HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-10 Reading Housing Authority MinutesREADING HOUSING A UTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING January 10, 2003
A regular business meeting of the Reading Housing Authority was held on Monday, January 10,
2003 at 7:00 P.M at the office of the Reading Housing Authority the town of Reading, Mass. T
meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. with the Chair, Karen Flammia, presiding. Those
members present and forming a quorum were Mary Connors, Tim Kelley, Don Allen, and John
Coote as well as the Secretary/Executive Director, Lyn Whyte.
Minutes Move Tim Second Don Vote 5 -0
02 -075 VOTED: To accept for the record the Minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of J
10, 2003, as presented.
Finances Move Tim Second Don Vote 5 -0
02 -076 VOTED: To approve and sign the checkroll/billroll for the period for Accounts F
Check #7400 -7482. Payroll Check Summary as presented for January 2003; Section 8 V
Program, 8094 -8193, as presented.
Survey 75 Pleasant Street Move Tim Second Don Vote 5 -0
02 -077 VOTED: To authorize Executive Director to commission a survey for 75 Pleasant
not to exceed $1500.00 in anticipation of a ZBA application.
Real Estate Matter:
The Board continued with a discussion on the possible development of 75 Pleasant Street. A
potential site plan provided by architects for Habitat for Humanity and a second provided by
architect John Walker were reviewed by Board. A financial presentation was. made by
Commissioner Don Allen. Upon discussion of all materials, it was decided by all that the maxirilum
allowable units should be pursued at the start of this project. Member John Coote suggested that
we start the process by applying for a variance to build a multi -unit structure on that site. The
Executive Director will begin by picking up necessary paperwork and securing a surve , if
required, before submission to ZBA for approval. Mr. Coote will assist in that process.
Executive Director informed the board of a property located on Haven Street that is once ag ' a up
for sale. Upon discussion, it was suggested that we take a closer look at those options that might
be available to purchase the property. The Executive Director will pursue those options and ring
back to board.
The board was reminded that the final paperwork regarding the Wilson Street property has yet to
be filed. The delay is due to inclement weather which has forced the postponement o the
engineering study necessary for completion.
Personnel Matters:
- None
Report of Programs:
- Vacancy Report- All units in all programs fully leased.
- Sec 8 Report- No report provided
- FSS Report — No report provided.
- Resident Service Coordinator- No report provided.
Resident Service Coordinator- Written report submitted by Lynne Michaud.
New Business:
- A discussion was held on increasing various fees at RHA for specific services. Effective April 1, 2003,
lock -out fees for after hour calls will be $25 for all programs. A fee of $30 /per hour will be assessed for
labor costs associated with tenant damages above and beyond routine wear and tear. Finally, the vended
cost of washer /dryer equipment will increase on April I" from fifty cents per load to one dollar per load.
- A response letter to DHCD regarding CAR Funding for our Oakland/Waverly 705 development was
forwarded to DHCD. Upon further discussion, it was decided that the RHA will proceed on its own to
address some needed work at that location to reduce or eliminate potentially steep inclines in the front
area of property.
- In regard to our Section 8 program, upon Executive Director's discussion with accountants, pr
coordinator, Kathy Rolli, and other agencies, it was decided to reduce our payment standards to 1(
the HUD Fair Market Rents. With budget cuts imminent, this change will afford us the opportur
service all of our 125 vouchers and stay within our present budget levels. This change will be of
April 1, 2003 and only affect new lease -ups.
- The 2002 Annual Report was presented to the Board for review. Upon making a few minor chang
report will be forwarded to Town Manager and included in our Annual Plan Update package tc
which is due by April 15, 2003.
- Tim Kelley volunteered to serve on the Ad Hoc Master Plan Advisory Committee for the Tc
Reading. The Executive Director forwarded his name to Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikne .
nominee for that position.
- The Executive Director shared correspondence from a tenant leaving the family program.
thoughtful and appreciated by the RHA and staff to be commended for a job well done in sei
family who was at one time in need and has now flourished.
- Budget preparation is underway for FY 2004. Although guidelines are not out the RHA will F
budgets at a 0% funding level. It is our understanding that state and federal funding will remain
same levels as FY2003, although we do expect some minor problem areas in the 689 and Sec
programs. Since we are a retained revenue agency, we will most likely be able to endure the ex
budget woes that appear to be on our horizon. The RHA will continue to maintain their develol
and possibly upgrade as well while holding the bottom line of our budget within guidelines. I
Section 8 budgets for FY04 are due in shortly and the state budgets will be due 60 days prior
fiscal year end.
Board Schedule
April 2003 BOARD MEETING: 04/07/2003 @ 7 PM
02 -85 TO ADJOURN: 9:00 PM. Move Tim Second Don Vote 5 -0
Re fully submitted,
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Lyn E�Whyte, Secr ry & Executive Director
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