Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Resident Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners weigh options for yard maintenance at Nogales housing, including volunteer help for seniors
Summary
Commissioners and the housing authority director discussed the housing authority's current housekeeping policy that places yard maintenance responsibility on tenants, concerns about elderly and disabled residents, and possible volunteer or policy options to address the issue.
Commissioners raised concerns on March 5 about exterior yard maintenance at Nogales Housing Authority properties and discussed options to assist elderly and disabled residents who have difficulty keeping yards clear.
A commissioner said residents, particularly older tenants, have complained about weeds and yard upkeep and asked whether the housing authority still requires tenants to maintain their yards. Director Maritza said the current housekeeping policy assigns responsibility to tenants for inside and outside unit maintenance in gated areas and that, under the policy, the authority may perform cleanups and charge tenants if they do not comply.
Maritza noted the equity challenge of doing yard work only for certain residents: "If we do it for the seniors, we have to do it for everybody else because we have to provide equitable service to all our tenants." She suggested alternatives including recruiting volunteers to help with yard work, bringing the housekeeping policy back to the board for possible amendment, or pursuing community-service or volunteer groups (for example, school or scout projects) to assist residents.
Commissioner Anita asked whether a community-service program still operated in the past and whether it could be reinstated to help residents behind on rent. Maritza confirmed such programs were used years ago and said they are not currently required but that community groups or volunteers might be asked to assist. She offered to email the current policy to commissioners and bring the item back to a future agenda for discussion.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; commissioners requested further information and possible agenda placement to consider policy or program options.
