Housing Authority of Simsbury November 14, 2013-DRAFT
DRAFT
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
November 14, 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on November 14, 2013 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 7:02 p.m. Also in attendance were Commissioners Oliver Dickins, Cheryl Cook and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne and Housing Administrator Christine Winters. Chairman Ron Zappile and Board of Selectmen liaison Lisa Heavner were excused.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one in attendance for Public Audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the October 10, 2013 meeting were presented to the Board and a motion to accept them was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion carried.
Minutes of the Special Meeting held on October 31, 2013 were distributed and approved.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
There was no report from the Board of Selectmen Liaison due to the absence of Lisa Heavner.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates
Executive Director Edward LaMontagne reported that the CHFA has approved our grant for $4,718.88 which will cover the cost of six benches and a bicycle rack for the Owen Murphy property.
He reported that the audit carried out by the firm of Mahoney Sabol & Company was still in progress and is expected to be completed shortly.
He reported on a meeting with a newly formed group entitled Simsbury North Village. It is his intent that involvement in this organization will foster awareness of the Housing Authority.
Mr. LaMontagne reported that the batteries in the smoke detectors at the Owen Murphy Apartments have all been replaced at the same time, which will avoid having to replace them individually at times which would be inconvenient, such as weekends, etc.
He reported that a Veterans’ Recognition Program was held on Tuesday, November 12th at 2 p.m. at
He stated that our Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration would be held on Thursday, November 21st at noon at Virginia Connolly, and he extended an invitation to the Board to attend.
Financial Update
Executive Director LaMontagne presented to the Board a detailed report on the finances for both properties indicating that both income and expenses are below budget. After reviewing the report, it was determined that a concerted effort would be made to fill vacancies at both properties.
Correspondence
A letter was sent to the Town Social Service Department supporting the purchase of a new “Dial-a-Ride” bus as a replacement to one of the vehicles in use at this time.
MARKETING
Housing Administrator Christine Winters reported that Open Houses have been planned for the properties; a new brochure is being designed; and, press releases will continue. She stated that advertising in the local newspapers was ongoing.
She presented a new design for the Housing Authority letterhead and it was approved by the Board.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters reported that there are at this time three vacancies at Owen Murphy and six at Virginia Connolly. She has been conducting tours and expects that these vacancies will be filled soon.
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
A resident’s meeting has been scheduled for November 20th at 2:00 p.m. An agenda has been sent out top the residents.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
A resident’s meeting is planned for November 19th at 11:00 a.m. and an agenda was sent out to the residents.
Assisted Living Services
Hebrew Health Care currently provides assistant living services to 22 residents.
Social Services Programs
Nancy is working on scheduling a number of musical performances for December as well as other holiday related activities.
OLD BUSINESS
There were no new action items to be discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
Director LaMontagne presented to the Board a review of the Housing Authority’s present insurance coverage. A discussion of coverage ensued.
He reported on a detailed study of the electrical usage of both properties prepared by JK Energy Solutions. The report suggested modifications that could be made to reduce costs. This would entail an expense, and it was suggested by the Board that further study be done to determine if the cost of the project was justified.
Director LaMontagne presented copies of the Capital Needs Assessment Summaries for both properties. It was proposed that a selection be made of five projects which would be determined “top priority”, and which ones could be deferred. Further review and discussion will be conducted at the next meeting.
A memo from Ed LaMontagne to the Board requesting to prepare checks on a bi-weekly schedule, as opposed to weekly, was approved and will become effective in January 2014.
Executive Session
A motion to enter Executive Session was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Dickins. Motion carried. Housing Administer Winters was excused.
A motion to return to regular session was made by Commissioner Coffey and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Dickins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Vice Chairman Eddins adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on December 12, 2013 at noon.
Submitted by,
E. J. LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director