Housing Authority Regular Meeting January 9, 2014 Approved
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
January 9, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on January 9, 2014 at the Virginia Connolly Residence, 1600 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ron Zappile at 6:04 p.m. Also in attendance were Commissioners Cheryl Cook, Woody Eddins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director, Ed LaMontagne, and Housing Administrator Christine Winters. Commissioner Oliver Dickins 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 December 12, 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.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectman Liaison Cheryl Cook reported on town happenings which included the $204,000 grant to the town for the purpose of a task force to investigate a suitable place for the proposed Senior Center.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates
Executive Director Ed LaMontagne reported on the progress being made in the acquisition of the Small Cities Grant. Steps are being taken to complete the process and it is still a work in progress. This includes the establishment of a Tenant Council required by the Grant. Several residents have expressed an interest in serving. He and the Director of Administrative Services for the Town will be attending a related workshop on January 29th.
He reported that a letter was received from ConnectiCare stating that our present medical plan will be discontinued. Tim Pusch, our health care agent, will be investigating other similar small group plans. Our renewal date is April 1, 2014.
He discussed the proposed rental increase for FY 2015, and presented a time-line showing the steps to be taken for CFHA approval of the action. The increase would go into effect on July 1st 2014.
Mr. LaMontagne presented a policy which would establish rules for a “Leave Without Pay” to be included in the Employee Handbook. It was suggested that a provision for length of time be included in the wording of the policy. It was proposed by Commissioner Eddins that a vote by the Board for the amended policy be made via email. This proposal was seconded by Commissioner Cook, and all agreed.
He reported that bicycles have been distributed to some of the residents of the Owen Murphy Apartments by the Social Service Department. Approval of the person using the bicycles must be made by a note from his/her physician. He presented a set of basic rules for bikers, which will be given to users for their safety.
Financial Update
Mr. LaMontagne presented a detailed financial report indicating that both income and expenses are below budget for the month of November. He reported that a concerted effort will be made to fill the vacancies in both properties which will increase income while maintaining a line on expenses.
Correspondence
Mr. LaMontagne reported that the Chamber of Commerce has designated the Housing Authority as an honorary member. We will host an “After Hours” get together for Chamber Members on March 17th from 5 to 7 p.m.
MARKETING
Mr. LaMontagne reported that the revised brochure for the property has gone to the printer for a quote. He stated that we will be represented at the Rotary Road Race scheduled for April.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters reported that at the present time there is one vacancy at Virginia Connolly, and one at the Owen Murphy Apartments.
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
A residents’ meeting is scheduled for the end of January.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
A residents’ meeting is scheduled for the end of January.
Assisted Living
Hebrew Health Care is working on their license renewal with the Department of Public Health.
Social Services
Mr. LaMontagne reported that a new exercise instructor for the Virginia Connelly Residents has been hired. She will hold classes on a weekly basis starting in January.
OLD BUSINESS
Action Items were discussed and the following items were deemed “complete”: Strategic Planning Session, New Marketing Plan and the Position Revision descriptions. Scout Project Listing and Transportation Review were determined to be on-going. Mr. LaMontagne presented a detailed information sheet describing the bus service for town residents which included fares and hours of service for Dial-a-Ride and CT Transit Commuter services.
NEW BUSINESS
With regard to the Small Business Energy Advantage under consideration, Mr. LaMontagne reported that he checked out the three Housing Authorities that had taken advantage of the plan as proposed by J.K. Energy Solutions, and, for the most part, they were pleased with the results. The project resulted in lower bills and brighter lighting.
A motion to authorize the Executive Director to sign a contract with J. K. Energy Solutions for this project was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. All agreed. Motion carried.
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Eddins. Motion carried. Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on February 13, 2014.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director