Housing Authority Regular Meeting December 11, 2014
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY - BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - DECEMBER 11, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on December 11, 2014 in the Barn at the Simsbury United Methodist Church, 799 Hopmeadow St. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 12:10 p.m. Also in attendance were Chairman Ron Zappile; Commissioners Cheryl Cook, Oliver Dickins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne and Housing Administrator Christine Winters.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one present at the public audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the November 13, 2014 meeting were reviewed by the Board and a motion to accept them was made by Commissioner Dickins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectman Liaison Cheryl Cook reported that a location for the new Senior Center was still in the planning stages and discussions concerning this issue were continuing.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates
Executive Director LaMontagne reported on rescissions made by the State Office of Policy Management. Included was a rescission of $230,000 for Congregate Facilities Operation Costs however, the effect this action would have on the Simsbury Housing Authority, if any, is unknown at this time.
He stated that the FY 2013-14 audit field work was completed by Mahoney Sabol on December 1st and 2nd and we should have the report by the end of the year.
Executive Director LaMontagne reported that a check was received from the Housing Authority Property Insurance Co. covering the damage done to an apartment at the Owen Murphy Apartments. Two companies were requested to submit estimates for work on the property. One estimate has been received and the other is expected soon. The work is scheduled to be completed in January.
He reported that Utopia Assisted Living Services assumed responsibility for the Assisted Living Services Program at Virginia Connolly on December 5th. The program will be supervised by Adrienne Perry who held that position previously at VCR. Three of the current CNA’s were also hired by Utopia. The position of housekeeper was eliminated and these duties will become part of the CNA’s schedule. A Meet and Greet was held on December 4th for residents and their families to introduce the staff and administrators of Utopia.
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that the Housing Authority would be hosting a Simsbury Chamber of Commerce "Chamber After Hours" event at the Virginia Connolly Residence on March 18, 2015.
He reported on the survey sent by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority regarding the possibility of solarizing the Virginia Connolly Residence. A provider of this service will come later this month to determine the feasibility of this project for Virginia Connolly. We are under no obligation to proceed any further.
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that he had received a letter from ConnectiCare advising that they are planning a rate change of 7.5% for their Small Group Plans. This plan would become effective in April 2015 when the Housing Authority’s plan is up for renewal.
He stated that the annual Christmas Dinner for residents of both properties would be held at Virginia Connolly on Thursday, December 18th at 12 noon. He invited members of the Board to attend.
He also advised that the Office would be closed on both December 25th and 26th for the Christmas holiday and on January 1st for New Year’s Day.
Financial Update
Executive Director LaMontagne presented a detailed financial report for the month of October. It was noted that the consolidated variance for income was a negative $5,234.89 while the October variance for expenses was a positive $54,377.96. The total net for the month of October was a positive $49,143.07. He answered questions presented by the Board on specific items.
Chairman Zappile suggested that a report on projected income/expenses, for three months at a time, be completed. Mr. LaMontagne will complete a report for the months of January – March for discussion at the January Board of Commissioners meeting.
Correspondence
He reported that there was no correspondence, other than what was reported on previously, to report at this time.
MARKETING
Housing Administrator Winters reported that we continue our weekly advertisement in the Yankee Flyer and that the street signs on Hopmeadow Street would have to be removed because of winter road conditions. Brochures are replaced at various locations in Town. She reported that press releases were printed in the Hartford Courant and on "Facebook" showing the Veteran’s Day Luncheon.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters reported that presently there is one vacancy at the Owen Murphy Apartments and two vacancies at Virginia Connolly. The Owen Murphy Apartments has a waiting list of seventeen people while the Virginia Connolly Residence has a waiting list of seven people.
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
Minutes of the November resident’s meeting were reviewed and Executive Director LaMontagne stated that the suggestions and comments from the residents would be taken into consideration and dealt with. The next residents meeting will be held in January.
During heavy rains areas in front of Apts. 33-40 and 51-60 have extensive ponding issues. It was recommended that Simscroft Echo Farms be called in for consultation.
It was also recommended that an architect be contacted to determine if Apt. 31 can be changed to a one bedroom apartment.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
Minutes of the November Resident’s Meeting were reviewed. The next residents’ meeting is scheduled for January.
Two residents passed away during the week of December 8th. One passed away at VCR and another resident passed away at the Governor’s House.
OLD BUSINESS
Items were reviewed and were deemed "complete" or given new dates. The completed items include the Emergency Plan Revision, Development of the Blood Borne Disease Policy and the Housing Expo/Senior Showcase. Items given new dates are Preparation for Small Cities Grant and Contractor Review of DOLMA upgrade.
NEW BUSINESS
Executive Director LaMontagne discussed the details of our application for the 2015 Small Cities Grant. The application will include replacement of windows and outdated electrical service panels as well as upgrading light fixtures at the Owen Murphy Apartments. The application would be completed in two phases with the first phase covering Apartments 1 – 40. A new roof for Virginia Connolly would also be included. A discussion of the grant procedures ensued.
The calendar for the 2015 meetings was distributed.
Executive Session was not called to order due to there being no personnel issues to discuss.
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Vice Chairman Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Dickins. Motion carried. Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Submitted by,
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director