HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-03-12 Reading Housing Authority MinutesREADING HOUSING AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING - March 12, 2001
A regular business meeting of the Reading Housing Authority was held on Monday, March 12, 20P1-at
7:00 P.M. at the office of the Authority, 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive in the town of Reading, Mass. The
meeting was called to order at 7:07 P.M. with the Chair, Mr. Allen, presiding. Those members present
and forming a quorum were Mr. Kelley and Ms. Flammia, and Mr. Sweet (later). The Executive
Director, Mr. Hixson, was also in attendance. Ms. Connors was absent.
Minutes Move Tim Second Karen Vote 3 -0
01 -020 VOTED: To accept for the record the Minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of February 12,
2001, as presented.
Minutes Move Tim Second Karen Vote 3 -0
01 -021 VOTED: To accept for the record the Minutes of the Special Business Meeting of M ch 2,
2001, as amended to add conditions on lease of parking and grant funding.
Finances Move Karen Second Tim Vote 3 -0
01 -022 VOTED: To approve and sign the checkroll/billroll for the period for Accounts Payable
#5908 -5962; Payroll Check #3017 -3067; Section 8 Certificate Program #6322 -6334; Section 8 V
Program #6335 -6390; MRVP — No check; as presented.
Release Collateral Move Tim Second Karen Vote 3 -0
01 -023 VOTED: To approve and sign the Release of Collateral agreement with Fleet Bank,
CUSIP 31364GG60, CUSIP 31364FE49, and CUSIP 31364C3H9 as presented.
Computer System Purchase
The system from John Coughlan that we have used, based on a FOXPRO platform, is obsolete as he is
joining MCS of Wisconsin. They have offered six H.A.'s including Reading a very good price on t eir
new WINDOWS -based system which many authorities already use. The cost for the 5 main compu ers at
RHA would be about $13,375 plus about $2,750 installation and travel costs, plus training costs for (staff.
There would be an annual maintenance cost of $3,024 the first year, with a 5 % increase each year.
Move Tim Second Karen Vote 3 -0
01 -024 VOTED: To approve an upgrade of the RHA computer software program provided by M S of
Wisconsin for a licensing fee of $13,375, on -site and travel expenses of $1,250 per day for 6 to 12 days,
and an annual software support fee of $3,024 for year 1 with a 5% increase for each subsequent year.
82 Linden Street -Bid for Purchase
Mr. Greco, the Authority's attorney, who is interested in purchasing the building depending upon
favorable financing and Ethics Commission review, has not heard from Mr. Latham.
Pleasant/Wilson Street — Modular Home
The units are on site in good shape, with utility installation to take place shortly, followed by occupancy.
Our accountants recommend that we ask DHCD for one final 3 -month extension on the $75,000 loan.
Old Police Station Development
The Authority worked with pro bono architect Les Brown of Stirling & Brown in Winchester to submit a
4 -unit plan for the old station. The Town Planner is very interested in the R14A applying and doing a
joint application for federal funding. A group of graduate students is also working with us on feasibility
studies. The Board of Selectmen will act on any of the three proposals tomorrow.
Possible Addition to Tannerville.
The Authority has a preliminary plan prepared by DHCD's architect to add some units, an elevator or lift,
connecting bridges and supportive services programming at Tannerville. We hope to modify this plan and
move ahead with it in the coming year.
Community Preservation Act Studv by the Town
The Town has asked the RHA to participate in a study committee for the state- passed CPA, which the
voters of Bedford have approved by a 65% majority. The Selectmen are meeting tomorrow night at 8:00
on this subject. Tim Kelley agreed to attend and serve as the RHA appointee.
Report of Programs
• We have had 2 more apartments at Tannerville which have been vacated during the month.
We have 1 apartment at Waverly Oaks, which remains vacant. We opened our waiting lists for the
Chapter 705 state - funded family housing for 3 -BR and 4 -BR units only. This was done on Monday
and Tuesday, February 26 and 27, and we got a good response for each unit size.
Adiustinz Section 8 Rents
Move Tim Second Karen Vote 3 -0
01- 025_VOTED: To approve a $1 per month decrease in the exception rents for 2 -BR and 4 -BR units,
so that the rents are under the maximum of 110% of FMR's, as allowed by HUD.
• The one year plan for HUD programs is being prepared. As this will set out the policy of the Board
for the upcoming year, the new Executive Director is formulating this. Diane Cohen of the Chelsea
Housing Authority will work on this with him.
• Other staff members including Kathy, Cassie and Joan took free computer training provided by
DHCD, and were very pleased with them.
01 -026 ADJOURN: 8:05 PM.
Move Tim Second Karen Vote 4 -0
Respectfully submitted, C�� (, . A;' ,
John R. Hixson, Secretary & Executive Director