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 March 06, 2008

Call to Order

The regular monthly meeting of the Hillsdale Housing Commission was held in the Community Room of Hilltop Apartments on Thursday, March 06, 2008, and was called to order at 12:10 p.m. by President Doty.

Roll Call

Additions to Agenda

2008-06 Amend Dwelling Lease VAWA

Commissioner LoPresto, supported by Commissioner Simons, moved to amend the Agenda as published to include the amendment of the commissions existing VAWA policy. The motion was carried unanimously.

Minutes – Rescheduled Regular Meeting February 14, 2008

Commissioner Simons, supported by Commissioner LoPresto, moved to amend the minutes of the rescheduled regular meeting of held February 14, 2008 to include the discussion of Director Cousino's’ vacation surplus.

Residents and Visitors with Commission Business

Tenants Computer

Hilltop resident, Altha Webster (214), questioned why they were not allowed to use the computer. Ms. Webster stated there was a sign on the computer saying no one was to use it. Mr. Cousino stated that the computer was infected with viruses and spy ware. Director Cousino stated that the computer belongs to the tenants of Hilltop, management does not monitor the computer.

Accounts Payable Report/Bills

Bills in the amount of $38,248.70 were presented for payment. Commissioner Simons, supported by Commissioner LoPresto, moved to accept the Accounts Payable Report and pay the bills as presented. The motion was carried unanimously.

Maintenance Supervisor’s Report

Maintenance Supervisor Mark Rich presented a written report. Following discussion, Commissioner LoPresto moved to accept the Maintenance Supervisor’s Report as presented.  The motion was supported by Commissioner Simons and carried unanimously.

Executive Director’s Report 

 Commissioner Orientation

Director Cousino stated the Commissioners training is scheduled for April 8^th & 9^th.

FY 2008 Annual Plan

Director Cousino stated that the Commission’s FY 2008 Annual Plan has been posted to the Commission’s Web site, City Hall, and the Library for public review. Mr. Cousino stated that the public hearing was scheduled for the Commission’s April, 2008 regular meeting.

Grant Reports

No action occurred on this item.

Unfinished Business

Hilltop Apartments Capital Needs List

Director Cousino presented Capital Needs List. Maintenance Supervisor Mark Rich stated that the NFPA had changed codes for fire extinguishers. Therefore, the existing fire extinguishers need to be replaced. Mr. Rich agreed to provide information regarding the new extinguishers. Commissioner Simmons, supported by Commissioner LoPresto, moved to approve the purchase of new fire extinguishers. Commissioners suggested having personal from the Hillsdale City fire department demonstrate the proper use of a fire extinguisher. Following discussion, Mr. Cousino recommended no action occur on the remaining items until the outstanding annual inspection.

New Business

Application/Grievance Hearing Officer

Director Cousino reported that a director from a near by PHA had recently served as a hearing official at an application denial appeal hearing. Following discussion, Commissioners requested that a board member be invited as one of the Hearing Officers during appeal meetings.      

Resolution #2008-05 Accept FYE 06/30/2007 Audit Report

Commissioner LoPresto, supported by Commissioner Simons, moved to adopt Resolution 2008-05 – Accept FYE 06/30/2007 Audit Report as presented.  The motion carried unanimously

Adjournment

Commissioner Simons moved to adjourn. Commissioner LoPresto supported the motion, which carried unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.