HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-10 Reading Housing Authority MinutesREADING HOUSING AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING May 10, 2004
A regular business meeting of the Reading Housing Authority was held on Monday, May 10, 2004 at 7:00
P.M at the office of the Reading Housing Authority the town of Reading, Mass. The meeting was called to
order at 7:10 P-hL with the Chair, Mary Connors, presiding. Those members present and forming a quorum
were Tim Kelley and John Coote as well as the Secretary/Executive Director, Lyn Whyte. Sandy Trainor of
Community Parish Nursing was also present as a guest at tonight's meeting.
Minutes Move Tim Second John Vote 3-0
02-159 VOTED: To accept for the record the Minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of April 5, 2004, as
presented.
Finances Move Tim Second John Vote 3 -0
02-160 VOTED: To approve and sign the checkrolVbillroll for the period for Accounts Payable Check #8443-
8512, Payroll Check Sumrnary as presented for April, 2004 ; Section 8 Voucher Program, 9500 -959 , as
presented.
Trash Contract Move Tim Second John Vote 3 -0
02 -161 VOTED: To authorize the Executive Director to sign a three year contract with either
Atlantic North Waste Systems of Peabody, MA or Hinz of Gloucester, MA, renewable annually, at a
cost not to exceed $600 per month for both 667 and 705 -1 developments. Said contract shall he a
60 day notice escape clause for either party. Vendor is required to supply the necessary insurOnce
coverage before commencing the contract.
Real Estate Matter:
- The process will continue on the development of 75 Pleasant Street. With Town Meeting approval of
land swap between the Town of Reading and the Reading Housing Authority, plans are underway to
negotiate that actual transfer. A call has been placed to Town Manager regarding that process and
another call was placed to Paul McPartland of DHCD's development department to guide us in the
process of developing the said property. The conceptual design, financial analysis and surveyor plan
was forwarded to DHCD for their review. Executive Director will follow up each of these calls in
order to facilitate the process.
Pers7onnd Matters:
- Amy Tawfik has retired from the RHA and ended her participation in the ABLE program, formerly
as AARP. RHA is hoping that ABLE will once again employ a part time administrative aid at this agen ry.
- Don Allen sent an email to Executive Director to pass on to Board Members and staff regarding his retiring
from board position.
- The position of Resident Services Coordinator, left open by departing staff member, Lynne Michaud, was
discussed at great lengths. Board members, executive director and guest, Sandy Trainor expressed' their
views on what each foresees "aging in place and publ ho=W"to mean and hciw this oven poisition
could be utilized to service the elderly, if at all. Discussion will continue at next board. meeting with
additional information regarding passible legal issues surroiutding a possible relationship with RILj and
Community Parish Nursing. Executive Director will call DHCD Supportive Services Specialist fOr his
input.
Report of Programs:
Vacancy Report - There is presently an elderly unit vacant due to the untimely death of a resident b t the
unit should be leased by May 7h. Also, a 705 -1 Unit at OaklarK Waverly is vacant due to court dered
move -oat. Once rehab of unit is complete, it will be leased with an applicant from present wait list.
our audit contract with the Comm. Of Mass. They will begin the FY04 audit sometime in late August,
2004.
Recent legal proceedings regarding the termination of a Section 8 participant were discussed. The (;federal
court ruled in favor of the RHA in regard to an attempted injunction by the participant to have her
voucher reinstated. The next phase of this discrimination complaint involves MCAD. RHA has complied
with all legal requests in this regard and MCAD has 180 days to render their opinion. A decision may not
come until as late as October, 2004.
Update on the latest funding problems with the Section 8 program was also discussed. At this time, RHA
is relatively confident that we will be able to p ay HAP rents on behalf of our participants until possibly
December, 04. However, due to a 13.5% cut in administrative fees, the programs is losing money, Many
agencies are in a similar situation as us. At this time, RHA has voluntarily put a freeze on releasing any
vouchers we have available and are working with landlords to curb rent increases in order to ensure
payment to all parties involved for as long as possible. This situation is nation wide and a wait and see
matter.
Board Schedule
July 2004 BOARD MEETING: 07/12/2004 @ 7 PM
02 -165 TO ADJOURN: 9:30 PM. Move John Second Tim vote 4 -0
Rep lly submitted,
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Lyn E. Whyte, S ecretary & Executive Director