Housing Authority Regular Meeting Minutes December 12, 2013 - DRAFT

Meeting date: 
Thursday, December 12, 2013

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – DRAFT

December 12, 2013

The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on December 12, 2013 at the Annex of the Simsbury Methodist Church on Hopmeadow Street. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ron Zappile at 12:05 p.m. Also in attendance were Commissioners Cheryl Cook, Oliver Dickins, Woody Eddins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne, and Housing Administrator Christine Winters. 

Also in attendance was Derek Chomiak from J. K. Energy Solutions.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

There was no one in attendance for Public Audience.

Mr. Chomiak was invited to attend the meeting to supply the Board with a summary of his proposed retrofit work to be performed in accordance with CL&P’s Small Business Energy Advantage Program. He described the detailed plans to complete the proposed work, the cost involved, and the ultimate cost savings.  He answered many questions put forth by the Board.  He was asked to supply references from other Housing Authorities that had similar work performed.  Mr. Chomiak was advised that further study of the project would be made.  The Board expressed their appreciation to him for his presentation.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the November 14, 2013 meeting were presented to 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

Newly appointed Board of Selection Liaison Cheryl Cook reported on town happenings which included human resource issues, town property issues, and the Performing Arts Center.

Chairman Zappile formerly congratulated Commissioner Cook on her recent election to the Board of Selectmen.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Program Updates

Executive Director Ed LaMontagne reported that due to Commissioner Cook’s election to the Board of Selectmen, a replacement for her on the Board of Commissioner’s would have to be made. He will follow up on this matter.

 

Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury

Board of Commissioners

Meeting Minutes – Draft

December 12, 2013

Page Two

Mr. LaMontagne stated that a check for $4,718 was received from the CHFA Housing Authority Small Grant program and the funds would be used to purchase six benches and a bicycle rack for the Owen Murphy apartments.

A discussion of the donated bicycles to residents of the Owen Murphy Apartments ensued and the pros and cons were discussed. Selectman Cook stated that she received a complaint from a family member of a resident who should not be riding a bicycle. Mr. Zappile requested that Mr. LaMontagne follow up.

He stated that the Audit being performed is nearly complete and final documentation would be made available by the January Board Meeting.

Mr. LaMontagne stated that he had received the compensation check from Comcast for $5,500 and that part of the amount would be used for furniture for the lounge at the Virginia Connolly Residence.

He reported on several improvement issues that, because of cost, were allocated to the Repair, Maintenance and Replacement budget.  They included repairs to two apartments at Owen Murphy; replacement of the kitchen ice machine; and the paving at the entry to the property.

He reported on a situation at the Owen Murphy Apartments involving a problem with noise. A remedy for the situation is still pending.

Mr. LaMontagne discussed our application for the 2014 Small Cities Grant.  He submitted a report on the projects proposed and their estimated costs.  The report described the items for Primary Requests and Secondary Requests.  The report showed the estimated costs to the Housing Authority for administrative and technical support for this undertaking.  Applications must be submitted by April 4th and distribution of awards will be made known in July.

He asked the Board for permission to spend the funds needed to complete the studies necessary for application for the grants.  A motion was made to allow expenditure of up to $2,900 for this purpose.  Commissioner Dickins made a motion to accept this proposal and it was seconded by Commissioner Eddins.  All agreed.  Motion carried.

He reported on two news articles that appeared in the Hartford Courant recently regarding Housing Authorities in Newington and Vernon.  One article referred to smoking regulations and the other involved a discrimination suit involving the rules of requiring proof of a resident’s ability to live on their own.  He reported that we are currently reviewing our procedures that are in place regarding these two issues.

He stated that he would be attending a NAHRO sponsored webinar titled “Workshop for Executive Directors” on December 9th and 10th.

 

Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury

Board of Commissioners

Meeting Minutes – Draft

December 12, 2013

Page Three

Mr. LaMontagne informed the Board of the Christmas Luncheon to be held at Virginia Connolly on December 19th and invited the Commissioners to attend.

Financial Update
Mr. LaMontagne presented to the Board a detailed report on the finances for both properties indicating that income and expenses are below budget. 

Copies of the Capital Needs Assessment for both properties were presented and were followed by a discussion of the various items. It was noted that the priority items would be taken care of by the Small Cities Grant.

MARKETING

Housing Administrator Christine Winters showed the Hartford Courant coverage of our Veteran’s Day celebration and the picture that accompanied the article.  She reported that the revised brochure for the properties is in progress. She stated that advertising in the local newspapers was ongoing.  She said that because of the recent snow storms, the signs at the front of the property had to be removed temporarily.

RENTAL UPDATE

Housing Administrator Winters reported that there are at this time two vacancies at Owen Murphy and two at Virginia Connolly. 

OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS

Copies of the minutes of the recent tenants’ meeting were presented.  The majority of resident questions posed at the meeting have been addressed. The next meeting is scheduled for January.

VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE

Copies of the minutes of the recent tenants’ meeting were presented. There were no questions or concerns brought forth by the residents. The next meeting is scheduled for January.

Assisted Living Program

Presently there are 22 residents on the Assisted Living Program.

Hebrew Home staff has had their hours reduced due to decreased resident services.

 

Social Services Programs

Program calendars for the month of December were distributed. There will be several musical performances by outside groups to usher in the holidays.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Under Action Items it was proposed that our energy usage be investigated.

Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury

Board of Commissioners

Meeting Minutes – Draft

December 12, 2013

Page Four

NEW BUSINESS

It was proposed that the starting time for the monthly meetings be changed from 7:00 p.m. to

6:00 p.m.  The Board agreed to this time change.

 

A proposal to move to Executive Session was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Dickins.   Motion carried.  Housing Administrator Winters was excused.

A motion to return to regular session was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Coffey.

There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Dickins.  Motion carried.  Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 2:45 p.m.

The next meeting will be held on January 9, 2014.

Submitted by,

E. J. LaMontagne

Edward J. LaMontagne

Executive Director