HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-22 Reading Housing Authority MinutesREADING HOUSING AUTHORITY
Minutes of the Meeting of February 22, 1996
A regular business meeting of the members of the Reading Housing Authority was held on
Thursday, February 22, 1996 at 7:30 P.M. at the office of the Authority, 22 Frank D. Tanner
Drive in the Town of Reading, Massachusetts. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
with the Chairman, Mr. Sweet, presiding. Those members present and forming a quorum w
Mr. Reynolds, Ms. Galvin and Mr. Allen. The Executive Director, Ms. Plansky, was also in
attendance. Also in attendance was a Tannerville tenant, Ms. Connors.
Minutes
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Allen and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve and accept for the record the Minutes of the regular session of Meeting
January 8, 1996, as presented.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Finances
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Allen and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve and sign the checkroll/billroll for the period for accounts payable check
#2584 to 2665; Payroll checks from #907 to 958; Landlord checks #2857 to #2910 for Section 8
Certificates; #1361 to 1376 for Section 8 Vouchers; and #449 to 453 for MRVP, inclusively as
presented.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Allen and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To authorize and sign the Money Transfer Agreement which allows money to be
from the RHA Bank of Boston accounts to other RHA accounts with the authorized signatc
to be the Chairman, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Executive Director.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Easement - Boston Gas Company
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Allen and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To ratify the action taken to send the "Notice to Proceed" to the appraisal firm of T
H. Reinsterna & Sons, as the lowest qualified bidder, relative to the Boston Gas Company's
request for easement for land located behind the #36 Frank D. Tanner Drive.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
The Executive Director reported that an engineer from Mass. Highways came out to the site to
review the problem with the potential negative impact the new grading /drainage may cause
behind #4 Frank D. Tanner Drive. Mass. Highways will present the Authority with a new plan
showing a grassed -over trench to direct water runoff toward railroad tracks to help ameliorate the
problems with the lowland water retention in that area.
The Executive Director reported that the minor accident caused by the snowblower slipping into
a parked car at Tanner Drive has been repaired and the costs of $355 paid to the owner.
Schoolhouse Condominiums - Annual Meeting
Mr. Allen reported that although the Authority's name had been entered in nomination for
condominium Trustee, they were not elected. Mr. Allen reported on the disbursement of the
lawsuit and the settlement which was voted.. The window problems are suppose to be resolved
by March 1996.
Deed Restriction - Summit Village at Bear Hill
The Executive Director reported that the Deed Rider as approved by the Executive Office of
Communities and Development and the Authority was also approved by the Community
Planning and Development Commission on February 12, 1996. Noted in the record was the
objection of Town Counsel regarding perpetuity. EOCD and the RHA attorney agree that the
current approved language is the best possible defense against challenge. CPDC obviously
concurred by giving their approval.
Assisted Living Conference - Don Allen Rem
Mr. Allen reported on the conference that he attended in January 1996 sponsored by NAHRO in
Washington, DC. The process is complicated but can be done with some expert help. Those
organizations that had both assisted living and adult day care together proved to be financially
most -beneficial according to the presentations given. Mr. Allen presented the financing and Tax
Credits possibilities for such projects. Also reviewed were the establishment of a non - profit,
general partnerships and limited partnerships. The Director was requested to ask the
development team from Corby Northbridge to meet with the Board at their March meeting to
discuss possible development strategies.
♦ Membership
The Chairman reported that he had received a letter of resignation from Arthur J. Reynolds, Jr.,
effective May 1, 1996. Mr. McIsaac has also mention that he would not serve for another year.
Mr. Sweet has solicited several interested candidates regarding service as members of the Board
and asked that they submit their name to the Town Clerk for appointment by the Selectmen a� a
future date.
The Executive Director reported that there are new regulations under the Continuing Resoluti
that prohibit a certificate /voucher from being reissued for a 90 day period. This will have a
financial impact to the Authority, especially in light of other Authority's absorbing those
certificates or vouchers that they are hosting in their communities.
The Director reported on the problems with the windows at the 667 development and the lette
sent to EOCD requesting emergency money to replace the windows. The Authority's project
manager, Randy Waters from EOCD, came out and stated that he felt that the window
replacement was an emergency and should be replaced. The Project Director, Mr. DeVergilic
concurred with Mr. Waters report and this will be forwarded to the Emergency Review Team
see what and if the replacement of the windows will be funded from emergency funds.
The Director distributed the monthly reports of the Administrative Aide, Administrative
Assistant and Family Resource Coordinator. The lease -up and turnaround schedule of all
programs was also presented.
The Director presented the statistics regarding the non - elderly in elderly housing. An applic
for the AHVP Program, which would provide additional vouchers for non - elderly applicants
not submitted due to the fact that the statistics did not support such an application.
Single Audit for FY 195
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Allen and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To accept the Audit Report as prepared by Sandra Wrona, CPA, for the audit of all
programs of the Authority for fiscal year 1995.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Membership in Rotary Club
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Allen and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To have the Authority join Reading Rotary Club and to sponsor the membership
the Executive Director.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Mr. Sweet also reported that Longwood Associates made a presentation at Rotary and the gro p
was impressed. Construction has started and lease -up is scheduled for September 1996. The
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Director reported that the group had been in touch with her to see who might be eligible and
interested in the facility. The Director will meet with the group again in July 1996.
Annual Report of Authority
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Reynolds and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To ratify and approve the 1995 Annual Report as submitted by the Chairman to the
Town for publication in the Town's Annual Report of all departments.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Legislative Luncheon - Report by Chairman
The Chairman reported on the Legislative Luncheon held in January. The Governor spoke about-,
the proposed reorganization. Discussion at the table with our representatives and Senator did not-,
support the proposed disbanding of EOCD and restructuring those programs in 3 or 4 other
organizations. More to follow.
Meeting Schedule
The next meeting of the Authority is scheduled for Monday, March 11, 1996.
There being no further business before the Board, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at
10:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret K. Plansky, Secretary
and Executive Director
READING HOUSING AUTHORITY
Minutes of the Meeting of January 8, 1996
A regular business meeting of the members of the Reading Housing Authority was held on
Monday, January 8, 1996 at 7:30 P.M. at the office of the Authority, 22 Frank D. Tanner Dri
in the Town of Reading, Massachusetts. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. with tl
Chairman, Mr. Sweet, presiding. Those members present and forming a quorum were:
Mr. Reynolds, Ms. Galvin and Mr. Allen. The Executive Director, Ms. Plansky, was also in
attendance.
Minutes
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Allen and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve and accept for the record the Minutes of the regular session of Meeting
December 11, 1995, as presented.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Finances
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Allen and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve and sign the checkroll/billroll for the period from check 2531 -2583 for
accounts payable; and check #882 -906 for payroll, and the landlord checks #2795 -2856 for
Section 8 Certificates; #1345 -1360 for Section 8 Vouchers; #444 -448 for MRVP. A listing of
landlord checks will be forwarded to the Board for their information.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Lottery Guidelines and Marketing Plan - Summit Village at Bear Hill
Upon a motion duly made by Ms. Galvin and seconded by Mr. Reynolds, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve in concept and authorize Mr. Allen and the Executive Director to pe;
a final review of the lottery selection guidelines language and to submit the "Lottery Guide
to Reading Bear Hill Limited Partnership for the eleven affordable unit at Summit Village.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Easement - Boston Gas Company/Parker Middle School
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Allen and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
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Minutes
1/8/96 Meeting
VOTED: To approve the language of the "Easement" for the gas line to Parker Middle School as
prepared by the Authority's attorney and to submit this "Easement" to Boston Gas Company with
a copy to the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Trustee Nomination - Schoolhouse
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Reynolds and seconded by Ms. Galvin, it was unanimously
VOTED: To put the name of the "Reading Housing Authority" in nomination for Trustee at Old
Reading Schoolhouse Condominium Association.
The Chairman then declared said motion carried and said vote in effect.
Report of Programs
The Executive Director presented the statistics for each development along with the latest
financial statements from the fee accountant.
Accident - Tannerville
While plowing area, the riding snowblower slipped and skidded into the side of a parked car at
Tannerville causing damage to driver's side. Tenant is getting estimate of damage; Authority
will be responsible for first $1000 of damage.
Schoolhouse Units: ANNUAL MEETING - JANUARY 18 1996 AT LIBRARY AT 7 PM;
Schoolhouse has experienced a major sewer back up - 2x4 found in main sewer line. Backed up
into building; also subsequently caused 2 interior breaks (2nd Z- 3rd floor); smell was
horrendous; one tenant kept calling fire, health, etc. to report problem; meanwhile management
company was working diligently to resolve issue. Carpets are being deodorized, hallways and
walls being cleaned.
Report on $50 fine for putting trash out for RHA tenant: Tenant refuses to pay; RHA has
requested information regarding disposition, - not sent. Tenant's attorney asked fee to be waived
- Trustees have denied. Tenant's attorney now has letter requesting that he be able to look at files
and review information. Currently have a letter from management company stating that RHA
should request waiver from Trustees at their meeting. Will work with tenant's attorney to arrange
such a meeting. In the meantime, tenants at Schoolhouse are complaining that they are being
harassed and discriminated against by owners, management company. Pictures of other
violations not being addressed by management company - Claim that only RHA tenants are
being assessed fines.
Su_msner/Main Street units
Have leased the 2 vacant Main Street units. RHA will move to evict for non - payment of rent
lease violations against the Summer Avenue tenant. We have been having a major problem N
snow removal and the tenants' conforming to the parking policy.
Waverly Oaks Development
All units are under lease. We have been having some problems with the heating systems at
development. We are reviewing this and scheduling more cyclical maintenance for these ui
The next meeting of the Authority is scheduled for February 12, 1996. There being no
business before the Board, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret K. Plansky, Secretary
and Executive Director