Housing Authority

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE NORWICH HOUSING AUTHORITY HELD WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020 The Board of Commissioners (“Board”) of the Norwich Housing Authority (“Authority”) met in regular session at the main office of the Norwich Housing Authority, 10 Westwood Park, Norwich, Connecticut, at 4:30 PM, Wednesday, December 9, 2020. I. Roll Call Chairman Bergren called the meeting to order at 4:41 PM and the following answered present: Mary Ellen Lunt Frances Patterson Wilma Sullivan Alan Bergren Also present were Jeffrey Arn, Executive Director, Joanne M. Drag, Deputy Executive Director/Finance Director and John Mainville, Modernization Coordinator. II. Minutes A. Ms. Patterson moved and Ms. Sullivan seconded the motion to adopt the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 12, 2020. Motion carried unanimously. III. Communications A. Community Comment / Public Comment –There was no comment. IV. Report of the Executive Director A. Bills – Ms. Patterson moved and Ms. Lunt seconded the motion to approve the bills for November 2020. Motion carried unanimously. B. Vacancy Reports – Mr. Arn noted that the Authority had 21 vacancies as of December 2, 2020. The Authority has been receiving fewer applications for its State portfolio units. Minutes of the Norwich Housing Authority – December 9, 2020 page 2 C. Modernization Report - John Mainville, Modernization Coordinator, prepared the report. Mr. Arn and Mr. Mainville reviewed the same with the Board. The Rosewood Manor Ductless Splits and Electrical Upgrade Project – Phase IV will be bid at the end of January or early February 2021 with a start date in May 2021. This will complete the installation of the ductless splits project at Rosewood Manor. The Main Office Renovation and Expansion project was awarded to Nosal Builders, Inc. A Notice to Proceed was signed on November 17, 2020 and permits for the project have been secured. The future projects that are currently being designed will be to add cameras in the main office and Dorsey Building hallways and to replace flooring in the Dorsey Building hallways and laundry rooms. A grant application had been submitted for the Sunset Park renovation project and a reduced scope of work cost estimate is being compiled. D. Section 8 Voucher Portfolio Reports - As of December 1, 2020 the total portfolio was 493 Housing Choice Vouchers. E. Procurement Log – Mr. Arn noted the following item: Replacement of battery back- up (UPS) for the main server. Mr. Arn reviewed the item with the Board. F. Other items – None. Ms. Lunt moved and Ms. Patterson seconded the motion to receive items B. through E. above. Motion carried unanimously. V. Unfinished Business None. VI. New Business A. Commission Members – None. B. Other – Mr. Arn noted that the January 13, 2021 meeting will be held at Schwartz Manor, 382 Laurel Hill Avenue, if the Community Room at Westwood Park is unavailable due to the ongoing renovation project. VII. Executive Session A. Strategy with respect to collective bargaining – possible proposal. Ms. Lunt moved and Ms. Patterson seconded the motion to enter Executive Session at 4:55 PM. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Bergren requested that Jeff Arn, Executive Director and Joanne M. Drag, Deputy Executive Director/Finance Director be present. Minutes of the Norwich Housing Authority – December 9, 2020 page 3 Ms. Patterson moved and Ms. Lunt seconded the motion to exit Executive Session at 5:00 PM. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Bergren noted that no votes were taken in Executive Session. Ms. Patterson moved and Ms. Lunt seconded the motion to added Resolution R-20-12- 1542 to award a one-time payment to all employees to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Patterson moved to adopt Resolution R-20-12-1542 to award a one-time payment to all employees. Ms. Lunt seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Ayes – Lunt, Patterson, Sullivan, Bergren Nays - None Motion carried unanimously. VIII. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Ms. Sullivan moved and Ms. Patterson seconded the motion that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM. Respectfully submitted, Jeffrey S. Arn Executive Director Minutes approved on January 13, 2021 Alan H. Bergren Chairman