Housing Authority Regular Meeting - April 11, 2013
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - APPROVED
APRIL 11, 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on April 11, 2013 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman Ron Zappile at 7:00 p.m. Also in attendance were Commissioners Woody Eddins, Cheryl Cook, Oliver Dickins and Kay Coffey. Executive Director Ed LaMontagne; Housing Administrator Christine Winters and Board of Selectmen Liaison Lisa Heavner were also in attendance.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no Public Audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the March 14, 2013 meeting were presented to the Board and there being no additions or corrections, a motion to accept them were 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 the Town budget, tax rates, and the on-going negotiations with the Eno Farms Residence.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director, Ed LaMontagne, reported the Eagle Scout shed project has been completed.
The additional funds raised over and above the cost of the shed itself, will be used for shelving and a plaque to recognize Nate Lungarini for his efforts. Final approval for the structure was received from the Simsbury Building Inspector.
He reported that the new ConnectiCare Health Care plan went into effect on April 1st. No employee chose to upgrade their plan. The additional cost to the SHA for proving this health care plan will be $875.16 per year.
He reported on changes that the State Department of Administrative Services is placing on the company that provides security services to the Virginia Connolly Residence. The proposed changes would add an additional $60,000 per year for security services. Mr. LaMontagne has requested an exemption from the planned increase through DAS. If this request is not granted, we will have to go out for bid for security services.
He reported that a site visit, for the purpose of conducting a CHFA Capital Needs Assessment, will take place on April 24th. The site visit will include inspection of units on both properties, mechanicals, exteriors and common areas. We should receive a draft copy of the inspection report within two weeks of the inspection.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2013
Page Two
On April 5th students from The Masters School in West Simsbury volunteered their time to assist with grounds maintenance at the Owen Murphy apartments. Other volunteer efforts will be conducted during the month by students from the Global Magnet School in Bloomfield and the Henry James Middle School in Simsbury.
Mr. LaMontagne reported that we will be participating in the “Volunteer Expo” to be held at the Eno Hall on April 25th and the Rotary Club River Run event on April 28th.
He stated that a volunteer appreciation luncheon is planned for Monday, April 29th at noon to honor all the individuals who volunteer at the SHA. He invited the Board members to attend.
MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT
Executive Director, Ed LaMontagne presented the Financial Summary Report showing favorable incomes for both properties. He also supplied an itemized report for reference by the Board.
REPORT OF INCOME
Housing Administrator Christine Winters reported that presently there is one vacancy at Owen Murphy and no vacancies at Virginia Connolly. The current vacancy at Owen Murphy will be filled by the end of April.
MARKETING UPDATE
Housing Administrator Christine Winters reported that advertisements are continuing to run weekly in the Yankee Flyer and signs will be placed at the street entrance. Brochures are replaced at various places in town (Library, Social Services, and Town Hall). She reported that she and the Executive Director will have a booth at the Rotary Club River Run Road Race, and will have a display at the Volunteer Expo at the Eno Hall. The Housing Authority continues to have a display at the Simsbury Bank on Hopmeadow Street.
Copies of the calendars for both properties for the month of April were distributed and the many activities planned were noted by the Board.
OLD BUSINESS
Action Items were reviewed. Completion of the update of the Property Handbooks is targeted for the May meeting; Scout projects and transportation study are on-going; Small Cities Grant process has been cancelled.
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers for the coming year was discussed. Commissioner Cook proposed that the present slate of officers remain the same. Commissioner Dickins seconded the motion. All agreed. Motion carried. The officers will be: Ronald Zappile, Chairman and Rev. Woody Eddins, Vice Chairman. Executive Director Ed LaMontagne will continue as Secretary.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2013
Page Three
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Housing Administrator Winters was asked to remain.
A motion to return to regular session was made by Commissioner Dickins and seconded by Commissioner Cook.
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Dickins and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion carried. Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
E.J. LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director