Minutes March 14, 2024
MINUTES OF A MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Norwalk Housing Authority Board of Commissioners convened at 5:35pm March 14, 2024.
LOCATION: Zoom Video Conference
PRESENT: Brenda Penn-Williams, Chair
Liza Bermúdez-Montgomery, Vice Chair (arrived at 5:37pm)
Isaac Walcott, Commissioner
John Church, Treasurer
Teneshia Jacobs, Commissioner
STAFF ATTENDING: Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director
Kras Carlucci, Deputy Director
Anna Keegan, Policy Development
Alison Mukhtar, Director of Operations
Wendy Gerbier, Director of Learning Centers
Nicole Ruffin, Director of Human Resources
Linda Rolle, Director of Grants Norwalk Housing Foundation
Lisa Endo, VP of Development
Leroy Fendor, Director of Maintenance
Greg Lickwola, Director of Modernization
Donna Lattarulo, General Council
Roll Call:
At 5:35pm, Chair Penn-Williams convened the meeting. She then recognized Treasurer John Church, Commissioner Isaac Walcott, and Commissioner Teneshia Jacobs as present. Chair Penn-Williams noted that Vice Chair Liza Bermúdez-Montgomery, was expected shortly and that a quorum was established.
Report of the Secretary
Mr. Bovilsky solicited feedback and presented the following presented updates:
a. On February 29th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Learning Center students and their families met in the SONO Collection to recognize Black History month. The event served as a culmination of a month filled with immersive learning experiences, fostering appreciation for Black history and its contributions to the American narrative.
b. The Federal budget has been approved, ensuring that there with be no changes to HUD funding for another year.
c. Approval of the Federal budget also enables Congress to move forward with the release of the $875,00 earmarked for Meadow Garden redevelopment assistance. Congressman Jim Himes requested this earmark funding on behalf of the Norwalk Housing Authority.
d. While not officially announced, we have received confirmation that $3.4 million of the $5 million Community Investment Fund (CIF) grant has been approved. Mr. Bovilsky expressed gratitude to Bob Duff for presenting this to the State. This approval paves the way for the development of the Learning Center at Meadow Gardens. Additionally, we have requested another $500,000 from the City of Norwalk. Upon receipt of this funding, we will be able to proceed with our plans for Meadow Gardens.
e. Dates and times of future meetings include:
- Commissioners Fundamentals Training scheduled March 26th from 9:30-4:30 at HMTX Industries headquarters situated at 27 Seir Hill Road in Norwalk. Commissioners are invited to participate in a building tour from 9:00-9:30am, preceding the training.
- Next regular Board Meeting scheduled on April 11, 5:30pm via ZOOM
Adam Bovilsky took the floor to present Fiscal Operating Budget FYE March 2025. Mr. Bovislky stated that the information presented to the Commissioners represents expenditures and operational costs plus projected subsidy income for all Federal AMPS He stated that the presented calculations represent 95% of estimated operating subsidies.
New Business:
20-69 Chair Penn Williams to approve:
a. Fiscal Operating Budget FYE March 2025
All statutory and regulatory requirements met:
1. The PHA has enough operating reserves to meet the working capital needs of its developments.
2. Proposed budget expenditures are necessary to meet the efficient and economical operation of housing for serving low-income residents.
3. The budget indicates a source of funds adequate to cover proposed expenditure.
4. The PHA will comply with the wage rate requirement under 24 CFR 968.110.
5. The PHA will comply with requirements for access to records and audits under 24 CFR 38.110(i).
Commissioner Walcott seconded the motion.
Commissioners reviewed the Federal budget and discussed a variety of allocations.
AYES NO ABSTAINED
Chair Penn-Williams
Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery
Treasurer Church
Commissioner Walcott
Commissioner Jacobs
All in Favor by show of hands. Motion carried.
20-70 Treasurer Church made a motion to accept:
b. Vacated Accounts Write-offs for FYE 3/31/2024:
Federal $150, 558.91
Colonial Village $36,053.71
Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion.
Commissioners discussed reasons contributing to the increase in write-offs over 2023.
AYES NO ABSTAINED
Chair Penn-Williams
Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery,
Treasurer Church
Commissioner Walcott
Commissioner Jacobs
All in Favor by show of hands. Motion carried.
Mr. Bovislky then invited Kras Carlucci to take the floor to introduce PHA Wed as a potential new software provider. Ms. Carlucci stated that, following interviews with three different software companies and with input from all staff, she seeks the board's approval to adopt a contract with PHA Web. This software would replace HAB/MRI and support critical NHA functions including operations and finance. Leroy Fender shared his positive experience with PHA Web citing it user-friendliness, customer service responsiveness, and industrywide acceptance. Ms. Carlucci mentioned that if the contract were approved tonight, the software installation would occur in December of 2024. PHA Web would provide preparation, implementation, and training for the transition.
20-71 Commissioner Walcott made a motion to accept:
c. PHA Web Contract
Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery seconded the motion
AYES NO ABSTAINED
Chair Penn-Williams
Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery,
Treasurer Church
Commissioner Walcott
Commissioner Jacobs
All in Favor by show of hands. Motion carried.
20-72 Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery made a motion to approve:
d. February 8, 2024, Minutes
Treasurer Church seconded the motion.
AYES NO ABSTAINED
Chair Penn-Williams
Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery,
Treasurer Church
Commissioner Walcott
Commissioner Jacobs
All in Favor by show of hands. Motion carried.
20-73 Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery made a motion to approve:
e. Guillermo Bendana to attend NAHRO virtual classroom March 25 - March 29 1pm-4pm at a cost of $502.
Treasurer Church seconded the motion.
AYES NO ABSTAINED
Chair Penn-Williams
Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery,
Treasurer Church
Commissioner Walcott
Commissioner Jacobs
All in Favor by show of hands. Motion carried.
20-74 Treasurer Church made a motion to ratify:
f. Ratify Leroy Fender, Juan Ocasio, Jamie Hernandez, and Joe Francis attendance at NAHRO virtual training February 20 - February 23 1:00pm - 4pm ET at a cost of $577 per person.
Commissioner Walcott seconded the motion.
AYES NO ABSTAINED
Chair Penn-Williams
Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery,
Treasurer Church
Commissioner Walcott
Commissioner Jacobs
All in Favor by show of hands. Motion carried.
At 6:39pm Treasurer Church left the meeting.
Mr. Bovilsky provided an overview of the financial reports, he then introduced Anna Keegan, Director of Norwalk Housing Research and Policy Implementation, to provide further insight into her role and contributions to the agency's objectives. Ms. Keegan shared updates on her recent activities, stating she had completed the Move to Work (MTW) Supplement, and this supplement was approved by HUD. In April she is attending a MTW conference in Washington DC where she has been asked to be participate in a panel discussion regarding NHA's experiences as a MTW Landlord Cohort. Ms. Keegan stated she is currently in the process of creating an Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan for Mutual Housing and updating the yearly 5-year plan for Norwalk Housing. She is also involved in integrating policy as it relates to HUD's new Housing Opportunities Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) regulations into the Norwalk Housing Administrative Plan. Ms. Keegan's stated these strategic planning efforts are undertaken to enhance operations and address the regulatory requirements of the community Norwalk Housing serves.
20-75 Commissioner Walcott made a motion to accept the Department Reports.
Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion.
AYES NO ABSTAINED
Chair Penn-Williams
Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery,
Commissioner Walcott
Commissioner Jacobs
All in favor by show of hands. Motion was carried.
20-76 Chair Penn Williams made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion.
AYES NO ABSTAINED
Chair Penn-Williams
Vice Chair Bermúdez-Montgomery,
Commissioner Walcott
Commissioner Jacobs
All in Favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:05pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________
Adam Bovilsky
Executive Director