Donna DeFaria

The Taunton Housing Authority's annual meeting included discussions on several key topics. The board approved allowing the agency to grant Leased Housing landlords the ability to raise participants' rent once yearly. They also approved adding an extra subsidy to the annual budget for a heat pump program through the RCAT grant, along with adding $70,000 to the RSC Grant. Additionally, the board voted to approve a 5% raise for the staff, effective January 1st, 2025, or a $5,000 bonus one-time payment before the new year. The board also voted to award the Contract for HR Legal Services to KP Law, to approve the Snow Removal Services Contract Renewal with B & M Maintenance, and to award the Tree Removal Service Contract to North-Eastern Tree Service, Inc. The Electrical Service Contract and Write Offs were tabled until the next board meeting.

The Taunton Housing Authority held a regular meeting where they approved the consent agenda and the Executive Director's Report. New business included the approval of the SEMAP Certification, awarding the Fee Accountant Services contract to Gordon/Griffin, LLC, and approving the Year End Certifications and the Maintenance Charge Policy. Additionally, Change Orders No. 1 & 2 for Ramp and Door Replacement at Riverside Apartments were approved. The board members discussed the new Coyle Apartments and Walker School Apartments.

The Taunton Housing Authority convened for a regular meeting to address several key issues. The Executive Director reported on potential significant cuts and alterations to public housing due to the release of the skinny Federal Budget, including the transition to block grants for Section 8 and federal housing programs at the state level, resulting in a 43% reduction. The board also discussed and certified the Quarterlies, approved Payment Standards with the changes presented, and awarded contracts for the Oil to ASHP at Oak and Highland Courts to Araujo Bros. Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and the Phase 2 Creative Placemaking New Community Center at Riverside Apartments to BC Construction. Additionally, they approved a change order for the Phase 1 Creative Placemaking New Community Center at Riverside Apartments and the Certificates of Substantial and Final Completion for the Office Modernization Project at Council on Aging to Nadeau Corporation. The board also approved the 3rd year Renewal of Sprinkler Services Contract with Rustic Fire Protection and a Change Order to DDC Construction at Caswell Grove. Other business included discussion of a fire at Olney St and recognizing a resident for her bravery.

The meeting included discussions and votes on several key items. The board approved the Consent Agenda (without the Leased Housing Report) and the Executive Director's Report, which covered topics such as staff resignations and reorganizations, updates on the Community Center at Riverside Apartments, progress on Coyle residences, and bond funding considerations. Additionally, the board approved the 1 Year Federal Capital Fund Amendment, awarded the Contract for Legal Services to Robert G. Treano, P.C., and approved Change Order #1 for Council on Aging Emergency Wall Repairs. They also approved the Second Year Contract Renewal for Sprinkler Services with Rustic Fire Protection, Inc., and awarded contracts for Electrical Services and Plumbing Services. Furthermore, the board awarded contracts for Floor Covering Services. Finally, the board agreed to allow the Executive Director to apply for the Housing First Grant and discussed electric vehicles and charging stations.

The Taunton Housing Authority held its annual meeting, during which the board maintained the current officer positions and approved the consent agenda. The Executive Director reported on new staff appointments and the upcoming dedication and renaming of Bristol Commons in honor of Alan Pelletier. The board approved the State and Federal Annual Plan, the Certificate of Substantial and Final Completion for the Attic Ventilation Project at John Shea, the Certificate of Substantial Completion and Final Payment Certificate for the Emergency Wall Repair at the Council on Aging, Change Order No. 1 and 2 for the Office Renovation at the Council on Aging, the 2nd Year Renewal of the Cabinets and Countertops Contract, the 3rd Year Renewal of the Generator Contract, and the Quarterlies. Additionally, the board voted to give each staff member the Friday after Thanksgiving off and one floating vacation day.