Housing Authority Regular Meeting October 10, 2013 - Approved
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - Approved
OCTOBER 10, 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on October 10, 2013 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Woody Eddins at 7:02 p.m. Also in attendance were Commissioners Oliver Dickins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director Ed LaMontagne, Housing Administrator Christine Winters and Board of Selectmen Liaison Lisa Heavner. Chairman Ron Zappile and Commissioner Cheryl Cook were excused.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was not one in attendance for Public Audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the September 12, 2013 meeting were presented to the Board and a motion to accept them was made by Commissioner Dickins and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Board of Selectmen Liaison Lisa Heavner reported on town happenings which included a Senior Citizen night at the High School on October 24th, which will include supper and a volley ball game; a senior fashion show at the Senior Center; the status of the Big Y and The Hartford projects; the Senior Job Bank; the Veteran’s contact program and the prescription drug program.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Program Updates:
Executive Director LaMontagne reported that he has applied to CHFA for a grant for $4700.00, for the Owen Murphy property, to purchase benches and a bicycle rack.
He stated that the audit on the books is presently being conducted and will continue through October 29th.
He reported that absentee ballot applications will be made available to the residents for the upcoming election. Representatives from the Simsbury Registrar of Voters will be available for anyone needing assistance in completing their ballot.
Mr. LaMontagne reported on our Capitol Plan Property Analysis received recently. This plan will be discussed at the Board’s Strategic Planning Session slated for later this month.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
Board of Commissioners
Meeting Minutes
10 October 2013
Page Two
Information regarding our properties will be supplied to the Department of Housing for Connecticut’s Affordable Housing Appeals list, which will be published in February 2014.
He reported on the visit by the Westminster students and teachers on October 3rd. The students raked up a portion of the property, helped with decorations on the property and met with the residents for refreshments and socialization. Vice Chairman Eddins suggested that a letter of appreciation be sent to the school.
Mr. LaMontagne reported that a Candidate’s Night would be held on October 23rd at 6 p.m. at Virginia Connolly at which time the candidates for the upcoming election would meet with the residents.
He stated that a Veteran’s Recognition Day is planned for November 12 at 2 p.m. at the Virginia Connolly residence. Representatives from the local VFW and American Legion Post will attend, and town officials will be invited.
He informed the Board of the appointment of Housing Administrator Christine Winters by CONN/NAHRO to their Board of Directors.
Financial Update:
Financial updates were presented to the Board and a discussion of finances ensued.
MARKETING
Housing Administrator Winters reported that the establishment of our own website was being looked into, the cost of which would be an estimated $2500. It was suggested that this cost could be offset by the recent reimbursement from the Comcast contract.
She said that plans are being made to update the present brochures for the properties, combining them into one publication.
She stated that advertising in the local newspapers was ongoing.
RENTAL UPDATE
Housing Administrator Winters noted that there were three vacancies at Owen Murphy and four at Virginia Connolly. She has recently conducted several tours and expects these vacancies to be filled shortly.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
Board of Commissioners
Meeting Minutes
10 October 2013
Page Three
OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS
The Calendar of events for the month of September was presented, and the Minutes of the recent Residence’s Meeting were distributed and reviewed.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
The Calendar of planned activities was presented and the many activities were noted. Minutes of the Resident’s Meeting held on September 24th were distributed and reviewed.
The ALSA will be conducting a flu shot clinic on October 24th for interested residents.
OLD BUSINESS
Action Items were reviewed and it was stated that the transportation research would be ongoing. The Executive Director stated that the job descriptions were completed; however they will be reviewed by the entire board at a later date.
NEW BUSINESS
A tentative date of Thursday, October 24th was set for the Strategic Planning Meeting.
Executive Director LaMontagne proposed the suggestion that the checks be written on a bi-weekly basis rather than weekly. The Board agreed with the proposal.
A request to move the time of the monthly meetings to 6:00 p.m. rather than 7:00 p.m. was proposed, but it was decided to postpone a vote until the November meeting.
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. Vice Chairman Eddins adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Submitted by,
EJ LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director