Trumbull Housing Authority Meeting
March 26, 2018
4:00 pm
Community Room of Stern Village
Commissioners Present: Chairman Janice Kopchik, Suzanne Donofrio, Douglas Sutherland, Paul Niebuhr
Also Present: Executive Director Harriet Polansky
Commissioners Absent: Deborah Dowd
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by Chairman Kopchik. This was followed by Roll Call and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Past Minutes
Ms. Polansky presented the following changes to the minutes of February 26, 2018:
- Page 1 – names should read Nick Vertucci, Robert Cortes.
- Page 2 – first paragraph should read “Ms. Polansky noted that they had…” and “also received from the Girl Scouts…”
- Page 2 – sixth paragraph should read “She also encouraged residents to write…”
- Page 2 under Unfinished Business should read “fostered with the residents and wants to gain their trust.”
Motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to approve the minutes of February 26, 2018, as amended. Seconded by Mr. Sutherland and approved with one abstention from Mr. Niebuhr.
Treasurer’s Report
Ms. Polansky reported in the absence of Ms. Dowd. For the six months ending February 28, 2018, Stern Village and Stern Center had an overall gain of approximately $165,788. This is due to filling the numerous vacancies in the Village and the Center.
Executive Director’s Report
Ms. Polansky reported the reserve balance as of February 28, 2018, is $745,551 which is approximately $3,358 for each unit in the entire complex. The overall cash position as of February 28, 2018, is $717,407 including the investment account. Accounts Payable is approximately $77,760 including the PILOT accrual for the current year. At the present time, the Village has ten vacancies and the Congregate has three vacancies.
Ms. Polansky thanked First Selectman Vicki Tesoro and the Trumbull Town Council for their continued help and support of Stern Village initiatives. The Town Council voted unanimously to approve moving forward with the Small Cities application for new, energy-efficient windows for Stern Village. The application is due in April and she is working with Lisa Low, the consultant hired by the Town, to fulfill the necessary documents.
Many of the fallen trees and branches have been removed, however, there is an additional clean up to be done. Home Depot will replace the chair and table damaged in the storm and will donate a couple of trees to replace the large one lost.
Ms. Polansky thanked Jeff Kunkel and all the Trumbull Helps volunteers for hosting a dinner for the residents in the community room. There were approximately 43 residents who participated. It was a lot of fun and they are looking forward to doing more events with this amazing group.
The laundry service provided will be installing new card systems that will be easier to use. There will be two in Stern Village. Residents will be alerted when they are installed. Platforms for the dryers are on order.
Wednesday is Trumbull Day at the State Capital. The THA will have a booth and Ms. Polansky will hand out information about the Village. Trumbull legislators will be in attendance.
On April 6, Senator Chris Murphy and First Selectman Vicki Tesoro will be at Stern Village to meet with Ms. Polansky to become better acquainted. There will be time for residents to meet them around 10 am. Senator Murphy is currently pushing for funding for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Unfinished Business
Mrs. Kopchik read the proposed Videotaping Policy for the THA Board meetings:
Any person, newspaper or radio broadcasting company or television broadcasting company intending to record, photograph, broadcast or record all or part of our public meeting must demonstrate that the recordings will be accomplished as inconspicuously as possible and in such a manner as not to disturb the proceedings of the Trumbull Housing Authority Board of Commissioners meeting.
Motion was made by Mr. Sutherland to approve the Videotaping Policy for the THA Board meetings. Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio and approved unanimously.
New Business
No New Business.
Updates from the Duly Elected Stern Village Resident Association
No update.
Resident Comments
Maureen – comment on the dinner with the Trumbull Helps group and noted it was a great time. They will continue with the Chinese luncheons, Bingo and pizza nights. Bus trips will be set.
John – Wanted to know about a follow-up trip to Hartford to discuss issues. Ms. Polansky stated that Paulette will update residents on issues concerning them that need support. Ms. Polansky encouraged the residents to meet with Senator Murphy and express their concerns.
Teresa – requested the Treasurer’s Report include more details such as the percentage of increase in revenue when new residents arrive, as well as expenses, utilities, insurance, and salaries. The residents do not know where the money comes from and how it is disbursed. She noted that in the January 2018 minutes, it stated that a robo-call would be sent to residents regarding the videotaping of the meetings. She did not receive any such call to alert her. Teresa also asked if releases were signed with regard to the posting of photos on social media from various events; asked if one can refuse to have it released.
Adjournment
There being no further business, motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to adjourn the meeting at 4:12 pm. Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio and approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Crandall
Clerk