MINUTES FROM A REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2018

MINUTES FROM A REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2018

 

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 February 15, 2018 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

Vice Chairman Clifford Ross

Commissioner Ernest Williams

Commissioner Joseph Juliano

Commissioner Betty McLeod

Commissioner Hashim Garrett

 

Also Present

 

Walter D. McNeil, Jr., Executive Director

Gary Gordon, Esq., Raiss, Kelin & Booker

Several Employees

Several Tenants

 

Absent

Chairman Coram Rimes

Commissioner Francis Audain

The pledge of allegiance was said.

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

 

Vice Chairman Ross called for discussion

No discussion

A roll call was taken

All Commissioners voted in favor.

 

Vice Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt and/or correction of the Minutes from

A Regular Board of Commissioners meeting on January 18, 2018. Commissioner Williams moved to adopt the Minutes.  Commissioner Garrett seconded.

 

Vice Chairman Ross called for discussion

No discussion

A roll call was taken

All Commissioners voted in favor.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

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

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. McNeil stated that we have had excellent Black History Programs so far.  The Park Avenue school children danced, Superintendent of Schools spoke and next week Cephas Ward from HUD will be speaking.  We are trying to get the children of Park Avenue School to come out again.  The Mayor was invited but could not make it and he send Councilwoman Adrianne Wooten to speak on his behalf

 

Mr. McNeilstated that the Fiscal Year is coming to an end and elections will be held for the Board of Commissioners in April.  He was proud to report that HUD has identified our agency as an Outstanding Performer.  Trump administration will not afford much in supported services for residents.  The new budget calls to eliminate capital funding and they want us to do more with less.

Vice Chairman Ross said we don’t recognize the staff as much as we should.  Good job to Section 8 Department and he was also impressed with the FSS report and the programs that the participants are attending.

Commissioner Williams said thank you for a great job and that the staff don’t have to be micromanaged.

Deputy Chief Spearman and Director Douglas spoke about fire prevention and invited residents to attend American Heart Month function at the Orange Fire Department on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

PUBLIC SESSION

Nobody spoke at this time.

The Board of Commissioners went into Executive Session at 6:25 p.m. to discuss legal matters.

The Board of Commissioners reconvened at 6:59 p.m.

RESOLUTIONS

Vice Chairman Ross called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5473-18 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange approving Bills Resolution No. 1900.  Commissioner Williams moved to adopt.  Commissioner Garrett seconded.

Vice Chairman Ross called for discussion

Vice Chairman Ross asked about the bill for the chain link fence.

Mr. McNeil said it is on the roof all the way around.

Lance Hammond, Maintenance Superintendent said we needed a new fence because the pule rotted because of the weather so it had to be replaced.

A roll call was taken

All Commissioners voted in favor

Commissioner Juliano stated that he requested to be reappointed by Governor Murphy.

Commissioner McLeod said that some tenants are complaining about bedbugs but they are not complying with the preparation.

Vice Chairman Ross called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Commissioner McLeod moved to adjourn.  Commissioner Williams seconded.

Vice Chairman Ross called for discussion

No discussion

A roll call was taken

All Commissioners voted in favor

Meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Walter D. McNeil, Jr.

Secretary