HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF MANSFIELD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Housing Authority Office
March 27, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Attendance: Mr. Long, Chairperson; Mr. Simonsen, Vice Chairperson; Mr. Eddy, Secretary and Treasurer; Ms Hall, Assistant Treasurer; Ms Christison-Lagay Commissioner; and Ms Fields, Executive Director.
The meeting was called to order at 8:08 a.m. by the Chairperson.
A motion was made by Mr. Eddy and seconded by Ms Christison-Lagay to accept the minutes of the February 14, 2008, Regular Meeting. Motion approved unanimously.
Ms Fields received a response from Aspen Square Management on behalf of Mr. Grinspoon for Carriage House Apartments from the letter sent on February 15, 2008. In response to the Housing Authority’s request for help with security costs due to disorderly conduct by Carriage House tenants, Aspen Square stated that the Housing Authority has the “same risks all property owners on Hunting Lodge Road cope with, including Carriage House” because of the “close proximity to the University of Connecticut.” Therefore, they “feel no elevated burden to provide Holinko Estates with any financial help.”
Ms. Fields received a letter from HUD regarding funding for the year FY 2008. Based on the numbers for October 2006 through September 2007 (the Federal Fiscal Year or FFY), the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) funding for the fiscal year January 1, 2008 has been reduced from 920,305 for 2007 to 770,428 for 2008. This represents a reduction of 16.3%. In response, the Financial Advisory Committee will discuss it at the next meeting and come up with a plan to minimize the impact of the reduced funding. The Financial Advisory Committee will report back to the Board at the next Regular Meeting.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
REPORTS OF THE DIRECTOR
Bills
A motion was made by Mr. Eddy and seconded by Ms Christison-Lagay to accept the February 2008 Bills. Motion approved unanimously.
Financial Reports –A (General)
A motion was made by Mr. Simonsen and seconded by Ms Hall to accept the January 2008 Financial Reports. Motion approved unanimously.
Financial Report-B (Section 8 Statistical Report)
A motion was made by Mr. Simonsen and seconded by Ms Christison-Lagay to accept the January 2008 Section 8 Statistical Report. Motion approved unanimously.
Mr. Eddy reported that the Residential Service Coordinator hiring committee from Wright’s Village will be interviewing people for the position next week and expect to hire someone within the next couple weeks.
Stove and Refrigerator to be provided at Holinko
Ms Fields reported that the cost reimbursement for the stoves and refrigerators will come from the Administrative Oversight Charge that the Housing Authority currently pays to CHFA monthly. The money is set aside to be used for special projects for the properties.
Water Meters
Ms Fields reported that the water meters to be installed by the University of Connecticut will begin on March 31, 2008. Five (5) meters will be installed, one at each building and we will result in direct billing rather than through the Town of Mansfield. The University is responsible for all the costs of the installation.
NEW BUSINESS
Ad Hoc Finance Committee Meeting
Mr. Simonsen reported on the first meeting which took place on March 13, 2008. He presented the work plan that was developed. A motion was made by Mr. Eddy and seconded by Ms Christison-Lagay to create a permanent Financial Advisory Committee. Motion approved unanimously.
Eviction of Unit 102
Unit 201 was offered to him as it was on the south side of the building which he had requested. He refused the unit. The eviction process is progressing.
Upgrade to QuickBooks Software
Ms Fields reported that the Ad Hoc Finance Committee advised and it was agreed that an upgrade to the QuickBooks Software would be purchased.
Online Bill Paying
Ms Fields has spoken to our auditors, Roy and Associates, and they are in agreement that there is not a check and balance issue with online banking. The Ad Hoc Finance Committee recommended and it is agreed that online banking will be set up to pay the usual monthly bills.
Use of Knop Shop
Ms Fields would like a policy on the use of the Knop Shop by Wright’s Village tenants. Ms Fields will check with our liability carrier and a policy will be determined at a later date.
OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Fields reported that an insurance claim has been submitted by a visitor who fell in Wright’s Way. Our insurance carrier is handling the claim.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chairperson declared the meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.
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Dexter Eddy, Secretary
Approved:
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Richard Long, Chairperson