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

Trumbull Housing Authority Meeting
February 26, 2018
4:00 pm
Community Room of Stern Village

Commissioners Present: Chairman Janice Kopchick, Suzanne Donofrio, Douglas Sutherland

Also Present: Executive Director Harriet Polansky

Commissioners Absent: Deborah Dowd, Paul Niebuhr

The meeting was called to order at 4:05 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 January 22, 2017:
1. All mention of FOI should read FOIA.
2. Under Treasurer’s Report – second line should read – “Stern Center currently have an…”
3. Page 2 – 6th paragraph, third line – “Once the CHFA Technical Department”…
4. Page 4 – second name should be Christiane.
5. Page 5 – Third paragraph names should read – “Maureen Bova, Renee Werthman, Gloria Lanham, John Koch, Ralph Claudio, Nick Verrtucci, Robert Lee, Victor Fontanez, Josephine Rivera, Ida Demore, Jacqueline Connelly, Gus Aquino, Joyce Aquino, James Juliano, Sandy Fisher, Barbara Lucas, Cheryle Pettus, Robert Cortez, John Balawender and Vera Malesky>”
6. Page 6 – paragraph 6 third line should read – “You can basically rule out camera location”…
7. Page 6 – paragraph 3, third line should read – “…ensure residents’ best interest and not necessarily…”
8. Page 6 – paragraph 5, second line should read – “…noted that the THA is a public board.”
9. Page 7 – paragraph 2 should read – “Mrs. Penkoff”.
Mrs. Kopchik motioned to approve the minutes of January 22, 2017 as amended. Seconded by Mr. Sutherland and approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Ms. Polansky reported for the Trumbull Housing Authority for the period ending January 31, 2018. Stern Village and Stern Center currently have an overall gain of approximately $126,088. The current reserve balance is $745,551 which is approximately $3,358 for each unit in the entire complex.

Executive Director’s Report
Ms. Polansky reported the overall cash position as of January 31, 2018 is $728,578 including the investment account. Accounts Payable is approximately $109,155 including the PILOT accrual for the current and prior year. As of the present time, the Village has fifteen vacancies which are in the process of being prepped and sanitized and the Congregate has one vacancy. As of now, there will be three occupancies by the end of March. Applicants are being interviewed.
Ms. Polansky noted they had a great Valentine’s Day. It was filled with cards, flowers, prizes for wearing red and kindness rocks. This was the fourth year the Nichol’s Garden Club provided beautiful floral arrangements for the residents over 90 and for the women of the SV Resident Association. Residents also received cards from Girls Scouts and goodies from Ms. Molloy’s Jane Ryan Kindergarten class.

The residents love the new washers and dryers. Additional platforms are on order and should take about two months to be installed. She is hoping to get another card machine for the laundry room on the hill.

Ms. Polansky met with a Boy Scout who would like to make a Bocce Ball Court for the residents. He is hoping to start the project in the spring. It will be in front of the Congregate directly across from the Maintenance office.

Ms. Polansky is working on fulfilling the paperwork for CHFA in order for them to provide final approval on the plans for the capital improvements that will be made to Stern Village.

The Town of Trumbull will be applying for Small Cities funding this April for $800,000. If awarded, the funds will be used to purchase and install new energy-efficient windows at 186 apartments at Stern Village.

In December 2017, the THA was awarded $5,286,139 for capital improvements to Stern Village based on the 2017 SSHP application. When Ms. Polansky applied for the 2017 SSHP application, she used Small Cities funding as a potential source of funds for windows for the 186 apartments in Stern Village. The windows are over 20 years old and are made of wood, single pane and rotting. This causes drafts which affects the health and well-being of Stern Village residents. The loss of heat has an impact on the residents’ heating bills. New windows will help to improve residents’ health and provide a safer environment. The Town Council needs to grant approval for the Small Cities Application on their behalf. She will be meeting with a committee of the Town Council to discuss this. Ms. Polansky read parts of a letter she received from the legislative team regarding this project. She also encouraged residents write letters about the issues with the windows.

Ms. Polansky noted she has been the Executive Director for five years and has worked hard to improve the quality of life for our elderly and young disabled residents.

Unfinished Business
Mrs. Kopchik noted last month it was decided to hold off a motion on the videotaping policy. She again noted the THA Commissioners are committed to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and she has enjoyed the relationship fostered with the residents and want to gain their trust. We want the residents to attend the Board meetings and we want them to feel they can come and express their concerns without any backlash. They spoke with the Trumbull Housing legal counsel and, per them, anyone can video tape regardless of the Boards permission. However, the Board can set up procedures that can limit the interference with the meeting.

A following Video Taping Policy was read.
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.

Mrs. Kopchik added to the motion that the Board would rearrange the agenda for the meeting. Resident Comments will come after the meeting. There will be no resident comments where the residents are uncomfortable coming up with personal issues. Your voice has been heard so after the meeting, if there is anything the residents want to bring up the Board will listen.

Mr. Sutherland noted this type of meeting is illegal under FOIA.

Motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to approve the above Video Taping Policy. Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio. Mr. Sutherland opposed. Motion approved.

New Business
No New Business.

Stern Village Resident Association
No update.

Adjournment
There being no further business, motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to adjourn the meeting at 4:17 pm. Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio and approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Crandall
Clerk

Trumbull Housing Authority Meeting
January 22, 2018
4:00 pm
Community Room of Stern Village

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

Also Present: Executive Director Harriet Polansky

The meeting was called to order at 4:05 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 December 20, 2017:
1. Under Updates from the Stern Village Resident Association, #5 should read: “Activities this year included the Welcome Dinner for the new residents…”
2. Last paragraph under the same topic, last line should read: “January she will have a meeting with Jeff Kunkel to assess their needs.”
3. Under Resident Comments – first speaker on Page 2 should be Christiane; second speaker on Page 3 should be Carolyn.
4. Under New Business, #2 first sentence should read: “He noted that in the effort for more transparency, there is an effort to video record all Boards and Commissions meetings…”
Mrs. Kopchik motioned to approve the minutes of December 20, 2017 as amended. Seconded by Mr. Sutherland and approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Ms. Dowd reported for the Trumbull Housing Authority for the period ending December 31, 2017. Stern Village and Stern Center currently has an overall gain of approximately $125,733. The current reserve balance is $756,124 which is approximately $3,406 for each unit in the entire complex.

Executive Director’s Report
Ms. Polansky reported the overall cash position as of December 31, 2017 is $745,837 including the investment account. Accounts Payable is approximately $77,214 including the PILOT accrual for the current and prior year.

Windows have been replaced in the Congregate for newer and more efficient energy conservation. This was completed in December. United Illuminating will reimburse $11,872 for this installation.

At the present time, the Village has ten vacancies and the Congregate has four vacancies. It is hoped to fill three vacancies in the Congregate by the middle of February.

Ms. Polansky felt this was going to be a very exciting year for Stern Village. She noted that in order to be green, to save money on paper towels and to keep people from clogging the sewer system, automatic hand dryers have been installed in the Community Room bathrooms and in the Congregate public bathrooms.

Ms. Polansky noted the best news was that on December 22, 2017, the Department of Housing awarded the THA $5,286,139 for capital improvements based on the 2017 SSHP Capital Funding Round. She thanked the THA Board members who were involved in this process, the residents who have written letters to support this request, Senator Marilyn Moore, State Representatives David Rutigliano, Laura Devlin and Ben McGorty as well as the Town of Trumbull for all their help. She also thanked Governor Malloy, Evonne Klein, Commissioner of DOH, and Karl Kildoff, Executive Director for making this a reality. Ms. Polansky extended a thank you to Bruce and Frank from Millennium for all their hard work with no charge over the last four years. All the perseverance and determination finally paid off.

There are several steps to the process in order to get the funds allocated. This has been discussed at the Tuesday Teas and she encouraged all residents to attend her monthly meetings and to read the Stern Village Voice for updated information.

The Development Team consists of Bruce Whitaker and Frank Stellato from Millennium and Architect George Wiles. They have been working for over four years on various funding rounds.

For Stern Village, this means –
– Fixing the sanitary system.
– Creating a storm water management system.
– Fixing the sidewalks, parking lots and roads. They will also be working with the Town of Trumbull on fixing the main road.
– New roofs, gutters and exterior front doors, 20 new ADA units in the middle section, new energy efficient windows and more.

The CHFA Technical Department must review 100% of the plans. It was mandatory to provide 90% for the 2017 SSHP application. The scope of the project is being reviewed and plans should be ready for CHFA mid-February. Once CHFA Technical Department reviews the plans and all questions have been answered, final approval will be necessary from the State’s Bond Commission. It is hoped to start the project in the fall of 2018.

Ms. Polansky noted the Trumbull Housing Corporation (THC) is a non-profit entity formed to support the Trumbull Housing Authority – Stern Village. On August 18, 2017, the THC was determined a 501(c)3 or public charity by the IRS. Now donors can deduct contributions they make to the Trumbull Housing Corporation. Ms. Polansky is currently working with Frank Stellato on an application for a 2018 Housing Tax Credit Contribution through the THC. These HTCC funds will be used towards the capital improvement project. In October 2017, Ms. Polansky applied for a Community Support Donation from the Newtown Savings Bank to be used for the energy efficient windows that were installed in the Congregate. This Wednesday, the THC will receive a significant donation to help off-set the cost of these windows.

All residents have been advised that next Friday the new front load washers and dryers will be installed in the laundry rooms. Each resident will receive a laundry card with $4.00 on it. Training on these new machines will be held for residents and staff on Friday, January 26 from 3-5 pm.

The Maintenance Department has done an exceptional job with snow plowing during the subzero conditions. In addition, there was an intern from the University of Tampa who helped dig out resident’s cars. Jeff Kunkel from Trumbull Helps, also blew the snow off resident’s cars. Several THS students have contacted Ms. Polansky about volunteering after a snowstorm. Hopefully, many of them will show up to help. Ms. Polansky’s robo calls warning residents of inclement weather, to clear their porch and not to go out seems to be working.

Resident Comments
Maureen – presented to the Board a petition from some of the residents at Stern Village that did not like nor want to be filmed or recorded at the Trumbull Housing Authority meetings. They felt it was brought up, laid out and said that it will be because of FOIA. No one considered, recommended or even respected some of their wishes or asked what they thought. Not everyone agreed but she did have a petition with some names. It should be brought under consideration for the respect of the residents at Stern Village. Don’t say we have to. Residents attend the meetings voluntarily. They expected a little more consideration and respect from the Board when it came to this.

Gus – Also feels the same way. They are a close community and do not need people viewing us on TV. They do not want to be in the public eye. They are a tight living community. He does not want to be filmed and feels his words and actions do not need to be on Channel 17 for the entire Trumbull population to see or hear. He thinks it is a violation of their privacy and without the resident’s consent, they should not be filmed. They do not need cameras at the meetings even though it is a public meeting. Harriet, you are doing a great job.

Gloria – agreed with exactly what they said. She did not want to be videoed before and still does not want to be videoed because she feels like she needs her privacy like everyone. They all want things but they don’t need it to be out in the open. This is their home and they do not need to tell anyone else what is taking place here. If you keep letting people know exactly what is going on up here, they might think it is a bad place.

Ralph – agrees about the filming. Does not want to be filmed, doesn’t think they should be filmed. By filming you will shrink the audience in this room. We barely get enough people at these meetings to be more informed and we are growing. He felt the video recording would make them go backwards. You are only going to make it worse for the group that lives here. He knows they want to be public and the residents do not.

Robert – agrees with his peers that he does not want to be filmed. He does not think it should be allowed. They put this forward at one time in a petition but don’t know where it went. He hopes the Board today and Harriet can resolve this problem for us. He is speaking for other people who were not in attendance. Harriet is doing a great job.

Christine – noted that her check for December got lost and she is being accused of not paying rent in December. She suggested Harriet take the rent directly from a credit card every month to make it easier and avoid this type of situation.

Joan – wished everyone a Happy New Year. She asked who was getting the windows. Ms. Polansky noted there were the energy windows done in the Congregate but because of Small Cities, which is also part of the big capital improvement project, we hope to get new windows for everyone in the Village.

New Business
Mrs. Kopchik asked for the petition and read the following statement:
Before we start discussing the New Business item, I would like to say a few things about the THA.
-We are quasi-public state agency and follow the statutes for public housing authorities under the auspices of the Department of Housing and The Connecticut Housing Authority.
-The Commissioners are volunteers and we were appointed by the First Selectman of Trumbull to oversee the THA. In other word, there would not be a THA without the Board of Commissioners.
-We follow the Town Charter by providing the monthly agenda and THA Board Minutes in a timely fashion.
-Barbara Crandall, our paid clerk, records our monthly meetings, composes the minutes and puts them on the Town Website. Therefore, we have a recorded transcript of each meeting. The minutes are also available at the THA Office and posted on the Bulletin Board in the Community Room.
We are and continue to be transparent.
The THA Commissioners are committed to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and I’ve enjoyed the relationship we have fostered with our residents.
We want our residents to attend our Board Meetings and we don’t want to discourage them from attending or speaking.
I received a signed petition from several residents of the THA. I will read the letter attached to the petition.

To Mrs. Kopchik, the Chairperson of the Trumbull Housing Authority Board of Commissioners in regards to the residents of the Trumbull Housing Authority.

Dear Jan – it has come to our attention that the Trumbull Housing Authority Board of Commissioners want to videotape and record us at the Trumbull Housing Authority monthly Board meetings. This was brought up by your new Commissioner, Mr. Douglas Sutherland. We, the residents of the Trumbull Housing Authority, do not want to be videotaped or recorded. We requested that the Trumbull Housing Board of Commissioners veto the videotaping and recording of all the Trumbull Housing Board meetings. Please see the attached petition. Thank you.

Mrs. Kopchik read the names of those who signed the petition. They include Maureen Bova, Renee Werthman, Gloria Lanham, John Koch, Ralph Claudio, Nick Verrtucci, Robert Lee, Victor Fontanza, Josephine Rivera, Ida D’Amore, Josephine Connelly, Gus Aquino, Joyce Aquino, James Yanos, Sandy Fisher, Barbara Lucas, Cheryle Pettus, Robert Cortez, John Ballawender and Vera Molesky. Maureen noted other residents wanted to sign the petition but did not come to the meeting because it was videotaped.

Mrs. Kopchik noted that on April 27, 2015 the THA Board of Commissioners approved a videotaping policy for the Board meetings. Over the last few days, this policy was reviewed by the attorney in order to comply with FOIA. Per his legal opinion, anyone can videotape regardless of the Board’s permission. However, the Board can set up procedures that limit the interference with the meeting. Mrs. Kopchik noted they will entertain the motion to revise the THA videotaping policy to read as follows:

Any person, newspaper, radio broadcasting company or television broadcasting company intending to record, photograph, broadcast or record all or part of the public meeting shall present a plan to the Board at least 48 hours before such public meetings demonstrating that the recording will be accomplished as inconspicuously as possible and in such manner as to not disturb the proceedings of the public agency.

Mr. Sutherland noted that he called the Education Director at FOI Commission in Hartford and spoke to him at length. He said we are allowed to make rules for the body but cannot require any advanced notice. This is a public meeting. You can basically rule camera location such as not obstructing exits or in someone’s way. He also discussed with Chris Jones, the Director of the Trumbull TV, the fact that many people at the meeting are uncomfortable being on camera so he has instructed him to keep the camera on the table with the Commissioners. It is not allowed to shut down the recording of a public meeting. This goes back to Gov. Ella Grasso who wanted to make sure that things were not happening behind closed doors and that meetings were public. She did the FOI regulations and they were unanimously approved by the legislature.

Mr. Sutherland noted that back in 2015 when the policy was put together he was coming to videotape the meetings. There are several things in the original policy that do not conform to the FOI regulations. He tried to accommodate and not film anyone that didn’t want to be filmed. After a while, it was not a big deal and he was not using the videotape for any nefarious purpose. It was basically for open government and it also allows people that can’t make it to the meetings to be able to watch the meeting. It also allows the town representatives to know what is happening so that it provides transparency for them. A policy can be written and voted on today but if you want to require 48 hour notice of a plan as to how it is going to happen, we will have to go to Hartford and have that adjudicated. We do not plan to film anyone who doesn’t want to be filmed. He understands these concerns but it is a public meeting and the laws allow open meetings to be recorded. Anyone can come in and record these meetings and it is better to have a professional.

Maureen stated that she understood the law and what he explained. Part of the problem at the last meeting was that Mr. Sutherland didn’t ask the residents how they felt. It was stated it was FOI and they are going to do it. They are residents of the community and Trumbull and deserve the consideration, respect and regard for living here, for being part of these meetings as they give of their time just as the Board gives of their time. They are asking for consideration and respect to ask before it was said it was the law and they had no choice.

Mr. Sutherland apologized for the way the statement came out at the last meeting. It was not his intention to have it interpreted in such a manner. Ms. Dowd noted this is a committee that represents 222 residents and wants to work to ensure residents’ best interest not necessarily to benefit the town at these meetings. She thought the Chairman would bring up this subject and felt that Mr. Sutherland took it over so that it wasn’t the Boards project but his own. She did not feel included in the process.

Mr. Niebuhr is concerned that residents bring up some personal items during the meeting that they would prefer not to be broadcast whether or not they are seen. The Board cannot say no to anyone who wants to record. At this point, the only recourse you may have is to contact directly whoever is recording and express your feelings.

Question was asked if the Board were to go private if that would change the circumstances. It was noted that the THS is a public board. It was suggested that sharing of personal information at a public meeting may not be the right venue. If there is a private issue to be considered, it would be best to take it up with whoever can help best outside of a meeting.

Comment was made that the residents were only given one hour notice of the recording. Mr. Sutherland noted that at the last meeting, notice was given that the meetings would be recorded each month so there was notice.

Ms. Polansky noted that the THA has an attorney and any type of legal opinion is passed through him. He also spoke with FOI. She felt that this is a THA Board meeting but she is concerned about the welfare of the residents. She reiterated that the THA is required to follow the Charter of the Town. If everyone is disturbed about it, do we still have to comply with it or if we give people notice about it? A robo call can be made and residents can decide if they want to come.

Mrs. Donofrio suggested the Board hold their meeting with business and voting and adjourn the meeting so that residents can comment. After the adjournment, it is no longer a public meeting. Mr. Sutherland asked if there would be public comment during the meeting. There can be two public comments with the one during the meeting about the business of the Board.

Mr. Penkoff asked if the Connecticut Housing Authority had been contacted. In the Fair Housing Act, you cannot intrude on people’s lives. This is a housing authority not a town and she understands the positon of the Town Council needing information. She has concerns about the residents’ comments regarding videotaping. Videotaping can put the Housing Authority in the spotlight and in the past there have been problems. It could become an issue for the residents. She has a hard time relating this to a town meeting and is interested in the Fair Housing Laws and how it affects this concern. This should be looked into.

Mrs. Cantafio noted that she has had residents call her and ask that this information be made public. Some do not mind being recorded. She noted that there are two sides and some people have contacted her directly that they don’t mind being recorded. For those people on Town Council and others, especially when it comes to grants, it gives a little more background to what this Board does. We appreciate the extra help. It gives the Town Council and others a better understanding of what goes on.

Ms. Polansky will look into this matter with regard to the Connecticut Housing Authority. Mrs. Kopchik motioned to table this item until they can follow up with the Connecticut Housing Authority for further clarification. Seconded by Mr. Niebuhr. Approved unanimously.

Adjournment
Motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 pm. Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio and approved unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Crandall
Clerk

Trumbull Housing Authority Meeting
December 20, 2017
4:00 pm
Community Room of Stern Village

Commissioners Present:  Chairman Janice Kopchik, Deborah Dowd, Suzanne Donofrio, Doug Sutherland
and Paul Niebuhr (entered at 4:27 pm)
Also Present:  Executive Director Harriet Polansky
The meeting was called to order at 4:04 pm by Chairman Kopchik.  Mrs. Kopchik welcomed Mr. Doug
Sutherland as a new Commissioner replacing Mrs. Fatse whose term had expired.  Mr. Sutherland is
looking forward to working with everyone.  This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call.

Past Minutes
Ms. Polansky presented the following changes to the minutes of November 27, 2017:
1. Under Executive Director’s Report – sixth paragraph should read “Ms. Polansky thanked
Maureen Bova, the Stern Village Resident Association…”
2. Under Unfinished Business – first paragraph should read “These will be new LG machines, they
will hold larger loads, they will be on pedestals for easy access and will be more energy
efficient.”
3. Under Stern Village Resident Association Updates – Third paragraph was removed.
Mrs. Kopchik motioned to approve the minutes of October 23, 2017 as amended.  Seconded by Ms.
Donofrio and approved with one abstention by Mr. Sutherland.

Treasurer’s Report
Ms. Dowd reported for the Trumbull Housing Authority for the period ending November 30, 2017.  Stern
Village and Stern Center have an overall gain of approximately $126,890.  This is attributable to the
filling of numerous vacancies in the Village and the Center.  We received approximately $135,000 from
United Illuminating as incentive for installing heat pumps.  Under the new GAAP accounting rules, we
now recognize the incentive as income and not part of the reserve for repairs and maintenance, which
has been eliminated.

Executive Director’s Report
Ms. Polansky reported the current reserve balance is $871,831 which is approximately $3,927 for each
unit in the entire complex.  The overall cash position as of November 20, 2017 shows a balance of
$815,841 including the investment account.  Accounts Payable is approximately $70,900 including the
PILOT accrual for the current and prior year.
At the present time, the Congregate has three vacancies.  These are being sanitized and made ready for
new occupants.  Applications are being taken for Stern Village through December 31, 2017.
Approximately 60 applications have been received and they expect several more.
Ms. Polansky noted several improvements have been made this year and she will continue to look at
other projects to further improve the facility within the realm of affordability, need and security.
Ms. Polansky thanked the THA Board of Commissioners, Jan, Paul Suzanne, Susan and Deb, for all their
help and on‐going support over the year.
The THA Recap for July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 was read by Ms. Polansky and is attached to
these minutes.
Ralph noted that one resident needs some additional assistance in getting into and out of his apartment.
This will be looked into by Ms. Polansky.

Updates from the Stern Village Resident Association
Maureen Bova noted the group has re‐invented themselves and are working towards common goals
with the administration.  She reported
1. The Association was able to procure donations because of the 501(c)3.
2. They want to have more functions and get more residents involved.  The residents are a very
diverse population and they are looking for activities for everyone.  These activities are done by
the group with no budget but residents have been very generous.
3. Several residents were involved in the trip to the capital for the Medicare initiative from the
Village.  They would like to get more residents involved.
Mr. Niebuhr entered the meeting at 4:27 pm.
4. The Association wants to help and support all fund raising activities the Administration may
have.
5. Activities this year included the Welcome for the New Residents, Thanksgiving Drive, the
cleaning out of the pantry, getting food donated for the residents, working on paper goods
donations, gloves, scarves and socks.
Ms. Bova noted that it is very important to get the community behind Stern Village.  Stern Village is a
jewel in the community and it is important it be supported.
She thanked everyone for donating their time and to the new Commissioner, Mr. Sutherland, as well as
everyone else on the Board.  Merry Christmas.  Ms. Polansky noted that she will be working closely with
Jeff Kunkel and Trumbull Helps.  Mrs. Polansky asked residents for ideas on what they could use and in
January she will have a meeting with Jeff Kunkel to their needs.

Resident Comments
Christine – requested the following:
1. Would like to be included in the robo calls that are sent out to the residents. This is
currently not happening; she will give her telephone number to Heather.
2. Requested cameras with lights be placed around her house because of missing items. She
felt all buildings should have cameras especially the Community Room.
3. Work should be done on the sidewalks.
4. Requested repairs be made on her bathtub, stove and drapes – she will put in a work order
for these repairs with Ms. Polansky.
She thanked everyone and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Mrs. Kopchik noted that any maintenance that needs to be done requires a work order. This
provides a record of requests. Cameras are around the facility in certain areas; this will be
reviewed. Sidewalks are a priority but requires funding which has not been obtained.
Caroline – welcomed Mr. Sutherland. She also felt the sidewalks were a concern. Mr. Sutherland
noted there is an agreement with the town that should be revisited with the new First Selectman
regarding the paving of roads in the Village.
Ralph – noted he was part of the group that went to the capital about the Medicare cuts. Many
points in the meeting were positive. The cuts were postponed until July 1. He felt they needed to
keep going to the capital and make their statement. He also urged everyone to write their
Congressman about these concerns. It was suggested that bus transportation be provided for the
next trip; this should be coordinated through Paulette.

Old Business
No Old Business.

New Business
No New Business.

Mr. Sutherland commented on the following:
1. He has noticed that other Commissions have emails for the commissioners on the Trumbull
website so that individuals can contact them. He would like to see emails for the THA
Commissioners posted.
2. He noted that in the effort for more transparency, there is an effort to video all Boards and
Commissions meetings for public access TV. The THA Commission meetings are more
difficult to fit into the schedule because of the late afternoon meeting time. He noted he has
forwarded the 2018 meeting dates to the video service and they will work to accommodate
recording the meetings. This is a public meeting and although the Commission developed
guidelines for recording the meetings, they are in violation of the FOI Act.

Adjournment
There being no further business, Mrs. Kopchik motioned to adjourn the meeting at 4:47 pm.
Seconded by Ms. Dowd and approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Crandall
Clerk

Trumbull Housing Authority Meeting
November 27, 2017
4:00 pm
Community Room of Stern Village

Commissioners Present: Chairman Janice Kopchik, Deborah Dowd and Suzanne Donofrio
Also Present: Executive Director Harriet Polansky
Commissioners Absent: Susan Fatse and Paul Niebuhr
The meeting was called to order at 4:04 pm by Chairman Kopchik followed by Roll Call and the Pledge of
Allegiance.

Past Minutes
The following changes were made by Ms. Polansky to the October 23, 2017 minutes:
Under Executive Director’s Report, seventh paragraph should read: Ms. Polansky thanked the Stern
Village Resident Association for hosting a wonderful potluck luncheon for the residents. This was also to
welcome the new residents. Nick took the lead to make the event amazing. Approximately 46 residents
attended the program. Everyone had a good time. It is hoped to make this an annual evet. Nick gave
small handmade metal garden decorations to everyone who helped or attended.
Mrs. Kopchik motioned to approve the minutes of October 23, 2017 as amended. Seconded by Ms.
Dowd and approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report
Ms. Dowd reported for the Trumbull Housing Authority for the period ending October 31, 2017. Stern
Village and Stern Center currently have an overall gain of $124,312. This is attributable to the filling of
numerous vacancies in the Village and the Center. We also received approximately $135,000 from
United Illuminating as incentive for installing heat pumps. Under the new GAAP accounting rules, we
now recognize the incentive as income and not part of the reserve for repairs and maintenance, which
has been eliminated. Currently our reserve balance is $837,531, which is approximately $3,773 for each
unit in the entire complex. Our overall cash position as of October 31, 2017 shows a balance of
$770,906 including our investment account. Accounts Payable is approximately $57,687 including
the PILOT accrual for the current and prior year.

Executive Director’s Report
Ms. Polansky is looking for other projects to improve the facility within the realm of affordability,
need and safety.
Replacement of the windows in the Congregate with new, energy efficient windows should begin in
December.
At the present time, the Village has nine vacancies and the Congregate has three vacancies.
Applications will be accepted for the Village through December 31, 2017.
The recipients for the April SSHP funding round have not been announced by Governor Malloy.
DOH thinks this announcement may be made by the end of December. Ms. Polansky is meeting with
the Town this week to discuss a Small Cities Grant for 2018. Ms. Polansky and Neil are also meeting
with financial institutions to see how they can help us. After the first of the year, the THC will
create a prospectus to be used to ask for major contributions.
Inspections are still in progress and will be completed by the end of December. Letters will be
distributed to residents who have failed part of their inspections. Residents will be given a week to
fix the deficiencies and if the resident still does not pass, Paulette will meet with them and/or
contact their family to intervene. Examples of problems include mold issues, narrow pathways,
damage to residence and overabundance of items.
Ms. Polansky thanked Maureen Bova, Stern Village Resident Association, Paulette and Heather,
Stern Village residents, Trumbull residents, Stop & Shop, International Food Bizarre and Stew
Leonard for helping to make the Stern Village Friendsgiving a huge success. There was an
abundance of turkey and all the fixings and everyone who attended received food items to make
their Thanksgiving dinner extra special.
Ms. Polansky discussed the THA food pantry. There will always be non-perishable foods and they
will also keep paper goods and cleaning items. Residents are encouraged to utilize the pantry if
they are in need. Any donations should be brought to the office.
The next Board meeting is December 18, 2017.

Unfinished Business
Discussion/Possible Action for New Laundry Service Vendor – Ms. Polansky noted there is a revised
agreement since the last Board meeting. This agreement will be for five years and will increase the
cost by $.10 for the first six months and then each year there will be $.05 increase. These will be
new LG machines, they will hold larger loads, they will be on pedestals for each access and will be
more energy efficient. Costs for doing laundry by residents were reviewed. Each resident will
receive a laundry card. Each card will already be loaded with $4.00. The current contract ends on
December 17 and the new vendor will coordinate the changeover. There may be a short lapse
when machines will be unavailable when the new ones are being installed.
Motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to approve the agreement for the automatic laundry services.
Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio. Approved unanimously.

New Business
No New Business.

Stern Village Resident Association Updates
Maureen noted the participation for the Friendsgiving was great. Everyone had a lot of fun. The
community has been very generous. This year’s donations were exceptional. Ms. Polansky and Ms.
Dowd thanked Maureen for all her work on this event.
There is a Bingo party for the Bingo players in December. Ms. Polanksy is also having a party on
December 14 funded by ServePro. This will be for 40 residents and will be catered by Creative
Culinary. Grab bag amount will be determined.
The Executive Board is discussing different activities for different ages.
Adjournment
There being no further business, motion was made by Mrs. Kopchik to adjourn the meeting at
4:25pm. Seconded by Mrs. Donofrio. Approved unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Crandall
Clerk