City municipal-housing staff updated the Laredo Housing Finance Corporation at a midday meeting on operations at Hamilton Apartments, reporting completed repairs, staff changes, tenant vacancies and commercial-tenant turnover.

Felipe Ayala, municipal housing superintendent, was named in the meeting as staff thanked municipal-housing personnel for carrying out repairs. Staff told the board the city has completed several major repairs, including work on the building’s air-conditioning/chiller system.

Staff reported current vacancies at the property at about 23 units, with approximately 15 out of service because of major repairs. Of those, seven units have been fully renovated and are ready to rent. The board discussed two commercial tenants: a restaurant that operated roughly three to four months and left outstanding balances, and the U.S. Postal Service branch, which has given 30 days’ notice after about 20 years at the site.

Board members discussed collection and lease-enforcement options for the restaurant’s unpaid balance and said staff will consider remedies, including pursuing payment or contract remedies. Staff said previous vendors have agreed to payment arrangements and that salaries for property staff continue to be covered by the city—operational cash in the corporation’s checking account is used for repairs and maintenance.

Staff described an active waiting list for units at Hamilton separate from voucher-based program lists. They noted a tenant-based rental-assistance program often results in Hamilton tenants using vouchers, but that applicants also place themselves on a building waiting list to rent at full market rates. Current rent schedule presented in the meeting: studio $641; one-bedroom $699; two-bedroom $808. Staff said those rents do not include utility bills, which would add to the market comparison.

The board acknowledged a recent personnel change: Humberto is retired and Cindy Corderas is acting housing manager assisting municipal-housing operations during the transition. Staff reported improved tenant satisfaction and more responsive maintenance work since the city’s operational involvement.

No formal action was required on this agenda item; staff requested no vote. The board closed the agenda segment after questions and moved to other business.