Housing Authority Regular Meeting September 11, 2014
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 11, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on September 11, 2014 at the Virginia Connolly Residence, 1600 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 6:03 p.m. Also in attendance were Chairman Ron Zappile, Commissioners Cheryl Cook, Oliver Dickins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne and Housing Administrator Christine Winters.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A resident of the Owen Murphy Apartments attended the meeting.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The draft minutes of the August 14, 2014 meeting were reviewed by the Board and a motion to accept them was made by Commissioner Dickins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectman Liaison Cheryl Cook reported on town happenings which included: raising fees at Simsbury Farms; generator projects at the High School and Tariffville School to prepare them to be used as shelters in emergencies; paint disposal in Town; building permit fees and the status of the Hartford Insurance property.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates
Executive Director Ed LaMontagne stated that he received written notification from DOH that the DOLMA Elderly Rental Assistance Program would be funded at $23,148 for FY 14-15. We had budgeted $30,000 based on the rent roll which was submitted in May.
He stated that the Audit for Fiscal Year 2013-14 will begin on September 24th. He has requested that the audit be completed by the end of the year.
He reported that an investigation into the Housekeeping Services at the Virginia Connolly Residence is being conducted because of on-going issues. He is initiating a re-bidding of the contract. This will require the procurement of three quotes before a decision will be made.
He reported on the Department of Housing’s request for assistance with information relative to Connecticut’s 2014 Affordable Housing Appeals list. He will be meeting with the Town Planner to review this information before forwarding it to the Department of Housing.
He reported on his and Housing Administrator Winters’ attendance at the CONN-NAHRO Convention held in August. He listed the informative sessions which were made available to them and to which they attended.
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that he manned a table at Septemberfest during the weekend of September 5-7. He and Housing Administrator Winters will be manning a table at the Wellness/Senior Showcase on September 23rd at Eno Hall.
He informed the Board that he would be on vacation from September 12 – 19. He noted that Housing Administrator Winters would be in charge during his absence.
Financial Update
Executive Director LaMontagne reviewed the operational budget for the month of July, which was the first month of the fiscal year. He discussed various line items and answered questions from the Board members regarding the figures.
Correspondence
Director LaMontagne distributed a letter from the "Simsbury Celebrates" committee requesting donations for their event in November.
MARKETING
Housing Administrator Winters reported that the Housing Authority had a presence at "Septemberfest" and will be represented at the Wellness/Senior Showcase on September 23rd. She reported that the Housing Authority will be holding an Open House, on October 28th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. and will consist of tours of both properties. This will be publicized with ads and flyers previous to the event. She distributed personal invitations to each member of the Board.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters reported that, at the end of August, there was one vacancy at Owen Murphy and one at Virginia Connolly.
The Benevolent Account/Fundraising was discussed. This account was developed by combining two old savings accounts. Deposits to this account include items such as rebates, donations, etc.
The intent of this account is for continued growth. Looking forward, three to five years, there may be a potential for investment opportunity.
A motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Chairman Zappile. Motion carried. Housing Administrator Winters was excused.
A motion to return to regular session was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Dickins. Motion carried.
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Vice Chairman Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried. Vice Chairman Eddins adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Submitted by,
E J LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director