Housing Authority Regular Meeting March 13, 2014-Approved
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 13, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on March 13, 2014 at the Virginia Connolly Residence, 1600 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ron Zappile at 6:05 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 January 9, 2014 meeting were presented to the Board and a motion to accept them was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectman Liaison Cheryl Cook reported on town happenings which included: the proposed new senior center; free marriage licenses on Valentine’s Day; the proposed medical marijuana facility; the Solarized Program Consortium; the Nutmeg Network Consortium for fiber optics; the Water Company rate increase; the Community Affairs Commission; the Economic Development Task Force; the Big Y project; the road salt situation; “naming” regulations; and the on-going budget.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates
Executive Director Ed LaMontagne reported that the preliminary prerequisites for the acquisition of the Small Cities Grant have been accomplished, the results of which have been sent to L.W. Wagner Associates. A public hearing was held at the Board of Selectmen meeting on March 10 and favorable comments were made.
Mr. LaMontagne reported on the Audit for the year 2013 conducted by Mahoney Sabol & Co. He compared the figures with the previous year’s audit and reported that a reimbursement of $12,455 will need to be made to the DOH.
He reported on the Small Business Energy Advantage Program, recently conducted on the property, stating that the project is mostly complete and we should realize savings in the coming months.
He reported that the cost of our healthcare plan from ConnectiCare will be increasing almost 40% on April 1. Tim Pusch from Burns, Brooks and McNeil has looked into alternate plans. He was in attendance at the meeting and reviewed these plans with the Board
Executive Director LaMontagne reported that Housing Administrator Winters has completed a new rent roll and has forwarded it to the Department of Housing. This new rent roll indicates an increase from the previous year. As yet, a response from DOH has not been received.
He reported on the proposed rent increase for both properties which will go into effect on July 1, 2014. DOH requirements regarding tenant notices of the increase and scheduled meetings have been fulfilled. The meetings have been scheduled for April 9 at both properties.
He reported that the yearly budget for 2014-15 is in the preparation stages. It is due in early May.
He noted that we would be hosting a Chamber of Commerce “After Hours” event on Monday, March 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Virginia Connelly Residence. This will provide the Housing Authority the opportunity to showcase our properties, programs and services to the Chamber members in attendance.
He reported that participation in the “Simsbury North Village” project is on-going. A “Neighborhood Festival” is planned for August at Dorset Crossing.
Financial Update
Executive Director LaMontagne reported on the financial summary for January. Overall, revenues were under budget for the month due in large part to vacancies in both properties. Expenses were over budget for the month due to several large expenditures. Year to date revenues are also under budget, but expenses are also under budget.
MARKETING
Housing Administrator Winters reported that the “Vacancy” signs would be added to the property along Hopmeadow Street after the snow has melted. She stated that the Yankee Flyer is still the best source of inquiries about the property. She stated that the new brochures were printed and would be available shortly.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters reported that at the present time there is one vacancy at each of the properties.
Executive Director LaMontagne distributed information regarding the proposed rent increase and it was determined that a $25 a month increase would be implemented. The time and place of the resident meetings announcing this increase was noted, and the Commissioners were asked to attend.
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
A residents’ meeting is scheduled for the end of March.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
A resident passed away, after a short illness, while at a rehab. facility in Farmington.
A residents’ meeting is scheduled for the end of March.
Assisted Living
Presently there are 23 residents on the assisted care program.
Social Services
Executive Director LaMontagne reported that Social Services programs are noted on the monthly calendars along with the various planned activities.
A St. Patrick’s Day lunch will be held on Monday, Match 17th at 12:00 noon.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion of Action Items was deferred until the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Cook proposed the idea of a Housing Exposition to be held sometime in the fall, showcasing various housing facilities in town. Plans for this proposal will be on-going.
A motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Commissioner Coffey and seconded by Commissioner Cook. 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 Coffey. Motion carried. Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
EJ LaMontagneEdward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director