Nashua Housing and Redevelopment Authority

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NASHUA HOUSING AUTHORITY HELD February 18, 2011 The Commissioners of the Nashua Housing Authority (NHA) held its regular meeting at the office of the Nashua Housing Authority, 40 East Pearl Street, First Floor, Nashua, New Hampshire, at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2011. Chairperson Eric Wilson called the meeting to order, and the Recording Secretary called the roll at approximately 8:35 a.m. with the following responses: Present Absent Thomas Monahan James Tollner Selma Pastor Eric Wilson Paul Deschenes The following persons were also present: Lori Wilshire, Aldermanic Liaison; Lynn Censabella, Executive Director; Scott Costa, Assistant Executive Director; Steve Sacco, Finance Manager; Sarah Brisk, Public Housing Program Manager; Lisa Cox, Section 8 Program Manager; and Cheryl Hobbs, Recording Secretary. MINUTES: The Chairperson entertained a motion to waive the reading of the Authority’s January 21, 2011 regular meeting minutes, to accept them and place them on file. Mr. Monahan made the motion, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked if there were any comments, additions/deletions, corrections, or discussion. There being none, the motion carried unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS: The Chairperson entertained a motion to waive the reading of the Communications, accept them, and place them on file. Mr. Monahan made the motion, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. The Communications were as follows: Monthly Operational Reports – January 2011 – consisting of Public Housing and Section 8 Waiting List Report; Vacancy Report; Vacancy Report Compilation Sheet; Work Order Report; and Rent Collections Report; Letter dated January 27, 2011 from HUD regarding the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2010; PHADA’s 2011 Annual Convention & Exhibition Brochure.  The Chairperson asked if there was any discussion. Mr. Monahan congratulated the Nashua Housing Authority on receiving 100% for the SEMAP score. There being no further discussion, the motion to waive the reading of the Communications, accept them, and place them on file carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Ms. Censabella stated that the snow accumulation has kept the maintenance staff and Public Housing staff very busy. There were only a few minor slips and falls, and she is pleased to report that staff and contractors have done a remarkable job keeping up with the snow removal. Roof inspections were taking place regularly, and staff had been working with contractors to have snow and ice removed from these areas to prevent damages. NHA is soliciting contractor services for the replacement of storm doors at Arel Manor, and architect/engineering services for roof replacements at Sullivan Terrace North, Sullivan Terrace South, and Temple Street Manor. HUD has released the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) score for fiscal year ending September 30, 2010. NHA’s overall score is 100% with a designation of High Performer. The Federal Budget for 2011 remains uncertain as the existing continuing resolution to fund the government at 2010 levels expires March 4, 2011. NHA may not be informed of its budget amounts until June or possibly even later, which could leave less than six months for any internal adjustments to take place. There are talks in the House to reduce 2011 funding to 2008 levels with a proposed target of $100 billion in cuts. A cut of this scale will require many housing authorities to withdraw vouchers from participants and will also affect the public housing operating fund significantly. HUD has indicated that it intends to pursue an offset of Public Housing reserves, similar to what happened in the Housing Choice Voucher Program in 2008 and 2009. PHA’s with more than four to six months of expenses in reserves may have their funding reduced by the excess amount of that reserve. Until a resolution to the Federal Budget is revealed, NHA will not issue Section 8 Vouchers to its applicants. It is Ms. Censabella’s recommendation that the Board consider freezing Section 8 rents at their current levels in an effort to control Housing Assistance Payments. She will keep the Board of Commissioners informed of any new information regarding the 2011 budget funding levels. Ms. Censabella satisfactorily answered questions asked by the Board.  The Chairperson entertained a motion to accept the Executive Director’s Report and recommendation to freeze Section 8 rents. Mr. Monahan made the motion, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked if there were any questions. There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: None this month. BILLS/INVESTMENTS: The Chairperson called for a motion to pay the bills as listed on the Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 46488 through 46571 and from the Supplemental Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 46572 through 46635 and from the Park View Apartments Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 4380 through 4388 and to approve the Investments as listed. Mr. Monahan made the motion, and Mr. Deschenes seconded it. The Chairperson asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion, the motion to pay the bills and approve the investments as listed carried. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS: The Commissioners referred to the confidential memo and agreed to accept Ms. Censabella’s recommendation to not move forward at this time. ANY OTHER BUSINESS WHICH MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD None this month. ADJOURNMENT: The Chairperson entertained a motion to adjourn. Mrs. Pastor moved to adjourn, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Hobbs Recording Secretary