Housing Authority

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE NORWICH HOUSING AUTHORITY HELD WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 The Board of Commissioners (“Board”) of the Norwich Housing Authority (“Authority”) met in regular session at the Westwood Park Community Room, 10 Westwood Park, Norwich, Connecticut, at 4:30 PM, Wednesday, October 9, 2024. I. Roll Call Vice-Chairman Lunt called the meeting to order at 4:35 PM and the following answered present: Keith Milton Frances Patterson Mary Ellen Lunt Benjamin Lathrop and Alan Bergren 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. Patterson moved and Mr. Milton seconded the motion to adopt the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 11, 2024. Motion carried unanimously. III. Communications A. Community Comment / Public Comment – None. B. Quarterly Reports for the quarter ending September 30, 2024. Miss Drag reviewed the reports with the Board. Ms. Patterson moved and Mr. Milton seconded the motion to receive Communication B. Motion carried unanimously. IV. Report of the Executive Director A. Bills – Mr. Milton moved and Ms. Patterson seconded the motion to approve the bills for September 2024. Motion carried unanimously. B. Vacancy Reports – Mr. Arn noted that the Authority had 13 vacancies as of October 1, 2024 and 3 units were rented in September. There is a waiting list for all properties. Minutes of the Norwich Housing Authority – October 9, 2024 page 2 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 is complete. The close out paperwork for this project will be submitted to CHFA. The contract for the Dorsey Building Exterior Upgrades project was awarded to 4 You, LLC and signed on June 20th. This project started July 8th. The old siding and wood window trim has been removed and new siding, AZEK trim, new soffit covering, aluminum facias around storm doors are being installed along with LED lighting, new decking and railings. The expanded garbage enclosure with roof and exterior painting is on-going and will complete the project. Funding will come from the 2023 and 2024 Federal Capital Fund Program. The Maintenance Boiler Room Fire Alarm System upgrade will start in October. This project will bring the buildings into compliance with the City of Norwich’s Fire Marshall’s Office. Housing Authority Insurance, the Authority’s insurance carrier, recommended this upgrade. The City Council approved funding of $219,712.00 at its meeting on June 17th for the Rosewood Manor Exterior Wrapping Project – Phase II. This project will be bid in January 2025. The Authority applied for and received a Capital Fund Lead Based Paint Grant of $7.5 million to remove the deteriorated siding, the lead based paint siding under the current siding, insulate and reside the buildings at Oakwood Knoll. Future projects include the Oakwood Knoll Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Replacement and the Oakwood Knoll Attic Insulation project. D. Housing Choice Voucher Portfolio Report - As of October 1, 2024, the total portfolio was 451 Housing Choice Vouchers (“HCV”). E. Procurement Log – Sealing of bituminous sidewalks at Eastwood Court. F. Other items – Funding availability regarding housing for Homeless Veterans. No report to update. Mr. Arn noted that he was appointed by Governor Lamont to the serve on the State of Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement Fund Board through his affiliation with ConnNAHRO. Ms. Patterson moved and Mr. Milton seconded the motion to receive items B. through F. above. Motion carried unanimously. V. Unfinished Business No unfinished business. Minutes of the Norwich Housing Authority – October 9, 2024 page 3 VI. New Business A. Commission Members - Mr. Milton discussed an article regarding fire violations at housing authorities. B. Other - None. VII. Executive Session No Executive Session was held. VIII. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Mr. Milton moved and Ms. Patterson seconded the motion that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 4:55 PM. Respectfully submitted, Jeffrey S. Arn Executive Director Minutes approved on November 13, 2024 Alan H. Bergren Chairman