Minutes From A Regular Meeting February 19, 2015
MINUTES FROM A REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 2015
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange was called to order at 6:06 p.m. on February 19, 2015 in the Community Room of Washington Manor, 340 Thomas Boulevard, 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 Ernest Williams
Commissioner Clifford Ross
Commissioner Joseph Juliano – Entered meeting at 6:08 p.m.
Commissioner Betty McLeod
Commissioner Tracey Latta
Commissioner Hashim Garrett – Entered meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Also Present
Walter D. McNeil, Jr., Executive Director
Ernest Booker, Feinstein, Raiss, Kelin & Booker
Kenneth M. Douglas, Fire Director, City of Orange
Several Tenants
Several Employees
The pledge of allegiance was said.
Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Williams moved to adopt. 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 corrections of the minutes from a regular board meeting on January 15, 2015. Commissioner Williams moved to adopt. Commissioner Ross seconded.
Chairman Rimes called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
No Treasurer’s Report
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. McNeil stated due to the extreme weather conditions we encounter many issues with freezing pipes. Our sprinkler system burst at Walter G. Alexander and the snow removal was a daunting task at all sites. The resident cooperation could have been better.
Commissioner Ross asked if Mr. McNeil can give an update on St. James Towers.
Mr. McNeil stated that he was in the process of submitted the application to HUD for the 159 RAD Vouchers however he was waiting on additional information from the principals at St. James Towers.
Commissioner Rimes asked who was going to oversee this project.
Mr. McNeil asked the Acting Program Director of Section 8 to elaborate on the issue.
Peggy Wade, Acting Program Director stated that our staff is equipped to handle the 159 certifications including inspections and are eager to begin the processes.
Commissioner Rimes asked if we needed additional staff.
Mrs. Wade stated that she would need one fulltime and one part-time person.
Mr. McNeil stated that with the administrative fee earned from the 159 units would pay for the additional staff. He stated that we already had a person working in Public Housing whose experience in Section 8 and would handle the re-certifications.
Mr. McNeil said that the top applicants had been interviewed and their files have been to the DCA for final approval. He anticipates occupancy by mid-April.
PUBLIC SESSION
Newburn Tyndal, Apt. 5W wanted to know why the pull cords were removed
Mr. McNeil said that the Housing Authority is not required to have them. He said that the system is old and some of them weren’t working. He did not want to give them a false sense of security. Mr. McNeil said that he had long discussions with the tenants and gave them options. He stated that a new system would cost thousands of dollars.
Lance Hammond, Maintenance Superintendent stated that there were meetings and letters sent to all the tenants stating their options about the pull cords.
Janice Stuart, Apt 3J stated that she would like to than Lance Hammond and his maintenance crew for a good job with the snow removal.
Kenneth M. Douglas, Fire Director of the City of Orange introduced himself to the Director and the Board and residents.
RESOLUTIONS
Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5327-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange Approving Bills Resolution No. 1868. Commissioner Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner Juliano 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 Resolution No. 5328-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange to amend the Section 8 Administrative Plan to include Rental Assistance Demonstration for the St. James Towers and adding 159 Project Based Vouchers. Commissioner Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner Williams 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 Resolution No. 5329-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange to partner with Incubator Inc. to provide training for a Transportation Logistics & Distribution/Job Readiness Program. Commissioner Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner Juliano 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 Resolution No. 5330-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange authorizing the decrease of administrative fee payments to receiving Housing Authorities. Commissioner Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner Juliano seconded.
Chairman Rimes called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
UNFINISHED BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Rimes wanted to thank David Rossi for his service as a Commissioner of the Orange Housing Authority. He also stated that Commissioner Ernest Williams was reappointed as a Commissioner and that Commissioner Joseph Juliano passed his PHM Certification.
Phyllis Greer, Public Relations Coordinator stated that there is a Black History Program on Wednesday, February 25th at 2:00 p.m. and Ronald Lee the Superintendent of the Board of Education is one of the Guest speakers and also the Mayor.
Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Williams moved to adjourn. Commissioner Juliano seconded.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Walter D. McNeil, Jr.
Secretary/Treasurer