HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-08 Reading Housing Authority MinutesREADING HOUSING AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING September 8, 2003
A regular business meeting of the Reading Housing Authority was held on Monday, September 8, 2003 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 7:15 P.M. with the Chair, Mary Connors, presiding. Those members present and
forming a quorum were Karen Flammia, Tim Kelley and John Coote as well as the Secretary/Executivo
Director, Lyn Whyte.
Minutes Move Tim Second Karen Vote 4 -0
02 -121 VOTED: To accept for the record the Minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of August
2003, as presented.
11,
Finances Move Tim Second Karen Vote 4 -0
02 -122 VOTED: To approve and sign the checkrollibillroll for the period for Accounts Payable C eck
#7875 -7936, Payroll Check Summary as presented for August 2003 ; Section 8 Voucher Program, 8 67-
8855, as presented.
Re- finance 75 Pleasant St Move Karen Second John Vote 4 -0
02 -123 VOTED: To authorize Executive Director to enter into agreement to obtain financing for 75
Pleasant Street property at a amount not to exceed $215,000 and engage legal counsel to record
applicable deed restrictions associated with this transaction.
Section 8 Utility Schedule Move Tim Second Karen Vote 4 -0
02 -124 VOTED: To approve updated Utility Allowances effective September 1, 2003 as stated in
Kathy Rolli's memo.
Real Estate Matter:
- Further discussion entailed regarding 75 Pleasant Street project. A meeting is scheduled with
Town Planner, Chris Reilly at 9:30am on Friday, Sept. 12 to discuss conceptual design further.
Board member, John Coote will present the design. Plans are to also schedule meeting with
abutters to hear and address any additional concerns. A request was also made by the Director for
a motion to obtain new financing for this property with Reading Cooperative Bank for a t"
year term @ 6% which would result in additional monthly savings on this property.
- An additional extension of P &S agreement on Pierce Street unit will be acquired by 9/1 /03.
Developer has not yet received an occupancy permit from town until completion of some ou side
work. Passing is expected by end of September. At that time, RHA will modify unit and com lete
the third bedroom before leasing unit.
Personnel Matters:
- Michelle Hudzik will be out approximately four weeks due to a fall at work which resulted in a broken
right foot. A workmen's compensation claim as been filed by the R1 4A on her behalf.
- A denial of unemployment benefits has been appealed by a prior employee. Executive Directory will
appear at a DET hearing in regard to this matter.
Report of Programs:
- Vacancy Report - There is presently one elderly unit vacant as stated in reports presented. This unit was
in need of a major overhaul but is expected to be leased mid September.
- Sec 8 Report- No report provided
is at conference, John Coote and Don Allen have agreed to attend that meeting in order to
continue with the process. The Historical Commission could ultimately delay the process by up to
six months or more. We hope to work with them on this project. Efforts by all parties is being
made to accomplish our goal of adding affordable units within the Town of Reading.
Personnel Matters.
- None
Report of Programs:
- Vacancy Report- See attached report.
- Sec 8 Report- A quarterly report was submitted by Kathy Rolli to the Board for their review.
- FSS Report — No report provided
- Resident Service Coordinator- Written report submitted by Lynne Michaud.
New Business:
- Budgets for FYE 6/30/2004 were presented to the Board by Fenton, Ewald and Associates. Teresa Ewald provided the
board with an update on what is happening overall in the housing industry. Federal changes have resulted in break even
efforts in our Section 8 program. At this time block granting of that program have been tabled. On the state side„ budget
cuts have been made that affect employee benefits, elderly and family rents and modernization projects. All agencies are
being affected by rising insurance costs, medical costs, administrative costs that are beyond the control of management:
Despite these ongoing changes, the Reading Housing Authority still maintains its credibility as a retained revenue agency
which provides us with some flexibility within the guidelines provided by DHCD. All efforts are being made to provide a
budget which fully utilizes our ability to work with the guidelines and also continue to maintain our programs and
properties at a good standard.
- FMR — Payment Standard Schedule effective 11/01/03 was presented at the meeting in a memo from K. Rolli. This new
schedule reflects an approximate 5% increase across the board on bedroom size. We continue to be at 100% of the FMR
in order to efficiently run our program.
- Habitat for Humanity held their lottery on October 3d at the Housing Authority. There were two Reading residen�.s in the
"local" lottery drawing and eighteen other applicants in the overall lottery for the second home to be constructed., One of
the homes will be constructed by the NE Vocational School.
- Ongoing maintenance projects are progressing well; NE Vocational School will be constructing a shed at the 667
development along with railings at the Oakland/Waverly family development. Supervised'project to begin mid (October.
Roof repairs at Parker/Pleasant Street are underway. Sheriffs Dept painting crew and fall clean up crews are scheduled.
We continue with our plans to upgrade heating units and thermostats at our elderly development. In second year of a four
year plan. Replacement of the kitchen floor at our Bancroft property is underway. New gutters and all necessary carpentry
at Summer Avenue property has just been completed. Finally, select tree removal at the elderly development is li in final
preparation. Ex. Director will appear before Conservation Commission on October 8'h for permit to proceed. Once
received, the lowest contractor bid will be awarded with work to be scheduled shortly.
Board Schedule
November 2003 BOARD MEETING: 11/03/2003 @ 7 PM
Meeting ended at 9:45 PM. Lack of quorum at this time to officially adjourn._
R t lly subm5�4
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Lyn E. Whyte, Secretary & Executive Director