Nashua Housing and Redevelopment Authority

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NASHUA HOUSING AUTHORITY HELD August 19, 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 8:35 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2011. The Chairperson called the meeting to order, and the Recording Secretary called the roll at approximately 8:36 a.m. with the following responses: Present Absent Eric Wilson Thomas Monahan James Tollner Paul Deschenes Selma Pastor The following persons were also present: Lynn Censabella, Executive Director; Scott Costa, Assistant Executive Director; Lori Wilshire, Aldermanic Liaison; Sarah Brisk, Public Housing Program Manager; James Floras, Property Manager; Joy Scotina, Property Manager; Lisa Cox, Section 8 Program Manager; Stephen Sacco, Finance Manager and Cheryl Hobbs, Recording Secretary. MINUTES: The Chairperson entertained a motion to waive the reading of the Authority’s July 15, 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. Tollner seconded the motion. The Communications were as follows: Monthly Operational Reports – July 2011 – consisting of Public Housing and Section 8 Waiting List Report; Vacancy Report; Vacancy Report Compilation Sheet; Work Order Report; and Rent Collections Report. The Chairperson asked if there was any discussion. Mr. Monahan suggests creating a Neighborhood Watch at Sullivan Terrace South (STS). In regard to the elevator issues at STS, Mr. Monahan is pleased that when there is a problem with an elevator, we have the contractor on site within an hour. Ms. Censabella stated that during the resident meeting held at STS on August 16, 2011, the residents stated they are interested in starting a Crime Watch or Resident Association. There is another resident meeting scheduled for August 30, 2011 and Ms. Censabella will be holding monthly meetings. There will be continued meetings held with the cleaning contractor to ensure cleaning issues are addressed. Lori Wilshire offered to attend the Crime Watch meetings if we decide to have these. Mr. Tollner stated that if we put together the Resident Association, and have monthly resident meetings, many of the issues at STS may end. Ms. Pastor asked that she be notified when we set up the monthly resident meetings, if she is available she would like to attend. Ms. Censabella stated that Mr. Deschenes has been very supportive during this time. Mr. Deschenes said that there is a language barrier with the Spanish residents and they feel that if they complain or report an incident, they will be evicted, which will not be the case. Ms. Censabella stated that that Scott Costa and Scott Rogers have been working on a Capital Fund project for the keyless entry systems which allow the capability to have security cameras installed. Mr. Tollner and Mr. Monahan agree that there should be security cameras installed. Mr. Tollner asked that we put security camera system updates as an agenda item for upcoming board meetings. 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 the roof work at Sullivan Terrace South, Sullivan Terrace North, and George F. Robinson Manor will begin August 23, 2011. I have been contacted by the City of Nashua to take part in a grant program called Open Spaces Sacred Places. UNH Cooperative Extension and the City of Nashua will be partnering to submit a grant application and asked if we would be interested in participating. The Open Spaces Sacred Places grants build green spaces, such as small parks, in urban settings to promote natural settings for the public to enjoy. I am working with Kathy Hersh from the City of Nashua and have identified 56 and 57 Tyler Street as a viable option. If the grant is accepted the project wouldn’t begin until next year. The transfer of Park View Apartments is under way and I anticipate our LLC will have full ownership of the Amherst, Greeley and Merrimack Street properties soon. Ms. Censabella stated that she has contacted Citizens Bank regarding the remortgaging of the 40 East Pearl Street building. NHA staff will be having its annual Summer Outing on August 24 at Wasserman Park. An invitation to the outing has been included in your packets and we welcome your attendance. NHA’s fee accountant is currently working on the 2012 annual budget. Ms. Censabella will have this for review at the September board meeting.  Ms. Censabella stated that the NAHRO National Conference will be held October 23 – 25 in St. Louis, MO. Please contact Cheryl no later than September 16, 2011 if you plan on attending. The Chairperson entertained a motion to accept the Executive Director’s Report. Mr. Tollner made the motion, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked if there were any questions. There being no discussion, the motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: None. BILLS/INVESTMENTS: The Chairperson called for a motion to pay the bills as listed on the Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 47254 through 47342 and from the Supplemental Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 47343 through 47414 and from the Park View Apartments Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 4432 through 4442 and to approve the Investments as listed. Mr. Tollner 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: None this month. ANY OTHER BUSINESS WHICH MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD None this month. ADJOURNMENT: The Chairperson entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Monahan asked if we know any more in regard to the budget. Ms. Censabella stated the NHA is waiting to hear. Mr. Monahan moved to adjourn, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Hobbs Recording Secretary