Chris Barry

The Board of Commissioners conducted several key actions, including the acceptance of the Executive Director's report and financial comparatives, and the appointment of a new Homeownership Leasing Agent. The Board approved labor agreements regarding pay rates and position restructuring for maintenance and administrative union staff. Furthermore, authorization was granted for various service contracts, including marketing consulting, laundry machine licensing, and commercial cleaning. The Board also awarded construction and engineering contracts for electrical and exhaust replacement, paving projects, and energy performance services, alongside approving architect services for the Campello High Rise project and adopting new income limits for HUD, MRVP, and AHVP programs.

The board approved several financial and operational items, including bills, a one-year cleaning services contract extension, and Memorandums of Agreements with administrative and maintenance unions. Key actions included the election of a new Chairperson, the appointment of a Homeownership Leasing Agent, and the awarding of a $929,000 contract for community room generators. Furthermore, the board approved architect services for roof replacements, mail room alterations at Caffrey Towers, and electrical upgrades at Manning and Belair Towers.

The meeting commenced with the formal call to order and pledge of allegiance, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum. Key discussions centered on administrative and contractual matters. The board received correspondence regarding a substantial cut (14.7%) to the public housing operating fund due to a recently passed HUD bill, which necessitates belt-tightening measures. Contract extensions were approved for fire sprinkler maintenance and repairs with Davis Elmer Sprinkler Company (DBA Cogwell Sprinkler), not to exceed $149,000, and for tree trimming and removal services with Pathfinder Tree Service, not to exceed $350,000. The board also approved a change order totaling $3,752.73 for fire alarm system replacement at the Hill Street Project due to discrepancies between drawings and existing conditions, and approved the certificate of completion for that project. A significant discussion occurred regarding the appointment of Susan Bruce to the permanent position of Director of Procurement, following her successful trial period, effective March 2, 2026, at an annual salary of $90,000. Finally, the board reviewed the financial comparatives for the 12-month period of 2025, noting a state surplus of $242,000, but also addressing how federal fund reallocations were used to protect against potential federal clawbacks related to Moving to Work designations. The board also adopted the updated Emergency Transfer Plan as required by the Violence Against Women's Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.

The meeting commenced with the reading of a notice regarding the special session and compliance with public access provisions during the ongoing COVID-19 state of emergency extensions. Key discussions involved the approval of the minutes from the October 24, 2024, regular meeting and the approval of the bill for the current special meeting. The board heard no visitors during the designated hearing time and noted the absence of correspondence for the month. Significant agenda items included the appointment of a new Tenant Selection Leasing Agent, Flor Martini, and the appointment of a Clerk Typist, Jillian Lauda. Furthermore, the board discussed the review of the Brockton Housing Authority payroll system procedures following an audit finding related to timekeeping compliance, noting their daily reconciliation process is more effective than the state's prescriptive method. Finally, the board adopted a statement regarding compliance with the Housing Opportunities Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), acknowledging that full implementation is pending the readiness of HUD's federal software infrastructure.

The Board of Commissioners took several actions during the meeting. Key decisions included awarding contracts for on-call painting services, parking lot painting, and fully integrated web-based housing authority software. A significant contract was awarded for a boiler replacement project at Roosevelt Heights. Additionally, the Board appointed a new Clerk Typist and accepted the retirement notifications for the Assistant Executive Director and a Housekeeper. Financial comparatives ending November 30, 2025, and the Executive Director's Report for January 22, 2026, were accepted and put on file.