MINUTES FROM A REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2017

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on December 21, 2017 in the Conference Room at Washington Manor, 340 Thomas Blvd., Orange, New Jersey. The Executive Director advised that all requirements of the Sunshine Law were met. A roll call was taken as follows:

Present

Chairman Coram Rimes
Vice Chairman Clifford Ross
Commissioner Ernest Williams
Commissioner Joseph Juliano
Commissioner Betty McLeod
Commissioner Francis Audain

Also Present

Walter D. McNeil, Jr., Executive Director
Leo Dugan, Esq., Raiss, Kelin & Booker
Several Employees
Several Tenants

Absent

Commissioner Hashim Garrett

The pledge of allegiance was said.

Chairman Rimes congratulated Commissioner Juliano for another term as Commissioner.

Chairman Rimes also thanked Peggy Wade, Acting Section 8 Director, Cristina Mateo, Assistant Housing Manager and Commissioner McLeod for all their help with Dinner with Santa.

Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Williams moved to adopt the agenda and Commissioner Ross seconded.

Chairman Rimes called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor.

Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt and/or correction of the Minutes from
A Regular Board of Commissioners meeting on October 19, 2017. Commissioner Williams moved to adopt the Minutes. Commissioner Ross seconded.

Chairman Rimes called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT

The Board of Commissioners reviewed the eight months ending November 30, 2017 Treasurer’s Report.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. McNeil said that we are having a pancake breakfast for the Seniors on Thursday, December 21, 2017.

Mr. McNeil said we didn’t get the Tax Credit for WGA IV but we will have another opportunity to apply again.

Vice Chairman Ross asked why the rent roll and rent collection are different.

Mr. McNeil said tenants didn’t pay their rent.

Vice Chairman Ross asked what the procedure is for tenants not paying the rent.

Mr. McNeil said after 14 days they get a notice for nonpayment of rent. If they don’t pay the rent by the end of the month paperwork will be submitted to the attorney’s office for nonpayment.

PUBLIC SESSION

Nobody spoke at this time.

RESOLUTIONS

Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5463-17 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange approving Bills Resolution No. 1897. Chairman Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner Williams seconded.

Chairman Rimes called for discussion

Vice Chairman Ross questioned the PSE&G bill that there was an $8,000.00 difference from October to November.

Lance Hammond, Maintenance Superintendent said we used more heat in November then October.

Vice Chairman Ross asked why there are two bills for GenServe.

Lance Hammond, Maintenance Superintendent said one bill is for monitoring and the other bill was for repairs.

Vice Chairman Ross asked why there are two labor bills for Vargas Construction.

Mr. McNeil said Vargas Construction made benches to fit inside the gazebo and the other bill was for the painting of the benches we already had outside.

Vice Chairman Ross said didn’t we already have a discussion about Pit Stop about them billing each month instead of billing for six months. Commissioner Ross suggested we don’t use them anymore.

Mr. McNeil said we have called and told them they have to bill us every month they said they would do it. He also said I like to use them because they are a local business.

Commissioner Williams asked does it affect anything.

Mr. McNeil said no

A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor

Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5464-17 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange approving Bills Resolution No. 1898. Vice Chairman Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner McLeod seconded.

Chairman Rimes called for discussion

Vice Chairman Ross said 170 Taylor Street water bill is outrageous. He said didn’t we put in new water meters.

Chairman Rimes said we put in 2 new water meters so we know where the excess is coming from.

A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor

Chairman Rimes call for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5465-17 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange to select banking institutions for 2018 calendar year. Vice Chairman Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner Williams seconded.

Chairman Rimes called for discussion

Vice Chairman Ross said we have been using the same banks for years we should try using other banks they might offer us more options.

A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor

Chairman Rimes call for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5466-17 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange establishing Housing Authority regular meeting dates for calendar year 2018. Commissioner Juliano moved to adopt. Commissioner Williams seconded.

Vice Chairman Ross asked if when we have meetings at WGA can parking spaces be reserved for the Commissioners.

Mr. McNeil said he would see what he can do. He will speak to the Manager at that site.

A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor except for Commissioner McLeod who voted Nay.

Chairman Rimes call for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5467-17 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange to select official newspapers for 2018 calendar year. Vice Chairman Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner McLeod seconded.