Author Archive: Trumbull Housing Authority - Stern Villlage

Meeting Agenda January 26, 2020

Posted on by

TRUMBULL HOUSING AUTHORITY VIRTUAL REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA

DATE: January 26, 2020
TIME: 4:30 PM

Join the Meeting Online
https://zoom.us/j/96153896130?pwd=YmZvcE4xd0VFM2wyNDBwelFTQWpTQT09
Webinar ID: 961 5389 6130
Password: 843852

Join by telephone: (301) 715-8592
Webinar ID: 961 5389 6130
Password: 843852
During Resident Comments: If you would like to speak, press *9 on your phone during resident comments.

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Reading and Approval of Minutes for December 22, 2020 Regular THA Board Meeting
  4. Election of Officers
  5. Treasurer’s Report & Discussion of Financials
  6. Executive Director’s Report
  7. Congregate Updates and Congregate Energy Enhancements-2019 Small Cities
  8. Review of Funding for Stern Village and Congregate
  9. Review of Draft CNAs
  10. Unfinished Business
  11. New Business
  12. Resident Comments
  13. Adjournment

For Your Protection

Posted on by

Here are simple steps to make your own reusable face mask: 

  1. Gather a pair of scissors, two bands, two strings, and a 12 x 6” piece of cloth. A tea towel, hanky, cotton napkin or an antimicrobial pillow case. Some string ideas include hair ties, rubber bands, or elastic from an old pair of leggings.
  2. Pleat your piece of fabric as you go, about one inch per pleat, until you have a one-inch spread of fabric that’s already folded.
  3. Tie your band to each end of the pleated mask. The mask should unfold like an accordion since it’s pleated.
  4. Loop your string under each band, make sure each end is even, and then tie a knot. Repeat on the other side.
  5. Take the top two strings and tie securely. Repeat on bottom.
  6. Adjust your mask so it fits over your nose and under your chin.
  7. Wash after every use with soap and water. You can also add a coffee filter, drying sheet, or other type of barrier to create a filter, which you can remove between each use.

And here’s how to make your own disposable face mask:

  1. Fold material, like a paper towel, in half.
  2. Lightly pleat it in about one-inch increments.
  3. Tie a band to each side.
  4. Loop your string under each band, make sure each end is even, and then tie a knot. Repeat on the other side.
  5. Take the top two strings and tie securely. Repeat on bottom.
  6. Adjust your mask so it fits over your nose and under your chin.
  7. Toss your mask after use.

Top of Form

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU WEAR YOUR MASK ANYTIME YOU LEAVE YOUR APARTMENT AND WHEN OUTSIDE.

THIS IS FOR YOUR SAFETY! PLEASE SOCIAL DISTANCE.

STAY SAFE AND WELL! 

COVID-19

Posted on by

From the Desk of Harriet Polansky, Executive Director.

I realize this is an extremely stressful and unsettling time for everyone and we are doing everything possible to keep COVID-19 away from Stern Village.

It’s important to let everyone know what we are doing during the pandemic to keep our residents safe.

We’re following all the precautionary measures as per Lucy Bango, Director of Public Health for the Town of Trumbull, Megan Murphy, Emergency Management Director, the CDC, Governor Lamont, and the Department of Housing.

For Henry Stern Center, Our Congregate

  • We continue to call each congregant on a daily basis and ask if they are Ok?  We’ve been doing the R U Ok calls for over 6 years.
  • There is no congregating allowed in the dining room, foyer, 2nd floor den and arts & crafts room
  • Residents are encouraged to go outside in the nice weather, wear a face covering and social distance.
  • All meals are delivered to the Congregants in styrofoam containers. The Chef and 1 Kitchen staffers wear masks and gloves when they deliver the food. Residents fill out a bi-weekly menu which is provided to the Chef.
  • The only visitors allowed are nurses, aides or a family member acting in that capacity.
  • Deliveries are dropped off in a designated area in the foyer, either residents pick up or staff put the items by their door.
  • Anyone who signs in is asked to wash their hands.
  • COVID-19 prevention and informational signs are throughout the building.
  • We hired a commercial maintenance company to clean the entire building.
  • All public areas, including door knobs, walls, railings, and the elevator are continually sanitized and residents’ units are cleaned weekly using bleach and water. Our cleaning person is properly outfitted.
  • Only 1 person is allowed the laundry room at a time.
  • We have a system in place for residents to provide the Congregate Manager necessary information.

Stern Village

  • We are also making R U Ok? calls to all Villagers on a weekly basis.
    • If we know that a resident is returning from another state or country, we are calling them to confirm their return and requesting they quarantine for 2 weeks
  • Only 1 person is allowed in the laundry rooms at a time
  • We have a system in place for residents to provide us with necessary information.

Other

  • Every Wednesday, GBT provides a 20-seat bus for our residents to go to Stop & Shop. We typically have 6-8 residents going so the bus allows for social distancing.
  • Residents in need are encouraged to go to the Food Pantry. They can call to have their food delivered at Stern or go to the senior center for curbside service. Each resident has the hours and phone numbers.
  • Maintenance crew will only respond to emergencies or problems with plumbing, water, electricity or heat. If a resident isn’t sure, they can call the office.
  • Staff is alternating working from home and working on-site.
  • We are enforcing social distancing at the THA Office and asking residents to do the same.
  • We have distributed easy instructions on how to make a no sew mask. Copies are in our laundry rooms and in the congregate.

I am available to the residents 24/7 by phone.

THA Recap: December 30, 2019

Posted on by

  2019: A Banner Year for the Trumbull Housing Authority.

 This was quite a remarkable year for Stern Village.  Over the past year, Stern Village has gone through a $6.8 million transformation, which was badly needed and had not been done for approximately 46 years.  The goal was to rehabilitate, revitalize, and improve Stern Village, in order to provide safe and sanitary housing in addition to a better living experience for all our residents.

In 2013 we were deemed critical and at risk by the Connecticut Housing & Finance Authority (CHFA).  Now, thanks to my persistent lobbying on behalf of our residents, and the support of the THA Board of Commissioners, First Selectman of Trumbull, Vicki Tesoro and the Trumbull Delegation, we are now sustainable.

This was accomplished by navigating the complex world of state financing.  We obtained financing from a diverse group of agencies, including: $5.3 million funding from the State, $500,000 from 2018 State Housing Tax Contribution Program (HTCC), $800,000 from 2018 Small Cities Funding, and $200,000 from  CHFA Critical Needs Funding.  This does not include the 2019 Small Cities Funding or the 2019 HTCC Funding.

Our goals included:

  • repaving our sidewalks and roads so that they were safe and drivable;
  • significant improvements to property drainage and the sanitary system;
  • improving energy efficiency and comfort through a combination of insulation, new water heaters, new doors, new windows, and heat pumps;
  • structural changes to include several new porches, columns, gutters;
  • mounting new shutters and mailboxes;
  • installing radon mitigation systems throughout the Village;
  • landscaping and tree removal, to continue in 2020;
  • creating nineteen ADA units with large bathrooms, walk-in showers, ADA compliant cabinets, new lighting and new floors;
  • rehabbing twenty-four units with walk-in showers, new cabinets, new floors, new lighting;
  • constructing a new Community Room with an ADA compliant kitchen, ADA compliant bathroom, laundry room and more! (We hope to reopen the Community Room by the end of January 2020, beginning of February 2020);
  • new signage throughout Stern Village in 2020;
  • creating a rain garden by unit 51,
  • painting the apartments in the Village in 2020,
  • and more!

 

Henry Stern Center – Congregate

In addition to the much needed energy efficient upgrades made to the kitchen in the Congregate, a new generator and a new sprinkler system were installed. Power outage lights were placed in every congregants unit and additional outside lighting was installed to illuminate the path leading to the Congregate. New mailboxes have been ordered.

THA Congregate Kitchen received a score of 100% from the Trumbull Heath Department. We were the only eatery in Trumbull that received the highest score.

Additional upgrades will be made to the Congregate in 2020. These upgrades will include new energy efficient boilers, new heating/air conditioning systems, walk-in showers, higher toilets and more, to increase the safety and comfort of our frail and elderly residents. The sidewalk in front of the Congregate will be addressed in the spring of 2020.

However, we are not done. We need to extend the rehabilitation to all units and continue to make significant improvements to ensure the health and safety of our residents.

In 2018, we obtained a grant from TD Bank to be used for security cameras. We now have cameras focused on the 2nd circle and in front of the Congregate.  Our goal is to have security cameras throughout our 16.19 acre parcel.

Every year we work with the Eagle Scouts on projects to benefit our residents.  This year, Ben Cousins constructed a bus shelter by the Congregate. Our goal for next year is to ask the Eagle Scouts to build picnic tables.

We received a $1,000 donation in memory of a Stern Village resident. This will be used to create a gathering space/park by the Community Room.

Friends of the THA

We work closely with businesses who have donated their services and products to help our residents:

-Home Depot created community gardens for our residents and provided discounts on holiday blow-ups and decorations;

-Jeff Shapiro, of Creative Culinary hosted our THA Picnic and First Annual Winter Wonderland Party;

-Stop & Shop provides us with a variety of breads and pastries every Wednesday, and donates cakes to us when needed and Bruegger’s Bagels gives us bags of assorted bagels every Friday;

-Our goal is to work with other businesses to help support our needs and to provide more programs and events to bring our residents together.

For 2020, with the help of our residents, THA staff and THA commissioners, we will continue to make a positive impact on the Trumbull Housing Authority and work closely with the residents to achieve positive outcomes.

We are truly the Jewel of Trumbull.

Minutes THA July 2018

Posted on by

Trumbull Housing Authority – August 3, 2018

Trumbull Housing Authority Meeting
August 3, 2018
4:00 pm
Community Room of Stern Village

Commissioners Present: Chairman Janice Kopchik, Deborah Dowd, Paul Niebuhr Also Present: Executive Director Harriet Polansky Commissioners Absent: Suzanne Donofrio

The meeting was called to order at 4:04 pm by Chairman Kopchik. This was followed by Roll Call and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Past Minutes

The following changes to the minutes of June 25, 2018 were presented:

  1. #4 under minutes of 6/5/18 should read “Non-Congregate residents…”
  2. Under Director’s Report – should read “Accounts Payable is approximately…”
  3. Under Resident Comments – Sandy – should read “Drip pans…”

Mrs. Kopchik motioned to approve the minutes of June 25, 2018 as amended. Seconded by Ms. Dowd and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Ms. Dowd reported for the Trumbull Housing Authority for the period ending June 30, 2018. Stern Village and Stern Center has an overall gain of approximately $147,029. This is attributable to receiving approximately $135,000 from United Illuminating as the incentive for installing the heat pumps. The current reserve balance is $770,977, which is approximately $3,473 for each unit in the entire complex.

Director’s Report

Ms. Polansky reported the overall cash position as of June 30, 2018 shows a balance of $662,771, including the investment account. Accounts Payable is approximate $38,823, including the PILOT accrual for the current year.

At the present time, the Village has ten vacancies and the Congregate has one vacancy.

With regard to expenses, approximately 10% was expended on Utilities, 32% on Maintenance, 10% on Insurance, and 47% on Administrative costs.

Thank you to Maureen for the ice cream truck for the residents.

The Bond Commission approved the $5.3 million for Stern Village. The next steps include:

  1. They will be working closely with CHFA to close the project; striving to close September 30 to October 30, 2018.
  2. Millennium is acting as Construction Manager and there is no General Contractor.
  3. The project is out to bid to multiple prime contractors. The work is to be administered by Millennium and the THA.

 

Trumbull Housing Authority – August 3, 2018

  1. CHFA presented a checklist of over 50 items that they need in order to close this project. Attorney James Scaramozza and Attorney Melanie Raush are helping us with the closing documents. They helped set up our 501(c)3 and work with us on Wiles’ Architect agreement.
  2. The deadline is August 3 for contractors to submit proposals.
  3. They will need two weeks after bid opening to negotiate and tabulate all of the bids.
  4. The plans are already in the Building Department; fees need to be paid permits issued.
  5. Meeting with Town Public Works and Engineers to discuss the roads and sidewalks.

HTCC Funding – Ms. Polansky hopes they receive the $500,000 in December. This will be used to rehab vacant apartments.

Window replacement bids will be sent out in October.

Ms. Polansky discussed critical needs for Congregate. She noted she has been working closely with CHFA for funding for the following projects – new generator, kitchen ventilation, new boilers and sprinkler system. This is close to $210,000 in funding.

Ms. Polansky is working on getting additional grants for new, hi-tech security cameras for Stern Village to upgrade the current system.

Over the past five years, Ms. Polansky has converted several smoking buildings into non-smoking. Currently, there are 36 residents (out of 186) who reside in smoking buildings. With the Board’s approval at an upcoming Board Meeting, she would like to create a Smoke Free Facility noting that HUD is banning smoking at (Public Housing Agencies) PHAs. Everyone deserves to breathe clean air.

In our effort to make a safer and healthier community, we are going to start the process of going Smoke-Free. She noted the following:

  1. For residents of multi-unit housing, secondhand smoke can be a major concern given that it can migrate from other units, porches, travel through doorways, cracks in walls, electrical lines, plumbing, and ventilation systems.
  2. More than 600 public housing agencies (PHAs) have already gone smoke-free, and now HUD will require the rest to join in.
  3. There is no “right” to smoke in a rental home, and smokers are not a protected sub-class under anti­discrimination laws.
  4. The rule does not prohibit smoking by residents; rather, it requires that if residents smoke that they do so several feet away from the buildings.
  5. The federal ban will save public agencies an estimated $153 million every year in costs related to health care due to secondhand smoke, as well as repairs and losses from preventable fires, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  6. Each resident will receive a notice about this in their mailbox by August 15.
  7. Each resident will have 30 days to provide written comments.
  8. Notices will be placed in the laundry rooms and community room.
  9. Polansky will summarize the relevant comments received and provide a response as to why such comments were or were not incorporated. Such summary shall be provided to each affected tenant.
  10. Paulette can provide information on how to stop smoking. Ms. Polansky will be discussing this further at her Tuesday Tea on August 14.

 

Trumbull Housing Authority – August 3, 2018

Unfinished Business No Unfinished Business.

New Business No New Business

Updates From the Stern Village Resident Association

Maureen Bova noted the Resident Association has accomplished many things in the past few months including participating in the rally to support the Medicare Savings Program. She noted numerous activities have been held for the residents and more are being planned.

Transportation will be available for those residents who want to vote in the November. Residents can also receive help with voter registration and absentee ballots through Stern Village.

Resident Comments

Sandy – felt that John should be acknowledged for the activities he coordinates for the residents, including the pizza and Chinese food. Mrs. Bova thanked all who participated in planning activities for the residents.

Gloria – requested that her neighbor be asked to clean up the items that are now encroaching into the area around Gloria’s apartment causing concern. Ms. Polansky and Paulette will address this request.

Ms. Polansky noted the rodent problem from the nearby construction has been addressed and there doesn’t seem to be a problem anymore.

Deb – asked if there is a policy on hoarding. Ms. Polansky noted there is a policy on over abundance of items.

Sandy – noted the heat in the laundry room is oppressive and requested a ceiling fan be installed for better circulation. Ms. Polansky will address this request.

Next Meeting

There will be no meeting in August; the next meeting will be held in September.

Adjournment

There being no further business, motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to adjourn the meeting at 4:28 pm. Seconded by Mr. Niebuhr and approved unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Crandall Clerk

Minutes THA June – Special Meeting 2018

Posted on by

Trumbull Housing Authority – Special Meeting June 5, 2018

Trumbull Housing Authority Special Meeting
June 5, 2018
4:00 pm
Community Room of Stern Village

Commissioners Present: Chairman Janice Kopchik, Deborah Dowd, Paul Niebuhr and Suzanne Donofrio Also Present: Executive Director Harriet Polansky

Commissioners Absent: Douglas Sutherland

The meeting was called to order at 4:03 pm by Chairman Kopchik. This was followed by Roll Call and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Kopchik entertained the motion to approve the Trumbull Housing Management Plans for Stern Village and for Stern Center and the Congregate Service Plans. Motion was read as follows:

The Trumbull Housing Board of Commissioners approves the budget plan for Stern Village and the Management Plan for Stern Center and the Congregate Service Plan for the fiscal year July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

Motion was made by Mrs. Donofrio, seconded by Mr. Niebuhr. Discussion.

Ms. Polansky noted the Management Plan is completed this time every year for the Congregate, the Village and the Congregate Service Plan. The Fiscal year begins July 1. CHFA and DOH require these plans for the next fiscal year which is July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. The management plan provides a budgetary projection for the various expenditures to be incurred this upcoming fiscal year by Stern Village for the Congregate. There are three parts of the operating budget. There is the Village, or the Elderly Plan. There is the Congregate Plan and the Congregate Services Plan which encompasses DOH subsidies.

For the Village, she noted the key is the cash flow. The revenue received comes from rent. The types of expenses have not changed over the years. It is a matter of the money allocated to it whether there was more or less money spent this year and then how it will be projected for next year. They always hope to lower the operating expenses and maintain a reasonable vacancy rate. She is awaiting the State’s Bond Commission to approve the $5,000,000 from the State that will result in relocation of some residents in order to remodel units in the middle to make then ADA Compliant units. There will be a point where they will have to hold vacancies. There were more vacancies than expected in the Village due to various reasons. The projected revenue was on target for the fiscal year with new residents coming in with a higher base rent as per the stratification plan. It is hoped to increase the rent revenue for the next fiscal year with vacancies being filled using the higher base rent. It sometimes takes time to turn over a vacancy due to the condition of the unit. No deposits are taken.

 

Trumbull Housing Authority – Special Meeting June 5, 2018

A lower placement reserve was projected for 2017-2018 and the actual amount is higher. We are projecting that the revenue from the laundry will decrease due to new high efficiency machines. There were several insurance claims this year due to apartment damage which is accounted for in miscellaneous revenue. They do not anticipate a significant amount in the new fiscal year.

Office supplies decreased this year; however, they put in a higher amount in next fiscal year in anticipation of the construction and the necessary recording keeping. Legal expenses were lower this year than budgeted. It is hoped these expenses will remain low. Every year an outside auditor is used as required by DOH and CHFA in additional to Neil. They also use an outside accountant per CHFA and DOH.

Miscellaneous admin expenses include but are not limited to conferences for staff and advertising openings for the Village. This year the advertising was high because they advertised the wait list from October 1 through December 31, which was costly. This budget also includes marketing materials to be printed. They were over the projected budget for the fiscal year based on the actual for 2018-2019. Utility expenses, including cable TV, increased more than anticipated and are projected to increase. We have four maintenance men – three are full time and one part time. The full time employees are part of a union. Cleaning supplies were higher than anticipated to sanitize and rehab the vacant apartments. Cleaning contract was also higher. They have a quarterly contract for cleaning of the sewer. They have come more frequently because residents throw items into the system they are not supposed to. This causes blockages that need to be cleared. Garbage and trash removal was higher than anticipated due to more dump runs with vacated apartments. Snow removal was budgeted as we need to hire an outside company, which is expected by CHFA. Vehicle maintenance and equipment operational repair, including the golf cart, was higher. Repairs were increased and a new cart was purchased for the maintenance tractor. PILOT, or real estate taxes, are always calculated at 3% less vacancies, less utilities. Payroll taxes remain the same. Property and Liability Insurance, managed by the Department of Service Administration, is negotiated for all the housing authorities. This is added into the plan when it is finalized. Worker’s Compensation Insurance and other employee benefits decreased substantially because they got better rates.

Overall the cash flow is well and they are operating the way they should be.

For the Congregate Services, the base rent and service costs remained the same for the next fiscal year. The service piece is subsidized based upon individual rent for the Congregate. The base rent is $400. The Service piece is $736. Not everyone pays the same rent; some pay the full amount which $1,136. Some pay less depending on their income. If a resident is unable to pay the full rate, the State makes up the balance. Vacancies increased overall. Some of the residents, who left for various reasons, paid the full amount. Therefore, there was a decrease in revenue. The Service piece is the 24/7 security. The contract increased slightly. The new Food Service increased by $1.00 per contract. Residents now pay $11.00. Light housekeeping costs the same. Entertainment stays the same. Nothing really changed in the Congregate.

The THA Board voted unanimously for the budget plan to be in place. Motion approved.

 

Trumbull Housing Authority – Special Meeting June 5, 2018

Resident Comments

Carlos – Does the budget plan include raises the for maintenance workers? If we are suffering, why are they getting a raise? The Board noted this is part of the contract that was negotiated with the union.

Gloria – Why did the fee for the food go up $1.00? Ms. Polansky noted this is part of the contract negotiated.

Maureen – the middle units will be ADA, where are those residents going? Ms. Polansky noted those residents will be relocated to other units within the village according to the relocation plan.

Ms. Polansky announced HTCC funding they applied for has been approved. They are earmarked to receive $500,000 at some point this year. Ms. Bova congratulated Ms. Polansky on all the funding she has been able to get for Stern Village. Ms. Polansky noted State Senator Marilyn Moore is now on the State Bond Commission.

Gus – When the ADA units are being remodeled, are the residents guaranteed to go back into the same units. Ms. Polansky noted the residents who need the ADA units will be returned to their units. However, not everyone in those units need a handicap unit. A plan will be discussed as to how to allocate those units to residents who need them.

Adjournment

There being no further business, motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to adjourn the meeting at 4:22 pm. Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio and approved unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Crandall Clerk

Minutes THA June 2018

Posted on by

Trumbull Housing Authority – June 25, 2018

Trumbull Housing Authority Meeting
June 25, 2018
4:00 pm
Community Room of Stern Village

Commissioners Present: Chairman Janice Kopchik, Suzanne Donofrio, Deborah Dowd Also Present: Executive Director Harriet Polansky

Commissioners Absent: Paul Niebuhr and Douglas Sutherland

The meeting was called to order at 4:04 pm by Chairman Kopchik. This was followed by Roll Call and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Past Minutes

The following changes to the minutes of May 21, 2018, were presented:

  1. Under Treasurer’s Report – second sentence from bottom should read “In addition,…”.
  2. New Business – fourth paragraph should read “She sourced several attorneys seeking a local firm who have current experience…”. Also “Attorney Chris Cody and his staff were highly recommended…”.

Mrs. Kopchik motioned to approve the minutes of May 21, 2018, as amended. Seconded by Ms. Dowd and approved.

The following changes to the minutes of the Special Meeting held on June 5, 2018, were presented:

  1. Third paragraph should read “The Trumbull Housing Authority Board of Commissioners”.
  2. Sixth paragraph should read “”order to remodel units in the middle to make them ADA Compliant units.”
  3. Ninth paragraph, Page 2, should read “Cleaning contracts were also higher.” Also “PILOT, or real estate taxes, are always calculated at 3% less vacancies and less utilities.”
  4. Eleventh paragraph, Page 2, should read “Non‐Congregational residents now pay $11.00.”
  5. Under Resident Comments, Page 3, should read “Ms. Polansky announced that the HTCC funding…”.

Mrs. Kopchik motioned to approve the minutes of June 5, 2018, as amended. Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Ms. Dowd reported for the Trumbull Housing Authority for the period ending May 31, 2018. Stern Village and Stern Center have an overall gain of approximately $157,109. This is attributable to receiving approximately $135,000 from United Illuminating as the incentive for installing the heat pumps. The current reserve balance is $736,510, which is approximately $3,318 for each unit in the entire complex.

 

Trumbull Housing Authority – June 25, 2018

Director’s Report

Ms. Polansky reported the overall cash position as of May 31, 2018, shows a balance of $666,957, including the investment account. Accounts Payable is approximate $87,556, including the PILOT accrual for the current year.

At the present time, the village has ten vacancies and the congregate has five vacancies.

With regards to expenses, we expended approximately 8% on Utilities, 25% on Maintenance, 11% on Insurance, and 31% on Administrative costs.

Ms. Polansky reviewed her Recap for January 1 through June 30, 2018. A copy is attached to the minutes. She thanked everyone who helped with the various events and the Board for their support.

Updates From the Stern Village Resident Association

Mrs. Bova thanked the Board for everything that is going on in their community and to the residents who have helped with those events. They are looking to have an ice cream truck come for the residents to enjoy.

Resident Comments

Roberto – he is concerned about the way they are cutting the grass in the Village. It is not done in a safe way and areas are often left uncut. He did bring this concern to Paulette who is working on it.

Sandy – spoke on the fact that her new stove does not have a bottom drawer which provides much-needed storage in the small apartments. Drips pans are a problem as they seem to not last very long. Ms. Polansky will look into this.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Mrs. Kopchik moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:25 pm. Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio and approved unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Crandall Clerk

 

THA Recap: January 1, 2018 – June 30, 2018

Posted on by

June 22, 2018

 

THA RECAP

PERIOD:  January 1, 2018 –June 30, 2018

 

Snow Removal – We had several students and adults from Trumbull to help residents remove snow this year when I posted our needs on social media.

Wait List – There were approximately 60 applicants for housing at Stern Village during our application period.  After our screening processes, 47 applicants were placed on the Wait List.

Resident Volunteer Breakfast – This was my fifth consecutive year for Harriet’s Volunteer Breakfast to thank THA residents for all they do. The food was provided by Creative Culinary.

Hand Dryers for Community Room & Congregate Restrooms  – These were installed in January as a “green initiative” and will save us money since we no longer need paper towels for these bathrooms.

Newtown Savings Bank – Newtown Savings Bank gave the THC $20,000 for the purchase of new, energy-efficient windows for the Congregate. I applied for this grant in the fall of 2017.

2018 Small Cities Grant – First Selectman Vicki Tesoro and the Town of Trumbull applied for another Small Cities Grant for new, energy efficient double pane windows for Stern Village.  I worked closely with Lisa Low, Consultant (selected by the Town of Trumbull), to fulfill all the required documentation. This included going in front of the Town Council to explain why we need the windows.

 Laundry Room – New, energy-efficient, front-loading washers and dryers were installed in all the laundry rooms. Laundry card systems were installed in the Community Room and Congregate Building.

Office Doors – Glass doors were installed in Paulette and Daisy’s offices in order for them to see out and residents to look in.

Student Interns at the Congregate –We’ve had some amazing student interns from Sacred Heart University work with our Congregants and help Daisy. This year Amber was our student intern and she is also working for us a few hours each week during the summer.

 1st Annual Valentine’s Day Party – This was a huge success. Residents wearing red were eligible for a drawing for various items that were donated. The Nichols Garden Club provided us with beautiful, floral arrangements for the 4th year. The Girl Scouts made cards for our residents and Ms. Molly’s Kindergarten Class provided goodie bags, decorations and hid kindness rocks around the Village.

Trumbull Helps – When kindness matters, we think of the wonderful volunteers from Trumbull Helps. Jeff Kunkel helped discard a large tree that fell down in front of the walkway to the Community Room. Jeff and other volunteers from this organization helped residents clear the snow from their vehicles and hosted wonderful dinners for our residents, and helped serve our residents.

Town of Trumbull at the State Capital – Harriet Polansky, Executive Director, represented Stern Village at Trumbull Day at the State Capital.

Senator Chris Murphy and First Selectman Vicki Tesoro – Senator Murphy visited Stern Village to inform our residents of several policies he created and initiatives he is spearheading. Senator Murphy and First Selectman Tesoro answered questions from our residents regarding issues that affect the elderly and young disabled.

Grief Counseling – Victor Olsen, Director of the Mary J. Sherlach Counseling Center ran grief counseling sessions for our residents.

New THA General Counsel ­­– The THA Board of Commissioners approved the hiring of Cody and Gonillo, LLP, to represent the THA in legal matters.

Critical Needs Application for the Congregate – We applied for approximately $200,000 to the Connecticut Housing & Finance Authority for a new generator, a new sprinkler system, kitchen ventilation and new boilers for the Congregate.

Donation from ServPro – We received a $300 gift card from ServPro that was used to purchase additional lawn furniture outside the Community Room.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP) – With the help of our THA residents, we were quite vocal about the Medicare Savings Program by making calls, writing letters and sending petitions to Trumbull Legislators. The program was reinstated.

Annual Mother’s Day Breakfast – 50 residents enjoyed a delicious breakfast hosted by Creative Culinary.

Annual Father’s Day Luncheon – 30 residents enjoyed a delicious lunch sponsored by Ed Henrich of United Healthcare.

Housing Tax Credit Contribution (HTCC) Funding – We were awarded $500,000 in HTCC Funds, which will go towards the Capital Improvement Project.

Harriet’s Monthly Tuesday Teas – Harriet Polansky’s monthly meeting with the residents is still going strong. Each month she discusses timely issues, concerns, and happenings at the THA. Residents bring up questions and help brainstorm on things that affect the residents.

 

Harriet’s Picnic with the Residents – Harriet Polansky has started having lunch with residents at our new picnic table twice a month.

Housing Authority Insurance (HAI) Group– Provided us with a large screen, Smart TV, Wii Game System, Games and a DVD player for the Congregate. They also created 6 raised community gardens filled with vegetable plants and herbs for Stern Village. They also provided us with 3 laptops for our residents.

Trumbull Integrity Award– Heather LeMoult was this year’s recipient for the Trumbull Integrity Award, started 3 years ago by Senator Marilyn Moore.

Additional Funding for the Congregate– We received additional funding from DOH for the Congregate. The amount is $7,251 which is put towards our operating expenses.

Stern Village Management Plans 2018-2019 – Our Annual Management Plans for Stern Village were approved by CHFA.

CHFA Technical Department – CHFA accepted our plans and specs for the Stern Village rehabilitation project.

 Bocce Ball Court–  JR Vano, Eagle Scout from Troop 65 – Long Hill United Methodist Church constructed our new Stern Village Bocce Ball Court, a wooden bench with a back, a personalized scoreboard, and they gave us a set of Bocce Balls and another set of horseshoes for our horseshoe pit. JR’s dad, Grandfather, and Stern Village Resident John Balawender also helped.

Ongoing Activities

-Bingo is played 3 times a week and held every 3rd Saturday in the Congregate.

-Adult Coloring with Gus is every Thursday.

-Men’s Club is every Tuesday morning.

-Art Therapy with Allison Spitzer-London is held bimonthly.

-Garden Art Therapy with Long Hill Garden Club is monthly, Fall – Spring.

-Musical entertainment is held in the Congregate twice a month.

-Pokeno is held every Thursday in the Community Room.

-Chair Exercises is held at the Congregate.

-Fun with Crafts

-Stern Village Knitting Club meets every Thursday in the Community Room.

-Movie Night is held bimonthly in the Community Room.

-Wii Game night is held every Thursday in the Community Room.

 

 

Minutes THA May 2018

Posted on by

Trumbull Housing Authority Meeting

April 30, 2018

4:00 pm

Community Room of Stern Village

 

 

Commissioners Present:  Chairman Janice Kopchick, Suzanne Donofrio, Douglas Sutherland, Deborah Dowd and Paul Niebuhr

Also Present:  Executive Director Harriet Polansky

The meeting was called to order at 4:07 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 March 26, 2017:

  1. Page 1 under Treasurer’s Report should read “For the past six months…”
  2. Page 2 under Executive Director’s Report, third paragraph, should read “The automatic laundry service will be installing…” “Residents will be alerted when they are installed.”
  3. Page 2 under Resident Comments – “Maureen – commented on the dinner…”

Mrs. Kopchik motioned to approve the minutes of March 26, 2018, as amended.  Seconded by Mr. Sutherland and approved with an abstention from Ms. Dowd.

Treasurer’s Report

Ms. Dowd reported for the Trumbull Housing Authority for the period ending March 31, 2018.  Stern Village and Stern Center currently have an overall gain of approximately $138,741.  The current reserve balance is $750,256 which is approximately $3,380 for each unit in the entire complex.  The overall cash position as of March 31, 2018, shows a balance of $689,197, including the investment account.  Accounts Payable is approximately $77,682 including the PILOT accrual for the current year.

Executive Director’s Report

Ms. Polansky reported the following:

  1. At the present time, the Village has ten vacancies and the Congregate has four vacancies.
  2. With regard to expenses as compared to revenue from rental income and Congregate Subsidy, expenditures are approximately 10% on utilities, 33% on maintenance, 10% on insurance and 47% on administrative costs.
  3. Capital Improvements – CHFA is reviewing the plans and it is hoped to hear back from them this week. Once CHFA approves the plans, a set of plans will be provided to Megan Murphy, the Fire Marshall and Bob Dunn, Building Director for Trumbull for their review.  Polansky will also get on the schedule for the State’s Bond Committee in order for them to approve the capital improvements.
  4. Congregate – an application is being submitted for critical needs for the Congregate. This will be for a new generator, new fire protection systems, parts for the boilers and a ventilation system for the kitchen.  She is also asking UI for energy incentives for the boiler and ventilation system.
  5. Working with the insurance provider on a community give-back program in hopes of getting a large screen TV and Wii for the Congregants.
  6. Medicare Savings Program – Paulette and Ms. Polansky held resident meetings regarding the Medicare Savings Program that affects many of the residents. The termination or reduction in this program will be disastrous for the residents.  She is contacting the Trumbull legislators, the media and posting on Facebook.  Polansky noted some residents have volunteered to go before the press on this issue.  As of this date, no bus is being scheduled to bring residents to Hartford to speak.
  7. New Nurse – Tori Benoit is the Town’s new geriatric nurse. She will be doing informative presentations for the residents as well as be on hand to discuss residents’ issues.  Polansky will post her schedule when it is set.

Unfinished Business

No Unfinished Business.

New Business

No New Business.

Updates from the Duly Elected Stern Village Resident Association

Maureen spoke on the Medicare Savings Program noting she has been working with the residents to call or write to the legislators regarding this.  She is also working with AARP on this issue.  She noted how devastating the reductions would be for the residents to the point of some not being able to afford everything they need.  We must work with the legislators to keep this program intact.  She also noted that pizza night was good.

Resident Comments

Jim – spoke on the condition of the roads noting the many potholes in the Village.  Residents who walk with walkers and canes are in danger of falling which is something the THA cannot afford.  He felt there was enough money in the accounts to fix the potholes.  Proposed improvements are still a long way in the future and may not be started until next year.  He stated it is the responsibility of the Town of Trumbull and the THA to take care of such problems and asked the Board members to take a walk with him after the meeting to observe the condition of the roads.

Sandy – spoke on the Medicare Savings Program noting that reductions will be personally devastating.  She would like to get a petition for the residents to sign.  Why do the legislators in the state go after the senior citizens?  She felt the apathy among the seniors needed to be eliminated.

Mark – spoke on the Medicare Savings Program and asked why it happened all of a sudden.  The residents have worked all their lives or as long as they could and now the State takes the money away.

John – spoke on the Medicare Savings Program noting that he has been calling but was unable to get through.  He spoke at the last meeting regarding going to Hartford and he noted he would help organize a bus if some of the residents want to go.

Mr. Sutherland asked if Ms. Polansky if she heard from David Rutigliano and Marilyn Moore.  Ms. Polansky noted she did speak with David Rutigliano.  They are putting some funding into the plan.  She has not heard back from Marilyn Moore.

Christiane – noted she is disappointed in the THA.  She was locked out of her house recently and felt that the facility did not appropriately respond.  She felt she was being yelled at because of the situation.

Michelle – thank you to EMS for their prompt response to her call recently.  She noted she also called David Rutigliano and Ben McGorty and did not get any response.

Bob – spoke on the income being removed from the seniors noting laws are being passed to take money from the seniors and to give to mental health programs.  Wanted to know why this was happening.

Mr. Sutherland noted the State of Connecticut has not recovered from the recession and that revenue is down.

Mark – noted that some apartments need improvement with new windows and doors.  Mrs. Kopchik and Mr. Sutherland noted these issues would be addressed by the grants.

Adjournment

There being no further business, motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to adjourn the meeting at 4:35 pm.  Seconded by Mr. Sutherland and approved unanimously.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Barbara Crandall

Clerk