Housing Authority Regular Meeting January 8, 2015
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 8, 2015
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on January 8, 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 and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne and Housing Administrator Christine Winters. Chairman Ron Zappile and Commissioner Oliver Dickens were excused.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one present at the public audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the December 11, 2014 meeting were reviewed by the Board. No changes were indicated. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectman Liaison Cheryl Cook reported on a town project that is looking into energy upgrades for town buildings. They are awaiting reports from CL&P and CNG to show what savings can be expected.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates
Executive Director Ed LaMontagne reported on proposed legislation that is relative to housing authorities. They included:
• The protection of seniors from registered sex offenders by eliminating the possibility of offenders entering senior centers and housing facilities.
• The duties of landlords and tenants regarding bedbug infestation and the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant for the inspection and treatment of this problem.
• Projected budget deficits for the next three years which would be of concern for us in the future.
He mentioned that a draft copy of the Audit for FY 13-14 was received, and that a final copy would be available at the February meeting.
Bids were received to repair the damage done to an apartment at the Owen Murphy Apartments. After review of the bids Belfor Property Restoration was selected to do the work. A check for the damage, less our deductible has been received from the insurance company. The work is in progress and should be completed by mid-January.
Executive Director LaMontagne reported that the Town has solicited Request for Proposals for the selection of a qualified firm to help prepare the application for the Small Cities Community Development Program. He will be attending an application workshop on January 26th in Hartford. The grant application is due to the Department of Housing by April 10th
He reported that once again we will be hosting a Simsbury Chamber of Commerce "After Hours" event on Wednesday, March 18th at 5 p.m. at the Virginia Connolly Residence. Two businesses have expressed a wish to co-host the event offering to contribute food and beverages.
As the result of a survey completed by us, which was conducted last April by CHFA for energy improvements, a possible interest in solarizing the Virginia Connolly Residence was considered. A representative from 64 Solar will be contacting us with further information. We are under no obligation to proceed with solarization at this point.
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that the Simsbury Housing Authority will be closed on January 19th for the Martin Luther King Holiday.
He advised the Board that he would be on vacation from Friday, January 16th through Friday, January 23rd.
Financial Update
Executive Director LaMontagne presented a detailed financial report for the month of November as well as Year to Date. Overall, revenues are down, but expenditures are under budget.
He has also submitted the quarterly Congregate and bi-annual ERAP and RSC subsidy requests to the Department of Housing
He answered questions presented by the Board on specific items.
Correspondence
The Board received a "Thank You" note for sending flowers sent to two employees upon the death of their husband and father.
MARKETING
Housing Administrator Winters reported that the ad in the Yankee Flyer still generates the most requests for information. A proposal to advertise in the Chamber of Commerce’s directory was discussed and it was decided that this would be advantageous.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters reported that presently there are four vacancies at Virginia Connolly and that she has three prospective tenants who have called for interviews and tours this week.
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
The monthly calendar for January was viewed and it was noted that a residents’ meeting was scheduled for January 29th.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
The monthly calendar for January was distributed and the various activities were noted along with a residents’ meeting scheduled for January 27th.
A change in the housekeeping services is being considered and three bids have been received. A decision will be made soon.
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that the assisted living service provided by Utopia was running smoothly.
OLD BUSINESS
It was suggested that a possible project for a Boy Scout looking to fulfill his requirements for his Eagle Scout status could be to erect a Dial-a-Ride Bus Stop on the Owen Murphy property. It was suggested that troop leaders be contacted with this proposal.
NEW BUSINESS
Executive Director LaMontagne discussed the details of our re-application for a Small Cities Grant, changing the application to cover replacement features at the Owen Murphy Apartments to include replacement of windows and replacement of electrical panels and light fixtures. A new roof for the Virginia Connolly Residence would also be included. Discussion of the bid process followed.
He also distributed a comparison sheet showing the electrical usage for both properties indicating the savings realized by the energy improvements made during the year.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Because there were no personnel issues to discuss at this time, there would be no Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Coffey and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried. Vice Chairman Eddins adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
Submitted by,
E. J. LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director