Hillsdale Housing Commission
45 N. West Street � Hillsdale, MI  49242
Phone: (517) 439-1210 � Fax: (517) 439-9577 � E-mail: mail@hillsdalehousing.org

Minutes - Regular Meeting June 03, 1999

The regular monthly meeting of the Hillsdale Housing Commission was held in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments on Thursday, June 03, 1999, and was called to order at 12:07 p.m. by President Walker.

Minutes of the regular meeting held May 06, 1999 were presented. Vice president Pauken recommended correcting the minutes to specify that the Housing Commission would continue charging tenants for light bulbs for tenant-owned fixtures. President Walker recommended correcting the minutes to specify the purchase of an "oscillating" fan for the Laundry Room at Hilltop Apartments. Commissioner Fowler, supported by Vice president Pauken, moved to accept the minutes as corrected. The motion carried unanimously.

Maintenance Supervisor Paul Piper presented a report on unit turnover times at Hilltop Apartments.

Mr. Piper reported that he had been unsuccessful in locating local window washing contractors. Commissioners requested that Mr. Piper continue researching this item.

Mr. Piper reported the successful replacement of the lobby door at Hilltop Apartments, as discussed during a previous meeting.

Mr. Piper reported the successful installation of an oscillating fan in the laundry room of Hilltop Apartments, as discussed during a previous meeting.

Mr. Piper reported contact with the intercom manufacturer in response to several problems with the intercom system at Hilltop Apartments. Mr. Piper recommended requiring that the manufacturer install new intercom stations instead of rebuilt stations, since the Commission had already replaced defective rebuilt units. Following brief discussion, Commissioners concurred with Mr. Piper’s recommendations.

Mr. Piper reported that he had requested landscaping bids from three contractors, but was still waiting for bids. Following discussion, Commissioners authorized Mr. Piper to negotiate a landscape contract not to exceed $5,500. The motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Piper reported tenant requests for the installation of a public pay telephone, and distributed a catalog listing an inexpensive telephone. Following discussion, Commissioners requested that Mr. Piper research telephone wiring and switching options. Mr. Piper stated that this information would be presented upon receipt.

Bills in the amount of $26,159.26 were presented for payment. Commissioner Fowler, supported by Commissioner Field, moved to accept the Accounts Payable Report and pay the bills as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Ella Asaro (311) inquired into progress on the Commission’s revised Deceased Tenant Policy. President Walker and Executive Director Alton Cousino stated that this item was still under revision, and that a final draft would be made available to all residents during a public comment period, prior to adoption.

Executive Director Alton Cousino reported that all PHAs were required to be inspected annually under HUD’s new Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS). Mr. Cousino reported that the contractor performing inspections had scheduled the inspection for Hilltop Apartments on July 25, 1999.

Director Cousino provided Commissioners with an updated draft Deceased Tenant Policy, which incorporated modifications and clarifications, as discussed during a previous meeting. Commissioners requested additional modifications and Mr. Cousino stated that the modifications would be incorporated into the draft policy and presented for review at a later meeting.

Landscaping Contract

Mr. Cousino reported that funds allocated under the FY 1997 CIAP grant had not been expended due to difficulties in obtaining a landscaping contract, as discussed during the Report of Maintenance. Mr. Cousino stated his opinion that an additional extension request for allocation of these funds would probably be necessary, since all funds were to be allocated by September 30, 1999 under the Commission’s initial allocation extension plan.

Environmental Review

Mr. Cousino reported receipt of the Environmental Review, required by HUD prior to expenditure or allocation of certain grant funds. Mr. Cousino stated that the Commission’s architectural firm had received notice to proceed.

No action occurred on this item.

Y2K Action Team members agreed to meet one week after the meeting. A tenant meeting to discuss the possible ramifications of Y2K was discussed.

Commissioner Fowler requested that Director Cousino communicate with City Manager Tim Vagle regarding a board member volunteer. Mr. Cousino stated that he would communicate with Mr. Vagle in the near future.

FY 1999 Operating Budget Revision #01

Commissioner Fowler, supported by Vice president Pauken, moved to adopt Resolution #HHC 08, FY 1999 Operating Budget Revision #01. The motion carried unanimously.

Commissioners agreed to discuss this item during the next regular monthly meeting. Following discussion, Vice president Pauken, supported by Commissioner Field, moved to increase Executive Director Alton Cousino’s annual gross salary 3%, effective July 01, 1999. The motion carried unanimously.

Vice president Pauken moved to adjourn. The motion was supported by Commissioner Field, and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 01:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alton D. Cousino III, PHM
Executive Director, Hillsdale Housing Commission