Housing Authority Minutes June 13, 2013
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 13, 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on June 13, 2013 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 7:04 p.m. Also in attendance were Chairman Ron Zappile, Commissioners Cheryl Cook, Oliver Dickins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne, Housing Administrator Christine Winters; and Board of Selectmen Liaison Lisa Heavner.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one in attendance for Public Audience.
Executive Director LaMontagne introduced Boy Scout Nate Lungarini who, for his Eagle Scout project, constructed a storage shed on the property behind the Virginia Connolly building. Nate explained his endeavors in, not only erecting the shed, but also raising the funds for the materials. He noted that he received the help of approximately 20 of his fellow Scouts and also some of the parents who were involved on the project. Mr. LaMontagne announced that Nate’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held on June 15th and that he will be attending.
Mr. LaMontagne and the Commissioners complimented Nate on his fine work and expressed their appreciation of his project.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the May 9, 2013 meeting were presented to the Board and there being no additions or corrections, a motion to accept them were made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Eddins. Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectmen Liaison, Lisa Heavner reported on town happenings which included, the meeting covering the selection of a site for the proposed Senior Center; the FY 14 budget; the proposed increase in water rates for the Town; investigations into suicide prevention and the fact that the town was selected as a HEART Safe community. She also noted that the Senior Night at the High School, featuring pizza and an art show, was well attended and enjoyed by the Town’s seniors.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director LaMontagne reported that the 2013-14 Management Plan for the Owen Murphy Apartments and the Virginia Connolly Residence, was approved by CHFA and DECD
He also stated that the Virginia Connolly Congregate Services Management Plan and rent roll were approved.
He stated that the new leases for both properties have been prepared and await the signatures of the residents with a deadline June 20th.
Mr. LaMontagne reported on the proposed rate increase by the Aquarion Water Co. He advised that he has written a letter opposing the 19.4% increase and attended the Board of Selectman Meeting on June 10th to speak against it.
He stated that effective July 1, 2013 many of DECD’s responsibilities would be turned over to the new Department of Housing.
He reported that the CFHA approved $5,938 for the purpose of paving the entryway to the property as well as spot paving the rest of the road. The Simsbury Department of Social Service will match this sum.
The CHFA also approved $3,275 for the purchase of five benches for the Virginia Connolly property.
He suggested that a proposal, to revise the current marketing plan, be implemented. It should include additional marketing strategies. A draft of the revision will be prepared for the August Board of Commissioners meeting.
Mr. LaMontagne stated that he met with Larry Wagner and Tom Cooke to begin discussions regarding the Small Cities Grant. The application for the grant will be due in early April and will include the complete paving of the property roadway and a new roof for the Virginia Connolly residence.
He stated that we were not eligible for funds from FEMA for the February blizzard expenses because our costs did not reach their minimum amount requirement.
He stated that staff appraisals would be completed by the end of June.
Mr. LaMontagne submitted a Financial Summary Report for both properties showing favorable and unfavorable expenses for both properties. Copies of reports covering repairs and maintenance, and salary budgets were also included.
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RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Christine Winters reported that, at this time, there is one vacancy at the Owen Murphy Apartments and none at the Virginia Connolly Residence.
MURPHY APARTMENTS
• The Resident’s Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18th. An agenda was distributed on June 16th.
• A resident passed away unexpectedly in one of the Murphy Apartments in late May.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
Minutes of the Resident Meeting held on June 10th were distributed.
• The residents were advised that their leases need to be signed by June 20th and that the new leases would go into effect on July 1st.
• Also discussed, were the upcoming apartment inspections and the annual inspection by the Fire Marshall.
• Director LaMontagne spoke on receiving grants for the paving of the entry roadway and for new benches, which will be placed along the roadway surrounding VCR.
• He encouraged the residents to invest in homeowner’s insurance and stated that he would have an insurance person come in to advise them on this matter.
Assisted Living Services
Adrienne Perry, RN announced that she is leaving her position as Supervisor of the Assisted Living Services effective June 20th. Janice Thompson, RN will also be leaving effective July 5th.
The Hebrew Home will be conducting interviews to fill these positions and a substitute nurse will be provided in the interim.
Social Services Programs
• Per the board’s request at the last meeting, the monthly calendars are now distributed via email.
• The Memorial Day Picnic was held on May 24th. Selectman Heavner and Knoll attended as did Commissioner Cook.
OLD BUSINESS
Action Items were reviewed and the update of the Property Handbook was deemed complete.
Scout Project listing and Transportation Study will be on-going. New action items include, revising the existing marketing plan and updating current employee job descriptions.
A meeting for a Strategic Planning Session was postponed until the fall.
NEW BUSINESS
Director LaMontagne distributed flyers concerning the CONN NAHRO convention to be held in August at Mohegan Sun. He advised that he and Housing Administrator Winters would attend and stated that if
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Motion carried. Housing Administrator Winters was excused. Mr. LaMontagne was excused after providing his report.
A motion to return to regular session was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Dickins.
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion carried. Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
EJ LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director