Minutes From A Regular Meeting Febraury 21, 2013
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange was called to order at 6:20 p.m. on February 21, 2013 in the Community 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
Commissioner Joseph Juliano
Commissioner Ernest Williams
Commissioner Hudson-Dorrah
Commissioner Lillie Davis
Commissioner Coram Rimes
Commissioner David Rossi
Commissioner Clifford Ross
Also Present
Walter D. McNeil, Jr., Executive Director
Ernest Booker, Feinstein, Raiss, Kelin & Booker
Several Tenants
Several Employees
Pledge of Allegiance was said
Chairman Ross called for a motion for adopt the agenda. Commissioner Davis moved to adopted. Commissioner Hudson-Dorrah seconded.
Chairman Ross asked if there was any discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Ross called for a motion for the adoption and/or correction of the minutes from Board meetings on December 20, 2012 and January 17, 2013. Commissioner Hudson-Dorrah moved to adopt. Commissioner Juliano seconded.
Mr. McNeil asked if they had to be voted on separately. Chairman Ross said, no.
Chairman Ross asked if there was any discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Treasurer’s Report
Mr. McNeil said the finance committee met with the Accountant, Tony Polcari. Commissioner Hudson Dorrah said that the Orange Housing Authority is in pretty good shape financially. The report rearranged the debt so submissions to HUD. The fee accountant said we must use the money appropriately. We ended the year in a positive position.
Director McNeil explained in detail the consolidated statement. He explained that our reserves are being spent down as instructed by HUD mandate.
Commissioner Rimes asked if there were any old expenses left from Walter G. Alexander. Mr. McNeil said no. All expenses have been satisfied including the water bill.
Executive Director Report
Mr. McNeil said we held a Black History Program on February 21, 2013 at Washington Manor. We highlighted accomplishments from former residents in Orange. Councilwoman Mildred Crump from Newark, Ernest Williams, Caryl Lucas (community activist) and Shorty Thomas were guest speakers. We had over 70 residents from Washington Manor in attendance. Mayor Warren was in attendance as well as councilwoman Jones-Bell. We have another event on March 28, 2013. The Leslie Forde Trio will perform .Mo’ Better Blues black history event follow by a movie for the residents. We are planning events each month to highlight the month. Calendar of events will be shared with all of the residents each month.
Commissioner Juliano said he was impressed with the calendar and newsletter and the African American first listed on the calendar.
Mr. McNeil had a brief report on Walter G. Alexander. We closed on the permanent loan yesterday. The assets were distributed to the Walter G. Alexander Corporation that is partly owned by us. Doors will be opened up to us to develop the East ward area. Will help us do the scattered sites. There were three fires recently in the area we are trying to redevelop. We are going to play an important role with these vacant and abandoned lots. I am going to ask the board for an endorsement with the scattered sites. There are people living in these abandoned sites. When it gets cold, they set fires. People are losing their lives. In less than a week we will be tearing down the Oakwood Avenue burn-outs. I know that in at least two of those units, people were living in them. We went in there yesterday to do a final inspection. We have to tear down the old community center on Wilson Place. We were in the process of doing an imminent domain on 139 Central Place before the fire.
Commissioner Juliano asked if we have a liaison with the fire department. Mr. McNeil said no. It’s up the chairperson to appoint someone. Commissioner Ross said it is a great idea. We will look into appointing one.
We had a finance committee meeting and a personnel committee meeting to talk about staffing issues. And we will have an executive session tonight.
Public Session
Jerome Nicely not an Orange resident – resident in East Orange, NJ.
Director McNeil instructed that residents get the opportunity to speak first.
No Residents spoke
Jerome Nicely I met Dr. Juliano on a bus ride on the way to the inauguration. Lived with his grandmother until she passed. He had issues with his landlord. Spoke with officials in East Orange and has had no success. He was locked out of the apartment, homeless and no place to go. He said he had many issues in unit that were reported. Mr. Nicely said that he is educated and felt like no one is trying to help. He said to the Board and residents thank you for letting him speak.
Marianna DeVincentis, Director of Section 8, will give a list of tax credit properties, including Walter G. Alexander for him to contact and a listing of landlords in our community.
Mr. McNeil directed him to again try to contact the officials in his community for assistance.
Chairman Ross called for a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.
Commissioner Juliano moved to enter into Executive Session. Commissioners Williams seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
No discussion
A Roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
The Board of Commissioners entered into Executive Session at 6:36 p.m.
The Board of Commissioners reconvened at 7:12 p.m.
Mr. Ernest Booker, Counsel for the Board of Commissioners stated that during Executive Session extensive discussion concerning personnel matters and the nature of which will be made public at a later date.
Resolutions
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5217-13. Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange Approving Bills Resolution No. 1847. Commissioner Hudson-Dorrah moved to adopt. Commissioner Williams seconded
Chairman Ross called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5218-13. Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange Approving the Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2013. Commissioner Davis moved to adopt. Commissioner Williams seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5219-13. Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange authorizing the execution of a Joint Venture Agreement and appointing the Alpert Group, LLC as a qualified partner for the development of Phase III of the Walter G. Alexander Complex. Commissioner Williams moved to adopt. Commissioner Hudson Dorrah seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
Commissioner Rimes said there are conditions we had to state……
Mr. McNeil said we are going to officially hire the Alpert Group. This resolution is appointing him to be our partner. It doesn’t discuss the whole issue negotiating the agreement with him. The Housing Development Corporation will negotiate the agreement with him. He states him as a qualified partner. Partner to develop the third phase of the Walter G. Alexander tax credit deal.
Commissioner Rimes we would like to have a friendly amendment.
Mr. Booker said you would like to make a condition precedent before it goes forth.
Mr. McNeil said we have the language in the Development Corp. Counsel for OHDC is present and is indicating provision in the resolution that is being considered by the corporation (Section 2 of the resolution) after the designation of qualified partners. Page 2 of the resolution.
Mr. Booker incorporates by reference. Who made the motion initially so Commissioner Williams must withdraw that motion.
Commissioner Williams withdrew the motion for Res 5219-13. Commissioner Hudson-Dorrah
Seconded.
Mr. Booker said we will incorporate by reference the designation of the qualified partner in the language of our resolution. Mr. Booker asked if it would be acceptable.
Chairman Ross, yes.
Chairman Ross called for a motion. Commissioner Juliano moved to adopt. Commissioner Davis seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5220-13. Resolution of the Board of Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange authorizing the Executive Director to allow the City of Orange Police Department to place electronic equipment related to their camera system on our rooftop at Washington Manor. Commissioner Davis moved to adopt. Commissioner Juliano seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
Chairman Ross asked are they going to pay us for this.
Mr. McNeil responded, no.
Commissioner Rossi asked if we ask them to take it down, will they take it down.
Commissioner Hudson Dorrah said is this so they can survey the area?
Mr. McNeil said from our building to Orange City Hall. He said there is no cost to us at all.
Chairman Ross asked if it will interfere with our security system or damage our property.
Commissioner Williams said the agreement says they will be responsible for any damages during installation.
Chairman Ross called for any more discussion
No more discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5221-13. Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange authorizing the Executive Director to commence eminent domain proceedings on the attached properties. Commissioner Rimes moved to adopt. Commissioner Hudson-Dorrah seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
Mr. McNeil said as we find others we will include others. These are the ones we are working with right now.
Commissioner Rimes said it is my understanding for properties that we are going to do eminent domain proceedings that we have to deposit a certain amount of money with the courts.
Mr. McNeil explained how the process works. Advising the board that these are the units we would like to do eminent domain on.
Chairman Ross asked if there is any more discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5222-13. Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange authorizing Consolidation of Block 3303, Lot 31 through 39 in the City of Orange, County of Essex, New Jersey and conveyance of said consolidated lot to Orange Housing Development Corporation. Commissioner Juliano moved to adopt. Commissioner Hudson-Dorrah seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
Mr. McNeil said our counsel for the OHDC will explain this resolution.
Mr. Steve Miarella, McManimon, Scotland & Baumann said there are nine lots that have been acquired and assembled for the neighborhood stabilization project program; two were acquired through eminent domain the balance through arms- length negotiation. Authorize the ED to request that these lots be consolidated by the tax assessor in the City of Orange as a single lot. Authorize the authority to sell that lot to the OHDC which will develop it into the seven rental units that comprise the project.
Commissioner Juliano was approached by some people who would like to know about the new development – some of them are homeowners and can they call you with questions?
Mr. Miarella said he would have to defer to the Executive Director.
Chairman Ross asked if there is any more discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No 5223-13. Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange authorizing the Executive Director to pay employees for excess earned annual leave. Commissioner Juliano moved to adopt. Commissioner Rossi seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
Mr. Booker said this should be publically noted that this is a onetime only move by this body.
Friendly amendment
The motions were withdrawn by Commissioner Juliano and Commissioner Rossi.
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5223-13 to adopt this resolution with the friendly amendment. Commissioner Davis moved to adopt. Commissioner Rossi seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5224-13. Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange adopting and approving Department of Personnel two additional titles and salary ranges added for the Housing Authority personnel last amended January 17, 2013. Commissioner Juliano moved to adopt. Commissioner Hudson-Dorrah seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5225-13. Resolution of the Board of Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange authorizing the Executive Director to sign a Real Estate contract for the purchase of 113 Oakwood Avenue, Orange, New Jersey. Commissioner Rimes moved to adopt. Commissioner Rossi seconded.
Chairman Ross called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Unfinished/New Business
Commissioner Williams said part of an organization that helps with Family Assistance Recovery Organization. Would like to partner with OHA. Offer training, clothing, food in times of emergency. We have assisted with several fires in Orange. We assisted with Sandy.
Chairman Ross invited him to have his organization make a presentation to the board.
Chairman Ross called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Rimes moved to adjourn. Commissioner Rossi seconded
Chairman Ross called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Walter D. McNeil, Jr.
Secretary/Treasurer