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Board minutes
LEE HOUSING AUTHORITY
155 MARBLE STREET
LEE, MA 01238
Minutes of Regular Lee Housing Authority Board of Directors meeting October 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Cozzaglio at 4:30 p.m.
Members in Attendance: Sandra Cozzaglio, Chairperson
Kathy DeVarennes
Jennifer Heath
Marjorie Donovan
Deborah M. Pedercini, Executive Director
Members Absent: Thomas Unsworth
Chairperson Cozzaglio opened the meeting at 4:30 pm
1. Public Speak (two minutes) on any Agenda Item
None
2. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 16, 2025
Member Donovan made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 16, 2025, as presented. Member DeVarennes seconded the motion. Vote 4-0.
Minutes of the Special Meeting of September 25, 2025
Member DeVarennes made a motion to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of September 25, 2025, as presented. Member Donovan seconded the motion. Vote 4-0.
3. Programs
667 Currently there is (1) vacant unit at Brown Memorial Court, #30. Current Waitlist: 2723
705 Currently, there is (1) vacant unit at Clarke Court; Unit #40 three (3) bedroom unit. A waitlist has been pulled. Current Waitlist: 9691
689 Both properties are running well.
4. Old Business
a. FISH #150517 Brown Memorial Court Emergency Sewer Line Repairs
The sewer line replacement work began on October 14, 2025. There were several complications, and the work was restarted on October 16. The tenants have been very cooperative and understanding during this most difficult period. Work begins at 8:00 am and continues throughout the day until 4:00 pm. The tenants can access the kitchen and bathrooms in the community room during the day and in the evenings, they are able once again to use their water. We are anticipating this work to be completed by the end of the month. The tenant in #47 needed to be relocated as their unit is under construction as this was the only access to the sewer lines. The tenant has been disrupted for the past two months during the jetting each week. The unit will need extensive repairs when the sewer replacement is completed.
b. FISH #150502 Brown Memorial Painting
The painting on the East side at Brown Memorial Court began in late September; the project is moving quickly and should be completed by the end of the month. The contractors have been working in tandem with the plumbers so as not to impede the sewer project. This has been a bit challenging, however, seems to be productive and the project is still on schedule.
5. New Business
a. Presentation of the FY 2026 Budget
Sue Honeycutt, and Chanthy Vanasse, Fenton, Ewald & Associates, P.C., presented the FY 2026 Budget to the board. They went over the full budget in detail and had discussion with the board. The budget this year includes $6,000 for flooring, $5,000 for Appliances, $77,000 for a new Pick Up Truck and $15,000 for a garage awning. The accountants informed the board that the LHA was in good financial condition.
A motion to approve the FY 2026 Budget as presented was made by member DeVarennes. Motion was seconded by member Heath. Vote 4-0.
a. FY 2026 Executive Director's Salary
Ms. Honeycutt presented the FY 2026 Executive Director's Salary Calculation Sheet for approval.
A motion to approve the FY 2026 Executive Director's Salary Worksheet w3as made by member DeVarennes. Motion was seconded by member Donovan. Vote 4-0
b. Election of Officers LHA Board of Directors
Member Heath made a motion to nominate Sandra Cozzaglio as President. The motion was seconded by member Donovan. Vote 4-0.
Chairperson Cozzaglio made a motion to nominate Jennifer Heath as Vice-President. The motion was seconded by member DeVarennes. Vote 4-0.
Member Donovan made a motion to nominate Thomas Unsworth as Treasurer contingent his acceptance. The motion was seconded by member DeVarennes. Vote 4-0.
c. Performance Management Review (PMR) FY 2025
On October 8, 2025, EOHLC conducted the Performance Management Review for the 2025 Fiscal Year. The PMR is a two-part review of the housing authority's performance for the previous fiscal year.
Part one of the PMR pertains to the operations and financial aspects of the authority. This year the desk audit portion received a Corrective Action for Occupancy Rate in 705, this is due to the length of time units were vacant. However, there was never a time when the occupancy percentage went below 10%. This continues to be an issue for many Western Massachusetts agencies due to our location. This agency will continue to work with the CHAMP system. There was also a Corrective Action for Adjusted Net Income, this was addressed by our fee accountant, Sue Honeycutt, she informed the board that because the agency had excess funds, this finding was issued. It is her understanding that this is happening throughout the state due to increased subsidies and is no fault of the agency.
Part tow of the PMR is a physical inspection of the property and its condition. The review went very well; the Elderly/Handicapped (667) units received a score of 99.3 and the Family (705) units received a score of 96.3. The maintenance staff are to be commended for their hard work they continue to proved the LHA each week. All work orders are completed in an efficient and timely manner, and the grounds are always well taken care of.
6. Financial
a. Monthly check register for September 30, 2025
The Monthly Check Register for September 30, 2025, was presented to the board. After review, a motion was made by member Donovan to accept the check register for September 30, 2025, as presented. The motion was seconded by member DeVarennes. Vote 4-0.
b. Monthly Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2025
The balance sheets for the month ending August 31, 2025, were presented to the board.
The reserve level as of August 31, 2025, for the 4001 program is 83.12% $212,447 The 689-program reserve level is at 347.75% $123,019 as of August 31, 2025.
c. Monthly Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2025
The balance sheets for the month ending September 30, 2025, were presented to the board. The reserve level as of September 30, 2025, for the 4001 program is 98.23% $212,447. The 689-program reserve level is at 345.80% $123,019 as of September 30, 2025.
d. Quarterly Operating Statements and Modernization Cost Reports as of September 30, 2025
The director presented the Quarterly Operating Statements and Modernization cost Reports as of September 30, 2025, to the board of directors.
A motion was made by chairperson Cozzaglio to accept the Quarterly Operating Statements and Modernization Cost Reports as of September 30, 2025. The motion was seconded by member DeVarennes. Vote 4-0
7. Executive Director’s Report
a. Executive Director’s benefit balance as of October 13, 2025
Vacation: 42.5 Personal: 13.5 Sick: 280.24
b. Resident Services Coordinator Report for the month ending September 30, 2025
The director presented the report for the month ending September 30, 2025
The director spoke about the Flu Clinic that was held at Brown Memorial Court which was well attended.
Chairperson Cozzaglio inquired about the E-bike and Motorized Scooter Policy that was discussed at the previous meeting. The director informed the board that she is working with the Resident Services Coordinator and Western Mass Executive Directors Association to create a policy as well as the Social Aggression Policy. The group has met once and well meet again after Thanksgiving to discuss the policies.
8. Any topic the Chairperson could not reasonably anticipate
None.
9. Adjournment
With no further action to come before the board, a motion to adjourn was in order.
Member Heath made a motion to adjourn; member DeVarennes seconded the motion. Vote 4-0
The meeting was adjourned at 5:16 pm
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 18, 2025
Submitted by:
Deborah M. Pedercini
Executive Director