Board Meeting Minutes April 20, 2023

Minutes of Meeting

A Meeting of the Norwalk Housing Authority Board of Commissioners was held at 5:35PM April 20, 2023.

LOCATION: Zoom Video Conference

PRESENT: Brenda Penn-Williams, Chair
Liza Bermúdez-Montgomery, Vice Chair
Isaac Walcott, Treasurer
John Church, Commissioner
Rahoul Dupervil, Commissioner

STAFF ATTENDING: Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director
Kras Carlucci, Deputy Director
Anna Keegan, Director of Housing Operations
Charmaine Davis-Ford, Director of Finance
Irv Clemons, Director of IT
Wendy Gerbier, Director of Learning Centers
Nicole Ruffin, Director of Human Resources
Linda Rolle, Director of Grants
Lisa Endo, Director of Development Project Management
Leroy Fender, Director of Maintenance
Donna Lattarulo, General Counsel

Chair Brenda Penn-Williams opened the meeting via Zoom and recognized Commissioner Liza Bermúdez-Montgomery, Commissioner John Church, Commissioner Rahoul Dupervil and Commissioner Isaac Walcott as present. Chair Brenda Penn-Williams acknowledged the existence of a quorum. Adam Bovilsky noted there were no members of the public attending this meeting.

Report of the Secretary:

Mr. Bovilsky introduced the new Norwalk Housing Finance Director Charmaine Davis-Ford.

Mr. Bovilsky noted:

-HUD's Special Application Center (SAC) has reported that several key components of our Sec. 18 application for Meadow Gardens, including the obsolescence test, have passed their scrutiny. We hope to have final approval to demolish and rebuild Meadow Gardens soon. The process seems to be moving more quickly than expected.

-Following the results of the due diligence process, Norwalk Housing has chosen not to exercise the option to purchase the property at 140 Water Street. We will continue to seek a new temporary or permanent office.

-At 7:30 tonight the Mutual Housing Board will be taking a formal vote regarding integration of Mutual Housing properties with the Norwalk Housing Authority. Mr. Bovilsky stated that following this vote NHA would begin due diligence regarding the financial and physical and operational conditions of Mutual Housing and the liability that could be created by absorbing Mutual Housing. When this process is completed, final recommendations will be brought before the Board of Commissioners for approval.

-The next meetings are May 11, and the annual meeting is scheduled on June 8, 2023.

Old Business:

Mr. Bovilsky turned the meeting over to Anna Keegan to highlight proposed changes to the Norwalk Housing parking policy.

19-21 Commissioner John Church moved to:

a. Accept changes to the updated parking policy as discussed.

Commissioner Liza Bermúdez-Montgomery seconded the motion.

A detailed discussion of these proposed changes followed.

ABSTAINED Commissioner Dupervil

AYES
Commissioner Bermúdez-Montgomery
Commissioner Penn-Williams
Commissioner Church
Commissioner Walcott

Motion carried with three amendments.

New Business:

Adam Bovilsky took the floor to present the 2023-2024 16 School Street Management Plan. To effectively manage the property, this plan reflects a family contribution increase of 4%, noting this is the first increase since 2018. This Management Plan reflects the increased cost of building maintenance and upgrades.

19-22 Commissioner Bermúdez-Montgomery moved to approve:

a. 2023-2024 16 School Street Management Plan

Commissioner Church seconded the motion.

Greg Lickwola stated recent 16 School Street upgrades include new roofs, windows, and boilers.

AYES
Commissioner Penn-Williams
Commissioner Bermúdez-Montgomery
Commissioner Dupervil
Commissioner Church
Commissioner Walcott

All in favor. Motion was carried.

Kras Carlucci took the floor to present updated utility allowances. Ms. Carlucci stated in December of 2022 Commissioners had approved 2023 utility allowances, but due to January 2023 market rate increases Norwalk Housing is proposing an additional increase in 2023 allowances.

19-23 Commissioner Rahoul Dupervil moved to approve:

b. Updated 2023 utility allowances.

Commissioner Liza Bermúdez-Montgomery seconded the motion.

AYES
Commissioner Penn-Williams
Commissioner Bermúdez-Montgomery
Commissioner Church
Commissioner Dupervil
Commissioner Walcott

All in favor. Motion was carried.

Leroy Fendor took the floor stating the current exterminator contract is expiring.
His staff has reviewed three (3) responses to the RFPs for an Integrated Pest Management System and is recommending NHA move forward with Connecticut Pest Elimination, Inc. This firm is highly recommended by area housing authorities and has the capacity to deal with NHA multiple properties.

19-24 Commissioner John Church moved to approve:

c. Contract with Connecticut Pest Eliminations

Commissioner Liza Bermúdez-Montgomery seconded the motion.

AYES
Commissioner Penn-Williams
Commissioner Bermúdez-Montgomery
Commissioner Church
Commissioner Dupervil
Commissioner Walcott

There was a discussion over the selection of the highest bidder and the rationale for that recommendation in this case. All in favor. Motion was carried.

At 7:27pm Commissioner Church left the meeting.

Leroy Fender remained on the floor to suggest an extension of the contract with IN-Tune Towing service. The extension of this contract will include a monthly stipend of $1000 to cover increased fuel and operations costs. Mr. Fender said Norwalk Housing acknowledges the limited parking spaces and the need for reliable towing services which have been provided by IN-Tune towing.

19-25 Commissioner Isaac Walcott move to approve:

d. Renew contract with IN-Tune towing and to accept the addendum adding $1000.00 monthly stipend.

Commissioner Brenda Penn-Williams seconded the motion.