Housing Authority

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE NORWICH HOUSING AUTHORITY HELD WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 The Board of Commissioners (“Board”) of the Norwich Housing Authority (“Authority”) met in special session at the Westwood Park Community Room, 10 Westwood Park, Norwich, Connecticut, at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, February 21, 2024. I. Roll Call Chairman Bergren called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM and the following answered present: Benjamin Lathrop Mary Ellen Lunt Alan Bergren Kenneth Scandariato and Frances Patterson were excused. Also present were Jeffrey S. Arn, Executive Director, John Mainville, Modernization Coordinator, and Joanne M. Drag, Deputy Executive Director/Finance Director. II. Minutes A. Ms. Lunt moved and Mr. Lathrop seconded the motion to adopt the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 10, 2024. Motion carried unanimously. III. Communications A. Community Comment / Public Comment – None. B. Federal Low Income Public Housing Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025). Miss Drag reviewed the proposed budget with the Board. C. Letter from David Holmes, Capital Studio Architects, regarding the Rosewood Manor siding and exterior wrapping project–Phase I bid responses. Mr. Mainville reviewed the bid results with the Board. This project, weather permitting, will start the end of March or beginning of April. Ms. Lunt moved and Mr. Lathrop seconded the motion to receive Communications B. through C. Motion carried unanimously. Minutes of the Norwich Housing Authority – February 21, 2024 page 2 IV. Report of the Executive Director A. Bills – Ms. Lunt moved and Mr. Lathrop seconded the motion to approve the bills for January 2024. Motion carried unanimously. B. Vacancy Reports – Mr. Arn noted that the Authority had 29 vacancies as of February 5, 2024. There is a waiting list for all properties. C. Modernization Report - John Mainville, Modernization Coordinator, prepared the report. Mr. Arn and Mr. Mainville reviewed the same with the Board. The Sunset Park exterior renovation project started July 24, 2023. The roofing portion, cement front patios, blown-in insulation, new windows and new wood back decks of the project have been completed. The siding removal, abatement, and residing portion of the project is 90% complete along with new gutters, new entry doors and new storm doors. Sidewalk and driveway replacement with take place in the Spring using contingency funds. PAC Group is the Construction Manager for this project. The City Council approved Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) funding for the Rosewood Manor siding and exterior wrapping project–Phase I at its June 2023 meeting. Capital Studio Architects (“CSA”) has completed the plans and specifications. This project went out to bid on January 15, 2024. A pre-bid walk-through was held on January 24th and a bid opening was held on February 9th. There is a resolution on the agenda regarding this project. The Authority also submitted the CDBG PY 50 application on February 1st for Phase II of the Rosewood Manor siding and exterior wrapping project. CSA is also developing plans for the building and site renovations project at Westwood Park and Dorsey Building. Funding for this project will come from the 2023 Federal Capital Fund Program and it is anticipated that this project will be bid in the early Spring 2024. D. Housing Choice Voucher Portfolio Report - As of February 1, 2024, the total portfolio was 461 Housing Choice Vouchers (“HCV”). The HCV waiting list was open for one week from January 8 through January 12, 2024. Pre- applications were completed on- line. Affordable Housing is the contractor that processed the pre-applications, performed the lottery selections and will maintain the waiting list. E. Procurement Log – Purchase of new furniture for the Maintenance Office and breakroom; purchase of two (2) laptop computers for maintenance; and a contract with Odyssey Advisors who perform a post-employment benefit review to meet GASB 75 requirements. F. Other items – Funding availability regarding housing for Homeless Veterans. A meeting with the Veterans’ representative to discuss housing options will be scheduled. Mr. Arn noted that he will pursue opportunities for housing for veterans. Minutes of the Norwich Housing Authority – February 21, 2024 page 3 Mr. Arn noted that he received a quote for $3,000.00 from PHA Web, the Authority’s software provider, to establish a website for the Authority. He would also like input from the Board regarding changing the time of the monthly meetings. Ms. Lunt moved and Mr. Lathrop seconded the motion to receive items B. through F. above. Motion carried unanimously. V. Unfinished Business None. VI. New Business A. Ms. Lunt moved to adopt Resolution S-24-02-1676 to approve the Federal Low Income Housing Program Operating Budget for FY 2025 (April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025). Mr. Lathrop seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Ayes – Lathrop, Lunt, Bergren Nays - None Motion carried unanimously. B. Ms. Lunt moved to adopt Resolution S-24-02-1677 to set the cable tv rate charge for April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025. Mr. Lathrop seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Ayes – Lathrop, Lunt, Bergren Nays - None Motion carried unanimously. C. Ms. Lunt moved to adopt Resolution S-24-02-1678 to award the Rosewood Manor siding and exterior wrapping project – Phase I to 4 You, LLC, Woodbridge, CT. Mr. Lathrop seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Ayes – Lathrop, Lunt, Bergren Nays - None Motion carried unanimously. Minutes of the Norwich Housing Authority – February 21, 2024 page 4 D. Commission Members – Mr. Lathrop noted that a golf tournament will be held in June supporting Veterans Helping Veterans who are experiencing homelessness. E. Other – None. VII. Executive Session No Executive Session was held. VIII. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Ms. Lunt moved and Mr. Lathrop seconded the motion that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 1:35 PM. Respectfully submitted, Jeffrey S. Arn Executive Director Minutes approved on March 13, 2024 Alan H. Bergren Chairman