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 January 09, 2003

Call to Order

The regular monthly meeting of the Hillsdale Housing Commission was held in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments on Thursday, January 09, 2003, and was called to order at 12:04 p.m. by President Doty.

Roll Call

Additions to Agenda

No additions to the agenda were presented.

Minutes - Regular Meeting December 05, 2002

Commissioner Eames requested a correction to the minutes of the December 05, 2002 meeting as presented to indicate that the Commission decided that the Energy Demand Controller at Hilltop Apartments should not be repaired or replaced.  Commissioner Eames moved that the minutes be accepted as corrected. Commissioner Field supported the motion, which carried unanimously.

Residents and Visitors with Commission Business

HARA Christmas Potluck Dinner

Betty Blair (205), president of the Hilltop Apartments Resident Association (HARA), reported that the 2002 Christmas Potluck Dinner had been successful.  She thanked the Commission for attending the dinner and especially thanked President Doty for providing the entertainment.  

Betty Blair (205) presented an inquiry regarding improving the existing lighting in the Hilltop Apartments visitor’s parking lot.  Director Cousino explained that, since the lot was not Commission property, the Commission was required to work with other agencies if improvements were to be made.  Mr. Cousino stated that he would address this issue following receipt of CFP 2002 grant funds, since a portion of those funds had already been allocated to visitor parking lot maintenance.

Accounts Payable Report/Bills

Bills in the amount of $23,892.05 were presented for payment.  Commissioner Field, supported by Commissioner Eames, moved to accept the Accounts Payable report and pay the bills as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.

Maintenance Supervisor’s Report

Turnovers

Maintenance Supervisor Paul Piper reported two unit turnovers in the month of December, one of which was a 2-bedroom apartment.

Payphone Revenue

Mr. Piper reported that the payphone at Hilltop Apartments had generated $14.75 in revenue since the last regular meeting. 

Antenna System

Mr. Piper reported that a new antenna system recently approved by Commission action had been ordered and would be installed following delivery.

Executive Director’s Report

2002 HUD Resident Satisfaction Survey

Director Cousino reported receipt of the results of the 2002 HUD Resident Satisfaction Survey.  Mr. Cousino reported that the scores were much higher than the national average and were somewhat higher than last year’s scores.

HUD Operating Subsidy Funding Crisis

Director Cousino presented a report on HUD’s budget crisis.  Mr. Cousino reported that HUD had sent notice indicating that there was not enough capital for funding operating subsidy for PHAs. Mr. Cousino reported that the Federal government was operating on a continuing resolution through January 31, 2003, and that the resolution might possibly be extended for another year.  Mr. Cousino stated that as of the meeting date, the Commission has not been affected, but Director Cousino recommended that no additional CFP projects are approved with funds from the Commission’s remaining 2001 CFP funds until there is a resolution to this matter.

Grant Reports

CFP 2003

Director Cousino reported that funds for FY 2003 had not been released as of the meeting date, due to the continuing resolution which the Federal government was operating under.

Reports of Committees and Subcommittees

There were no reports from committees or subcommittees.

Unfinished Business

Resolution #HHC 2003-12 – Modification of Hilltop Apartments Resident Handbook

Mr. Cousino reported that a draft revision to the Resident Handbook had been posted on December 06, 2002, as approved by Commission action during a previous meeting.  Mr. Cousino reported that no public comments had been received therefore the draft revision to the Handbook could be adopted as presented.  A motion to adopt was made by Commissioner Field.  Commissioner Skiver supported the motion, which carried unanimously.

New Business

FY 2004 Annual Plan

Director Cousino provided each Commissioner with a draft copy of the Commission’s FY 2004 Annual Plan and reported that an approved plan is due to HUD by April 2003.  Director Cousino recommended public posting of the Plan on the Commission’s Web site, public library, MSHDA, City Hall, and attorney’s office be approved. Director Cousino then advised that following review by a “Resident Advisory Board”, a public hearing would be held for approval for submission to HUD at a regularly scheduled meeting in March or April.  Commissioners agreed to posting of the draft plan for public comment.

Employee Medical Coverage

Due to rising premium costs and reduced coverage in the medical insurance plan currently in effect for Commission employees, Director Cousino reported that he was in the process of reviewing Commission employee medical coverage and costs with other agencies.  Mr. Cousino reported the receipt of a quotation from a different carrier and stated that a comparison of the two plans would be made.  Commissioner Doty agreed to review the two plans with Director Cousino.

Adjournment

Commissioner Eames, supported by Commissioner Field, moved to adjourn.  The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 12:27p.m.  

Respectfully submitted,  

Michelle Loren, Secretary
Hillsdale Housing Commission