Housing Authority Regular Meeting November 13, 2014
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY - BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL - REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – NOVEMBER 13, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on November 13, 2014 at the Virginia Connolly Residence, 1600 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 6:06 p.m. Also in attendance were Chairman Ron Zappile (6:15 p.m.), Commissioners Cheryl Cook, Oliver Dickins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne and Housing Administrator Christine Winters.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one present for public audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the September 11, 2014 meeting were reviewed by 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 provided a brief report. She discussed the proposed plans for the location of the new Senior /Community Center, which are still in the planning stages. She also reported on the Town’s finances stating that they are in good shape due to, in part, increased building permits and higher than expected tax revenues.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates
Executive Director Ed LaMontagne reported on two insurance claims that were made recently: A Workman’s Comp claim was made on October 15th for an employee who injured her wrist while performing her duties in the kitchen. She was released for work on November 2nd.
A claim was made to the Housing Authority Property Insurance Company for damages to an Owen Murphy apartment by a vacating resident. An insurance adjuster estimated the damages to be in the amount of $10,650. A check was received minus the $2500 deductible. A final estimate of the reconstruction cost is expected soon.
He reported that we had a site visit from CHFA on October 2nd. A review of management information, safety, financial, property management, and policies and procedures was conducted. Several apartments at both properties were inspected. The next review is scheduled for October 2016.
Also discussed was the redevelopment of the Murphy apartments. It was recommended that we apply for a Small Cities Grant and consider the possibility of converting at least four apartments to handicapped units as well as increasing the number of one-bedroom apartments.
He reported on a meeting with Town officials to determine that the application of a Small Cities Grant by the Housing Authority and the Town of Simsbury would be made. A request for the town to send out an RFP to secure a qualified firm for professional and technical services was approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that Utopia Assistant Living Service would take over the duties of the assisted living program on Monday, December 8th. Supervising the program will be Adrienne Perry. Utopia provided the opportunity for the aides, presently employed by Hebrew Health, to apply to their same jobs with Utopia. All agencies are working together to ensure a smooth transition.
He reported that students from Westminster School visited the property on October 9th as a part of their Community Service Day. They assisted with grounds maintenance, decorating the front entrance to the Virginia Connolly Residence and meeting with the residents. Press releases were place on the Simsbury Patch and in the Hartford Courant.
He reported that a request from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for a report on our underground oil storage tank was fulfilled in mid October.
Executive Director LaMontagne reported on our Open House held on October 28th, stating that we had 22 people touring the properties, several of whom showed interest in possible residency. Members of the Board of Selectmen, the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Simsbury Aging and Disability Commission, Chamber of Commerce and local clergy were also in attendance.
He reported that 25 residents requested an absentee ballot for the November 4th election. Three residents completed new voter registration forms.
He reported that a flu clinic was held at Virginia Connolly on November 6th.
A luncheon to honor our Veterans was held on November 10th at noon at the Virginia Connolly Residence. Dignitaries present included; four members of the Board of Selectmen, a representative from the office of Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, State Representative John Hampton, and the veterans’ liaison from the Town of Simsbury.
Financial Update
Executive Director LaMontagne presented a detailed financial report for both properties for the month of September and the year-to-date. The Replacement Maintenance and Reserve Report were also reviewed.
Correspondence
A letter of acknowledgment was received from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection acknowledging receipt of the questionnaire concerning the oil tank on the property.
A notice from Conneticare was received regarding a 7.5% increase effective in April 2015.
A letter was received from a health care agency requesting a one-bedroom apartment for an Owen Murphy resident who will be receiving peritoneal dialysis.
An e-mail was received from the Town of Simsbury regarding a procedure for filing of minutes.
MARKETING
Housing Administrator Winters reported that we continue our weekly advertisement in the Yankee Flyer and on the continued use of signs along Hopmeadow Street. She reported that photos of the Veterans’ luncheon were posted on Facebook. A press release was sent to the Hartford Courant describing the Westminster students’ Community Service Day, which was held on October 9th.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters reported that presently there is one vacancy at each of the properties.
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
A resident meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 19th at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
Snow stakes were put in place around the property in preparation for snow removal and salt barrels have been placed around the property.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
A resident meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at 11:00 a.m.
Executive Director LaMontagne invited the members of the Board to the Thanksgiving Luncheon to be held at noon on November 20th at Virginia Connolly.
OLD BUSINESS
Action Items were reviewed and were deemed "complete" or given new dates. The completed items include the Emergency Plan Revision, Development of the Blood Borne Disease Policy and the Housing Expo/Senior Showcase. Items given new dates are Preparation for Small Cities Grant and Contractor Review of DOLMA upgrade.
NEW BUSINESS
Executive Director LaMontagne distributed copies of proposed meeting dates for 2015. Chairman Zappile asked for a motion to approve the dates. Commissioner Cook made a motion to approve and was seconded by Commissioner Dickins. Motion carried. Due to an evening conflict it was recommended that the December 11th meeting be held at 12 noon at a place to be determined.
EXCEUTIVE SESSION
Because there were no personnel issues to discuss at this time, there would be no Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Vice Chairman Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Dickins. Motion carried. Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
Submitted by,
E. J. LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director