Housing Authority Regular Meeting - March 14, 2013
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 14, 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on March 14, 2013 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street. The meeting was called to order by the Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 7:10 p.m. Also in attendance were Chairman Ron Zappile, Commissioners Cheryl Cook and Kay Coffey; Executive Director, Ed LaMontagne and Housing Administrator, Christine Winters. Commissioner Oliver Dickins and Board of Selectmen Liaison, Lisa Heavner were excused.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one in attendance for Public Audience.
Tim Pusch from the firm of Burns, Brooks and McNeil, Insurance Counselors, presented to the Board an overview of various health plans available to the employees of the Housing Authority. He explained in detail the choices for the Board’s consideration when reviewing the policies for the next year.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the January 10, 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. (NOTE: The February Board of Commissioners meeting was cancelled)
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Due to the absence of Board of Selectmen Liaison, Lisa Heavner, there was no report.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director, Ed LaMontagne, reported on the application for the Small Cities Grant to repair the roads on the property and replace the roof on the Virginia Connolly Residence. He stated that the deadlines for the application for the grant were unattainable for this year, and application would be made again next year allowing sufficient time to complete all aspects of the application.
He presented copies of the Auditor’s Report, explaining to the Board the reimbursement figures to DECD for the period.
He reported on the Comcast proposed service agreement for the properties. The agreement was reviewed by our attorney and with a few suggested changes, was approved by the Board.
He reported on the progress of the Boy Scout project, stating that the shed has been assembled by Scout Nate Langerini. The project should be completed by March 15. Commissioner Eddins suggested that plaques be affixed to both Scout projects (the shed and the raised garden) acknowledging the efforts of the Scouts. Also, it was suggested that a dedication of the shed be planned upon its completion. The Board members agreed.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
Board of Commissioners Meeting
March 14, 2013
Page Two
He also reported on recessions passed by the state legislature in December, which affect the Residential Services Coordinator subsidy; budget preparations, which are due to the state by April 30th; a site visit by CHFA in April, and a Workers Compensation claim filed by an employee who was injured on the job.
MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT
Executive Director LaMontagne presented the Financial Summary Report indicating a favorable situation for both properties as far as income and expenses were concerned. Repairs and Maintenance have been kept within budget.
REPORT OF INCOME
Housing Administrator Christine Winters reported that there were 12 individuals on the waiting list for the Owen Murphy Apartments and none on the waiting list for the Virginia Connolly Residence. There is currently one vacancy at Owen Murphy and no vacancies at Virginia Connolly.
MARKETING UPDATE
Housing Administrator Christine Winters reported that weekly ads in the Yankee Flyer seem to result in more inquiries than any other form of advertisement.
The Housing Authority will have a booth at the Simsbury/Granby River Run on Sunday April 29th in Simsbury.
The Housing Authority will also have a table display at the Simsbury Bank Branch on Hopmeadow Street for the month of April.
The signs stating “Applications Available” will be placed on Hopmeadow Street in April.
MURPHY APARTMENTS UPDATE
Over forty residents attended the residents meeting on January 29th. The minutes of the meeting were reviewed. A hearing impaired resident has asked for an interpreter to be present at the next residents meeting.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE UPDATE
The minutes of the residents meeting held on January 22nd were reviewed.
Assisted Living Services – Currently providing services to 27 out of the 39 residents
Social Service Programs – A full calendar of events is being implemented for the residents including, crafts, exercise, musical entertainment, travel logs, socials and weekend movies.
OLD BUSINESS
Action Items:
A review of the Action Items resulted in the following:
A target date of the May meeting was set for the update of the Property Handbooks.
The Boy Scout project is on-going.
Transportation Study is on-going.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
Board of Commissioners Meeting
March 14, 2013
Page Three
Draft Gift Policy:
A motion to accept the Gift Policy was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Eddins. Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Housing Administrator Christine Winters reported that she is in the midst of recertifications and intends to have them ready for the Executive Director in time for budget planning.
Housing Administrator Christine Winters presented copies of a recent Dining Room Survey conducted at the Virginia Connolly Residence. The results indicated that the services of the Chef and the Wait staff were very acceptable and appreciated.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion to enter Executive Session was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Housing Administrator Winters was excused.
A motion to return to the regular meeting was made by Commissioner Cook and seconded by Commissioner Coffey.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Cook. Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury will be Thursday, April 9, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by,
EJ LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director