Hillsdale Housing Commission
45 N. West Street Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone: (517) 439-1210 Fax: (517) 439-9577 E-mail: mail@hillsdalehousing.org
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| Call to OrderThe regular monthly meeting of the Hillsdale Housing Commission was held in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments on Thursday, February 02, 2006, and was called to order at 12:07 p.m. by President Doty. Roll Call
Additions to AgendaNo additions to the agenda were presented. Minutes - Regular Meeting January 13, 2006Commissioner Field, supported by Commissioner Eames, moved to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held January 13, 2006 as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Residents and Visitors with Commission BusinessHARA Distribution of FundsHilltop Apartments resident Ella Asaro (311) reported that, upon the voluntary dissolution of the Hilltop Apartments Residents Association, the group had donated remaining funds to the St. Pauls Free Clinic. Hillsdale Daily News Hilltop Apartments Resident ArticleDirector Cousino reported that Janet Johnson, a resident of Hilltop Apartments, had recently been interviewed extensively for a Hometown Hero article in the Hillsdale Daily News and provided each Commissioner with a copy of the article. Accounts Payable Report/BillsBills in the amount of $18,769.25 were presented for payment. Commissioner Eames, supported by Commissioner Field, moved to accept the Accounts Payable Report and pay the bills as submitted. The motion carried unanimously. President Doty recommended that staff contact another contractor for waste disposal. Maintenance Supervisors ReportMaintenance Supervisor Paul Piper presented a written report. Commissioner Field, supported by Commissioner Eames, moved to accept the Maintenance Supervisors Report as submitted. The motion carried unanimously. Executive Directors Report
HHC Fiduciary IssuesPart-time Office EmployeeDirector Cousino presented a request to hire an employee on a part-time, temporary basis. Following discussion, Commissioners suggested that Mr. Cousino attempt to determine if the employee could also do housekeeping. Mr. Cousino stated that this information would be presented upon receipt. 2005 PHAS Physical Inspection ScoreDirector Cousino reported that a contractor working for HUDs REAC office had recently inspected Hilltop Apartments in accordance with the Housing Reform Act of 1998. Mr. Cousino reported that the final score had been posted and that the Commission had received a 97%. Mr. Cousino and board members congratulated Mr. Cousino and Mr. Piper on the outstanding score. CAA/Continuum of Care CSH VouchersMr. Cousino reported that the Hillsdale County Community Action Agency, through the Hillsdale County Housing Continuum of Care, had been awarded five supportive housing vouchers, through the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CHS). Mr. Cousino reported that anticipated supportive funds were not included with the funding, as had been previously reported. Applicant-Completed Application System 1-Year ReviewMr. Cousino reported the successful completion of a one-year period under which able applicants completed housing applications instead of meeting with office staff. Mr. Cousino reported a 30% increase in applications from the previous 1-year period, and recommended that the Commission continue to observe this system. President Doty cautioned that an increase in the number applications may result from several factors. Board Member-Resident InteractionDirector Cousino presented a discussion regarding a PHA where an individual board member was facing potential civil action because the board member reportedly attempted to bypass policy outside the board meeting. Mr. Cousino reported that the PHAs insurance company was currently stating that the board member was not eligible for coverage as they were not acting as a board member, outside the meeting session. Mr. Cousino cautioned Commissioners to refer tenant complaints to the management office, but added that the Hillsdale Housing Commission had not historically encountered these types of difficulties. 2005 PHAS ScoreDirector Cousino presented a report on the Commissions FY 2005 Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) score and provided board members with a copy. Mr. Cousino reported that the Commission had received an overall score of 74%, with the largest losses in financial areas and unit turnover. Commissioners recommended that Mr. Cousino attempt to determine if other similarly-sized PHAs saw similar decreases in scores. Mr. Cousino stated that this information would be presented upon receipt. HHC InvestmentsMr. Cousino recommended that the Commission invest in two certificates of deposits, one for $10,000, and one for $5,000. Commissioners concurred with Mr. Cousinos recommendations and recommended several banks for investment. Following discussion, Commissioner Eames, supported by Commissioner Field, moved to purchase these investments. The motion carried unanimously. Grant ReportsNo grant reports were presented. Unfinished Business2006 Annual PlanMr. Cousino reported the completion of the final compilation of the Commissions FY 2006 Annual Plan and stated that a tenant meeting had been scheduled to discuss the Plan. Mr. Cousino also stated that the Plan would be presented for approval at the Commissions regularly scheduled April, 2006 meeting. Fair Housing ReviewDirector Cousino reported that no action had occurred on a final negotiated agreement following a fair housing review in April, 2004. Mr. Cousino stated that he had been in contact with FHEO officials on several occasions regarding this item and was waiting on their reply. Commissioner OrientationMr. Cousino reported the successful completion of a Commissioner Orientation presentation and requested a date to present this item. Following discussion, Commissioners agreed to attend an orientation program on February 20, 2006. New BusinessUtility Bill Payment PlansMr. Cousino reported that the Commissions contracted fee accountant had strongly urged reversal of the boards previous action to enroll in budget payment plans for utilities as it conflicted with proscribed HUD reporting schedules. Following discussion, Commissioner Eames, supported by Commissioner Field, moved to rescind the earlier action to enroll in the budget payment plans. The motion carried unanimously. AdjournmentCommissioner Eames, supported by Commissioner Field, moved to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 12:47 p.m.
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