Nashua Housing and Redevelopment Authority

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NASHUA HOUSING AUTHORITY HELD MAY 18, 2012 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, May 18, 2012. The Chairperson, called the meeting to order, and the Recording Secretary called the roll at approximately 8:35 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; Lisa Cox, Section 8 Program Manager; Sarah Brisk, Public Housing Program Manager; Jim Floras, Property Manager, Joy Scotina, Property Manager; Jude Forrester, Finance Manager; Jim Tarosky, Finance. MINUTES: The Chairperson entertained a motion to waive the reading of the Authority’s April 20, 2012 regular meeting minutes, to accept them and place them on file. Ms. Pastor made the motion, and Mr. Monahan seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked if there were any comments, additions/deletions, corrections, or discussion. There being none, the motion to waive the reading of the minutes, accept them with changes, and place them on file 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 – April 2012 – 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. There being none, the motion to waive the reading of the Communications, accept them, and place them on file carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: I am pleased to inform the Board that the NHA has hired Jude Forrester to fill the vacant Finance Manager position. Jude served in the Finance Department as the NHAs Accountant for thirteen years, and I am confident she will do a great job in her new role. We have hired for the two vacant positions at the Nashua Housing Authority, Accountant II and the Assistant Property Manager position. Cyndy Merrifield, who worked for the NHA for twelve years, most recently as an Assistant Property Manager, retired this month. We wish Cyndy well in the years to come. NHA staff began the process of meeting with residents of Bronstein Apartments to discuss the possible disposition of the property. At this point in time, forty-five families have met with NHA staff. Upon completion of the family meetings, I will compile the information and schedule a meeting with the City to discuss the next steps. A meeting with the Granite State Organizing Project, the City of Nashua, and NHA is scheduled for Monday, May 21, 2012 in the Mayor’s office. NHA auditors were at the office May 7 through May 9 conducting the annual audit. I am pleased to report that we were informed during the closeout meeting there were no findings. I will supply each of you with the audit report when it is released. Public Housing underwent REAC building and unit inspections last month at all of its properties. I will inform the Board of NHA’s scores and status once they are released by HUD. HUDs Final Notice for the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) project is due out in June. Joe Armstrong and Kevin Connelly of Multifamily Capital Resources are working on reviewing and updating their model for the RAD process, along with researching different financing scenarios based on the size of the projects to be allowed for the conversion. I will keep the Board updated as information is provided to me. Scott Costa and I have a conference call with them this morning at 10:30 a.m. to begin additional conversations. Volunteers from Keller Williams Realty in Nashua spent time at Arel Manor on May 10 painting the community and pool rooms at the development. I want to thank Mr. Monahan for referring them to us as we were able to utilize them for completing a project for our residents. I spoke with the Union Leader yesterday regarding Bronstein Apartments. As of this morning the article was not released, but I would expect it to be in tomorrow’s paper. The Chairperson entertained a motion to accept the Executive Director’s Report. Mr. Monahan made the motion, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked if there were any questions. There being none, 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 48624 through 48704 and from the Supplemental Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 48705 through 48762 and from the Park View Apartments Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 4507 through 4517 and to approve the Investments as listed. Mr. Monahan made the motion, and Ms. Pastor 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: Mr. Tollner suggested the NHA meet with the City regarding the articles and organizations that are discussing Bronstein. Mr. Wilson suggested we respond with a letter to the editor, possibly written by one of the residents at Bronstein. Ms. Censabella stated that the NHA has not heard from any of the residents voicing concern. Most of the residents that the NHA has met with are very excited about having a housing choice. ANY OTHER BUSINESS WHICH MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD None this month. ADJOURNMENT: The Chairperson entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Monahan moved to adjourn, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:05 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Hobbs Recording Secretary