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 July 08, 1999

The regular monthly meeting of the Hillsdale Housing Commission was held in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments on Thursday, July 08, 1999, and was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by President Walker.

Commissioner Field, supported by Commissioner Fowler, moved to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 03, 1999, as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Executive Director Alton Cousino presented the Report of Maintenance as Maintenance Supervisor Paul Piper was on vacation. Mr. Cousino presented a report on unit turnover times at Hilltop Apartments.

Mr. Cousino reported that a landscape contract had been awarded to Total Lawn and Landscape, as approved by Commission action during a previous meeting. Mr. Cousino reported that the total amount of the contract was $4,900.

Mr. Cousino reported that Mr. Piper had been unsuccessful in locating necessary switching equipment for the installation of a pay telephone in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments.

Bills in the amount of $21,492.39 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.

Hilltop Apartments resident Joyce Johnson (402) expressed satisfaction with the management and living environment at Hilltop Apartments.

Executive Director Alton Cousino reported that Alarms Monitor Bernadine Laser would complete her first year of service on August 01, 1999. Mr. Cousino stated that a maximum three percent raise had been budgeted, and recommended increasing Ms. Laser’s salary by this amount, effective August 01, 1999. Commissioner Fowler, supported by Commissioner Doty, moved to approve a three percent increase, from $150.00 per month to $154.50 per month, effective August 01, 1999. The motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Fowler, supported by Vice president Pauken, moved to adopt Resolution #HHC 1999-09, disposing of an obsolete PC and used software. The motion carried unanimously. Commissioners requested that Mr. Cousino place a newspaper ad in an attempt to sell these items. Mr. Cousino stated that the ad would be placed in the near future.

Commissioner Fowler, supported by Commissioner Field, moved to adopt Resolution #HHC 1999-10, writing off bad debt for vacated tenants. The motion carried unanimously.

Director Cousino reported receipt of literature describing the publication of The Commissioner’s Guide to the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, and inquired as to Commissioner’s interest in this publication. Commissioners requested that Mr. Cousino purchase a copy of this manual for each board member.

Discussion of further modifications to the draft policy occurred. President Walker recommended several modifications to the draft policy. Mr. Cousino stated that the modifications would be incorporated into the draft policy and presented for review at a later date.

Remaining Balance Allocation

Director Cousino reported that no action had occurred on the Commission’s FY 1997 CIAP grant. Mr. Cousino stated that unexpended funds had been allocated as a portion of the CIAP 98 grant, and that it was necessary to finalize contracts under the FY 98 grant prior to full allocation.

Architect Meeting

Director Cousino reported that a meeting had been scheduled the following week with the Commission’s architectural/engineering firm, to finalize bid specifications prior to publication.

No action occurred on this item.

President Walker presented a report on progress made by the Y2K Action Team. Mr. Walker stated that an informational meeting had been held with the tenants of Hilltop Apartments, and that an additional meeting would be scheduled prior to the end of the calendar year. Mr. Walker invited Commissioner Doty to attend the next Y2K Action Team meeting.

Vice president Pauken reported reviewing a self-evaluation completed by Executive Director Alton Cousino. Following discussion, Commissioners requested that Mr. Cousino distribute the evaluation to all Commissioners.

Executive Director Alton Cousino provided each Commissioner with a copy of the FY 1999 Utility Energy Study at Hilltop Apartments. Following brief discussion, Vice president Pauken, supported by Commissioner Doty, moved to accept the FY 1999 Utility Energy Study as presented. Commissioners requested further information regarding the increase in water cost and consumption during the reporting period. Mr. Cousino stated that further research would occur on this item. Commissioners also requested that Mr. Cousino attempt to determine whether changing to a residential utility rate was possible. Mr. Cousino stated that he would research these issues and present findings upon completion.

Vice President Pauken moved to adjourn. The motion was supported by Commissioner Field and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 12:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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