Housing Authority Regular Meeting August 14,2014-Approved

Meeting date: 
Thursday, August 14, 2014

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 14, 2014

The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on August 14, 2014 at the Virginia Connolly Residence, 1600 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 6:00 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 in attendance for Public Audience.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the May 8, 2014 meeting were reviewed by the Board and a motion to accept them was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Dickins. Motion carried.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT

Board of Selectman Liaison Cheryl Cook reported on town happenings which included: rules regarding the schedule for lap swimming by seniors at Simsbury Farms; the status of the house and property adjacent to the Flower Bridge; the new hours for the Town Offices; Senior Center sites; the bike friendly senior silver status; development and zoning of property on South Hopmeadow St.; Big Y development status; and the Dorset Crossing apartment development.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Program Updates

Executive Director LaMontagne reported that he was informed that we were not selected to receive the Small Cities Grant which was applied for earlier this year. He plans a meeting with the DOH Community Development Director for a debriefing in the near future. He stated that we would apply for other grants offered and will re-apply for the Small Cities Grant again next year.

He reported on several changes, which were previously approved by the Board, concerning the consolidation of CD’s and savings accounts at the bank. These procedures will result in increased interest rates.

He reported on the visit by the Fire Marshall for the purpose of inspection of the property. This resulted in his pointing out several violations which needed attention, and these are being corrected by the maintenance staff and outside contractors.

The new Security Service at VCR (Securitas) began on June 28th. Two guards who previously worked for the former company were hired by the new company.

Executive Director LaMontagne reported on the status of our insurance coverage and stated that both Property and Liability and Workers’ Comp would increase slightly for the year.

He also reported on the following topics:

a. The Resident Council Survey which indicated mostly positive comments with some negative points. A possible solution for these points was addressed on an accompanying spread sheet.

b. Results of the Hartford Insurance Co. audit.

c. Aiding a Murphy resident with his community service obligation by allowing him to assist with landscaping duties.

d. Meeting with architect to provide a rendering of redevelopment plans for Murphy Apartments in preparation for a request for funding from the State in January 2015.

e. The addition of new furniture for the lounge at Virginia Connolly.

f. The Simsbury Chamber of Commerce voted to extend our honorary membership. Director LaMontagne continues to represent the Housing Authority at the Chamber functions.

Financial Update

Executive Director LaMontagne distributed copies of budgets which included an Unaudited Budget Summary for 2013-14; Program Budget for 2014-15; and Repair, Maintenance and Replacement Reserves Budget. He discussed various items and answered questions from the Board members regarding the figures.

Correspondence

Executive Director LaMontagne discussed letters from the Simsbury Water Pollution Control stating that they will be maintaining the sewer line easement adjacent to the property which will consist of removing undergrowth and tree removal.

He noted that we received an invitation to be a part of the Annual Senior Showcase and Wellness Fair in September.

He distributed Healthcare Alliance Pharmacy discount cards that he had received.

MARKETING

Housing Administrator Winters reported on plans to be present at booths at Town functions which include September Fest and the Senior Showcase and Wellness Fair in September.

She told of Executive Director LaMontagne’s appearance as a guest speaker on the Simsbury TV Program "Community Conversations".

RENTAL UPDATE

Housing Administrator Winters reported that at the present time there is one vacancy at Owen Murphy and none at Virginia Connolly.

OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS

The monthly calendar for August and minutes of the July residents’ meeting were distributed and discussed.

VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE

The monthly calendar for August and minutes of the July residents’ meeting were distributed.

Executive Director LaMontagne reported that one of the RN’s in the Hebrew Healthcare service resigned and a replacement has been hired.

He invited the Board to our annual Labor Day Cookout to be held here at Virginia Connolly on Friday, August 29 at noon.

OLD BUSINESS

Action Items were reviewed and were deemed "complete" or given new dates. The date for a revision of the Emergency Plan was postponed until October. Other items included on the list were: Development of a Blood Borne Disease Study; scheduling appearances at the Housing Expo and Senior Showcase; and Contractor review for Dolma upgrades.

NEW BUSINESS

Executive Director LaMontagne presented to the Board a draft of Blood-Borne Diseases Policy for their review. He asked that the Board grant him permission to proceed with training the staff in these precautions. Vice Chairman Eddins asked for a vote. The motion was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion passed.

He reported that he would be meeting with Tom Cooke with regard to the Small Cities Grant rejection.

A discussion of the proposed Benevolent Account was postponed until the next meeting and would be included on the Action Items list for October.

A motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Dickins. Motion carried. Housing Administrator Winters was excused.

A motion to return to regular session was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion carried.

There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Dickins. Motion carried. Vice Chairman Eddins adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.

Submitted by,

EJ LaMontagne

Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director