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 06, 2005

Call to Order

The regular monthly meeting of the Hillsdale Housing Commission was held in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments on Thursday, January 06, 2005, and was called to order at 12:20 p.m. by Commissioner Marlin Field.

Roll Call

Additions to Agenda

There were no additions to the agenda.

Minutes - Regular Meeting December 02, 2004

Commissioner Hudson, supported by Commissioner Eames, moved to accept the minutes of the December 02, 2004 Regular Meeting as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.

Residents and Visitors with Commission Business

There were no reports from residents or visitors with commission business.

Accounts Payable Report/Bills

Bills in the amount of $26,346.52 were presented for payment.  Commissioner Eames, supported by Commissioner Hudson, moved to accept the Accounts Payable Report and pay the bills as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.

Maintenance Supervisor’s Report

Commissioner Hudson moved to accept the Maintenance Supervisor’s Report as presented.  Commissioner Eames supported the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Executive Director’s Report

FY 2004 Audit Presentation

Director Cousino reported that, as requested at the last regular meeting, he spoke with a representative of the 2004 auditing firm inquiring about the possibility of an audit presentation.  Mr. Cousino stated that he was informed that this was not something the audit firm normally offers, however, they will be in the area in April and could possibly set up a presentation for that time.  Mr. Cousino stated that there would be a charge for the service in addition to the proposed cost of the audit.  Mr. Cousino asked if this service was still of interest to the Board.  The Board stated yes, they were still interested and requested Mr. Cousino obtain a quote for the cost.  The Board also requested that future audit proposals include a quote for presentation.  Mr. Cousino stated that he will pursue the matter further and report his findings at the next regular meeting.

Annual Evaluation

Director asked that Commissioners return the completed Executive Director’s Evaluation forms distributed at the last regular meeting.  Mr. Cousino stated he will total scores and present an aggregate report at the next regular meeting.

CFR Regulation – Over-Income Families

Director Cousino reported new legislation allowing HAs to evict over-income tenants.  Mr. Cousino stated that at the present time, over-income families are allowed to remain in residence, but are required to pay market rate rent. Mr. Cousino recommended no change in the current policies pertaining to this matter.  Discussion ensued and it was decided that Commissioner Hudson, Mr. Cousino and Michelle Loren would meet for further discussion and would report back to the Board at the next regular meeting.

HUD FFY 2006 Budget

Director Cousino reported that a press release made by NAHRO indicating goals are being set by the current administration for FY 2006  These goals are based on an extremely tight budget including major cuts to discretionary domestic programs including public housing.  Mr. Cousino sated that although public housing has been hurt by cuts previously, it appears that further subsidy reductions are inevitable.  After much discussion regarding this matter, Commissioner Eames recommended a stringent budget review by Director Cousino.  Mr. Cousino agreed and stated he will begin working on a review in the very near future.

Free Press Article

Director Cousino distributed a copy of an article from the Detroit Free Press regarding a PHA in Oakland Township.  The article stated the Michigan State HUD office and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently completed an audit of the housing authority.  The housing authority was cited for numerous infractions.  Mr. Cousino pointed out that the Commissioners were held ultimately responsible for the wrong doings.  Mr. Cousino felt that after the recent management reviews of Hillsdale Housing Commission, Commissioners should be aware of what is happening at other housing authorities and the extent of their troubles in comparison to what took place at HHC.  No action need be taken on this item.

Grant Reports

FP 2004

Director Cousino reported receipt of the remainder of the CFP 2004 funds.

CFP 2005

Director Cousino reported that 2005 funds are being negotiated by the Appropriations Committee.  Mr. Cousino will keep the Board updated.

Reports of Committees and Subcommittees

There were no reports of committees or subcommittees.

Unfinished Business

Proposed ACOP Changes – Applicant-completed Application

Director Cousino reported that, as discussed at the last meeting, the applicant completed application system has been implemented.  Mr. Cousino stated that some revision took place based on information gathered after his attendance at the recent UPHO conference. 

Mr. Cousino stated that a performance review will be made after the use of the application in one year.  A report of that review will be presented to the Board at that time.  No action need be taken on this item at this time.

Employee Health Insurance Waiver

Director Cousino reported that although it was requested he meet with President Karri Doty to gather information regarding this matter for presentation to the Board, scheduling conflicts have prevented such a meeting, Mr. Cousino stated he and Ms. Doty will again attempt to meet prior to the next regular meeting.  No action need be taken on this item at this time.

Housing Commissioner Orientation Program

Director Cousino reported that, at the request of the Board at the last regular meeting, he has assembled a commissioner training orientation program.  Mr. Cousino recommended the Board agree on a time and date to hold the orientation.  The Board agreed to meet in the Hilltop Apartments Community Room on January 26, 2005 at 12:30 p.m. for orientation.

New Business

Bank Account Signature Cards

Director Cousino recommended the Board sign the bank account signature card to add Commissioner Hudson, replacing former Commissioner Skiver.  Commissioners present at the meeting signed the signature card.  Those absent can be added at a later date.

NAHRO Maintenance Conference

Director Cousino reported NAHRO is holding a “maintenance track” at the upcoming winter conference in Grand Rapids.  Maintenance Supervisor Paul Piper reviewed the agenda and did not feel it would be beneficial for him to attend.  Mr. Cousino stated that, for the same reason, he would not be attending as well.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,

Michelle Loren, Administrative Assistant
Hillsdale Housing Commission