Housing Authority

REGULAR MEETING OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF MIDDLETOWN May 13, 2024 The Regular Meeting of the Housing Authority of the City of Middletown was held in the conference room and via Zoom at 40 Broad St., on Monday May 13, 2024. Chairman Cacciola called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and called the roll. PRESENT: Phil Cacciola, Chairman; Al Santostefano, Vice Chairman; Larry Riley, Commissioner; Brian Garnter, Commissioner. ALSO PRESENT: William Vasiliou, Secretary; Jason Lewellyn, Esq., Marie Webster, Finance Manager. ABSENT: Senova Stone (excused absence) PUBLIC SESSION: None FOLLOW-UP REPORT: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Chairman Santostefano, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 12, 2024. On motion by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Vice Chairman Santostefano, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the special meeting held on March 20, 2024. On motion by Chairman Cacciola, seconded by Vice Chairman Santostefano, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the special meeting held on March 27, 2024. On motion by Vice Chairman Cacciola, seconded by Commissioner Riley, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 8, 2024. APPROVAL OF BILLS: On motion by Commissioner Gartner, seconded by Commissioner Riley, it was unanimously voted to approve the bills as submitted. DIRECTOR’S/SECRETARY REPORT: Personnel – nothing to report; The April A/R shows an increase of $1,334.51 for CONN 9-2, no change for CONN-3, CONN-4, Conn-5, an increase of $945.25 for State Family, and no change for E-101. Section 8: has 820 units in place and the average cost per unit is $1074.24. A briefing has been scheduled for June 2024. Monthly Meeting Minutes 5/13/24 Page 2 LEGAL ACTION: Atty. Lewellyn reported on the Legal Report of 4/30/24. There were 2 new summary process cases opened. One case was resolved with a move-out agreement. Three cases resulted in stipulations. Atty. Lewellyn noted that there has been an uptick in cases where tenants are represented by CT Legal Aid. No monies were collected for the month, but an investigation was done on four previous tenants in hopes of collecting on vacated accounts. Atty. Lewellyn reported that the contract for Michelle McNeil, HR Consultant, for thirty days, was about to expire and requested a thirty-day extension at the original date. Procurement of services has been done by Atty. Lewellyn and Atty. Shea and not Housing Authority staff. Mr. Vasiliou stated, for the record, that no procurement documentation had been received by the Housing Authority to date therefore no payment or extension should be considered at this time. Atty. Lewellyn stated that both he and Atty. Shea had reviewed the Housing Authority’s Procurement Policy, and that the HR service contract met the requirements as to proper procedure. Mr. Vasiliou noted that all documents relating to the procurement must be forwarded to the Housing Authority for review and that Federal, State, and approved Housing Authority policy are subject to guidelines and audit would supersede legal opinions. Atty. Lewellyn stated that he had the procurement documents relating to the HR consultant and would provide them, and an opinion regarding the procurement policy to the Housing Authority staff for processing. On motion by Vice Chairman Santostefano, seconded by Commissioner Riley, it was voted 3 in favor, with Chairman Cacciola abstaining from voting, to extend Ms. McNeil’s HR contract for 30 days. MAINTENANCE: Mr. Vasiliou reported that there are minimal vacancies. The new Marino Manor units are being leased up. The Traverse Square laundry room has been rehabbed, with fresh paint and vinyl flooring. MODERNIZATION: Mr. Vasiliou reported that we are moving forward with the Sbona Tower project and presented an Exterior Masonry Condition Assessment for board review. Mr. Vasiliou also reviewed the publicly advertised submissions for Grant Administrative Services and recommended J. D’Amelia and Associates for acceptance, having the most experience. On motion by Vice Chairman Santostefano, seconded by Chairman Cacciola, the Board approved to accept the proposal by J.D’Amelia and Associates. SPECIAL REPORTS: None OLD BUSINESS: None Monthly Meeting Minutes 5/13/24 Page 3 NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Vasiliou presented the annual update to the maximum income limits for admission to the CT State Family and Elderly complexes effective May 1, 2024, as published by HUD. On motion by Vice Chairman Santostefano, seconded by Commissioner Riley, it was unanimously voted to adopt Resolutions 2024-11 and 2024-12, and waive reading of the same. RESOLUTION 2024-11 BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission of the Housing Authority of the City of Middletown that the maximum income limits for admission to State of Connecticut Moderate Rental Housing be increased per the attached Certificate of Approval CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL The Housing Authority of the City of Middletown has established and fixed, by an appropriate Resolution of said Authority, the income limits for Tenant Admission to State of Connecticut Moderate Rental Housing Complex MR-11, MR 11A & MR 47A as follows: For Admission: The maximum income limits for admission have been determined in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes, Section 8-115a and 8-119g. For Continued Occupancy: The maximum income limits for continued occupancy in Moderate Rental Housing are equal to 125% of the admission limits for such housing. ADMISSION LIMIT # IN FAMILY CONT OCCUPANCY LIMITS $68,250 1 PERSON $85,313 78,000 2 PERSONS 97,500 87,750 3 PERSONS 109,688 97,450 4 PERSONS 121,813 105,250 5 PERSONS 131,563 113,050 6 PERSONS 141,313 120,850 7 PERSONS 151,063 Monthly Meeting Minutes 5/13/24 Page 4  RESOLUTION 2024-12 BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission of the Housing Authority of the City of Middletown that the maximum income limits for admission to State of Connecticut Elderly Housing be increased per the attached Certificate of Approval. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL The Housing Authority of the City of Middletown has established and fixed, by an appropriate Resolution of said Authority, the income limits for Tenant Admission to State of Connecticut Elderly Housing Complex E-101 as follows: For Admission: The maximum income limits for admission have been determined in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes, Section 8-115a and 8-119g. Admission Limits $68,250 for 1 person $78,000 for 2 persons OTHER BUSINESS: None There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion by Vice Chairman Santostefano, seconded by Commissioner Riley; it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 5:39 pm. _________________________________ William Vasiliou Secretary