HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-02-12 Reading Housing Authority MinutesREADING HOUSING AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
February 12, 2001
A regular business meeting of the Reading Housing Authority was held on Monday, Februaryl2, 2Q01 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 7:10 P.M. with the Chair, Mr. Allen, presiding. Those members present
and forming a quorum were Mr. Sweet, Mr. Kelley and Ms. Connors. The Executive Director, Mr'.
Hixson, was also in attendance. Ms. Flammia was absent.
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Minutes Move Mary Second Tim Vote 3 -0
01 -011 VOTED: To accept for the record the Minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of Jan 8,
2001, as amended to note that Mr. Latham is the attorney, not the owner for Linden St.
Finances Move Mary Second Tim Vote 3 -0
01 -012 VOTED: To approve and sign the checkroll/billroll for the period for Accounts Payable
#5855 -5907; Payroll Check #2977 -3017; Section 8 Certificate Program #6247 -6262; Section 8 V
Program #6263 -6321; MRVP — No check; as presented.
Single Audit — Exit Interview by State Auditors
The exit - interview for the Single Audit for FY 2000 was conducted on November 17, 2000 at the
completion of the on -site audit. The auditors reported no findings or conditions but recommended that
the accrual of earned time be paid or taken by the employee to bring it back in line with the personnel
policy. The written report is still expected. John will call about it.
FSS Program Graduate and Escrow Payout
Move Tim Second Bob Vote 4 -0
01 -013 VOTED: To approve and sign the check for FSS #1002 to Michelle Denny in the amount of
$12,229.51.
Release of Collateral
Move Tim Second Mary Vote 4 -0
01 -014 VOTED: To approve and sign the Release of Collateral agreement with Fleet Bank,
CUSIP 31364FW72 and to add CUSIP 31364GG60 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The system from John Coughlan that we have used, based on a FOXPRO platform, is obsolete as he is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 their
new WINDOWS -based system which many authorities already use. The cost for the 5 main computers at
RHA would be about $13,500 plus about $2,750 installation and travel costs, plus training costs for istaff.
There would be an annual maintenance cost of $3,025 the first year, with a 5% increase each year. nice
we do not yet have their proposal in hand with time to consider it, we will bring this back next mont�_
Window Replacement — MOD Closeout
DHCD has not provided the final payment of this money.
82 Linden S�reet -Bid for Purchase
Mr. Latham is still negotiating details with Mr. Grecco, the Authority's attorney, who is interested in
purchasing the building depending upon favorable financing and Ethics Commission review.
Pleasant/Wilson Street — Modular Home
The units are now being built and delivery is expected to be the last week in February, 2001.
Old Police Station Development
The Authority is working with pro bono architect Les Brown of Sterling & Brown in Winchester. We
got a good look at the old station with the help of John Coote, structural engineer. The Town is very
interested in the RHA applying and doing a joint application for federal funding. A group of graduate
students may be available to work with us on feasibility studies. John will check this out 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 Study 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 need to open our waiting lists for
the Chapter 705 state - funded family housing for 3 -BR and 4 -BR units only. This would be done on
Monday and Tuesday, February 26 and 27, if the Board and DHCD approve.
Opening 705 Waiting Lists
Move Bob Second Tim Vote 4 -0
01- 015 _VOTED: To approve the opening of the Chapter 705 state waiting lists for 3 -BR and 4 -BR
units, on February 26, 2001 and the reclosing of these lists on February 27, 2001, subject to DHCD
approval.
• The Reading Housing Authority's Annual Report for 2000, written by Ms. Plansky, was submitted.
• 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.
Personnel
The Executive Director asked the Board to waive an item in our Personnel Policies so that we can pay
the full cost for Tom and Dean to take the Construction Supervisor License training. This will enable us
to take out building permits for work we do. They will repay half the cost if either of them leaves within
a year. The cost of the intensive course, 3 hours every Wednesday night for 10 weeks, is $335 including
a $40 copy of the Mass. Building Code book. The exam at the end of the course is an additional $85.
Waiver of Personnel Policy
Move Tim Second Mary Vote 4 -0
01 -016 VOTED: To approve a waiver of the Personnel Policy to cover the full cost of these courses.
Other staff members including Kathy, Cassie and Joan are taking free computer training provided by
DHCD.
01 -017 ADJOURN: 8:4Q PM. Bob moves, Tim seconds, vote is 4 -0
Respectfully submitted, -+ &. k4, John R. Hixson, Secretary & Executive Director