Housing Authority Regular Meeting April 9, 2015
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 9, 2015
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on April 9, 2015 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 6:05 P.M. Also in attendance were Commissioners Cheryl Cook, Oliver Dickins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne and Housing Administrator Christine Winters. Chairman Ron Zappile was excused.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one present at the public audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Commissioner Cook made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting of the March 12, 2015 minutes. Commissioner Dickins seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectman Liaison Cheryl Cook reported on town happenings, which included an update on the progress of the new Senior Center which is still in the planning stages; the passage of the Town budget; the status of 1 Old Bridge Rd. (Hudson Property); and the planned Veterans’ Memorial.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates
Executive Director Ed LaMontagne reported on the status of the workman’s comp claim which was submitted for an employee on January 25th. The employee was injured after slipping on ice in the VCR parking lot. He stated that she returned to work on March 9th and that compensation payments have been discontinued.
He reported that all relevant documents necessary for the application for the Small Cities Grant have been submitted to the consultant. The grant will include a new roof for the Virginia Connolly Residence and the repaving of the entire SHA roadway. The application is due by April 10, 2015 to the Department of Housing. Decisions on the distribution of the grants will be made in August. Expenses for the application of this grant for this year were $3,250.
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that he has contracted with HealthyCT to provide small group medical coverage for full-timer employees effective April 1, 2015. Staff will contribute 5% toward the cost of the plan starting July 1.
The heat pumps in two apartments at Owen Murphy were replaced by HARP Mechanical at a cost of $9,150. The newer models will be more energy efficient than the previous ones.
He reported that the Chamber of Commerce After Hours event held at Virginia Connolly on March 15th was well-attended by individuals from the business community as well as Commissioners and staff members of the Housing Authority. The event was co-hosted by Edward Jones Financial Services.
Executive Director LaMontagne reported on his meetings with representatives of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The Boy Scouts were contacted to request an Eagle Scout to construct a bus shelter at the Murphy Apartments. This project is under consideration. A meeting was held with representatives from the Girl Scouts to determine what programs they can provide to the residents. Discussions included a game night and ice cream social. Their program year runs from November through March.
He reported that, at the suggestion of a resident at Virginia Connolly, he contact the Simsbury Garden Club with a request to improve the looks of the island in front of the Virginia Connolly building which supports the flag pole. The President of the club stated that they would take this under consideration and would review the area by mid-April.
Minutes of the Resident Council Meeting were distributed and the various topics that were discussed at that meeting were reviewed. Several suggestions by the Council for improvements on the property were discussed as well as a suggestion for a social interaction between members of the two properties.
Financial Update
Executive Director LaMontagne presented a financial report on the income and expenses for the month of February 2015. He also provided an update of the year to date Reserved Maintenance and Repair account.
The FY 2015-16 budget (management plan) is to be submitted to the Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority and the Department of Housing by May 1st.
Correspondence
Executive Director LaMontagne read a letter from the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce thanking us for hosting the "After Hours" reception on March 18.
MARKETING
Housing Administrator Winters reported that the on-going weekly ad in "The Yankee Flyer" continues to generate interest and an advertisement has been placed in the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory. A weekly "Crawler" is maintained on SCTV and brochures have been replenished at various places around town. A booth will be manned at the Rotary
Club River Run on April 26, 2015. The street signs advertising the property which were removed during the winter will be returned to Hopmeadow St.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters reported that presently there are five vacancies at Virginia Connolly, with three being filled shortly, leaving two vacancies. There are three vacancies at the Owen Murphy Apartments and these are expected to be filled in April.
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
Spring cleanup is planned for the property and students from Henry James are expected to help with this project as well as other town students looking to fulfill community service.
The monthly activity calendar for April was distributed and reviewed.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
It was noted that apartment turnovers caused work to be done such as painting and repairs in getting ready for new tenants.
The Utopia Assisted Living Program is currently providing services to 23 residents. They have also hired a Licensed Practical Nurse to assist in the department and she started her employment on April 9th.
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that a luncheon honoring our volunteers would be held on Friday, April 17th at noon. He invited the Board members to attend.
The monthly calendar for April was distributed and the various activities were noted.
A dining room survey was distributed to the residents, asking that the questionnaire be returned by April 30 to the office.
OLD BUSINESS
Review Action Items
A review of the Action Items was made and several items were termed "complete". Transportation Review and DOLMA upgrades were deemed on-going. Energy Solutions, Scout projects and landscaping were given new dates.
Vacation Policy Revision
Vice Chairman Eddins requested that this topic be discussed in Executive Session.
NEW BUSINESS
Executive Director LaMontagne distributed literature from the Community Renewal Team describing "Home Energy Solutions" which would be applicable to residents of the Simsbury Housing Authority. Many of the energy solutions would be at no cost to the residents or SHA. A motion to enable the Executive Director to complete the application for services was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Dickins. Motion carried.
ANNUAL MEETING
The proposed slate of officers for the Simsbury Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is as follows:
Chairman, Ron Zappile; Vice-Chairman, Woody Eddins; Treasure, Oliver Dickins; Secretary, Ed LaMontagne.
Vice Chairman Eddins asked if there were any nominations from the floor. Hearing none he asked for a motion to accept the slate of officers as noted. Commissioner Cook made a motion to accept the slate of officers. Commissioner Dickins seconded. All voted in favor.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Commissioner Dickins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried
A motion to return to regular session was made by Commissioner Dickins and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Dickins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried. Vice Chairman Eddins adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Submitted by,
E. J. LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director