Nashua Housing and Redevelopment Authority

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NASHUA HOUSING AUTHORITY HELD FEBRUARY 17, 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, February 17, 2012. The Chairperson, called the meeting to order, and the Recording Secretary called the roll at approximately 8:40 a.m. with the following responses: Present Absent Eric Wilson Thomas Monahan James Tollner Selma Pastor Paul Deschenes The following persons were also present: Lynn Censabella, Executive Director; Scott Costa, Assistant Executive Director; James Floras, Property Manager; Lisa Cox, Section 8 Program Manager and Stephen Sacco, Finance Manager. MINUTES: The Chairperson entertained a motion to waive the reading of the Authority’s January 20, 2012 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. Tollner made the motion, and Mr. Monahan seconded the motion. The Communications were as follows: Monthly Operational Reports – January 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. Mr. Monahan congratulated NHA staff on 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: Scott Costa and I have met with realtors from Prudential Verani regarding the leasing of the office space at 40 East Pearl Street. The carpet replacement, painting and other updates have been completed. We are only working on minor punch list items at this time. I continue to work with Cathy Duffy of Girls Incorporated on the disposition of 27 Burke Street. I have been unsuccessful at obtaining an actual appraisal of the building. Appraisers have indicated that finding properties for market comparison is few and far between. I will be working with HUD to determine if a broker’s price comparison will be an acceptable alternative. I have reached out to HUD and have not heard back. The meeting scheduled for February 13 with Mayor Lozeau and Attorney Elliott Berry to discuss Bronstein Apartments was canceled due to illness on the part of Mr. Berry. Mayor Lozeau has thrown out a few dates of February 27, 29 and March 1 to reschedule this meeting. Mr. Monahan is not available to attend, and I was wondering if another Board member is available. HUD is developing a proposal to consolidate the Public Housing Operating Fund and Capital Funds. According to Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Sandra Henriquez, HUDs aim is to create a more realistic real estate platform for public housing, and align its regulatory environment with the way the rest of the world works. A consolidation of the Funds could allow more flexibility to public housing agencies to meet the needs of residents and its properties. I’d also like to add that Scott Costa and I attended a meeting yesterday which had a presentation on how HUD is working on doing a demonstration project on rental assistance to consolidate, or turn over Public Housing to Section 8. They are starting with 60,000 units nationwide, and it is an application process. If the Board would be interested in having me look into this further, it might be a good way to start looking at the future of our properties. NHA is utilizing the Union Leader for various advertising to reach more prospective bidders at the request of the Board in January. Collective Bargaining Agreement (Union) negotiations were scheduled to begin on February 9. Due to illness of the PERLB representative, the negotiation process has been rescheduled for March 20. Mr. Wilson will be attending negotiations with NHA staff. NHA has been looking at health insurance options for its staff to determine the best solution to the rising costs in health care coverage. Included in your packets is information pertaining to NAHRO’s Legislative Conference taking place March 25-28, 2012 in Washington, DC. Please contact Cheryl Hobbs before February 24 if you are interested in attending. The Chairperson entertained a motion to accept the Executive Director’s Report. Mr. Monahan made the motion, and Ms. Pastor seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked if there were any questions. Mr. Tollner stated he is available to attend the Bronstein meeting with the Mayor. There being no further 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 48180 through 48265 and from the Supplemental Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 48266 through 48333 and from the Park View Apartments Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 4483 through 4491 and to approve the Investments as listed. Ms. Pastor made the motion, and Mr. Monahan 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. 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. Tollner seconded the motion. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Hobbs Recording Secretary