HRA approves billboard lease, $250,000 infrastructure agreement and executive director compensation

The Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority on March 18 approved multiple routine actions: a 50-year lease allowing a township to operate a billboard on the Birch Grove parcel, a $250,000 infrastructure agreement with Nordic Star Drive Housing tied to 1 Roof Community Housing, and a personnel committee recommendation to increase the executive director’s pay and award a $2,500 net bonus.

Resolution 26-10: billboard lease — The board approved a 50-year lease with Topsy/Tassie Township for access to and operation of a billboard on HRA land at Birch Grove. Staff said the lease was redlined to include driveway and access rights so the township can maintain and replace signage. One commissioner recused themself from the vote, citing a potential family connection to a lessee; the remaining board members moved, seconded and approved the lease by voice vote.

Resolution 26-12: Nordic Star infrastructure agreement — The board adopted Resolution 26-12, authorizing the executive director to enter into an agreement with Nordic Star to expand an infrastructure grant with 1 Roof Community Housing. Executive Director Jeff told the board the packet on page 20 shows the agreement is for $250,000; he described the funds as previously received as a deferred loan at the Birchwood Apartments closing and said the money could be leveraged to support additional homes.

Personnel action — The personnel committee reported an annual performance review for Executive Director Jeff (overall rating 4/5) and recommended a 5% salary increase and a $2,500 net bonus to come from contingency funds. The board moved and approved the recommendation.

Votes were taken by voice; there were no recorded roll-call tallies in the transcript supplied. The board closed the meeting after approving the items and receiving staff reports.