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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 June 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Cozzaglio at 4:31 p.m.
Members in Attendance: Sandra Cozzaglio, Chairperson
Marjorie Donovan
Jennifer Heath
Deborah M. Pedercini, Executive Director
Members Absent: Thomas Unsworth
Kathy DeVarennes
1. Public Speak (two minutes) on any Agenda Item
None
2. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 19, 2026
The director presented the minutes of the May 19, 2026 meeting.
Member Donovan made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 19, 2026. Member Heath seconded the motion. Vote 3-0.
3. Programs
667 Currently there are two (2) vacant units at Brown Memorial Court. Units #30 and #8; we currently have a waitlist and are in screening for tenants. Current Waitlist: 2,631
705 Currently, there is (1) vacant unit at Clarke Court, 47, this unit will need extensive renovation and will be on delay for at least 60 days. Current Waitlist: 10,016
689 Both properties are running well.
Contract with Oakridge Construction has been executed for 185 Marble Street, Budd House, soffits, gutters and stormwater drainage improvements will begin in the next 30 days.
4. Old Business
None
5. New Business
a. The FY 2027 Draft Annual Plan
The Annual Plan serves as both a tool for the LHAs to reflect upon the prior year, as well as an opportunity to develop a clear and transparent plan. In addition to the physical document, the AP is also a process of public engagement. The Annual Plan is available to the tenants on the LHA's website. Brown Memorial Community Room, as well as in the LHA office effective May 19, 2026, through the date of the public hearing, which is set for July 21, 2026, at 4:15 at Brown Memorial Court Community Room. The board has an opportunity to read and offer recommendations or make any amendment to the document.
This year's Annual Plan will provided funds for the family (705) units; renovation at turnover as well as beginning the replacement of new windows for Clarke Court.
There are also funds available for the Elderly/Disabled (667) Brown Memorial Court's courtyard which include landscaping, tree removal and retaining wall repairs.
b. Tenant request for discussion of tenant concerns regarding removal of carpeting at Brown Memorial Court units.
Tenant Marjorie Donovan requested time for discussion of the removal of carpeting in units at Brown Memorial Court. She stated that she felt the tenants should not have to remove the carpeting if they chose not to. She inquired what the LHA could do about it if the tenants refused to comply.
The director stated that in accordance with PHN 2024-23 the "Aging in Place" requires that any carpeting remaining in 667 Elderly/Handicapped units should be removed and replaced with vinyl or composite flooring. EOHLC has awarded the LHA with $9,400 FISH #150514 to remove and replace carpets at Brown Memorial Court. She stated that any tenant that had requested more time to prepare for the replacement has been given a Reasonable Accommodation and was directed to the Resident Services Coordinator to find assistance with this task.
The inspections were done in April, and tenants were notified at that time that the carpets would need to be removed. Ample time will be given, and carpets should be removed in September at the latest.
c, U.S. Postal Service Request for Upgraded Cluster Mailboxes
Recently, the US Postal Service requested that the LHA upgrade the current mailbox system for the residents of Brown Memorial Court. The current mailboxes are very antiquated for the volume of mail received and can be dangerous and sharp for mail carriers. Many of them are broken and are almost unusable. These mailboxes are extremely small and difficult to open and fill. The LHA has investigated Network Distribution Center Bulk Units (NDCBU) for Brown Memorial Court.
The postal carriers have been advocating for the past five plus years for the LHA to install these units as it has become increasingly difficult to deliver the mail and at times hazardous to the postal workers. The LHA's intent is to purchase two (2) 20-unit distribution centers, one at each West and East buildings directly under the stairwells near the community room, and two (2) 4-unit distribution centers at each side of the North end handicapped units. Each unit contains an arear for packages as well. The cost of the larger units is approximately $5,200 and the smaller units are about $1,300 for a total of $6,500.
6. Financial
a. Monthly check register for May 31, 2026
The Monthly Check Register for May 31, 2026, was presented to the board. After review, a motion was made by member Donovan to accept the check register for May 31, 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by member Heath. Vote 3-0.
b. Monthly Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2026
The balance sheets for the month ending April 30, 2026, were presented to the board. The reserve level as of April 30, 2026, for the 4001 program is 110.84% $212,447. The 689-program reserve level is at 290.53% $123,019.14 as of April 30, 2026
c. Monthly Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2026
The balance sheets for the month ending May 31, 2026, were presented to the board. The reserve level as of May 31, 2026, for the 4001 program is 114.51% $212,447. The 689-program reserve level is at 287.96% $123,019.54 as of May 31, 2026.
The LHA recently purchased a new Ford truck in the amount of $58,000; this has not been included in this most recent report. The reserve level should decrease to the desired 70%.
7. Executive Director’s Report
a. Executive Director’s benefit balance as of June 12, 2026
Vacation: 70 Personal: 13.5 Sick: 300.29
The director informed the board that the air conditioning unit in the Brown Memorial Court community room is inoperable and will need a new condenser. A quote for the replacement was given by Pittsfield Pipers in the amount of $14,200. A DCAMM waiver was requested and approved by the state to avoid bidding process for expediency. The community room is the cooling station for the complex and is considered emergency work.
The director informed the board that EOHLC will be conducting a comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) July 8, through July 12, 2026. The assessments are done every five (5) years. This will include all properties interior and exterior including mechanical, common and resident units. They will choose seven (7) random units to inspect.
b. Resident Services Coordinator Report for the month ending May 31, 2026
The director presented the report for the month ending May 31, 2026.
The director presented the report for the month ending May 31, 2026. The director reminded the board that the RSC position will end on June 30, 2026.
8. Any topic the Chairperson could not reasonably anticipate
Chairperson Cozzaglio requested that the "Public Speak" section of our agenda be referred to as "Public Comment" with no interaction between the board and the public. The attendees that wish to speak publicly will have two minutes to speak on any agenda item. If a tenant wishes to have discussion, they will have to request to be put on the next scheduled agenda.
A motion was made by member Heath to approve the agenda item "Public Speak" be changed to read "Public Comment" with two minutes to speak on any agenda item. Motion was seconded by member Donovan. Vote 3-0
9. Adjournment
With no further action to come before the board, a motion to adjourn was in order.
Member Donovan made a motion to adjourn; member Heath seconded the motion. Vote 3-0
The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 pm
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR JULY 21, 2026
Submitted by:
Deborah M. Pedercini
Executive Director