April 22, 2009
The Colchester Housing Authority met on April 16, 2009 at Dublin Village for its regularly scheduled monthly business meeting. The following members were present: Robert Gustafson, Executive Director, Janet LaBella, Chairperson, Marion Spaulding, Vice Chairperson and Secretary, Mary Tomasi, Treasurer and Gerri DeSanto, Tenant Commissioner. Deb Hartley, Resident Services Coordinator submitted her report in writing. John Malsbenden, Selectman and Liaison for the Town of Colchester and Todd Vachon were unable to attend due to previous commitments. Janet LaBella called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Secretary minutes were reviewed. A motion was made by Mary Tomasi to accept March minutes as submitted, motion seconded by Gerri DeSanto and unanimously accepted.
A motion was made by Mary Tomasi to accept the April Financial Report as submitted by the Executive Director the motion was seconded by Gerri DeSanto and unanimously accepted.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – no one from the public attended the meeting.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA – there were no additions to the agenda
COMMUNICATIONS
Ø On April 1, 2009 Rob received the 2009 HUD published income limit guidelines. The amount for a single household was raised $1,750 to $32,000 and the amount for a two person household was raised $2,000 to $36,550. On the cover letter of the communication is a note that states: Effective December 31, 2009 all quarterly financial statements and management plans must be submitted electronically via e-mail as an excel attachment.
Ø On April 4, 2009 Rob received correspondence from First Selectwoman, Linda Hodge, regarding the re-appointment of our Tenant Commissioner, Gerri DeSanto for another term on the CHA board to expire on May 1, 2014.
Ø On April 7, 2009 Rob mailed the proposed budget and supporting rent roles to CHFA (Connecticut Housing Finance Authority) and DECD (Department of Economic and Community Development).
Ø On April 8, 2009 Rob received the acceptance of the audit letter from DECD.
Ø On April 14, 2009 Rob received a call from Mike at the Colchester Town Hall. Mike wanted Rob to go down to Niantic and look at an AHEPA development. There is a builder in Colchester proposing a similar development for senior/disabled housing.
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rob reported to the Board of Directors that all units are occupied and there are no vacancies, great job Rob!! There are currently 46 people on the waiting list. Rob was informed that the daughter of a resident is staying in the apartment unauthorized. On February 11, 2009, Rob spoke with our legal counsel and has yet to hear back regarding a notice to quit or eviction proceedings. On April 14, 2009 Rob attended a Conn NAHRO meeting in Glastonbury sponsored by TD BankNorth. It was a very interesting round table discussion of how other Housing Authorities Executive Directors deal with the day to day problems of operating public housing. Rob stated that he heard some horror stories and stated that CHA operates well compared to other state authorities. In closing, there is a
resident of Dublin Village that has been parking willy nilly throughout the complex – not parking in her own space and using others parking places when they are not home. Both Rob and Gerri have spoken to her upon numerous occasions. A formal letter of warning will be sent to the resident by certified mail.
REPORT OF THE TENANT COMMISSIONER
Gerri reported that one Dublin Village resident is still in rehab.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
The installation of the new alarm systems at Dublin Village is complete.
Wish List Items:
Change 30 smoke detectors near the kitchens to heat buttons at Ponemah Village to reduce the number of calls while staying within the code limits – estimated cost $3,000. Rob has requested a quote from American Alarm who just finished the new alarm systems at Dublin Village.
NEW BUSINESS:
There is a sink hole at Dublin Village; Rob will contact the Town of Colchester to inquire about having the Town fill it in. The Board of Directors agreed to accept the new 2009 HUD income guidelines.
Prior to adjourning, Jan requested that a motion be made to accept the new HUD income guidelines for 2009. Mary Tomasi made a motion.
RESOLVED: that the new 2009 HUD income guidelines be incorporated in the determination of applicant eligibility at Colchester Housing Authority.
Geri DeSanto seconded the motion and it was unanimously accepted.
Mary Tomasi made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Gerri DeSanto. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.
Respectfully yours,
Marion K. Spaulding
Marion K. Spaulding
Vice Chairperson and Secretary
CC: Janet LaBella, Chairperson
Commissioners
Rob Gustafson, Executive Director
John Malsbenden, Selectman
Town Clerk
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