Minutes From An Annual Meeting June 18, 2015
MINUTES FROM AN ANNUAL MEETING JUNE 18, 2015
An Annual Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange was called to order at 6:25 p.m. on June 18, 2015 in the Community Room of Walter G. Alexander, 105 Wilson Place, 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 Hashim Garrett
Commissioner Tracey Latta
Also Present
Walter D. McNeil, Jr., Executive Director
Ernest Booker, Feinstein, Raiss, Kelin & Booker
Several Tenants
Several Employees
The pledge of allegiance was said.
Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Ross moved to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Williams seconded.
Chairman Rimes called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
TREASURER’S REPORT
Mr. McNeil explained that the consolidated report results were good and were in compliance in the right areas.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. McNeil congratulated Phyllis Greer, Public Relations, on the WGA Phase III groundbreaking with over 200 people in attendance. He also said he is excited about doing new things for the community. Mr. McNeil wanted to give a process report about PHASE III. The permits are in for the footing. Construction schedule should be completed by May or June 2016.
Oakwood Avenue is complete and we received the Sandy money because of our track record with Walter G. Alexander. He is proud of the staff for managing the situation. Mr. McNeil said that grand opening for the Oakwood Avenue Development will be on June 24, 2015. He implored everyone should come out he said that we need your support.
Mr. McNeil wanted to thank Phyllis Greer and staff for a job well done. Governor Codey and Diane Johnson were honored.
PUBLIC SESSION
Nobody spoke at this time
RESOLUTIONS
Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5337-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange Approving Bills Resolution No. 1871. Commissioner Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner Juliano seconded.
Chairman Rimes called for discussion
Commissioner Latta inquired about the UPS, Staples and Home Depot charges. She wants us to be more frugal and would like more description with the bills list.
Commissioner Garrett inquired about the stipend program.
Mr. McNeil explained residents participate and receive a small payment in agreement with the Resident Association. He said the tenants monitor the Laundry room and Security; otherwise we would have to pay salaries for this work.
Commissioner Ross asked if we do a background check on the stipend workers.
Mr. McNeil said since they are residents it was already done.
Commissioner Ross asked about the Housing Choice Voucher Financial training.
Mr. McNeil said BDO Financial taught the course and neighboring agencies were invited to attend at a fee to update staff on changing in financial management.
Commissioner Ross asked about the rental properties water bills.
Mr. McNeil said we have not received them as of yet, as they are sent quarterly.
Commissioner Ross asked about the hot water heater.
Mr. McNeil stated it was bad and needed to be replaced and we had to call a licensed plumber to install it.
Commissioner Ross said maybe it would monitor the use of excessive water on Taylor Street.
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5338-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange to Authorized the Executive Director to submit the SEMAP report. 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. 5339-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange Approving a two year monthly maintenance service contract with Clifton Elevator Service Company, Inc. Commissioner Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner Garrett 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. 5340-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange entering into a contract with Frank Glien, LLC, to perform the audit of the books and records for the period from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. 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. 5341-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange Authorizing the Executive Director to sign a real estate contract for the purchase of 180 Central Place, Orange, New Jersey. 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. 5342-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange increase 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
Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 5343-15 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Orange updating payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program to be comparable with current fair market rents. Commissioner Ross moved to adopt. Commissioner McLeod seconded
Chairman Rimes called for discussion
No discussion
A roll call was taken
All Commissioners voted in favor
UNFINISHED BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Ross stated that he would like to see Tony Polcari at one of the meetings to discuss RAD and the financial impact on the Agency.
Commissioner Ross also said we should think about a retreat. He said the last time we had a retreat it was very successful and we went over our mission and strategy.
Chairman Rimes said we should have a retreat somewhere more local.
Chairman Rimes said that the 75th Anniversary was great! The staff did a fine job.
Commissioner Juliano stated that he completed the Executive Director course.
Shanda Hammond, Housing Manager stated that July 2, 2015 there will be a picnic for the Seniors.
Mr. McNeil said that National Night Out is the first Tuesday in August if the Commissioners would like to attend.
Councilman Johnson wished everyone a happy and safe summer. He also congratulated Orange Housing Authority on the Oakwood Avenue opening and the groundbreaking at Walter G. Alexander Phase III. Councilman Johnson stated that OHA is working hard on their mission statement to improve the quality of housing in the City of Orange. He also said that he is looking forward to the golf outing.
Chairman Rimes called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner McLeod moved to adjourn. Commissioner Latta seconded.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Walter D. McNeil, Jr.
Secretary/Treasurer