LEE HOUSING AUTHORITY
155 MARBLE STREET
LEE, MA 01238
Minutes of Regular Lee Housing Authority Board of Directors meeting March 19, 2024, at 4:45 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Cozzaglio at 4:48 p.m.
Members in Attendance: Sandra Cozzaglio, Chairperson
Thomas Logsdon
Thomas Unsworth
Marjorie Donovan
Deborah M. Pedercini, Executive Director
Members Absent: Jennifer Heath
1. Public Speak
Katherine Griffin, tenant, inquired about having flowers installed at Brown Memorial Court. Member Unsworth informed her that Lee Community Gardens just received a $14,000 grant from Community Preservation. He suggested that she attend the Town of Lee meeting on March 20, 2024.
2. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 16, 2024.
A motion was made by member Logsdon to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 16, 2024. Motion was seconded by member Donovan. Vote 4-0.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 20, 2024
A motion was made by member Logsdon to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 20, 2024. Motion was seconded by member Donovan. Vote 4-0.
3. Programs
667 There are currently four (4) vacant units at Brown Memorial Court; #14, 24, #44 and #45. There are currently pull lists for four units. Current Waitlist: 1768
705 There are currently three (3) vacant units at Clarke Court; #15, a three-bedroom handicapped unit, #7, three-bedroom, recently vacated on March 1, 2024, and #42 a three-bedroom unit. Units #15 and #42 are100% renovated and are in the process of being filled. Unit #7 will need extensive renovation as it was a long-term tenant. Current Waitlist: 6178
689 Both 150 Laurel Street and 185 Marble Street are running well. Work is progressing at 185 Marble Street, bathroom renovations. The resident that was relocated due to renovations has been returned to her bedroom and is happy to be back. We continue to have weekly onsite construction update meetings with the engineer, contractor and EOHLC staff.
4. Old Business
a. FISH #150075 Brown Memorial Court, Generator, and Alarms for 689’s
On March 5, 2024, a pre-construction conference was held, and the notice to proceed was set for March 6, 2024, with a completion date of August 30, 2024. Universal Electric began excavation work to run conduit for the new alarm system and generator at Brown Memorial court on March 11, 2024. The generator is scheduled to be installed late summer, early fall. A change order to remove the tree stump in the front of the community room building was submitted, however, the one quote received was over $6,000.
The LHA will search for a local tree removal vendor under $5,000.
A motion was made by member Logsdon to approve a change order under $5,000 pending the upcoming quotes, approving the lowest bid. Motion was seconded by member Donovan. Vote 4-0
b. FISH #150504 Brown Memorial Court, Driveway Replacement
On March 15, 2024, bids were due for FISH #150504 Brown Memorial Court, Driveway Replacement. Only one bid was received in the amount of $70,088 from Williams Paving, LLC. The work was originally estimated at $46,180.
A motion to reject the bid of $70,088 from Williams Paving, LLC, for FISH #150504, Brown Memorial Court, Driveway Replacement, and rebid the project was made by member Donovan and seconded by member Logsdon. Vote 4-0.
5. New Business
LB Corp has been increasing the contract with LHA each year now where it is nearly double what the cost was just six (6) years ago. This season alone, which was extremely mild, we have already spent over $5,500. Upon investigating the cost of a sander attachment, which was approximately $6,000, it was determined that the cost savings were worth the purchase. This will save the LHA several thousand dollars in the next few years. We will not be renewing the contract with LB Corp in the fall.
Casella Waste has been increasing their waste removal contracts and services for the past four years. Upon investigation, it was determined that Rogers Trucking, Great Barrington, had the most reasonable fees and would be savings of approximately $3,000 per year. Our contract will expire this year and we will not be renewing with Casella Waste.
Our contract with CSC Laundry services, has begun charging an additional 9% “admin fee” which at this point is outweighing the amount of income that the laundry facility is generating. The LHA is spending more on utility costs for water and electricity, and CSC Laundry is profiting. The LHA is looking into purchasing two washers and two dryers, coin operated, or card operated. Due to the small number of appliances and low cost of approximately $1,500 to $1,800 per appliance, we are considering purchasing our own. The receipts should pay for the machines in less than 18 months and after that, the remaining funds will be returned to the LHA.
6. Financial
The Monthly Check Register for February 29, 2024, was presented to the board. After review, a motion was made by member Donovan to accept the check register for February 29, 2024, as presented. Motion was seconded by member Logsdon. Vote 4-0.
The balance sheets for the month ending February 29, 2024, were presented.
The reserve level as of February 29, 2024, for the 4001 program is 82.05%. The 689-program reserve level is at 416.08% as of February 29, 2024.
c. Approval of Admin Compensation Funds for FISH# 150063
EOHLC allows additional admin funds for certain large projects, our current project, FISH #150063 Brown Memorial Court Ventilation, is one of those projects. As a part-time Executive Director, EOHLC allows compensation for extra hours worked on specific projects where admin is available. Lee Housing Authority received funds in the amount of $6,000 in our original grant for this project, however, the board of directors must vote to approve the expenditures before EOHLC will release any funds.
The director requested approval of 1,001.69 in Admin funds from FISH #150063.
A motion to approve the request for $1,001.69 admin funds from FISH #150063 was made by member Donovan. Motion was seconded by member Logsdon. Vote 4-0.
7. Executive Director’s Report
Vacation: 44 Personal: 13.5 Sick: 201.78
The February RSC report was presented to the board for their review.
On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Amanda Koch, RSC, provided the LHA with a resignation letter stating that effective March 18, 2024, she would no longer be servicing Lee and Lenox housing authorities. I am awaiting the process to search for a new RSC with Andrea from Stockbridge HA who is the lead on the program. In the meantime, I will continue to assist the residents as I usually do.
8. Community Preservation Act Committee Report
No report was given as there was no meeting; the next meeting will be held at Lee Town Hall March 20, 2024, at 5:30.
9. Any topic the Chairperson could not reasonably anticipate.
None.
With no other business to come before the board, a motion to adjourn was in order.
11. Adjournment
Member Unsworth made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by member Donovan. Vote 4-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:24 pm.
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 16, 2024
Submitted by:
Deborah M. Pedercini, Executive Director