Housing Authority Regular Meeting May 8, 2014-Approved
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 8, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on May 8, 2014 at the Virginia Connolly Residence, 1600 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ron Zappile at 6:10 p.m. Also in attendance were Commissioners Cheryl Cook, Woody Eddins, Oliver Dickins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne and Housing Administrator Christine Winters.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one in attendance for Public Audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the March 13, 2014 meeting were reviewed by the Board and a motion to accept them was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Eddins. Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectman Liaison Cheryl Cook reported on town happenings which included: the passage of the town budget along with the referendum questions; an on-going discussion concerning raising the rates at the Simsbury Farms; and the new proposed High School Strength Room.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates
Executive Director Ed LaMontagne reported that the Small Cities Grant paper work has been completed and submitted. A response regarding the grant is not expected before the end of the summer. If granted, it is expected that the planned projects would not be accomplished until the spring of 2015.
An inspection of the elevator at the Virginia Connolly Residence was carried out and, with one exception, met the State requirements. It was noted that the emergency phone on the elevator was not working and AT&T was called in and the problem was corrected.
Mr. LaMontagne reported on the Health Care Renewal Plan which took effect on April 1, 2014. Four employees took advantage of the coverage which remains at no cost to them. They have the option of up-grading if they so desire at their expense.
A revised Rent Roll was submitted to the Department of Housing for the Congregate Services Program and it was approved.
He discussed the proposed rent increase and stated that meetings were held at both properties and just one resident at the Murphy Apartments expressed the inability to pay the increase. A letter requesting the increase was sent to CHFA on April 14th. A motion to approve the rent increase was made by Chairman Zappile and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried.
Mr. LaMontagne reported that an agreement was signed with Comcast to bundle all of our services with them. This consolidation is expected to result in a $60.00 savings each month.
The Fire Marshall requires that the kitchen hood over the stove be cleaned twice a year. Mr. LaMontagne won a free hood cleaning from SMS at a Chamber event. This cleaning took place on May 2nd.
Mr. LaMontagne reported that he signed the final documents for the Small Business Energy Advantage Program. CL&P surveyed the work and approval was made. This project is now complete.
The Simsbury Housing Authority established a Resident Council as part of the requirement for application for the Small Cities Grant. It consists of six members, three from Owen Murphy and three from Virginia Connolly as well as the Resident Commissioner. The Council will meet each month. They voted at the last meeting to distribute a questionnaire to all the residents requesting their thoughts on their residency here at Owen Murphy and Virginia Connolly. They are requested to return the questionnaire by May 16th.
Mr. LaMontagne reported on the Volunteer Luncheon held here on April 19th at Virginia Connolly to honor the people who spend many hours here adding to the enjoyment of our residents. Certificates of appreciation were distributed along with the gratitude of the staff.
Students from the Henry James Middle School came here on April 22nd as a part of their Service Day Program. Thirty-four students participated in grounds keeping on the property.
Financial Update
Mr. LaMontagne reported on the financial summary for March. He explained that the Murphy Apartments had a positive total net for the month as well as year to date. However, Virginia Connolly had a negative total net for the month as well as year to date.
Correspondence
A letter was received from the Chamber of Commerce expressing their appreciation for our hosting the "After Hours" reception on March 17th.
Also a letter was received from the Town confirming Commissioner Eddins reappointment to the Board.
MARKETING
Housing Administrator Winters reported that the "Vacancy" signs have been returned to the front of the property. She reported that the Chamber of Commerce reception was a success and made people aware of our existence. We were represented at the Simsbury/Granby Rotary Club "River Run" with a booth and had the opportunity to distribute our new brochures. She stated that two of our residents will be riding in the Memorial Day parade on May 26th and press releases will be made covering this activity. She stated that the Yankee Flyer is still the best source of advertisement for us and generates the most interest.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters reported that at the present time there are three vacancies at Owen Murphy and one at Virginia Connolly.
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
The monthly calendar and minutes of the March residents’ meeting were distributed. The next residents’ meeting is scheduled for the May 21st.
Mr. LaMontagne provided an update regarding two potential residents and one existing resident.
Two potential residents have disabilities and are requesting accommodations, one by adding additional grab bars in the bathroom and the other requesting an emotional support animal. Both of these requests have been granted. The third issue concerns a resident who turned over payment of his electricity to the Housing Authority, which is prohibited in the lease. The Housing Authority attorney is following up with the resident.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
The monthly calendar and minutes of the March residents’ meeting were distributed. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for May 20th.
Mr. LaMontagne invited the Board to the annual Memorial Day Cookout to be held here at Virginia Connolly on Friday, May 23rd at noon.
OLD BUSINESS
Action Items were reviewed and were noted to be "completed" or on-going. Two new items were added, those being, development of a blood borne diseases policy and a revision of the HA emergency plan.
Commissioner Cook reported on the proposed "Housing Expo" stating that it has been suggested that it be combined with the "Senior Showcase" which will highlight all senior housing in town. This event is scheduled for September 23rd.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. LaMontagne proposed that the Housing Authority purchase a new phone system due to the existing system being 23 years old and experiencing problems. He received a proposal from Voice New England in the amount of $4,358.40. He suggested that the cost of phone system be
taken from the VCR Municipal Investment Reserve Account at Webster Bank. Commissioner Dickins made a motion to proceed with the new phone system. Commissioner Eddins seconded. Motion carried.
He stated that we have a CD with Windsor Federal Bank in the amount of $130,420.85, which matures on May 18th. The current rate for 18 months is .30% while the Simsbury Bank’s 18 month CD rate is .449%. Mr. LaMontagne asked if we should move the CD from Windsor Federal to Simsbury Bank. Commissioner Zappile recommended that Mr. LaMontagne contact other banks in the area to determine their CD rates.
Mr. LaMontagne asked the Board for permission to consolidate two separate savings accounts at the Simsbury Bank into one checking account. A motion to allow this was made by Chairman Zappile and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried.
He distributed a draft of the budget for the year 2014-2015 and discussed the various items.
He proposed that a change be made in the employee holiday calendar. Due to Christmas falling on Thursday this year he is recommending that Veteran’s Day, November 11th be exchanged for Friday, December 26th. This is a one-time change. A motion was made by Commissioner Eddins to allow this exchange, and it was seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried.
Mr. LaMontagne reviewed the State Sponsored Housing Portfolio Capitol Plan stating that the Simsbury Housing Authority is considered "at risk" meaning that many areas are close to or beyond their "useful life" for repair.
A motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion carried. Housing Administrator Winters was excused.
A motion to return to regular session was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Dickins. 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 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
EJ LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director