Diane L. Cohen

Key discussions included addressing a Section 8 Audit Finding for Fiscal Year Ending 3/31/24, noting that corrective actions, including new staff training and monthly file audits, have been implemented. The Development Update provided an overview of the Waterworks II project, with a projected mid-March completion, anticipated to come in under budget. New business involved the discussion and adoption of resolutions authorizing the exit of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Investor and a subsequent transfer of interest in One Capen Court to allow for continued project operation. Furthermore, the Board approved a design contract with EHA Design, Inc. for the Mystic River/View Developments Window Replacement Project and approved Change Order #04 to New England Builders and Contractors, Inc. for elevator troubleshooting and repairs at Properzi Manor. The session concluded with the introduction of a new Public Safety Consultant.

The public hearing focused on new business items. Key discussions involved the overview of the Federal 5-Year and Annual Plan and the State Annual Plan, detailing goals, policy updates, the 5-year Capital Plan, and performance reviews, with public feedback solicited during a comment period. Future goals detailed included completing redevelopment phases (Clarendon Hill Phase 1 and Waterworks II), preserving tenancy in collaboration with the City of Somerville and Legal Services, strengthening ties between Legal Services and Resident Services, revising the Emergency and Evacuation Plan, improving the Public Safety Department, completing a surveillance system study, and prioritizing energy conservation and Wi-Fi installation for residents. The body subsequently approved the FY 2025 Federal 5-Year and Annual Plan and the FY 2026 State Annual Plan.

The meeting addressed the approval of previous minutes and resident input, with a focus on concerns related to maintenance following a recent fire at the Clarendon Hill development. The Executive Director provided an update on the fire response, noting that all displaced families would be rehoused promptly. Development updates included ongoing testing for contamination at Waterworks II and an unfavorable draft decision regarding prevailing wage requirements for modular housing units for the Clarendon Hill redevelopment. New business involved approving the permanent status for two employees, Mark O'Meara (Working Foreman) and Chris Houghton (Painter). Furthermore, the Board approved Certificates of Substantial Completion and Final Completion and Payment for the Mystic View Roof Replacement Phase 4, awarded a design contract for the Hagan Manor parking lot repaving, and approved Certificates of Substantial Completion and Final Completion and Payment for the Bryant Manor Exterior Power Wash project. The Open Session included discussion on setting aside public housing units for formerly incarcerated individuals.

The meeting addressed community input regarding resident association formation, police patrol frequency, rent collection methods, and proposed improvements to internet/Wi-Fi access, which will offer cheaper, higher-speed service funded by a grant. Concerns about maintenance, specifically a broken washing machine door, and a recent fire were also discussed. Residents raised ongoing pest control issues, prompting assurances of follow-up inspections and increased treatment in affected units and common areas. Communications involved awards of additional funding for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and the Section 811 Mainstream Program. The Executive Director's report was presented with no board questions. Development updates included progress on the Clarendon Redevelopment and the Waterworks II development. The Public Safety Consultant reported on progress guided by resident surveys, including training and policy updates, and detailed a recent State Police operation resulting in drug and firearms seizures. New Business included the approval of three-year collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local 25 (Public Safety) and SEIU Local 888 (Directors). The Board approved revisions to the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Policy, the Section 8 Administrative Plan, and the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP). Approvals were also granted for the renewal of state-aided property and general liability insurance, and final payments/completion certificates for several capital projects, including window replacements at Weston Manor and HVAC controls replacement at Capen Court, and panelboard replacement at Bryant Manor. A one-year professional services contract for public safety consulting was approved. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss negotiations with nonunion personnel, followed by the approval of the Executive Director's new five-year contract.

The Public Hearing included discussions on two primary new business items. The first involved the presentation and subsequent approval of the FY 2026 Federal Annual Plan, which detailed goals, policy updates, the 5-year Capital Plan, and performance reviews. Key accomplishments highlighted included progress on the Clarendon Hill Redevelopment, new infrastructure projects like e-bike/EV charging stations and Wi-Fi installation, and the renewal process for the Designated Housing Plan (DHP). The second item addressed the FY 2027 State Annual Plan, which focused heavily on maintenance processes, occupancy rates, capital improvement planning, and enhanced tracking of work orders and inspections, largely driven by findings from the recent audit.