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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_12_04 Housing Authority Minutes MINUTES Housing Authority Meeting Monday, December 4, 2023 Conference Room C, Ground Floor of Town Center 7:30 PM PRESENT: Joseph Mileto, Board Member Dolores Battalia, Board Member Meg Deshpande, Board Member Christie Philbrick-Wheaton, Board Member Lawrence Thaul, Board Member Robin Nichinsky, Councilwoman OTHERS PRESENT: Margaret C. Delohery, Secretary to the Housing Authority Johnathan Di Bari, Dibbini &Assoc. Michael Padernacht, Midas Management 7:30 PM The Housing Authority Regular Meeting 1. Call to order Chair Mileto called to order the Regular Meeting of the Housing Authority at 7:31pm. Carried Approval of Minutes 1. Report of Minutes from the November 6, 2023 Housing Authority Meeting Moved by Board Member Battalia, seconded by Board Member Philbrick-Wheaton Resolved, that the Mamaroneck Housing Authority does hereby approve the report of minutes from the November 6, 2023 Housing Authority meeting as amended. Carried Business Agenda 1. Report of Midas Property Management Mr. Padernacht reviewed the monthly report with the Housing Authority. He commended Brandon as being a reason why costs and complaints are down. He said funds are being allocated differently in the 2024 Budget because of the different projects that occurred in 2023. Mr. Padernacht said Section 8 payments are reviewed by Midas to keep track of all financials from them coming in. He said the security deposit project is nearing completion. He said he is happy with where the Housing Authority is financially. Ms. Deshpande and Mr. Padernacht discussed writing off unpaid rent. Ms. Battalia asked if tenants are having the same issues when they complain, Mr. Padernacht said that the issues are different and not repetitive. The complaints seem sporadic. Ms. Philbrick-Wheaton asked about the overpayments listed in the report. Mr. Padernacht said Section 8 has been overpaying rent for some tenants. He then discussed the financials of the bonds. Mr. Padernacht said the work on the flooring in the vacant units are complete and the Page 1 of 3 Housing Authority December 4, 2023 units should be marketed by January 1st. He said that Mr. Altieri and Maria are working on applications. Ms. Battalia said that there is a system which markets the units to local municipal employees. Ms. Deshpande and Mr. Padernacht talked about adding Section 8 units. Ms. Battalia, Mr. Thaul, and Mr. Padernacht discussed how many Section 8 units are available. Mr. Padernacht discussed the past Super's unit and moving the pump system to the current Super's unit, so he does not have to move. The Housing Authority discussed providing an extra week's salary to Brandon for doing a good job. Moved by Board Member Philbrick-Wheaton, seconded by Board Member Thaul The Mamaroneck Housing Authority does hereby grant one week's worth of salary to Brandon Carried 2. Review of Proposed New Signage at Hommocks Park Apartment Ms. Deshpande displayed the samples she received for the complex's signs. She asked for the Housing Authority's opinion on the sample. They agreed that a matte finish would look best. Ms. Deshpande and Mr. Thaul discussed MDO signs. Ms. Deshpande will contact Sans Signs about the finishing. She and Ms. Battalia talked about who will go to the BAR for official approval of the signs. 3. Consideration of 2024 Rent Levels - New Tenants Ms. Battalia gave background on the rents. She said the vacant units will have the rent increased when they are rented, which would still be below average fair market rate. She also said that the Zip Code has been affecting the price of units' pricing. A concern that came up is if the Housing Authority moved tenants from one income measurement to other would cause the complex to move away from Affordable Housing. Ms. Battalia said the proposed rents for new tenants would still be categorized as affordable. She also discovered a higher AMI through the State for Westchester County. Ms. Battalia recommended creating policies around the setting of rent rates. Ms. Battalia said that tenants have stayed stagnant because of the increase in the cost of buying a house. She and Mr. Thaul then talked about the turnover rate. He asked about the ages of tenants. Mr. Padernacht said the ages of the tenants vary. Mr. Padernacht talked about brining up rents to a certain threshold. Mr. Di Bari said that the policy does need to treat people equally concerning tenants who make over the allotted amount, to keep the spirit of affordability. He said the board needs to develop a policy on the setting of rents and how to deal with people who make more than the AMI. Ms. Deshpande said that the Housing Authority has to be very clear with what the rent standards are for the Housing Authority to follow. Ms. Battalia and Mr. Di Bari discussed what the Housing Authority would have to do if a resident does make over the salary threshold. She would like to ask people to leave after 2 years who make over the income requirements. Ms. Philbrick-Wheaton brought up if a tenant one year made over the threshold and the next they make under. Mr. Padernacht said it is a grey area. Ms. Philbrick-Wheaton and Mr. Padernacht talked about the income records the Housing Authority has to analyze, who is making over or under the AMI. Ms. Battalia and Ms. Deshpande talked about how much a tenant would be able to make over the AMI. Mr. Di Bari said the important issue is how much the Housing Authority is willing to allow tenants to earn over the AMI. Page 2 of 3 Housing Authority December 4, 2023 4. Update on Window/Deck Construction Project Mr. Padernacht said that more than 50% of the windows have been installed. There have been few complaints from residents about the installations. Mr. Thaul asked if Vinco is completing 2 units a day. Mr. Padernacht said he could not tell, but they are working fast. Mr. Thaul then asked about who is hauling debris, and Mr. Padernacht said Vinco is hauling it. 5. Review of Landscape of the Hommocks Complex Ms. Deshpande said she wants to find a sustainable landscaper who understands native plants. She said she is having problems finding such a landscaper. She then described who she has reached out to. Chair Mileto agreed that the Housing Authority needs to find quality contractors to bring on for work at the complex. He even suggested bringing in the school to help on the project for educational purposes for the kids. Mr. Padernacht suggested working with the current landscaping company. Councilwoman Nichinsky suggested Larchmont Nurseries. Ms. Philbrick-Wheaton suggested a forestry school upstate. 6. January 2024 Meeting Chair Mileto said the next meeting should be on January 8, 2024. He and Mr. Padernacht then discussed the rescheduling of the tenant meeting. 7. Executive Session Moved by Board Member Battalia, seconded by Board Member Philbrick-Wheaton The Mamaroneck Housing Authority agreed to enter into Executive Session to discuss pending and potential litigation. Carried Moved by Board Member Battalia, seconded by Board Member Deshpande The Mamaroneck Housing Authority agreed to exit Executive Session Carried 8. Adjournment The Housing Authority adjourned the meeting at 8:45pm. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting -January 8, 2024 Page 3 of 3