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 January 13, 2006

Call to Order

A rescheduled regular monthly meeting of the Hillsdale Housing Commission was held in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments on Thursday, January 13, 2006, and was called to order at 12:17 p.m. by Vice president Patrice Hudson.

Roll Call

Additions to Agenda

There were no additions to the agenda as presented.

Minutes - Regular Meeting December 01, 2005

Commissioner Field, supported by Commissioner Eames, moved to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held December 01, 2005, as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.

Residents and Visitors with Commission Business

No business was presented by residents or visitors.

Accounts Payable Report/Bills

Bills in the amount of $19,945.32 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

Written Report

Maintenance Supervisor Paul Piper presented a written report.  Following discussion, Vice president Hudson, supported by Commissioner Eames, moved to accept the Maintenance Supervisor’s report as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.

Greenhouse Sale

Mr. Piper stated that the Commission had a surplus greenhouse in stock and presented an inquiry into selling this item.  Following brief discussion, Commissioners recommended that staff retain the greenhouse in the event that Hilltop Apartments tenants may want to use it for flowers and vegetables. 

REAC Annual Property Inspection

Mr. Piper reported that a contractor working for HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) had recently conducted a semi-annual inspection of Hilltop Apartments.  Mr. Piper stated that the inspector appeared quite impressed with the property and that inspection scores would be made available upon receipt.

Executive Director’s Report

HHC Fiduciary Issues

No action occurred on this item.  Executive Director Alton Cousino presented board members copies of several conflicting reports from several different agencies, describing HUD’s attempt to redistribute operating subsidy allocations nationwide.  Mr. Cousino stated that the Commission’s FY 2006 budget was still transitory and presented his opinion that no resolution was forthcoming in the immediate future.

Grant Reports

No action occurred on this item.

Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

New Business

HHC 501C3 Application

Mr. Cousino reported completion of research regarding the Commission’s potential filing of a 501C3 application to apply for MSHDA grant funds.  Mr. Cousino recommended that the Commission consider retaining an attorney or a CPA with filing experience for this application.  Following brief discussion, board members recommended that Mr. Cousino attempt to obtain copies of applications from other PHAs, prior to contacting such a consultant.  Mr. Cousino stated his intention to request such copies at an upcoming statewide PHA meeting and would present findings upon receipt.

Hilltop Apartments Keyless Entry System

Mr. Cousino reported difficulty with the keyless entry system at Hilltop Apartments.  Mr. Cousino stated that the installation contractor had been contracted to repair the system but had been unable to affect repairs.  Commissioners recommended that Mr. Cousino attempt to negotiate payment of a portion of the contractor’s invoice, since they had been unable to complete repairs. 

Mr. Piper reported that he had received three quotations for the replacement of this system and presented bids and prices for board inspection.  Following discussion,  Commissioner Eames, supported by Vice president Hudson, moved to accept the proposal from Comtronics, pending favorable references.  The motion carried unanimously.

2006 Annual Plan

No action occurred on this item.  Director Cousino stated his intention to provide the Commission with a copy of the draft 2006 Annual Plan at the next regular meeting, and to meet with Hilltop Apartments residents shortly thereafter.  Mr. Cousino reported that legislation had recently been introduced to abolish this requirement for small PHAs, but stated his opinion that such legislation would not be approved prior to implementation of this system.

Adjournment

Vice president Hudson moved to adjourn.  The motion was supported by Commissioner Field, and carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 12:51 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted, 

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