Housing Authority Minutes
Willington Housing Authority
Monday, November 20, 2017 – 6 p.m.
20 Senior Way – Senior Center
Willington, CT
Present: Chairman Robert Campbell, Vice Chairman Wilbur Gangaway, Secretary Don Berg, Member Laurel Millix, ACCESS housing management representatives Alex Fuentes and Melanie Savage and ACCESS CEO and President Peter DeBiasi, and Recording Secretary Brenda Sullivan. Absent: Treasurer Claudia D’Agata, Housing Consultant David Berto.
1. Call to order – 6:06 p.m.
2. Present to speak – Ellen Whitmore, Senior Center Vice President and resident of Willington Woods.
E. Wittmer noted that new rules addressing the no-smoking policy at Willington Woods (which takes effect July 30, 2018) require tenants who smoke to do so at least 25 feet from the building, however there is no outdoor shelter for tenants. She asked if it’s possible to provide some kind of shelter, maybe one designed like the Plexiglas bus shelters. She also asked if the effective date of the no-smoking policy could be delayed. R. Campbell suggested ACCESS staff address her question at the December board meeting at Willington Woods. R. Campbell also noted HUD rules dictate that smoking isn’t allowed within the lease line of properties funded by HUD.
3. Old Business – Button Hill Senior Housing
R. Campbell read from a written update from D. Berto. There was a meeting with Putnam Bank last month that resulted in $53,000 being released from retainage. He also noted the Housing Authority received an energy rebate check. These funds allowed the Housing Authority to make a payment to the ACCESS agency of about $10,000. Payments also were made to the architects (Crosskey) and engineers (Gardener and Peterson). Also, Zlotnick Construction Inc. was paid for Requisition 18. When ZCI makes corrections to Requisition 19, that also can be paid.
He also reported that Eversource billing questions have been resolved and the bills paid. Also, ACCESS has been successfully working with a realtor. And an updated punch list has been given to ACCESS, which is working with ZCI to complete these items.
He also reported that the photovoltaic panels have been installed and D. Berg is working with the company to get them energized.
P. DeBiasi introduced himself to the Housing Authority members and said he was impressed by the completed Button Hill cottages.
A.Fuentes gave a progress report on rentals. He said that as of Oct. 31, 13 units had been leased, currently that number is up to 16 and by December, he expects two more units to be leased. He said some interested parties have told him they are waiting for their current rental leases (in other senior housing) to expire. He said one new tenant is moving from Mansfield senior housing.
A.Fuentes reported a low turnout for the last open house. However, M. Savage said there was more response when the open house was held the same day as the pancake breakfast at the Senior Center. A.Fuentes said he has reminded those visiting the open houses that rent includes utilities, as a selling point.
A.Fuentes said there is now a positive cash flow and the mortgage and other payments are all up to date.
R. Campbell gave the Vermont Mutual insurance bill to A. Fuentes and said ACCESS will now be responsible for this payment.
There was extensive discussion about punch list items that haven’t been completed. R. Campbell asked ACCESS to send him updated reports on the status of the punch list. He asked to have ACCESS maintenance staff check repairs made from the punch list.
M. Savage said she needs to meet with Randy Pako to develop a plan for moving cars when there’s a snowstorm.
There was discussion about collecting all warranty cards, which are filled out by Zlotnick Construction and need to be reviewed by the architects, along with the owner’s manuals.
There was discussion about keys to the units’ scuttle hole. D. Berg said the fire department has keys, he has some and others need to be collected.
There was discussion about a request from the solar company for a router/internet connection so they can monitor the performance of the solar panels. R. Campbell noted this was not included in the contract.
A.Fuentes said an order was placed for parts needed to address issues with the TV connectors. D. Berg said he will test the part within the next few days. R. Campbell said the tenant pays for this fix. W. Gangaway said it’s important for ACCESS maintenance staff to be kept informed about these kinds of activities.
D. Berg reported the bocce court area is almost complete.
P. DeBiasi, A. Fuentes and M. Savage left the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
4. New Business – None.
5. Correspondence – None.
6. Approval of minutes –
Action was taken on 4 sets of tabled minutes: June 12, Special Meeting of June 29, July 17 and September 11, 2017. (Note, there was no meeting in August)
June 12 minutes: L. Millix moved to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by W. Gangaway. Motion passed unanimously.
June 29 Special Meeting minutes: W. moved to approve the minutes as presented. L. Millix seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
July 17 minutes: D. Berg moved to approve the minutes as presented. L. Millix seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
September 11 minutes: W. Gangaway moved to approve the minutes as presented. L. Millix seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Action on the October 16, 2017 minutes was tabled until the next meeting.
7. Treasurer’s report – None.
8. Adjourn – The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Recording Secretary Brenda Sullivan. Please note that minutes are posted prior to being officially approved – changes/corrections are normally indicated in the subsequent month’s meeting minutes.