Printer Friendly Layout

News/Events - Meeting Minutes

Call to Order: 5:08 PM

Present: George Trafton
Michael Collins
Patricia Butler
Mary Dean

Absent: Maryanne Lewis

Also Present: Kathy DeMarsh, Executive Director and Secretary to the Board
Rob Garrett, Maintenance Supervisor

The Director advised members present that Maryanne Lewis was unable to make the meeting but requested she be on speaker phone during the meeting.

On a motion by George Trafton, seconded by Michael Collins, it was unanimously
Voted: Meeting via telephone conference would not be permitted
Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstained: 0

New Business

Maintenance Supervisor, Rob Garrett was introduced to the Board of Commissioners. Members were given a copy of the interview questions and rating system used during the selection process. Rob reviewed the stringent hiring procedure followed by the Executive Director and himself in the search to fill the vacant Maintenance Mechanic position. He advised members that due to the current economic climate we were searching for someone that could offer the skills that would most benefit the Authority and the needs of the properties at this time. The candidate who was offered the position possessed extraordinary skills in carpentry and tile replacement, which would mean substantial savings for the Housing Authority in maintenance and improvements to the various properties. The hiring was based strictly on merit and was compliant with hiring procedures of DHCD.

Rob stated that he was grateful for the chance to demonstrate to the Board and the community that this new maintenance team will be the catalyst in the transformation to a respectable reputation and that the condition of the properties will show noticeable improvements. Having worked under Gerry Stone, Rob expressed his desire to model his management style after Gerry and a time when the Maintenance staff at Scituate Housing Authority was run efficiently and productively. He shared his vision on the direction of the Maintenance Department and encouraged Board members to call him on any questions or if they wanted to come by to see the properties.

Members shared their opinion on the Maintenance Mechanic selection and thanked Rob for attending the meeting.

Bills and Communications

On a motion by George Trafton, seconded by Michael Collins, it was unanimously
Voted: To acknowledge receipt of the Reconciliation Reports for
December 2009
Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstained: 0

On a motion by Patricia Butler, seconded by George Trafton, it was unanimously
Voted: To acknowledge receipt of the Monthly Financial Reports for
November 2009 (Cost Comparatives, Schedule of Non Routine Expenditures)
Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstained: 0

On a motion by Patricia Butler, seconded by Michael Collins, it was unanimously
Voted: To accept the Meeting Minutes for December 8, 2009 as written
Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstained: 0

On a motion by Michael Collins, seconded by George Trafton, it was unanimously
Voted: To acknowledge receipt of the Director’s Report of
January 12, 2010
Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstained: 0

Vice Chairperson, Patricia Butler noted that the office hours schedule on Wednesdays, where the office is closed from 8AM to 12PM was originally intended to be during Recertification time only. She suggested that the Board make a motion to implement this year round.

On a motion by Patricia Butler, seconded by George Trafton, it was unanimously
Voted: To implement closing the office on Wednesday mornings between the hours of 8AM and 12PM, year round for the purpose of completing administrative work.
Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstained: 0

Old Business

The Executive Director advised Board members that a contract, in triplicate was mailed December 29, 2009 awarding the Assisted Living Feasibility Study-Phase II to CenterPoint Foundation in the amount of Fifty Two Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($52,100) as dictated by Board vote at the December 8, 2009 meeting. Members instructed the Director to follow up with Stephen Gardiner in reference to the contract.

Discussion was prompted by Patricia Butler regarding the property on the Driftway. She asked if the Director could call anyone at DHCD to inquire:
1. What can we build there?
2. What will the state support?
3. Is there any money? Will there ever be any money?
The Director said she would start by contacting Marty Robb, Housing Management Specialist for Scituate Housing Authority.

On a motion by Michael Collins, seconded by George Trafton, it was unanimously
Voted: To adjourn the meeting, the time being 5:55 PM
Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstained: 0

(Seal) _________________________________
Kathy J. DeMarsh, Secretary