Alisen Purtell

The Joint Sub Committee discussed the development of senior housing at 144 Greenmont Avenue, focusing on updates from the Town Meeting. The Housing Authority is preparing an RFP to hire a Development Consultant for the next DHCD funding round, with the Town acting as a partner. The Selection Committee will consist of the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and the Executive Director. The committee also discussed the possibility of additional funding sources, including Veterans Housing, and the potential for increasing the number of units at the site to around 40.

The meeting includes discussions on approving the December 2024 Warrant, accepting the Certification of Substantial Completion and Certificate of Final Completion for new roof installation at 113 Parker Avenue. Also includes discussion on Work Order Report, Vacant Report, Committee Reports, Resident & Public Participation, Old Business and New Business.

The joint meeting between the Board of Selectmen and Board of Commissioners of the Dracut Housing Authority (DHA) focused on the construction of affordable housing at 144 Greenmont Avenue. The DHA received two proposals for a development consultant and selected the Women's Institute. The Women's Institute will assist in preparing a pre-application to DHCD, and the DHA has partnered with CHOICE, the non-profit arm of the Chelmsford Housing Authority, for their expertise and relationship with DHCD. Discussions also covered the roles of the Women's Institute and CHOICE, the timeline for pre-application and funding applications, the number of units to be built, and the potential application for additional Section 8 vouchers.

The meeting included a presentation on the Dracut Housing Authority's 2025 Budget, highlighting a 12% increase in annual funds for non-utility costs, an increase in Federal Subsidy, and an overall increase in rent. The board also discussed administrative salary increases, with a 9% increase for administrative staff and a 4.5% increase for the Executive Director. The board also discussed and approved the Top Five Compensation Plan, the Certification of Compliance with Notification Procedures for Federal and State Lead Paint Laws, and the adoption of the Federal Budget and Federal Subsidy. The Director recommended hiring Dennis Hoffman for the position of Maintenance Laborer.

The board discussed and approved several financial matters, including the July, August, and September 2024 warrants, as well as the May and June 2024 financials. They approved the Federal Financial Audit with one finding related to a report submitted on the wrong form. The board also approved Aden Construction Inc. as the low bidder for kitchen replacement, pending reference checks. Additionally, they accepted the Section 8 Utility Allowance and the 24-25 Fair Market Rents, both effective November 1, 2024. The vacant report was reviewed, noting one unit off-line for state-funded work. A resident's request for a ramp was discussed, with a follow-up planned due to new federal inspection guidelines. The board also approved the Affirmative Action Goal.