Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury Regular Meeting September 12, 2013 - DRAFT

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – DRAFT
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on September 12, 2013 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 7:00 p.m. Also in attendance were Commissioners Oliver Dickins, Cheryl Cook and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne, Housing Administrator Christine Winters and Board of Selectmen Liaison Lisa Heavner. Chairman Ron Zappile was excused.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one in attendance for Public Audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the July 11, 2013 meeting were presented to the Board and a motion to accept them was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Dickins.  Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectmen Liaison Lisa Heavner reported on town happenings which included a suicide prevention initiative; the establishment of a town Veteran’s Affairs liaison; the ongoing discussion for the use of The Hartford Insurance Co. property; the senior outreach program; and the proposals for the future location of the town Senior Center.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates:
Executive Director LaMontagne reported on a reduction of state contracts to the Simsbury Housing Authority due to legislative action reducing the amount of grant dollars for Housing Authorities for FY2014.  Our grants were reduced by a total of $1,464.
He reported that because we received monies in June from CHFA, we are not eligible to receive a further grant for the Small Improvement Program for another year due to program restrictions.
He reported on the agreement with Comcast to establish a Service Agreement with the Housing Authority for which we will be compensated in the amount of $5,500.  After running the agreement by our attorney, it was signed and sent back to Comcast.
He advised the Board that the CPA firm of Mahoney Sabol & Co. will be auditing our books beginning on October 1.

Board of Commissioners
Meeting Minutes - Draft
September 12, 2013
Page Two

He reported on a proposed increase in rates from ConnectiCare, which is the company supplying medical coverage to our employees.  The increase would amount to 10.8% and will affect those plans which are up for renewal in October and November.  We will be notified if we will be having an increase, when our plan is up for renewal in April, by the end of the year.
He presented the results of a resident survey regarding their ideas on making the lounge more conducive to socializing, and as a gathering place for programs.
He reported that the Board of Directors of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce has approved our membership as a “Friend of the Chamber” for 2013-14.
He reported on the changes in the structure of offices for the Hebrew Health Care and the Resident Services Coordinator, stating that the move was conducive to a better work flow and for the purpose of resident confidentiality for both parties.
He reported on the recent CONN/NAHRO Convention attended by both he and Housing Administrator Winters.  He also stated that the Housing Authority had a booth at “Septemberfest”.
Financial Update:
A financial summary was presented and income and expenses were discussed.  A detailed list of expenses for both properties was presented showing actual and budgeted figures.
Correspondence:
Executive Director LaMontagne reported on correspondence received which included a letter from Mary Glassman thanking us for supporting the Suicide Prevention project; a letter from the family of a former resident expressing appreciation for the care given to him during his stay at Virginia Connolly; and a notice regarding our underground oil tank which will be investigated.
MARKETING
Executive Director LaMontagne and Housing Administrator Winters presented their proposed Marketing Plan which outlined strategies to increase the awareness of the Housing Authority properties with an aim at increasing occupancy and waiting lists.  Plans for media advertising, Open Houses, brochure distribution, community outreach projects, etc. were discussed and an estimated budget for completion of the project was presented. It was suggested that further discussion be held at the October meeting.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters noted that there were two vacancies at Owen Murphy and four at Virginia Connolly. These vacancies are in the process of being filled.

Board of Commissioners
Meeting Minutes - Draft
September 12, 2013
Page Three
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
The Calendar of events for the month of September was presented. It was noted that a resident meeting would take place on September 25th.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
The Calendar of planned activities was presented and it was noted that a resident meeting was planned for September 24th.
Executive Director LaMontagne stated that the Hebrew Home has hired a new Case Manager and her starting date will be October 7th.
OLD BUSINESS
Action Items were reviewed and it was determined that Girl Scout projects would be ongoing and the transportation study would be reviewed in October.  A one-day Strategic Planning Session was planned for the week of October 14th.  Small Cities Grant, Marketing Plan and Position Descriptions were given a target date of October.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to discuss; therefore a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Dickins, seconded by Commissioner Cook.  Motion carried.  Vice Chairman Eddins adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Submitted by,
EJ LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director