Okay, good morning everybody. We're going to open open the uh the meeting at 10:00 a.m. on January 21st. And before we go any further, I want to remind everybody that the meeting is being recorded. U let's start with the uh pledge of allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, roll call.
>> Uh, roll call. Tim Kaitton >> here. >> Elizabeth Collins >> here. >> Paul Brodor >> here. >> Paul Stein here. >> Approval of the minutes of November 19th. >> Motion to approve. >> Second.
>> Second. >> Approve. All in favor? >> I >> I Any questions? Hearing none. So move. Uh uh approval of the warrant number 17 in
the amount of $14,465. >> Motion to approve. Second. >> Second. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. Any discussion? Hearing none. So move. Management agent report. Just I'm going to just pass that around for
everybody to sign for me. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh in your uh in your board packet uh are the uh financials for um month ending November. This uh this does reflect the um the
fiscal year 2026 budget. Uh the the uh December numbers have not been finalized yet. So that's why I don't have them in the in the board packet. But as you can see, the um the operating reserve is is at a healthy we're almost at 60% with
that. Um our our rent collections are running strong for the year. Uh and our maintenance uh are our maintenance expenses are pretty much right on budget. Um the um when we do the January
numbers, however, the the maintenance will be a little higher because we've had uh we've had two snowstorms that unfortunately have both fallen on holidays. We had one on the New Year's Day and we had one on Martin Luther King. So, uh there's some over there's
going to be some overtime associated with Dave coming out. So that that maintenance labor figure which is which right now is running 5% below budget that will probably wind up a little over budget >> as of the end of January.
>> Nothing you can do in the air >> and there's nothing you can do about it. Correct. Correct. So uh everything else is is um is pretty much right on the money. Uh you know Westport um has always had a very healthy uh you know
reserve balance. If you go to page 14 in your packet um for you know layman's um explanation the um about a quarter of the way down the page you you'll see current operating reserve
um and it says $100,595. That's essentially what the housing authority has has in the bank right now 100,595. So, uh, for an agency the size of Westport, that that's a good number to have. So, we're good with that. Um, just
a little bit in the way of a of a project update. Um, on page 15, um, there was a completed project that was done um, uh, recently that we are entitled to an administrative fee of,
uh, $1,840. Um, I don't know why they asked the boards to approve the receipt of money, but they do. So, I'm just going to ask for a motion and a second to approve the acceptance of the administrative fee of
$1,840. That money goes right into the uh into the operating reserve. >> Okay. Is there a move? >> Second. >> Second. Hearing uh any questions? None. So cool.
Thank you. Um and our um exterior um um exterior painting project, we've already had the kickoff meeting on that. >> Obviously, we can't start the project until the weather gets a little warmer. >> We're not anticipating uh much before
the end of March at the earliest, depending on how the winter goes. >> U just a comment on the winter overall. Uh the winter overall has been colder than we've we've um had the past few years. Um December particularly was a
very cold month. Um and we don't know it. It's it's appearing as if we're going to be in in for a little bit of snow coming up. Couple of storms that are on the horizon for, you know, later on in the weekend. So that's I know I'm sorry. So that's going to cause um
that'll that'll cause additional payroll and uh you know additional headaches if you will and >> it's going to get an exceptional cold for the next week. >> Correct. Correct. So it has has definitely been a colder winter. There's no doubt about it. Um for your um and
again just more or less of an FYI on pages uh 16 through 18 is just the uh you know the work order list for the prior month. uh seeing all the all the things that that Dave has worked on. These these are items that are that are
called into the office. So these are the items that that Dave works on. Um on page 19 is the vacancy. Um only we have one vacant right now. Dave's working on it. Um should be making progress on that.
Should hopefully have that filled by the next meeting. Um, did you go through your application process and all that for it? >> That we're in the process of doing that now. >> Okay. >> Yep. Um, and the only other thing that I wanted to bring to your attention, uh, the
chair already signed this because I had to get it in. Uh, but on page the last two pages of your packet, pages 20 and 21, uh, is the, uh, state aided property insurance participation agreement. The good news on the property insurance
program is uh that they're not raising our rates this year, which is very very good considering a year ago they raised them 9%. And two years ago they raised it over 30%. Um they've they've reported that housing agencies throughout the
state have done a very good job controlling claims and things like that. So we're you know we're in you know we're in good shape. Uh, and Tim already signed that so I could get that in. This is just so you could read it over and
uh, you know, uh, sort of understand the process. Unfortunately, I'm very familiar with the process, not here in Westwart, but in other agencies where I've had to file claims. So, I'm well aware of how to do that. Um, is our rate
based on our our our claim experience or on some general some analysis of housing authority? It's it's it's it's the general cuz because we're part of a pool. >> Uhhuh. >> Uh it's the it's the entire state portfolio. So it's all 243 housing
authorities. It's you know it's it's essentially based upon the claims experience of the entire portfolio. >> No. So we as a as a small authority will have pretty little control over what the rates are going to >> correct. Although I've had
>> the experience is going to be >> the you know claims that I have had recently have been at small housing authorities. I had a fire in Secon and I had a couple of floods up in Sharon. So I'm um you know it, you know, but it's
all you know it's all dependent upon the performance of the entire portfolio. >> And what's the uh what's the what's the term of the of the policy? >> One year. One year. So they they'll you know they'll get together and they'll see how you know how the portfolio did
in FY26 and then they'll they'll have an updated report a year from now. >> So the next the next adjustment will be based on experience through July of this year. >> Correct. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Anything under old business? the uh I I just wanted to to revisit something that came up at our last meeting from Paul uh you know mentioning the uh you know perhaps getting a new sign out front that is in the works and I know the sign
we have out front is kind of kind of showing its age. It's not even really a sign. It's just a just a piece of wood hanging on the uh the side of the transformer. So we want we are getting prices on a a sign that makes some sense. a sign that will highlight
Greenwood Terrace. Maybe maybe we'll make it green. I don't know. We We have, you know, we have a couple of sign companies coming out to look at the area and we, you know, we're getting prices now. So, I'm confident by the spring we'll have a we'll have a sign out there that makes
>> We have a local sign company involved in that. >> We do. Okay. >> We do. Uh uh Chris Anne is handling that for us. Uh so I'll I'll have I can report again at our next meeting. >> Okay. >> On that and that's really uh that's my report.
>> Okay. Uh under new business I guess the next meeting is February 18th. Correct. >> Correct. >> Um okay. That being said, anything else under new business? Hearing none. How about uh commissioner's comments?
>> Anything? And you mentioned that it's a a a colder winter this year. I still see people with their windows open. As a landlord, that used to irritate me. They boost the heat up and they got to open the windows. >> That's that's a very good point and I'm
glad you mentioned that to me. Um I will um I will communicate that to the residents, the importance of keeping them closed. >> Okay. Um any um tenants comments?
>> Yes. >> We got the sheets first. >> Oh, good. >> My question is to Paul. Where have the cleaning ladies been? The one through the hall. >> Oh, yeah. >> They they will they will be returning.
Um they they had um uh uh there was some illness on their staff. So uh they they informed me that they will be getting back here in in short order and I will communicate that to the residents when that happens. I I understand that they
haven't been here in a while and uh with with the snow and the salt and so forth, it's um you know I I understand that the halls are probably looking kind of kind of shabby right now. We understand that. Um uh although I have heard that that
this weekend there's going to be possibly you know um a larger storm coming through. So I'd rather I I'd rather hold off until you know maybe you know early to midFebruary to
you know hopefully get over this and then cuz all that stuff if they clean the halls all that stuff's going to be tracked right back in the salt the sand the snow the everything else. So, but I understand what you're saying. >> Anything else?
No. Same. Do you have the same issue? >> No, it's the same issue every time. The parking and the snow plowing. >> Okay. Well, I was talking to Dave. Um I I was in touch with Dave and Dave Dave
said that everything went went fine as far as he's concerned. >> Did you see their front row where I marked? I'm the only spot that shoveled out there. Me. I was out shoveling and I was also shoveling for >> Richard's car, the one that parks next
to me. Everybody else got in their car, moved it in the back row after the storm. >> Never shoveled. Yeah. >> It's like, you know what is this? So now I'm going to park in the back. And I want your permission to do that because
everybody else has a hard time with listening to this. Everybody's parking in the back without your permission and they're doing what they want. Oh, an empty spot. I'm going to park back here. I'm not going to shovel in the front row. So now it's not
plowed. It needs to be plowed. According to this what I read, this is for Haven. By the way, it says all snow removal operations will be determined by the executive director, which is you and the maintenance staff and each as each storm
develops. However, the storms where the storms where heavy snowfall is anticipated for Haven Housing Authority generally issues begins snow removal operations after one inch of snow at a time. However, I know it's different
here. However, it does say that the tenants are responsible for cleaning their cars and shoveling on the side of their car. And I agree because you're going to get your spot, you know, you're going to make a spot to get into your car. So you're you're
parking side by side with somebody so you don't have to do the other side of your car because that person's going to do their car. >> So what has to be done right now? That front row. >> Well, then it says people need to move their cars so that the plow can plow all that snow that's in the front. It was
never touched. >> Look at it. It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous. Now, Leo had some we got parked. Oh, no. We got parked. Leo had somebody a friend, not even a relative, come down and move his truck. She didn't
shovel anything. She just got in and she backed it up to the back row, which is fine. But that's what we need to do. We need to And it's not me. I'm not going to knock on everybody's door like I did a few years ago and say, "Let's move our cars back. George, I can't move my car." I'll move it for you, George. I'll clean
your car off. I'm not doing that. I'll work with Dave if we if it happens this weekend >> and it's >> right I'll be in touch with Dave and I'll uh what I'll do is when he's ready to when he has to do when the when the snow when the snow plow coming through
whatever I'll I'll do a robocall at that at that moment and see if people can get out there and >> well the car >> the plow driver asked me he said why he he told me something else I'm not going to say it here but Um, he said, "Why
isn't everybody moving in the background?" And I said, "It's not up to me. I'm not the executive director." I said, "I did that years ago. I'm not doing it no more." >> All right. >> Paul, that's a comment. That's a You're making a very good point. Is that a Is
that an iPhone or or or >> uh Well, I was reading >> Does it have a camera? >> It's not an iPhone, huh? >> Does it have a camera? >> Yeah. Can you if you see something this weekend that you think isn't right, I suggest you maybe take some pictures and then you
>> Oh, I got it on my iPad. >> Well, whatever you think. >> If you can take some pictures so that Paul has a record of what you're talking about, >> I'll work with David. >> That'll make that'll make >> I showed you pictures of that last >> Decane
because this side is not plowed out. We used to have a system, but people moved in and they wanted to change everything. This side is not. We have cars that go face to face. Alex remembers how we did it. We used to move everything. Develin came and I went and I asked people to
move their cars. They moved and this was cleared off here. I don't know if that's something that he could do. Come again cuz the plows did a terrible job. >> I'm sorry. They did. They did a terrible job. >> You know, they left big bounds of stren.
Thank you. They left big mounds of snow like behind cars. >> Okay. >> Um and because it was so cold, they turned to ice, so it was tough getting them getting it out of here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'll talk to that one, too.
>> You know, it could be a system. I to me it's common sense because we did it before. If we all parked in the back row over here sometime, I mean now race car is gone. He ain't towed out. It's being fixed. So there's another spot
back there now. So we can all fit. >> Mhm. >> Um so if we all park in the back, the plow comes in, plows the front, we stay in the back, and then the next day all these cars in the middle in the circle go park in the front and let them clear out that. It's common sense.
>> That's the way we used to do it. >> Exactly. That's the way it was done before. Everybody would line up over here and wait, you know, to get >> But if people if people won't do it, that that that's that raises another question. >> We also have some some tenants that have
their family come shovel out their spot, shove the snow on either side. It doesn't matter, but they're taken care of. >> I mean, >> some of us shouldn't be out there shoveling, >> right? I agree. >> I agree. >> And it does happen because it was turned into ice already. I'll I'll work with
both David and and Devon on this for the next one which which looks like it's happening on Sunday. >> It's gonna be Sunday. Yeah. >> So, um >> and I will thank David for coming in all the time. >> It's a day off. >> Yeah. Yeah. Sounds like it could be a
tough situation for everybody because you know if if if the idea is to put all the cars in the back row while they plow out and then pull up and but maybe if a tenant sick or tenants not there or whatever the case may be, you know, it can be an
issue. >> That's why I always moved cars before, right, Alex? >> What's that? >> I said we've moved cars before when people couldn't >> all the time. So >> George can't drive and walk. >> His car is not here to his car for that. >> His car is not here.
>> So it's not an issue. >> I know that. Why are you saying that? >> Because you keep bringing up and his car is not an issue. >> I'm talking Pauline. I'm starting to get irritated with you because I'm talking
you just went to me when I said went to say something. So let me talk. >> Go right ahead. Anyway, I used to use move George's car and clean it off. I used to move Leo's car and clean it off. I've even moved Barbara's car because they can't go out there. That was my
point. >> May I ask a question? >> I've been away for a while. I would rather not been away for a while, but I was. And when I come and tell you the story without a camera, you
But right now, something has been going on and I'm not sure I know what it is. So, can somebody, you know, put it in a little wall and tell me what we're talking about? >> We're talk We're talking We're talking I don't know if you want to.
>> We're talking about the the quality of the snow removal. In the past, there was a system here apparently where when it snowed, okay, residents over here would move their cars back to the back row and the plow would come and plow out all the
spots. >> Was a similar situation down here. what what has been what had is saying now what has been said now is that is that it's the it's it's it's done haphazardly and people are not moving their vehicles
and there doesn't appear to be a to be a you know a plan in place to handle this when it snows. So what I what I have to do is uh you know the next event that we have for in fact I'll talk to Dave about
how it looks now but um I'll have to work with Devlin and Dave and perhaps do a ROOC call when the time comes to ask people if they would move their vehicles so their spots can be cleaned out. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> You're welcome. Is the is the problem that the turnover here is is such that people aren't familiar with how it used to be done or is does everybody really know what they should be doing and they're just not doing it? >> Because when Lucia was here, Lucia said
nobody move their cars >> finally. >> Is there anything in the rules? >> I don't want anybody moving their cars. >> Do we have a >> stay in the front row? That's what she said. >> I don't believe there is. >> No. Maybe maybe that should be put into writing and so everybody knows what the respons
>> we have um we developed in Attalboro a snow removal policy that's that's borrow specific but it can be tailored to really any other agency you know we can start if we >> I agree we have everybody at least then
it can be pointed to and if people aren't complying that >> we have more consequence >> I don't know what the consequences we ever had before. >> A lot of extra spots. Now it's time. >> Sounds like you need something
to to make sure everyone knows or can't can't say that they don't know what the responsibility is. >> Correct. I agree. >> Okay. Anything else? Hearing none. Is there a motion to agenda?
>> So move. >> Second. All in favor? I second the motion. >> I made a motion. >> You may second. >> No, I didn't. Oh, I thought you did, too. I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry.
>> I'm here. I'm here. >> Okay. My fault. The dean. The dean. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> We are ajourned. Now to turn.