Simsbury Housing Authority Regular Meeting 1/10/2013
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - DRAFT
JANUARY 10, 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on January 10, 2013 at the Virginia Connolly Residence at 1600 Hopmeadow Street. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman Ron Zappile at 7:15 p.m. Also in attendance were Commissioners Woody Eddins and Kay Coffey; Executive Director, Ed LaMontagne, Housing Administrator, Christine Winters, and Board of Selectmen Liaison, Lisa Heavner. Commissioners Cheryl Cook and Oliver Dickins were absent.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There was no one in attendance at the Public Audience.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the December 6, 2012 special meeting were presented to the Board and there being no additions or corrections, a motion to accept them was made by Commissioner Coffey and seconded by Commissioner Eddins. Motion carried.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORT
Lisa Heavner, Board of Selectmen Liaison, reported on town wide items of interest which included the status of the Eno Farms project; the Economic Development Commission; the security measures being discussed by the Police and Fire Departments in light of the recent Newtown tragedy, along with responses to all possible disasters with regard to public safety and budget concerns. She also expressed the town’s support for the housing authority to apply for the small cities grant.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director, Ed LaMontagne, reported on the progress being made in the application of the Small Cities Grant for a new roof for the Virginia Connolly Residence and the paving of the roads on the property.
He reported that the FY 11-12 Audit Report would be available in late January.
He distributed notice of a seminar on “Livable Communities for All Ages”, sponsored by the Connecticut Committee on Aging and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, which will be held on June 14, 2013.
He reported on a proposed Comcast agreement covering service to the properties. The agreement would require the approval of the Board and will be discussed further at the February meeting.
He reported on a meeting with the Simsbury Zoning Commission regarding “Incentive Housing Zones” and the possible involvement of the Simsbury Housing Authority.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
Executive Director LaMontagne reported on a CHFA Capitol Plan to fund an evaluation of our physical, financial and operational needs. A final report is due to CHFA by June 2013.
He reported on methods being carried out for flu prevention at Virginia Connolly stating that signs were posted showing preventative measures that should be taken. Also, he pointed out the prominence of hand sanitizers throughout the building.
MONTHLY MANAGEMENT REPORT
Mr. LaMontagne submitted, to the Board, copies of a detailed Financial Summary Report showing the income and expenses of both properties through November 2012.
REPORT OF RENTAL INCOME
Housing Administrator Christine Winters reported that there was one vacancy at the Owen Murphy Apartments and three vacancies at the Virginia Connolly Residence. She expects that these vacancies will be filled by the end of the month.
MARKETING UPDATE
Ms. Winters reported that we continue to advertise in the local newspapers indicating that applications are being accepted for both properties.
MURPHY APARTMENTS UPDATE
A resident meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 29th at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room. A meeting agenda will be distributed to Owen Murphy residents prior to the meeting.
VIRGINIA CONNOLLY RESIDENCE
A resident meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 22nd at 10:30 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. A meeting agenda will be distributed to the residents prior to the meeting.
Mr. LaMontagne invited the Board to a St. Valentine’s Day Brunch to be held on Thursday February 14th at 12:00 noon at the Virginia Connolly Residence.
OLD BUSINESS
Action Items:
Action Items were reviewed and new dates were assigned for Updating of the Property Handbooks, Approval of Vendor Gift Policy, Transportation Review and Small Cities Grant process.
Draft Gift Policy:
The draft gift policy was distributed to the Board previously via email for review. There were comments made by two commissioners. The policy will be voted on at the next Board of Commissioners meeting.
Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business discussed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion to enter Executive Session was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Housing Administrator Winters was excused.
A motion to return to the regular meeting was made by Commissioner Coffey and seconded by Commissioner Eddins.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Eddins and seconded by Commissioner Coffey. Chairman Zappile adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
EJ LaMontagne
Edward J. LaMontagne
Executive Director