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

Minutes – Rescheduled Regular Meeting April 04, 2000

The rescheduled regular monthly meeting of the Hillsdale Housing Commission was held in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments on Tuesday, April 04, 2000 and was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by President Vear.

Vice president Field, supported by Commissioner Skiver, moved to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held March 09, 2000, as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

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

Mr. Piper reported that all apartment intercom stations were undergoing replacement by a manufacturer’s representative, as discussed during previous meetings. Mr. Piper stated his opinion that the replacement units appeared to be functioning normally.

Mr. Piper reported installation of a key safe for Police and Ambulance personnel in the vestibule of Hilltop Apartments. Mr. Piper reported that keys had been distributed to rescue personnel.

Bills in the amount of $80,185.21 were presented for payment. Commissioner Skiver, supported by Vice president Field, moved to accept the Accounts Payable Report and pay the bills as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Visitors presented no business.

Executive Director Alton Cousino reported receipt of a letter from the Commission’s attorney regarding the draft Deceased Tenant Policy, and distributed photocopies to all Commissioners. Mr. Cousino reported that the attorney was currently reviewing the draft policy, and that a meeting to discuss the draft policy would be scheduled in the near future.

Mr. Cousino reported the completion of his seventh year of employment with the Commission, and inquired as to whether Commissioners were interested in completing an evaluation form for his personnel file. Following brief discussion, Commissioners agreed to complete an evaluation form to be provided by President Vear by June 30, 2000. Commissioners also requested that Mr. Cousino complete an annual self-evaluation form, as was completed during the previous year’s evaluation.

Mr. Cousino reported that an advertisement for a part-time secretary had been placed in the Hillsdale Daily News, and that some interviews had taken place. Mr. Cousino reported that a final decision had not been made on the selection of an applicant. However, Mr. Cousino reported that the hourly wage listed on the previously distributed feasibility study may have been too low, due to the Commission’s federal requirement to observe local prevailing wage rates.

Director Cousino reported that a public hearing had been scheduled to receive comments and adopt the QHWRA Policies and the Commission’s 5- and 1-Year Plans. Mr. Cousino reported that the hearing had been scheduled for Thursday, April 13 2000, at 10:00 a.m., and that Hilltop Apartments residents and members of the public had been invited to attend.

Common Area Renovation Completed

Maintenance Supervisor Paul Piper reported that renovation of common areas, budgeted under the Commission’s FY 1998 CIAP grant, had been completed. Mr. Piper reported that the renovation included wallpaper in halls, painting of all halls and common areas, and new furniture. Mr. Piper invited Commissioners to tour the Hilltop Apartments building following the meeting.

Punch List

Mr. Piper reported that nearly all items specified for correction on the Commission’s FY 1998 CIAP grant punch list had been completed. Mr. Piper stated that he anticipated completion of the remainder of outstanding items in the near future.

Fencing

Mr. Piper reported that fencing on the grounds of Hilltop Apartments was currently being installed.

Landscaping

Mr. Piper reported that the landscape contractor was scheduled to begin completion of the landscape project approved for Hilltop Apartments in the near future.

Hallway Light Fixtures

Mr. Piper reported the replacement of all hallway light fixtures at Hilltop Apartments, approved under the Commission’s FY 1999 CIAP grant.

Community Room Carpeting

Mr. Piper reported receipt of bids for carpeting the Hilltop Apartments Community Room, and recommended approval of the bid from May’s Furniture, for $1,450.00. Vice president Field, supported by Commissioner Skiver, moved to approve the bid from May’s Furniture. The motion carried unanimously.

Electrical Specifications

Mr. Piper reported that specifications were currently being written for the following work items at Hilltop Apartments: replacement of light fixtures in the Community Room and Smoking Room, rewiring of the Hilltop Apartments management office, and installation of a security system at the Hilltop Apartments patio door. Mr. Piper stated that requests for proposals would be sought following completion of the specifications.

There was no unfinished business.

Commissioner Skiver, supported by Vice president Field, moved to adopt Resolution #HHC 2000-06, writing off items disposed of during the Commission’s recent Silent Auction. The motion carried unanimously.

Maintenance Supervisor Paul Piper inquired into Commission interest in the purchase of a vehicle for maintenance use at Hilltop Apartments. Following brief discussion, Commissioners advised Mr. Piper to research this issue and provide details at a later meeting date.

Vice president Field, supported by Commissioner Skiver, moved to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 12:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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