Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury July 11, 2013

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JULY 11, 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on July 11, 2013 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ron Zappile at 7:05 p.m. Also in attendance were Commissioners Woody Eddins, Oliver Dickins, Cheryl Cook 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.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the June 13, 2013 meeting were presented to the Board.  A motion to accept them, with a few minor corrections, was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Cook.  Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectmen Liaison Lisa Heavner reported on town happenings, which included a discussion of the meeting held recently regarding the proposed rate increase to the town for water.  She also informed the Board of a lawsuit brought against the town by the Eno Farms property managers.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director LaMontagne reported that approval for the Management Plan for the Murphy Apartments and the Virginia Connolly Residence was accepted by CHFA. Letters were also received from DECD and DOH approving management plans which included rent roll and rental assistance program.
He submitted the financial summary report for both properties for May 2013 along with the proposed budget for the year 2013/2014. An explanation of the items was presented and a discussion ensued.  It was pointed out that there was a difference of $1,844 between last year’s budget and the proposed one for this year.
He stated that a signed contract was received from CHFA Capital Improvement Fund granting approval for the paving of the entryway and spot paving of the roadway on the property.  The work is scheduled to begin the week of July 22.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
July 11, 2013
Page Two

Approval was granted by CFHA Resident Program Fund to purchase five benches for the Virginia Connolly property in the amount of $3,275.
He reported on legislation limiting the Renters’ Rebate Program. The Simsbury Housing Authority had 62 applicants in the program for the year 2012.
He stated that a letter was sent to the Executive Director of the Capital Area Substance Abuse Council stating support for the Suicide Prevention Initiative.
Citing a recent newspaper article concerning State funding for the expansion of Senior Housing in Essex, CT, Executive Director La Montagne stated that he would contact State Representative John Hampton to pursue how to secure funding for a long term project.
He stated that new patio furniture for Virginia Connolly was purchased using funds from family donations.
He reminded the Board of the upcoming CONN NAHRO Convention to be held in August at the Mohegan Sun.
He reported that the staff appraisals have been completed.
MARKETING
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that he and Housing Administrator Winters would present an updated Marketing Plan at the August meeting.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters noted that there were two vacancies at Owen Murphy and one at Virginia Connolly. These vacancies are in the process of being filled.
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
Minutes of the Resident’s Meeting held on June 18 were distributed and the various topics discussed were noted. Items included were: new leases, apartment inspections, maintenance update, grants for paving roadway, and upcoming activities. Questions on various subjects were addressed and solutions suggested.
He invited anyone interested in serving on a proposed Tenant Council Committee for residents to contact him.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
July 11, 2013
Page Three

VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
Updates:
No updates were provided regarding VCR.
Assisted Living:
Director LaMontagne stated that two new nurses would be available by August 12 to fill the vacancies left by the recent resignations of the former nurses.

Social Services Program:
Program calendars for the month of July were sent out to Commissioners via email.

OLD BUSINESS
Action Items were reviewed and Scout Projects and Transportation Studies were deemed on-going. Strategic Planning Session, Small Cities Grant, Marketing Plan and Position Description Revisions were given new dates.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to discuss.
A motion was made to adjourn to Executive Session by Chairman Zappile and seconded by Commissioner Eddins. Housing Administrator Winters was excused.  Executive Director           LaMontagne was asked to remain and was later excused.
A motion to return to regular session was made by Commissioner Dickins and was seconded by Commissioner Coffey.
There being no further business to discuss a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Eddins, seconded by Commissioner Cook.  Motion carried.  Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Submitted by,
EJ LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director