Nashua Housing and Redevelopment Authority

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NASHUA HOUSING AUTHORITY HELD AUGUST 16, 2013 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, August 16, 2013. 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 Thomas Monahan Selma Pastor James Tollner Paul Deschenes Eric Wilson Mrs. Pastor called to say she unable to attend this month’s meeting. The following persons were also present: Lori Wilshire, Alderman-at-Large, Aldermanic Liaison; Lynn Censabella, Executive Director; Scott Costa, Assistant Executive Director; Lisa Cox, Section 8 Program Manager; Judith Forrester, Finance Manager; Sheila Galligan, Recording Secretary. MINUTES: The Chairperson entertained a motion to waive the reading of the Authority’s July 19, 2013 meeting minutes, to accept them and place them on file. Mr. Wilson 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. Wilson made the motion, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. The Communications were as follows: Monthly Operational Reports – July 2013 – consisting of Public Housing and Section 8 Waiting List Report; Vacancy Report; Vacancy Report Compilation Sheet; Work Order Report; Rent Collections Report. The Chairperson asked if there were any comments, additions/deletions, corrections or discussion. Mr. Deschenes asked why the rent collection was a little high in July. Ms. Censabella explained that three residents were found to be underreporting income. The NHA has already set up payment plans to collect the money owed. There was a brief discussion about how the NHA accesses monthly income verification reports, and the methods used to discover discrepancies in income reported by residents. It was also noted vacancies are up for the non-elderly disabled apartments. Eviction rates are as expected, and the turnover is normal. There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: NHA signed a contract with JNR Gutters for the roof replacements at various NHA developments. JNR experienced some delays in obtaining the bonding requirements set forth under the contract, causing the Notice to Proceed to be held by the NHA. The bonding was received last Friday, and I expect work to begin within the next 30 days. As a part of your packets, NHA is required to adopt an updated Harassment Policy as a result of a Fair Housing Conciliation Agreement through HUD. The Policy will be incorporated into Section 8 briefing packets, Public Housing lease-ups, and application updates. Refresher training for NHA staff on fair housing laws and responsibilities will be scheduled to provide education on the obligations under the Fair Housing Act and Civil Rights Act. Mr. Monahan and I met with the City of Nashua in July to discuss allowing the City access to a small portion of the Pine Street parking lot side of Bronstein to accommodate the Broad Street Parkway. The lot on Pine Street will be affected with six parking spaces being relocated to the north end of the lot. I will keep the Board informed as I receive more information. A map highlighting the affected areas of land was displayed, which depicted the sections of Bronstein that will be impacted. The board asked if the NHA would be compensated for the land. Ms. Censabella explained the only affect will be moving parking spaces and overall is a wash. NHA hired Rhonda Delisle to replace the recently retired Adele Evinson, Assistant Facilities Manager. Many of you remember Rhonda from her previous employment with the NHA, and we are very pleased to have her back with us. NHA received word of its FY 2013 Capital Funding. NHA will be receiving approximately $71,000 more than last year’s funding, a welcomed increase which will be put to good use at NHA’s Public Housing developments. The Chairperson entertained a motion to accept the Executive Director’s Report. Mr. Wilson made the motion, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked if there were any questions. The Board asked Ms. Censabella if there were renters interested in the second floor office space at 40 East Pearl St. Ms. Censabella said there has been no interest. She said NHA is considering moving the Section 8 Department upstairs. There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: RESOLUTION NO. 13-2217 BY THE NASHUA HOUSING AUTHORITY APPOINTING A SECRETARY FOR THE AUTHORITY This Resolution designates Sheila Galligan as Secretary of the Authority; and the Secretary is authorized to sign all documents relative to Authority business and to affix the seal of the Authority to all contracts and instruments authorized to be executed by the Authority, and this designation becomes effective August 16, 2013. The Chairperson entertained a motion to approve Resolution No. 13-2217. Mr. Tollner made the motion, and Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion, the Recording Secretary called the roll with the following responses: AYES NAYS Eric Wilson Paul Deschenes James Tollner Thomas Monahan Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 13-2218 BY THE NASHUA HOUSING AUTHORITY ADOPTING THE NASHUA HOUSING AUTHORITY HARASSMENT POLICY The Chairperson entertained a motion to approve Resolution No. 13-2218. Mr. Tollner made the motion, and Mr. Deschenes seconded the motion. The Chairperson asked if asked if there was any discussion. Mr. Tollner asked if the policy was a response to an issue and if so, how often do issues arise. Ms. Censabella explained this policy was to update current policy. The Policy will be incorporated into Section 8 briefing packets, Public Housing lease-ups, and application updates. Refresher training for NHA staff on Fair Housing laws and responsibilities will be scheduled to provide education on the obligations under the Fair Housing Act and Civil Rights Act. There being no further discussion, the Recording Secretary called the roll with the following responses: AYES NAYS Eric Wilson Paul Deschenes James Tollner Thomas Monahan Motion carried unanimously. BILLS/INVESTMENTS: The Chairperson called for a motion to pay the bills as listed on the Cash Disbursement List - check numbers 50857 through 50938 and from the Supplemental Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 50939 through 50990 and from the Park View Apartments Cash Disbursement List – check numbers 4657 through 4665 and to approve the Investments as listed. Mr. Wilson made the motion to pay the bills and leave investments in place, Mr. Tollner seconded. The Chairperson asked if there was any discussion. There being none, the motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS: None. ANY OTHER BUSINESS WHICH MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD: None. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Tollner made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Monahan seconded the motion. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:56 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Sheila A. Galligan Recording Secretary