he uses and how he applies them. He would never spray product while a leaf blower is present. Once the product is dry there is no risk of contamination. If we were to stop using leaf blowers we would start experiencing more issues with landscaping. We had to sacrifice not cleaning many areas because we were not able to use leaf blowers for time that the ban was in place. Using rakes and broom was too time consuming for the landscapers and they could not get the job done without them.
5) Emergency Operator’s: It has been my experience and that of many others with this one same old problem when trying to communicate with those emergency operators; they are not bi-lingual!!!! Even though there’s a 65-70% white population within the VHA’s stock and about 20+% Hispanic and 2% & other ethnicities, we have historically had many residents whom first language is Spanish. Very few are literate to read in Spanish and but those non-English speakers maintain itself (community) in an oral tradition; with the spoken word. So, it’s vital and that of the highest priority to have, with no exceptions to fully bi-lingual emergency operators; it’s a MUST.
I did address this issue with the answering agency. There has been a shortage on Spanish speaking answering agents, and we have a temporary solution in place right now. We have a menu set up to select English or Spanish. When selecting Spanish it is forwarded to a Spanish speaking agent and if one is not available at that time it is forwarded to the maintenance tech as an emergency and they will respond.
6) The Draft Maintenance Hand Book’s Spanish Version: After consulting with our Spanish language expert, there are some areas for improvements. We belief that in the future when there are needs to re-evaluate the Spanish translations that comes out from your Spanish Translator software, should be re-evaluated by a VHA’s Spanish reader(s) and our resident Spanish expert(s) in order to secure clarity for all residents in order to be on the same page with understanding any changes with policy and regulations in the short-term and long term for future non-English speakers/residents.
I am aware that some area may have not been translated well and I have had some of our other employees whom are Spanish speaking review these sections are clarify them.
I am sorry, but I cannot comment on this section about
flag like reply
Will Sholy said:
@Jill Liane,
Hi Jill,
You do not have to pay for repairs to defective products. If there are no signs of abuse to items that need repair, if installed incorrectly, or if the item has a factory defect there is no charge for us to fix it. There is no reason why the receptionist would refuse to take a work order. If that is ever the case you may contact me directly and I will take care of it. 805-648-5008 ext. 2235
As far as your other concerns, those are issues you will have to speak with your Property Manager about.
Thank you very much for your comments!
flag like reply
@Jill Liane,
Hi Jill,
You do not have to pay for repairs to defective products. If there are no signs of abuse to items that need repair, if installed incorrectly, or if the item has a factory defect there is no charge for us to fix it. There is no reason why the receptionist would refuse to take a work order. If that is ever the case you may contact me directly and I will take care of it. 805-648-5008 ext. 2235
As far as your other concerns, those are issues you will have to speak with your Property Manager about.
Thank you very much for your comments!
flag like reply
Danny Z. Huerta said:
Part 2: VHA's MHBook
* For instance, below are some examples under the MOU when dealing with modernization such as RAD;
With MOU: “The tenant group has input into modernization plans, the right to be involved in writing requests for proposals to hire firms to do the modernization, and is involved in reviewing where modernization funds are going.”
Clarifies how regulations will be interpreted
“While laws provide a framework for resident participation, an MOU can clarify how your housing authority will carry out its responsibilities under the law. For example, regulations say a housing authority must ensure “open communications” with the tenant organization. An MOU can clarify that “open communications” means: access to specific documents, advance notice of any changes in policies, and responses in writing from the housing authority to written comments submitted by tenants.”
Resolution of disputes
If the housing authority and tenant organization have a dispute that cannot be resolved, both agree to go through arbitration and abide by decisions of an independent arbitrator.
Right to participate in management
Policy changes
The housing authority agrees to meet with the tenant group before changing major policies in order to get tenants’ input.
Housing authority budgets
The housing authority agrees to review its budget requests with the tenant group and to allow tenants a chance to comment on the budget.
MOU would make your job lot easier and for us more transparent for all us folks which in turn less noise from me.
* Addendum: Example of a MOU and its intensions; (Please see below page)
1] Why an MOU? What is an MOU?
A Memorandum of Understanding (or MOU, for short) is a written agreement. In the case of public housing, an MOU is a legal agreement between a tenant organization and a housing authority. Sometimes an MOU is also called a Memorandum of Agreement (or MOA). MOUs and MOAs are the same thing.
An MOU spells out a common understanding of the working relationship between a tenant organization and a housing authority. It clarifies what kind of support a housing authority will provide a tenant group and creates more meaningful ways for tenants to participate. Here is what some residents in public housing said about how their MOU helped their tenant organization:
It helped us start our office, get computers, a fax machine, and supplies.
Now we have the equipment to put the task force together.
It has helped our group work with the housing authority
on issues that affect tenants in our buildings.
It clearly explained what the tenant organization can use its money for.
It clearly defined rights and responsibilities of the housing authority
and local tenant council.
Why is an MOU important?
There are a number of reasons an MOU is important and worth pushing for, even though the negotiation process takes time.
Sets a better tone for tenant participation
While regulations require tenant participation and recognize that it is beneficial to the running of public housing, creating an MOU makes both tenants and housing authorities more familiar with these regulations. Negotiating an MOU raises a housing authority’s awareness about its legal responsibilities to involve tenants in shaping housing authority policies. It also gives tenants the opportunity to define participation in ways that are truly meaningful to the tenant community.
Builds a working relationship
The process of actually negotiating an MOU helps tenants and housing authorities build a better working relationship, better listening skills, and more empathy for the issues that the other group faces. Tenants develop a better understanding of what challenges housing authorities have to deal with—for example, how to work with limited budgets. Housing authorities develop a better understanding of what problems tenants are having and their ideas for solutions that will work in their community.
Sets up a structure for a partnership
An MOU puts in writing what the partnership between a tenant organization and a housing authority is. It provides a structure for a working relationship. For example, while regulations say that the housing authority should meet “frequently” with tenants,
an MOU can set up a regular schedule for the housing authority and the tenant group to meet—say, once a month.
Clarifies how regulations will be interpreted
While laws provide a framework for resident participation, an MOU can clarify how your housing authority will carry out its responsibilities under the law. For example, regulations say a housing authority must ensure “open communications” with the tenant organization. An MOU can clarify that “open communications” means: access to specific documents, advance notice of any changes in policies, and responses in writing from the housing authority to written comments submitted by tenants.
Protects a tenant organization’s rights over time
Your current tenant organization may have a good working relationship with the current director, but what if a new director comes in who is less open to tenant involvement?
Or what if the leadership in the tenant organization changes and it is less democratic?
An MOU protects tenant groups over time because it says the tenant group has certain rights no matter who runs the authority or the tenant group.
Can give federal and state tenants the same rights
If your housing authority has both federal and state public housing, an MOU is an opportunity to get state and federal public housing tenants covered by the same policies. Sometimes there are differences between federal and state laws and regulations, and sometimes these differences can be harmonized in an MOU so that federal and state tenants have the same rights. For example, an MOU could say that:
State tenants, like federal tenants, can be on a Resident Advisory Board (RAB). Worcester, Boston, and Holyoke RABs all include state tenants.
State tenants, like federal tenants, can be on hiring committees and have input into hiring decisions.
What is generally included in an MOU?
There is no required form for an MOU. Some MOUs are long and detailed. Others are short and general. A tenant group can have one MOU that touches on many issues. It can also have different MOUs that focus on specific issues, such as tenant participation funding, jobs and training, or space for after-school programs for kids. Whatever is included in an MOU offers tenant groups a more detailed layer of protection than what regulations offer.
Included in this booklet is a sample MOU to give you ideas about what to include. What your tenant organization wants to include in an MOU will depend on your goals and what written policies your housing authority may already have. For example, while the Boston Housing Authority has a written tenant participation policy, each tenant organization negotiates with the housing authority its own MOU about tenant participation funding.
The following is a list of provisions commonly included in an MOU.
Support for tenant group and organizing efforts
Recognition
Your housing authority agrees that your group is the one they will talk to and negotiate with about issues that affect tenants.
Funds for tenant group
The authority agrees to give your group funds to participate, operate, and receive training, agrees to provide accounting assistance to help the group develop its capacity to manage funds, and agrees on a procedure for the tenant group to submit a yearly budget request.
Freedom to organize The housing authority agrees that tenants have a right to distribute information about the tenant organization and about proposed or current housing authority policies and a right to meet privately without the housing authority. Housing authority agrees to give all new tenants information about the tenant organization and the tenant group agrees to help create the informational materials for new tenants.
Protection against retaliation
The housing authority agrees that it will not retaliate against any tenant who is organizing or who joins a tenant organization.
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Part 2: VHA's MHBook
* For instance, below are some examples under the MOU when dealing with modernization such as RAD;
With MOU: “The tenant group has input into modernization plans, the right to be involved in writing requests for proposals to hire firms to do the modernization, and is involved in reviewing where modernization funds are going.”
Clarifies how regulations will be interpreted
“While laws provide a framework for resident participation, an MOU can clarify how your housing authority will carry out its responsibilities under the law. For example, regulations say a housing authority must ensure “open communications” with the tenant organization. An MOU can clarify that “open communications” means: access to specific documents, advance notice of any changes in policies, and responses in writing from the housing authority to written comments submitted by tenants.”
Resolution of disputes
If the housing authority and tenant organization have a dispute that cannot be resolved, both agree to go through arbitration and abide by decisions of an independent arbitrator.
Right to participate in management
Policy changes
The housing authority agrees to meet with the tenant group before changing major policies in order to get tenants’ input.
Housing authority budgets
The housing authority agrees to review its budget requests with the tenant group and to allow tenants a chance to comment on the budget.
MOU would make your job lot easier and for us more transparent for all us folks which in turn less noise from me.
* Addendum: Example of a MOU and its intensions; (Please see below page)
1] Why an MOU? What is an MOU?
A Memorandum of Understanding (or MOU, for short) is a written agreement. In the case of public housing, an MOU is a legal agreement between a tenant organization and a housing authority. Sometimes an MOU is also called a Memorandum of Agreement (or MOA). MOUs and MOAs are the same thing.
An MOU spells out a common understanding of the working relationship between a tenant organization and a housing authority. It clarifies what kind of support a housing authority will provide a tenant group and creates more meaningful ways for tenants to participate. Here is what some residents in public housing said about how their MOU helped their tenant organization:
It helped us start our office, get computers, a fax machine, and supplies.
Now we have the equipment to put the task force together.
It has helped our group work with the housing authority
on issues that affect tenants in our buildings.
It clearly explained what the tenant organization can use its money for.
It clearly defined rights and responsibilities of the housing authority
and local tenant council.
Why is an MOU important?
There are a number of reasons an MOU is important and worth pushing for, even though the negotiation process takes time.
Sets a better tone for tenant participation
While regulations require tenant participation and recognize that it is beneficial to the running of public housing, creating an MOU makes both tenants and housing authorities more familiar with these regulations. Negotiating an MOU raises a housing authority’s awareness about its legal responsibilities to involve tenants in shaping housing authority policies. It also gives tenants the opportunity to define participation in ways that are truly meaningful to the tenant community.
Builds a working relationship
The process of actually negotiating an MOU helps tenants and housing authorities build a better working relationship, better listening skills, and more empathy for the issues that the other group faces. Tenants develop a better understanding of what challenges housing authorities have to deal with—for example, how to work with limited budgets. Housing authorities develop a better understanding of what problems tenants are having and their ideas for solutions that will work in their community.
Sets up a structure for a partnership
An MOU puts in writing what the partnership between a tenant organization and a housing authority is. It provides a structure for a working relationship. For example, while regulations say that the housing authority should meet “frequently” with tenants,
an MOU can set up a regular schedule for the housing authority and the tenant group to meet—say, once a month.
Clarifies how regulations will be interpreted
While laws provide a framework for resident participation, an MOU can clarify how your housing authority will carry out its responsibilities under the law. For example, regulations say a housing authority must ensure “open communications” with the tenant organization. An MOU can clarify that “open communications” means: access to specific documents, advance notice of any changes in policies, and responses in writing from the housing authority to written comments submitted by tenants.
Protects a tenant organization’s rights over time
Your current tenant organization may have a good working relationship with the current director, but what if a new director comes in who is less open to tenant involvement?
Or what if the leadership in the tenant organization changes and it is less democratic?
An MOU protects tenant groups over time because it says the tenant group has certain rights no matter who runs the authority or the tenant group.
Can give federal and state tenants the same rights
If your housing authority has both federal and state public housing, an MOU is an opportunity to get state and federal public housing tenants covered by the same policies. Sometimes there are differences between federal and state laws and regulations, and sometimes these differences can be harmonized in an MOU so that federal and state tenants have the same rights. For example, an MOU could say that:
State tenants, like federal tenants, can be on a Resident Advisory Board (RAB). Worcester, Boston, and Holyoke RABs all include state tenants.
State tenants, like federal tenants, can be on hiring committees and have input into hiring decisions.
What is generally included in an MOU?
There is no required form for an MOU. Some MOUs are long and detailed. Others are short and general. A tenant group can have one MOU that touches on many issues. It can also have different MOUs that focus on specific issues, such as tenant participation funding, jobs and training, or space for after-school programs for kids. Whatever is included in an MOU offers tenant groups a more detailed layer of protection than what regulations offer.
Included in this booklet is a sample MOU to give you ideas about what to include. What your tenant organization wants to include in an MOU will depend on your goals and what written policies your housing authority may already have. For example, while the Boston Housing Authority has a written tenant participation policy, each tenant organization negotiates with the housing authority its own MOU about tenant participation funding.
The following is a list of provisions commonly included in an MOU.
Support for tenant group and organizing efforts
Recognition
Your housing authority agrees that your group is the one they will talk to and negotiate with about issues that affect tenants.
Funds for tenant group
The authority agrees to give your group funds to participate, operate, and receive training, agrees to provide accounting assistance to help the group develop its capacity to manage funds, and agrees on a procedure for the tenant group to submit a yearly budget request.
Freedom to organize The housing authority agrees that tenants have a right to distribute information about the tenant organization and about proposed or current housing authority policies and a right to meet privately without the housing authority. Housing authority agrees to give all new tenants information about the tenant organization and the tenant group agrees to help create the informational materials for new tenants.
Protection against retaliation
The housing authority agrees that it will not retaliate against any tenant who is organizing or who joins a tenant organization.
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Jill Liane said:
1) What to do when the receptionist refuses to write a service order? 2) Why do the 2 healthy men with private fenced in gardens that we pretend are community gardens get to use the service roads while people with vehicle handicap stickers have to haul their garden stuff and groceries from the street?
2) Why do some people have outdoor water spickets while disabled and handicapped people only growing food to help with finances have to haul water or ???
3) Why is my neighbor allowed to keep things that attract roaches and rodents on the side of my house? (boards, metal, laundry pole, trash cans, buckets, wire, and throws food on the side of my house, beans, oysters, bannana peels, orange peels) There is literally no grass there any more from all the storage. Complaints do no good. Likewise,
4) can you do something about all the tenanats throwing bones in their yards for their free roaming animals? There is no way to know the bones are there and a dog walking by can snatch it up in a second. Bones kill little dogs, they splinter and puncture organs. Maybe they don't care about the life of their dog, (apparently since it's free to roam in the street and get hit by car, get stolen, or attacked by a larger dog) but not only are they family members to most of us but for some of us they are also service dogs that we desperately need. I am also tired of picking up other peoples dog poop and/or navigating around it. What to do when you make complaints and all they do is send out reminders and the tenants just laugh and keep doing the same? Why are baby gates not allowed the patio, or why are we not allowed to put a portable pet fence on the patio? People have their animals pooping and peeing on potty pads in their house because of this ridiculous rule. Potty pads are impossible for an animal to hit perfectly. This is nothing but rodent and roach attractants. Children are run around and are very much in danger of running into the street. It makes no sense that these portable baby gates and pet fences unattached to anything of yours are not allowed. I would think you would prefer animals piss and poop outside and be kept in ones own yard, and children be kept out of the street.
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1) What to do when the receptionist refuses to write a service order? 2) Why do the 2 healthy men with private fenced in gardens that we pretend are community gardens get to use the service roads while people with vehicle handicap stickers have to haul their garden stuff and groceries from the street?
2) Why do some people have outdoor water spickets while disabled and handicapped people only growing food to help with finances have to haul water or ???
3) Why is my neighbor allowed to keep things that attract roaches and rodents on the side of my house? (boards, metal, laundry pole, trash cans, buckets, wire, and throws food on the side of my house, beans, oysters, bannana peels, orange peels) There is literally no grass there any more from all the storage. Complaints do no good. Likewise,
4) can you do something about all the tenanats throwing bones in their yards for their free roaming animals? There is no way to know the bones are there and a dog walking by can snatch it up in a second. Bones kill little dogs, they splinter and puncture organs. Maybe they don't care about the life of their dog, (apparently since it's free to roam in the street and get hit by car, get stolen, or attacked by a larger dog) but not only are they family members to most of us but for some of us they are also service dogs that we desperately need. I am also tired of picking up other peoples dog poop and/or navigating around it. What to do when you make complaints and all they do is send out reminders and the tenants just laugh and keep doing the same? Why are baby gates not allowed the patio, or why are we not allowed to put a portable pet fence on the patio? People have their animals pooping and peeing on potty pads in their house because of this ridiculous rule. Potty pads are impossible for an animal to hit perfectly. This is nothing but rodent and roach attractants. Children are run around and are very much in danger of running into the street. It makes no sense that these portable baby gates and pet fences unattached to anything of yours are not allowed. I would think you would prefer animals piss and poop outside and be kept in ones own yard, and children be kept out of the street.
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Jill Liane said:
PROBLEM: INSTALLING DEFECTIVE MATERIALS THAT PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK.
1) Defective door locks were installed some time ago I guess because they were prettier? Lock is unlock and unlock is locked. Plus they jam. I don't know if it's all of them or just some. But there is a reason they are all made the same, SAFETY. Fire, medical, and lock out. And in a dangerous neighborhood to make matters worse. To make it EVEN worse you attack our finances and charge us for your defective materials!????
2) Defective Faucets. Same thing, they are all made the same for a reason, SAFETY. Clockwise is on and counter clockwise is off. Your recent materials are backwards. This is how people get burned! Try tying your shoe different for 90 days. EVERYDAY, rather you are in a hurry, sick, stressed, distracted and see how hard that is and x it by 20 for the vulnerable (hanicapped, disabled, children, and elderly)I shouldn't have to explain but....
flag like reply
PROBLEM: INSTALLING DEFECTIVE MATERIALS THAT PUT OUR SAFETY AT RISK.
1) Defective door locks were installed some time ago I guess because they were prettier? Lock is unlock and unlock is locked. Plus they jam. I don't know if it's all of them or just some. But there is a reason they are all made the same, SAFETY. Fire, medical, and lock out. And in a dangerous neighborhood to make matters worse. To make it EVEN worse you attack our finances and charge us for your defective materials!????
2) Defective Faucets. Same thing, they are all made the same for a reason, SAFETY. Clockwise is on and counter clockwise is off. Your recent materials are backwards. This is how people get burned! Try tying your shoe different for 90 days. EVERYDAY, rather you are in a hurry, sick, stressed, distracted and see how hard that is and x it by 20 for the vulnerable (hanicapped, disabled, children, and elderly)I shouldn't have to explain but....
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Danny Z. Huerta said:
Name of Resident: Danny Z. Huerta, 9620 Telephone Rd, #6 Ventura, Califas via USA
Date: August 19, 2018
Re: Comments Regarding Housing Authority of (for) the City of San Buenaventura proposed (Draft) Resident Maintenance Handbook.
Please excuse for my tardiness in my comments. It will be a little late, within the hour or less… and it’s the 11th hour one… many thanks in advance!
Firstly, Thanks Mr. Sholy, I would like to offer my personal gratitude and thanks to all the Ventura Housing Authority (hereafter be referred to as VHA) residents that have been able to take time in their lives to pause and to reflect on their daily realities concerning “maintenance” of VHA.
Many wrote their own personal comments, offering viewpoints and offer humble-possible resolutions to exiting problems with maintenance. Most importantly, some residents are critical, but rather also are very willing to humbly put forward their suggestions within attempts in resolving exiting problems with VHA & its maintenance department.
Our living situations today are trying to live our lives forward the best way(s) possible while trying to complying with new rules and regulations. Our living situations here within the VHA are extremely concerning in terms of reality on the ground and with HUDs ideals & principles.
I would like to offer a special thanks to Sheri Pendiebury in her immense comprehensive outline of areas of concerns, and her comments and suggestions to resolve all pressing issues with the VHA and its maintenance department. And thank you Ms Pendiebury to make it possible for once, to make short intervention with my comments.
Therefore my comments will be short and solely focus on a few observations mentioned by Ms Pendiebury’s comments; from other residents and my own personal observations and ways to possibly resolve present and future possible problems from happening; at least with the maintenance departmental side.
To hopefully help expedite my comments, I would keep it to the point for the reason that there is a need for additional meeting(s) with residents themselves, to really hear/read their sometimes dire situation(s). There’s a need for an in-depth discussions with maintenance leaderships on topics and their issues with residents, especially those in our community of AMP3 whom are living in here are in Section 8 and with Section 19 status, that of seniors and those with mental and physical disabilities, as Ms Pendiebury visually illustrated with her comments.
Concerns and Issues:
1) Windows: Understanding if I break a window that’s my responsibility and pay for all incurred costs. Ok. Now, since the RAD conversations finalized in early January 2017, there have been some problems with resident’s new windows; they lose gas within its windowpane’s. Now, it’s my understanding that these windowpanes are known to occur and should be reported to VHA’s maintenance department and put in an order to replace malfunctioned windowpanes. Is this a non-fault of the resident(s) due to the faulty mechanisms with these windows?
2) Look-Outs: Ms Pendiebury’s comments in regards with these new prices for all kinds (cards & keys) of “lock-outs” I totally agree; and countless others gravest concern are with these astronomical costs for “lock-outs”! Now, I would entertain the thoughts for maybe family-units who work could subsidize those “lock-outs” fees that residing within VHA’s properties/stock. Whereas, residents residing in either Sec. 8 and/or with Sec. 19 status daily live with limited and under a fixed income these spiked fees are unbearable for these folks. Maybe, with these Sec. 19 folks could be some kind of tear or phases/times, like from 1 to 3 or so, where resident(s) have locked themselves out for the first time pays a ‘first time’ costs, and if the same resident again locks him/herself out would have to pay a ‘second time’ costs. This would go up to third category which would be the demanded costs within this new policy. With section 8/Sec/ 19 managers would definitely know those residents with memory lose and other possible impediments to cause them to be forgetful. Maybe, be allowed to make copies with their keys if VHA would be opened to it with these situations - to handle them in a case to case basis.
3) Light Bulbs: During the RAD meetings and discussions, there was never any mention of certain lighting fixtures would require costs out of pocket for instance the fan/light bulb in the new restrooms. Now, it comes to my attention which there’s different kind of light bulbs. For instance, the main light/w fan in the restroom is a one of a kind fixture that has a light box unit which both is attached within each other. These kinds of light would definitely need to be replaced by VHA’s maintenance department and incurred charges with the resident. BUT, if these lights were that of universal kind, the kinds we are all used to replace by ourselves or a relative. The rest of the lighting systems in our units are those of the new low-voltage bulbs and with these we can replace them ourselves. In Sec. 19, mangers discourage residents from repairing/replacing bulbs for not injuring ourselves and of course liability reasons with VHA, understandable; but at what costs? There’s a dire need to have a meaningful meeting of the minds, our minds and VHA’s to look at things from our daily realties.
Mr. Sholy, I know that you’d mentioned that your department relied with a way to calculate this new replace/repair costs through a system called Market Survey. Does this “market survey” technique consider folks living with limited income, fix income, literacy and communication abilities, being a senior citizen, physically and mentally challenged persons? Let me know when it does…
4) Pest control: During the recent mega and historical fire, The Thomas Fire, resident’s city-wide were demanded to respect no leave-blowers are to be allowed during this temporary order. Now, within our AMP3 a Sec. 19, elderly folks, which are the bulk of us here have chronic respiratory and allergies and with this leave-blowers blowing these pesticides and herbicidal into our units air by way through our screens and windows! I strongly feel that our residents here should have the right to have a vote on whether or not to allow the leave-blowers onto our space to always have the best air possible.
5) Emergency Operator’s: It has been my experience and that of many others with this one same old problem when trying to communicate with those emergency operators; they are not bi-lingual!!!! Even though there’s a 65-70% white population within the VHA’s stock and about 20+% Hispanic and 2% & other ethnicities, we have historically had many residents whom first language is Spanish. Very few are literate to read in Spanish and but those non-English speakers maintain itself (community) in an oral tradition; with the spoken word. So, it’s vital and that of the highest priority to have, with no exceptions to fully bi-lingual emergency operators; it’s a MUST.
6) The Draft Maintenance Hand Book’s Spanish Version: After consulting with our Spanish language expert, there are some areas for improvements. We belief that in the future when there are needs to re-evaluate the Spanish translations that comes out from your Spanish Translator software, should be re-evaluated by a VHA’s Spanish reader(s) and our resident Spanish expert(s) in order to secure clarity for all residents in order to be on the same page with understanding any changes with policy and regulations in the short-term and long term for future non-English speakers/residents.
In conclusion, there are other areas of concern, some already covered by other comment writers and we look forward to a meaningful consultative status with your department and others to make possible problems be preventable by simple preventative measures as raised by Ms Pendiebury’s comments in these areas of concern(s).
Please know Mr. Sholy, that these concerns and issues raised by resident’s regarding maintenance department and with others is yet another reason to have serious information sharing and better understand and presents itself wit
flag like reply
Name of Resident: Danny Z. Huerta, 9620 Telephone Rd, #6 Ventura, Califas via USA
Date: August 19, 2018
Re: Comments Regarding Housing Authority of (for) the City of San Buenaventura proposed (Draft) Resident Maintenance Handbook.
Please excuse for my tardiness in my comments. It will be a little late, within the hour or less… and it’s the 11th hour one… many thanks in advance!
Firstly, Thanks Mr. Sholy, I would like to offer my personal gratitude and thanks to all the Ventura Housing Authority (hereafter be referred to as VHA) residents that have been able to take time in their lives to pause and to reflect on their daily realities concerning “maintenance” of VHA.
Many wrote their own personal comments, offering viewpoints and offer humble-possible resolutions to exiting problems with maintenance. Most importantly, some residents are critical, but rather also are very willing to humbly put forward their suggestions within attempts in resolving exiting problems with VHA & its maintenance department.
Our living situations today are trying to live our lives forward the best way(s) possible while trying to complying with new rules and regulations. Our living situations here within the VHA are extremely concerning in terms of reality on the ground and with HUDs ideals & principles.
I would like to offer a special thanks to Sheri Pendiebury in her immense comprehensive outline of areas of concerns, and her comments and suggestions to resolve all pressing issues with the VHA and its maintenance department. And thank you Ms Pendiebury to make it possible for once, to make short intervention with my comments.
Therefore my comments will be short and solely focus on a few observations mentioned by Ms Pendiebury’s comments; from other residents and my own personal observations and ways to possibly resolve present and future possible problems from happening; at least with the maintenance departmental side.
To hopefully help expedite my comments, I would keep it to the point for the reason that there is a need for additional meeting(s) with residents themselves, to really hear/read their sometimes dire situation(s). There’s a need for an in-depth discussions with maintenance leaderships on topics and their issues with residents, especially those in our community of AMP3 whom are living in here are in Section 8 and with Section 19 status, that of seniors and those with mental and physical disabilities, as Ms Pendiebury visually illustrated with her comments.
Concerns and Issues:
1) Windows: Understanding if I break a window that’s my responsibility and pay for all incurred costs. Ok. Now, since the RAD conversations finalized in early January 2017, there have been some problems with resident’s new windows; they lose gas within its windowpane’s. Now, it’s my understanding that these windowpanes are known to occur and should be reported to VHA’s maintenance department and put in an order to replace malfunctioned windowpanes. Is this a non-fault of the resident(s) due to the faulty mechanisms with these windows?
2) Look-Outs: Ms Pendiebury’s comments in regards with these new prices for all kinds (cards & keys) of “lock-outs” I totally agree; and countless others gravest concern are with these astronomical costs for “lock-outs”! Now, I would entertain the thoughts for maybe family-units who work could subsidize those “lock-outs” fees that residing within VHA’s properties/stock. Whereas, residents residing in either Sec. 8 and/or with Sec. 19 status daily live with limited and under a fixed income these spiked fees are unbearable for these folks. Maybe, with these Sec. 19 folks could be some kind of tear or phases/times, like from 1 to 3 or so, where resident(s) have locked themselves out for the first time pays a ‘first time’ costs, and if the same resident again locks him/herself out would have to pay a ‘second time’ costs. This would go up to third category which would be the demanded costs within this new policy. With section 8/Sec/ 19 managers would definitely know those residents with memory lose and other possible impediments to cause them to be forgetful. Maybe, be allowed to make copies with their keys if VHA would be opened to it with these situations - to handle them in a case to case basis.
3) Light Bulbs: During the RAD meetings and discussions, there was never any mention of certain lighting fixtures would require costs out of pocket for instance the fan/light bulb in the new restrooms. Now, it comes to my attention which there’s different kind of light bulbs. For instance, the main light/w fan in the restroom is a one of a kind fixture that has a light box unit which both is attached within each other. These kinds of light would definitely need to be replaced by VHA’s maintenance department and incurred charges with the resident. BUT, if these lights were that of universal kind, the kinds we are all used to replace by ourselves or a relative. The rest of the lighting systems in our units are those of the new low-voltage bulbs and with these we can replace them ourselves. In Sec. 19, mangers discourage residents from repairing/replacing bulbs for not injuring ourselves and of course liability reasons with VHA, understandable; but at what costs? There’s a dire need to have a meaningful meeting of the minds, our minds and VHA’s to look at things from our daily realties.
Mr. Sholy, I know that you’d mentioned that your department relied with a way to calculate this new replace/repair costs through a system called Market Survey. Does this “market survey” technique consider folks living with limited income, fix income, literacy and communication abilities, being a senior citizen, physically and mentally challenged persons? Let me know when it does…
4) Pest control: During the recent mega and historical fire, The Thomas Fire, resident’s city-wide were demanded to respect no leave-blowers are to be allowed during this temporary order. Now, within our AMP3 a Sec. 19, elderly folks, which are the bulk of us here have chronic respiratory and allergies and with this leave-blowers blowing these pesticides and herbicidal into our units air by way through our screens and windows! I strongly feel that our residents here should have the right to have a vote on whether or not to allow the leave-blowers onto our space to always have the best air possible.
5) Emergency Operator’s: It has been my experience and that of many others with this one same old problem when trying to communicate with those emergency operators; they are not bi-lingual!!!! Even though there’s a 65-70% white population within the VHA’s stock and about 20+% Hispanic and 2% & other ethnicities, we have historically had many residents whom first language is Spanish. Very few are literate to read in Spanish and but those non-English speakers maintain itself (community) in an oral tradition; with the spoken word. So, it’s vital and that of the highest priority to have, with no exceptions to fully bi-lingual emergency operators; it’s a MUST.
6) The Draft Maintenance Hand Book’s Spanish Version: After consulting with our Spanish language expert, there are some areas for improvements. We belief that in the future when there are needs to re-evaluate the Spanish translations that comes out from your Spanish Translator software, should be re-evaluated by a VHA’s Spanish reader(s) and our resident Spanish expert(s) in order to secure clarity for all residents in order to be on the same page with understanding any changes with policy and regulations in the short-term and long term for future non-English speakers/residents.
In conclusion, there are other areas of concern, some already covered by other comment writers and we look forward to a meaningful consultative status with your department and others to make possible problems be preventable by simple preventative measures as raised by Ms Pendiebury’s comments in these areas of concern(s).
Please know Mr. Sholy, that these concerns and issues raised by resident’s regarding maintenance department and with others is yet another reason to have serious information sharing and better understand and presents itself wit
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Will Sholy said:
@Barbie Lange,
Thank you for your comments Barbie.
1. About the light bulbs, if you are physically unable to replace the light bulbs yourself, the maintenance department can do so free of charge. For other residents, the $6 fee is for the bulb and installation.
2. If you would like a larger copy of the handbook you may ask your property manager for one. They can print one on larger paper.
3. We can not supply green waste containers from EJ Harrison since we are considered a business. They cannot track everything properly to do it.
4. You can call and request maintenance to clean your aerators.
5. For Smoke detectors, you can silence them temporarily until maintenance can com in and change the battery or the detector. We strive to do that within 24 hours.
6. I will see what I can come up with as far as training on fire extinguishers.
7. As far as the 10 day to dispute charges. I will take a second look into this and follow up.
Again, thank you for your comments!
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@Barbie Lange,
Thank you for your comments Barbie.
1. About the light bulbs, if you are physically unable to replace the light bulbs yourself, the maintenance department can do so free of charge. For other residents, the $6 fee is for the bulb and installation.
2. If you would like a larger copy of the handbook you may ask your property manager for one. They can print one on larger paper.
3. We can not supply green waste containers from EJ Harrison since we are considered a business. They cannot track everything properly to do it.
4. You can call and request maintenance to clean your aerators.
5. For Smoke detectors, you can silence them temporarily until maintenance can com in and change the battery or the detector. We strive to do that within 24 hours.
6. I will see what I can come up with as far as training on fire extinguishers.
7. As far as the 10 day to dispute charges. I will take a second look into this and follow up.
Again, thank you for your comments!
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Barbie Lange said:
Dear Maintenence Manager William Sholy:
Thank you very much for asking the tennants for feedback to the changes, charges and maintenance responsibilities of our homes.
First of all, the proper dispisal of the CFL bulbs was an eye opening bit of information and scary. Many of the residents including myself are not physically able to stand on a ladder and remove them. I hope maintenance will remove or change bulbs for free. Is the $6 for the bulb and replacing it or bulb only and screw it in for no charge?
The other fees regarding locksmiths seem high for tennants living on Social Security. I would suggest Housing make a contract with a locksmith so the rates will be affordable.
I feel the print is a bit too small and forget about the light print. I know it is the norm now, but remember that many people with glasses cannot read light print. Then add to list people with eye diseases and aging eyes. This handbook is very important but if a tennant cannot read it what good is it? Waiting for family members does not always work as they are busy with their lives.
We would like green waste containers from Harrison for cleaning up plant waste as you ask tennants to do.
I see you ask that people with disabilities do not make repairs and i agree with it.
I like the pouring bleach down drains regularly to eliminate odors, etc.
Many of us have arthiritis and our hands cannot take out aerators as we dont have strength in our hands. We find a way to work around everday chores like buying a special tool to open jars, etc.
Regarding smoke detectors, the chirping drives me crazy. I can try to put a broom to the silence button but how long does that last? Does not say and if on weekend, i can not wait from Friday thru Sunday for the battery to be changed as i cannot get on a step stool to change it.
The policy of only having 10 days to dispute charges is not enough. Many tenants have illness and may be in a hospitlal during part of 10 days or re-cooperating from sickness. We dont have anybody to take care of us so we need time to get well.
I am wanting training on how to use the fire extinguisher and gas and water turn off.
I found the handbook to be very informative and enlightening. Good job. Many things i did not know.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Barbie Lange
Gregory Gardens, Apt 26
flag like reply
Dear Maintenence Manager William Sholy:
Thank you very much for asking the tennants for feedback to the changes, charges and maintenance responsibilities of our homes.
First of all, the proper dispisal of the CFL bulbs was an eye opening bit of information and scary. Many of the residents including myself are not physically able to stand on a ladder and remove them. I hope maintenance will remove or change bulbs for free. Is the $6 for the bulb and replacing it or bulb only and screw it in for no charge?
The other fees regarding locksmiths seem high for tennants living on Social Security. I would suggest Housing make a contract with a locksmith so the rates will be affordable.
I feel the print is a bit too small and forget about the light print. I know it is the norm now, but remember that many people with glasses cannot read light print. Then add to list people with eye diseases and aging eyes. This handbook is very important but if a tennant cannot read it what good is it? Waiting for family members does not always work as they are busy with their lives.
We would like green waste containers from Harrison for cleaning up plant waste as you ask tennants to do.
I see you ask that people with disabilities do not make repairs and i agree with it.
I like the pouring bleach down drains regularly to eliminate odors, etc.
Many of us have arthiritis and our hands cannot take out aerators as we dont have strength in our hands. We find a way to work around everday chores like buying a special tool to open jars, etc.
Regarding smoke detectors, the chirping drives me crazy. I can try to put a broom to the silence button but how long does that last? Does not say and if on weekend, i can not wait from Friday thru Sunday for the battery to be changed as i cannot get on a step stool to change it.
The policy of only having 10 days to dispute charges is not enough. Many tenants have illness and may be in a hospitlal during part of 10 days or re-cooperating from sickness. We dont have anybody to take care of us so we need time to get well.
I am wanting training on how to use the fire extinguisher and gas and water turn off.
I found the handbook to be very informative and enlightening. Good job. Many things i did not know.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Barbie Lange
Gregory Gardens, Apt 26
flag like reply
Will Sholy said:
@Starlene Lovett,
We do identify certain repairs as emergencies and it's our policy to address them within 24hrs. If you can reference Pg. 4 of the Handbook you will see what our guidelines are for emergencies. As far as scheduling a 2 hour window, it's possible, but since we do not have a work scheduler it is difficult. You can always request to have a maintenance technician call you to shcedulea time when you call in for a work order.
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@Starlene Lovett,
We do identify certain repairs as emergencies and it's our policy to address them within 24hrs. If you can reference Pg. 4 of the Handbook you will see what our guidelines are for emergencies. As far as scheduling a 2 hour window, it's possible, but since we do not have a work scheduler it is difficult. You can always request to have a maintenance technician call you to shcedulea time when you call in for a work order.
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Starlene Lovett said:
When submitting a work order, appreciating that attention is given to the most urgent matter first. That being said, it would be considerate to inform the residence with a two hour window that you are coming. For several reasons; to be at home if necessary, there is a pair in the apartment, or the resident has a disability. Please consider putting this into practice. Thank you.
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When submitting a work order, appreciating that attention is given to the most urgent matter first. That being said, it would be considerate to inform the residence with a two hour window that you are coming. For several reasons; to be at home if necessary, there is a pair in the apartment, or the resident has a disability. Please consider putting this into practice. Thank you.
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Will Sholy said:
Robert De Lacy: Yes, we will replace these bulbs, but will be charged a flat fee. $6 per bulb. Unless you are in a wheelchair, disabled, or have some kind of condition that prevents you from changing bulbs yourself. In most cases, it's probably cheaper for us to change the bulb.
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Robert De Lacy: Yes, we will replace these bulbs, but will be charged a flat fee. $6 per bulb. Unless you are in a wheelchair, disabled, or have some kind of condition that prevents you from changing bulbs yourself. In most cases, it's probably cheaper for us to change the bulb.
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