September 17, 2026 OHA Board Meeting Minutes

The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orlando, Florida (OHA) held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Chair Brooks called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. This was the eleventh (11th) meeting of the 2026 fiscal year. The meeting lasted one (1) hour and fifty-six (56) minutes.

I. CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:
John Crossman, Chair (10/1) 
Dionna Little, Vice Chair (10/1)
Laurie Botts, Commissioner (7/1)
Vicki Brooks, Commissioner (11/0)
Niriesha Reed, Commissioner (2/3)
Sascha Rizzo, Commissioner (10/1)

ABSENT:
Margaret Lezcano, Commissioner (6/2)

II. SWEARING IN NEW COMMISSIONER - Niriesha Reed
Commissioner Niriesha Reed was sworn in to the Orlando Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

III. PRESENTATION OF APPRECIATION PLAQUE TO FORMER COMMISSIONER BRUNILDA ALFARO
Former Commissioner Brunilda Alfaro was presented with an appreciation plaque in recognition of her fifteen (15) years of dedicated service to the Orlando Housing Authority as a valued member of the Board.

IV. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES - August 20, 2026
Commissioner Sascha Rizzo motioned to accept the August 20, 2026, Board meeting minutes.
Commissioner Laurie Botts seconded the motion, which was carried. The August 20, 2026, meeting minutes were accepted.

V. PUBLIC APPEARANCES
There was no public appearance.

VI. RESOLUTIONS

CONSENT AGENDA
None.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA
None.

VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. CONFERENCES
   Ms. Vivian Bryant, Esq., President/CEO, informed the Board of the upcoming conferences.
   
   
2. UPDATE ON CEO PERFORMANCE GOALS - CHAIR JOHN CROSSMAN
   Vice Chair John Crossman provided an update on the CEO Performance Goals
   
   
3. COMMISSIONER OPEN FORUM
   The Board discussed the following during the Open Forum:
   
   
   1. Commissioner Attendance
   2. Public Relations and Government Relations Reports
   3. Holland & Knight Presentation
   4. Hatch Act Information
      
      
4. NOMINATION OF OFFICERS
   
   1. Board Chair
      John Crossman was elected as Chair.
      
      
   2. Vice Chair
      Dionna Little was elected as Vice Chair

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

1. The land adjacent to the Orlando Housing Authority Administration Building
   Ms. Gaile Plowden, OHA's Assistant President/CEO, presented an update regarding the land adjacent to the Orlando Housing Authority Administration Building. The Board requested that Carver Park be included as a standing item under "Old Business" on future agendas.
   
   
2. Commissioner comments on Website Update
   Mr. Michael Simmons, Vice President of Administration, informed the Board that no comments had been received from Commissioners regarding the previously provided Scope of Work. The Board approved the publication of the Request for Proposal.

IX. NEW BUSINESS
None.

X. PRESIDENT/CEO'S REPORT
Ms. Vivian Bryant, Esq., President/CEO, reported on the following:

1. CFX Agreement
2. Legislative Meeting with Senators and Representatives
3. Florida Housing Coalition Meeting
4. Commissioners' Comments on the Website Scope of Work
5. Orange County Funding for Carver Park West

XI. CHAIR'S REPORT
The Chair did not have a report.

ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:56 p.m.

Signed October 15, 2026
Vivian Bryant, ESQ., President/CEO
John Crossman, Chair