Housing Authority Regular Meeting March 12, 2015

Meeting date: 
Thursday, March 12, 2015

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 12, 2015
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on March 12, 2015 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 6:00 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 present at the public audience.

Tom Pusch of Brooks, Todd and McNeil was a guest. The reason for his attendance at the meeting was to give an overview of the proposed options for the selection of a health plan for the employees covered by the Housing Authority. He delivered a comprehensive report on the comparison between the existing plan, which will increase by 13% for the next year, and an alternative plan. He discussed in detail the comparison and answered the Board’s questions regarding the matter. It was determined that Executive Director LaMontagne would present the plans to the employees for their review, and Commissioner Cook made a motion that he make the decision as to which plan would be chosen. Commissioner Dickins seconded the motion. Motion carried.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

Regular Meeting of February 19, 2015

Commissioner Cook made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting of February 19, 2015 minutes as amended. Commissioner Dickins seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Amendment to Page 1, 9th paragraph: Program Updates – The work has been completed on Apartment 31 at the Dr. Owen L. Murphy Apartments. Total cost of the {renovation} was $9,645.00 of which $8,105.93 was covered by insurance.

(remove "renovation")
(add "restoration")

BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT

Board of Selectman Liaison Cheryl Cook reported on town items which included the salary of the First Selectman, the on-going plans for the Senior Center project, a proposed town survey regarding the Senior Center, and the approval of the town budget.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Program Updates

Executive Director LaMontagne reported that due to the excessive amount of snow this winter, ice jams and snow caused water damage to the Virginia Connolly Residence, which necessitated the hiring of a company to remove the ice from the roof. The cost of this work amounted to $5,650. After obtaining a cost estimate of the damage, he will enter a claim with our insurance company to cover the cost of the ice/snow removal and for repairs to the dining room.

He reported on a Workman’s Comp. claim regarding the injury sustained by an employee due to a fall caused by slipping on ice while coming into work on January 18th. She has returned to work on March 11th after being released by her doctor.

He reported on the necessity of replacing heat pumps in two apartments at the Owen Murphy apartments. A contract was signed with Harp Mechanical to cover the cost of this work, which amounted to $9,150 for both units.

Executive Director LaMontagne gave an updated report on securing the Small Cities Grant. He stated that he is in the process of obtaining letters of support from not only residents, but family members, volunteers and service providers. The only expense thus far is for an Environmental Study of the improvements in the amount of $1,800. The grant application is due to the Department of Housing on April 10.

The Housing Authority will again host a Simsbury Chamber of Commerce "After Hours Event" on Wednesday, March 18 at the Virginia Connolly Residence. Edward Jones Investments will be co-host. The VCR kitchen staff will provide the food for the event and the wait staff will assist.

Executive Director LaMontagne extended an invitation to the Commissioners to attend the annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon to be held on March 17 at 12 noon at Virginia Connolly.

He stated that he would be attending an all-day Finance and Accounting Seminar on Monday, March 16 in Hartford.

The Simsbury Housing Authority Annual Meeting and Election of Officers will take place at the April meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 9.

Financial Update

Executive Director LaMontagne presented a report on the Actual Income from July 2014 to January 2015, and the Projected Income for February 2015 to June 2015. He also presented what the actual expenses were for July 2014 – February 2015 and the projected expenses for the period from March 2015 – June 2015.He went over the figures and discussed them with the Board.

He reported that the FY 2015-16 budget would be initiated shortly. The budget has to be in to DOH and CHFA by May 1. A rough draft will be available for the Board’s review at the April meeting.

Correspondence

He presented to the Board a "Thank You" note from a resident thanking the staff for their excellent care during the rough winter weather.

MARKETING

Housing Administrator Winters reported that the weekly ad in "The Yankee Flyer" continues to generate interest and an advertisement has been placed in the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory. Brochures have been replenished at various places around town. Sponsorship of the "Chamber After Hours" at Virginia Connolly and a booth at the Rotary Club River Run are planned.

RENTAL UPDATE

Housing Administrator Winters reported that presently there are four vacancies at Virginia Connolly and two at the Owen Murphy Apartments.

OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS

The monthly calendar for March was viewed and it was noted that a residents’ meeting is scheduled for March 26.

VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE

The monthly calendar for March was distributed and the various activities were noted.

Executive Director LaMontagne stated that UTOPIA Assisted Living Services has not as yet hired a Nurse Assistant.

OLD BUSINESS

Review Action Items

• A review of the Action Items was made and three items were termed "complete". Investigating Eagle Scout projects and transportation study were considered "on-going". The Small Cities Grant preparation was given a new date of May 1, 2015.

Inclement Weather Policy

• A draft Inclement Weather Policy was distributed to the Board for review. After discussion the Board approved of the policy, which will be effective this date.

NEW BUSINESS

A motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion carried

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

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 8:15 p.m.

Submitted by,

EJ LaMontagne

Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director