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 08/03/2006

Call to Order

The regular monthly meeting of the Hillsdale Housing Commission was held in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments on Thursday, August 03, 2006, and was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by President Doty.

Roll Call

Additions to Agenda

No additions to the Agenda were presented.

Minutes

Regular/Annual Meeting, July 06, 2006

Commissioner Field, supported by Commissioner Batt, moved to accept the minutes of the regular/annual meeting held July 06, 2006 as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.

Residents and Visitors with Commission Business

No Commission business was presented by residents or visitors.

Accounts Payable Report/Bills

Bills in the amount of $17,222.74 were presented for payment.  Director Cousino reported that the Accounts Payable Report contained the first monthly payment to Blue Cross for staff medical benefits, and stated that the City had agreed to permit the insurance company to bill the Commission separately.  Commissioner Eames, supported by Commissioner Field, 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 Mark Rich presented a written report.

Corner Protectors

Mr. Rich reported the recent receipt of a work order to install corner protectors in a unit at Hilltop Apartments.  Following discussion, Commissioner Eames moved to approve this installation as requested, and recommended that additional protectors be installed at resident request and at unit turnover.  The motion was supported by Commissioner Batt and carried unanimously.

Unit Cycle Painting

Supervisor Rich reported receipt of several bids to perform 2006/2007 cycle painting at Hilltop Apartments, and recommended approval of the lowest bid, from Blackjack Painting.  Following discussion, Commissioner Batt, supported by Commissioner Eames, moved to approve the bid from Blackjack painting for cycle painting of the specified apartments.  The motion carried unanimously.

Executive Director’s Report

Operations

Fall MHDA Conference

Director Cousino reported that the fall Michigan Housing Directors Association (MHDA) had been scheduled for early October, and invited Commissioners to attend.

Emergency Preparedness Meetings

Mr. Cousino reported that he and Mr. Rich had recently attended a meeting with Deputy Fire Chief Pauken and City Police officials regarding emergency preparedness policies at Hilltop Apartments.  Mr. Cousino stated his intention work with these groups to rework the Commission’s existing Natural Disaster Response Guidelines policy to incorporate ideas presented by a colleague.  Brief discussion ensued.

Continuum of Care 10-Year Plan

Director Cousino reported that the Hillsdale County Housing Continuum of Care was currently compiling its 10-year plan, and was working with City Council member Susan Mitchell through the Hillsdale County Community Foundation for completion.  Mr. Cousino stated that the Plan would be made available following submission to MSHDA.

Subsidy Report Training/Subsidy Request System

Mr. Cousino reported that HUD was currently in the process of implementing new subsidy reporting and request systems.  Mr. Cousino reported attendance at one HUD-sponsored training and stated his intention to attend additional training in the near future.

Grant Reports

CFP 2007

Mr. Cousino reported that CFP 2007 funds had been allocated to Commission accounts in computerized systems at HUD and stated that a portion should be available by the end of September, 2006.

Unfinished Business

Pet Policy Modification – Remove Cat Licensure Requirement

Director Cousino stated that notice of the Commission’s intent to modify its existing Pet Policy to remove a clause requiring cat licensure had been posted for 30 days’ public comment.  Mr. Cousino stated that this item would be brought to a future meeting for discussion and potential adoption.

Resolution #HHC 2007-02 – Executing Memorandum of Agreement for FY 2005 PHAS Financial Score

Mr. Cousino distributed photocopies of HUD’s required Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Commission’s FY 2005 PHAS Financial Indicator, as approved during the Commission’s previous special meeting.  Following brief discussion, Commissioner Field, supported by Commissioner Batt, moved to adopt Resolution #HHC 2007-02.

New Business

Emergency On-Call Responses

President Doty requested information regarding the frequency and type of on-call responses observed at Hilltop Apartments, and discussion ensued regarding potentially contracting with a Hilltop Apartments resident to perform these services.  Ms. Doty also requested information regarding potential Commission cost.  Mr. Cousino stated that he would discuss this item with residents in the near future and present findings at a future date.

Adjournment